JP4264114B2 - Applicator with inclined applicator element - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an applicator of the type comprising a handle member, a stem connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element provided at one end of the stem.

Such an applicator suitable for applying cosmetic products is described in US Pat. No. 6,026,823.
Other applicators include US Pat. No. 5,328,282, US Pat. No. 2,173,959, US Pat. No. 4,396,028, US Pat. No. 5,435,328. Specification, French Patent No. 2,701,196, US Patent No. 4,165,755, French Patent No. 1,395,217, US Patent No. 4,428,388 U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,291 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,989.

Many brushes are known which are formed by twisting two branches of metal wire into a helix around a bristle tuft protruding radially from the core, the branch being in a stem made of plastic material It is fixed and fixed in a cap that closes the receptacle containing the makeup to be applied.
The free ends of the bristles constitute an envelope surface, which may be of a wide variety of shapes.

  Thus, FR-A-2,605,505 discloses a brush with a straight core and with a plurality of sides, each of these sides covering substantially the entire length of the brush. Each recess has a profile that is outwardly concave in cross section. Such a recess constitutes a raised region between them. The axis of the core coincides with the axis of the stem. When makeup is being applied by such a brush, the brush is turned around the axis of the stem and the eyelashes are in continuous contact with the side surfaces that are all identical in shape.

EP-A-663,161 describes a brush having a linear core and an outwardly recessed recess provided on its side. The edge of the recess forms part of an envelope surface in the form of two truncated cones integrated together via the base.
EP 792,603 discloses a brush having a cylindrical portion with a linear core and one or more indentations that pass through the largest portion as it travels along the brush axis. Disclosure.

  French patent application 2,755,593 discloses a brush with a core that is not linear but extends in a plane of curvature. The brush envelope has an elongated cross section along a major axis parallel to the curvature plane over at least a portion of its length. The two halves of the brush envelope located on each side of the curvature plane are symmetrical about it.

  French patent applications 2,749,489 and 2,749,490 disclose other brushes with a curved core. The cross section constituted by the bristles of these brushes monotonously changes from one end of the brush to the other end. In other words, when comparing two cross-sections of the brush taken at two different positions along the length of the brush, one of these cross-sections is an enlargement of the other cross-section, i.e. the cross-sections are geometric. The ratio of dimensions from one cross section to the other is the same regardless of the direction about the axis of the core, that is, there is no relative twist between the cross sections. Each of these brushes is made from a blank (unfinished brush) having a symmetric envelope around an intermediate plane perpendicular to the core.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,870 describes a brush in which the cross section constituted by the bristles is elongated over at least a part of the length of the brush. The brush has an envelope surface with two halves that are symmetrical about the curvature plane of the core.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,138 describes a generally fish-shaped brush with a linear core.
German Offenlegungsschrift 4,205,935 describes a curved core brush with a constant and circular cross section.
FR-A-2,798,276 describes an instrument having a curved core type brush whose free end is not aligned with the stem and thus easy to pick up makeup. The cross section of the brush changes monotonously from the end of the brush connected to the stem toward its free end.

The present invention aims to provide an applicator for lips, eyelashes, eyelashes, eyebrows or hairs, which is ergonomic in use and especially helps to further improve the application of makeup to the eyelashes. .
When applying makeup to the eyelashes, especially in terms of the amount of makeup carried by the brush, in terms of elongation, in terms of curvature, in terms of the degree of penetration of the bristles between the eyelashes, and in terms of how to separate the eyelashes There is a need to further improve applicators with brushes.

  The present invention includes, as one of its features, an application including a handle member, a stem connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element provided at the first end of the stem. The stem and the applicator element provide an applicator characterized in that the whole does not extend along the same linear axis.

By giving the stem a non-zero angle relative to the handle member, such an applicator can make the makeup more ergonomically applied. In addition, the applicator element has at least one portion extending in a direction that forms a non-zero angle with respect to the axis of the handle member, for example a distal portion, so that this angle causes the stem to be relative to the handle member. It can be increased by tilting, in which case it is not so difficult to return the applicator back into the receptacle, even if the receptacle has a wiper. The applicator element may be non-linear, and the stem and applicator need not extend along the same straight axis. In this case, for example, the applicator element and the stem may extend in a certain plane, and the stem can only pivot in this plane. The longitudinal axis of the applicator element may also extend outside the pivot plane of the stem.
The stem has a sealing member configured to press in a substantially leak-proof manner on the surface of the receptacle to be mounted when the applicator is not in use. In one example, the sealing member may comprise a disk and / or a frustoconical portion.

Applicator element having a brush In a feature of the invention, the applicator element may be configured to apply makeup to the keratinous fiber, and the applicator element is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the brush. It may have a brush with bristles extending in the direction.
Such a brush has a core with a portion from which the bristles extend and can be referred to as a “bristle support” portion.

In one embodiment, the core may be curved over at least a portion of its length.
The term “curved core” is to be understood as “non-linear core”, in other words, in the sense of the present invention, discontinuous lines can constitute “curved lines”.
The envelope surface constituted by the bristles of the brush should be asymmetric with respect to an intermediate plane perpendicular to the core.

The angle between the axis of the portion of the stem located adjacent to the brush and the axis of the core should be less than 90 ° everywhere along the core.
The brush may comprise a free end that is not aligned with the axis of the portion of the stem located adjacent to the brush.
The cross section formed by the bristles of the brush should be non-monotonically changing from one end of the brush to the other end.
When this cross-section is referred to as changing to “non-monotonic”, it is understood that the cross-section of the brush is not constant over the entire length of the brush and does not change so as to increase or decrease strictly from one end of the brush to the other. Should. The non-monotonic change in the cross-section constituted by the bristles may be due, for example, to the shape of the blank making the brush, which in some cases is a non-zero distance from each end of the brush. Has a maximum or minimum diameter, or in some cases has one or more indentations and the like.

In certain embodiments, the brush is made from a blank with a straight core, the bristle support portion has an envelope surface that is not symmetric with respect to an intermediate plane perpendicular to the core, and the blank is When viewed from the side perpendicular to the core and not symmetrical about the vertical midplane, it has a non-straight edge, said edge being at least partly by imparting curvature to the core during the production of the brush Is straightened.
Such brushes can be made to obtain a very satisfactory quality of makeup. This is because the core is curved and when viewed from the side in a direction perpendicular to the stem axis, the brush exhibits a contour that changes as it rotates about the stem axis.

In particular, such brushes can handle the eyelashes effectively and provide a non-uniform wiping action, which results in a brush zone in which makeup is loaded non-uniformly.
Thus, the user can carry a large amount of makeup on the brush, so that the makeup can be added locally to the eyelashes without having to dip the brush back into the receptacle (when applying makeup). In addition, the brushes preferably have bristles that carry less makeup and can be used to separate the eyelashes, in particular the short eyelashes at the ends of the eyelashes. can do.

It is possible for observational purposes to start with a brush as described above and return to the blank used to fabricate the brush by making the core completely straight, i.e. making the core completely straight. It is.
The curvature of the core need not be constant.
What is meant by the curvature of the core is not constant along the length of the brush is that its radius of curvature (which may be infinite) is not the same at least at two different points along the brush. Thus, the brush may be more curved, e.g., adjacent to its free end than adjacent to the stem, or the brush may be linear, particularly where the brush core fits the stem. When applied when the bristle is supported by a curved bristle support portion with a portion and a constant or otherwise curved curvature, it has a straight or substantially straight portion and a curved portion. May be.

In certain embodiments, the cross section of the brush may pass through at least one extreme between its two axial ends. This extreme part is the largest or smallest part, in particular the cross-section of the brush, especially when the blanks that make up the brush are applied in the shape of a fish as a whole in their two axial directions. It is preferable to pass both the maximum and minimum portions between the ends.
In certain embodiments, the blank may have an envelope that is circularly symmetric.
The blanks used to make the brush may also be provided with an envelope that is not circularly symmetric but is, for example, simply axisymmetric with respect to the axis of the core.

