WO2016042216A1

WO2016042216A1 - Applicator device for applying flowable product across a complex surface.

Info

Publication number: WO2016042216A1
Application number: PCT/FR2014/052333
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric DE BARDONNECHE
Original assignee: Montaigu Developpement
Priority date: 2014-09-19
Filing date: 2014-09-19
Publication date: 2016-03-24
Also published as: EP3193663B1; EP3193663A1; US20170360185A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator device for a fluid or paste-like make-up and/or care product across a complex surface of the human body, having an elongated general outer shape axisymmetric about an XX axis; wherein the general outer shape thereof comprises a first rounded volume (1) connected to a second rounded volume (2) by an area (3) with a cross section smaller than the largest cross section of the first and the second volumes: where said device comprises at least one flexible longitudinal arch (10, 11) embedded in at least one point of a core (15) extending along the XX axis, where said at least one arch is suitable for defining with the core a product reservoir having a variable volume, resulting in the pumping of the product.

Description

FLUID PRODUCT APPLICATOR DEVICE ON A SURFACE

COMPLEX.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of cosmetics and in particular makeup, cosmetic treatment of the face. More particularly, the present invention relates to the application of cosmetic and / or care product, fluid or pasty, on the face but also on other parts of the body, of complex shape. The invention is of particular interest when it comes to simply and effectively applying such a product on complex surfaces such as lips. By complex surfaces it is necessary to understand non-planar surfaces, for example having in space a succession of concave and convex curvatures.

In addition, when they cooperate with a tank having a neck with a small diameter circular orifice, such applicators must be sufficiently flexible and resilient to pass through the circular orifice, deform, and then return to their original shape, while retaining the fluid or pasty product that is to be applied to the complex outer surface.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0004] Many applicators have already been proposed; a large number relates to the application of pasty product on keratinous fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows. But the problem is not exactly the same when it comes to applying such a product in a simple, uniform and effective way on complex surfaces. By way of illustration, the applicator device described in document EP 0 875 169 makes it possible to apply mascara to eyelashes or eyebrows in two different ways; at the surface through a first substantially cylindrical zone, and in depth through a distal zone of the applicator, tapered like a brush. Several volume shapes are shown in this document, all adapted to the application of mascara on eyelashes or eyebrows.

US 2005/0217691 is also known for applying mascara to keratinous fibers. This applicator has various forms ensuring an excellent surface-to-volume ratio of product retention. Arches and / or slats allow such an effect.

The patent application FR 2 969 470 also relates to an applicator of fluid or pasty product on keratinous fibers, comprising an elongate core made in one piece with a set of flexible and flexible rods recessed at each of their ends on the core. This arrangement is particularly suitable for the application of mascara; it makes it possible to load a maximum of pasty product and especially to maintain it effectively despite passing through the wiper orifice of the container.

[0008] In addition, applicator devices for "gloss" (or pasty product) are known as described for example in document US Pat. No. 7,866,906. In this document, the applicator must take the pasty product contained in a closed container by an orifice, pass through this orifice loaded with product, in order to apply it to the lips of the user. To do this, the applicator itself comprises at least two flexible branches which define between them a hole or product reservoir. This orifice is unique and the branches are flocked, that is to say they have a rough outer surface. The general external volume defined by the applicator is tapered towards its distal part. This type of applicator is finally not very flexible and its main characteristic lies in the flocking of its outer surface. This flocking, which consists of fixing microfibers on all or part of the outer surface of the applicator, represents a manufacturing step in itself, which has a cost.

In addition, microfibers generated by flocking and present on the surface of applicators of this type, these applicators unhygienic because they promote the retention and local development of bacteria. This aspect, very negative, is a significant disadvantage of all applicators with flocked surfaces.

Also known an applicator according to the application WO 2013/153528 which discloses a tapered and flat cosmetic product applicator, thus comprising two main surfaces of application, at least three openings defined by four longitudinal branches, transverse or oblique. Different geometries corresponding to this definition are shown; we are here in the presence of a flat applicator which one or the other flat main surfaces, allow to apply the product. This arrangement and this essentially flat geometry are not well suited for applying a pasty product on complex surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art and in particular to provide an applicator fluid, liquid or pasty, in the field of cosmetics or care, which allows to apply the product on complex surfaces while maintaining an optimal product load despite passing through a small diameter orifice.

