JP2013052302A - Packaging and applicator device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cosmetic composition applicator which makes a user feel comfortable when in use and is capable of storing a relatively large quantity of composition, and keeping makeup beautifully applied.SOLUTION: A packaging and applicator device includes: a receptacle containing a composition (P) for application; and an applicator to apply the composition contained in the receptacle. The applicator includes a stem and an applicator element (6) at one end of the stem. The applicator element has at least two branches (13) made of a plastic material, especially, an injection-molded plastic material. At least one of the branches is at least partially subjected to flocking. The branches are in contact with each other at their ends and form a cavity (12) therebetween. The cavity is opened to the outside through at least one surface of the applicator element to be used when applying the composition. The cavity also has an elongated shape and extends along the branches. The branches are sufficiently rigid enough to prevent substantial deformation of the cavity during the period until the composition is applied after the applicator element is pulled out of the composition.

Description

  The present invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic composition comprising a care product.

  European patent EP 0 792602 -B1 discloses an applicator comprising a flexible support that forms an applicator portion that is at least partially covered with at least one layer of sponge material. A conventional applicator that includes an applicator element disposed at the end of the handle and is loaded with the composition by immersing the applicator element in a container optionally provided with a wiping member is such a The applicator is used differently.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,202 discloses a device that allows two decorative patterns to be made on the nail at the same time, the device having two handles each provided at one end and a circular recess. Including an applicator member having an applicator member provided thereon.
European patent application EP 0875169-A1 discloses an applicator that includes an applicator member having a block of foam that is flocked at one end. The side surface of the applicator member is striped.

European Patent EP 0 824 329-B1 describes a package and applicator device comprising a wiping member made at least partly from a cellular material. In one embodiment, the applicator member is in the form of a hollow body that is suitable for receiving the feed composition.
French patent application FR 27771077 also describes a package and applicator tool comprising a wiping member made of a porous material that is at least partially elastically deformable. In one embodiment, the applicator member has a slot that is narrow enough to make it difficult for the wiping member to reach and serve to hold the feed composition in the applicator member after it has been wiped. To do.

European patent EP1053695-B1 discloses an applicator comprising an applicator member that can be deformed when passing through a wiping member. The surface of this applicator is relatively narrow, and the comfort during application is not always satisfactory.
European Patent Application EP0692633-A1 discloses an applicator that includes a handle having an applicator member at an end that includes a loop having two ends that are separately coupled to the handle. Such an applicator is more specifically intended to apply nail polish and the handle is as flexible as that of the applicator member.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0005209 discloses an applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, which includes bifurcations that are united at their ends and flocked. It carries a protruding element that may have been.

European Patent EP0792602-B1 US Pat. No. 6,120,202 European Patent Application EP0875169-A1 European Patent EP0824329-B1 French patent application FR27771077 European patent EP 1053695-B1 European Patent Application EP0693263-A1 US Patent Application No. 2002/0005209

  Accordingly, there is a need for new applicators that are comfortable to use and that can store relatively large amounts of the composition and that allow cosmetics to be added cleanly.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new applicator that is comfortable to use and that can store a relatively large amount of the composition and that allows cosmetics to be added cleanly.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a package and an applicator device, which comprises
A container containing a composition for addition;
An applicator for adding the composition contained in the container;
The applicator includes a handle and an applicator element at one end of the handle, the applicator element preferably having a generally flat shape and at least a plastic material, preferably an injection molded plastic material. It includes two branches, which meet at their ends and open outwardly between them, for example, open on at least one face of an applicator element used to add the composition Forming a cavity, at least one of the branches is at least partially flocked, the cavity has an elongated shape and extends along the branch, the branch having an applicator element leaving the composition Until the composition is added and is sufficiently rigid so that the cavity does not substantially deform. The absence of substantial deformation of the cavities makes it possible to avoid releasing the composition therefrom.

At least one of the branches can include, for example, a flocked coating over at least half of its length, or preferably over its entire length.
Prior to application, the cavities can be completely or partially filled with the composition. The composition in the cavity can be in direct contact with the surface being treated.
The composition can be, for example, a liquid applied to lips, skin, nails, or keratin fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows. The composition can also be in the form of a solid or a powder, for example in the form of a cake and optionally needs to be moistened in order to be able to incorporate the composition.

