MXPA00007116A - Device for storing and applying a product to eyelashes or eyebrows - Google Patents

Abstract

The mascara applicator has a container (11) for the cosmetic and applicator (12) with rows of teeth (18a,b) have a succession of consecutive teeth with aligned bases which are offset alternatingly on each side of a separation plane (5). The teeth are plastics and can be moulded integrally with the base.

Description

APPLICATOR DEVICE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to an applicator device and methods for using such devices, to apply a product. In particular, the present invention is directed to an applicator device for the application of a product, such as a cosmetic product, for example, to eyelashes or eyebrows. The applicator can be combined with a container to contain the product to be applied. In one embodiment, the package includes a brush, such as a wired member. The applicator of the present invention preferably includes a rod (i.e., a rod) with at least one row of a succession of consecutive teeth comprising a base or root and a portion extending from the root. The roots of the succession of consecutive teeth are substantially aligned and the portions extending from the roots of the succession of teeth are alternately offset on each side of a geometric separation surface. That is, the extending portion of a tooth is on one side of the geometric separation surface, and the extending portion of the tooth Next consecutive REF.121818 is on the second side of the geometric separation surface opposite the first side. The applicator can be loaded with product between the teeth when the applicator is removed from the package and, if present, through the brush. The term "substantially aligned" as used throughout the specification and claims should be understood to mean that a portion of each of the consecutive tooth roots is placed on a first side of a line passing through the roots of the consecutive teeth, and another portion of each of the roots of the consecutive teeth is placed on a second side of the line opposite the first side, wherein the line is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base portion on which it is placed. place the teeth. An example of a modality with such "substantially aligned" roots includes consecutive teeth placed so that a straight line passes through the centers of each of the roots of the consecutive teeth. However, other embodiments are also contemplated by the present invention, some of which are shown in the appended figures and will be discussed further in the following description of the invention. The applicator according to the invention is one in which the row of teeth includes a succession of consecutive teeth with substantially aligned roots and portions extending from the roots of consecutive teeth placed alternately on opposite sides of a geometric separation surface. Aligning substantially the roots of the teeth and the alternating positioning portions that extend from the roots of the consecutive teeth generates advantages. For example, by modifying the geometry of the teeth and the separation of the teeth it is possible to form cavities between the teeth, the size of which can be selected according to the geometry and separation of the teeth. These cavities can be filled with product so that larger amounts of product are loaded onto the application element and therefore applied. In addition, it is possible to produce an application element capable of being loaded with a significant amount of product, without this reducing the ability of the application element to hold the tabs during application of the product. The teeth may be spaced apart at their roots so that the eyelashes can be effectively held between two consecutive teeth. At the same time, the extension of spacing between the free ends of consecutive teeth can allow the formation of product deposits on the application element.

The geometric configuration of the teeth also allows small fibers to be included in the product so that they are aligned so that they are substantially parallel to each other as the product is applied, or that the teeth are passed through a brush, or both. This alignment occurs as a result of a type of bottleneck effect that occurs between the two consecutive teeth. The spacing between the roots of two consecutive teeth may preferably be less than or equal to about 0.4 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the geometric separation surface passes through the root centers of the consecutive teeth. The application element preferably also includes a base portion. The teeth and the base portion can be made by plastic molding, preferably as a one-piece construction. The base portion can be fixed to a rod, for example a rod. applicator, and the axis of the base portion may be parallel or at an angle to the axis of the rod or applicator rod. The geometric separation surface can be a plane, preferably a plane of symmetry of the base portion.

Preferably, the geometric separation surface is a dividing line for molding the teeth, or application element. The geometric separation surface may also be non-planar, for example, twisted, such as a helical or curved surface. The applicator rod can be flat, substantially cylindrical or have many other configurations depending on the desired application effects and ergonomics. In addition, in a distal end portion, the rod may include a connector with which the base portion can be removably coupled. In a preferred embodiment, the connector includes a housing or enclosure defining a slot configured to receive the base portion. The housing may also have a longitudinal axis that is either parallel or at an angle to the axis of the rod, for example the longitudinal axis of the housing may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The slot is configured to receive the base portion, and in one embodiment can be applied with the roots of the teeth. The base portion can also be produced by plastic molded as a single piece with the rod or the applicator rod. The application element can be produced by plastic molding as a single piece with the applicator rod and with a sealing member configured to seal the closed package when it is not in use. The sealing member may be a shaped surface to be placed in a sealed manner in the container neck. Preferably, a cap is placed on the end of the applicator, opposite the end on which the teeth are placed, the lid is configured to close the container. The lid can also be provided with a sealing member to seal the package sealable. When the application element is observed along its axis, at least two consecutive teeth may have free ends which diverge away from, may converge towards, be transverse or substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, when the application element is observed along its axis, a tooth of at least two consecutive teeth may have a free end that diverges away from the free end of the other tooth of at least two consecutive teeth, while the another tooth may have a free end that is substantially straight. When the application element is observed along its axis, at least two consecutive teeth may have free ends which are substantially aligned, and preferably three consecutive teeth may have free ends substantially aligned.