To do this is proposed according to a first aspect of the invention an applicator device of a fluid or pasty product like makeup product and / or care on a complex surface of the human body, of elongated outer general shape and axisymmetric around an axis XX; according to the invention, the general external shape comprises a first bulged volume connected to a second volume swollen by a cross sectional area smaller than the largest cross section of the first and / or second volume; this device comprises at least one flexible longitudinal arch embedded in at least one point of a core extending along the axis XX, said at least one arch being able to define with the core a product reservoir of variable volume, capable of obtaining a pumping effect of the product.

By longitudinal arch means a tapered element which extends substantially along the longitudinal axis XX of the device. The pumping effect of the product is not obtained in the prior art of the field considered, that is to say for the application of fluid or pasty product on complex surfaces. Thus, in a new and inventive way, the present invention allows in particular a treatment or a make-up of the lips or any other complex surface of this type. In particular, the generally curved outer shape of the applicator makes it possible to conform to various forms for the application.

Preferably, the device is monobloc.

In addition, the device according to the invention may comprise a tapered tip provided at one of its longitudinal ends. This tip allows for example to draw contours with more precision.

Advantageously, the device comprises several arches radially spaced around the core. By several arches one commonly hears from two to thirty-six arches. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said at least one arch has a corrugated shape along the axis XX.

Advantageously, said core comprises a volume complementary to the volume externally defined by said at least one arch, said volume representing between 5% and 95% of the total volume of the device. Of course, the assembly has the general external shape defined above. The complementary volume may be full or partially full of material.

According to a feature of the invention, the applicator device further comprises protruding pins vis-à-vis the outer surface of said at least one arch and / or the core. This feature improves the strength of the product on the applicator. The term "protruding pins" means any relief or protuberance, preferably elongated, that extends outside the outer surface of the arches and / or the core. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one recessed arch at a point and at least one recessed arch at two points of the core. Of course, many combinations can be made on this basis; the skilled person will choose according to the particular case of application.

More specifically, said at least one arch is embedded in at least one longitudinal end of the core; such an arch therefore has a cantilever very favorable to the pumping effect of the product.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said recessed arches have a length between 70% and 95% of the total length of the device.

In accordance with the invention, said arches recessed at a point have a free end oriented towards the inside of the volume of the device. This aspect reduces the risk of such arches bending or breaking during certain manipulations.

Preferably, said pins extend perpendicular to the surface on which they are embedded.

For preference, the device may be single-component, or two-component, obtained by molding, with or without addition of material. According to the invention, the applicator device can be obtained by a method of injection, bi-injection, co-injection, molding, overmolding, compression, casting, stereo-lithography, arranging material and / or adding at least one layer of material.

In addition, it may be made of a thermoplastic material, vulcanizable elastomer or any technically equivalent material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: FIG. 1A, a perspective view of a first form of FIG. applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1B, a front view of the first form of applicator;

Figure 1C, a top view of the first form of applicator;

Figure 1D, a side view of the first form of applicator;

FIG. 2A, a perspective view of a second form of applicator according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2B, a front view of the second form of applicator;

Figure 2C, a top view of the second form of applicator;

Figure 2D is a side view of the second form of applicator;

FIG. 3A, a perspective view of a third form of applicator according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3B, a front view of the third form of applicator;

Figure 3C, a top view of the third form of applicator;

Figure 3D is a side view of the third form of applicator;

Figure 4A is a perspective view of a fourth form of applicator; - Figure 4B a perspective view of one end of the applicator according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4C, a longitudinal section along AA of Figure 4A;

Figure 5A is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the applicator;

- Figure 5B, a perspective of the end of the fifth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 6A, a detailed perspective view of an applicator according to the second embodiment;

Figure 6B, a front view of the applicator according to Figure 6A;

FIG. 6C, a side view of an applicator according to FIG. 6A;

Figure 6D, a cross-section along AA of Figure 6C; Figure 7A is a detailed perspective view of an applicator according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 7B to 7E, transverse sections along AA of FIG. 7A, for several variant embodiments;

