FR3071708A1 - COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR ON A KERATINIC SURFACE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the applicators of cosmetic products and more particularly the devices for packaging and applying cosmetic products. The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator on a keratinous surface (S) comprising a rod having a first end provided with a gripping portion, a second end opposite the first end and a peripheral surface provided with a pattern. hollow, said recessed pattern being adapted to receive a cosmetic product P, wherein the second end of the stem has a free edge, preferably convex, and wherein, the keratinous surface extending over an area A2, the intaglio pattern defines a surface extending over an area A1 smaller than the area A2 of the keratin surface, so as to print a cosmetic product mark whose shape corresponds to that of the recessed pattern, by contacting the intaglio pattern with the keratinous surface.

Description

Cosmetic product applicator on a keratin surface

The present invention relates to applicators of cosmetic products and more particularly to packaging and application devices for cosmetic products.

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

The packaging device according to the present application is more particularly intended for the application of a cosmetic product, such as a make-up or care product, to a keratin material.

By "keratin materials" is preferably meant human keratin materials, for example the lips.

In general, the application of the cosmetic product consists in depositing a desired quantity of material on the targeted keratin surface so as to obtain the desired effect.

The invention relates to applicators of cosmetic products, in particular those capable of being wrung out to remove the excess cosmetic product before application.

It also relates to devices for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, in particular a makeup composition, comprising an applicator comprising a rod carrying at one end a gripping member which can also constitute a member for closing a container, the latter preferably being provided with a wiping member for wiping the rod when the applicator is removed from the container.

It also relates to methods for making up keratin surfaces with an applicator.

Mascaras applicators are already known, the stem of which has recessed patterns.

Application FR 2 950 868 discloses an applicator having a hollow rod provided with holes for delivering an additional product. Said hollow rod does not, however, make it possible to apply a cosmetic product.

Application FR2895887 describes an applicator rod ending in an applicator zone having recesses or holes. However, this document essentially relates to the application of mascara. The makeup process is thus different.

Application FR2992531 describes a hollow part at the level of the rod in order to reveal an aesthetic pattern when the rod is extracted from the container. However, this document includes a dedicated application member separate from the rod and the rod is not used for applying the product.

There is a need to propose new applications of cosmetic products by new applicators and methods, in order to propose new ways of making up, while proposing an aesthetic product for the consumer and easy to use.

The invention aims to meet this need, and it achieves this by means of a cosmetic product applicator on a keratin surface (S) comprising a rod having a first end provided with a gripping portion, a second end opposite the first. and a peripheral surface provided with a recessed pattern, said recessed pattern being adapted to receive a cosmetic product P, in which the second end of the rod has a free edge, preferably curved, and in which, the keratin surface is extending over an area A2, the intaglio pattern defines a surface extending over an area A1 less than the area A2 of the keratinous surface, so as to print a mark of cosmetic product whose shape corresponds to that of the intaglio pattern , by bringing the intaglio pattern into contact with the keratin surface.

The invention advantageously allows the user to make up in a new way, in particular by printing a brand of cosmetic product according to a particular pattern corresponding to the shape of said recessed pattern on the stem.

In addition, the invention allows said printing by easy and intuitive use of said applicator.

By "free edge" at the second end of the rod is meant a rod end devoid of patterns or application element intended for applying a cosmetic product. This makes the applicator more ergonomic and makes it easier for the user to apply cosmetic product to the keratin surface.

Indeed, the free edge being devoid of application element, the use of the applicator is facilitated, without depositing involuntary product linked to a protuberance due to said applicator.

The free edge of this second end of the rod may be flat, possibly having a chamfer, be curved outward or even be concave outward. Preferably, the free edge present at the second end of the rod is curved in order to reduce the amount of cosmetic product present at this second end and not to have a projecting edge which may be uncomfortable or injurious during application. of the cosmetic product on the keratin surface.

By printing the pattern is meant bringing at least one recessed pattern into contact with a keratinous surface making it possible to obtain a transfer of cosmetic product according to the recessed pattern. The contacting is therefore not followed by spreading over the keratinous surface once the contacting has been carried out.

By "area A1" defined by the surface of the recessed pattern of the rod, is meant the area of the surface of the recessed pattern of the rod defined by the outermost outline of the recessed pattern.