  The cross-section of the blank envelope surface may have a shape that changes monotonically over at least a portion of the length of the brush, for example, over 1/3 of the length. In other words, when comparing two cross-sections of the brush taken at two different positions along the length of the brush, one of these cross-sections is an enlargement of the other cross-section, i.e. the cross-sections are geometric. The ratio of dimensions from one cross section to the other is the same regardless of the direction about the axis of the core, that is, there is no relative twist between the cross sections.

  To make a brush, the core and blank may be curved around at least one axis located outside the midplane of the blank. One edge of the blank straightened by the curvature imparted to the core is placed on the distal or proximal part of the brush, i.e. the first half or the other half of the brush length starting from the free end of the brush It is good to be located. The aforementioned non-linear edge of the blank may be located at the first 1/3 or the last 1/3 of the brush starting substantially from the free end of the brush. This non-linear edge may be concave outward, and may be convex outward as a variant. As an example, if the non-linear edge is concave outward, it may be positioned substantially at the last third of the brush. This is especially true when the blank is in the shape of a fish as a whole. If the non-linear edge is convex outward, it may be located, for example, at the first third of the brush. This is especially true when the blank is generally bullet-shaped or buoy-shaped.

In certain embodiments, the non-linear edge of the blank is at least partially constituted by a bullet-shaped brush distal end, and the brush body is connected to the core from the distal end. In the form of a truncated cone with a cross-section that decreases over at least a portion of the length of the brush toward the stem.
In another particular embodiment, the non-linear edge of the blank is connected to the distal end of the brush in the form of a frustoconical that tapers towards the free end of the brush, as well as the core. It is constituted by a zone surrounding the joint with the body of the brush in the form of a truncated cone that narrows towards the stem.

In another specific embodiment, the blank is generally fish-shaped, and the non-linear edge of the blank is near the junction of the fish body and the proximal end of the fish tail. It consists of zones.
In another specific embodiment, the brush is made from a blank in the form of an hourglass (hourglass), and the non-linear edge of the blank is at the junction between two truncated cones. It is comprised by the recessed corner part.
In another particular embodiment, the blank is in the form of football (rugby or American) including at least one facet (facet) or indentation (rugby or American), and the non-linear edge is constituted by an indentation, or It is located near one end of the recess or facet.
The non-linear edge of the blank is advantageously deformable by the curvature imparted to the core and is at least partially substantially adjacent to the body of the brush when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the stem axis. It is located on the axis of the edge.

The core is a twisted core that is twisted counterclockwise or clockwise, in particular, a twisted core that is twisted counterclockwise as described in French Patent Application No. 2,701,198. It is good. In a counterclockwise brush, the core branches are twisted together by turning counterclockwise to form turns, which are viewed along the core axis from the end fixed in the stem. In the clockwise direction from the stem toward the free end of the brush.
The core is advantageously curved when the brush is counterclockwise twisted and the angle of inclination between the helical sheet formed by the bristles and the stem axis decreases as the distance from the stem increases Thus, by increasing the angle between the eyelashes and the sheet, the separation between the eyelashes at both ends of the eyelashes can be improved.

In addition, when the core is twisted clockwise, it is possible to work on the curvature given to the core so that the bristles are oriented in the desired direction.
There is no need to make a cord by twisting two branches of metal wire, for example, the bristles may be embedded in another support or integrally formed with another support.
The bristles may be natural or synthetic and may be subjected to any known type of treatment in order to form, for example, round or bifurcated tips at their ends.
The brush may have bristles of different lengths, in particular short bristles enclosed in a volume constituted by the envelope of the free ends of the long bristles.
The brush may have a mixture of bristle.
The bristles used may be of any treatment, in particular hollow bristles, bristles with grooves for exerting capillary action, flat or twisted bristles, or bristles with a preferred deformation zone.

Further, it is possible to use a brush having an arbitrary shape having a core curved around two or more axes. In particular, the core may be curved around two axes that are not parallel to each other. Under such circumstances, the core axis is not completely contained within a single curvature plane. The axes that are the centers of curvature of the cores may optionally extend in directions perpendicular to each other, and these axes should intersect each other, but whether or not to do so is arbitrary.
The stem of the applicator may comprise a brush made using the method described below, which includes a blank having a linear core, in particular a first end to a second end of the brush. A blank having a non-monotonic cross-section, the blank having an envelope that is not symmetric about an intermediate plane perpendicular to the core, the first end of the brush being the first end of the brush The angle between the axis of the linear portion of the core and the axis of an arbitrary portion along the curved portion of the core is curved. , Less than 90 °.

In certain specific example configurations, the method includes the step of manufacturing a blank with a linear core of non-constant cross-section, the linear core having a blank over at least a portion of the length of the blank. Having a non-straight edge when viewed from the side in a direction perpendicular to the core, this method reduces the curvature of the non-linear edge of the blank when the brush is viewed in the same direction as described above The method further includes the step of bending the core.
The blank may be circularly symmetric, but this is optional, and the blank is, for example, in the shape of a bullet, buoy, fish, drum, or (rugby or american) football. It is good to be.
At least one facet or recess may be formed in the blank prior to the curvature of the core. At least three such facets or depressions may be formed to give the brush a generally triangular cross section over at least a portion of its length.

As an example, if the blank is generally in the form of a bullet or buoy, the blank bulge core is given the maximum curvature to lift the distal end of the blank, thereby causing the blank bulge non-linearity The shape top edge portion should be straightened and the curvature of the bottom edge portion on the diametrically opposite side should be conspicuous.
As an example, if the blank is in the shape of a fish or a drum as a whole, the proximal end of the blank may be lifted with maximum curvature in the core near the narrowest part of the blank, The effect is to make the concave top edge deeper on the blank and to flatten the concave bottom edge on the diametrically opposite side.

In general, the curvature imparted to the core may have the effect of eliminating the concave or convex surface of the brush, for example making it substantially straight, and in particular making it substantially parallel to the axis of the stem.
An axis included in the middle plane of the surface if the curvature imparted to the core has the effect of straightening such a surface to make the convex or concave surface substantially straight It is good to do around.
The blank should be a counterclockwise twist.
The applicator stem may be of any shape and may comprise a brush having a bristle support portion with a free end, the free end being the length of the end of the stem located adjacent to the brush. If it is not aligned with the directional axis and the angle of inclination of the stem relative to the handle member is zero, it does not align with the longitudinal axis of the handle member.
The core of the bristle support portion may be curved so that the core tangent at any point along the core is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end of the stem adjacent to the brush.

In another aspect of the invention, the bristles of the bristle support portion may have ends that define an envelope surface having a cross-section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the brush, the envelope surface being perpendicular to the core. Asymmetric with respect to the intermediate plane of the envelope surface. If necessary, the core may be curved about two axes that are not parallel to each other as described above.
Such a brush allows the bristles of the brush to be provided in a non-uniform manner. This is because at least some parts of the brush are offset from the axis of the stem and thus from the axis of the wiper.
The reference axes for bending the core should extend in directions perpendicular to each other, and these axes should cross each other, but this is optional. These axes may be located in the plane of symmetry of a portion of the brush.

Making a brush by curving a blank core whose envelope surface is circularly symmetric over at least part of the length of the blank core in such a way as to change the shape of the envelope surface in the part it can.
The brush can also be made from a blank with one or more indentations and / or facets cut and formed, the facets being substantially flat, parallel to the straight core of the blank, or It is better to make an angle. Another type of brush that can advantageously be used with a stem of variable inclination may have a curved core with bristles connected, the brush varying non-uniformly over at least part of the length of the brush The cross section at least at one point of the core is asymmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane of the core at that point.
The brush may include at least three side surfaces having different shapes.
The brush may comprise at least two flat sides.
If the applicator element is a brush, it can be made from a bullet, peanut, buoy, fish, drum, or (Rugby or American) football shaped blank.

