JP4806532B2 - Cosmetic applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator (3) has a bundle (10) of bristles (11) comprising two types of bristles having different compositions and/or bristles of non circular transversal section and/or non rectilinear bristles. A shaft (6) supports the bundle of bristles. An annular space (20) is arranged between inner surface of a sheath (15) and the shaft, in order to constitute product storage. - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a device for applying product on nails comprising an applicator.

Description

  The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator.

  Various applicators have been proposed which consist of a mixture of rough hairs for applying substances to the nails. European patent application EP-A-0 556 081 discloses a brush for applying enamel to nails, consisting of a mixture of coarse bristles of different diameters. Furthermore, European patent application EP-A-0 651 955 is for applying an enamel to a nail, which consists of two types of rough hair having different mechanical properties, in order to form a relatively large gap between the rough hairs. Disclose brush.

  In addition, U.S. Pat.No. 4,844,1996 discloses an applicator device for applying liquids, in particular nail enamel, which includes storage means suitable for storing liquids, said liquids comprising When the liquid is taken out from the receiving part, the rough hair of the brush is supplied.

  There is a need to further improve the applicator performance for applying substances to the body or facial area, especially the nails, and the present invention seeks to meet this need in particular.

In one aspect of the invention,
At least two types of bristles and / or bristles with non-circular cross-sections and / or non-linear, specifically wavy bristles;
A stem that supports the rough hair tuft;
A sheath,
An application for applying a substance, in particular to the nail, wherein the sheath forms a space in cooperation with it over at least a part of the length of the stem and allows the storage of the substance to be applied Provide data.

  The term “at least two types of bristles” refers to bristles that may differ in their composition and / or their dimensions and / or their shape, in particular their longitudinal shape and / or their cross-section. Means.

  A tuft having at least two types of rough hair and / or rough hair with a non-circular cross-section is compared to a tuft of rough hair composed of a single type with only normal hair with a circular cross-section. Capillary retention ability of rough hair tufts can be increased.

  According to the present invention, firstly, due to the existence of the storage part of the substance formed by at least the space provided between the sheath and the stem, secondly, at least two types of rough hair tufts Having bristles and / or bristles with a non-circular cross-section can increase usage time while replenishing the applicator without harming the quality of the application. Due to its capillary retention capability, the aforementioned rough hair tufts prevent substances contained in the space formed between the sheath and stem from flowing too quickly in the direction of the area to be treated. be able to.

  The present invention thus makes it possible to adjust the supply of the substance stored by the applicator and to increase its use time while retaining the possibility of applying make-up properly.

  The composition of rough hair tufts may depend on the rheology of the substance. Using coarse hair mixing allows the applicator to be adapted to the rheology of the material relatively easily, for example by adjusting the relative proportions of each coarse hair type in the tuft.

  When appropriate, and due to the capillary retention provided by the rough hair tuft, the present invention allows the use of less viscous formulations without fear of the material flowing too quickly.

  The space arranged to allow the storage of the substance to be provided is itself, for example, to allow the substance to fill this space when the sheath is immersed in the substance. It is formed.

  The vent is advantageously provided, for example, in the form of at least one opening in the sheath. Air can also be vented by attachment methods that attach the sheath onto the applicator. For example, a vent can be formed between the top edge of the sheath and the applicator portion to which the sheath is secured. The vent can also be formed through the applicator portion to which the sheath is attached.

  As an example, each of the at least two types of bristles in the tuft can be at least 2%, more preferably 5% of the total number of tufts of the applicator, or at least 10%, 20%, 30 % Or 40%. Where appropriate, the applicator can include two types of rough hair in substantially equal proportions.

  By way of example, a rough hair tuft consists of at least two types of rough hair that have the property of spreading the rough hair, and thus can form a large number of gaps between the rough hairs and hold the substance by the capillary. Can do.

  The bristles can comprise at least two types of bristles having different dimensions, in particular different lengths and / or cross sections. The relative difference in cross section and / or length between the bristles may be, for example, greater than 10%, or even greater than 20% or 30%. The length of the long rough hair can be, for example, 10% or more longer than the length of the short rough hair. The maximum lateral dimension, eg, diameter, of thick bristles can be 15% or more thicker than the maximum lateral dimension of thin bristles.

  The rough hair tuft may include at least one wavy rough hair and at least one straight rough hair.

  The tufts can further include wavy rough hairs with different periodic patterns. The term “periodic pattern” refers to a portion of the bristles that is replicated along the bristles in a substantially periodic fashion. A periodic pattern exhibiting at least one undulation is a magnitude measured in a manner orthogonal to the three components, ie the shape, eg sinusoidal or sawtooth shape, the amplitude, ie the general longitudinal direction of the bristles. And the spatial frequency, that is, the number of patterns replicated per unit length of the bristles. A single pattern can be repeated several times over the entire length of rough hair. The bristles may exhibit one single pattern or less than one single pattern.

  The periodic pattern of rough hair is at least one undulation and / or at least one filler and / or at least one deformation in the cross-section of the rough hair and / or notches and / or other A relief portion can be presented.

  The rough hair tufts can include, for example, wavy rough hairs having different patterns and / or frequencies.

  The bristles can include at least one bristles that exhibits a property that aids in slipping.

  The sheath cooperates only with the stem, or cooperates with the bristles and the stem to form a space that allows storage of the material. The space between the sheath and the stem can be arranged such that the substance tends to be retained in the aforementioned space by capillary action. Where appropriate, this space is at least in some areas, for example, the gap between the inner surface of the sheath and the portion of the stem or bristles that faces it is greater than 2 millimeters (mm). Can be relatively wide.

The sheath includes at least one lateral opening that communicates with the space between the sheath and the stem so that material enters the space and / or air enters the space. It is preferable to be able to exit, thus facilitating filling of the space with material and facilitating the flow of material out of the space in the direction of rough hair. The transverse opening advantageously exhibits a cross section of greater than 5 square millimeters (mm ² ), more preferably 9 mm ² , even more preferably 16 mm ² , or even 20 mm ² or 25 mm ² .