Said area A1 is less than an area A2 defined by the keratin surface on which a brand of cosmetic product is printed, the shape of which corresponds to that of the intaglio pattern on the keratin surface.

The present invention therefore does not seek to apply a cosmetic product to keratin fibers such as the eyelashes / eyebrows or even the hair fibers, the area A2 of said keratin fibers being less than said area A1 which prevents the good impression of said mark of cosmetic product.

The invention is not limited to the application of a cosmetic product in particular, but it is nevertheless particularly suitable for the application of a makeup or care product on a keratin surface other than keratin fibers such as eyelashes / eyebrows or hair fibers.

Such a cosmetic product can thus advantageously be a red or a lip gloss, a foundation, an eyeshadow or the like, applied to a keratin surface of larger dimension than fibers.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the applicator according to the invention incorporates one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

In a preferred embodiment, the patterns have a solid central portion, preferably delimited by one or more hollow grooves.

By "full central portion" of the intaglio pattern is meant a central portion of the motif which is not intaglio. Such a solid central portion can in particular be flush with the peripheral surface of the rod, outside of the recessed pattern. This allows a better impression of the patterns on the keratin surface.

Preferably, the recessed patterns have at least one chamfer. This improves application and deposition, as well as a smoother feeling on application.

In addition, in such an embodiment, the absence of projecting edges, obtained thanks to the presence of chamfers, greatly reduces the risk of cuts, even if the user exerts a strong pressure with the applicator on the keratin surface during of the application.

Preferably, the rod comprises a plurality of recessed patterns. These patterns can be different to allow customizable makeup by the consumer, or the possibility of printing a word composed of several distinct and / or different letters on the keratin surface.

Preferably, the rod has patterns of different depths, so as to obtain different effects when applied to the keratin surface.

Preferably, the rod has a circular cross section, or elliptical or even polygonal, for example rectangular. These section shapes allow easier and intuitive application for the user.

They also allow a more fun use of the applicator. The applicator may for example have a different pattern on each face of the rod or on diametrically opposite sides of the rod.

The depth of the recessed pattern of the rod corresponds to a value of 5% to 20%, preferably 7 to 15%, preferably 10%, of the largest dimension of the cross section of the rod.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to have enough cosmetic product on the stem to be able to correctly imprint a brand of cosmetic product whose shape corresponds to that of the recessed pattern on the keratin surface, while on the contrary avoiding having a surplus of product risking for example spreading or drooling during the application of the product to the keratin surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the rod comprises a portion made of a thermoplastic elastomer material in which the recessed pattern is provided in order to obtain an elasticity allowing the rod to be softer on application.

The use of a thermoplastic elastomer material for the rod allows the user to have a softer feeling when the applicator comes into contact with the keratin surface. This feeling of softness is sometimes referred to as "soft touch" compared to a more rigid material.

By thermoplastic elastomer materials, or TPE, is generally meant polymers or mixture of polymers which have, at service temperature, properties similar to those of vulcanized rubber. These properties disappear at the processing temperature, making subsequent processing possible, but reappear when the material returns to the operating temperature (see ISO 18064: 2014 standard). For general information on elastomeric thermoplastic materials, reference may in particular be made to the Engineering Techniques guide, Plastics and Composites Treaty, AM 3 400 by Michel Biron published on July 10, 2000.

In another particular embodiment, the rod comprises a core and a sheath surrounding the core, preferably being overmolded on the core, said sheath being made of a thermoplastic elastomer material. Said particular embodiment also makes it possible to have a “soft touch” application without losing application precision, the core of the rod remaining rigid.

Preferably, the rod is formed of two parts, a smooth part without patterns and a second part comprising at least one pattern, the two parts of the rod having means of mutual securing. This allows the user to change patterns by replacing said second part comprising at least one pattern with another interchangeable having a different pattern.

In addition, this particular embodiment simplifies the manufacturing process.

According to a particular embodiment, the rod is hollow, in particular in order to reduce the material cost of the product.

Advantageously, the pattern or patterns extend over a rod length of at least 5 mm, better still at least 10 mm, or even at least 20 to 30 mm. Sufficient length makes it possible to print more visible marks on the keratin surface and to facilitate application.

The pattern (s) can be molded with the rod or machined therein after demolding.

Preferably, the patterns are diametrically opposite, but it is possible to distribute them according to another configuration, symmetrical or not.