In one example, a brush connected to one end of the stem can be used, the end of the stem having a longitudinal axis, and the free end of the brush aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stem. Not. At least a portion of the core is curved in such a way that the core tangent at any point of the core is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end of the stem. The brush supports the bristles, the ends of the bristles have a cross section that varies along at least a portion of the length of the core, the envelope surface is asymmetric about the midplane, and the midplane is the core It extends at a right angle to.
The brush may have a core that is curved over at least a portion of its length such that the axis of the core constitutes a curvature in the curvature plane, and the brush is geometrically symmetric. It may further include a plurality of bristles that constitute a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the core in such a manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one location along the core should be substantially asymmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane, and the core passes through the center of the cross section of the brush at least at one location along its length. Is good.

  As a variant, the brush has a core, which is curved over at least part of its length in such a way that the axis of the core constitutes a curved part in the curvature plane, the curved part being convex It has a side and a concave side. The bristles constitute a cross section of the brush that varies non-uniformly over at least a portion of the length of the core, and the cross section of the brush at at least one location along the core is substantially asymmetric about a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane. is there. Within the curvature plane, the distance from the convex side of the curved portion to the envelope surface may vary along at least part of the length of the core.

  The brush has a core that is curved over at least a portion of its length in such a manner that the axis of the core forms a bend in the curvature plane, and the plurality of bristles extend from the core. And a cross-section of the brush that varies in at least part of the length of the core in a non-uniform manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one point along the core should be substantially asymmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane, and when the core is straight, the ends of the bristles are located between the ends of the recesses. At least one indentation having a maximum width, the ends being spaced apart from each other along the length of the brush.

  The brush also has a core that is curved over at least a portion of its length in such a manner that the axis of the core forms a bend in the curvature plane, the brush extending from the core. The bristles constitute a cross section of the brush that varies in at least a portion of the length of the core in a non-uniform manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one location along the core should be substantially asymmetric about a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane, and when the core is straight, the ends of the bristles constitute at least one indentation, The recess is concave in at least one plane that intersects the recess.

  The brush may further comprise a core that is curved along at least a portion of its length in such a way that the axis of the core constitutes a curvature in the curvature plane. , Has a convex side and a concave side. A plurality of bristles extend from the core, and the bristles have ends that constitute the enveloping surface of the brush. The bristles also constitute a brush cross section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the core in a non-uniform manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one location along the core is substantially asymmetric about a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane, and the convex side of the curved side of the curved portion extends along at least part of the length of the brush. A substantially flat surface should be constructed, and the substantially flat surface intersects the curvature plane.

  The brush may further comprise a core that is curved along at least a portion of its length in such a way that the axis of the core constitutes a curvature in the curvature plane. , Having a convex side and a concave side. A plurality of bristles are connected to the core, and the bristles have end portions that constitute the envelope surface of the brush. The bristles constitute a brush cross section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the core in a non-uniform manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one location along the core is substantially asymmetric about a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane. Within the curvature plane, the envelope side of the convex side of the curved portion may constitute a portion that is substantially linear along at least a portion of the length of the brush.

  The brush may further include a core that is curved along at least a portion of its length in such a manner that the axis of the core forms a curved portion in the curvature plane. A plurality of bristles are connected to the core. The bristles constitute a brush cross section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the core in a non-uniform manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one location along the core should be substantially asymmetric about a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane. The stem has one end connected to the core, the end defining an axis, and the free end of the brush should not be aligned with the axis of the end of the stem.

  The brush may further include a core that is curved over at least a portion of its length in such a manner that the axis of the core forms a bend in the curvature plane. A plurality of bristles extend from the core, and the bristles constitute a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the core in a non-uniform manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one point along the core should be substantially asymmetric about a plane perpendicular to the curvature plane, and over at least a portion of the length of the brush, the cross section of the brush is of gradual width. And the width through the core is perpendicular to the curvature plane.

Applicator with manipulable part In an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator may have an manipulable part that changes the direction in which the stem faces the handle member, at least partly comprising: A stem extends between the hinge and the second end of the opposite stem as viewed from the first end.
Such an operable portion can change the orientation of the applicator element facing the handle member during use.

The manipulable part, hinge and handle member allow the user to change the orientation of the stem with one hand by operating the manipulatable part with a finger when the applicator is not in place on the receptacle It is good that it is structured in various ways.
The handle member may have a body with an operable portion extending through one end of the body. At this end, the body may have an end wall, which is provided with an opening through which the manipulable part passes. It is preferable that the end portion is convex outward as a whole.

  The opening described above may consist of at least one slot, which may serve to guide the movement of the manipulatable part. If desired, the slot may extend over at least a portion of the side of the handle member. In one example, the opening may consist of at least two slots, the longitudinal axes of which are, for example, substantially perpendicular to each other. The slot may have an edge that constitutes at least one hard point that displaces the manipulatable part, for example by at least one protrusion. If necessary, it is possible to easily hold the operable portion at a predetermined position by a hard point.

The applicator, for example its end wall, may have at least one fiducial mark, for example a scale, which makes it easier for the user to see the orientation in which the stem is facing the handle.
The manipulable portion may have a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the handle member. As an example, the cover may include a generally concave surface toward the handle member.
At least a portion of the manipulable portion may be covered with a sheath, eg, a sheath with at least one flexible region. The flexible region may in particular consist of a bellows.
The entire operable part should be covered with a sheath.

The sheath may be flexible as a whole, for example, but not limited to, made of elastomers such as butyronitrile, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), silicone or latex.
The sheath is preferably attached to the handle member. As a modification, the sheath may be integrally formed with the handle member, for example, by injection molding on the handle member.
The outer shape of the sheath may be axisymmetric, for example with a circular cross section over at least a portion of its length.
The sheath may have an outer shape that facilitates its deformation in one or more directions. Thus, for example, the sheath may comprise an oval cross section over at least a portion of its length.
The sheath may have a certain thickness of wall. In one example, the sheath may have a wall that is at least in the same order as the wall thickness of the handle member at some location.
The sheath may also have a relatively thick wall, especially if it is made of cellular material.

In one example, the sheath may consist of a block of foam with a recess or at least one slot into which the second end of the stem fits. Such a block may be fixed to one end of the main body of the handle member, for example by heat sealing or with an adhesive.
The sheath contributes to sealing the closure of the receptacle that is attached when the applicator is not in use.

The hinge hinge may be disposed inside the handle member.
By arranging the hinge inside the handle member, the applicator can be made more compact and easy to hold by hand.
The hinge may be configured to prevent substantial lateral and / or axial displacement of the stem relative to the handle member.

No axial displacement at the hinge, i.e. no displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the handle member, and / or no lateral displacement, i.e. no displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle member (such displacement) Is the displacement of the stem relative to the handle member), allowing the user to accurately position the applicator element where the makeup is applied.
The hinge may include a brake that brakes movement of the stem relative to the handle member. The brake should exert a braking action regardless of the position of the stem relative to the handle member. As a variant, the brake may exert a braking action only at at least one predetermined position of the stem relative to the handle member.

  The hinge may be made in a variety of ways, for example, the hinge allows the stem to move about one axis, two axes, or an infinite axis. As an example, the hinge may comprise a ball and socket joint, which may have a rigid or flexible seat. Due to the rigid seating part, a good closure of the receptacle closure can be obtained if necessary, for example by making good contact between the receptacle and the sealing member of the stem.

As a variant, the hinge may have a pin, for example a metal pin, and the stem is provided to rotate about this pin. Alternatively, the stem may have a cylindrical portion that acts as a pivot.
The hinge may have at least one flexible wall, such as a disc, that passes through the stem, which wall extends between the stem and the handle member. In one embodiment, the hinge has at least one block of elastically deformable material, eg foam, that passes through the stem.
The applicator may be configured so that the stem continues to face the direction given to it by the user even after the user releases the operable part.

