WO2014195911A1

WO2014195911A1 - Applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows

Info

Publication number: WO2014195911A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/062006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcel Sanchez; Eric Caulier; Audrey THENIN
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2013-06-06
Filing date: 2014-06-06
Publication date: 2014-12-11
Also published as: FR3006564A1; FR3006564B1

Abstract

Applicator for applying a product (P) to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising a moulded applicator member (8) comprising: - a core (10) that has a longitudinal axis (X), and a set of applicator elements extending outwardly from the core (10), comprising: • longitudinal rows (50) of teeth having a flattened cross section, • one or more longitudinal rows (60) of spikes disposed in the circumferential direction between at least two consecutive rows (50) of teeth, the spikes (23) having a base that is less wide than the greatest width of the teeth, the spikes (23) of the different rows (60) of spikes being aligned circumferentially so as to form a plurality of crowns (65) of spikes, the crowns (65) of spikes each being offset axially relative to the teeth (20) such that the crowns (65) of spikes alternate longitudinally with the teeth (20) in each of the rows (50) of teeth along at least half the visible length L_max of the applicator member (8).

Description

"Applicator to apply a product on eyelashes and / or eyebrows"

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a molded application member, and a packaging and applicator device comprising such an applicator.

A large number of applicators having an applicator member comprising a soul, teeth and pins coming from molding with the core have already been proposed.

EP 2084987 discloses a brush comprising rows of pins arranged between rows of teeth of flattened cross-section, the pins alternating longitudinally with the teeth.

There is a need for further improvement of applicators having a molded applicator member to allow the user to make makeup for the most efficient charge and lash separation.

There is also a need to benefit from an applicator for making eyelashes or eyebrows, already coated with product or not, a make-up by beams.

summary

According to one of its aspects, the subject of the invention is an applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising a molded application member comprising:

a soul having a longitudinal axis,

a set of application elements extending from the core to the outside, comprising:

• longitudinal rows of teeth of flattened cross-section,

One or more longitudinal rows of spikes disposed between at least two consecutive rows of teeth in the circumferential direction, the spikes having a base less wide than the largest width of the teeth, the spikes of the different rows of spikes being circumferentially aligned so as to forming a plurality of spike crowns, the spike crowns being axially offset relative to the teeth so that the spike crowns alternate longitudinally with the teeth of each row of teeth over at least half the apparent length of the spine; implementing body. The applicator constitutes a brush because of the plurality of longitudinal rows of teeth and pins, arranged around the core.

A tooth is observed in front view when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the core, projected on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core.

The particular shape of the teeth, flattened, allows better product retention, and to have a relatively large contact area between the eyelashes and the teeth, which allows to properly load the eyelashes product during application. The flattening of each of the teeth is substantially transverse to the core to promote the separation of the eyelash fringe, and to give, during the application or combing, a multitude of well defined lash bundles and to avoid formation too big packets of eyelashes.

The longitudinal rows of pins allow a separation of the eyelashes between the teeth, in particular by dividing the beam, and allow to smooth the product on the eyelashes, so as not to have too much product load.

The longitudinal alternation between the pins and the teeth allows a homogeneous eyelash makeup.

The invention makes it possible to obtain, if the user so desires, makeup of eyelashes and / or eyebrows in bundles, that is to say with a grouping of the eyelashes into separate small packets, which orders the eyelashes and gives them volume.

By "longitudinal axis of the soul" is meant the line joining the set of centroids of the cross sections of the soul. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis or an axis of symmetry for the core, especially when the core has a circular cross section or generally polygonal regular shape. The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved and may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some or all cross sections of the soul. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is rectilinear.

By "longitudinal rows of teeth" is meant a succession of teeth in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the rows all extend along respective longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

"Flattened cross section teeth" means a protruding, individualizable element for the application of the product and the separation of the eyelashes, and having, at least a portion of its height, a cross section, taken perpendicular to its direction of elongation, which is elongated in a planar plane, that is to say wider than thick. Preferably, the tooth is flattened in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core.

By "longitudinal row of pins" is meant a succession of pins in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the rows all extend along respective longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

By "base less wide than the largest width of the teeth", it should be understood that the base of the pins has its largest dimension which is smaller than the size of the teeth according to their plane of flattening.

By "the pins of different rows of pins being circumferentially aligned", it should be understood that the pins of the different rows of pins have the same abscissa on the longitudinal axis of the core. The abscissa of a pin is given by the abscissa of its longitudinal axis.

By "the rings of pins being offset each axially relative to the teeth", it should be understood that the crowns of pins do not have the same abscissa on the longitudinal axis of the soul as the teeth rows of teeth.

