JP2019530525A - Cosmetic applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator (1), wherein the winding is formed from one end of the winding around the main axis (9) of the applicator over at least one turn (11) along the axis. A core (10) that defines an internal convex space (12) extending to the other end, and a protrusion (15, 16) extending from the core. The applicator is configured such that no part of the applicator is located within the internal convex space, with the exception of certain protrusions. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator.

  A mascara article, or “mascara”, typically includes a case, a mascara container, and an applicator. There are many mascara applicators, especially bottle brush type applicators. These applicators form a brush that includes bristles formed by fibers trapped in twisted metal wires that form the core of the applicator. Such an applicator gives satisfactory results to the user. However, users are always looking for new or better makeup effects. Improvements include exploring different makeup effects depending on the better separation of the eyelashes, the better elongation and / or curving effect of the eyelashes, the larger volume imparted to the eyelashes, or the position of the eyelashes in the row of eyelashes.

  The object of the present invention is therefore to improve cosmetic applicators.

Therefore, the present invention
A cosmetic applicator,
A core defining an internal convex space extending from one end of the winding to the other end of the winding by forming a winding around the main axis of the applicator along at least one turn along the axis; ,
A protrusion extending from the core;
With
The applicator is configured such that no part of the applicator is located within the internal convex space, with the exception of certain protrusions.
The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator.

  The internal convex space thus acts as a cosmetic reserve. When the applicator is inserted into the cosmetic container, this space is filled with product and a large amount of this reserve still exists after the applicator has passed the wiper. Thus, the number of refills required during makeup is reduced and makeup is made easier for the user.

  The turn formed by winding the core around the main axis of the applicator helps create the cosmetic effect that is particularly required by the user. In particular, they help to produce a good separation and extension effect of the eyelashes. In addition, depending on the mode of use, they can help push the eyelashes outward, thereby creating a “doe-eyed” effect that is especially needed by the user.

  Where applicable, the fact that no part of the applicator is located in the interior convex space increases the stockpile capacity of the applicator and thus reduces the number of times the product needs to be refilled. Easy to up.

  The convex space is a space in which a line segment connecting any two points is completely included in the space.

  Nevertheless, some of the protrusions can exist in this space. In this case, these protrusions serve to store the product as it is filled with the product itself. Low viscosity products can also be used because the protrusions extending into the space tend to restrict the spontaneous flow of the product outside the space and thus hinder the flow of the product.

  Preferably, the core winding is helical.

  However, this winding may be conical or frustoconical.

  Advantageously, the core winding has at least two parts with different helical pitches.

  Different helical pitches reflect a greater or lesser inclination of the core part forming this pitch with respect to the main axis of the applicator. Thus, applicators having portions of different helical pitch produce different makeup effects along the applicator, which is particularly required by the user. For example, to make up the eyelashes by locally winding the eyelashes in different directions, one can consider a cosmetic applicator for eyelashes in which the core winding has several different pitches. The core winding may have at least three parts, preferably at least four parts, for example at least five parts, with different helical pitches.

  Advantageously, the number of turns around the axis of the core is less than 10, preferably less than 6, for example less than 4.

  This low number of turns makes the applicator more flexible and therefore provides a particularly great comfort for the user when applying the product.

  Preferably, at least some of the protrusions are integrally formed with the core, and preferably all protrusions are integrally formed with the core.

  Thus, the applicator is faster and / or less expensive to manufacture.

  The applicator may be integrally formed.

  Preferably, at least some of the protrusions have different lengths.

  Thus, the protrusions of a given applicator can perform different functions. For example, in the case of a cosmetic applicator for eyelashes, the longest protrusions store the product and apply to the eyelashes, while the shortest protrusions comb the eyelashes and products that are present in the eyelashes. obtain. In short, by using these characteristics, the user can obtain a particularly satisfactory makeup result.

  Advantageously, the core has an inner side directed towards the axis and an outer side oriented away from the axis, some of the protrusions extending from the inner side being longer than some of the protrusions extending from the outer side, preferably All the protrusions extending from the inside are longer than all the protrusions extending from the outside.

  Long protrusions extending from the inside are therefore partly present in the interior convex space and can store cosmetics, while short protrusions extending from the outside are, for example, in the case of a product for eyelashes The cosmetics applied, for example by some of the long protrusions, are leveled off. Therefore, several functions are combined to be particularly easy to use, and the user can obtain a satisfactory makeup result. Large amounts of mascara can be applied due to the extreme length these projections reach over a substantial portion of the width of the convex space.

  Preferably, the length of the protrusion extending from the inside is 1 to 5 mm.

  These may be 1.5 to 4.5 mm or 2 to 4 mm, for example, 2.5 to 3.5 mm.

  Preferably, the length of the protrusion extending from the outside is 0.5 to 1 mm.

  These may be 0.6 to 0.9 mm, for example 0.7 to 0.8 mm.

  Advantageously, at least some of the protrusions are elongated and straight and extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

  This shape is particularly suitable for efficiently separating the eyelashes. Obviously, the protrusion may be any other shape that fits the makeup, such as curved, wavy, or looped. The fact that the protrusions extend in a plane perpendicular to the applicator axis makes it easier to organize them and limit the number of protrusions that are too tilted with respect to the axis, resulting in a makeup effect In particular, the combing effect becomes too irregular, especially compared to the results required by the phase user.