The application element may include teeth which have free ends directed towards a distal end of the applicator alternating with each tooth which has free ends directed towards a proximal end of the applicator. The teeth may form between them a housing or enclosure having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. The housing or enclosure can be configured to accdate an internal application element, such as a brush of the twisted wire type, for example. The applicator may have only one row of teeth, essentially forming a comb. Alternatively, the applicator may have more than one row of teeth disposed at different angular positions around the applicator, essentially forming a brush. For example, the applicator may include a row of teeth disposed on a substantially opposite side of the applicator as another row of teeth. The applicator may also include, for example, a base having a polygonal or non-polygonal cross section. At least one row of teeth preferably extends essentially in the continuation of one side of the base portion when the base has a polygonal shape. When the base portion has a non-polygonal shape, such as a circular or elliptical shape, the roots of the rows of the teeth are connected to the base portion essentially on a tangent. An applicator having these configurations may allow the base portion to apply the product to the eyelashes, and to cause more gradual contact between the eyelashes and the teeth. An applicator that has this structure can also promote the curling of the eyelashes. The applicator may include a rod and an application element in which the teeth are placed. The application element can be placed in a distal end portion of the rod. The application element can be made of more flexible material than the rod. For example, the application element can be made of a plastic that has greater flexibility than the plastic used to make the rod. Therefore, greater comfort can be obtained when the applicator is used. As an alternative, the rod can be manufactured from a plastic which is more flexible than the material used to make the application element. It is therefore possible, for manufacturing reasons, to use a relatively inflexible material to make the application element and compensate for the lack of flexibility of the application element at the time of application, using the flexibility of the rod or rod. Similarly, the teeth can be made from a different material than the base portion. The height of the teeth may vary. As a preference, the height of the teeth varies from about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm. More preferably, the height of the teeth varies from about 7 mm to 13 mm. Another aspect of the invention includes an applicator for applying a product to the flanges comprising a rod and a base portion positioned at a rod end. The applicator further includes at least one row of teeth including roots placed on the base portion and portions extending from the roots. Roots of consecutive teeth are substantially aligned and portions extending from the roots of consecutive teeth are placed on opposite sides of a geometric separation surface. The width of the base portion preferably is greater than the width of the roots. A second row of teeth can also be placed on the base portion. The second row of teeth can be positioned so that the rows are oriented in substantially opposite directions. The portions that extend from the roots of two consecutive teeth may diverge away from each other.