FIG. 8A, a detailed perspective view of an applicator according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8B, a cross-section along AA of Figure 8A;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an application device according to the invention, disposed on an applicator element;

- Figure 10, a perspective view of an application device according to another embodiment of the invention, disposed on an applicator element;

FIG. 11A, a detailed perspective view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention, having pins;

Fig. 11B, a side view of the device shown in Fig. 11A; - Figure 12A, a detailed perspective view of the device according to yet another embodiment of the invention, having pins;

Figure 12B is a side view of the device shown in Figure 12A; Figure 13A, a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the invention provided with pins; and

- Figure 13B, a side view of the device according to Figure 13A.

For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1A thus illustrates a first geometrical shape of an applicator device according to the invention. Its outer general shape is elongated and axisymmetric around an axis XX. This general shape comprises a first enlarged volume 1 connected to a second bulged volume 2 by a thinner zone 3 in the sense that its cross section is smaller than the largest cross section of the first 1 and the second 2 bulged volume. This form includes some variants, illustrated in Figures 1A, 2A and 3A. This form has been studied to perfectly fit so-called complex surfaces, that is to say non-flat and defined by curves. These are volume shapes that allow the user to rotate the device around the axis XX, to deposit the product uniformly on the curved surface. According to the embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, the general external shape of the device resembles that of a peanut; this form is particularly suitable for depositing product on lips; the first 1 and the second 2 volumes have substantially the same size. A tapered portion or tip 4 is preferably provided at the distal end of the device. By distal end is meant the end longitudinally disposed opposite the end adapted to receive the rod 5 of a gripping means of the applicator device. The skilled person can taper at a chosen angle the tip 4 which can, without departing from the scope of the invention, be rounded.

A second embodiment of the invention, as to the general external shape, is illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. According to this option, two different half volumes are present: the first corresponds to half a volume of the first embodiment, which, therefore, will not be further explained; the second half volume comprises an axially curved portion disposed substantially at the level of the thinnest portion 3. This drawing will preferably be chosen for the application of product on the lips. Figure 2B clearly shows this difference in half volumes.

Figures 3a, 3B, 3C and 3D show a third embodiment of generally curved shape which is clearly visible in Figure 3D. Complex shapes can be obtained if the device is obtained by molding, with or without addition of material. As will be explained later, the device can be single-component or two-component, depending on the technical constraints.

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C show a more specific example: we see in fact in these figures that the applicator device comprises in particular at least one flexible longitudinal arch 10, 1 1 embedded in at least one point 101; 1 1 1, 1 12 on a soul 15. By soul it is necessary to understand the solid volume constituting the device excluding the arch or arches 10, 1 1. The soul extends longitudinally, along the axis XX.

The elastic arch or arches can be of two types: either recessed on the core 15 at two points; preferably and as illustrated, these two points are placed at each end of the arch 1 1 considered. The embedding point (s) may be at other locations without departing from the scope of the invention. According to another type, the arches 10 are embedded in a single point 101; this point is in particular located at one end of the arch 10 which is thus arranged cantilevered on the core 15. Greater flexibility is thus imparted to this type of arch 10. In themselves the arches 10, 1 1 are elongated and thin (length to thickness ratio of the order of 10/1) in order to intrinsically present a certain flexibility. The chosen subject participates in flexibility; for example, a thermoplastic material, a vulcanizable elastomer or any technically equivalent material is chosen. In order to confer the general external shape characteristic of the invention, or the arches 10, 1 1 have a corrugated shape along the axis XX.

In Figures 4A, 4B and 4C the device comprises a recessed arch 10 at a single point 101, and a plurality of arches 1 1 recessed at two points 1 1 1, 1 12. [0039] In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the device comprises a few arches 10 cantilevered radially surrounded by arches January 1 recessed at both ends 1 1 1, 1 12.

The arches 10, 1 1 define with the core 15 a product reservoir of variable volume capable of obtaining a pumping effect of the product present in said reservoir. The tank is here defined by the volume between the arches 10, 1 1 and the core 15. The arches being flexible, their deformations generate a variation in the volume of the tank, a pumping effect of the fluid or pasty product.

