WO2021043615A1

WO2021043615A1 - Device for applying a cosmetic product

Info

Publication number: WO2021043615A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/073656
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henri Samain; Jean-Baptiste Blanc; Franck Giron
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2019-09-03
Filing date: 2020-08-24
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Also published as: CN114423316A; EP4025096B1; EP4025096A1; US20220287439A1; CN114423316B; FR3100109B1; FR3100109A1

Abstract

A device (1) for applying a cosmetic composition (C), in particular a makeup or care composition, to an application zone (P) of a user, having a positioning system (2) comprising at least one support (4) configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone (Z) of the user's body and at least one connecting member (5) connected to an application system (3) for the composition, the support (4) having a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone, and/or the connecting member (5) having a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user, the device being configured to guide the connecting member (5), in particular to impose a predefined trajectory on said connecting member, when the latter is moved relative to said supporting zone (Z) from a position in which the support (4) is positioned on said zone, in order to bring the application system (3) into contact with said application zone.

Description

Title: Device for applying a cosmetic product

Technical field

The present invention relates to a device for applying a cosmetic composition, in particular a makeup or care composition, having a positioning system connected to an application system for the composition. The invention also relates to methods for positioning and for manufacturing such a device and cosmetic treatment methods, in particular for applying makeup, using same.

Prior art

Many people apply makeup to their face, in particular the eyelids, eyelashes or eyebrows, in order to enhance their physical appearance, trying to be as attractive and original as possible.

People with impaired vision may encounter difficulties in living their professional and social lives. Like everyone else, they need to come into contact with other people and therefore desire to present an appearance that looks good. Moreover, for some of them, it is important to be able to present themselves without others being able to identify their vision problem. Therefore, people with impaired vision may feel an increased need to make themselves up for social interactions.

Applying makeup with impaired vision is especially difficult in the case of the eyelids, the eyebrows and the lips, zones in which a fairly distinct color needs to be applied compared with the color of the skin, in a manner located perfectly correctly, in particular such that the color does not pass beyond the zone. Even with a small locating error, for example an error of 3 mm in the eyebrow or eyelid zone, the resultant error is visible, in particular in the case of a fairly distinct makeup color.

The problem is less significant, but still present, in the case of makeup on the rest of the face, for which less distinct colors are used, resulting in application errors that are less visible even though they exist.

Some people are reluctant to make themselves up or to present themselves in public. One solution consists in using a third party, such as a friend. However, this approach is not practical and difficult to put into practice daily. Applicators for obtaining a complex and precise makeup result with one action are known, and are described in particular in the applications FR 3 072 546, WO 2019/077129 and WO 2019/077131. These applicators, which employ a surface tailor-made for the morphology of the person, are suitable for making up the lips, since the movement of the hand toward the mouth is instinctive. Thus, the result is rarely botched, even with impaired vision. By contrast, this type of applicator is not suitable for making up the eyelids, the eyebrows and even the cheeks, since it results in a high error rate. This is caused by incorrect positioning of the hand during application. Moreover, the left/right symmetry required for these zones increases the difficulty, which also rises when there is a desire to use several colors.

The application US 2016/000208 describes a makeup applicator for foundation, comprising a complete 3D mask of the face, an adhesive layer and a layer of composition for transferring the product. This mask is of limited and not very easy use since, for the one part, it is intended for making up the entire face and, for the other part, it requires a uniform layer of composition.

Therefore, no solution exists for users with impaired vision for satisfactorily applying makeup in a simple, autonomous and reliable manner, in particular to mutually symmetric zones of the face.

Moreover, the application of product to zones that are not visible, in particular zones of the scalp or of the back, directly or with the aid of a mirror is complex, in particular if it is necessary to be precise in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. Some people are successful but not satisfied and wonder whether the application has been carried out correctly or not.

It is possible to make use of a third party, or even a professional, but this is not generally realistic in practice, in particular when the frequency of the treatment is high, for example daily.

Research has been carried out to improve the wear property of the products, in particular products for treating the scalp or the skin of the back, and therefore to reduce the frequency of application thereof, in order to make application by a third party more realistic. However, the results are disappointing. This is attributable to the fact that the treated zone that is not visible, for example the scalp, the head hair, or the back, can be subjected to rubbing, in particular on bed linen, or on clothing, resulting in accelerated disappearance of the product applied and the risk of staining sheets and/or clothing.

The user can use their fingers to locate the zone to be treated when the latter is able to be detected by touch, and then apply the composition. However, this operation requires one hand to touch the body in order to detect, blind, the zone to be treated, while the other hand applies the composition. Without a visual check, the application is imprecise and often leads to an approximate result with errors, overlaps and forgotten zones.

Very sophisticated robots exist that make it possible to pick up and position hair grafts, but this type of solution, which is very expensive and bulky, is conceivable only for extensive treatments. Therefore, there is no satisfactory solution for effectively treating, in an autonomous manner, zones of the body that are not visible.

Disclosure of the invention

Consequently, there is a need to make it even easier to apply makeup to and care for human keratin materials, in particular to easily achieve complex makeup results with precision, or to make up a poorly accessibly zone of the body in an autonomous manner.