These diverging portions may be close to the roots of the teeth. The teeth can have different lengths and the roots of the teeth can either be in contact with or be separated from each other. The teeth can be placed on the base portion asymmetrically with respect to a line along which the roots are aligned. The base portion includes two opposite ends, one of which can be connected to a distal end portion of the rod. Alternatively, the base portion may be connected to the distal end portion of the stem along a portion of the base portion located between opposite ends. At least one of the teeth may include a hollow portion that extends along the length of the tooth. Preferably, at least one side of the tooth has an opening that faces the hollow portion. As mentioned, the application can be part of a system that includes a container. The package can have a brush. Preferably, the brush is deformable and may include an open cell foam block or an elastomeric lip, or other similar suitable configuration. Another aspect of the invention includes an applicator comprising a rod and a base portion at one end of the rod. At least one row of the teeth including the roots is placed on the base portion and the roots of the consecutive teeth in at least one row are substantially aligned along a plane passing through the roots of the roots. consecutive teeth, the consecutive teeth include portions that extend from their roots and that are alternately offset on both sides of the alignment plane. According to another aspect of the invention, an applicator is included as described in the preceding paragraphs, with a container configured to contain the product. The applicator and the container comprise an applicator system. Preferably, a cosmetic product, such as a mask, is contained within the package. The package may include an opening configured to allow passage of at least a base portion of the applicator to the interior of the package. The system may also include a cap placed on one end of the rod opposite the rod end on which the teeth are placed. The lid can be configured to sealingly seal the opening of the container. The invention also includes a method for applying a product to the eyelashes using an applicator or a system as described in the preceding paragraphs. The method includes loading a product onto at least part of the teeth and placing at least part of the teeth in contact with the eyelashes so that the product covers the eyelashes. The loaded can include inserting in the applicator or a portion thereof into the container containing the product and removing the applicator from the container and cleaning the excess product from the teeth. Alternatively, the loaded can include either delivering the product from the package onto the teeth or contacting the teeth with a solid product cake. The solid cake of the product can preferably be moistened and the teeth make contact with the moistened product cake. In this last loaded form, the humidification step may include either wetting the teeth and then contacting the teeth with the product, or wetting the product directly. The method further comprises fastening the flanges between consecutive teeth. Preferably, the product that is applied is a mask. If the mask includes fibers, the method further includes orienting the fibers with the teeth so that the fibers are substantially parallel to the eyelashes as the product is applied. When the applicator includes a base portion on which the teeth and a rod are placed, and the base portion is removably connectable to the rod; The method also includes connecting the base portion of the applicator to the rod. This allows an applicator to include interchangeable base portions that have different configurations of teeth placed thereon. Thus, the user can select various tooth configurations for the applicator, as desired to obtain different application effects. The applicator of the invention, as described above, can be used to apply a cosmetic product, preferably a mask to the eyelashes. However, other products can be applied to other surfaces and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the application according to the present invention can also be used to comb the eyelashes or eyebrows, for example. In addition to the structural and procedural arrangements set forth in the foregoing, the invention may include numerous other arrangements such as those explained hereafter. It should be understood that the above explanation and the description that follows are exemplary, and are intended to provide a further explanation of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an applicator system including the applicator according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 1, with the applicator device inserted into the container having a brush in the form of an open cell foam block, according to the present invention; Figure 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 1, wherein the brush is in the form of an elastomeric lip; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the application element of the applicator device of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a close view along the line IV-IV of Figure 3, showing the consecutive teeth of the application element; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the application element showing an arrangement of the teeth according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the application element showing an arrangement of the teeth, according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the application element showing an arrangement of the teeth according to another additional embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a view, seen along the longitudinal axis of the application member, of a base and two consecutive teeth of the application member, in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 9 is a view, seen through the longitudinal axis of the application member, of a base and two consecutive teeth of the application member, according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 10 is a view, seen along the longitudinal axis of the application member, of a base and two consecutive teeth of the application member, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention; Figure 11 is a view, seen along the longitudinal axis of the application member, of a base and two consecutive teeth of the application member, according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 12 is an application element having a second row of teeth opposite the first row; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an applicator system with an applicator device having an application element with a longitudinal axis directed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator rod; Fig. 14 is a partial sectional view showing the engagement of the applicator element with a distal end portion of the applicator rod of Fig. 13; Figure 15 is a side view of a comb according to an aspect of the present invention with a base portion in a triangular shape and having a row of teeth essentially in continuation or with one side of the base portion; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a brush according to one aspect of the present invention with three rows of teeth extending essentially radially from a triangular base; Figure 17 is a view, seen along the longitudinal axis of the application member, of a base portion and two consecutive teeth of the application member, according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 18 is a view, seen along the longitudinal axis of the application member, of a base and two consecutive teeth of the application member, according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 19 is a view of a base, observed along the longitudinal axis of the application member, and two consecutive teeth that are coated with small fibers, according to another aspect of the invention; - Figure 20 is a close perspective view of a series of three consecutive teeth that are hollow, according to another aspect of the invention; Fig. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an applicator system according to the present invention, wherein the product to be applied is supplied on the application member from a flexible tubular container; Figure 22 is a perspective view of another additional embodiment of an applicator system according to the present invention, wherein the product to be applied is in the form of a cake or powder; Figure 23 is a perspective view of an applicator device according to another aspect of the invention, wherein the distal end of the application member includes a substantially pointed tip; Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an applicator device having a configuration similar to the applicator device of Fig. 13, wherein the base of the application element is molded as one piece with the rod; Figure 25 is a partial perspective view of an applicator wherein the applicator element is removably engageable with a distal end portion of the stem according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 26 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth having free ends diverging alternately away from adjacent teeth and extending substantially straight; Figure 27 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having some consecutive teeth with substantially aligned free ends, some consecutive teeth with crossed free ends, and some consecutive teeth with diverging free ends, and some consecutive teeth with substantially parallel free ends, according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 28 is a partial top perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth with substantially aligned roots and portions extending from the roots diverging away from each other, in accordance with one aspect of the invention; Fig. 28A is a cross-sectional view, taken along line A-A of the applicator of Fig. 28, showing an example of substantially aligned roots, according to one aspect of the invention; Fig. 29 is a partial top perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth with roots, substantially aligned, according to a further aspect of the invention; and Figure 30 is a partial side view of an applicator having teeth with different heights wherein the base portion of the applicator is flexible, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and description to refer to the same or similar parts, and the same reference numerals are used with alphanumeric subfixes to refer to similar parts. In Figures 1 to 4 an applicator system 10 is shown, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The applicator system 10 shown includes a package 11 containing a product, for example, a cosmetic product such as a mask and an applicator 12. The applicator 12 includes a rod 13 having a longitudinal axis. An application element 14 is placed on one end of the rod 13 and a handle or fastening element 15 is placed at the opposite end. The handle or fastening element 15 is also in the form of a lid for closing the container 11. The package 11 preferably includes a wired member, or brush 16. The brush 16 can be manufactured from an open cell foam block, as shown in Figure 2, or an elastomeric material or other similar suitable material. Other types of wired members or brushes may be used, such as, for example, a flexible lip 16A, as shown in Figure 2A, which may or may not be coated with small fibers. The brush can be configured so that it flexes or deforms to adapt to the shape of the application element as it passes through the brush. When the container is not in use, it is sealed, for example by providing a sealing member 9 on the handle, or the holding member 15 or, alternatively, on the applicator rod 13. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the application element can be essentially in the form of a comb 14 that includes a single row of teeth placed on a relatively broad base 17 having a longitudinal Z-axis. Preferably, the teeth 18 are molded as a single piece with a base 17 using plastic. In the embodiments shown, the application element 14 extends from a distal end of the applicator rod 13 and substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the applicator rod 13. On at least part of its length, the rod or rod 13 has a diameter or width smaller than the comb 14 so as to avoid permanently deforming the brush 16 or 16A. The application element 14 preferably includes two sets of teeth 18a and 18b having roots 19 which are substantially aligned along the X axis of the base 17. The consecutive roots 19 may be contiguous or non-contiguous. At least part of the length of the upper portions of the teeth 18a and 18b extending from the roots are alternately placed on each side of a geometric separation surface S which, in the figures, is a plane running parallel to the roots 19 of the teeth and containing the Z axis of the base 17. Therefore, the consecutive teeth have part of the length of their respective upper portions on opposite sides of the teeth. the geometric separation surface. The Z axis of the base 17 may coincide or be parallel with the X axis of the rod 13, or may establish an angle therewith, depending on the desired ergonomics of the applicator. The total height of the tooth preferably ranges from about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm, and more preferably from about 7 mm to about 13 mm. The heights of the roots of the teeth and the total height of the teeth need not be uniform, and may vary from one another.