  The sheath may be rigid or flexible. In particular, the sheath can be made of a material different from that of the stem. In a variant, the sheath can be made of the same material.

  Over at least a portion of its length, the sheath can have a completely smooth inner and / or outer surface. In particular, the sheath may have no annular flange or groove on its inner surface. As an example, the sheath can smooth its inner surface and the stem can include a relief portion such as a rib or other roughness. In an alternative embodiment, the inner surface of the sheath can include a relief portion such as, for example, a rib.

  The sheath can be secured to the stem by stapling or some other method, allowing the sheath to be axially secured to the stem. As an example, the sheath can be adhesively bonded or heat sealed onto the stem. The sheath can further be retained on the stem by friction and / or by snap fit. The sheath can be manufactured integrally with the stem as an integral part, for example by injection molding of material or by overmolding.

  The sheath can exhibit a circular or oval cross section, for example, depending on whether the cross section of the stem is circular or oval. The sheath can further exhibit a circular cross-section when the stem is oval and vice versa. The outer cross section of the sheath can optionally be constant. The sheath can exhibit, for example, a changing inner cross section that has changed from a circular cross section to an oval cross section. The sheath can exhibit an inner cross-section that tapers in the direction of the rough hair tuft. Where appropriate, the cross-sections of the sheath and stem can be substantially similar, for example, they can be oval over at least a portion of their length.

  The sheath can exhibit a free edge adjacent to the rough tuft, which can be completely circular. As an example, the sheath may have a notch at its free end, for example to collect a flow of material on the applicator element and / or to facilitate the flow of the material in the direction of the applicator element. Can be included.

  The stem can exhibit a circular or oval cross section over at least a portion of its length. In particular, the stem can take on a shape that tends to carry a substance along the stem in the direction of a predetermined region of the rough hair tuft. This can, for example, allow for a cleaner application.

  At least in the vicinity of its end adjacent to the bristles, the stem may have a cross-section with a profile that exhibits at least one indentation. In this case, the bristles can be fixed, for example, in a housing having an oval cross-sectional opening with a long axis at the end of the stem. The recess described above can be located substantially in the middle along the long axis of the housing when the stem is viewed in cross-section. Where appropriate, the stem may include walls of varying thickness around the housing.

  The stem can include, for example, at least one groove extending along at least a portion of the stem, or can include two grooves positioned opposite each other. Grooves can contribute to directing the flow of material present along the stem.

  The bristles can be substantially rectangular, circular, or some other shaped cross section.

  The free end of the sheath is preferably located at or near the rough hair of the rough hair tuft.

  Where appropriate, the movement of the bristles of the bristles and / or the movement of the stem during application may be a gap between the stem and the sheath and / or the aforesaid sheath and the bristles of the bristles. A local deformation can be created in the gap between the two and thereby act on the material flow.

  If the bristles are flat, they can be oriented so that the long axis of their cross section is substantially parallel to or perpendicular to the sheath opening. . Different orientations are also within the expected range.

In another aspect, and independently or in combination with the above, the present invention further comprises
An applicator element;
A stem that supports the applicator element;
A sheath,
And the sheath cooperates therewith to form a space over at least a portion of the length of the stem, allowing the storage of the material to be applied, the sheath and the stem having a thickness of the space Provides an applicator having a cross-section adapted to vary around the stem over at least a portion of the length of the stem.

  In particular, the sheath and stem can exhibit cross sections having different shapes such that the spacing between the sheath and the stem varies around the circumference.

  In particular, the stem can have a recess in its cross section that locally increases the width of the space.

  As an example, the stem can include at least one optionally linear groove, such as a helical groove, extending along at least a portion of the stem.

  In particular, the stem can include two linear grooves located opposite each other.

  Grooves present on the stem or on the sheath allow the flow of material present along the space formed between the sheath and the stem to be directed in the direction of a particular region of the applicator element, particularly in its central region. Can contribute to the direction.

  The groove is advantageously open axially at the end of the sheath located beside the stem or applicator element.

  The indentation can be in particular a wide variety of shapes with or without a rounded bottom. The shape of the recess can vary along the length of the stem or sheath.

  Where appropriate, the wall thickness of the stem can vary or be constant around the housing of the stem that receives the applicator element.

  For example, because the stem exhibits a portion having at least one indentation in its cross section, the space defined between the stem and the sheath exhibits these thicknesses varying around the circumference. In embodiments, the applicator elements can be of any kind, in particular can be constituted by the same and / or all rough circular cross-sections and / or all straight bristles. .

  If the applicator element has a generally flat shape, for example as constituted by a bristled tress fixed in an elongated housing in the stem, the sheath and / or stem is For example, the sheath and the stem are substantially symmetrical about the central plane of the housing perpendicular to the long axis of the housing in cross-section so as to carry the substance substantially to the central region of the applicator element. It can comprise so that a dent may be included.

  The presence of the sheath along at least a portion of the stem slows down the flow of material toward the applicator element to obtain a flow rate adapted to the type of material to be applied and / or the type of applicator element. It is possible to do so.

In another aspect, and independently or in combination with the above, the present invention further comprises
Applicator elements other than brushes,
A stem that supports the applicator element;
A sheath,
Providing an applicator that, over at least part of the length of the stem, cooperates therewith to form a space and allows the storage of the material to be applied.

  In particular, the applicator element can be a felted tip or a flocked end. The features of the above-described embodiments can be applied to such an applicator.

In another aspect, and independently or in combination with the above, the present invention further comprises
For example, an applicator element such as a rough hair tuft;
A stem that supports the applicator element;
A sheath,
The sheath spans at least a portion of the length of the stem and cooperates therewith to form a space to allow the storage of the material to be applied, the material being placed in the space described above. Including at least one lateral opening dimensioned to fit into, in particular a lateral opening with a cross-section greater than 5 mm ² , the stem optionally moving longitudinally relative to the sheath An applicator for applying a substance is provided.