The present invention aims in particular to meet this need.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, a subject of the invention is a device for applying a cosmetic composition, in particular a makeup or care composition, to an application zone of a user, having a positioning system comprising at least one support configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone of the user’s body and at least one connecting member connected to an application system for the composition, the support having a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone, and/or the connecting member having a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user, the device being configured to guide the connecting member, in particular to impose a predefined trajectory on said connecting member, when the latter is moved relative to said supporting zone from a position in which the support is positioned on said zone, in order to bring the application system into contact with said application zone.

The device according to the invention therefore provides a solution to the problem of positioning applicators, ensuring that the application system is positioned correctly at the time of contact with the skin. The support uses a geometric reference system to allow the application system to be positioned properly. The support can be positioned, in particular on a part of the head, in a secure and repeatable manner, without hesitation, to obtaine a controlled effect.

The invention makes it possible to help not only users with impaired vision, but also others, to apply their makeup, since it makes it possible to increase the precision of makeup application, paving the way for complex makeup results which, if they had been produced using the known methods, would have proved to be positioned insufficiently precisely, and/or to be asymmetric, and therefore less aesthetically pleasing.

With the device according to the invention, it is possible, if desired, to obtain a symmetric makeup result, in particular in the case of making up symmetric zones of the face, such as the eyes, the cheeks, or the eyebrows.

In addition, the invention affords a simple, inexpensive and effective means of assisting users in a self-application exercise. Sustained visual attention for keeping the device in its correct position is not necessary,

The application zone is a zone of human keratin materials, namely the skin, including the scalp, lips, nails, head hair, eyelashes and eyebrows.

The invention is suitable very particularly for making up the eyes, in particular the eyelids, bags under the eyes, eyebrows or eyelashes, for making up the cheeks or lips, or for the cosmetic treatment of the scalp or back.

Positioning system

The guidance of the connecting member makes it possible to bring the application system either precisely into its application position, by virtue of the precision of guidance and the positioning of the support, or into the vicinity of the application position, final adjustment then being necessary. This final adjustment can be effected with the aid of a camera; in this case, approximate guidance of the connecting member may be sufficient.

Preferably, the support is configured to be positioned on a supporting zone other than the application zone, in particular the root of the nose, the temples or the ears, for application to the eyelids or eyebrows.

The supporting zone may be an ear, a part of the head, in particular the temples, a part of the nose, in particular the nostrils or the root of the nose, or the chin. This zone is thus advantageously a zone that is easy for a person with impaired vision to identify. The shape of the support is chosen such that it cannot normally be positioned comfortably elsewhere or in some other way.

Preferably, the support has a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone, and the connecting member of the positioning system has a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user.

The support and/or the connecting member are advantageously produced on the basis of an acquisition of the topography of at least a part of the face or of the user’s body comprising at least the supporting zone and/or the predefined application zone, in particular by way of a 3D scan or following a test session. This acquisition makes it possible in particular to know the distance between the supporting zone(s) and the application zone(s).

In this case, at least a part of the support and of the connecting member may be produced by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing, in particular by 3D printing. In one variant, a mold used for manufacturing at least a part of the support and of the connecting member is advantageously produced by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing, in particular by 3D printing.

In order to carry out the 3D scan, it is possible to use any 3D scanner capable of capturing the volume and the dimensions of the zone in question. The 3D scan is advantageously a scan produced by projecting fringes of light, but any other means for generating structured light can be used.

A file that is readable by a CNC machine or by a 3D printer is advantageously generated, said file being able to be saved, in particular automatically, for example in the cloud or on a central server.

A translated digital copy of a surface, possibly a reworked surface, obtained from the acquisition of the topography is advantageously created.

The support can be adapted to the narrowest point of the supporting zone, in particular in the case of the temples, the nostrils or the chin, such that it can only be positioned at this point.

When the supporting zone is the nose, the support of the positioning system may be in the shape of a U, the width of which is approximately that of the nose such that the support fits without leaving too large a space between itself and the skin, and also without excessively clamping the nose so as to allow it to be moved without forcing or injuring the skin. In one variant, the device is in the form of goggles, which are configured to be pushed toward the eyes from a position A to a position B along the nose until they have reached the right position. In further variants, the device is in the form of a cap, or of a visor, in particular produced so as to be able to be rotated from the user’s forehead.

The connecting member may have a part that is movable or deformable with respect to the support, being able in particular to move vertically, horizontally or diagonally with respect to the support and/or to the supporting zone, in particular in rotation or translation.

Said connecting member may be plastically or elastically deformable, in particular under pressure exerted by one or more fingers, being able to result in spacing apart of the device, and/or have a sliding and/or rotary part in order to change its position with respect to the support. The connecting member is advantageously tailor-made in order that, once the support has been positioned, the application system does not come into contact with the skin and, once the system has been moved, the application system comes into contact with the zones to be made up.