As can be seen in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the tooth 18a has its respective free ends inclined to the left, while the tooth 18b, each of which is placed between two teeth 18a, has its free ends respective inclined to the right. By virtue of this configuration of the teeth 18a and 18b on the application element 14, it is possible to have a gap of almost zero or very small, for example, less than or equal to about 0.4 mm, between the roots 19 of the teeth. The total length of a row of consecutive teeth preferably ranges from about 10 mm to about 45 mm, and more preferably from about 15 mm to about 28 mm. A further preferred range for the total length of a row of successive teeth is from about 20 mm to about 26 mm. The number of teeth per row preferably ranges from about 6 to about 50, and more preferably from about 10 to about 35, and even much more preferably, from about 15 to about 32. The configuration of the teeth in the element The applicator is such that two consecutive teeth form notches between them and may allow the application element to hold the eyelashes during the application of the product to the eyelashes. This can result in improvements in the lengthening and curling of the eyelashes. In addition, the deviation of the upper portions of the teeth can be formed between the cavities which are capable of maintaining product deposits on the application element. This can improve the loading of the product in the applicator so that more product can be applied before it is necessary to reload the applicator. Each of these effects, that is, the effect of clamping and the effect of loading of product, helps to improve the appearance of the applied product, and therefore the effect of general make-up. The basis of the application element can be constituted in several ways. By way of example, Figure 5 shows an application element 20 essentially in the form of a comb including a narrower base 22 and two series of teeth 28a and 28b forming a row of consecutive teeth. The consecutive teeth 28a and 28b have roots 29 which are aligned substantially along the axis Z of the base 22, and have upper portions extending from the roots and including the free ends of the teeth, which are alternately arranged on each side of the geometric separation surface S (ie, the upper portion of the teeth 28a is on one side of the geometric separation surface S, and the upper portion of the teeth 28b is on the opposite side of the surface S ). The geometric separation surface may include a middle geometry plane of the base 22, for example. The width of the base 22 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is only slightly larger than the width of the roots 29 of the teeth. The base 22 holding the teeth of the comb can be straight, and have a longitudinal Z axis, as shown in Figure 5, or it can be curved, about a K axis, for example, as shown in Figure 6, or allow it to constitute a dashed or zigzag line (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the axis K is substantially perpendicular to the roots of the teeth of the comb 30. However, the base 22 can be bent about an axis different from the perpendicular of the roots of the teeth. An application element 30 having teeth with upper portions directed towards the distal end of the application element, alternating with teeth with upper portions directed towards the applicator rod, or the proximal end of the application element is also shown in figure 6. This arrangement of the teeth is, in addition to the upper portions of the teeth that are alternately offset to the right and to the left.

