WO2018219576A1

WO2018219576A1 - Cosmetic mask

Info

Publication number: WO2018219576A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/061183
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier Dovergne
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2017-05-29
Filing date: 2018-05-02
Publication date: 2018-12-06
Also published as: FR3066684A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cosmetic mask (1) comprising a body (2) made from at least one substrate forming a flexible sheet, characterized in that said body comprises a frame (4) in the shape of a closed loop made from a flexible material, said frame elastically deformable between an unfolded configuration in which the loop forms a closed coil and a folded configuration in which the loop forms at least two superposed coils, the frame being in a state of tension so that it forms a kind of spring that tends to revert to its unfolded configuration.

Description

Cosmetic mask

The present invention relates to a cosmetic mask intended to be applied to a bodily surface of a user.

The present invention relates more particularly to a face mask intended to be applied to the face of the user.

Such a mask is notably intended to bear a cosmetic product so that it can be applied to the bodily surface. Examples of such cosmetic masks are notably described in documents US2016227905 and FR2971933.

The expression "cosmetic products" is understood to mean any product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and Council of November 30, 2009 relating to cosmetic products.

The cosmetic composition may notably take the form of a homogeneous or heterogeneous liquid, such as, for example, an oil, a direct or inverse emulsion, a solution, a gel, an anhydrous oil, a lotion or a cream.

In particular, the composition is a skincare composition, notably a moisturizing, lightening, or anti-ageing composition.

Depending on the material used to create the mask, a cosmetic, notably face, mask may also be used without a cosmetic composition with a view, for example, to absorbing an excess of sebum.

Thus, in general, a cosmetic mask comprises a sheet of a substrate which may or may not be impregnated with a cosmetic composition.

There are various materials that can be used to make the sheet of substrate that forms the mask, according to the desired cosmetic properties and to the desired absorption - impregnation properties and/or product-release properties.

The substrate may for example be made from a textile or net, woven or nonwoven. The textile may be made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon fibers, or even from a mixture of several types of fibers.

The substrate may also be made from a gauze, a strip, for example of aluminum, or a polymer film. The substrate may also be produced in the form of a thin layer, notably having a thickness of less than 2 mm, of an elastomeric material or of a foam, such as a polyurethane foam.

Amongst other things, the substrate sheet may exhibit occlusive properties and/or particular permeability properties in relation to one or more substances, notably to air and/or to water.

The substrate sheet may be monolayer or multilayer, the various layers then preferably being produced from different materials. It may notably be possible to provide an impregnation layer, intended to contain the cosmetic composition and to come into contact with the skin surface that is to be treated, and an outer occlusion layer.

The substrate sheet is dimension and shaped in such a way as to be able to substantially cover the target bodily surface region. In the case of a face mask, the substrate sheet may notably have a substantially circular overall shape.

In particular, for a face mask, the substrate sheet will advantageously comprise openings corresponding substantially to the mouth, to the nose and to the eyes of a user.

With a view to protecting the mask and/or the cosmetic composition, masks, particularly impregnated masks, are generally packaged individually, typically in a sachet. Moreover, the masks are generally packaged in a folded state.

When the mask is to be used, the substrate sheet in its folded state is extracted from its individual packaging and has to be unfolded before it can be applied to the bodily surface that is to be treated.

In the case of a mask impregnated with a cosmetic composition, the presence of said cosmetic composition makes the substrate sheet particularly wet and/or sticky. As a result, it is often difficult for the user to manipulate and unfold the substrate sheet easily using his or her fingers.

More specifically, it may be difficult for the user to find the edge of the folded substrate sheet, and this causes the user to lose time. In addition, it may be difficult for the user to hold the wet and/or sticky edge which may then easily curl or fold.

The substrate sheet may also, in the worst-case scenario, tear, and it must therefore be handled with care.

Finally, during opening-out, part of the substrate sheet may spontaneously curl and stick itself to another part of the sheet. Positioning the mask on the skin then becomes even more difficult because the user has to unstick the sticky part while at the same time holding the rest of the mask.

It should also be noted that, unlike wipes, which are not intended to remain in prolonged contact with the skin, a cosmetic mask is intended to remain on the skin for several minutes or even several tens of minutes. It is therefore important for such a mask to be able to be handled easily and positioned accurately on the region that is to be treated.

Various solutions have been proposed for improving the handling and placement of such a cosmetic mask.

Equipping the substrate sheet with lateral holding lugs has notably been proposed (e.g. US6702792).

There are also numerous techniques for folding and unfolding cosmetic masks which are aimed at making these masks easier to handle (e.g. PCT/JP2011/070308).

Packaging the cosmetic mask rolled up around a stick rather than folded has also been proposed (e.g. KR101684594 and KR101684595).

There is still a need for a solution that makes it easier to open out a cosmetic mask.