The skilled person will choose, according to different parameters, the number and distribution of the arches 10, 1 1. Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show an embodiment according to which the arches are all type 1 1 ie recessed in two points 1 1 1 and 1 12. The arches 1 1 are identical between they are distributed in a half cylindrical volume; they are angularly regularly distributed, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D. The second half volume 6 may be full or empty of material, at the choice of the skilled person.

Figure 7A illustrates a particular example where a single arch January 1 is provided, recessed at both ends. Moreover, FIGS. 7B to 7E show, by schematic cross sections, different variants corresponding to different positions of the arches; Figure 7B is a cross section of the device according to Figure 7A, in section AA. According to Figure 7C, three substantially identical arches are provided, placed side by side in a small angular sector (of the order of 90 °). According to Figure 7D, three arches are provided; they are not identical in shape, in particular one is thicker and therefore stiff than the others. Once again, the skilled person will choose the most appropriate form for the intended application.

Figures 8A and 8B correspond to an embodiment where all the arches 1 1 are recessed type at each of their ends. They are angularly regularly distributed, and have different shapes. Although this concept seems difficult to achieve, currently available technologies allow for easy, mass manufacturing.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an applicator element comprising an applicator device according to the invention. It is clearly seen that the device cooperates with the rod 5, is carried by its opposite end to a container cap closure type gripping means, well known per se. According to Figure 9, the device has a general external peanut shape, and comprises arches 10 cantilevered (three in number) angularly surrounded by arches January 1.

In Figure 10 we see that the device further comprises pins 12 salient vis-à-vis the outer surface they emerge; the pins 12 can be present on the outer surface of one or more arches 10, 1 1 and / or on the outer surface of the core 15, more precisely here of the half-volume 6.

Figures 1 1A and 1 1 B relate to an embodiment having arches 1 1 and a half volume 6; studs 12 are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the half-volume 6, allowing better product retention; they also offer a rough surface, for example for scrubbing and / or cleaning the skin.

Figures 12A and 12B show an alternative embodiment according to which the pins are distributed on the arches 1 1. A product retention effect is sought here at the arches.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a solution in which both the arches 11 and the half-volume 6 are provided with pins 12. This technical solution, although more difficult to implement than the others by the precision which it requires, however, is very interesting in that it combines the advantages of other solutions.

Other combinations of the features described above can be imagined and implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Applicator device for a fluid or pasty product of the makeup and / or care product type on a complex surface of the human body, of elongated and axisymmetric outer general shape around an axis XX, characterized in that its general external shape comprises a first enlarged volume (1) connected to a second enlarged volume (2) by an area (3) of smaller cross section than the largest cross-section of the first and / or second volume, comprising at least one arch (10, 1 1) flexible longitudinal recessed in at least one point (101; 1 1 1, 1 12) of a core (15) extending along the axis XX, said at least one arch being able to define with the soul a reservoir of product of variable volume, having a pumping effect of the product.

Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it is monobloc.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises a tapered tip (4) provided at one of its longitudinal ends.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several arches (10, 1 1) radially spaced around the core (15).

Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said at least one arch (10, 1 1) has a corrugated shape along the axis XX.

Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said core (15) comprises a volume complementary to the volume externally defined by said at least one arch (10, 1 1), said volume representing between 5% and 95% of the total volume of the device.

Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises pins (12) protruding vis-à-vis the outer surface of said at least one arch and / or the core (15).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one arch (10) embedded in a point and at least one arch (1 1) embedded in two points of the core.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said at least one arch (10, 1 1) is embedded in at least one longitudinal end of the core.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said arches (10) embedded in a point (101) have a length between 70% and 95% of the total length of the device.

1 1. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said arches (10) recessed at a point (101) have a free end (102) facing inwardly of the volume of the device.

12. Device according to one of claims 7 to 1 1 characterized in that said pins (12) extend perpendicularly to the surface on which they are embedded.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises between 1 and 36 arches.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is obtained by a method of injection, bi-injection, coinjection, molding, overmolding, compression, casting, stereo lithography, arrangement of material and / or addition of at least one layer of material.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of a thermoplastic material, vulcanizable elastomer or any technically equivalent material.