The base may also be curved about an axis substantially parallel to the roots of the teeth, as in the embodiment of the application element 40 shown in Fig. 7, in the application element shown in Fig. 7, the surface of geometric separation, on both sides of which at least the portions of the teeth extend from the roots and are arranged alternately, is a cylindrical surface with a directrix formed by the axis of the base and a generatrix parallel to the roots of the teeth. The guideline in the embodiment shown is a curved line and the generatrix is perpendicular to the plane of Figure 7. If the geometrical separation surface is cylindrical, for example, the directrix may in general be a curved or broken line, such as, for example, example, a zigzag line. The geometry of the base portion of the teeth can be chosen according to the type of makeup and the kind of product that is to be applied to the eyelashes, as well as the desired aesthetic effects. The teeth of the application element can be produced in many ways, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the two alternating series of teeth can each have teeth with roots that have symmetry of revolution. Alternatively, roots do not need to have symmetry of revolution. In addition, the roots of the teeth can have a circular, polygonal or similar cross section. In addition, the upper portions of the free ends of the teeth may have a rounded head or may be hooked (not shown). In general, the geometry of the teeth will be chosen according to the nature of the product to be applied to the eyelashes and the appearance of the makeup that is desired. Figures 8 to 11, 17 and 18 show various configurations of teeth, as seen along the longitudinal axis of the base of the application element. For example, Figure 8 shows an application element 50 essentially in the form of a comb with two alternating series of teeth 51a and 51b, the roots 52 of which are substantially aligned in the base portion 53. The teeth 51a and 51b have generally curved shapes, essentially concave on their respective inner portions and define a housing or enclosure 55 therebetween. The enclosure 55 can accommodate an internal application element brush 56, such as a brush, for example of the twisted wire type, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The free ends 54 of the teeth are directed towards. in, or - converge towards the alternating teeth, but do not intersect with the brush when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the base portion 53. Alternatively, the free ends of the teeth may be crossed when the comb is observed along the longitudinal axis of the base portion. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 10, in which the free ends 67 of the alternating consecutive teeth 61a and 61b cross when the comb is observed along the longitudinal axis of the base portion. The free ends of the consecutive teeth can also diverge away from each other when the comb is observed along the longitudinal axis of the bases, as seen in Figure 11. As shown, the free ends 77 of the two alternating series of teeth 71a and 71b of the comb 70 diverge. Additionally, the inclination of the teeth with respect to the base can result in a tangential contact with the eyelashes at the time of application. The application element 120 shown in Figure 17 has consecutive teeth 121a and 121b with free ends 122 substantially aligned. In the embodiment shown, this alignment occurs along a line parallel to the line in which the roots of the teeth are substantially aligned.