  Alternatively, the applicator may have an elastic return member suitable for returning the stem to a predetermined direction when the user releases the stem, for example to align the axis of the stem with the axis of the handle member. Good. For example, the return member may be constituted by an element constituting a hinge. The return member may be configured with a sheath as described above.

Other applicator elements The applicator element may comprise a comb configured to apply makeup to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes or eyebrows.
The applicator element may consist of a brush made by injection molding of plastic material, the brush comprising jagged (serration).
In an alternative embodiment, the applicator element may be in the form of a paint brush, in particular a brush for applying nail polish. Under such circumstances, the stem may have a bent portion, for example.
The applicator element may also consist of a foam, sponge, felt or flocked end piece configured to apply a makeup to the lips or wrinkles, for example.
The applicator element may be suitable for holding the makeup by capillary action.
The applicator element may have a straight or curved axis.
The applicator element may be flocked.

Packaging / Applying Device The present invention also provides a device having both a packaging and application function for cosmetics having a receptacle containing cosmetics and an applicator as described above.
The applicator may be configured to close the receptacle.
The receptacle may have a wiper. The wiper allows the stem to be returned to the zero tilt position when the applicator is returned to the receptacle.
The receptacle and applicator may be configured to prevent the applicator stem from rotating relative to the receptacle when the applicator is in place on the receptacle.
The receptacle's sealing closure may be obtained by sealing means located along the axis of the stem with respect to and above the hinge, around the hinge or under the hinge.

Application method The present invention is also a method of applying cosmetics to a part of the body or the face, in particular the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising the step of loading the cosmetics on any kind of applicator element, the applicator element comprising: A method is provided that is provided at one end of a stem that is hinged to a handle member having an axis and that changes the direction in which the stem faces the handle member.

Where the applicator element is configured to apply makeup to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the method includes, for example, the first of the stem relative to the handle member, for example when the stem is substantially horizontal. Applying a make-up to the keratinous fibers with an inclination angle, this first inclination angle being for example 0, the stem can be rotated about its own axis, and the applicator element is And the method applies the makeup to the keratinous fibers with the stem being substantially vertical and at a second angle of inclination of the stem relative to the handle member. The second inclination angle is different from the first inclination angle, for example, the stem has a maximum inclination angle with respect to the handle member. If the applicator element is constituted by one of the brushes as described above, the makeup can be applied without rotating the stem about its own axis.
The subject matter of the present invention may be better understood when the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is for applying a makeup P, for example, mascara, to the eyelashes or eyebrows. The device 1 includes an applicator 2 and a receptacle 3 containing the makeup P, and an applicator 2. While not in use, it can be secured to the receptacle in a substantially leak-proof manner. In a conventional manner, the receptacle 3 has a threaded neck 4 with a wiper 5, for example made of elastomer, optionally with a wiper comprising a generally conical flexible lip. .
In the example shown, the applicator has a stem 6 which is linear along the axis X and a handle member 7 of the axis Y, which also constitutes a closure cap of the receptacle 3, For this purpose, a female screw 8 shaped to be screwed onto the neck 4 is provided.

  The stem 6 has a sealing member 9 shaped to cooperate with the opening of the receptacle 3 when the applicator 2 is in place on the receptacle 3, as can be seen in FIG. In one example, the sealing member may have a frustoconical portion 9a with a collar 9b at the top end shaped to abut the top edge of the wiper 5. The wiper is provided with a wiping orifice 5a inside the receptacle, the wiping orifice 5a being circular and matching its diameter when the section of the stem to be wiped is circular. Is good. As an example, in a variant, the wiper member may consist only of a frustoconical part or a disc, and this wiper member may consist, for example, of a sealing skirt. In particular, when the wiper member comprises a disk, the wiper member may have an elastomeric cord.

The handle member 7 has a generally tubular main body 14 made of, for example, a hard plastic material. In the illustrated example, the handle member 7 has a circularly symmetric outer shape around the axis Y. One of its axial ends is provided with an opening 15 so that it can be engaged with the neck 4 of the receiver 3.
The stem 6 is hinged to the handle member 7.
As an example, the applicator 2 may have a hinge in the form of a ball-and-socket joint, which has a generally spherical portion 10 formed on the stem 6 and a complementary shape thereto, It has a socket or seat 11 provided inside the handle member 7. Such a ball-and-socket joint allows the stem 6 to be rotated about its own axis X relative to the handle member 7, while on the other hand a substantial axial and / or lateral movement of the hinge stem 6 relative to the handle member 7. It is good to prevent this, but whether or not to do so is arbitrary.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the spherical portion 10 has a retreating portion 16 that cooperates with the projection 19 provided on the wall 12 of the handle member that constitutes the socket 11. The protrusion 19 is located on the axis Y.
The fitting of the protrusion 19 and the retreating portion 16 can help to hold the stem 6 on the axis of the handle member 7. This can also give the user a sensation of sound or texture that gives information about the position of the stem relative to the handle member.
The stem is provided at one end with an applicator element 20 constituted, for example, by a mascara brush.
The applicator element may contact the bottom of the receptacle when the applicator is in place, but this is optional.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the socket 11 is constituted by an applicator member wall 12 which is not provided with a projection 19 and whose top end portion is connected to a rim 13 facing inward of the main body 14. .
Stem 6 includes an operable portion 18 that directs the stem against handle member 7.
An angle ii formed by the axis X of the stem 6 and the axis Y of the handle member 7 can be changed by the user.
If the applicator has an operable portion 18, changing the direction in which the stem 6 faces the handle member 7 means that the stem inserted into the receptacle when the applicator is in place on the receptacle. Thus, it is possible to carry out the operation without fear of the user getting his / her finger dirty.
In addition, the steerable portion 18 of the stem 6 allows the user to see the change in the orientation of the applicator element relative to the handle while making up.

In the example of FIGS. 1 to 5, the brush has a curved core, and the proximal portion 21 a of the core 21 located adjacent to the stem is connected to the stem substantially on the axis X of the stem 6. The distal portion 21b of the core 21 is oriented in a direction Z that forms an angle i with the axis X.
The angle formed by the direction Z and the axis Y of the handle member 7 should be equal to the sum of the angle i and the angle ii. Thus, for example, with the applicator stem facing upward as shown in FIG. A makeup can be applied to the eyelashes. In this figure, the applicator is shown as having an operable portion 18, but such description is applicable as is, even if the applicator does not include it.
While making up with the applicator stem facing upwards, the angle between the stem and the handle member should be relatively large so that the handle member is held away from the face and applied. Can be made easier.
When the applicator is used with its stem substantially horizontal, the stem should be oriented at a substantially zero angle with respect to the axis of the handle member as shown in FIG. For example, the brush can be turned around the axis X of the stem.
The applicator may be configured to keep the direction in which the stem is directed, for example by the manipulatable part 18, even after the stem is released.

Alternatively, if the stem has an operable portion 18, the applicator is configured to return the stem in a predetermined direction relative to the axis of the handle member once the operable portion 18 is released. Good.
When the applicator is in place on the receptacle, the cooperation between the stem (and optionally the sealing member 9) and the receptacle, for example the wiper member 5, is described, for example, in French Patent 1,395, In contrast to the effects produced by the instrument described in the '217 specification, it can have the effect of preventing a considerable degree of rotation of the manipulatable part 18 relative to the handle member.
In one particular aspect of the present invention, the applicator may include a curved core brush, for example, one of the brushes shown in FIGS.

FIG. 10 shows the brush 210. The core 21 of the brush 210 is made by twisting two metal wires.
Bristles (not shown) are held between core turns in a conventional manner.
For ease of illustration, FIG. 10 shows only the envelope surface constituted by the free ends of long bristles.
The core 21 is fixed to one end of the stem 6 along the axis X. The stem is made of a plastic material, for example, and the core 21 is pushed into a socket located at its end.
To make the brush 210, the starting shape is a blank with an envelope surface that is generally bullet-shaped as shown in FIG. This envelope surface is symmetrical in a circular shape around the linear axis W of the core 21, but is not symmetrical around the intermediate plane M that intersects the core 21 half way from the bristle support portion of the blank.
The enlarged portion of the brush has a maximum diameter at the maximum diameter circle 214.
The brush distal end 215 has a bullet shape, the brush body 216 has a frustoconical shape, and the diameter of the body 216 stems to the smallest diameter at the end circle 217. Tapered toward 6.