  Such an applicator can be received in a receiving part including a neck part facing the lateral opening, which is at least partially widened, and the substance flows in the direction of said lateral opening. To make it easier. Widening the neck portion can be achieved, for example, by forming a shoulder portion in the neck portion. The distance between the lateral opening and the wall of the wide neck facing this is, for example, 1.5 mm or more.

  In another aspect, the present invention further provides a device for applying a substance, in particular to the nail, the device comprising a receptacle containing the substance to be applied, as defined above It can be characterized by comprising an applicator.

  The apparatus can include a closure cap that supports the stem, the receiver includes a threaded neck, and the closure cap includes a threaded mounting skirt adapted to be screwed onto the neck. .

  The device can include a wiper.

  The neck may include a free edge that forms a sharp edge to facilitate wiping the applicator element. The stem can include a plate having an annular groove that can engage the sharp edges described above. On the neck, a mounting part that forms this sharp edge can be placed. The attachment component can be fixed to the neck portion of the receiving portion by various methods such as snap fitting.

  The closure cap can be longer than the length of the stem and / or longer than the length of the receptacle. If the closure cap constitutes a handle, the relatively long closure cap can make the application more comfortable and allow the applicator to be handled differently.

  For example, the neck can be made relatively long, thereby reducing the risk of the neck thread becoming clogged with dry material. Where appropriate, the long neck can also allow a closure cap to be formed that is long enough to mask the lateral opening formed in the sheath.

  The sheath can be a radial gap with respect to the receiving part, in particular a gap of 0.5 mm or more, when the applicator is in a suitable position on the receiving part.

  In this case, the upper end portion of the sheath can have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the neck portion.

  The closure cap may include a plurality of fins disposed on the inner surface of the closure cap, said fins serving to secure the stem, in particular a tubular shape present at the upper end of the stem. A mounting end can be received.

  The device can include an outer ring that protrudes from the outer surface of the receptacle, such ring being held by friction, for example. The ring is such that the liquid level in the receiver is below the height of the opening of the receiver, with the receiver being placed on a horizontal surface through the bottom and the ring. Can be arranged.

  The device can further comprise a sleeve, in particular an elastomeric sleeve, which is fitted on the receiving part and held there by, for example, friction. Such a sleeve can make it easier to hold the receiving part, for example.

  The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of its non-limiting embodiment and examining the accompanying drawings.

  The package and applicator device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a receiving portion 2 and an applicator 3 fixed on the receiving portion 2 by a removable method.

  In the described embodiment, the receiving part 2 contains nail enamel, but the substance present in this receiving part 2 does not exceed the scope of the invention if it is any other cosmetic or care product.

  The receiving part 2 may be made of any material compatible with the substances contained therein, for example glass, metal, plastic, in particular Barex®, polyolefins, in particular polyethylene, polyethylene / polyethylene / Manufactured with a material selected from the group consisting of ethyl vinyl alcohol / polycarbonate (PE / EVOH / PC) or polyethylene / ethyl vinyl alcohol / nylon® (PE / EVOH / NYLON®) Well, this list is not restrictive.

  In the embodiment considered, the receiving part 2 includes a neck part 4 in the upper part of its longitudinal axis Y, on the outside of which a thread 9 is formed, on which the closure cap 5 The mounting skirt 17 can be screwed. The closure cap can further serve as an applicator handle.

  As an example, the length of the closure cap 5 may be longer than the length of the receiving portion 2.

  The applicator 3 includes, at its bottom, a stem 6 having an end portion 7 and supports a tuft 10 of bristles 11 comprising at least two types of bristles. The stem 6 includes at its top end 8 for securing the closure cap 5, for example by snapping and / or by friction. In the embodiment considered, the end 8 comprises a plate 90 that can be arranged to abut against the upper edge of the neck 4 when the closure cap 5 is fully screwed.

  A tubular sheath 15 supported by the stem 6 surrounds the aforementioned stem. In the embodiment considered, the sheath 15 extends down beyond the stem 5 and partially surrounds the bristles 11 as can be seen in FIG.

  An annular space 20 is formed between the stem 6, the rough hair 11, and the inner surface 16 of the sheath 15.

  The sheath 15 includes at least one lateral opening 21 that communicates with the annular space 20 described above and opens outwardly to face the mounting skirt 17. The mounting skirt 17 is preferably long enough to mask the lateral opening 21 to improve the appearance. In a variant (not shown), the lateral opening 21 may open and appear at a position outside the mounting skirt 17.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the sheath 15 is flexible, but even if it is rigid, it does not exceed the scope of the present invention.

  The sheath 15 may optionally be made of a transparent material that is different from the material of the stem 6 and exhibits a circular cross section in the illustrated embodiment.

  In the embodiment considered, the stem 6 also has a circular cross section, the upper end of which includes a wide portion 26 connected to the distal end 8. The sheath 15 abuts against the wide portion 26.

  The sheath 15 can be secured onto the stem 6 with at least one staple 41 inserted into the wide portion 26, as can be seen in FIG. Even if the staple 41 is disposed elsewhere on the sheath 15, the aforementioned sheath is secured on the stem 6 by, for example, gluing, welding, clamping, snapping, or some other method. However, the scope of the present invention is not exceeded. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the sheath 15 can be manufactured as a single body, for example, integrally with the sheath 15 using the same material. This figure further shows the possibility of forming more than one lateral opening 21 on the sheath 15, for example two completely opposite openings.

  Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the end portion 7 of the stem 6 includes a housing 25 arranged to receive the tufts 10 of the bristles 11.