In order to achieve this, the present invention relates to a cosmetic mask comprising a body made from at least one substrate forming a flexible sheet, characterized in that said body comprises a frame in the shape of a closed loop made from a flexible material, said frame being deformable between an unfolded configuration in which the loop forms a closed coil and a folded configuration in which the loop forms at least two superposed coils.

Thus, by providing a flexible frame that can be folded into superposed coils, it is possible to fold the cosmetic mask while keeping the frame in a state of tension so that it forms a kind of spring that tends to revert to its unfolded configuration thus allowing said mask to be unfolded quickly and easily.

Specifically, when the frame is released it has a natural tendency to unfold (because of the torsion applied during folding) and revert to its substantially flat shape.

The frame may be deformable more or less elastically depending on the desired state of tension.

Such folding systems are known and used for tents (e.g. FR2928953A1) and for bicycle covers (FR2998251A1) for example. For further information regarding the principle of operation and the folding techniques, reference may be made to those documents which are incorporated by reference.

In a preferred alternative form of embodiment, the body of the mask is impregnated with a cosmetic composition.

Advantageously, the frame is situated on an opposite face of the body to an application surface of said mask that is intended to come into contact with the skin or facial surface that is to be treated.

The folded mask with its frame under tension may be kept in the folded configuration by any means, for example by a removable fastener or the like. For preference, the folded mask will be kept in the folded configuration by the sachet in which it is packaged. Thus, the cosmetic mask will unfold as soon as it is taken out of the sachet.

As a preference, the frame is at least partially peripheral, preferably entirely peripheral. The peripheral nature is to be understood as meaning in relation to the main body and does not prevent there being lugs present, notably for grasping, which might project from the frame and extend slightly beyond the periphery of the main body.

According to one embodiment, the frame may be made from fiberglass or carbon fiber. These materials are known for their great elastic flexibility and high spring effect and are conventionally used in the aforementioned applications.

However, particularly in the case of a mask impregnated with cosmetic composition, it will be advantageous to use a material of a lower spring-back and spring effect, in order to limit the risks of splattering of cosmetic composition upon deployment.

Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, the frame is made of a plastic material, particularly from a thermoplastic material, for example from polyethylene or polypropylene.

The use of a plastic material of lower elasticity will make it possible to obtain a fairly great amount of configuration of the frame held in the folded position. The spring effect will not be as great but the frame will still have a natural tendency to unfold and the opening-out of the mask remains, as a result, extremely simple and easier.

The frame may be fixed to the body of the mask by any suitable means, notably by gluing, or welding. Use will preferably be made of two-part adhesives or of quick-dry UV adhesives, as such adhesives offer increased resistance to moisture and to the compositions with which the substrate is impregnated. In particular and for preference for a frame made from a thermoplastic material, the frame may be fixed to the body of the mask by ultrasound welding or hot welding, the plastic material becoming slightly molten so that it bonds or mixes intimately with the material of the substrate, particularly when the latter is made of a porous or fibrous material. This then avoids the addition of an adhesive which could exhibit problems of compatibility with the cosmetic composition.

In addition to this, it is equally possible to connect the plastic frame to the substrate directly in a mold using a so-called "in mold" technique that allows part of the frame to be overmolded on the body of the mask. That is notably possible in the case of a plastic frame obtained using an injection-molding method which can thus be performed directly on the substrate.

According to a first embodiment, the frame is produced by extruding plastic. The extruded profile is then cut to an appropriate length and its ends are joined together to form the loop of the frame.

According to a second embodiment, the frame is produced by injection molding.

In this way, the frame can be produced in a single piece. Its robustness and elasticity are thereby increased and there is no need to provide a cutting step and a step of joining/closing the loop.

Advantageously, it is possible to incorporate into the frame at least one lateral element for fixing a member for holding the mask on the region that is to be treated. In particular, in the case of a face mask, this may be a headband or ear support that helps to hold the mask in place on the face.

The lateral fixing element may take the form, for example, of an eyelet for attaching a strap or an elastic that passes around the head or around the ear. The fixing element may also be a headband incorporated directly into the injection-molded plastic or even a headband made directly from plastic and extending the frame.

Advantageously, the frame comprises a base for connection to the body of the mask surmounted by a contour profile. For preference, the connecting base is substantially flat. The connecting base may be continuous or discontinuous and connected discretely to the substrate. The contour profile may have different cross sections, notably substantially circular or rectangular, the shape of the section being able to be adapted according to the material used and according to the desired flexibility/elasticity.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the frame, and notably the contour profile, has a hollow section. Such a profile generally offers greater flexibility.

According to a first alternative form of embodiment, the hollow section is a closed hollow section. Thus, the frame, and notably the contour profile, may have a substantially cylindrical section. Such a frame may be produced by extrusion. The presence of such a hollow section may also make it easier to join the two ends of the frame together after extrusion, notably by locally inserting and attaching a joining piece, for example a metal or plastic joining piece, between the two ends.