The composition can be packaged, for example, in a container provided with a wiping member made of a non-cellular material, such as an elastomer, which can allow more composition to remain in the cavity. As an example, the wiping member can have one or more slots.
The cavity can serve to constitute the composition supply, allowing the applicator element to continue to be used longer, or the color or brightness of the composition applied to the lips, such as the brightness of lip gloss, for example. In order to enhance such a cosmetic effect, it is easy to deposit a larger amount of the composition. It can also be added to nails and keratin fibers, especially eyelashes and / or eyebrows for cosmetic or care purposes.

If only a part of the applicator element is flocked, for example, the user can select a specific branch, end, side of the applicator element that is flocked or not flocked depending on the desired cosmetic effect. It becomes possible to select a part or a surface.
At least one of the branches may have a cross-section that is at least partially round. Such a shape can improve the comfort during application and can reduce the risk of removing the already applied composition when the applicator element moves to the area to which the cosmetic product is applied. As an example, at least one of the branches can have a circular, oval, or elliptical cross section. In a variant, at least one of the branches can have a substantially triangular, square or rectangular cross section.

Each branch may have a substantially straight or curvilinear or possibly wavy vertical axis.
At least one of the bifurcations may have a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than the width of the cavity, for example, a width or height that is greater than the width of the cavity.
The cavity can have a maximum width that is greater than the diameter of the handle.
The applicator element or even the entire applicator can be made without the use of metal and can be heated, for example, in a microwave oven.

The shape of the applicator element may depend in particular on the body or facial area to which the composition is applied.
For example, in the lips, the cavity advantageously extends substantially parallel to a plane that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the handle to which the applicator element is coupled. Thus, at least a portion of the applicator element can be elongated along a longitudinal axis that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the support handle. Also, the longitudinal axis of the applicator element can be substantially coincident with the axis of the handle carrying the applicator element.

The applicator element may or may not have an envelope that is circularly symmetric. The applicator element can have a symmetrical shape with respect to the central plane, in particular the central plane including the longitudinal axis of the support handle. The end of the support handle remote from the end of the support handle carrying the applicator element can be coupled to a cap that closes the container.
The applicator element need not have any elongated shaped relief portion such as spikes or teeth that are integrally formed with and project from the applicator element bifurcation.

As described above, the container can include a wiping member attached to the container, eg, secured to the neck of the container. In a variant, the container has no wiping member. The minimum cross section of the opening of the container can be circular regardless of whether a wiping member is attached to the container.
The applicator member can be secured to the handle in a variety of ways, and in particular, the applicator member can include a fastener end engaged with the handle. The applicator element can include a distal end that crimps to or snaps into or onto the handle. Instead of attaching to the handle, the applicator element can be made at least partially integral with the handle.

The handle has an outer diameter equal to or greater than 2.5 millimeters (mm), preferably equal to or greater than 3 mm, in particular about 4 mm, thus improving the accuracy of applying cosmetics. Therefore, a certain amount of rigidity can be given.
The cavity can extend more than half the width of the applicator element.
The width of the cavity can be made smaller than the combined width of the two branches.
The cavity can extend more than half the length of the applicator element.

The applicator element can be magnetic and in particular can contain magnetic particles.
The applicator element can include proximal and distal portions shaped to facilitate passage through the wiping member when the wiping member is present. For example, the distal portion narrows as it moves away from the handle.
The applicator element can have more than two branches with at least one branch having a longitudinal axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator element.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides an applicator that is considered individually, independent of the container and the wiping member that may accompany it. As an example, such an applicator is for associating a supply composition that is not necessarily contained in a container having a neck that needs to be passed through when the applicator is inserted. As an example, the feed composition can be a mass of the composition, perhaps in the form of a cake or compacted powder contained in a cup.
In particular, when the composition is for application to keratin fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows, for example, the two branches of the applicator element can take different shapes, for example. The same applies when the composition is applied to the lips for cosmetic or care purposes.