  The tufts can be secured to the end wall of the housing 25 by, for example, staples, and the bristle tufts 10 are folded, for example, in half, along the length of the bristle by staples not shown. It is fixed at the center and inserted into the end wall of the housing 25. The bristles can be secured to the aforementioned stems by means other than staples, such as by injection molding the stem over the bristles or adhesively bonding the bristles to it.

As an example, the lateral opening 21 presents a polygonal cross section, specifically a square or rectangular cross section, as can be seen in FIG. The cross section of the lateral opening 21 is advantageously large enough for the substance V to flow through easily. As an example, transverse opening cross-section, or the sum of the cross-section of said lateral opening is greater than 5 mm ^2, more preferably 9 mm ^2, more preferably 16 mm ^2, or even 20 mm ² or 25 mm ^2. In the embodiment considered, the lateral opening 21 has substantially 5 mm sides.

  Prior to application, the receiving part can be shaken with the closure cap 5 in place, so that more substance V penetrates into the space 20.

  As can be seen in FIG. 3, the substance V remains contained in the space 20 when the applicator 3 is removed from the receiving part 2. As a result of using two types of rough hair, the tress 10 exhibiting increased capillary retention prevents the substance V contained in the space 20 from flowing too quickly during application. Thus, the applicator 3 can exhibit a relatively long use time between refills, for example, so that the enamel can be applied to the nail in a single layer without immersing the applicator 3 back into the receiving part 2. To.

  The flow rate can be more easily controlled, making it possible, for example, to apply a relatively thick layer of material if necessary.

  The bristles 10 can include in particular at least two bristles 11 that exhibit different mechanical properties in bending, so that there is a gap between the bristles and the substance can be retained by capillary action. It makes it possible to obtain well-spaced rough hair tufts.

  The bristles 10 can further include bristles having a non-circular cross-section and exhibiting increased substance retention capacity.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the tress 10 of the bristles 11 includes at least two bristles that exhibit different diameters.

  In a variant or in addition, the tufts 10 of the rough hair 11 have at least two wavy patterns exhibiting different wavy patterns that differ in their shape, spatial frequency and / or their amplitude, as shown in FIG. Can include rough hair.

  10 and 11 show two examples of wavy rough hair. The rough hair of FIG. 10 has a substantially sinusoidal shape, whereas the rough hair shown in FIG. 11 has a sawtooth shape.

  The bristles 10 are further present, for example, in the range of 20% to 40% wavy rough hair, and in the range of 60% to 80% linear bristles, for example 30%. Wavy or straight bristles such as 70% straight bristles and 70% straight bristles.

  The bristles 11 used are optionally circular, and in particular can exhibit a cross section including at least one capillary groove. If these cross sections are not circular, the bristles 11 can be twisted. As an example, the bristles can include at least one helical groove.

  Specifically, for example, a circular shape having a flat portion as shown in FIG. 12, a flat shape as shown in FIG. 13, such as a cross shape shown in FIG. 14, or three branches shown in FIG. 16 having a star shape, U-shape as shown in FIG. 16, H-shape as shown in FIG. 17, T-shape as shown in FIG. 18, V-shape as shown in FIG. Shape, for example, a hollow shape such as a circular shape shown in FIG. 29 or a square polygonal shape particularly shown in FIG. 21, a shape exhibiting a branch as shown in FIG. 22, for example, a triangle shown in FIG. 24, a square shape as shown in FIG. 24, or a polygonal shape such as the hexagonal shape as shown in FIG. 25, in particular, a lens shape as shown in FIG. 26 or a length like the hourglass shape as shown in FIG. 12 to 2 like a circular shape It is possible to use bristles exhibiting a cross section having any one of the shape shown schematically in up. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, it is possible to use rough hairs having portions hinged to each other.

  Where appropriate, the bristles 11 can be exposed to a treatment, such as heat treatment, to form the respective end balls 31 as shown in FIG. 29, or as shown in FIG. Can be machined to form a simple fork 32.

  The rough hair 11 can optionally present a tapered tip as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 32, flocked rough hair 11 can be used, and of course, the rough hair 11 extrudes a plastic material containing a particle filler 33 as shown in FIG. Can be made. The particle filler, for example, increases the roughness of the rough hair and improves the substance retention capacity.

  If appropriate, the bristles 11 can exhibit magnetic or other properties.

  Essentially, all combinations of rough hair 11 are possible.

  Roughness is at least generally, for example, polyolefins, and especially polyethylene, polyamides, and especially PA6, PA6 / 6, PA6 / 10, PA6 / 12, or PA11, such as Rilsan®, the polymer Hytrel-Pebax, And yet other thermoplastic polymers, can be made from synthetic materials.

  At least a portion of the bristles 11 can be made of a material that exhibits properties that aid in sliding, for example, they are Rilsan® or PA containing molybdenum disulfide, graphite, or polytetrafluoroethylene. / 12, specifically made of Teflon (registered trademark), this list is not restrictive.

  The space 20 can be formed first between the sheath 15 and secondly between the stem 6 and the rough hair 11. 34, the sheath 15 can cooperate only with the stem 6 to form the space 20, and the sheath 15 does not extend downward beyond the end portion of the stem 6, 10 is not surrounded.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the sheath 15 can exhibit a notch 40, specifically a V-shaped notch, at the bottom 18 thereof. As an example, the notch can help collect a flow of material over a predetermined area of the applicator element.

  The cross section of the stem 6 may be circular as shown in FIG. 6, but originally may have another shape.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the stem 6 can exhibit an oval cross section in at least a part of the length from the bottom end thereof.

  The sheath 15 can have a circular cross section adapted to be fixed on the circular-cylindrical wide portion 26 of the stem 6 in its upper part and adapts to the shape of the stem 6 in its bottom part. A non-circular portion that is adapted can be presented.