In one particular embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is a flexible bow, and the support has two opposite parts, each of which is positioned on a supporting zone, in particular a temple of the user. The connecting member can then be pushed from a position A to a position B, spacing apart the two parts of the support and moving the application system toward the application zone, for example the eyebrows or eyelids. Said bow may be put into extension in order to space apart the two parts of the support before positioning them on their supporting zone, in order to make it easier to position the device.

In one variant, the connecting member being a stem connecting two opposite parts of the support, each of which is positioned on a supporting zone, for example a temple, the device has cams attached to said opposite parts of the support so as to move the connecting member toward the application zone, once the device has been positioned correctly, in order that the application system comes into contact with said application zone, in particular a zone of the user’s eyes, for example the eyebrows or eyelids. A pressure exerted by the user on the connecting member turns the cams and allows the connecting member to move until the applicator member comes into contact with the application zone. In one variant, the device has one or more springs configured to allow the connecting member to move.

In one variant or in combination, at least a part of the support is movable with respect to the supporting zone, being able in particular to move vertically, horizontally or diagonally with respect thereto, in particular being guided in its movement by the nose.

The device according to the invention can be configured to be used on two predefined symmetric zones in order to achieve a symmetric makeup result, in particular on the two eyelids, the two lines of eyebrows or of eyelashes, or the two cheeks of the same user. The application system may have two applicator members designed to be able to apply the composition to two predefined symmetric zones of keratin materials, the two applicator members being in particular disposed on either side of the support. The application to the two zones can then be realized with a single movement.

In this case, the connecting member of the positioning system advantageously has a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user, and chosen such that the two applicator members are positioned ideally with respect to the support(s).

The positioning system may have at least one secondary support configured to be positioned on at least one secondary zone of the user’s body, other than the supporting zone, in particular on the temples or the ears when the supporting zone is the root of the nose, or vice versa. This ensures better positioning from the outset, and perfect horizontally, using, for this purpose, the tactile sensations that tell the user about the position of the device.

The secondary support(s) can remain fixed during the movement of the application system. To this end, the user can use one hand to press the secondary support(s), the other hand being used to shift the system. The secondary support(s) can be equipped with a fixing means, for example a jaw, in particular a pneumatic jaw, which is tightened and released automatically, a screw, or a tightening handle, for locking the secondary support during the movement of the connecting member.

The device may have a system for correcting the position thereof, in particular for verifying the horizontality thereof, comprising in particular an accelerometer, an image analysis system for looking for the presence of a part of the face, for example the eyes, comprising for example a camera, or a spirit level, in order to help the user to properly position the device according to the invention. The system can be configured to alert the user when the correct position has been reached, by way of a visual, audible or vibratory signal, with or without an indication for guiding them.

The device may also have a system for balancing the horizontality thereof, using in particular the movement of a weight from one point to another of the device, in particular of the connecting member. Thus, when the user feels the centre of gravity of the device move, they instinctively have the reflex to change the position thereof.

The positioning system may have a pressure sensor for informing the user about the position of the support. Thus, if a pressure is detected by said sensor, the system can send a warning, in particular an audible warning, prompting the user to shift the system until the pressure detected drops to a minimum. This situation is then detected by said sensor, which indicates to the user that it is no longer necessary to move the system.

The device may have at least one locking element for blocking the application system in a given position relative to the support and/or to the connecting member.

The device is advantageously designed to be held on the nose or any other predefined zone of the head by clamping. In one variant, a fixing member, such as a strap, is used to hold the device in place.

Articulated arm

In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member has an arm, in particular an arm that is articulated relative to the support.

Once the support has been positioned on the supporting zone, it is possible to actuate a mechanism, connected to the support, which moves the arm and allows the application system to reach the application zone without failure.

The arm of the connecting member may have a deformable part, or a set of articulations or ball joints, or cables and/or springs that pull on the arm in one or more directions in order to move it.

The device may also have a camera, disposed in particular in the region of the application system, helping to tell the position thereof, via information transmitted to an electronic system. The camera is advantageously configured to identify hair loss gaps to be filled, in particular through the detection of a difference in color on the head. The system can send a signal, in particular an audible or visual signal, to the user and/or to the application system in order to inform them/it when the desired position has been reached.

The application system can also be moved through a predefined orientation angle with respect to the support before application, the device sending in particular a signal, in particular an audible or visual signal, to the user and/or to the application system in order to inform them/it when the desired orientation angle has been reached. This makes it possible to have the best application result on the zone to be treated.

This embodiment is particularly suitable for reaching zones that are not visible, in order in particular to fill hair loss gaps, abrasions on the scalp or back, to selectively color zones of depigmented hair, to locally treat pigmentation spots on the head of bald people who are continually exposed to the sun, to apply makeup artistically, by way of a design, a pattern, text for example, to the hair or the head at a very precise location, or to apply an antidandruff serum or a hair regrowth product at specific locations on the scalp.

This embodiment can also be employed to treat visible zones, in particular when there are problems of poor eyesight or of dexterity.

Application system

The application system has at least one applicator member.

The applicator member may be an impregnated pad, a spray or printing device, a sponge or a foam, for example passing all the way through and fed by a piston pushing the composition, or a block of composition or a flocked applicator, a fine brush, a brush or any other application means, impregnated with composition, such as a powder puff, in particular made of sponge.