By "the crowns of pimples alternate longitudinally with the teeth", it must be understood that between two teeth of the same row of teeth, there is a crown of pimples, and between two crowns of pimples, there is a tooth of each row of adjacent teeth, and this on at least half, better three quarters, even better the entire apparent length of the application member.

All application elements and the core may be made of the same material. Alternatively, the teeth are of the same material as the core and the pins are of a different material, especially more flexible or more rigid. Alternatively, the pins are of the same material as the core and the teeth are of a different material, especially more flexible or more rigid.

The application elements may be molded with the core, in particular by mono-injection or by bi-injection.

The number of application elements per row is preferably between 5 and 50, more preferably between 10 and 20. The height of the applicator elements may increase globally within a row away from the distal end of the applicator, over at least half the length of the applicator member, better over the entire length of the applicator member. length of the application member.

By "increase globally" it is to be understood that the radius of the envelope surface of the applicator member, defined by the distal end of the applicator elements, increases away from the distal end of the implant member. application, continuously or in stages.

Alternatively, the height of the application elements may decrease overall within a row away from the distal end of the applicator over at least half the length of the applicator member.

The ratio m / n of the heights between two application elements, adjacent in the longitudinal direction of a row can be between 0.1 and 0.9, m being the height of the shortest application element of two adjacent application elements and n being the height of the longer application element.

Soul

The core may be of circular or polygonal cross section, in particular hexagonal. When the core is of polygonal cross section, the teeth of each of the rows can be connected on more than half of their greatest width at their base to an edge of the soul. Preferably, the teeth of each of the rows extend over almost all of their width, at their base, from the same edge of the core. The pins of each row can be connected on their entire base to the same flat face of the soul.

teeth

The number of longitudinal rows of teeth may be greater than or equal to 4, more preferably 6.

The plane of flattening of each tooth may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. In a variant, the plane of flattening of each tooth is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core, the angle between the two being between 45 ° and 90 °. In another variant, the plane of flattening of each tooth may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. The teeth extend, preferably, from a single base, closed contour observed along the axis of the tooth.

Preferably, the teeth are solid and have no through holes, the teeth do not form a particular loop. The teeth preferably have a substantially sharp free end. The circumferential extension of each tooth around the core may be less than 180 °, more preferably 90 °.

Preferably, the teeth taper at their distal end to form a tip. The tangents to the surface of the tooth in front view, taken at 90% of the total height of the tooth can form between them an angle less than or equal to 90 °.

Preferably, the angular extension at the base of the tooth, at the junction with the core, defines the total angular extension of the tooth, around the longitudinal axis of the core. Preferably, the tooth is registered, in front view, in a rectangle of width equal to the largest transverse dimension of the tooth in front view.

The distance along the longitudinal axis of the core between two consecutive teeth of a row may be between 1 mm and 4 mm.

The spacing between two adjacent teeth of a row of teeth is preferably constant.

The teeth of the different rows of teeth may be aligned in the circumferential direction, thereby forming a plurality of tooth crowns alternating with the spike crowns.

The adjacent teeth of a row of teeth may be different, in particular be of different heights and / or be oriented differently over at least half the length of the applicator member.

The teeth of each row of teeth can be arranged in staggered rows. The even-numbered teeth of each of the rows may be aligned with each other and form a first alignment in the longitudinal direction, and the odd-numbered teeth of each of the rows may be aligned with one another and form a second alignment. in the longitudinal direction, the two alignments not being aligned. The rows are then composed of two rows of teeth, which qualify them as "double rows" of teeth.

The two alignments can, in front view, be superimposed in part, especially at the base of the teeth. Each tooth of the first alignment may be of the same height as at least one of the adjacent teeth of the second alignment.

In front view, the first alignment may be the image of the second alignment with respect to a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, over at least half the length of the row of teeth concerned, better on the the entire length of the row of teeth.

Even-numbered teeth can be of the same shape. Similarly, odd-sized teeth may be of the same shape. Thus, each alignment consists of teeth of the same shape. By "same form", it should be understood that the teeth have the same general appearance but are not necessarily identical. They are for example of different dimensions, including different heights.

The teeth of even rank may be of different shapes or of the same shape as the teeth of odd rank. The teeth of the first alignment may be larger than the adjacent teeth of the second alignment or vice versa.

Preferably, the teeth of an alignment are of different heights, the height of the teeth of an alignment being in particular increasing from the distal end of the applicator member towards its proximal end over at least half the length of the the implementing body.

The height of the teeth may vary alternately in consecutive bundles of teeth, each bundle preferably consisting of two consecutive teeth of the same height. The height of the bundles of teeth may be increasing from the distal end of the applicator member to its proximal end.