  The sheath 15 cooperates with the stem 6 and / or the tuft 10 at its bottom end to form a relatively narrow gap 60. The gap 60 can follow the outer shape of the stem 6. During application, the width of the gap can change, specifically increasing locally as a result of the movement of the bristles 10 of the bristles 11 and / or as a result of the bending of the stem 6, and thus The substance V contained in the space 20 contributes to allowing it to flow easily in the direction of the bristles 11 and / or contributes to controlling the aforementioned flow.

  Where appropriate, additional relief portions 61 and 62 are respectively attached to the stem 15 to allow angular positioning of the sheath 15 relative to the stem 6 while the sheath 15 is assembled on the stem 6. 6 and sheath 15 can be formed.

  As an example, the relief portion 62 is in the form of a triangular protrusion protruding from the wide portion 26 of the stem 6, and the relief portion 61 is similarly triangular that opens to its inner surface and its upper end at the thickness of the sheath 15. It is a notch form of the shape. Sealing can be obtained in some other way, for example by pressing the conical part of the applicator against the neck of the receiving part, this conical part being, for example, under the plate 90.

  If the housing 25 that receives the bristles 10 is not circularly symmetric, for example in the shape of an oval, the staples 64 can secure the bristles in the housing by the staples 64. The long axis X of the housing may be oriented perpendicular to the long axis X as shown in FIG. 70 or parallel to the long axis X as shown in FIG. it can. The orientation of the staples 64 in the housing can contribute to the extent to which the tufts 10 expand.

  As shown in FIGS. 40 to 48, the stem 6 can include at least one indentation 46 over at least a portion of its length, particularly at its end portion 7. The housing 25 may exhibit an elongated rectangular cross-sectional opening along the axis X, as shown in FIG. The thickness e of the material surrounding the housing 25 may not be constant. In FIG. 40, the stem 6 includes two opposing recesses 46. The recess can carry the material flow to the central region of the applicator element.

  FIG. 41 shows a sheath 15 that cooperates with the stem 6 to form a space 20 over the entire periphery of the stem. The space 20 can exhibit dimensions that vary over the entire length of the periphery of the stem 6. In particular, the dimensions of the space 20 can be larger in the recesses 46, thus making it possible to construct a larger substance storage at these positions. When the stem 6 is observed in a cross section away from the recess 46, the above-described stem outline can be convex.

The shape of the housing 25 and / or the shape of the end portion 7 of the stem 6 in which the aforementioned housing 25 is formed can be modified.
As an example, FIGS. 42 to 54 show in particular the various shapes of the end portions.
In FIG. 42 it can be seen that the stem 6 includes only a single recess 46.
In FIG. 43, it can be seen that the opening of the housing 25 is not rectangular, for example it can exhibit a substantially elliptical cross section.

In FIG. 44 it can be seen that the opening of the housing 25 can present a cross section defining two shallow recesses 25c facing outwards at its long side, the two recesses 25c described above being, for example, Less conspicuous than the dent formed on the outside of the stem 6.
In FIG. 45, it can be seen that the recess 46 is relatively narrow and can further improve, for example, the flow of material to the center along the housing 25.
In FIG. 46, it can be seen that the recess 46 can exhibit a substantially triangular cross-section.

FIG. 47 shows that the wall thickness e ₁ of the housing 25 in the vicinity of the longitudinal end of the housing 25 may be substantially smaller than the wall thickness e ₂ of the central portion along the housing 25. If necessary, the thickness e ₁ can be minimized. The small thickness e ₁ makes it possible to lengthen the housing 25 along the long axis X and thus make it possible to obtain a very wide or easily spreadable brush.
FIG. 48 illustrates the possibility of having differently shaped recesses 46.
Regardless of whether there are one or more indentations 46, the end portion 7 of the stem 6 can be manufactured in various cross sections in the housing 25 to receive the bristles 10.

49 to 54 show various examples of cross sections of the end portion 7 of the stem 6 and the housing 25.
Specifically, the cross-section of the end portion 7 is oval or elliptical as shown in FIG. 49, polygonal as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, in particular square or rectangular, as shown in FIG. It can be a kidney shape, a star shape as shown in FIG. 54, or a saw wall shape as shown in FIG.
The length of the bristles of the tuft 10 is such that the free end of the bristles 11 is substantially contained in a single plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 6, as shown in FIG. Can be selected.
In a variant, the free ends of the bristles 11 of the tuft 10 can be located along a convex surface C that is not planar, for example on the side away from the stem 6, as shown in FIG. It is.
In another variant shown in FIG. 56, the free ends of the bristles of the tufts 10 are located substantially along a planar surface that is inclined with respect to the axis Y of the stem.

As shown in FIG. 57, the housing 25 that receives the tufts 10 of the bristles 11 can exhibit a constant cross-section, thus allowing, for example, obtaining a brush with bristles that are relatively close together. To do. As shown in FIG. 58, by expanding the housing 25 outwardly, the rough hairs 11 can be further expanded away from each other to form a wider tuft 10.
The tufts 10 of the rough hair 11 can exhibit different cross-sectional shapes. In FIG. 59, the brush is flat, in FIG. 60, the brush is circular, and in FIG. 61, the cross-section of the tuft 10 is curved to better match the curvature of the nail. .

FIG. 62 shows the possibility of manufacturing a sheath with a relief part 92 on the inner surface, said relief part being for example an annular rib.
As shown in FIG. 63, the neck portion 4 without the wiper includes a free edge at its upper end that may be flat or may exhibit a sharp edge 56.
The presence of sharp edges ensures that the receiving part is sealed by coming into contact with the bottom surface 57 of the distal end 8 of the stem 6. Furthermore, when removing the applicator 3 from the receiving part 2, the user can wipe the hair tuft 10 supporting the substance against the free edge 55 of the neck part 4. Due to the sharp edges 56, the substance flows into the receptacle 2. The sharp edge 56 can take on a variety of shapes.
If appropriate, and if the neck includes a sharp edge 56, a groove 66 is made in the bottom surface 57 of the plate 90 at the end 8 to receive the sharp edge 56, as shown in FIG. be able to. This can further improve the sealing when the receiving part is closed.
In the variant shown in FIG. 64, a sharp edge 56 can be formed on the part 110 fitted on the neck 4 of the receiving part.
The mounting part 110 can be fixed on the neck part 4 by snapping, said neck part comprising, for example, an outer annular groove 111, which part 110 comprises a corresponding inwardly directed flange 112. .
The mounting part can be made of, for example, a plastic material.