Preferably, the patterns do not have positive reliefs. The absence of positive reliefs allows a controlled arrangement of the cosmetic product allowing a more precise impression on the keratin surface. In addition, it allows a better spin of the applicator, if necessary.

The largest dimension of the cross section of the rod (the diameter of the rod in the case of a rod of circular cross section) may be generally greater than or equal to 4.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 5.2 mm and still preferably greater than or equal to 7.8 mm. These dimensions allow a simplified application and a printing of large and visible patterns.

Device

The invention also relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product comprising the applicator according to the invention, and a container comprising said cosmetic product P provided with an opening, intended to accommodate at least part of the applicator .

The applicator member is introduced through the opening inside the reservoir where it takes care of cosmetic product before being extracted from said reservoir to proceed with the application.

Thus, the applicator is movable between a first position, called the sampling position, in which the application member is located inside the reservoir and is able to be at least partially brought into contact with the cosmetic product contained in the reservoir, and a second, so-called application, position in which the application member can be brought into contact with a part of the human body.

This mode of use is conventionally designated by the term "dip-in applicator" or "plunging applicator" since it is necessary to immerse the applicator member in the reserve of cosmetic product in order to load it with product before application.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the device for packaging and applying cosmetic product according to the invention incorporates one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or according to all technically possible combinations:

According to a particular embodiment, the container thus comprises a wringer configured to wring the stem of the applicator when it is removed from the container. Spinning thus makes it possible to eliminate excess cosmetic product and to adjust the load on the application member, and in particular on the recessed pattern or patterns on the stem.

The rod may thus include a constriction which is positioned opposite the wiping member of the container in the closed container configuration.

In this particular embodiment, the pattern or patterns according to the invention are to be distinguished from the constriction present on the rod at the wiping member and from the chamfer sometimes present at the end of the rod.

According to a particular embodiment, the gripping element forms a plug which allows the closure of the container of the packaging and application device.

According to a particular embodiment, the plug comprises in its inner wall a thread complementary to a thread of the outer wall of the neck of the container of the packaging and application device.

The viscosity of the cosmetic product P contained in the container must be sufficient so that the product does not flow along the rod outside the recessed pattern provided on the application member during the use of the applicator, but weak enough to be able to print a cosmetic product brand whose shape corresponds to that of the intaglio pattern on the keratin surface by bringing the intaglio pattern loaded with product into contact with the keratin surface.

Process

The invention also relates to a method of applying a cosmetic product allowing the printing of a pattern directly on a keratin surface, for example the lips, by the use of an applicator according to the invention intended for the application of a cosmetic product, such as a make-up or care product on a keratin surface.

Said method for applying a cosmetic product to a keratin surface comprises the following steps:

Provide an applicator as described above;

Load the intaglio pattern of the stem with cosmetic product P;

Bringing the intaglio pattern on the stem into contact with a keratin surface extending over an area A2 greater than the area A1 over which the intaglio pattern extends, so as to print a mark of cosmetic product whose shape corresponds to that of the intaglio pattern on the keratin surface.

One can thus envisage a particular embodiment, or the applicator is in the form of a rod, for example for single use, previously loaded or not with a cosmetic product.

In a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of loading the hollow pattern of the stem with the cosmetic product P comprises the following steps:

Provide a container containing a cosmetic product P, said container being provided with an opening, intended to accommodate at least part of the applicator;

Insert the applicator rod through the opening of the container and immerse the intaglio pattern in the cosmetic product P contained in said container.

Remove the stem from the container containing the cosmetic product P, preferably by wringing the stem out using a wringer provided in the container at its opening

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the attached drawings.

Detailed description :

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of an example of an applicator according to the invention.

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the detail of a recessed pattern of the applicator according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a cross-sectional pattern along the axis ll-ll of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the rod is full.

Figure 2A is a schematic view of a cross-sectional pattern along the axis ll-ll of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the rod is solid and is made of two different materials.

FIG. 2B is a schematic view of a cross-sectional pattern along the axis ll-ll of FIG. 1, according to another particular embodiment of the invention in which the rod is hollow.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to the invention, in which a single recessed pattern is visible and has been represented by a simple dotted line.

FIG. 4 schematically represents the cosmetic process according to the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show other embodiments of intaglio patterns.