In another embodiment of the applicator, as shown in FIG. 18, the application element 130 has consecutive teeth 131a and 131b with free ends 132 extending in a direction substantially parallel to each other. Thus, the free ends 132 point substantially in the same direction. In figure 26 a perspective view of an application element 260 is shown. The application element 260 includes two series of teeth 261a and 261b which form a row of consecutive teeth. The rows of the consecutive teeth 261a, 261b are substantially aligned. The free ends of the teeth are arranged so that the consecutive teeth alternatingly have a substantially straight free end, i.e. the free ends of the teeth in the series 261a shown in the figure and the free ends diverging away from the end free substantially straight, that is, the free ends of the teeth in the series 261b shown in the figure. The application element may also include a combination of consecutive teeth, some of the consecutive teeth have diverging free ends, some have converging free ends, some have free ends aligned and some have transverse or crossed free ends, and some more have parallel free ends , and any combination thereof, as shown in Figure 27. As mentioned above, the invention is not limited to an application element having a row of teeth, but also includes application elements that include several rows of teeth. teeth, which essentially form a brush, for example, in such brush modalities, at least one of the rows of the teeth has roots which are substantially aligned, and potions of the length of the teeth extend from the roots which they are alternately offset on each side of a geometric separation surface. For example, the application element may include a second row of consecutive teeth 91c and 91d opposite the first row of teeth 91a and 91b, as illustrated by the cross-sectional view of the brush 10 shown in FIG. 12. The base of the application element may have a polygonal cross-section, for example, a triangular cross-section, with a row of teeth extending substantially in continuation of each side. This may make it feasible for the tabs to contact the base portion so that they are loaded with product at the time of application. An example of such a polygonal base portion with rows of teeth extending in continuation on each side of the base is shown in Figure 15. In this figure, a row of successive alternating teeth 93a, 93b have roots 90 extending substantially at the continuation of a side 91 of the base portion of the triangular section. Alternatively, the roots of the rows of teeth can extend radially from the base portion. By way of example, Figure 16 shows an applicator 100 substantially in the form of a brush having a triangular section base of three rows 101 to 103 of consecutive teeth. Roots of consecutive teeth in each row are substantially aligned and portions of the length of the teeth that extend from the roots alternately deviate on each side of the roots of the teeth. In Figure 16, the teeth start out from the vertices of the base portion and the roots of different rows of the teeth are radially oriented. The base portion may have edges to which the teeth are connected and are supplied in a helical pitch arrangement either constant or variable. In many of the embodiments that have been described, the base portion extends substantially in the continuation of the applicator rod. That is, a proximal end of the base is attached to a distal end portion of the applicator vagina, and a distal end of the base provides a free end of the applicator. However, figures 13, 14 and 24 show an application element 80 (figures 13 and 14), 240 (FIG. 24) substantially in the form of a comb in which the longitudinal axis Z of the application element extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator rod 84 (FIGS. 13 and 14), 244 (FIG. 24). Therefore, a lateral surface of the applicator element or the base portion between the two opposite ends is connected to the distal end portion of the applicator rod. Preferably, the applicator rod is flat, as shown. Application element 80, which is shown in Figures 13 and 14, includes an alternating series of teeth 85a and 85b with roots 86 substantially aligned, as can be seen more clearly in Figure 14. These teeth can be produced when molding plastic as a single piece with the base portion 87 and then the base portion 87 can be inserted into a connector 81 in the form of a housing or enclosure formed in the distal end portion of the applicator rod 84. Fig. 14 illustrates the insertion of the base portion 87 of the application element 80 into the housing 81, which is preferably performed by sliding along the axis Z. The housing 81 can define a slot 82 in the front or the distal portion to allow passage of roots 86 of teeth 85a and 85b. Preferably, the width of this groove 82 corresponds substantially to the thickness of the grooves 86 of the teeth. Therefore, the application element 80 is held in the housing 81 by the fact that the roots 86 are clamped between opposite edges of the groove 82. This assembly allows the application element to be made of an elastomeric plastic and that the Rod 84 is a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. Figures 19 and 20 show various configurations for the teeth of the application member that can help to obtain the desired application characteristics and effects. As shown in Figure 19, the teeth 191a, 191b may have small fiber coating distributed therein. This coating with small fibers can be included as part of the plastic used to mold the teeth. In addition, although not shown, the base portion can also be coated with small fibers. As shown in Figure 20, the teeth 201a, 201b may have hollow portions 202. The hollow portions preferably extend along at least a portion of the length of the teeth and an opening 202 'on one side of the teeth allows access to the hollow portion. These hollow portions can retain product and therefore promote loading of the product onto the applicator in addition to an increased loading effect obtained by the areas formed between the teeth.

The alternatives to the applicator system discussed with respect to Figures 1 and 2 are shown in Figures 21 and 22. Figure 21 illustrates an applicator system in which the product is stored in a tube-like package 210. This tube is preferably made of a flexible material which, when depressed, can deliver product onto the application element of the applicator device. Other dispensers may also be used to supply the product in the application element, such as a pump type jet, for example, and are considered within the scope of the invention. The applicator system shown in Figure 22 includes a container 220 that maintains a solid product cake 225. This solid cake may preferably be moistened and the application member may run through the moistened part of the product to load the product onto. the applicator device. Alternatively, the application element may be wetted and run through the non-wetted product. For the embodiments shown in figures 21 and 22, it is not necessary to equip the proximal end of the applicator device with a handle or a lid, as the applicator device is not stored in the package containing the product and is not required to be closed such a container. In addition, in these modalities, the rod itself can be used as a handle.