For example, one of the branches can be thicker, thereby allowing the cavity to be off center. There can be only one cavity.
The cavity can be a relatively elongated shape where the ratio m / n is equal to or greater than 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, where m is the length of the cavity and n is the maximum width. The relatively narrow shape of the cavities can, for example, enhance the retention of the composition.
The width of the cavity passes through an extreme value between its two free ends, for example, the extreme value is a maximum value. The cavity can extend along a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the handle, for example, an axis that is parallel to the offset of the longitudinal axis of the handle but is offset, or a curved axis.

The bifurcation may be, for example, convex outward near the middle of the length of the bifurcation, concave outward, or may have a vertical outer edge with at least a portion of the length being substantially straight.
The applicator element may have a first branch with an outer edge that is at least partially outwardly convex and a second branch with an outer edge that is at least partially concave or straight. it can.
In a variant, the applicator element has a first branch with an outer edge that is at least partially concave on the outside and a second branch with an outer edge that is at least partially concave or straight on the outside; Can have.

At least one outer edge of the bifurcation can be at least partially grooved.
These branches can be molded together from a thermoplastic material and they can be at least partially flocked after molding.
The applicator element can include flocked bristles of different lengths and / or diameters, for example, longer bristles near the distal end of the applicator element, thus allowing makeup of short eyelashes To do. Bristles can be made from a variety of materials.

In another aspect, the invention also provides a package and applicator device for a composition for application to eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the device comprising:
A container containing the composition;
An applicator for applying the composition on the eyelashes and / or eyebrows;
This applicator includes
・ With the handle
An applicator element at the end of the handle;
The applicator element includes at least two branches of a plastic material, preferably an injection molded plastic material, with a single end forming a cavity therebetween, the applicator element comprising a branch There are no elongated relief parts such as spikes or teeth protruding between the parts.

Such a device adds or treats cosmetics to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, for example using one of the applicator branches on the device itself to add the composition to the side, or both Presents several possibilities for applying the composition flatly. The number of branches can be only two. The bifurcation does not need to be striped.
Such an applicator can optionally be flocked using, for example, bristles, especially bristles of various diameters and / or lengths. In particular, the flocking can extend to at least one of the branches, for example substantially throughout its length. Flocked bristles can also be formed from a variety of materials. As an example, the distal portion of the applicator element can have a flocking formed with longer and / or denser bristles to facilitate makeup of short eyelashes.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides an applicator, which comprises
・ With the handle
An applicator element having a first end fixed to the handle and a free second end;
At least three branches formed of plastic material and at least partially covered by flocking;
including.
The distance between the first and second ends can be constant. In the meantime, the three branches form cavities that can fill the composition.
Such an applicator can be used for cosmetic or care purposes, for example on skin, mucous membranes, nails or keratin fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a method of making skin or lips with the device described above, wherein the composition is applied to the skin or lips with an applicator comprising a handle and an applicator element at one end of the handle. In addition, the applicator element comprises at least two branches of plastic material, in particular injection-molded plastic material, at least one branch being at least partly flocked, the branches being at their ends In contact with each other to form a cavity therebetween, the cavity opens outwardly on at least one face of the applicator element used to add the composition, and the cavity also has an elongated shape along the branch And the bifurcation is sufficiently rigid to prevent the cavity from substantially deforming after the applicator element leaves the composition and before the composition is added
The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of its non-limiting embodiments and examining the accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the package and applicator tool produced by this invention. FIG. 2 shows the applicator element of FIG. 1 in isolation. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. It is the side view seen along the arrow IV of FIG. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the applicator element taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. It is the figure which isolate | separated and showed the upper part of the deformation | transformation embodiment of the container of FIG. FIG. 4 shows the use of an applicator to apply a composition to the lips. FIG. 5 shows the possibility of using a wiping member made at least partly from a cellular material. It is sectional drawing in IX-IX of FIG. 8 which isolate | separated and showed the wiping off member. It is an end elevation which shows a part of deformation | transformation embodiment of a wiping off member. FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating one of various ways of securing the applicator element to the handle. FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating one of various ways of securing the applicator element to the handle. FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating one of various ways of securing the applicator element to the handle. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a modified embodiment of the applicator element. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a modified embodiment of the applicator element. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a modified embodiment of the applicator element. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a modified embodiment of the applicator element. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a modified embodiment. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3 which shows deformation | transformation embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view of an applicator element according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a top view of the applicator element of FIG. 28. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 6 is a top view of another applicator element. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator element having three branches. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator element having three branches. It is sectional drawing in XLIV of FIG. It is sectional drawing in XLV of FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the deformation | transformation embodiment of an applicator. 1 is a diagram of a cosmetic applicator set made in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of an applicator element. FIG. 49 is a bottom view of the applicator element of FIG. 48. FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an applicator element. It is sectional drawing along LI-LI of FIG. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the deformation | transformation embodiment of a container. It is schematic sectional drawing of a deformation | transformation of the wiping off member.

