WO2019043956A1

WO2019043956A1 - Cosmetic applicator with a sliding handling part

Info

Publication number: WO2019043956A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/032390
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marine Roualdes
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2017-09-01
Filing date: 2017-09-01
Publication date: 2019-03-07
Also published as: JP2020532373A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator having a longitudinal axis X, comprising a body (1), an application member (3) fastened to an end of the body (1) and a hollow casing (2) able to move on the body (1) in translation along the longitudinal X axis between a storage position and a use position, an envelope surface (E) of the application member (3) being distant from an internal surface (7) of the hollow casing (2) in the use position.

Description

DESCRIPTION

COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH A SLIDING HANDLING PART

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic product and comprising a sliding handling part. The invention also relates to a cosmetic process using said applicator.

The cosmetic product is preferably a liquid, a cream, an emulsion, a gel or a foam. It may alternatively be a powder or a cast composition. The cosmetic product is for example a coloring product for the eyelids, the lips or the skin of the face, or a care product. The composition is preferably an eyeliner composition.

More generally, a "cosmetic product" is a product defined in Regulation EC 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated 30 November 2009, on cosmetic products.

BACKGROUND ART

With a conventional cosmetic applicator, when a woman puts on make-up, she uses the applicator in a condition of exposing an application member to outside after separating a cap used for protecting it, and stores it by replacing the cap after use.

EP 1 053 697 discloses a cosmetic brush comprising a first hollow cylindrical type casing, a second hollow cylindrical type casing slidably accommodating in the first casing and a brush member slidably accommodated in the first casing. With this device, the length of the cosmetic brush at the time of usage is longer than that of brush at the time of storage. The device is easy to handle thanks to the increased length of the handling part.

Nevertheless, if the fingers of the woman come to near of the brush member, the cosmetic product can stain them. This can prevent the achievement of fine lines and precise contours.

US4129918 discloses an adjustable sleeve for artist's paint brush adapted to adjust the effective length of the hair or bristles. The adjustable sleeve is tubular at its tip to contain the hair or bristles and which is split above the tip to provide a spring biased grip upon the brush ferrule. Nevertheless, the sleeve is rapidly soiled by paint and might become difficult to displace if paint dries.

There is a need to benefit from a cosmetic applicator that is easy to hold without getting fingers dirty.

There is a need to benefit from a cosmetic applicator that can be hold without shaking to draw fine lines and precise contour.

There is a need to benefit from a cosmetic applicator that can be hold near the application member.

There is a need to benefit from a cosmetic applicator that is clean overall.

There is also a need for a new gesture for applying a cosmetic product.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The invention aims to meet some or all of these needs and relates, according to one of its aspects, to a cosmetic applicator having a longitudinal axis X, comprising a body, an application member fastened to an end of the body and a hollow casing able to move on the body in translation along the longitudinal X axis and comprising a first relief able to engage in a second complementary relief arranged on the hollow casing to let the hollow casing move between a storage position where the hollow casing surrounds the body on a maximal storage length h measured along the longitudinal X axis and a use position where the hollow casing at least partially surrounds the application member on a maximal use length 1₂ measured along the longitudinal X axis and in a transversal cross section perpendicular to the X axis, an envelope surface E of the application member is distant from an internal surface of the hollow casing in the use position.

Thanks to the distance between the hollow casing and the envelope surface of the application member in the use position, the application member does not stain the hollow casing. It remains clean even after multiple uses.

Consequently, the movement of the hollow casing on the body remains fluid, which renders the make-up is easier. With this applicator, the application of the product is comfortable and precise as the user can hold the applicator tightening his hands near the application member thanks to the hollow casing.

During its displacement, the hollow casing can slide, twist or rotate, as long as it moves in translation along the X axis.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the operations consisting of:

(i) Providing a device according to anyone of the preceding claims,

(ii) Moving the hollow casing in translation along the X axis away from the application member, to reach the use position,

(iii) Optionally, locking the use position,

(iv) Optionally, unlocking the use position,

(v) Moving the hollow casing in translation along the X axis towards the application member, to reach the storage position.

[Main definition]

The expression "longitudinal axis of the part x" denotes the line connecting all of the centers of mass of the cross sections of the part x.

A "transversal cross-section" is a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator.

An "envelope surface of the application member" is the surface that relies on the external surface of the application member.

[Preferred embodiments]

According to further advantageous aspects of the invention, the resilient member comprises one or several of the following features taken in isolation or in any technically possible combinations:

- In a transversal cross section perpendicular to the X axis, the distance between the envelope surface and the internal surface of the hollow casing, in the use position, ranges from 0,5 mm to 1 cm and preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm. This distance is optimal for a slim applicator. - The first relief extends from a distal end of the body. The movement is fluid.