  Preferably, the applicator forms a cosmetic applicator for the skin, nails, lips, eyelashes or eyebrows, preferably a mascara applicator.

  The present invention also provides a cosmetic article comprising an applicator as described above.

The present invention further provides:
Get data about the applicator,
Additive synthesis of the applicator using the data,
A method of manufacturing an applicator by additive synthesis is provided, including steps.

  The advantage of this type of manufacture is to produce an applicator with a complex structure that is difficult or even impossible to manufacture by injection, especially considering the presence of several parts with undercuts. It can be used for.

  The invention can be made using various additive synthesis methods known to those skilled in the art. They include, for example, selective laser sintering (SLS) and stereolithography (SLA). An example of a method for producing a cosmetic applicator by additive synthesis is described in WO 2008/113939 in the name of the applicant.

  The present invention also provides an electronic storage medium containing stored data for performing the method described above.

  The present invention further provides a method for downloadably placing a computer file containing data suitable for use by a computer program for controlling the implementation of the method described above on a communication network.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, given as a non-limiting example with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic product according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view at two different positions around the main axis of the applicator of the article shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an end view of the applicator. FIG. 4 is a side view at two different positions around the main axis of the applicator of the article shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the applicator shown in FIGS.

  An embodiment of an applicator and method according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. Although a mascara applicator will be described here, it is clear that the applicator according to the present invention can be used with other cosmetics such as nail polish, lipstick, eyeliner, gloss and the like.

  The mascara applicator 1 described in this embodiment has a cap or plug 3 to which the applicator 1 is firmly attached, and a cap that can be detachably attached so as to close the container of the product by, for example, a screw structure. It is a part of a cosmetic product 2 comprising a case 4 comprising a mascara container 5 and a wiper 6 (see FIG. 1) housed in a collar of the container. In this way, the applicator extends into the container and is immersed in the mascara.

  Obviously, other types of products with mascara applicators, such as “pen” type products where the applicator is not connected to the cap, or the applicator is immersed in a mascara reserve except when in use. There can be no supplies.

  The applicator is supported by a linear rod 8 that connects the applicator to the cap 3. The applicator has a generally elongated oval shape along its main axis 9. The rod 8 has a generally straight cylindrical shape. The rod and applicator are connected to each other by one of their ends.

  Obviously, the applicator can have other common shapes such as a frustoconical shape.

(applicator)
The applicator 1 comprises a core 10 that forms a winding around the axis 9 of the applicator along this axis (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

  In this case, the core forms three complete turns 11 or revolutions around the axis 9 of the applicator. Obviously, the core may form a winding with more or fewer turns 11. For example, the core winding may have 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7 turns 11. The core is connected to the rod 8 at one of its both ends, and the other end is a free end. In this case, the applicator 1 includes only one core 10. An applicator with a larger number of cores, e.g. 2, 3, 4 or 5, extending away from one another around an axis and defining a common interior space can be planned.

  The most fundamental winding 11 and the most distal winding 11 have substantially the same helical pitch p1 and have a helical pitch p1 larger than the helical pitch p2 of the central winding 11. Obviously, all turns of the applicator may have equal helical pitch p or different helical pitch p.

  The core 10 has a circular cross section in a plane that is locally perpendicular to the core axis. This cross-section may be other shapes, for example oblong polygonal or elliptical.

  In this case, the core 10 is solid but may be hollow and / or its walls may form a mesh.

  The core generally extends away from the shaft. The winding of the core 10 defines an internal convex space 12 extending from one end of the winding toward the other end of the winding. In this case, the internal space 12 has a substantially cylindrical shaft 9 and has a circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the shaft. This space 12 can function as a mascara reserve. The inner convex space 12 may have another shape such as a conical shape or a truncated cone shape.

  The core has an inner side 13 oriented towards the axis and an outer side 14 oriented away from the axis. Projections extend from these two sides of the core 10. The protrusion 15 extending from the inner side 13 is longer than the protrusion 16 extending from the outer side 14.

  In this case, all protrusions are elongated and straight. Obviously, at least some of the protrusions may be other common shapes such as, for example, curved, wavy or looped. In this case, the protrusions 15 and 16 are integrally formed with the core 10. This is optional, and only some of the protrusions may be integrally formed with the core.

  The size of the protrusion is such that the applicator has a generally cylindrical general shape (see FIG. 3). This is particularly advantageous for producing a uniform make-up effect, and there is no protruding part of the applicator, and there is no concern about bringing the applicator close to the eyes during makeup.

  In most parts of the core, except for its free end, the projections 15 and 16 extend entirely around the core, considering the short part of the core. Thereby, high-density protrusions are formed, and therefore the makeup effect is further improved. Furthermore, since this part includes both long protrusions 15 and short protrusions 16, simply rotate the applicator around the axis and apply mascara to the eyelashes using the given part of the core and You can even out the mascara and comb the eyelashes.