FIG. 1 shows an applicator 1 of cosmetic product P according to the invention. The applicator 1 has a rod 2 which has a first end. This first end is provided with a gripping portion 22.

In this case, the gripping portion 22 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 forms a plug 220.

A second end 21 of the rod is opposite the first. This second end 21 has a free edge, here shown convex. The free edge therefore has neither patterns nor applicator.

Between these two ends extends a peripheral surface provided with at least one recessed pattern 20, in this case several. Said intaglio pattern 20 is suitable for receiving a cosmetic product P for the purpose of printing a mark M of product on a keratin surface S. This printing is carried out by bringing the intaglio pattern 20 into contact with the keratin surface S, as shown in figure 4.

The area A1 over which the hollow pattern extends 20 is less than the area A2 of the keratin surface S in order to be able to allow the entire pattern to be brought into contact with the keratin surface S and thus d have a complete impression of said pattern on said surface.

The hollow patterns 20 are preferably made in one piece with the rod 2, and may be different from each other. In this case, the rod 2 contains hollow patterns 20 diametrically opposite, but it is possible to distribute them in another configuration, symmetrical or not. In an embodiment not illustrated, the depth of the recessed patterns 20 varies within the same rod 2 in order to contain different amounts of cosmetic product and thus obtain different cosmetic effects during application.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 2 has a constricted portion located on the side of the gripping portion 22 and able to cooperate with a container neck or a wringer.

The detail of the hollow pattern 20 represented in FIG. 1A presents a solid part 200 delimited by a hollow groove 201. In this case, the hollow pattern 20 represents a mouth but it is possible to provide other forms of patterns in hollow 20.

The rod 2 is presented in FIG. 2 in cross section along the plane II-II of FIG. 1. The rod 2 is solid and the hollow grooves 201 delimiting two hollow patterns 20 diametrically opposed have chamfers 202.

In this case, the rod 2 has a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the rod 2 has an elliptical or polygonal cross section, for example rectangular, in order to modify the use of the applicator. A polygonal cross section, for example, allows the user to choose the application face, and increases application precision.

A particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A presents the rod 2 which comprises a core 23 and a sheath 24 surrounding the core 23.

The core 23 is in this case made of a more rigid material than the sheath 24.

This sheath 24 can be overmolded, and can for example be made of a thermoplastic elastomer material. The recessed pattern 20 is then present on this sheath 24.

The thermoplastic material used can be, for example, SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene / Butylene-Styrene), a silicone, butyl, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), a nitrile, a polyester elastomer, of polyamide, polyethylene or vinyl, but also a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), PVC, PS, PET, POM, PA or PMMA.

The hollow grooves 201 of the hollow patterns 20 have been shown with chamfers 202, but may not have any.

Another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2B presents the hollow rod 2 at its center 23.

In an embodiment not shown, the rod 2 is formed of two parts. A first part without recessed patterns 20 is connected to the gripping portion 22 and to the first end. A second part comprising recessed patterns 20 is connected to the second end. The two parts of the rod 2 have mutual securing means allowing a change of one of the two parts. The user therefore has the possibility of modifying his applicator 1 in order to change the second part in order to change the recessed patterns 20 present on the rod 2.

The packaging and application device 3 for a cosmetic product is shown in FIG. 3. It includes an applicator 1 as described above, the plug 220 further comprising a thread 221.

The packaging and application device 3 also has a container 4 comprising a body 40 containing the cosmetic product P. Said body 40 has an open end 41. This open end 41 is provided with a neck 410.

In this case, the neck 410 comprises a wringer 411 capable of sufficiently wringing the rod 2 when it is removed from the container in order to obtain a loading of the applicator 1 with cosmetic product P sufficient to print a mark M of product cosmetic P whose shape corresponds to that of the recessed pattern 20 on the keratin surface S, while on the contrary avoiding having a surplus of product P on said applicator 1, which would cause discomfort during its use.

The plug 220 of the applicator 1 is designed to be fixed on the container 4 by means of said tapping 221 complementary to a thread 412 present on the neck 410 of said container 4.

Thus, during its use, the applicator 1 is in this embodiment movable between a first position, called the sampling position, in which at least part of the rod 2 is located inside the container 4 and is capable of be at least partially brought into contact with the cosmetic product P contained in the container 4, and a second, so-called application position, in which the recessed pattern (s) 20 of the rod 2 are little be brought into contact with a part of the human body.