- The second relief extends from an inner surface of the hollow casing. It is not visible from outside.

- The first relief engages in the second complementary relief by screwing, sliding, clipping or snap-fiting. The complementary reliefs can be made easily.

- The first relief of the body comprises a recess. The hollow casing can move easily.

- The second relief of the hollow casing comprises a protusion.

- It comprises a lock system for locking and unlocking the use position and the storage position. The hollow casing is still, which helps the user.

- It comprises a guide system for guiding the hollow casing between the use position and the storage position. The displacement of the hollow casing in reliable.

- The body comprises two first reliefs symmetrically opposed one to another with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The applicator is more balanced.

- The application member is an eye-liner applicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood on reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, schematic and partial, in which:

- figure 1 is a face view of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention in the storage position,

- figure 2 is a face view of the applicator of figure 1 in the use position,

- figure 3 is a perspective view of the applicator of figure 1 ,

- figure 4 is a longitudinal cut of the applicator of figure 1 in the storage position,

- figure 5 is a longitudinal cut of the applicator in the use position,

- figure 6 is a front view of the hollow casing of the applicator of figure 1,

- figure 7 is a top view of the hollow casing of figure 6,

- figure 8 is a longitudinal cut AA of the hollow casing of figure 6,

- figure 9 is a front view of the body of the applicator of figure 1 , - figure 10 is a side view of the body of figure 9,

- figure 1 1 is a longitudinal cut DD of the body of figure 9,

- figure 12 is a view of below of the body of figure 9,

- figure 13 is a truncated longitudinal view of a second applicator according to the invention,

- figure 14 is a transversal cross section of the applicator of figure 13,

- figure 15 is a truncated longitudinal view of a third applicator according to the invention,

- figure 16 is a transversal cross section of the applicator of figure 15.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The cosmetic applicator having a longitudinal axis X of the present invention comprises a body 1, a hollow casing 2 and an application member 3. Optionally, the applicator comprises a cap for protecting the application member 3 at the time of storage.

The body 1 and hollow casing 2 are hollow cylindrical type members, a length of the hollow casing 2 is approximately a half of the length of the body 1, and the hollow casing 2 is slidably accommodated on the body 1. The body 1 comprises a cylindrical skirt 50 having an internal surface 51.

The body 1 might be a reservoir for the product.

The application member 3 is fixed to the distal end 13 of the body 1. This application member 3 may, for example, be chosen from a sponge, a puff, a brush or a comb. The attachment of the application member 3 to the distal end 13 might be achieved by tightening, sleeve-fitting, snap-fitting, screwing, bonding, welding or other. As a variant, they may be made in a single piece together.

The body 1 and hollow casing 2 can be made of thermoplastic materials, notably produced from ABS, PP, PET/PETG, PA or ABS.

The body can be made by infection molding in one piece, as well as the hollow casing 2.

The cylindrical type hollow casing 2 is slidably positioned on the body 1.

The body 1 comprises a first relief 10 able to engage in a second relief 20 of the casing 2. The first relief 10 may be a formed of two grooves parallel to the X axis and having a length between 1 cm and 2 cm. They might be disposed symmetrically relative to a longitudinal plane of the body 1. The first relief 10 could also be for example a notch, a cavity, a hole, an emptiness, a slot or a channel.

The second relief 20 may be formed of two pillars having a length between 0,3 mm and 0,5 mm disposed so that each can slide in the groove 10. The second relief 20 could also be bead, a tooth, a claw or a lug.

As an alternative, the first relief 10 could be a protrusion and the second relief 20 could be a recess.

Optionally, the cosmetic applicator comprises complementary reliefs positioned on the body 1 and on the hollow casing 2 to lock the use position and the storage position.

On the example of the figure, the body 1 comprises four diametrically opposed pairs of notches 11, 12, 1 10, 120 cooperating respectively with two relief structures having the form of tooth 21, 210. The tooth have a projecting part on the inner surface of the hollow casing 2, so as to releasably lock the hollow casing 2 on the body 1.

The proximal end of the applicator 2 may be provided with guide elements 31 , 32, preferably pins, which further facilitate the slide of the hollow casing 2 on the body 1. These guiding elements can be provided with a recess to confer a certain elasticity.

The internal surface of the hollow casing 2 might also be provided with longitudinal ribs 41, 42 forming a relief structure to facilitate its displacement relative to the body 1.