The top edge of the blank shown in FIG. 6 has a straight first portion 218 a extending along the body 216 between the circle 214 and the circle 217 and a rounded second portion constituting the top of the distal end 215. The round portion has a quarter of an ellipse in the illustrated example.
The areas of the portions 218a and 218b surrounding the circle 214 constitute a non-linear edge 218c.
To make the brush 210, the core 21 is twisted about an axis perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 6 to straighten the blank distal end 215 so that the edge 218c is in a planar state. , As can be seen in FIG. 10, is substantially straight and in line with portion 218a.

It should be observed that the brush 210 is not circularly symmetric about the axis X of the stem 6. The end of the bristle of the brush 210 located near the edge 218c is displaced farther from the axis X of the stem 6 than the end of the bristle on the diametrically opposite side. Thus, after retracting the brush 210 from the receptacle through the wiper, a large amount of makeup is stuck to the edge 218d, which is located substantially on the axis X of the stem 6 and this On the other hand, the edge 218c is more completely wiped, thus making it easier to apply the makeup and allowing the user to apply the makeup as needed locally from the less brushed portion, In addition, the eyelashes can be separated by using bristles with a small amount of makeup supported.
The core direction Z ′ forms an angle α with respect to the stem axis X at all points along its length, and this angle may vary as shown in FIG. 37, but is always 90 °. Is less than.

The core need not be covered with bristles over the entire length of its portion extending beyond the stem 6.
Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 10, the core may have a curved bristle support portion 211a to which the bristles are connected and separated from the stem by a straight portion 211c, which supports the bristles. At least a portion is implanted in the stem 6. Thus, the core does not have a certain curvature. The curved portion 211a may have a constant or non-constant curvature.

FIG. 11 shows a brush 220 obtained from the blank of FIG. 7 shaped like a buoy.
This blank is generally circularly symmetric around the linear axis W of the core 21, and this blank is an envelope formed by integrating two truncated cones that butt the base and the base together. Thereby forming the circle 213 having the largest diameter.
The top edge of the blank in FIG. 7 is formed by combining the truncated cone buses 222a and 222b, and the region in the vicinity of the circle 213 having the largest diameter forms a non-linear edge 222c.

The envelope surface of the blank of FIG. 7 is not symmetrical about the midplane M that intersects the core 21 about half way along the blank.
To make the brush 220 from the blank of FIG. 7, the core 21 is curved to substantially align the portions 220a, 220b with each other, thereby also increasing the curvature of the diametrically opposite bottom edge. Bring effect.
For example, the bristle support portion of the core 21 is perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7 and is bent with a constant radius of curvature about an axis located near the top edge of the blank. Overall, the core 21 has a non-constant curvature, and the part inserted into the stem is straight.

In FIG. 11, it can be seen that the edge 222c is substantially straight.
FIG. 12 shows a brush 230 in the shape of a fish made from the blank of FIG.
The envelope surface of the blank is symmetrical in a circular shape around the linear axis W of the core 21, but is not symmetrical around the intermediate plane M that intersects the core 21 when about half along the bristle support portion of the blank. .
The blank of FIG. 8 has a main body 232 that is largest at a circle 231 having the largest diameter. The distal end 233 extending in front of the largest diameter circle 231 has the shape of a bullet. The proximal end 234 of the blank is connected to the main body 232 by a narrow portion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “narrow portion”) 236. The bottom edge 237 of the blank of the narrow part 236 forms a concave part below.
To make the brush 230, the bottom edge 237 is flattened and a curvature is imparted to the blank core 21 of FIG. 8 to make it less concave or straight as in the illustrated example.
The narrow portion 236 and the diametrically opposite top edge 238 are more curved due to the twist exerted on the core 21.

FIG. 12 shows that the bottom edge portion 232a of the body 232 located adjacent to the narrow portion 236 is also straightened due to the curvature imparted to the core.
FIG. 13 shows a brush 240 obtained from the blank shown in FIG. The envelope surface of the blank has a fish shape as a whole, and is symmetrical in a circular shape around the linear axis W of the core 21. The blank distal portion 241 is in the form of a truncated cone. The shape of the blank body 242 in the region adjacent to the largest diameter circle 243 is a truncated cone. The body 242 is coupled to the blank proximal end 244 via a narrow portion 245. The bottom edge 246 of the narrow portion 245 is concave downward.
A certain amount to flatten the bottom edge 246 so that it is at least substantially less concave than it was initially, even if it is not straight and does not line up with the bus 242a of the body 242. The curvature is converted to the brush 240 by giving it to the core 21.
The curvature imparted to the core 21 has the effect of further increasing the recess of the top edge portion 247 of the narrow width portion 245 located on the diametrically opposite side of the bottom edge portion 246.

Each of the blanks shown in FIGS. 6-9 may be provided with one or more facets or recesses prior to the curvature of the core.
To give an example, FIG. 14 shows the blank of FIG. 6 provided with at least three substantially flat facets 219, so that the cross-section of the blank body as a whole is shown in FIG. A triangular shape is given.
In the example of FIG. 14, the facet 219 is substantially flat and parallel to the axis W of the core.
As a modification, instead of these facets, as shown in FIG. 16, a recess 219 'having a concave section outside or a recess having a concave profile when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the stem. And the dent profile may, for example, form an arc.

FIG. 17 shows the blank of FIG. 7 with three substantially flat facets 229, which gives the blank body a generally triangular cross-section as shown in FIG. ing.
FIG. 19 shows the blank of FIG. 8 provided with three substantially flat facets 239, which gives the blank body a generally triangular cross-section as can be seen in FIG. ing.
21 and 22 show the blank of FIG. 9 provided with three substantially flat facets 249.
While the facet 239 in the example of FIG. 19 extends only to the body of the brush, in the example of FIG. 21, the facet extends across the entire length of the blank including the proximal end of the blank.

FIGS. 23 to 26 show the same deformation procedure that the blanks of FIGS. 6 to 9 were converted to the brushes of FIGS. 10 to 13 with the blanks of FIGS. The brushes obtained after each application are shown.
In the example of FIGS. 23-26, the plane of curvature of the core is substantially perpendicular to the facets 219, 229, 239, or 249 located diametrically opposite the non-linear edges that are straight. It is good. The plane of curvature of the core 21 may also be a symmetric midplane with respect to the facets.
In all of the above examples, the core 21 is curved only about a single axis.
The core may be curved about two or more axes that are optionally parallel, optionally vertical, or optionally intersecting, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
To give an example, FIG. 27 shows the brush of FIG. 13 with a core twisted about the curved axis C parallel to the plane of FIG. 27, ie parallel to the curvature surface of the brush of FIG. Yes.
With this additional curvature, the core 21 no longer occupies a single curvature plane, which makes the brush more ergonomic for use.
In one example, the brush may have at least one applicator surface that is substantially parallel to the stem.

It should be observed that it is particularly advantageous to start with a brush with a counterclockwise twist as will be described below in connection with FIGS.
FIG. 28 shows the brush of FIG. 11 with a counterclockwise twisted core.
The dashed lines indicate the path followed by the sheet or surface N constituted by the ends of the bristles, which are at an angle v with respect to the plane perpendicular to the core.
Referring to FIG. 29, the sheet N forms an angle with respect to the axis X of the stem 6 that decreases as it approaches the free end of the brush, and thus the eyelash H at the end of the eyelash and the sheet N are relatively formed. A large angle β can be maintained and thus the eyelashes can be sufficiently separated from one another.
As a matter of course, the present invention is not limited to a core that is twisted counterclockwise, and a core that is twisted clockwise as shown in FIG. 30 may be used.