FIG. 4 represents the process for applying a cosmetic product P according to the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in this figure, the process is a process for making up keratin materials, in this case the lips. The consumer puts at least one recessed pattern 20 present on the rod 2 containing the cosmetic product P with the lip in order to print the recessed pattern 20 on the surface S.

The recessed pattern 20 is applied to an area A1 less than the area A2 of the keratin surface S, so that the recessed pattern 20 is fully brought into contact with said keratin surface S. This allows a complete impression of a brand M of cosmetic product P, the shape of which corresponds to that of the recessed pattern 20

In a particular embodiment of the method, the applicator 1 will have been previously loaded with product by inserting a part of the rod 2 of the applicator through the opening 41 of the container 4. At least one recessed pattern 20 is immersed in the cosmetic product P contained in the container 4. The rod is then removed from the container 4 before proceeding with the application of the cosmetic product

P as described above.

FIGS. 5A and 5B represent particular embodiments of hollow patterns 20. The patterns 20 may be completely hollow (FIG. 5A) or include solid parts 200 delimited by hollow grooves 201.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described and various modifications can be made to the containers as well as to the applicator.

Throughout the description, the expression "comprising a" should be considered as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified.

Claims (15)

claims 1. Applicator (1) of cosmetic product P on a keratin surface (S) comprising a rod (2) having a first end provided with a gripping portion (22), a second end (21) opposite the first and a peripheral surface provided with a recessed pattern (20), said recessed pattern (20) being adapted to receive a cosmetic product P and characterized in that the second end of the rod (21) has a free edge (210), and in that, the keratinous surface S extending over an area A2, the recessed pattern (20) defines a surface extending over an area A1 less than the area A2 of the keratinous surface S, so as to print a mark M of cosmetic product whose shape corresponds to that of the recessed pattern (20), by bringing the recessed pattern (20) into contact with the keratin surface S. 2. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the hollow pattern (20) has at least one solid central portion (200), preferably delimited by one or more hollow grooves (201). 3. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the recessed pattern (20) has at least one chamfer (202). 4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod (2) comprises a plurality of recessed patterns (20), said recessed patterns (20) preferably having different depths. 5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod (2) has a circular, or elliptical or even polygonal, for example rectangular, cross section. 6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the depth of the recessed pattern (20) of the rod (2) corresponds to a value of 5% to 20%, preferably 7 to 15%, preferably 10%, of the largest dimension of the cross section of the rod (2). 7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod (2) comprises a portion made of a thermoplastic elastomer material in which the recessed pattern (20) is provided. 8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod comprises a core (23) and a sheath (24) surrounding the core, preferably being overmolded on the core, said sheath being made of an elastomeric material. thermoplastic. 9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod (2) is formed from two parts, a smooth part without patterns and a second part comprising at least one recessed pattern (20), the two parts of the rod having means of mutual joining. 10. Device for packaging and applying (3) a cosmetic product P, comprising: an applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a container containing a cosmetic product P, said container (4) being provided with an opening (41), intended to receive at least part of the applicator (1). 11. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product P according to the preceding claim, in which the container (4) comprises a wringer (411) configured to wring the stem (2) of the applicator (1) during its removal from the container (4). 12. Method for applying a cosmetic product P to a keratin surface S, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: Provide an applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9; Load the intaglio pattern (20) of the rod (2) with the cosmetic product P; Put the recessed pattern (20) on the stem (2) in contact with a keratin surface S extending over an area A2 greater than the area A1 on 5 which extends the intaglio pattern, so as to print a mark M of cosmetic product whose shape corresponds to that of the intaglio pattern (20) on the keratin surface S. 13. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the step of loading the intaglio pattern (20) of the rod (2) with the cosmetic product P comprises the following steps: Provide a container (4) containing a cosmetic product P, said container (4) being provided with an opening (41), intended to receive at least part of the applicator (1); 15 - Insert the stem (2) of the applicator (1) through the opening (41) of the container (4) and immerse the hollow pattern (20) in the cosmetic product P contained in said container (4). Remove the rod (2) from the container (4) containing the cosmetic product P, preferably by wringing out the rod (2) using a wringer (411) 20 provided in the container (4) at its opening (41).