The package and applicator tool 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a container 2 containing a composition P to be added, a handle element 5 serving as a cap that closes the container 2 so as not to leak at the first end, and an opposite end. And an applicator 3 comprising a handle 4 of the longitudinal axis X provided with an applicator element 6.
In the illustrated example, the vertical axis X of the handle 4 is a straight line, but the deformation may be a curved line.
The container 2 is provided with a neck 7 to which the wiping member is not attached at the upper end.
The handle element 5 is screwed into the neck 7, but in a variant it can be tightened in other ways, for example by snapping.

  In the example shown, the applicator element 6 has a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the symmetry center plane M, as shown in FIG. 5, and on its side by two branches 13 and one branch 13. It is configured to include a cavity 12 formed axially by distal and proximal portions 14 and 15 to become. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the bifurcation is elongated along each longitudinal axis Y extending substantially parallel to a plane B that forms an angle α with respect to the axis X of the handle 4, where the angle α Can be in the range of about 20 ° to about 30 °, for example. The angle β between each axis Y and the symmetry center plane M is, for example, in the range of 5 ° to 45 °, as can be seen in FIG.

The bifurcation 13 and the distal and proximal portions 14 and 15 are formed by injection molding of a plastic material and are covered with a flocking process.
The shape of the distal and proximal portions 14 and 15 is advantageously selected to facilitate passage through the opening 11 of the container 2. Thus, the proximal portion 15 can have an edge 60 adjacent to the handle 4 that extends obliquely with respect to the axis X, and the distal portion 14 can be generally tapered.

In the illustrated example, the bifurcations 13 converge toward each other when facing the distal portion 14 and the cavity 12 has a substantially triangular shape when the applicator element 6 is viewed in front.
As an example, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2 and 5, the cavity 12 is larger than a quarter of the width b of the applicator element 6 and more than a quarter of the length l of the applicator element 6. Also extends greatly. The dimensions of the cavity 12 can be selected depending on the amount of composition that it is desired to optionally retain in the cavity 12 after the applicator is withdrawn from the container, the retention force being in particular due to capillary action.

In the modification shown in FIG. 6, the wiping member 8 is engaged with the neck 7. The wiping member 8 includes a collar 9 positioned at the upper end edge of the neck 7 and, in the example described, a wiping lip portion 10 that forms a wiping opening 11 having a circular portion having a diameter a substantially equal to the diameter of the handle 4 Have The handle usually has a diameter greater than 2.5 mm, for example about 4 mm.
The wiping member 8 can be sufficiently flexible so that the applicator element 6 can be withdrawn from the cavity 12 without substantial deformation.

The composition P in the cavity 12 allows the applicator to be used longer and can improve the comfort during application by making the applicator slippery on the surface being treated.
As an example, the composition P is intended to be applied to the lips. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the user can bring the composition P into the lips by bringing the rear surface 20 of the applicator 6 into contact with the lips. Can be deposited. In the example of description, the rear surface 20 corresponds to a surface located on the rear side when the applicator element 6 is observed with the branch portion 13 extending forward.

During application, depending on the surface of the applicator element 6 that is in contact with the area to be treated, the thickness of the deposited composition may vary, so that the user can change, for example, the brightness of the makeup Can do.
When the applicator element 6 is used flat, the composition P in the cavity 12 can become deposited and the surface area carrying the composition P in contact with the lips can quickly make up the lips. Can be relatively large.
If appropriate, the addition can be made using only the end of the distal portion 15, for example to outline.