The application system may have several applicator members, mounted in a fixed or removable manner. In the latter case, the possibility of separating the application members from the device makes it possible to spread or position the composition and to change the applicator member as per the desired makeup result. The distance between the positioning system and the applicator member(s) can also be modified and/or adjusted.

The device according to the invention may have an element for identifying the applicator member used, based in particular on a numeric code, thereby making it possible for the device to take account thereof while it is being positioned and during the application of the composition. The application system may have a stencil and an applicator member, the former delimiting an area to which the composition needs to be applied by the applicator member.

The application system may have a tool for modifying a composition that has already been deposited, for example a sponge, a rotating brush or a brush that moves in some other way.

The application system may have an applicator member and a modification tool, the former being used for application and then the latter giving a particular effect, in particular a blending effect.

The application system may have a stencil and a modification tool, the composition being applied by hand, the stencil being used to delimit an area and then the modification tool giving a particular effect, in particular a blending effect.

The application system may have an applicator member, a stencil for delimiting an area, and a modification tool for giving a particular effect, in particular a blending effect.

The application system may be retractable, being configured to move forward or backward toward the application zone, manually or automatically. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for making up the eyelashes of visually impaired people.

In one particular embodiment of the invention, the device has an element for detecting contact with the zone of keratin materials to be made up, in particular a pressure sensor or an electrical resistance sensor. In this case, when the applicator member is correctly positioned and in contact with the zone, the device can propose the application of the composition to the user, and can be activated following agreement by the latter, or automatically apply the composition immediately after detecting contact or after a few seconds. The element for detecting contact can also be configured to inform the user if each point of the applicator member of the application system has been in contact with all of the predefined application zone. If contact is imperfect, the user can prolong contact.

In the case of makeup application to the eyelids, the device can have an element for detecting the opening or closing of the eyelid in order to control, prevent or enable, or initiate, the application of the composition.

In one particular embodiment of the invention, the device is configured so as to make it possible to change the applicator members. Thus, depending on their desires, the user can choose one makeup effect or another. The applicator member can define an application surface that is intended to come into contact with the predefined application zone and has a shape corresponding exactly to that of said zone, corresponding in particular exactly to the shape of the zone of keratin materials of the user to be made up. In this case, at least one part of the applicator member having the application surface is advantageously produced on the basis of an acquisition of the topography of at least a part of said zone, in particular by way of a 3D scan. This makes it possible to obtain a morphological, customized, and tailor-made application surface.

In this case, at least a part of the applicator member having the application surface may be produced by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing, in particular by 3D printing. In one variant, a mold used for manufacturing at least a part of the applicator member having the application surface is advantageously produced by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing, in particular by 3D printing.

The method may include a preliminary step of creating an imprint. The latter may in particular be created by direct molding of the zone to be made up or indirectly on the basis of such molding, for example with the aid of an intermediate mold.

A translated digital copy of a surface, possibly a reworked surface, obtained from the 3D scan, is advantageously created, and then a smoothed volume of the part of the applicator member having the application surface or of the mold between said surface and the translated copy thereof may be generated.

The application system may have a stencil having a contour corresponding exactly to that of said zone, corresponding in particular exactly to the contour of a zone of the keratin materials of a given user.

Said application system may have a flexible support defining a, preferably continuous, application surface intended to receive the cosmetic composition, and at least two elements that are movable with respect to one another and are connected to the support, such that a relative movement of these two elements brings about a mechanical stress on the support and causes the latter to deform between a configuration A for picking up the cosmetic composition and an application configuration B.

In particular, in the first configuration of the support, the application surface is substantially flat, thus allowing it to be brought into contact with a flat color tint or a transferable pattern, in particular a layer of powder, in particular a printed layer of powder. In the second configuration of the support, the application surface is preferably curved. In this configuration, the application surface can have a shape that is convex or concave toward the outside, having in particular a shape suitable for the application of the cosmetic composition to an eyelid.

Composition

The composition may be in the form of a liquid or solid, for example in the form of a, free or compact, powder or in the form of a block of composition.

The composition may be a mascara, a lipstick, an eyeshadow, a foundation, a concealer, or a blusher. The composition may be intended to make up the zone by changing the color thereof, or by modifying the appearance of the zone without changing the color thereof.

The cosmetic composition may be in the form of a transferable print, forming in particular a pattern, of a single color or of several colors.

The cosmetic composition may be a makeup product, a product for coloring or treating the hair or scalp, in particular an adhesive composition for helping to fill a hair loss zone, caused for example by alopecia.

Positioning method

A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a method for positioning an application device according to the invention with respect to an application zone of a user in order to apply a cosmetic composition, in particular a makeup or care composition, thereto, the device having a positioning system comprising at least one support configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone of the user’s body and at least one connecting member connected to an application system for the composition, the support having a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone, and/or the connecting member having a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user, the method comprising the following steps: a) said at least one support is positioned on said predefined supporting zone, and b) said connecting member is guided in movement relative to said supporting zone, in particular along an imposed predefined trajectory, from the position in step a), in order to bring the application system into contact with said application zone.