The rows of teeth can be superimposed, in front view, at least partly, especially at their base. The teeth of the first alignment of each row may be superimposed, especially at their base, in front view, the teeth of the second alignment of one of the adjacent rows. Alternatively, the teeth of the first alignment of each row are not superimposed, in front view, the teeth of the second alignment of adjacent rows.

The teeth of the first alignment are notably larger than the teeth of the same rank of the second alignment or vice versa. pimples

The number of longitudinal rows of pins may be greater than or equal to 4, more preferably 6, more preferably 12.

The number of rows of pins between two consecutive rows of teeth is preferably equal to two. Alternatively, there is only one row of pins between two rows of teeth.

The rows of pins are preferably evenly distributed around the core.

The pins may be symmetrical and / or of circular or polygonal cross section and / or tapering towards their free end, in particular having a conical or pyramidal shape. The cross sections of the pins are preferably inscribed in a circle of diameter less than or equal to 0.8 mm, better than or equal to 0.65 mm.

The pins of each of the rows are preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The pins of a row may be spaced from each other by a fixed or variable distance. The distance between two consecutive pins can be between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

The pins of a row may be of increasing height from the distal end of the applicator member to its proximal end over at least half the length of the applicator member.

The pins of a row of pins can all be arranged longitudinally at the same distance from the tooth that precedes them on the core. Preferably, the pins of a row are all arranged longitudinally equidistant from the tooth which precedes them and from the tooth which follows them on the soul.

Alternatively, the pins of the same row are arranged longitudinally at varying distances from the tooth that precedes them on the core.

The distance between a pin and the tooth that precedes it on the core is preferably between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

The pins of at least one row of pins can be superimposed at least partially, more fully, in front view, at least one tooth of one of the rows of adjacent teeth. All the pins of each row may be partially superimposed, in front view, with at least a portion of the teeth of an adjacent row of teeth, especially with one tooth out of two of a row of teeth, each row of adjacent pins d a row of teeth overlapping at least partially with a tooth alignment, as described above, of said row of teeth.

The angular difference, around the longitudinal axis of the core, between the longitudinal axis of a row of teeth and the longitudinal axis of an adjacent row of pins is preferably between 5 ° and 60 °. °.

The subject of the invention is also a device for packaging and application, comprising:

an applicator according to the invention, as defined above, a container containing a product to be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows, using an applicator.

The invention also relates to a process for making up the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, using an applicator according to the invention.

The product to be applied may be a mascara or a care product. The invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description, nonlimiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal section of an exemplary packaging and application device produced according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic front view of a tooth,

FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of an example of a tooth according to the invention,

FIG. 3 is a view along III of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a view along line IV of FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating the relative positioning of the application elements,

FIG. 6 is a view according to VI of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a brush according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 is a view along line VIII of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a view along IX of FIG. 7,

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the brush,

FIG. 11 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 12 is a view along XII of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 14 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, and

- Figure 15 is a view along XV of Figure 14.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 100 comprising a container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows and an applicator 1 for applying the said product P. The applicator 1 comprises an organ application 8 according to the invention, connected by a rod 7 to a gripping member 5 which also constitutes a closure member of the container 3. This closure member 5 is, for example, as illustrated, a cover arranged to screw itself on a neck 9 of the container. The container 3 may comprise a wiper member 6 of the applicator 1, fixed in the neck 9 of the container 3.

The applicator member 8 comprises a core 10 carrying application elements 20, consisting of teeth according to the invention, as well as pins, if appropriate.

The rod 7 may comprise, where appropriate, an annular necking on its portion which is positioned opposite the lip of the wiper member 6, so as not to mechanically stress it excessively during storage.

The applicator member 8 may be connected in various ways to the rod 7 and comprises for example, as illustrated in Figure 1, a nozzle 4 arranged to be fixed in a housing thereof.

Fixing the applicator member 8 on the rod 7 can be done by any means and particularly by force fitting, stapling, latching, gluing, welding or crimping, in the corresponding housing provided at the end of the rod 7 .

Alternatively, the rod 7 may be inserted into a housing provided in the core 10, or the rod and the core may be formed at least partly in one piece. The apparent length L _max of the applicator member 8 can be between 20 and 40 mm.

Soul

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the core is of elongate shape along a longitudinal axis X, which may be rectilinear or curved, preferably being rectilinear.

The core 10 is preferably, as illustrated in Figure 7, over most of its length, of circular cross section.

As illustrated, the longitudinal axis X may be central and the core 10 may be inscribed in a cross section in a circle of diameter less than or equal to 5 mm.

As illustrated in Figures 8 and 11, the core may be inscribed in a circle of constant diameter over its entire length, between 2 mm and 5 mm.