Alternatively, the hollow section is an open hollow section, for example a U- section or a V-section. Such shapes may be obtained by an injection-molding method. The sections obtained by such a method are generally less flexible.

Advantageously, the opening faces toward the body of the mask. The open ends of the section (the legs of the U or of the V) may then advantageously exhibit a flattened end forming a connecting base.

For preference, the frame forms a continuous loop. Advantageously, the frame is made in one piece.

The present application also covers the cosmetic mask in its folded state in which state the frame comprises at least two superposed coils.

The present invention also relates to an assembly for packaging a mask according to the present application, the packaging assembly comprising a sachet containing at least one mask in the folded configuration.

The present invention further relates to a method for folding a cosmetic mask according to the present application, characterized in that said folding method comprises the steps aimed at forming, from the unfolded frame, at least two coils, notably by twisting, then by folding the two coils one on top of the other.

Advantageously, three coils are formed from the unfolded frame, the three coils being folded one onto another in succession. This then yields a folded mask that is even more compact and exhibits greater elasticity for returning it to its unfolded configuration. The present invention will be better understood in light of the following detailed description with reference to the appended drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic depiction of a cosmetic mask according to the present application.

- Figures 2 to 5 are schematic depictions of the various steps in the folding of the mask of figure 1.

Figures 6a and 6b are depictions of various profiles of plastic frame produced according to an extrusion method.

Figures 7a to 7b are depictions of various profiles of plastic frame produced according to an injection-molding method.

Figures 8 to 10 are schematic depictions of alternative forms of the mask of figure 1, incorporating various attachment functionalities.

Figure 1 shows a cosmetic mask 1 according to the invention.

The mask 1 comprises a body 2 made from at least one substrate that forms a flexible sheet.

As indicated supra, the substrate may in particular be a textile, woven or nonwoven, produced from natural or synthetic fibers, such as cellulose fibers, polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon fibers, or even a mixture of several types of fibers.

The substrate sheet is dimensioned and shaped in such a way as to be able to substantially cover the target bodily surface region. In this particular instance, figure 1 shows a face mask 1. The substrate sheet thus has a substantially circular overall shape.

Furthermore, the body 2 advantageously has openings 3a, 3b, 3c, respectively substantially corresponding to the mouth, to the nose and to the eyes of a user.

In accordance with the present application, the body 2 comprises a frame 4 in the form of a closed loop.

In this particular instance, as depicted in figure 1 , the frame is peripheral, more specifically completely peripheral.

The frame 4 is made from a flexible material that can be deformed between an unfolded configuration (figure 1) in which the loop forms a closed coil and a folded configuration (figure 5) in which the loop forms at least two superposed coils, in this instance three superposed coils.

The frame 4 forms a continuous loop. The mask 1 can be folded in the following way illustrated in figures 2 to 5. Initially (figure 2), and regardless of the folding method, the mask 1 is unfolded and substantially flat, the frame 4 forming a single closed loop.

The mask 1 is then folded as depicted in figure 3 so that the frame 4 forms three loops (crossing of the frame: one central loop and two lateral loops) situated in substantially the one same plane.

One of the lateral loops is then folded onto the central loop (figure 4, thus forming two superposed coils), then the second lateral loop is folded onto the two previous loops in such a way as to obtain three superposed coils (figure 5).

Other folding methods, consisting in forming, from the unfolded frame 4, at least two coils, notably by twisting, then in folding the two coils one on top of the other, are conceivable.

Depending on the flexibility of the frame 4 and on the length thereof, it is thus possible to twist the frame 4 into a simple∞ in order to form two coils which are then folded one on top of the other. It is also conceivable to twist the frame into adjacent double ∞ shapes (twisting to obtain a small loop and a large loop, the large loop then being itself twisted in order to obtain three loops laying flat) or successive double∞ shapes (twisting to obtain an 8 the loops of which are folded over, the double coil then being folded again into an 8).

Yet another possibility is to fold the substrate and the frame into two along a transverse or longitudinal line, substantially symmetrically. Two extreme points of the frame coming together and being held together. The two extreme points of the frame in the other, longitudinal or transverse, direction are then folded until they meet so as to form the three superposed coils.

Such folding systems are known and used for tents (e.g. FR2928953A1) and for bicycle covers (FR2998251A1) for example. For further information regarding the principle of operation and the folding techniques, reference may be made to those documents.

As explained hereinabove, the flexible frame 4 that can be folded into superposed coils allows the cosmetic mask 1 to be folded while keeping the frame in a state of tension so that it forms a kind of spring that tends to revert, at least partially, to its unfolded configuration thus allowing said mask to be unfolded quickly and easily. Thus folded, the mask 1 can be packaged in its packaging (not depicted), typically a sachet, this packaging serving to keep it in the folded position.