The receiving part 2 containing the substance to be applied can take on different shapes without exceeding the scope of the invention, as shown in FIGS.
In FIG. 65, the receiving part 2 has a normal shape and can include a ball for homogenizing the substance V.
In FIG. 66, the receiving part 2 has a constricted shape that has an outer part that tapers from the bottom towards the center and then extends again towards the top, making it easier to hold.
The constricted shape may be the shape of the receiving part 2 itself, or a sleeve fitted over the receiving part 2, in particular substantially cylindrical, for example an elastomeric sleeve. The shape may also be

The closure cap 5 can further assume a different shape, specifically a substantially conical shape, as shown in FIG. 66, without exceeding the scope of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 67, a shoulder is formed in the neck portion 4 to give a wide shape so as to provide an additional space between the inner surface of the receiving portion 2 and the sheath 15 in the opening portion 21. The space 20 can be more easily filled with the substance that permeates through the opening 21. The width of the additional space is greater than 1.5 mm, for example.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 67, the neck portion 4 is formed with a wide bottom portion 4 a that cooperates with the sheath 15, and between the sheath 15 and the upper portion 4 b that supports the screw of the neck portion 4. An annular space larger than the space 70 existing in the space is formed.
During use, the substance V can reach the lateral opening 21 by flowing through the passage 69, especially when the user shakes the receiving part 2 up and down.

FIG. 68 shows the possibility of manufacturing the wiper member 72 in the receiving part 2, which is inserted into the neck part 4, for example, and comes into contact with the upper end part of the neck part 4 by the rim 73.
The wiper member 72 can include an annular lip 74 that comes into contact with the outer surface of the sheath 15 above the lateral opening 21 when the receiving portion 2 is closed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 73 to 76, the closure cap 5 has an elongated shape with a flat upper end.
The inner surface of the cap includes a plurality of fins 120 that exhibit different lengths in the illustrated embodiment.
The fins 120 shown in FIGS. 74-76 can facilitate securing the distal end 8, particularly by friction.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 77, a link 125 such as an elastomeric ring is formed on the outer surface of the receiving portion 2, and this is held by the receiving portion 2 by friction, for example.
This ring 125 makes it easier to hold the receiving part 2 and / or to place the open receiving part in a horizontal plane without the material contained in the receiving part 2 flowing out of it. Can be possible.
Although the present invention is advantageously applied to applicator elements comprised of brushes, the present invention further provides that the bristles 10 are applicator elements other than brushes, eg, flocked ends. Advantages can also be obtained when replaced by a piece, a foam-like end, or a felt-like tip as shown in FIG.

78 and 79 show an embodiment of an applicator manufactured according to aspects of the present invention, the applicator having a stem 6 formed with at least one recess 46 and, for example, a straight circular cross section. And an applicator element constituted by a rough hair tuft which may be of any kind.
FIG. 78 further shows the sheath secured to the stem by snapping.
In a contemplated embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 79, the stem 6 includes two opposing grooves 46, but the stem 6 may include only one groove, as an example. One of the parts described above with reference to FIGS. 40-48 is more generally presented.
The stem 6 can further include at least one non-linear groove, such as a helical groove.
The stem and sheath can also take on other shapes to allow changing the thickness of the space around the stem. For example, and as shown in FIG. 80, the sheath presents at least one groove 131 or, in fact, presents two grooves 131 on its radially inner surface, thus wrinkling the recess 132 and stem In the present embodiment, No. 6 has an outer shape without any depressions in its cross section.
In a variant that is not shown, both the sheath and the stem exhibit their respective indentations in these cross sections.

Air in the space between the sheath and stem can be vented by other than through the lateral opening 21.
As an example, FIG. 81 shows an applicator having a sheath 15 with no lateral openings. The stem 6 includes a notch extending both axially between the sheath and the stem, and below the plate 90 but radially above the top edge of the sheath, the bottom end of the sheath A vent 130 is formed that allows air to vent when immersed in the material.
FIG. 82 illustrates the possibility of forming a hinge 200 in the applicator that allows the stem and sheath to move in a predetermined angular direction during use.
The hinge 200 is, for example, a film-like hinge or a restraint portion of a wire-shaped or hourglass-shaped stem portion.
The aforementioned part can be connected to the end part.
The hinge can also be manufactured differently, for example, in one or more axes, in conjunction with the ball and cage.
The sheath, in the illustrated embodiment, is secured to the stem below the hinge and pivots with the stem.
During use, application comfort is improved due to the orientation of the stem.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the characteristics of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, and in particular, the rough hair tuft is specifically illustrated in FIGS. In FIGS. 34, 36, 65, 66, 67, and 68, any other applicator element may be substituted.
Throughout the description, including the claims, the term “consisting of” is to be understood as synonymous with the term “consisting of at least one” unless specified differently.