When the support is positioned on said supporting zone, the connecting member can move with a single degree of freedom, in particular vertically, horizontally or diagonally with respect to said support and/or to the supporting zone.

In one variant, in particular when the connecting member is an arm, in particular an articulated arm, the connecting member can move with at least two degrees of freedom, preferably with a maximum of three degrees of freedom, in particular vertically, horizontally or diagonally with respect to said support and/or to the supporting zone.

The movement of the connecting member may take place manually or using an integrated automatic mechanism, in particular a spring, a controllable compressed-air piston, or a motor.

When the application system has two applicator members designed to be able to apply the composition to two predefined symmetric zones, in particular disposed on either side of the support, the two applicator members are advantageously positioned automatically and identically.

The predefined supporting zone may be an ear, a part of the head, in particular the temples, a part of the nose, in particular the nostrils or the root of the nose, or the chin.

All the steps in the positioning method according to the invention can be implemented automatically by an electronic system, preferably comprising at least one microcontroller and a memory. Said electronic system may be part of the device according to the invention, or may be connected thereto physically and/or via a data exchange network, being in particular in this case a personal computer, a compute server, an advanced mobile telephone, also known as a “smartphone”, or a tablet computer.

Said electronic system may be disposed at the height of the user’s gaze, making it possible to rectify the position of the support and/or of the application system, by way of an audible warning or video feedback. The position of the support and/or of the application system can be rectified automatically by the device itself. The features mentioned above for the device apply to the positioning method, and vice versa.

Manufacturing method

A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a method for manufacturing a device for applying a cosmetic composition to an application zone of a user, according to the invention, having a positioning system comprising at least one support configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone of the user’s body and at least one connecting member connected to an application system for the composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) topographical data of at least a part of the user’s face or body comprising at least the predefined supporting zone and/or the predefined application zone are acquired, and b) the support and/or the connecting member are produced on the basis of the topographical data thus acquired in order that the support has a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone, and/or that the connecting member has a personalized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user.

Preferably, the support is manufactured with a customized shape adapted to the supporting zone on the basis of said topographical data.

The spacing between the support and the part of the connecting member carrying the application system may be chosen on the basis at least of the distance between the supporting zone and the application zone.

In the case in which the application system has an applicator member defining an application surface intended to come into contact with the predefined zone, at least one part of the applicator member having the application surface is advantageously produced on the basis of an acquisition of the topography of at least a part of said zone, in particular by way of a 3D scan.

The features mentioned above for the device and the positioning method apply to the manufacturing method, and vice versa.

Cosmetic treatment method

A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a method for the cosmetic treatment of an application zone of a user, in particular for makeup application or care, comprising the application of a cosmetic composition to said zone with the aid of an application system of an application device positioned with respect to said application zone by the positioning method according to the invention.

Several successive cosmetic treatments may be carried out by modifying the position of the application system between two treatments, without removing the device from the supporting zone.

In one exemplary embodiment, in which the composition is in the form of a print with a predefined pattern, the method may include a step of a user choosing and/or creating the pattern and a step of information relating to this pattern being transmitted by means of a machine connected to at least one printer that produces the print.

The machine may be a computer, an advanced mobile telephone, also known as a “smartphone”, or a tablet computer. The machine may be connected to said printer physically and/or by way of a data exchange network.

The features mentioned above for the device and the positioning and manufacturing methods apply to the cosmetic treatment method, and vice versa.

Cosmetic kit

A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a cosmetic kit having a device according to the invention and a plurality of application systems, which can be mounted interchangeably on the device.

The features mentioned above for the device and the positioning, manufacturing and cosmetic treatment methods apply to the kit, and vice versa.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention may be understood better from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting implementation examples thereof and from studying the appended drawing, in which:

[Fig 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a device for applying a cosmetic composition according to the invention in two different positions,

[Fig 2] Figure 2 shows a variant application device according to the invention,

[Fig 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a positioning system of a device according to the invention, on its own and in a top view,

[Fig 4] and [Fig 5] Figures 4 et 5 illustrate variants of the positioning system in figure 3, [Fig 6] to [Fig 8] Figures 6 to 8 show different examples of a device for applying a cosmetic composition according to the invention,

[Fig 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a system for balancing the horizontality of the device according to the invention,

[Fig 10] Figure 10 shows a variant application device according to the invention, [Fig 11] Figure 11 shows a variant application device according to the invention, [Fig 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the operation of the device in figure 11, [Fig 13] Figure 13 illustrates a first implementation example of the invention, [Fig 14] Figure 14 illustrates a second implementation example of the invention, [Fig 15] Figure 15 illustrates a third implementation example of the invention, and

[Fig 16] Figure 16 illustrates a fourth implementation example of the invention.

Detailed description

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a device 1 for applying a cosmetic composition C to an application zone P of a user according to the invention. In this example, the device 1 has a positioning system 2 comprising a support 4 and a connecting member 5 connected to an application system 3 for the composition C, which has two applicator members 3a and 3b disposed on either of the support 4 and designed to be able to apply the composition to two predefined symmetric zones, in this example the eyelids.