FIG. 8 shows that a wiping member 8 different from the wiping member shown in FIG. 6 can be attached.
In FIG. 8, the wiping member 8 is composed of a block of cellular material that is elastically compressible.
The wiping member 8 has a recess 42 that passes through the center forming the opening 11 of the container with one or more slots as shown in FIG.
The diameter of the recess 42 can substantially correspond to the diameter of the handle 4, for example.
Regardless of its cellular nature or other properties, the wiping member can also have one or more slots with touching or non-touching edges.

FIG. 10 shows an elastomeric wiping member 8 having a central opening, e.g., a circular opening, with a plurality of slots 100, where the slots are radial and the openings allow the handle and applicator element to pass through. It is useful.
The applicator element 6 can be fixed to the handle 4 in various ways.
In the example of FIG. 1, the proximal portion 15 extends by a distal end 18 engaged within the handle 4 as can be seen in FIG.
This end 18 can be fixed in the handle 4 by, for example, adhesive, staples or heat sealing. Moreover, the handle | steering-wheel 4 can be crimped | bonded to a terminal part, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows that the applicator element can be attached to the handle by snapping. The distal end 18 in this example is configured to snap to a head 70 formed at the end of the handle 4. At this time, the outer diameter of the end portion 18 can substantially correspond to the outer diameter of the handle 4, for example.
In a variant not shown, the handle 4 is snapped to the end 18.
As shown in FIG. 13, the body of the applicator element can be formed integrally with the handle 4.

FIG. 14 shows that at least a portion of the applicator element 6 may extend along a longitudinal axis Z that forms an angle γ with the longitudinal axis X of the handle 4, and the axes X and Z are included in a common plane. The cavity 12 extends substantially parallel to this plane.
FIG. 15 shows that the applicator element 6 may have a shape that is not symmetrical about the axis X of the handle 4. Where appropriate, the applicator element 6 may form a single edge 72 that extends substantially in line with the handle 4, as shown in FIG.

The applicator element 6 can also have more than one cavity 12, for example two cavities 12 as shown in FIG.
As an example, the two cavities 12 can be aligned on the longitudinal axis of the applicator element 6. In the front view, the applicator element 6 can have the general shape of FIG.
In the example of FIG. 1, the applicator element 6 extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the handle 4.
Also, in a variant not shown, the applicator element 6 may be elongated along the longitudinal axis of the curve.

The applicator element 6 can be formed in various ways, and each branch 13 can extend, for example, such that its longitudinal axis Y is included in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handle 4.
In particular, in the example of FIG. 1, the cavity 12 is open before and after the applicator element 6 when viewed from the front as in FIG.
The bifurcation 13 may have a solid cross section, for example a circular cross section, over at least a portion of its length. 18 to 22 show various cross-sectional shapes possible for the branch part 13. In a modification not shown, the branch part 13 is hollow.
For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the branch portion 13 can have a height h that is larger than the width w of the cavity 12 between the branches.

In the example described above, the cavity 12 is filled with air before the applicator element 6 contacts the composition contained in the container. This need not be the case.
That is, the cavity 12 can be at least partially occupied by a flocking extending from the body of the applicator element 6, as shown in FIG. The flocked bristles covering the main body of the applicator element 6 can be made sufficiently long with respect to the bristles located on the opposing surface of the branch part 13, for example.

As shown in FIG. 24, the applicator element 6 can have, for example, two cavities 12 that are divided by a membrane 80 with one branch 13 and are located intermediately across its thickness.
The cavity 12 can be opened on one side of the applicator element 6, as shown in FIG. 25, which membrane 82 is formed at least partly on the surface of the applicator, for example by the outer surface 83 of the membrane itself. Have As an example, the membrane 82 can have a flocking on its outer surface. In a variation not shown, at least one orifice allows the composition contained in the cavity 12 to reach the outer surface 83 through the membrane 82.

The membrane 80 can optionally be flocked. The membrane 80 can be replaced with a grid 81 as shown in FIG.
The membrane 80 or 82 can be integrally formed with the branch portion 13.
The membrane 82 can be replaced with another membrane 34 attached as shown in FIG. As an example, the membrane 34 can include, for example, a woven or non-woven fabric, a foam, a perforated film, a grid, felt, and the like.
The membrane 34 can optionally be permeable to the composition P contained in the cavity 12.