Advantageously, in the case of a mask 1 impregnated with a cosmetic composition, the impregnation may take place directly inside the packaging of the mask in the folded position.

The frame 4 will be as thin as possible so that it does not disturb the application of the mask 1 and so that it remains very readily bendable.

The cross section of the frame 4 will preferably be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, excluding, where present, the connecting platform for connection to the body 2, which may be broader, typically as much as 5 mm wide.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame 4 is made of a plastic material, particularly from a thermoplastic material, notably from polyethylene or polypropylene.

The frame 4 is fixed to the body 2 of the mask 1 by ultrasound welding or hot welding, the plastic material becoming slightly molten discretely or continuously over at least part of the periphery so that it bonds or mixes intimately with the material of the substrate, particularly when the latter is made of a porous or fibrous material. This then avoids the addition of an adhesive which could exhibit problems of compatibility with the cosmetic composition.

According to a first embodiment, the frame 4 is produced by extruding plastic. The extruded profile is then cut to an appropriate length and its ends are joined together to form the loop of the frame.

According to a second embodiment, the frame is produced by injection molding. In this way, the frame can be produced in a single piece as a continuous loop. Its robustness and elasticity are thereby increased and there is no need to provide a cutting step and a step of joining/closing the loop.

As depicted in figures 8 to 10, it is possible to incorporate into the frame 4 at least one lateral element for fixing a member for holding the mask on the region that is to be treated. In particular, in the case of a face mask 1 , this may be a headband or ear support that helps to hold the mask in place on the face.

Thus, figure 8 shows a mask la comprising a frame 4 incorporating lateral eyelets 5 to allow for the attachment of an elastic or a strap 6 intended to be passed around the ears or around the head of a user. Figure 9 shows a mask lb in which the frame 4 has lateral extensions 7, preferably molded directly with the frame 4, said lateral extensions 7 forming ear loops.

Figure 10 shows a mask lb according to the same principle as figure 9, the frame having an extension 8 forming a headband.

Figures 6a, 6b and 7a, 7b show different profiles of frame 4.

Figures 6a, 6b show profiles produced by extruding plastic. The extruded profile is then cut to the correct length and the two ends are joined together to form the loop of the frame 4.

Figures 7a, 7b show profiles produced by injection molding plastic. The frame can thus be produced in a single piece in the form of a continuous loop.

Each frame 4 profile comprises a base 4a for connection to the body of the mask 1, said connecting base 4a being surmounted by a contour profile.

The connecting base may be entirely peripheral and follow the contour profile or may be discrete and distributed on said periphery.

The section of the contour profile and, more generally, of the frame 4 may be adapted according to the flexibility desired.

In particular, the frame may have a hollow or solid section.

A hollow section will generally make it possible to obtain greater flexibility of the frame.

The hollow section may be closed (figures 6a, 6b) or open (figure 7a), a closed section, hollow or otherwise, affording greater rigidity.

For preference, the section is cylindrical.

The open section may notably be a U-section (figure 7a) or a V-section. The opening of the section is oriented toward the body 2 of the mask. The connecting base 4a may then take the form of legs at each end of the branches of the U or of the V.

By way of alternative, the section may also have a T-profile or a W-profile.

Claims

1. A cosmetic mask (1) comprising a body (2) made from at least one substrate forming a flexible sheet, characterized in that said body comprises a frame (4) in the shape of a closed loop made from a flexible material, said frame being elastically deformable between an unfolded configuration in which the loop forms a closed coil and a folded configuration in which the loop forms at least two superposed coils, the frame being in a state of tension so that it forms a kind of spring that tends to revert to its unfolded configuration.

2. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the frame

(4) is at least partially peripheral, preferably entirely peripheral.

3. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in either one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the frame (4) is made of plastic.

4. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in either one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the frame (4) incorporates at least one lateral element (5) for fixing a member (6) for holding the mask on the face of the user.

5. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises a base (4a) for connection to the body of the mask, surmounted by a contour profile (4b).

6. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (4) has a hollow section.

7. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the the hollow section is a closed hollow section.

8. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the hollow section is an open hollow section, the opening preferably being oriented toward the body (2) of the mask.

9. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (4) forms a continuous loop.

10. The cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is in a folded configuration, the frame (4) forming a closed loop having at least two, preferably three, superposed coils.

11. An assembly for packaging a mask (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sachet containing at least one mask in the folded configuration.

12. A method for folding a cosmetic mask (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said folding method comprises the steps aimed at forming, from the unfolded frame (4), at least two coils, then in folding the two coils one on top of the other.

13. The folding method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that three coils are formed from the unfolded frame, the three coils being folded one onto another in succession.