The cross section of the core can expand towards the tip 4. Alternatively, the cross section of the core thins towards the tip 4. Alternatively, the core 10 may be of constant cross section, in particular be of cylindrical shape, in particular cylindrical of revolution.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the core 10 may be hollow, the inner diameter of the core being preferably between 1 mm and 2.5 mm.

As can be seen in FIG. 7 in particular, the core 10 may comprise, at its distal end 42, a head which is chamfered, in order to facilitate the retraction of the applicator 1 into the receptacle 3.

According to the variant illustrated in Figures 7 and 9, the core 10 has on the side of the tip 4, at its proximal end, an enlarged portion 45 in the form of a cone. This conical portion 45 may comprise at least one tooth 20 of each row 50 as described below and at least one pin 23 of each row 60 as described below. The axial dimension c of this conical portion 45 may be between 1 mm and 5 mm.

The conical portion 45 has, at its end adjacent to the rod 7, a diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the rod 7.

The core 10 may consist of a relatively rigid thermoplastic material or not, for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, polyamide , polyethylene or vinyl, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, PET, POM, PA or PMMA. Use may in particular materials known under the trademark Hytrel ^®, Cariflex ^®, ^® Alixine, Santoprene ^® 'Pebax ^®, this list is not exhaustive.

The core 10 can be made in one piece by molding material with the rod 7.

The core 10 may be, over most of its length, of polygonal cross section, in particular hexagonal, the sides of the core 10 defining longitudinal faces 40. The latter may all be provided with application elements. The faces 40 are preferably planar, as in the illustrated example, but could be alternately curved. In a variant not illustrated, only a portion of the faces 40 of the core 10 carries teeth 20.

In a variant not illustrated, the core 10 is twisted, the application elements then following the twist performed by the soul.

teeth

The applicator member 8 comprises rows 50 of teeth 20, each of which extends from the core 10 towards the outside, towards a free end 26.

By teeth 20 is meant a tooth in general, teeth 20 can decompose into teeth 20a and 20b as described below.

Tooth shape

As illustrated in Figure 3, the teeth 20 are of flattened cross section over part of their height, better over more than half of their height, even better over their entire height. The teeth 20 preferably have their flattening plane Z oriented substantially perpendicularly to the core 10. The plane of flattening Z is preferably a median plane of symmetry for the tooth 20. As illustrated in the figures, the teeth 20 at least one row 50 of teeth, and better, as illustrated in FIG. 7, all of the teeth 20 may have a convex edge 22 in front view. The latter may be, as illustrated in FIG. curve, in particular a circle or parabola, and preferably an ellipse portion.

The convex edge 22 may extend over more than half the height h of each of the teeth 20, better over the entire height h of each of the teeth 20, as illustrated in FIG. Each tooth 20 may become thinner, as shown in FIG. 3, towards the convex edge 22. In cross-section, the vertex angle β, formed between the main faces 31 and 32 opposite of the tooth 20, may be smaller or equal to 40 °, better than or equal to 15 °. This thinning allows a deviation of the eyelashes as soon as they come into contact with the applicator 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each tooth 20 may thin in front view upwards on at least a portion B of its height, better at least half of its height. Part B may extend from the base 25. The large dimension of the base 25 is for example between 0.3 mm and 3 mm. Preferably, the free end 26 of each tooth is, in front view, as shown in Figure 2, tapered, including a tip which facilitates the penetration into the eyelashes and the separation thereof.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, each tooth 20 may comprise, in front view, a straight edge 24, in particular radial with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, extending over more than half of the height h of the tooth 20, preferably over the entire height h of the tooth 20.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the tooth 20 is, in front view, in a rectangle of width substantially equal to the largest transverse dimension L of the tooth 20 in front view.

Each tooth 20 preferably comprises, as illustrated in particular in Figure 3, a flat face 24 which defines the rectilinear edge. The flat face 24 is opposite the convex edge 22 of the tooth 20. Preferably, each tooth 20 tapers from the flat face 24 to the convex edge 22. Preferably, the latter defines an edge.

Each tooth 20 may have two opposite longitudinal main faces 31 and 32 which are flat or curved, being concave or preferably, as shown in Figure 3, convex outwardly. As illustrated in Figure 3, the faces 31 and 32 are preferably ellipsoid portions.

Preferably, each tooth 20 has an angular extent y which is equal to the angular extent of the base of tooth 25.

The faces 31 and 32 are preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 3, of the same shape. In the illustrated examples, the faces 31 and 32 connect the plane face 24 to the convex edge 22.