As shown in FIG. 31, the brush of the present invention can be provided with jaggedness (serration). In this view, it can be seen that the brush has been machined to form a recess 310 on its surface, with a substantially radial blank occupying at least a portion of the length of the brush.
FIG. 32 shows a generally drum-shaped blank 320 that provides a non-linear edge 321 to the smallest part of the brush diameter when viewed from the side, which edge has a local curvature. It will be straightened by giving to the core.
FIG. 33 shows a blank 330 that is generally in the form of a football for playing rugby or American football and that includes a recess 331.
The concave portion 331 can be made substantially flat by giving the core a curvature.

34 and 35 show the brush of FIG. 11 used to make up the eyelashes. One side of the brush can be used to make up the eyelashes located at one end of the eyelid, and the opposite side of the brush can make up the eyelashes located at the opposite end of the eyelash. Can be used.
If the brush core 21 as described above is bent very close to the stem 6 as shown in FIG. 36, the handling method of the core can be changed if necessary.
38 and 39 show the two brush blanks before the core is bent and embedded in the stem. It can be seen that each core 21 in these examples is generally linear before being implanted into the stem. The shape of the core after bending the core is indicated by a broken line. In the example of FIG. 38, the blank includes an envelope surface in the form of two truncated cones around the axis W of the core 21. The total length of the portion 221a supporting the bristles is about 26 mm, for example. The largest diameter of the blank may be slightly larger than 7 mm and its end diameter should be about 4 mm. The total length of the core 21 should be slightly larger than 35 mm. The core 21 may be curved so that the portion 221c near the stem is kept straight and the portion 221a has a radius of curvature of about 60 mm. The free end of the core may be offset from the axis of the straight portion 221c by a distance d, which may be about 4.5 mm.

FIG. 39 shows a fish-like shape as a whole before curving the core, a front portion 380 that is substantially frustoconical, and circularly symmetric with an outer radius of curvature of about 52 mm. Another example of a blank having a body 381 whose longitudinal section is constituted by circular edges 382, 383 located on the opposite sides of the two concave sides is shown. . The diameter of the brush at the rear end plane 385 may be about 7.5 mm and its diameter at the front end plane 386 may be about 5 mm.
The blank shown in FIG. 39 is first converted to a brush state by curving the core portion 211a that supports the bristles to have a radius of curvature that is constant and equal to about 53 mm in the illustrated example. In some cases, the end of the portion 221a located adjacent to 211c makes a slight angle with the axis of the portion 211c as shown. The shift distance d of the free end of the core may be about 2.4 mm.

In the figure, the curvature of the core is exaggerated for ease of understanding. For example, it does not depart from the scope of the present invention that a less noticeable curvature matches the curvature of the heel.
The core may also be curved in an S shape within a single curvature plane.
It will be appreciated that a brush as described above can be subjected to a non-uniform wiping action at the distal end offset with respect to the axis of the stem. The brush may have variously shaped surfaces that help to achieve multiple effects.
FIG. 40 shows a brush 340 of arbitrary shape and having specific features curved about two axes C ₁ and C ₂ .
C ₁ and C ₂ are not parallel to each other, and are perpendicular to each other in the illustrated example.
Of course, the axis C ₂ intersects or does not intersect with the axis C _1, and furthermore, the axis C ₂ is perpendicular to the axis C ₁ or even if not perpendicular to the scope of the present invention. Not deviate from.

  Such brushes have the advantage of having another part of the brush that holds a single make-up on one part of the brush, is well wiped off, and is good for combing the eyelashes and separating them. Further, when applying makeup to the eyelashes by turning the brush around the axis X of the stem 6, the bristles are arranged alternately in the transverse direction with respect to the axis X in the off-center region of the brush corresponding to the distal end portion thereof. This makes it easier for bristles to enter between the eyelashes, making it easier to manage them.

FIG. 42 shows another example of a brush 350 made from the blank of FIG. The blank has a cylindrical shape with a linear core 21, and the blank extends along an axis W that coincides with the axis of the stem 6. A recess 351 is formed in this blank.
In order to make the brush 350 from the blank of FIG. 41, the core 21 is curved around a curved axis perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 41, which is located on the opposite side as viewed from the recess 351, thereby This has the effect of flattening the recess and converting it into a substantially planar facet state. By forming such facets and replacing them with the recesses 351, outwardly concave envelope surfaces 352 are formed on the opposite side as viewed from the recesses 351.

Referring to FIG. 43, the brush has a cross section that is perpendicular to the curvature plane V of the core and is not symmetrical about the plane K including the axis W at the portion of the core where the first recess 351 is formed. Can understand.
Alternatively, a blank having a plurality of dents may be started.
Although many examples of brushes are given, the invention also applies to applicators comprising applicator elements configured to apply cosmetics to parts other than the keratinous fibers.
Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 44, a flocked end piece 30 for the purpose of eyelid makeup, a flocked end piece 40 for making up the lips as shown in FIG. 45, or a nail polish as shown in FIG. It is possible to use an applicator element having a paint brush 50 for applying the liquid. In this view, it will be observed that the stem of the applicator is bent and the stem and brush 50 are not generally located on a single straight line.
The applicator, only partly shown in FIG. 47, also has a bent stem. Thus, the axis of the applicator element 51 forms a non-zero angle with a portion of the stem. As an example, the applicator element 51 may comprise a foam.

FIG. 48 shows the axis of the applicator element 52 at a non-zero angle with respect to the applicator stem. As an example, the applicator element 52 comprises a felt tip.
The applicator element may further have a jagged view in cross section as can be seen in FIG. 48A, which can be made by injection molding a plastic material.
A comb 60 may be used as shown in FIG. Other non-limiting examples of combs include, among others, European Patent Application Publication No. 1,169,941, European Patent Application Publication No. 1,070,465, European Patent Application Publication No. 1,070, No. 468 and European Patent Application No. 1,070,467.

2-5, the steerable portion 18 of the stem 6 is made in one piece with the rest of the stem, for example by injection molding of plastic material.
It would not depart from the scope of the present invention to constitute the manipulatable part 18 with parts attached to the remainder of the stem 6, for example, one end of the manipulatable part would be in the spherical part 10 as shown in FIG. It is inserted into the provided socket 61.
The hinge for connecting the stem 6 and the handle member 7 to each other can be formed by parts attached to the remaining portion of the handle member 7 as shown in FIG. This figure shows that the socket 11 is formed on a part 63 fixed to the remainder 64 of the handle member, for example by snap-fastening.

Further, FIG. 51 shows that the opening of the handle member 7 from which the operable portion 18 protrudes can be constituted by an edge portion 65 that spreads outward.
For example, as shown in FIG. 52, at least a part of the wall 12 constituting the socket 11 of the ball socket joint may extend to the outside of the handle member 7.
The manipulatable part 18 may comprise a cover 66 located at least partially on the wall 12 of the socket 11 with a slight gap, which in some cases may be a wall as shown in FIG. A concave surface 67 facing 12 is provided.
The handle member 7 may have an end wall 69 at one axial end, as shown in FIG. 53, which is perforated with one or more slots through which the manipulable portion 18 can be passed. Yes.

In the example of FIG. 54, the end wall 69 is perforated with two slots 70 and 71 having axes F ₁ and F ₂ that are perpendicular to each other and whose width substantially matches the diameter of the manipulatable portion 18. This operable part can be moved in the slot when the stem 6 is tilted with respect to the handle member 7.
The provision of the slots 70, 71 serves to limit the movement allowed for the stem 6 relative to the handle member 7 in the direction of the axes F ₁ , F ₂ .
In the illustrated example, the end wall 69 is convex outward as a whole. As shown in FIG. 55, at least one of the above-described slots, and for example both the slots 70, 71, may have at least one protrusion 73, for example two opposing protrusions 73, so that it can be operated. A hard point is created that allows the portion 18 to be pushed, thus helping to hold the manipulatable portion 18 in place, eg, in contact with the axial end of one of the slots.