As can be seen in figure 1(a), the support 4 is configured to be positioned on the top of the user’s nostrils, and has a customized shape, adapted to this supporting zone Z. The connecting member 5, for its part, has customized dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user. The configuration of the assembly of the device 1 imposes a predefined trajectory on the connecting member 5 when the latter is moved relative to the supporting zone Z, from the position in which the support 4 is positioned on said zone. In the example described, the connecting member is moved diagonally by the user, following the ridge of the nose from the top of the nostrils toward the eyes, in order to bring the application system 3 into contact with the eyelids P for the application of the composition C, as can be seen in figure 1(b). In this case, the support 4 leaves the supporting zone Z during the movement of the connecting member 5, and the two applicator members 3 a and 3b are brought into contact with the eyelids automatically and identically. In a variant shown in figure 2, the support 4 is positioned on the chin Z, and the connecting member 5 is moved horizontally toward the user’s eyes, in order to apply the composition C to the eyelids P. In this example, the support is fixed and remains positioned on the supporting zone Z during the movement of the connecting member 5.

In another variant, shown in figure 3, the support 4 has two opposite parts 4a, 4b, each of which is positioned on a temple Z of the user. The connecting member 5 is a stem connecting the two parts 4a, 4b of the support. Cams 6 attached to said parts 4a and 4b make it possible to move the connecting member 5 toward the user’s eyes, once the device has been positioned correctly, in order that the application system (not shown) come into contact with a zone of the user’s eyes, for example the eyebrows or eyelids.

In the variant in figure 4, the connecting member 5 is elastically deformable, being a flexible bow. The support 4 has two opposite parts 4a, 4b, each of which is intended to be positioned on a temple Z of the user, and the connecting member 5 can be pushed from a position A to a position B, spacing apart the two parts of the support 4 and moving the application system (not shown) toward the application zone, for example the eyebrows or eyelids.

Figure 5(a) shows a positioning system 2 similar to the one in the embodiment in figure 4, in which the support is adapted to the narrowest point of the supporting zone Z, in this example the temples, such that the user can only position it at this point. In the variant in figure 5(b), the connecting member 5 is a flexible bow that can be put into extension in order to space apart the two parts of the support before positioning them on the temples Z.

As shown in figure 6, the positioning system 2 can have a secondary support 8 configured to be positioned on at least one secondary zone of the user’s body, other than the supporting zone. In this example, the secondary support 8 is configured to be positioned on the temples, while the support 4 is configured to be positioned on the nose. This secondary support on the temples makes it possible to ensure better positioning and perfect horizontality. In the example described, the connecting member 5 moves diagonally along the nose of the user in order that the application system 3 come into contact with their eyelids.

In the variant in figure 7, the positioning system 2 also has a secondary support 8 configured to be positioned on the temples, and a support 4 configured to be positioned on the top of the nose. In this example, the support 4 is in the shape of U, the width of which is approximately that of the top of the user’s nose. The device in figure 8 has a positioning system 2 comprising a support 4 configured to be positioned on the user’s temples Z, and a secondary support 8 configured to be positioned on their nose. This secondary support is provided with a jaw 9, making it possible for it to be locked on the nose during the movement of the connecting member 5 toward the user’s eyes.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a device 1 according to the invention having a system 11 for balancing its horizontality, using the movement of a weight 12 that is movable from one point of the connecting member 5 to another via a band 13 driven by a freely rotating pulley 14 disposed in the region of a first applicator member 3a of the application system 3 and a stepper motor 15 disposed in the region of the second applicator member 3b. Thus, when the user feels the centre of gravity of the device 1 move, they instinctively have the reflex to change the position thereof. In this example, the device 1 also has an accelerometer 19, disposed in the region of the second applicator member 3b, for helping to correct the position of the device, controlling the motor 15 via a control device in order that it positions the weight 12 at the desired point.

In the variant in figure 10, the application system 3 is retractable, being configured to move forward or backward toward the application zone P, manually or automatically. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for making up the eyelashes P. As can be seen in figure 10(a), the user positions the device 1 so as to place the support on the supporting zone, in this example the nose, with the application member in the retracted position. The connecting member 5 is moved along the nose toward the eyes, with the applicator member still folded, as can be seen in figure 10(b). Once the application system has been correctly positioned, the applicator member is deployed in order to apply the composition to the eyelashes P, as can be seen in figure 10(c). Once the application has been carried out, the device 1 is then moved in the opposite direction, as shown in figure 10(d).

In one particular embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in figure 11, the connecting member has an arm 10, connecting an application system 3 to a support 4, via a hinge 18. This device is particularly effective for treated zones that are not visible, such as the scalp at the rear of the head. In this example, the support 4 is intended to be positioned on the zone between the two eyes of the user, at the base of the nose and the forehead. The arm 10 is then pivoted toward the rear relative to the support 4 in order to bring the end loaded with composition into contact with the skin of the head. Such a device is used in particular to treat a zone of a user’s scalp, in particular by applying an adhesive composition for filling hair loss gaps caused by alopecia, or for applying a hair coloring or haircare product.