The largest width L of each tooth 20, defined as the largest dimension of the tooth 20 according to the plane of flattening Z, may be between 0.3 mm. and 3 mm, better between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. This larger width L is preferably measured at the base of the teeth 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The height h of each tooth 20 may be between 0.5 mm and 1 cm, better between 1 mm and 5 mm. The maximum thickness of each tooth 20 may be between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm. This maximum thickness / can be measured at the base of the teeth 20. The thickness of each tooth 20 at its free end 26 may be less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The L / h ratio of the largest width L of the tooth 20 over the height h of the tooth 20 may be between 0.5 and 2.

Preferably, the teeth 20 are full. Alternatively, the teeth 20 may have a through hole or not.

Teeth 20 may extend from a single closed contour base. The circumferential extension 7 of the teeth 20 on the core may be less than or equal to 180 °, more preferably less than or equal to 90 °.

The teeth 20 are preferably made of the same material as at least a part of the core 10, better the entire core 10. The teeth 20 are preferably made in one piece with the core 10 by molding of thermoplastic material.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2A, the teeth 20 taper at their distal end 26 to form a tip. Preferably, the tangents t ₁ and t ₂ at the surface of the tooth 20, taken in front view at a height h 'equal to 90% of the height h of the tooth 20, form an angle β less than or equal to 90 ° .

Alternatively, each tooth 20 does not thin over its entire height. Each tooth 20 may then present, on a part A of its height, a zone of constant width or increasing upwards. This part A has a height which is preferably less than half the height h of the tooth 20.

Alternatively, the plane of flattening Z may be oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 at an angle of between 45 ° and 90 °.

In a non-illustrated variant, the median axis of the plane face 24 does not extend perpendicular to the axis X but obliquely with respect thereto, towards the front, that is to say towards the distal end of the applicator, or backwards.

The teeth 20 and the core 10 may be made of different materials, where appropriate, by bi-injection. The teeth 20 are for example molded through The teeth 20 may be made of a material softer than the core or, alternatively, harder than the core.

Arrangement of two successive adjacent teeth

In this part, there are different teeth 20a and 20b for each row of teeth. Each tooth 20a or 20b has the general characteristics of the teeth 20 described above.

The core 10 may have on its surface at least one row 50 of adjacent pairs of teeth, better, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of rows 50 of pairs of adjacent teeth, such as the teeth 20 described above. above.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the teeth 20a and 20b of each pair of adjacent teeth are offset longitudinally by a distance D, the latter being the distance between the flattening planes Z of the two teeth 20a and 20b. The distance D can be between 1 mm and 4 mm.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the adjacent teeth 20a and 20b are offset around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The angular difference α between the two teeth 20a and 20b, defined, in front view, by the angle α between the radius of the core 10 passing through the middle X _a of the arc of intersection of the teeth 20a with the core 10 and the radius of the core 10 passing through the middle X _b of the arc the intersection of the teeth 20b with the core 10 is preferably between 5 ° and 60 °.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the teeth 20a and 20b can be oriented towards opposite sides, especially when the teeth 20a and 20b are asymmetrical. The convex edge 22 of the teeth 20a can be oriented in a front view to the right while the convex edge 22 of the teeth 20b can be oriented to the left, or vice versa. This opposite orientation allows the brush to be used in one direction as in the other, while producing the same effect.

As illustrated in Figure 6, in front view, the teeth 20a may be the image of the teeth 20b with respect to a plane R radial to the longitudinal axis X. The teeth 20a may be identical to the teeth 20b.

Alternatively, the teeth 20a may not be identical to the teeth 20b and not be the image of the teeth 20b, in particular be of different height or orientation.

The adjacent teeth 20a and 20b can be superposed at least partially, in particular at their base 25, and on at least a part of the height h of the two teeth 20a and 20b, as visible in Figure 6. The angular gap a between the two teeth 20a and 20b is smaller than the angular extent y occupied by each of the teeth 20a and 20b, these angular extents being defined by the angle occupied by the teeth to their base. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the angle of overlap φ defined in front view as the angle occupied by the superposition surface S _a b between the two teeth 20a and 20b about the longitudinal axis X is that is, γ-α, may be less than or equal to 30 °.

The two adjacent teeth 20a and 20b may be of the same height, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, or of different heights, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 11 and 12. It can be seen in these last figures that each tooth 20a is slightly more small as each adjacent tooth 20b, which precedes on the core 10, that is to say which is closer to the distal end 42 of the applicator member 8. The reverse is also possible.

The ratio m / n of the heights between two adjacent teeth is preferably between 0.1 and 0.9, where m is the height of the shorter tooth of the two adjacent teeth and n is the height of the longest tooth.

Rows of teeth

The applicator member 8 may comprise at least one row 50 of pairs of teeth, more preferably a plurality of rows 50 of pairs of teeth 15, the pairs of teeth 15 having teeth 20a and 20b as previously described. The rows 50 extend preferentially along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The applicator member 8 may comprise at least two rows 50 of pairs of teeth 15, better still at least four rows 50, and still more preferably at least six rows 50 arranged around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

All the rows 50 of the applicator member 8 are preferably identical.