(How to use applicator)
First, the applicator is filled with mascara by screwing the cap 3 onto the collar of the article 1 and immersing the applicator in the mascara reserve. More specifically, the inner convex space 12 and the projection 15 extending from the inner side 14 of the core 10 are filled with mascara. The applicator is then closed. The user handles the applicator 1 by holding the cap 3 with his / her finger and loosening it from the collar.

  When the applicator 1 is removed from the container, the applicator 1 is wiped by passing through the wiper 6, but all or some mascara reserves present in the inner convex space 12 and the longer existing in the inner space 12. The mascara present in the projection 15 is protected. The mascara is also filled with short protrusions, but a larger amount of mascara is wiped than long protrusions.

  In use, the user brings the applicator to the eyelashes to apply makeup using a traditional make-up action that involves rotating the mascara applicator 1 slightly about the axis 9 in a nearly vertical position.

  The long protrusions 15 apply mascara to the eyelashes, and the short protrusions level the mascara and separate the eyelashes.

  The core 10 forms a winding around the applicator axis to provide a certain flexibility depending on the material and dimensional characteristics of the applicator. In this case, during application, the applicator is locally compressed by the eyelashes, thereby drawing the mascara present in the inner convex space 12 into this region. The mascara present in the space 12 is thus further available for makeup. In addition, the applicator's flexibility has made even more enjoyable makeup possible.

  In addition, the shape of the core 10 helps to comb and align the eyelashes. More specifically, depending on the mode of use, the eyelashes face outward as a particularly required makeup effect.

(Production method)
The above applicator is manufactured by integral molding. More specifically, the applicator is manufactured by additive synthesis, also known as 3D printing.

  Any suitable material can be used to manufacture the applicator. It may be, for example, a polyamide, in particular a plastic such as polyamide 1102, PEBA 2301, or ABS type resin, or a metal powder such as stainless steel or titanium.

  The material may be hard, but is preferably elastically flexible. Preferably, the material provides a degree of flexibility to the applicator in combination with the shape characteristics of the applicator.

  The length of the mascara applicator is generally less than 20 mm.

  As described above, applicators can be manufactured using several additive synthesis methods. Mention may be made in particular of selective laser sintering from powder materials and stereolithography (SLA). In this case, a selective laser sintering method is used, which offers the advantage of making it possible to produce objects of complex shape.

  The applicator is first designed using computer aided design (CAD) software. Therefore, an STL format file containing applicator design data is created and output. These data determine the shape of the applicator. Other standard file formats for additive synthesis can be used.

  This file is then processed by software supplied by the manufacturer of the machine used to perform the additive synthesis. The software divides the file into approximately 100 digital cross-sectional images in SLI or BFF format, each image corresponding to each layer of the model to be printed, i.e. the application in a plane perpendicular to the main axis 9 of the applicator. This corresponds to the cross section of the data generator 1. These data are transmitted to the printer to manufacture the applicator.

  When the synthesis is completed, for example, a treatment for improving the appearance is applied to the applicator.

  Obviously, many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Although the foregoing embodiments relate to a mascara applicator, the same features are conceivable for other cosmetic products for eyelashes or cosmetic products for eyebrows, skin, nails or lips.

  Although a generally elongated elliptical applicator has been described, the applicator may have other common shapes, such as a generally frustoconical shape.

Claims (15)

A cosmetic applicator (1) comprising:
An internal convex space extending from one end of the winding to the other end of the winding by forming a winding around the main axis (9) of the applicator across at least one turn (11) along the axis. A core (10) defining (12);
Protrusions (15, 16) extending from the core;
With
The applicator is configured such that no part of the applicator is located within the internal convex space, with the exception of certain protrusions.
Cosmetic applicator. The winding of the core (10) is spiral;
The applicator (1) according to claim 1. The winding of the core (10) has at least two parts with different helical pitches;
The applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2. The number of turns around the axis of the core (10) is less than 10, preferably less than 6, for example less than 4,
The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. At least some of the protrusions (15, 16) are integrally formed with the core (10), preferably all protrusions are integrally formed with the core,
Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. At least some of the protrusions (15, 16) have different lengths;
Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The core (10) has an inner side (13) directed toward the axis (9) and an outer side (14) directed away from the axis, and the protrusion (15) extending from the inner side. Some longer than some of the protrusions (16) extending from the outside, preferably all the protrusions extending from the inside are longer than all the protrusions extending from the outside;
Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The length of the protrusion (15) extending from the inside is 1 to 5 mm.
The applicator (1) according to claim 7. The length of the protrusion (16) extending from the outside is 0.5 to 1 mm.
Applicator (1) according to claim 7 or 8. At least some of the protrusions (15, 16) are elongated and straight and extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis (9);
10. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Forming a cosmetic applicator for the skin, nails, lips, eyelashes or eyebrows, preferably forming a mascara applicator;
Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.   Cosmetic article comprising an applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Obtaining data about the applicator,
Additive synthesis of the applicator using the data,
A method for producing an applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 by additive synthesis.   An electronic storage medium comprising stored data for performing the method of claim 13.   A method of locating a computer file containing data suitable for use by a computer program for controlling the implementation of the method of claim 13 on a communication network.

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