Figure 23 illustrates another additional aspect of the applicator of the present invention. The applicator shown in Fig. 23 includes a pointed tip 235 extending from the base 233 of the application element 231. By loading the application element 231 with product, the pointed tip 235 is also loaded with product and can serve as a tool for delineating the eyes or as a pick-up device for taking through individual tabs. Figure 24 shows an applicator similar in configuration to the applicator of Figure 13. However, in the embodiment shown, the base portion 243 is formed essentially as a single piece of structure molded with the rod. Similarly, the tooth 241 can be molded as a single piece with the base portion 243 and the stem 244. Figure 25 shows another embodiment of the applicator wherein the base portion of the applicator element can be removably connected to a formed connector housing in the distal end portion of the rod. Again, the housing essentially forms a slot with which the base portion of the application element can be coupled. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, one end of the application element 250 is connected, when inserted into the connector 257 at the distal end portion of the rod 255, to the distal end portion of the rod. . In Figure 25, the longitudinal axis of the application element 251, once inserted in the connector 257, extends from the rod substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the rod. Figures 28 and 28A illustrate an example of the arrangement of consecutive teeth in the application element 281, where the roots 289a and 289b are "substantially aligned" with each other within the definition of that term, as used herein. Therefore, as shown more clearly in Figure 28A, the roots 289a and 289b slightly overlap each other when the application element is observed along its longitudinal axis and is considered to be substantially aligned. Figure 29 illustrates an embodiment of an applicator according to the invention wherein the teeth 292a and 292b have roots 299 with enlarged portions extending in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the portions of the teeth extending from the roots. Therefore, the consecutive teeth have portions that extend from the roots of the teeth, extending alternately from the opposite sides of the roots, that is, alternately on the left side of the roots and on the right side of the roots, when the application element is observed along its longitudinal axis. Figure 30 shows an applicator wherein the application element 331, which includes the base portion 333, has a curved longitudinal axis. Preferably, the base portion is substantially flexible which allows it to be bent as the product is applied. As shown in Fig. 30, wherein the surface of the base portion in which the teeth are placed is preferably convex. This convex configuration causes the adjacent teeth to diverge away from each other, therefore, allowing a relatively large amount of product to be contained between adjacent teeth and consecutive teeth. In addition, the applicator shown in Figure 30 can obtain an improved loading of the teeth with product, insofar as the application element is extracted through a brush. This is because the force of the brush on the application element will tend to straighten or turn the axes of the application element straight and cause the teeth to move towards each other, particularly toward a middle portion (along the length of the teeth). teeth) of the application element. As the teeth move towards each other, the product may be the drive between the teeth toward the base portion, again allowing the application element to retain a relatively large amount of product. The invention is not restricted to the modalities which have just been described. For example, the teeth may have different shapes than those described and the teeth do not need to have the same shape with each other. In general, the particular characteristics of each of the described modalities can be combined, according to the type of product to be applied and the desired application effect. Therefore, the application element can include a tooth feeling that includes a first and second series of teeth which alternate, the teeth of the first series have a different shape than the teeth of the second series. One of the series of teeth in itself can be constituted by teeth with shapes that differ or even with different heights. The teeth can have a height that varies according to the axial position along the application element, for example a height which increases, decreases, decreases and then increases or increases and then decreases from one end of the element. application to the other.The teeth can have a surface condition which increases the amount of product with which the application element is loaded. For example, the teeth and / or the base portion may include capillary grooves or lining with small fibers, on all or parts of their surfaces. An example of such a coating with small fibers in the teeth is shown in Figure 19. The teeth may undergo a surface treatment by. abrasion so that they form hairpins on the ends of the teeth, for example. The teeth may undergo heat treatment, for example, to round their extremities to form a bubble at their free end. The teeth therefore become less aggressive towards the eyelashes. The teeth, the base portion or both can also be coated with a slip agent, such as a lacquer or Teflon, for example, to allow them to slip better along the lashes, or alternatively, to provide them with greater roughness . Such slip agents alternatively, or in addition, can be added to the material used to form the teeth. The application element, and especially the teeth, may also include active ingredients such as preservatives, humectants, copper salts, and magnetic particles or other suitable materials or the like, to be released into the product when the product is loaded onto the element. application. These active ingredients can be included in the material used to form the application element, or they can be coated on the application element, or both. In addition, products can be used that modify the surface tension of the application element on contact with moisture, to form teeth or to coat the teeth. The application element is preferably manufactured by plastic injection molding, but as an alternative, methods for forming material by compression, stamping or twisting can be used. The base portion may include grooves or relieves configured to retain the product. Although numerous configurations for the teeth in the comb are contemplated by the invention, in each of the described embodiments, preferably the length of a row of consecutive teeth will vary from about 10 mm to about 45 mm, and more preferably from about 15 mm. mm to about 28 mm, and even more preferably from about 20 mm to about 26 mm. The individual lengths of each tooth will preferably vary from about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm, and much more preferably from about 7 mm to about 13 mm. The number of teeth in a row of consecutive teeth will preferably range from about 6 to about 50, and more preferably from about 10 to about 35, and even much more preferably from about 15 to about 32. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the art, various modifications and variations to the structure and methodology of the present invention can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the modalities and examples discussed in the specification. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations of this invention, with the proviso that they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (50)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A system for applying a product to the eyelashes, characterized in that it comprises: a container configured to contain the product; and an applicator that includes at least one row of teeth, at least one row of teeth includes a succession of consecutive teeth, each tooth in the succession of teeth includes: a root, and a portion extending from the root, in where the roots of the consecutive teeth are substantially aligned, and the portions extending from the roots of the consecutive teeth deviate alternately on each side of the geometric separation surface.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth are made of plastic.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a base portion on which the teeth are placed.