The application member 3 can be fixed to the body 1 by engaging means disposed at the distal end of the body 1, such as longitudinal ribs 70 and 71 cooperating with complementary longitudinal grooves of the application member 3. The internal surface of the body 1 might comprise additional radial ribs 80 cooperating with a complementary radial groove of the application member 3 for a better engagement.

The applicator according to the invention represented on figure 13 comprises a brush having bristles 9 parallel to the X axis. As visible on figure 14, in a transversal cross section perpendicular to the X axis, an envelope surface E of the application member 3 is distant from an internal surface 7 of the hollow casing 2 in the use position.

The applicator according to the invention represented on figure 15 comprises a tip with a pointed end made of foam. As visible on figure 16, in a transversal cross section perpendicular to the X axis, an envelope surface E of the application member 3 is distant from an internal surface 7 of the hollow casing 2 in the use position.

The use of the cosmetic applicator according to the invention will now be described. Initially, a cosmetic applicator comprising a hollow casing 2 is furnished to the user. The casing 2 occupies the position of figure 1 and 4, which is a storage position. The application member 3 is cleared. Optionally, the cosmetic applicator comprises a cap that must be at first removed by the user to clear the application member 3. At this stage, the hollow casing 2 covers the body 1 on a length .

The hollow casing 2 being secured on the body 1 by the lock system 11, 120, 21, 210, the user strongly pushes the hollow casing 2 towards the distal end of the application member 3. He might drive it with an impulse at the beginning, in order to release the lock system. Then, he displaces the hollow casing 2 by sliding the pillar 20 into the groove 10 towards the proximal end of the applicator device. In the use position, the application member 3 partially surrounds the application member 3. The hollow casing 2 covers a length of the application member 3 equal to the maximal use length 1₂ when the use position is reached. The use position is represented on figures 2 and 5.

The hollow casing 2 is locked by the locked system 12, 110, 21, 210.

The user makes up by putting his finger close to the application member 3. He makes up easily, without shaking.

Afterwards, if the user wishes to close the device, he displaces the hollow casing 2 from the use position to the storage position.

He might drive it with an impulse at the beginning, in order to release the lock system. When it is unlocked, he displaces the hollow casing 2 by sliding the pillar 20 into the groove 10 towards the proximal end of the applicator device, up to the hollow casing 2 covers a length of the body equal to the maximal storage length when the storage position is reached as on figure 1 and 4. He locks the storage position and the applicator is ready for another use.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings.

It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described therein.

Claims

1. Cosmetic applicator having a longitudinal axis X, comprising a body (1), an application member (3) fastened to an end of the body (1) and a hollow casing (2) able to move on the body (1) in translation along the longitudinal X axis and comprising a first relief (10) able to engage in a second complementary relief (20) arranged on the hollow casing (2) to let the hollow casing (20) move between a storage position where the hollow casing (2) surrounds the body (1) on a maximal storage length ( ) measured along the longitudinal X axis and a use position where the hollow casing (2) at least partially surrounds the application member (3) on a maximal use length (1₂) measured along the longitudinal X axis, characterized by the fact that, in a transversal cross section perpendicular to the X axis, an envelope surface (E) of the application member (3) is distant from an internal surface (7) of the hollow casing (2) in the use position.

2. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that in a transversal cross section perpendicular to the X axis, the distance between the envelope surface (E) and the internal surface (7) of the hollow casing (2), in the use position, ranges from 0,5 mm to 1 cm, and preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm.

3. Cosmetic applicator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first relief (10) extends from a distal end of the body (1).

4. Cosmetic applicator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second relief (20) extends from an inner surface of the hollow casing (2).

5. Cosmetic applicator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first relief (1) engages in the second complementary relief (20) by screwing, sliding, clipping or snap-fiting.

6. Cosmetic applicator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first relief (10) of the body comprises a recess.

7. Cosmetic applicator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second relief of the hollow casing (2) comprises a protusion.

8. Cosmetic applicator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a lock system (11, 12, 110, 120, 21, 210) for locking and unlocking the use position and the storage position.

9. Cosmetic applicator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a guide system (31, 32, 41, 42) for guiding the hollow casing between the use position and the storage position.

10. Cosmetic device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the body (1) comprises two first reliefs (10) symmetrically opposed one to another with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

11. Cosmetic device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the application member (3) is an eye-liner applicator.

12. Cosmetic process comprising the operations consisting of:

(vi) Providing a device according to anyone of the preceding claims,

(vii) Moving the hollow casing (2) in translation along the X axis away from the application member (3), to reach the use position,

(viii) Optionally, locking the use position,

(ix) Optionally, unlocking the use position,

(x) Moving the hollow casing (2) in translation along the X axis towards the application member (3), to reach the storage position.