The body of the applicator element 6 is formed, for example, at least in part by injection molding a thermoplastic material, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. (EVA), a mixture of styrene / isoprene / styrene (SIS) block copolymer and styrene / ethylene / butylene (SEB) block copolymer, nitrile, silicone, ethylene / propylene / diene (EPDM), “Hytrel®”, “ There are other thermoplastic materials such as Pebax®, “Santoprene®”, or elastomers.
Further, the applicator element 6 can be formed of, for example, a non-thermoplastic material such as a resin, particularly a flexible resin, or can be formed by cutting, for example, other than molding.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show the applicator element 6 having top and bottom surfaces 130 and 131 that converge toward at least the distal end of the applicator element along at least a portion of the cavity 12.
The vertical axis X of the handle 4 is substantially parallel to, for example, one of these surfaces, for example, the upper surface 130.
In this example, applicator element 6 also has a longitudinal edge that is substantially straight and converges toward the distal end when viewed from above, as shown in FIG.

The applicator elements shown in FIGS. 30 to 45 can advantageously be used to add a composition, ie a cosmetic or care product, to keratin fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows.
In such an applicator element, the single cavity 12 has a ratio of the cavity length m to the cavity maximum width n equal to or greater than, for example, 3, or 4, or 5, or 6. It has an elongated shape. For example, 3 ≦ m / n ≦ 6.

FIG. 30 shows an applicator element in which the cavity is substantially constant in width over at least half its length. The vertical edges of the branch part 13 are straight and parallel to each other on either side of the central part located in the middle of the cavity.
In the example of FIG. 31, the applicator element 6 is flocked and its distal portion is covered with bristles that are longer than the bristles covering the bifurcation 13. This distal part is used, for example, to add cosmetics to the eye corner.
In the example of FIG. 32, the branch portions 13 have unequal widths, and the cavity 12 is off-center.
In the example of FIG. 33, the vertical edge portion of the branch portion 13 appears to be grooved when the applicator element is observed from above.

FIG. 34 shows that the branch 13 of the applicator element can have a vertical edge with a recessed outer surface. At this time, the cavity can have a width that passes through a minimum between two axial ends.
In the example of FIG. 35, the outer edge of the vertical edge portion of the branching portion is recessed, and the cavity 12 has a lens shape when observed from above.
The applicator element shown in FIG. 13 has a curved longitudinal axis Y, and the free end of the applicator element is not on the longitudinal axis X of the handle. One of the bifurcated portions forms an outer edge portion with an expanded outer surface, and the other branch portion forms an outer edge portion with a recessed outer surface.

The applicator element of FIG. 37 forms a bifurcation having an outer edge with an inflated outer surface and another bifurcation having a straight outer edge. Furthermore, it can be seen in this figure that the cavity 12 can be made relatively narrow to form a narrow slot.
In the embodiment of FIG. 38, the cavity 12 is larger than the example of FIG. 37 and has a width that varies through extreme values.
FIG. 39 has two branches, one showing a straight outer edge and the other showing the presence of an applicator element that forms an outer edge that is recessed outside.
In the example of FIG. 40, the applicator element has a curved longitudinal axis similar to the example of FIG. 36, and the free end of the applicator element has the same handle vertical axis as virtually all remaining portions of the applicator element. Located on the X side.

FIG. 41 shows that one of the branches of the applicator element has a groove and the other branch has a branch without a groove. For example, these grooves extend laterally with respect to the branch portion.
42 and 43 show an applicator element having a third branch 16 that each couples the distal and proximal portions of the applicator element together.
In the example of FIG. 42, the third branch portion is located on one side of the plane formed by the vertical axes of the other two branch portions 13, as can be seen in FIG. As an example, the branch portion 16 has an arcuate shape.

In the example of FIG. 43, the two branches 13 and the third branch 16 are regularly arranged around the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator element, and the proximal end of the applicator element is shown in FIG. As can be seen, it has a substantially triangular or three-shaped star-shaped cross section.
FIG. 46 shows that the body of the applicator element can be integrally formed with the handle and handle member, which can serve as a member that closes the container.
The applicator element of FIGS. 30 to 45 is made, for example, at least in part by molding a material, in particular a thermoplastic material.
The applicator element of FIGS. 30-45 can be used to place a relatively large amount of the composition on the eyelashes. The two branches of the applicator element can be used simultaneously or sequentially to add the composition to the eyelashes.