4. The system in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that the teeth and the base portion are made of plastic.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator further comprises a rod.

6. The system in accordance with the claim 5, characterized in that the applicator further comprises a base portion on which the teeth are placed.

7. The system in accordance with the claim 6, characterized in that the base portion is configured to be removably connected to the rod.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that the rod is substantially flat.

9. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that the base portion is removably engageable with a connector in a distal end portion of the rod.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the connector defines a slot configured to receive the base portion.

11. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the base portion is molded as one piece with the rod.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a sealing member for sealing the container.

13. The system in accordance with the claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a lid placed on one end of the applicator, opposite to an end on which the teeth are placed.

14. The system in accordance with the claim 13, characterized in that the lid includes a sealing member for sealing the container.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the applicator is observed along a longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element in which the teeth are placed, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends that diverge away from each other. one from another.

16. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the applicator is observed along a longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element in which the teeth are placed, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends that converge one towards the other.

- 17. The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that when the applicator is observed along a longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element in which the teeth are placed, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends that cross each other.

18. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the applicator is observed along a longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element on which the teeth are placed, at least two consecutive teeth have substantially parallel free ends each.

19. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the applicator is observed along a longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element in which the teeth are placed, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends aligned substantially between yes.

20. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that at least two consecutive teeth include three consecutive teeth.

21. The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the applicator includes consecutive teeth having ends of teeth directed towards a distal end of the applicator alternating with teeth having free ends directed towards a proximal end of the applicator.

22. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the applicator is observed along a longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element, a tooth of a pair of consecutive teeth are substantially straight, and the other tooth of the pair diverges moving away from the substantially straight tooth.

23. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth define an enclosure between them, the enclosure has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

24 The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the enclosure is configured to accommodate an internal application element.

25. The system according to claim 24, characterized in that the internal application element includes a brush member.

26. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that it also comprises an internal application element placed in the enclosure.

27. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that the internal application element includes a brush member.

28. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator includes a rod and an application element in which the teeth are placed, the application element is placed on a distal end of the rod.

29. The system according to claim 28, characterized in that the application element is made of a plastic that is more flexible than the plastic used to make the rod.

30. The system according to claim 28, characterized in that the application element is made of a plastic that is less flexible than a plastic used to make the rod.

31. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the geometric separation surface passes through the roots of the consecutive teeth.

32. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the geometric separation surface is a plane.

33. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth are placed on a base portion and the geometric separation surface is a plane symmetry of the base portion.

34. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the geometric separation surface is not planar.

35. The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the geometrical separation surface is bent.

36. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the roots of two consecutive teeth is no greater than about 0.4 mm.

37. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the teeth have different heights.

38. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth have a height ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm.

39. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth have a height ranging from about 7 mm to about 13 mm.

40. The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the applicator includes a single row of consecutive teeth forming a comb-like configuration.

41. The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the applicator includes a plurality of rows of teeth that form a brush-like configuration.

42. The system in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that the base portion has a cross section that is chosen from a polygonal cross section and a non-polygonal cross section.

43. The system in accordance with the claim 42, characterized in that the base portion has a polygonal cross section and the applicator includes at least one row of consecutive teeth having rows extending substantially in continuation of one side of the base portion.

44. The system according to claim 42, characterized in that the base portion has a non-polygonal cross section and the applicator includes at least one row of consecutive teeth having roots that extend substantially tangentially to the base portion.

45. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the roots are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the row.

46. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a brush configured to remove excess product from the teeth when the applicator is removed from the container.

47. The system according to claim 46, characterized in that the brush is deformable.

48. The system in accordance with the claim 46, characterized in that the brush is chosen from an elastomeric side and a foam block.

49. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the product is contained in the package, and the product is a cosmetic product.

50. The system according to claim 51, characterized in that the product is a mask.