In the example of FIG. 55, the user has thus made the manipulatable part 18 slotted in five predetermined positions, ie with the stem 6 tilted at an angle of substantially zero with respect to the axis Y. A central position located at the intersection of 70, 71 and the manipulable portion 18 can be brought to one of the four end positions abutting one of the axial ends of the slot. In order to go from the central position to any one of the end positions, it is necessary to exceed the hard point associated with the provision of the protrusion 73.
For example, if it is desired that the stem 6 can only be rotated about a single geometric axis, the handle member 7 requires only one slot 70 as shown in FIG.

If the stem rotates only in one plane, the applicator element may comprise a curved longitudinal axis extending in this plane.
The handle member may have at least one fiducial mark 77 that allows the user to ascertain the position of the operable portion 18 relative to the handle member. As an example, the handle member may include a plurality of scales.
The manipulatable portion 18 may be covered with a sheath that can be made in various ways. In one example, the sheath can help to make the receptacle leak-proof.

FIG. 57 shows a sheath 80 made by integrally molding an elastomer to the body portion 81 of the handle member 7.
The sheath may include a pleat 82 as shown, for example, in FIG. 58, which acts like a bellows that gives the sheath flexibility in all directions to allow manipulation of the stem 6.
In the example of FIGS. 57 and 58, the sheath may be generally circularly symmetric about the axis Y of the handle member 7, but the sheath may have more than one, possibly due to displacement of the manipulatable part. It is not departing from the scope of the present invention that it is not symmetrical in a circular shape for the purpose of defining a specific direction.
By way of example, FIG. 59 shows a sheath 90 that is substantially flat and has two opposite surfaces that the user can push to change the angle of inclination of the stem 6 relative to the handle member 7. .
One of these surfaces 91 may optionally have a message 92 that calls the user to push it.

As shown in FIG. 59, the sheath may be given a shape that helps limit the angular displacement of the stem 6 to a displacement only about a single axis.
In the example of FIG. 59, the flexibility of the sheath 90 in the direction D substantially perpendicular to the surface 91 facilitates the pivoting of the stem about an axis L substantially parallel to the surface 91 and in the direction of the axis L. The great rigidity of the sheath 90 tends to prevent the stem from rotating about an axis perpendicular to the axis L.
The socket of the socket ball joint may be formed by an integrally made wall, for example, by injection molding the same material as the sheath to slow down the movement of the stem by creating a high level of friction.

For example, FIG. 60 shows a sheath 100 having a base portion 94 snapped to the rim 95 of the handle member. The base portion 94 constitutes a socket 11 that receives the spherical portion 10 of the stem 6.
The sheath in engagement with the manipulable portion 18 may not include a portion that is fixed relative to the handle member, but this is optional.
The manipulable portion 18 may be free within the sheath so that relative displacement, in particular axial displacement, can occur between the manipulatable portion 18 and the sheath when changing the angle of inclination of the stem. It is good to be able to do it.
The manipulable portion 18 need not be free with respect to the sheath, for example, to create a stress that tends to return the stem to a rest position where the axis X substantially coincides with the axis Y.

If necessary, the sheath may constitute an elastic return member for returning the stem to a position where the inclination angle is 0 at rest.
The sheath may also consist of a block of cellular material secured to the body of the handle member.
As an example, FIG. 61 shows a sheath constituted by a block 102 of elastically deformable foam secured to the end wall 104 of the handle member by heat sealing or adhesive via one face 103.
The block 102 has a recess 105 that opens into the surface 103, and the operable portion 18 is housed in the recess 105.

As a modification, instead of the recess 105, one or more slots 106, for example, two slots in the form of a cross may be used as shown in FIG.
The sheath may also be made of the same material as the handle member, and is connected to the handle member via a film hinge, for example, as shown in FIG.
This figure shows a sheath 108 made integrally by injection molding with the handle member 7 and connected to the handle member via a film hinge 107.
The film hinge 107 is interrupted at the central portion so that the operable portion can pass therethrough.
You may provide a hinge between a stem and a handle member using means other than a ball socket type joint.

As an example, FIGS. 64 and 65 show a hinge that extends along an axis T and has a pin 110 (eg, a metal pin) that mates with the stem 6, and the stem is, for example, the axis T And has an enlarged portion 111 with a flat surface substantially perpendicular to the aperture 112 through which the pin 110 is received. The pins may be held in studs 113 located on opposite sides of the handle member in the diametrical direction. The handle member may have an outer cover 114 made of metal, for example, which is fixed to its body 115 and serves to prevent the pin 110 from slipping out of the stud 113.
As shown in FIG. 66, a stem hinge may be made by using a cylindrical portion 116 instead of a spherical portion. The purpose is, for example, to allow the stem to rotate only about the axis U of this cylindrical portion extending perpendicular to the axis X of the stem. The cylindrical portion 116 may be received at its axial end in a socket 117, which opens toward the end 15 of the handle member, with the cylindrical portion 116 being a handle by the handle portion. It is inserted into the corresponding opening of the member so that it can be positioned in the socket 110 by snapping.

The hinge may also be made by using a wall or block of deformable material.
As an example, FIG. 67 shows a hinge comprising a block of cellular material, for example elastically deformable foam, secured within the body of the handle member, for example by heat sealing or adhesive. The stem 6 extends through an opening 121 provided in the block 120, for example, a slot, and this stem may have raised portions 123, 124 provided on each side of the block 120. These raised portions Is large enough to hold the block 120 between the raised portions while the stem 6 is being manipulated by the user to change the direction it is facing.
A simple disk 130, for example made of elastomer, can also be used as shown in FIG. 68, which heats the rim 131 of the handle member that surrounds the opening projecting the manipulable portion 18, for example. Sealed.

As shown in FIG. 69, the spherical portion 10 fitted with the socket 11 may have a raised portion 135, for example, a jagged portion, and these raised portions 135 are complementary raised portions 136 formed on the wall 12 of the socket. In conjunction with braking the stem movement and / or facilitating holding the stem in one or more predetermined angular positions. As a variant, at least one cord of elastomeric material that causes additional friction between the stem and the handle member may be used instead of the raised portion 135 or 136.
Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The features of the various embodiments can be combined with one another, for example, to form other embodiments in accordance with the invention.

Throughout this specification, with respect to the number of components, the term “comprises a” means “comprises at least of” unless otherwise specified. Should be understood to be synonymous with.
An applicator constructed in accordance with the present invention need not be used in conjunction with a receptacle that is inserted when the applicator is not in use. A makeup can be loaded for application by contacting the applicator element with, for example, a makeup cake.