The teeth of the same rank of each of the rows 50 preferably have the same abscissa, along the longitudinal axis X. Thus, the teeth of the same rank appear aligned when the applicator member is viewed from the side.

The rows 50 are preferably distributed uniformly around the core 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8 and 11, the angular difference ω between two consecutive rows 50, as one moves around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is preferably constant, the angular difference ω being defined in front view by the angle between the spokes of the core 10 which pass through the centers of said rows. The angular difference ω is preferably between 15 ° and 95 °, more preferably between 45 ° and 75 °, more preferably equal to 60 °.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the teeth 20a and 20b of the different rows are circumferentially aligned so as to form a plurality of tooth crowns 55.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the rows 50 may have two distinct alignments 50a and 50b of respective teeth 20a and 20b, the teeth 20a and 20b respectively being aligned with each other when the applicator member 8 is observed with a view to face along its longitudinal axis X. The rows are then called "double rows".

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the axial distance q between two pairs of adjacent teeth 15 of the row 50 is preferably constant and lies between 0.8 mm and 4 mm, the axial distance q being defined by the distance in side view. between the flattening planes Z of the first teeth 20a within the alignment 50a of teeth 20a. Preferably, the distance q is twice the distance D between two successive teeth on the soul

Preferably, for each double row 50, the first alignment 50a is superimposed, in particular at its base 54, as illustrated in FIG. 11, with the second alignment 50b of an adjacent double row 50. This superposition can be only of small angular extent. As a variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in front view, the teeth of neighboring rows 50 are not superimposed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 12, the pairs of teeth 15 may have, with respect to each other, an increasing height as one moves along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 over almost all of the apparent length L _max of the applicator member 8. The teeth 20a and 20b of each alignment 50a and 50b may be of increasing height h while moving away from the distal end 42 of the applicator member 8.

When the core is of hexagonal section, the applicator member 8 preferably comprises six double rows 50, each double row 50 having its longitudinal axis disposed on an edge of the core 10. The teeth 20a extend over the almost all of their base 25 on one of the flat faces 40 of the core 10, adjacent to said edge. Teeth 20b extend over almost all of their base 25 on the other flat face 40 adjacent to said edge.

The rows 50 of the applicator member 8 may be different from each other. The shape of the teeth 20a and 20b of two adjacent rows 50 may vary substantially, in particular by the height h of the corresponding teeth 20a and 20b and / or by the orientation of the teeth 20a and 20b. The teeth of a row 50 may all be larger than the teeth of the same rank of one of the adjacent rows 50.

As a variant, the angular difference ω between two consecutive rows 50, as one moves around the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 8, varies around the core 10.

Alternatively, the distance D between two adjacent teeth 20a and 20b of a row 50 may be variable over at least half of the apparent length L _max of the applicator member 8.

Alternatively, the teeth 20a and 20b of the same rank of neighboring rows 50 are not aligned about the longitudinal axis X when the applicator member is observed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. The teeth 20a and 20b of the same rank of neighboring rows 50 may be offset along the longitudinal axis X.

Alternatively, the teeth may form bundles of adjacent teeth of the same height, the height of the adjacent bundles of teeth alternating along the longitudinal axis X. The packets may each be formed of at least three teeth.

In the variant illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the rows 50 of teeth are simple rows which notably comprise an alignment of teeth 20 as described previously. The teeth 20 of each row 50 may be perfectly aligned along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The teeth 20 of each row 50 may be of increasing height over at least half of the apparent length L _max of the member 8. The teeth 20 of the same rank of adjacent rows 50 may be aligned around the core and, preferably, do not overlap.

pimples

As illustrated in the figures, the application member may comprise, in addition to rows 50 of teeth, one or more rows 60 of pins.

Shape of pimples Each of the pins 23 of each of the rows 60 extends radially with respect to the core 10.

The pins 23 are preferably of circular cross section but may be of other section, in particular polygonal.

Preferably, the pins 23 tapering from their base towards their free end, having for example a conical shape, as shown in Figure 7, or a pyramidal shape.

The cross sections of the pins 23 may be inscribed in a circle with a diameter of less than or equal to 0.8 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.65 mm.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the largest dimension p of the base of the pins 23 is smaller than the largest width L of the teeth 20.

The height of the pins 23 is for example between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. The pins 23 are preferably made in one piece with the core 10 by molding thermoplastic material, especially in the same material.