For all of the above applicator elements, the composition can be applied in various ways depending on the expected effect, where appropriate, for example, the applicator element flat or at its edges, or various For example, the orientation selected by the user determines the darkness of the makeup or works to make the eyelashes appear.
The applicator element may have a shape other than the illustrated shape, for example, a rhombus, a circle, or an ellipse when viewed from the front.
The applicator element can include magnetic particles, for example, so as to attract magnetic fibers contained in the composition.
When the applicator element is deformable, the advantage of being deformable can be used to recover the composition attached to the inner surface of the container. For example, as in the case of the applicator element shown in FIGS. 29 to 43, the appreciable elongated applicator element is shaped to allow such deformation in an advantageous manner.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, the features of the various embodiments can be combined with each other.
All of the applicator elements described above, in particular the applicator elements described with reference to the drawings, are used, for example, in connection with the supply of a composition in which the applicator element is contained other than in a container provided with a neck. As is sometimes the case, the applicator element can be used without being deformed between loading the composition and using it to add the composition.
In such an embodiment of the invention, the applicator handle need not have a handle element 5.

As an example, the composition P can be contained in the form of a paste, compacted powder, or free or other powder in a cup within the box 110 as shown in FIG.
The applicator can be received in a corresponding housing 112 formed in a box.
The applicator element can be loaded by bringing the composition into contact therewith. The applicator element optionally deforms while being loaded with the composition.

The following can be mentioned as a preferable aspect relevant to this invention.
[1] a container containing a composition (P) for addition;
An applicator for adding the composition contained in the container,
The applicator includes a handle and an applicator element (6) at one end of the handle, the applicator element projecting laterally from the handle and having at least two branches (13) of plastic material. , At least one of the branches is at least partially flocked, the branches contact at their ends to form a cavity (12) therebetween, the cavity adding the composition Open outwardly through at least one face of the applicator element for use in, and the cavity is also elongated and extends along the branch, the branch being Packages and applications characterized by being sufficiently rigid to prevent the cavity from substantially deforming after the applicator element leaves the composition and before the composition is added Tools.

[2] The cavities (12) are open outwardly between two opposing faces of the applicator element along at least half of the length of the cavities (12) The apparatus according to [1].

[3] The cavity (12) has a closed outer shape in at least one plane,
The width of the applicator element increases toward the free end of the applicator element along at least a portion of the length of the applicator element, the width of the applicator element being greater than the diameter of the handle The apparatus according to [1] above, characterized by the above.

[4] The cavity (12) extends substantially parallel to a plane forming a non-zero angle (α) with the longitudinal axis (X) of the handle (4) to which the applicator element is coupled. The device according to any one of [1] to [3] above.

[5] The device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the container (2) includes a wiping member (8).

[6] In the above [1] to [5], the cavity (12) extends through the applicator element more than half of the length (b) of the applicator element. The apparatus of any one.

[7] The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the entire surface of the applicator element for adding the composition is flocked.

[8] When the applicator element is viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cavity, the area of the cavity represents at least 15% of the area formed by the outer shape of the applicator element. The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7] above, which is characterized in that

[9] The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein one of the branch portions (13) has a round shape at least partially in cross section.

[10] The cavity (12) has an elongated shape with a ratio m / n equal to or greater than 3 when m represents the length of the cavity and n represents its maximum width. The device according to any one of [1] to [9] above,

  It should be understood that the term “including” is synonymous with “including at least one” unless otherwise specified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Package and applicator tool 2 Container 3 Applicator 6 Applicator element P Composition

Claims (1)

A container containing a composition (P) for addition;
An applicator for adding the composition contained in the container;
Including
The applicator includes a handle and an applicator element (6) at one end of the handle, the applicator element projecting laterally from the handle and having at least two branches (13) of plastic material. , At least one of the branches is at least partially flocked, the branches contact at their ends to form a cavity (12) therebetween, the cavity adding the composition Open outwardly through at least one face of the applicator element for use in, and the cavity is also elongated and extends along the branch, the branch being Rigid enough to prevent the cavity from substantially deforming after the applicator element leaves the composition and before the composition is added;
A package and an applicator device.

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