1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a device for applying makeup to eyelashes or eyebrows according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the deformation | transformation embodiment in which the applicator was provided with the operation part. FIG. 3 shows the applicator of the instrument of FIG. 2 alone after the stem has been rotated relative to the handle. FIG. 4 shows the applicator of FIG. 3 being used to make up the eyelashes, showing the stem in a substantially vertical orientation. FIG. 4 shows the applicator of FIG. 3 being used to make up the eyelashes, showing the stem in a substantially horizontal orientation. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a blank, and illustrates that a brush can be formed from the blank according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a blank, showing that a brush can be formed from the blank according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a blank, showing that a brush can be formed from the blank according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a blank, showing that a brush can be formed from the blank according to one aspect of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the brush obtained from the blank shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the brush obtained from the blank shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the brush obtained from the blank shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the brush obtained from the blank shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 6 in which the facet was formed. It is XV-XV arrow sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 15, showing a modified embodiment with a recess. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 7 in which the facet was provided. It is XVIII-XVIII arrow directional cross-sectional view of FIG. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 8 in which the facet was provided. FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG. 19. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 9 in which the facet was provided. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in FIG. 21. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 14 after curving a core. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 17 after curving a core. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 19 after curving a core. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 21 after curving a core. FIG. 14 shows the brush of FIG. 13 after the core is then twisted. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the brush of FIG. 10 with the core twisted counterclockwise while applying makeup to the eyelashes. It is a figure which shows the various angles between the axis of a spiral sheet | seat, eyebrows, and a core. FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 28, showing a part of the core alone, and showing the state where the core is twisted clockwise. It is a figure which shows the cross section provided with the jaggedness. 1 is a schematic illustration of a drum-shaped brush as a whole before curving the core. 1 is a schematic illustration of a brush in the form of a football (Rugby or American) as a whole with a recess before curving the core. FIG. 12 shows the brush of FIG. 11 being used to make up the eyelashes. FIG. 12 shows the brush of FIG. 11 being used to make up the eyelashes. It is a figure which shows the bending part currently formed in the core in the vicinity of a stem. It is a figure which shows a part of core in order to show the angle which the direction of a core and the axis line of a stem make. It is a figure which shows an example of the blank by which the curvature given to the core was drawn with the broken line and shown. It is a figure which shows another example of the blank in which the curvature given to the core was drawn with the broken line, and is shown. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a brush in a state where a core is curved around at least two axes. FIG. 5 shows a blank for making a brush according to another aspect of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the blank of FIG. 41 after curving a core. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XLIII in FIG. 42. It is a figure which shows an example of another applicator. It is a figure which shows another example of another applicator. It is a figure which shows another example of another applicator. FIG. 3 shows how a curved stem should be used. FIG. 3 shows how a curved stem should be used. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator element that includes a jagged surface. FIG. 3 shows, by itself, a comb suitable for being provided at the end of the stem of an applicator constructed in accordance with the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of how a hinge can be made especially. It is a figure which shows another example of how a hinge can be made especially. It is a figure which shows another example of how a hinge can be made especially. It is a partial side view of the applicator as a modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 54 is a front view taken along line LIV in FIG. 53. FIG. 55 is a view similar to FIG. 54 showing an embodiment. It is a figure similar to FIG. 54 which shows another embodiment. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. It is a fragmentary view of the other example of an applicator. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LXV in FIG. 64. It is a figure which shows the other example of a hinge. It is a figure which shows the other example of a hinge. It is a figure which shows the other example of a hinge. It is a figure which shows the hinge provided with the jaggedness.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Packaging and applicator 2 Applicator 3 Receiver 4 Neck 5 Wiper 6 Stem 7 Handle member 9 Sealing member 10 Spherical part 11 Socket or seat part 14 Tubular main body 15 Opening part 16 Retraction part 19 Protrusion 20 Brush P Makeup

Claims (35)

A single applicator having a handle member (7), a single stem (6) connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element provided at the first end of the stem The stem (7) and the applicator element do not extend along the same linear axis,
The stem has an operable portion (18) that can change a direction in which the stem is facing the handle member, the operable portion being at least partially viewed from the hinge and the first end. Extending between the second end of the opposite stem,
The handle member is an applicator having a main body provided with an end wall provided at one end with an opening through which the operable portion passes.   2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element has a longitudinal axis (W) that is not straight.   The applicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stem is not a straight line.   3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (X) of the stem is a straight line.   5. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element supports bristles or teeth extending in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.   6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element is configured to apply makeup to keratinous fibers, in particular eyelashes, eyebrows or hair.   7. The applicator according to claim 6, wherein the applicator element comprises a mascara brush.   The portion of the stem located adjacent to the brush has an axis (X), the brush has a core (21) with a portion with protruding bristles, the core extending over at least part of its length. The envelope surface that is curved and is constituted by bristles is not symmetrical with respect to the intermediate plane (M) of the portion from which the bristles protrude, and the intermediate plane is perpendicular to the core The applicator according to claim 7.   9. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the brush has a free end that is not aligned with the axis (X) of the portion of the stem located adjacent to the brush.   The applicator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cross section of the brush constituted by the bristles of the brush is not monotonous in change from one end of the brush to the other end.   The brush is made from a blank having a straight core, the blank is not symmetrical about an intermediate plane perpendicular to the core and has a non-straight edge when viewed from the side perpendicular to the core, said edge 11. The applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the part is at least partially straightened by imparting a curvature to the core during the manufacture of the brush.   The applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the brush is made of a circularly symmetrical blank.   The applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the brush is made from a blank that is axisymmetric with respect to the axis (W) of the core. Brush applicator according to claim 7, wherein the curved around at least two axes (C _1, C ₂₎ not parallel to each other.   15. The applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the brush is made from a blank in which one or more indentations and / or facets are formed.   The brush has a core that is curved and connected to the brush, and the brush has a cross-section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the brush so that it is not monotonous, at least at one point along the core The applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that the cross section of is not symmetrical with respect to a plane (K) perpendicular to the curvature plane (V) of the core at the location.   The applicator according to claim 16, wherein the brush has at least three side surfaces having different shapes.   18. An applicator according to any one of claims 7 to 17, wherein the brush has at least two substantially flat sides.   19. A brush according to any one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that the brush is made from bullets, peanuts, buoys, fish, drums or blanks in the general shape of (rugby or american) football. The applicator according to claim 1.   20. The brush according to any one of claims 7 to 19, characterized in that the brush is made from a blank with a cross section through at least one extreme between the two axial ends of the brush. applicator.   Applicator element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator element comprises a comb (60) adapted to apply makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.   5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element comprises a flocked end piece.   5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element is in the form of a paint brush, in particular a brush for applying nail polish.   The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the hinge (10, 11) is provided inside the handle member (7).   25. Application according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge is configured to prevent substantial axial and / or lateral displacement of the stem relative to the handle member at the hinge. Ta.   26. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle member is configured to close the receptacle (3).   2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening consists of at least one slot (70, 71).   28. The applicator of claim 27, wherein the at least one slot has at least one edge that constitutes a hard point during displacement of the manipulable portion. In an applicator comprising a handle member (7), a stem (6) connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element provided at the first end of the stem, the stem (7) And the applicator element does not extend along the same linear axis,
The stem has an operable portion (18) that can change a direction in which the stem is facing the handle member, the operable portion being at least partially viewed from the hinge and the first end. Extending between the second end of the opposite stem,
The operable portion has a cover configured to at least partially cover the handle member;
The handle member is an applicator having a main body provided with an end wall provided at one end with an opening through which the operable portion passes. In an applicator comprising a handle member (7), a stem (6) connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element provided at the first end of the stem, the stem (7) And the applicator element does not extend along the same linear axis,
The stem has an operable portion (18) that can change a direction in which the stem is facing the handle member, the operable portion being at least partially viewed from the hinge and the first end. Extending between the second end of the opposite stem,
The manipulable portion is at least partially coated with a sheath including at least one flexible region;
The handle member is an applicator having a main body provided with an end wall provided at one end with an opening through which the operable portion passes. In an applicator comprising a handle member (7), a stem (6) connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element provided at the first end of the stem, the stem (7) And the applicator element does not extend along the same linear axis,
The stem has an operable portion (18) that can change a direction in which the stem is facing the handle member, the operable portion being at least partially viewed from the hinge and the first end. Extending between the second end of the opposite stem,
The stem is configured to continue to face in the direction imparted to the stem by the user after the user releases the operable portion (18),
The handle member is an applicator having a main body provided with an end wall provided at one end with an opening through which the operable portion passes.   A device (1) for packaging and applying cosmetics, the device comprising a receptacle for receiving cosmetics and the applicator according to any one of claims 1-31.   33. The instrument of claim 32, wherein the applicator is configured to close the receptacle.   34. Device according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the receptacle has a wiper (5).   Receiving device and applicator are configured so that the applicator stem (6) does not tilt relative to the receiving device when the applicator is in place on the receiving device. 34. Apparatus according to any one of 34.

Images