The pins 23 and the core 10 may also alternatively be made of different materials, where appropriate, by bi-injection. The pins 23 are for example molded through openings of the core 10. The pins 23 may be made of a material softer than the core 10 or, alternatively, harder than the core 10. The pins 23 may be made of a softer material than the teeth 20 or, alternatively, harder than the teeth 20.

Rows of pimples

The applicator member 8 comprises at least two rows 60 of pins 23 as described above, better six rows 60, even better twelve rows 60, as illustrated in particular in Figures 8 and 11.

The rows 60 of pins may comprise the same number of pins 23.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the rows of pins extend along a longitudinal axis W parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core.

The number of pins 23 of a row 60 is between 5 and 50 better between

10 and 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the pins of the different rows of pins 60 are circumferentially aligned, forming a plurality of spike rings 65 which are arranged with the teeth 20 so that the spike crowns 65 alternate with the teeth 20 of each row of teeth 50, in particular with the tooth crowns 55 defined above. We can observe a repetition in the longitudinal direction of a ring of pins 65 followed by a ring of teeth 55 with a certain circumferential orientation and then a ring of pins 65 and a ring of teeth 55 with a circumferential orientation opposite to the first, the circumferential orientation being given by the direction of thinning of the tooth 20 towards the convex edge 22.

In each of the rows 60, the pins 23 are preferably aligned when the applicator member 8 is observed along the longitudinal axis X.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the adjacent pins 23 of each row 60 are preferably all spaced apart by the same distance / within a row 60, the distance / preferably being between 1 mm and 4 mm.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 12, the height of the pins 23 of each row 60 may be increasing from the distal end of the applicator member 8 towards its proximal end over at least half of the apparent length L _max of the applicator member 8, better over the entire apparent length L _max of the applicator member 8.

As illustrated in Figures 8 to 13, the height of the largest pin 23 of the row 60 may be the same as that of the largest tooth 20 of an adjacent row 50.

The rows 60 of pins are preferably distributed uniformly around the core, the angular spacing ψ between two pins 23 of the same rank of rows 60 of adjacent pins defined as the angle between the longitudinal axes X _p of the teeth, as illustrated in FIG. 6, being preferably between 10 ° and 90 °, better still between 25 ° and 65 °, and even more preferably 30 °.

One or more rows 60 of pins are disposed between at least two consecutive rows 50 of teeth. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 8, 11 and 14, the applicator member 8 comprises two rows 60 of pins between two consecutive rows 50 of teeth.

The pins 23 are offset axially relative to the teeth 20.

Preferably, each row 60 of pins is not equidistant from the two rows of teeth 50 between which it is arranged.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the angular difference ε between the longitudinal axis Xd of a row 50 of teeth and the longitudinal axis X _p of a row 60 of consecutive pins. can be between 5 ° and 60 °. The angular difference ε is, as illustrated in Figures 8, 11 and 14, preferably equal to a quarter of the angular difference ω between two rows of consecutive teeth.

When the applicator member is viewed from the side, the pins 23 of each of the rows 60 may be, as illustrated in FIG. 5, all arranged longitudinally at the same distance k of the tooth 20 which precedes them on the core 10. this distance k being preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. The distance k may be equal to half the distance D between two consecutive teeth 20 of a row 50 of teeth, the pins 23 then being equidistant from the tooth 20 which precedes it and the tooth 20 which follows it on the soul 10.

As illustrated in Figures 8 to 12, preferably, the pins 23 of each of the rows 60 overlap at least partially, especially at their base, in front view, at least one tooth 20 of one of the rows 50 adjacent to teeth. The pins 23 of each row 60 of pins can be superimposed, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, completely at their base to at least one tooth 20 of one of the rows 50 adjacent.

The pins 23 of a row 60 may be, in front view, superimposed at least partially on a tooth 20 on two of one of the rows 50 adjacent teeth. The pins 23 of a row 60 are then superimposed on the teeth of one of the alignments 50a or 50b of an adjacent row of teeth described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the applicator member 8 comprises two rows 60 of spikes between two rows 50 of consecutive teeth, the spikes of each of the two rows 60 of spikes can be superimposed at least partially with one of the alignments 50a. or 50b of each of the two rows 50 of adjacent teeth. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1 1, the right row of pins 60 is superimposed at least partially on the alignment 50b of the row of teeth 50 located directly to its right and the row of pins 60 on the left is superimposed on the least partially to the alignment 50a of the row of teeth 50 located directly to its left.

Preferably, each alignment 50a and 50b of each row 50 of teeth is superimposed with a row 60 of pins.

Alternatively, the distance k between a pin and the tooth that precedes it on the core can be variable. The distance k is in particular increasing or decreasing from the free end of the applicator member 8 towards the endpiece 4. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the applicator member 8 may have only one row 60 of pins between two consecutive rows 50 of teeth, the row 60 of pins being, in front view, equidistant from the two rows 50 and the pins can be superimposed in part with the first alignment 50a of one row 50 on one side and with the second alignment 50b of the other.