In the variant in figure 12, the arm 10 is articulated and motor-driven, and a camera 16, disposed in the region of the application system 3, helps to tell the position thereof, via information transmitted to an electronic system 17, in order to adjust the position of the application system 3 and to correctly treat the desired application zone. The camera 16 is advantageously configured to identify hair loss gaps to be filled by the application of an adhesive composition. The electronic system 17 can send a signal, in particular an audible or visual signal, to the user and/or to the application system 3 in order to inform them/it when the desired position has been reached.

Example 1

An example of making up the eyelids with the aid of a device 1 according to the invention will now be described with reference to figures 13(a) and 13(b).

In this example, the positioning system 2 used is the one in figure 5. In order to produce the latter, topographical data of a part of the user’s head comprising the supporting zone, namely the temples, and the application zone have been acquired, via a 3D scan. The distance between the two temples and that between the centre of each eye on the horizontal axis between the two eyes have been measured in order to produce the support and the connecting member in a customized manner. In the example in question, the connecting member 5 is a plastics stem bent into a circular arc, and the support has two identical end pieces 4a and 4b fixed to the two ends of the connecting member 5 by brackets 23. The applicator members are formed by foams, which are disposed on plastics supports and are adapted to the morphology of the user’s eyelids, as described above.

In order to use the device, a user with impaired vision can identify the position of the two applicator members by virtue of the sense of touch, in order to put on each of them a foam pad containing a composition, which is then transferred to the two applicator members. The user then places the device 1 on their face such that the supports are situated on their temples. They can swing the device downward in order to identify the moment at which the pressure on the temples is at a minimum. The user then closes their eyelids and manually applies a pressure at the centre, maintaining it until the two applicator members come into contact with the skin of the eyelids. The user then removes the device and is made up in a precise and symmetric manner.

Example 2

In the example illustrated in figure 14, the device 1 according to the invention is in the form of goggles, and has a support 4 intended to rest on the nostrils, and secondary supports 8 formed by the arms of the goggles, which are intended to be positioned on the ears. The application system 3, disposed in the region of an eye, has a reservoir 3c containing a cosmetic composition C, and an applicator member in the form of a foam with the inverse morphology of the shape of the user’s eyelid. The connecting member 5 connecting the supports 4 and 8 together and connecting the supports to the application system is tailor- made, as are the supports themselves, as described above.

Thus, it is instinctive for the user to position the device, and, by being pushed toward the eyes upwardly along the nose, the applicator member arrives easily and precisely in contact with the left eyelid. The user then presses on the reservoir 3c of the application system by squeezing the bottom of the reservoir with their thumb, thereby making up the eyelid.

Example 3

In the example illustrated in figure 15, the device in figure 11 is used to treat a zone of a user’s scalp, in particular for alopecia, by applying an adhesive composition. The connecting member has an arm 10, connecting an application system 3 to a support 4, via a hinge 18, such that a single rotational movement is possible between the support and the arm 10. The applicator member is rigid and produced in the 3D shape of the zone to be treated.

The support 4 is positioned on the supporting zone, between the two eyes of the user, at the base of the nose and the forehead, as can be seen in figure 15(a). The arm 10 is then pivoted toward the rear relative to the support 4 in order to bring the end loaded with composition into contact with the skin of the head, as can be seen in figure 15(b).

Example 4

In the example illustrated in figure 16, the same device 1 as in the previous example is used, also having a camera 16 fixed to the application system 3, said camera 16 being connected to an electronic system 17 by a wireless connection. The camera helps to tell the user about the position of the application system, via information transmitted to the electronic system, by detecting for example differences in color indicating the start of a hair loss zone. The connecting member 5 also has cables 21 that make it possible to pull on the arm 10 via a stem 22 in order to move it to the right or to the left in order to adjust the position of the application system 3 and correctly treat the desired application zone.

The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described.

Other types of supports, connecting members and application systems can be used, as can other means for moving the connecting member, if necessary.

Claims

1. Adevice (1) for applying acosmetic composition (C), in particular a makeup or care composition, to an application zone (P) of a user, having a positioning system (2) comprising at least one support (4) configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone (Z) of the user’s body and at least one connecting member (5) connected to an application system (3) for the composition, the support (4) having a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone, and/or the connecting member (5) having a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user, the device (1) being configured to guide the connecting member (5), in particular to impose a predefined trajectory on said connecting member, when the latter is moved relative to said supporting zone (Z) from a position in which the support (4) is positioned on said zone, in order to bring the application system (3) into contact with said application zone (P).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support (4) is configured to be positioned on a supporting zone (Z) other than the application zone (P), in particular the root of the nose, the temples or the ears, for application to the eyelids or eyebrows.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting zone (Z) is an ear, a part of the head, in particular the temples, a part of the nose, in particular the nostrils or the root of the nose, or the chin.

4. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting member (5) has a part that is movable or deformable with respect to the support (4), being able in particular to move vertically, horizontally or diagonally with respect to the support (4) and/or to the supporting zone (Z), in particular in rotation or translation.

5. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the support (4) is movable with respect to the supporting zone (Z), being able in particular to move vertically, horizontally or diagonally with respect thereto, in particular being guided in its movement by the nose.

6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting member (5) is plastically or elastically deformable, in particular under pressure exerted by one or more fingers, being in particular a flexible bow, the support (4) having in this case two opposite parts (4a, 4b), each of which is positioned on a supporting zone (Z), in particular a temple of the user.

7. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the connecting member (5) being a stem connecting two opposite parts (4a, 4b) of the support (4), each of which is positioned on a supporting zone (Z), for example a temple, the device (1) has cams (6) attached to said opposite parts (4a, 4b) of the support (4) so as to move the connecting member (5) toward the application zone (P), once the device (1) has been positioned correctly, in order that the application system (3) comes into contact with said application zone (P), in particular a zone of the user’s eyes, for example the eyebrows or eyelids.

8. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in the form of goggles, which are configured to be pushed toward the eyes from a position (A) to a position (B) along the nose until they have reached the right position.

9. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, configured to be used on two predefined symmetric zones in order to achieve a symmetric makeup result, in particular on the two eyelids, the two lines of eyebrows or of eyelashes, or the two cheeks of the same user, the application system (3) having in particular two applicator members (3a, 3b) that are designed to be able to apply the composition (C) to the two predefined symmetric zones and are in particular disposed on either side of the support (4).

10. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning system (2) has at least one secondary support (8) configured to be positioned on at least one secondary zone of the user’s body, other than the supporting zone (Z), in particular on the temples or the ears when the supporting zone is the root of the nose, or vice versa.

11. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting member (5) has an arm (10), in particular an arm that is articulated relative to the support (4).

12. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application system (3) has a plurality of applicator members (3a, 3b).

13. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application system (3) has at least one applicator member defining an application surface that is intended to come into contact with the application zone (P) and has a shape that corresponds exactly thereto.

14. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application system (3) is retractable, being configured to move forward or backward toward the application zone (P), manually or automatically.

15. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having a system for correcting the position thereof, in particular for verifying the horizontality thereof, comprising in particular an accelerometer (19), an image analysis system for looking for the presence of a part of the face, for example the eyes, or a spirit level.

16. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is designed to be held on the nose or any other predefined zone of the head by clamping.

17. A method for positioning an application device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims with respect to an application zone (P) of a user in order to apply a cosmetic composition (C), in particular a makeup or care composition, thereto, the device (1) having a positioning system (2) comprising at least one support (4) configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone (Z) of the user’s body and at least one connecting member (5) connected to an application system (3) for the composition, the support (4) having a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone (Z), and/or the connecting member (5) having a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user, the method comprising the following steps: a) said at least one support (4) is positioned on said predefined supporting zone

(Z), and b) said connecting member (5) is guided in movement relative to said supporting zone (Z), in particular along an imposed predefined trajectory, from the position in step a), in order to bring the application system (3) into contact with said application zone (P).

18. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, when the support (4) is positioned on said supporting zone (Z), the connecting member (5) moves with a single degree of freedom, in particular vertically, horizontally or diagonally with respect to said support (4) and/or to the supporting zone (Z).

19. The method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the movement of the connecting member (5) takes place manually or using an integrated automatic mechanism, in particular a spring, a controllable compressed-air piston, or a motor.

20. The method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein, the application system (3) having two applicator members (3a, 3b) designed to be able to apply the composition (C) to two predefined symmetric zones, in particular disposed on either side of the support (4), the two applicator members (3a, 3b) are positioned automatically and identically.

21. The method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the predefined supporting zone (Z) is an ear, a part of the head, in particular the temples, a part of the nose, in particular the nostrils or the root of the nose, or the chin.

22. A method for manufacturing a device (1) for applying a cosmetic composition (C) to an application zone (P) of a user, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, having a positioning system (2) comprising at least one support (4) configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone (Z) of the user’s body and at least one connecting member (5) connected to an application system (3) for the composition (C), the method comprising the following steps: a) topographical data of at least a part of the user’s face or body comprising at least the supporting zone (Z) and/or the application zone (P) are acquired, and b) the support (4) and/or the connecting member (5) are produced on the basis of the topographical data thus acquired in order that the support (4) has a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone (Z), and/or that the connecting member (5) has a personalized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user.

23. The manufacturing method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the spacing between the support (4) and the part of the connecting member (5) carrying the application system (3) is chosen on the basis at least of the distance between the supporting zone (Z) and the application zone (P).

24. A method for the cosmetic treatment of an application zone (P) of a user, in particular for makeup application or care, comprising the application of a cosmetic composition (C) to said zone (P) with the aid of an application system (3) of an application device (1) positioned with respect to said application zone (P) by the positioning method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21.

25. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein several successive cosmetic treatments are carried out by modifying the position of the application system (3) between two treatments, without removing the device (1) from the supporting zone (Z).

26. A cosmetic kit having a device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 and a plurality of application systems (3), which can be mounted interchangeably on the device (1).