It is a schematic side view of the apparatus for apply | coating a substance to a nail | claw with the receiving part closed. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the receiving part open. 3 is a longitudinal section of the device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic axial cross-section showing the stem and sheath of FIG. 3 separated, with the applicator element omitted. It is a figure which isolate | separates and shows the sheath of FIG. It is the figure from the bottom seen along VI of FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing an end portion of a rough hair tuft of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3. 6 is a partial longitudinal section of a different embodiment in which the stem is manufactured as a single unit with the sheath. It is the partial schematic which shows the tuft of the rough hair which consists of at least 2 types of rough hair which shows a different shape. It is a general | schematic partial side view which isolate | separates and shows a wavy rough hair. It is a general | schematic partial side view which isolate | separates and shows a wavy rough hair. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. In particular, an example of rough hair cross-section is shown. The example of the edge part of rough hair is shown. The example of the edge part of rough hair is shown. The example of the edge part of rough hair is shown. The example of the edge part of rough hair is shown. The example of the edge part of rough hair is shown. FIG. 2 is a schematic partial axial section showing a sheath and a stem supporting a coarse hair tuft, wherein the aforementioned sheath cooperates only with the stem to form a space that allows the substance to be retained. It is a figure which isolate | separates and shows the sheath containing a notch in a distal end. FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment in which a sheath surrounds an oval cross-section stem. It is a cross section in XXXVII-XXXVII of FIG. The possibility of producing stems and sheaths with complementary relief portions is shown. The possibility of producing stems and sheaths with complementary relief portions is shown. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a stem presenting two outer dents, with no bristles shown. FIG. 41 shows the stem of FIG. 40 surrounded by a sheath. It is a figure similar to FIG. 40 which shows the other example of a stem. It is a figure similar to FIG. 40 which shows the other example of a stem. It is a figure similar to FIG. 40 which shows the other example of a stem. It is a figure similar to FIG. 40 which shows the other example of a stem. It is a figure similar to FIG. 40 which shows the other example of a stem. It is a figure similar to FIG. 40 which shows the other example of a stem. It is a figure similar to FIG. 40 which shows the other example of a stem. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the shape of the housing for receiving a tuft of rough hair. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the shape of the housing for receiving a tuft of rough hair. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the shape of the housing for receiving a tuft of rough hair. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the shape of the housing for receiving a tuft of rough hair. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the shape of the housing for receiving a tuft of rough hair. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the shape of the housing for receiving a tuft of rough hair. Fig. 4 shows different end shapes of rough hair tufts. Fig. 4 shows different end shapes of rough hair tufts. Fig. 4 shows different end shapes of rough hair tufts. Fig. 4 shows different end shapes of rough hair tufts. An example of a rough hair tuft having a cross-section with a different shape is shown. An example of a rough hair tuft having a cross-section with a different shape is shown. An example of a rough hair tuft having a cross-section with a different shape is shown. It is a partial schematic longitudinal cross-section which shows the possibility of manufacturing the sheath which has a relief part in the inner surface. It is a general | schematic fragmentary axial sectional view which shows different embodiment of the neck part of a receiving part. It is a general | schematic fragmentary axial sectional view which shows different embodiment of the neck part of a receiving part. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the device of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the device of the present invention. It is a partial longitudinal cross-section which shows the possibility of manufacturing a receiving part with a wide neck part. It is a partial longitudinal cross-section which shows the possibility of forming the receiving part with a wiper member. It is a partial longitudinal section of a different embodiment of a stem. Fig. 5 shows a method of placing staples that serve to secure a bristles in a corresponding housing of a stem. Fig. 5 shows a method of placing staples that serve to secure a bristles in a corresponding housing of a stem. Shows the possibility of replacing a rough hair tuft with another applicator element. It is a figure which isolate | separates and shows the example of a closure cap. FIG. 74 is a partial schematic cross-section of the cap of FIG. 73. FIG. 75 is a schematic cross section taken along line LXXV-LXXV in FIG. 74. It is the schematic seen along LXXVI of FIG. It is different embodiment of a receiving part. Fig. 3 shows a different embodiment similar to Fig. 2; FIG. 79 is a cross-section at LXXIX in FIG. 78 with the bristles omitted for clarity of illustration. FIG. 80 is a view similar to FIG. 79 showing a different embodiment. FIG. 79 is a view similar to FIG. 78 showing another different embodiment. It is a partial longitudinal section schematic diagram of other embodiments.

Explanation of symbols

1: Applicator device 2: Receiving part 3: Applicator 4: Neck part 5: Closing cap 6: Stem 10: Hair tuft 11: Coarse hair 15: Sheath 20: Space 21: Opening 25: Housing 46: Recess

Claims (55)