In a variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the applicator member 8 comprises two rows 60 of pins between two consecutive rows 50 of teeth. The teeth 20 of each row 50 of teeth are aligned along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and the pins 23 of one of the two rows 60 are totally superimposed at their base to the teeth 20 of the row 50 of teeth which is adjacent. The other row 60 of pins may be partially superimposed or not superimposed on one of the rows 50 of adjacent teeth.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, the characteristics of which can be combined within non-illustrated variants.

The applicator member may be vibrating, that is to say that it may be applied vibration during application, combing or removal of the product.

Alternatively, the applicator member may be rotatable, that is to say it may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the core, for example during application, combing eyelashes or taking the product.

In another variant, the application member is heated, that is to say it may comprise a heating element for heating the eyelashes or eyebrows, and / or the teeth and / or the soul of the implementing body.

The applicator member may also be vibrating and / or rotating and / or heating.

The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", and "between" means included limits, unless otherwise specified.

Claims

An applicator for applying a product (P) to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising a molded applicator member (8) comprising:

a core (10) having a longitudinal axis (X),

a set of application elements extending from the core (10) outwards, comprising:

Longitudinal rows (50) of teeth of flat cross-section, each tooth in front view, slimming upwards over at least half of its height,

One or more longitudinal rows of pins placed between at least two consecutive rows of teeth in the circumferential direction, the pins having a base which is narrower than the largest width of the teeth, the pins (23) ) of the different rows (60) of pins being circumferentially aligned so as to form a plurality of pins (65) of pins, the rings (65) of pins being axially offset each relative to the teeth (20) so that the rings ( 65) of pins alternately longitudinally with the teeth (20) of each of the rows (50) of teeth over at least half the apparent length L _max of the applicator member (8).

a core (10) having a longitudinal axis (X),

• longitudinal rows (50) of teeth of flattened cross-section, · several longitudinal rows (60) of pins placed between at least two rows (50) of consecutive teeth in the circumferential direction, the pins (23) having a narrower base the largest width of the teeth, the pins (23) of the different rows (60) of pins being circumferentially aligned so as to form a plurality of rings (65) of pins, the rings (65) of pins being axially offset each relatively to the teeth (20) such that the spike crowns (65) alternate longitudinally with the teeth (20) of each of the rows (50) of teeth over at least half of the apparent length L _max of the spine member. application (8).

3. Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, the application elements and the core (10) being made of the same material.

4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator elements being molded with the core (10).

An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the number of application elements of a row (50; 60) being between 5 and 50.

6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the teeth (20) being flattened in a plane of flattening (Z), the plane of flattening being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10). ).

7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the pins (23) being of circular cross section and tapering towards their free end, the diameter of the pins (23) is preferably less than or equal to 0.8 mm.

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the teeth (20) of the same rank of the different rows (50) of teeth being aligned in the circumferential direction.

9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member (8) having two rows (60) of pins between two rows (50) of consecutive teeth.

10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the pins (23) of at least one of the rows (60) of pins, better all the rows (60) superimposed, in front view, at least an adjacent tooth (20) over at least half of the apparent length (L _max ) of the applicator member (8).

1 1. The applicator of claim 10, the pins (23) of at least one row (60) of pins partially overlapping at least one third of the teeth, even better half of the teeth (20), a row (50) adjacent teeth.

12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the angular difference (ε), about the longitudinal axis of the core, between the longitudinal axis X _d of a row (50) of teeth and the longitudinal axis X _p of a row (60) of consecutive pins being between 5 ° and 60 °.

13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the pins (23) of the same row (60) of pins being all arranged longitudinally at the same distance (k) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the soul. (10) of the tooth (20) which precedes on the core (10), said distance k) being preferably between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

14. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the teeth (20) of each row (50) of teeth being arranged in staggered rows, defining for each row a first alignment (50a) consisting of teeth (20a) of even rank of this row and a second alignment (50b) consisting of teeth (20b) of odd rank of this row, the teeth (20a, 20b) of the two alignments (50a, 50b) overlapping partially when the core (10) is observed along its longitudinal axis (X).

15. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the height of the teeth (20) of a row (50) of teeth, preferably each row (50) of teeth, being constant by first groups of successive teeth of the row. (50), these groups alternating with second groups of teeth whose height is different from that of the first groups, the second groups advantageously having teeth of the same height, the number of teeth per group is preferably equal to one or two.

16. Device (100) for packaging and application, comprising an applicator as defined in any one of the preceding claims, and a container (3) containing the product (P) to be applied.