An applicator (3) for applying the substance (V), in particular to the nail,
A tress (10) of rough hair (11) comprising at least two types of rough hair and / or rough hair with a non-circular cross section and / or rough hair that is not linear;
A stem (6) that supports the tufts (10) of the rough hair (11);
A sheath (15);
Wherein the sheath cooperates with the stem over at least a portion of the length of the stem (6) to form a space (20) to allow storage of the material to be provided. , wherein the sheath (15) comprises at least one lateral opening (21), and a space (20) between said sheath (15) and the stem (6) adapted to communicate outside and communicates The tress (10) of the rough hair (11) is fixed in the housing (25) at the end portion (7) of the stem (6), and the housing (25) has a long axis (X). It has an opening with a circular cross section, has at least one recess (46) in the cross section of the stem (6), and when the stem (6) is viewed in cross section, at least one of the recesses (46) Substantially along the long axis (X) of the housing An applicator that is located in the center . An applicator element;
A stem (6) supporting the applicator element;
A sheath,
And the sheath cooperates with the stem to form a space (20) over at least a portion of the length of the stem to allow storage of the material to be provided, the sheath and the stem comprising the stem The space is adapted to exhibit a cross-section adapted to exhibit a thickness that varies around the stem over at least a portion of the length of the stem, wherein the sheath (15) has at least one lateral direction. Including an opening (21) and communicating the space (20) between the sheath (15) and the stem (6) with the outside ;
The applicator element is secured in the housing (25) at an end portion (7) of the stem (6), the housing (25) having an oval cross-sectional opening with a major axis (X); The stem (6) has at least one recess (46) in the cross section, and when the stem (6) is viewed in cross section, the at least one recess (46) is located on the long axis (X) of the housing. An applicator characterized in that it is located substantially in the middle along .   3. Applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that, at least in the vicinity of the end adjacent to the applicator element, the stem (6) exhibits at least one cross-section with an outer shape that exhibits a recess (46). .   2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the tresses (10) comprise at least two coarse hairs (11) of different composition.   2. The bristles (10) comprising at least two bristles (11) having different dimensions, in particular different lengths and / or different maximum lateral dimensions. The applicator described.   6. The applicator according to claim 5, wherein the length of the long rough hair is 10% or more longer than the length of the short rough hair.   6. The applicator according to claim 5, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the thick bristles is 15% or more thicker than the maximum lateral dimension of the thin bristles.   Hair tress (10) of said rough hair (11) comprises at least two rough hairs (11) having different shapes, in particular different longitudinal shapes and / or different cross sections. The applicator according to 1.   The applicator according to claim 8, characterized in that the bristles (11) have different longitudinal shapes.   Applicator according to claim 8, characterized in that the bristles (11) have different cross-sections.   9. The applicator according to claim 8, wherein the rough hair tuft is composed of straight rough hair and wavy rough hair.   In the hair tress (10), the proportion of the linear rough hair is 60% to 80%, particularly about 70%, and the proportion of the wavy rough hair is 20% to 40%. 12. Applicator according to claim 11, characterized in that it is approximately 30%.   2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two types of rough hairs has a number of rough hairs corresponding to at least 2% of the total number of rough hairs of the applicator.   13. The sheath (15), which cooperates only with the stem (6) to form a space (20) to allow retention of a substance. The applicator according to any one of the above.   The sheath (15) forms a space (20) in cooperation with both the bristles (11) and the stem (6), and can hold a substance. The applicator according to claim 1. It said opening (21), applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least 9 mm ^2, more preferably extends over at least 16 mm ^2. It said opening (21), applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that extending over at least 20 mm ^2, in particular about 25 mm ^2.   A space (20) between the sheath (15) and the stem (6) is arranged so that a substance can be held in the space (20) by capillary action. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 17.   18. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (15) is rigid.   19. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the sheath (15) is flexible.   21. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (15) is made of a material different from the material of the stem (6).   21. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (15) is made of the same material as the stem (6).   An applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (15) has a completely smooth inner surface (16).   21. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (15) exhibits an inner surface comprising at least one relief portion (92).   25. An applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (15) is fixed to the stem (6) by stapling.   The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the sheath is held on the stem by a snap fit.   27. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the sheath (15) has a circular cross section.   26. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that over at least part of its length, the sheath (15) exhibits an oval cross section.   The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheath (15) comprises a notch (40) at the free end.   The applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that the sheath exhibits at least one indentation (131) in its cross section.   31. The applicator according to claim 30, wherein the recess (131) is present at least near the end of the sheath adjacent to the applicator element.   2. The stem (6) exhibits a cross-section with a contour exhibiting at least one indentation (46), at least in the vicinity of the end adjacent to the rough hair tuft (10). Applicator as described in. 33. Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 32 , characterized in that the stem (6) comprises two recesses (46) located opposite to each other.   2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheath (15) exhibits a varying inner cross-section. 35. The applicator according to claim 34 , wherein the sheath (15) presents a circular inner cross section at one axial end and a flat inner cross section at the opposite axial end.   The applicator according to claim 2, wherein the sheath and the stem have different cross-sections, and an interval between the sheath and the stem changes in a circumferential direction.   The applicator of claim 2, wherein the stem includes at least one linear groove extending along at least a portion of the stem.   The applicator according to claim 2, wherein the stem includes two linear grooves positioned opposite each other. 39. An applicator according to claim 37 or claim 38 , wherein the groove is opened axially at the end of the sheath located beside the stem or the applicator element.   The applicator of claim 2, wherein the wall thickness of the stem is variable around the housing of the stem that receives the applicator element. 41. A device (1) for applying a substance, in particular to a nail, said device being a receiving part (2) containing the substance to be applied, and any one of claims 1 to 40 An applicator (3). Including a closure cap (5) supporting the stem (6), wherein the receiving part (2) comprises a threaded neck (4), so that the closure cap (5) is screwed onto the neck. 42. The apparatus of claim 41 , wherein: 43. An apparatus according to claim 41 or claim 42 , wherein the apparatus does not include a wiper. 43. Apparatus according to claim 41 or claim 42 , comprising a wiper. 43. Device according to claim 41 or claim 42 , characterized in that the neck (4) comprises a free edge (55) forming a sharp edge (56). 46. Device according to claim 45 , characterized in that a mounting part (110) forming a sharp edge (56) is placed on the neck (4). 47. Device according to claim 46 , characterized in that the mounting part (110) is fixed to the neck (4) of the receiving part (2) by means of a snap fit. 43. Device according to claim 42 , characterized in that the length of the closure cap (5) is longer than the length of the stem (6). The sheath (15) includes at least one lateral opening (21) having a cross section greater than 9 mm ² , and the receiver is at least partially widened with a neck facing the lateral opening. 49. Apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 48 , comprising and adapted to facilitate the flow of the substance in the direction of the lateral opening. 50. Device according to claim 49 , characterized in that the distance between the lateral opening (21) and the wall of the wide neck facing it is 1.5 mm or more. When the applicator is in the proper position on the receiving portion, wherein the sheath, radial clearance with respect to the receiving portion, in particular, claim, characterized in that exhibits more gaps 0.5 mm 41 The device described in 1. 52. The device of claim 51 , wherein an upper end of the sheath exhibits an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the neck. 43. The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the closure cap (5) includes a plurality of fins (120) disposed on an inner surface of the closure cap (5). 54. Apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 53 , comprising an outer ring (125) secured to the outer surface of the receptacle. 42. Apparatus according to claim 41 , characterized in that a vent (130) is formed between the upper edge of the sheath and the part of the applicator to which the sheath is secured.

Images