EP1977661A1 - Applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator (3) has application elements (12) i.e. circular shaped corrugated shaped bristles, extending in directions around a twisted core which extends along longitudinal axis. The elements define an envelope surface which increase and then decrease in direction of a distal end of the applicator. A total length (qmax) along the axis of the surface is less than or equal to twice large diameter (dmax) of a transversal section of the surface. An angle formed by slopes of the surface in a longitudinal section on both sides of an apex defined by the elements is greater than 120 degrees.

Description

The present invention relates to the application of a make-up and / or care product to keratinous fibers such as eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

The invention relates more particularly to applicators comprising a core and application elements supported by the core, such applicators being also called brushes or combs.

The most commonly used brushes for the application of mascara on eyelashes have a generally elongated envelope surface and are aimed at making up the largest number of eyelashes at a time.

The access of eyelashes located at the corner of the eye remains relatively difficult with these brushes, as well as the makeup of the lower fringe of the eyelashes, generally shorter.

The European patent application EP 1 649 777 discloses relatively short brushes whose bristles define a biconical envelope surface. The angle defined by the slopes of the envelope surface on either side of the apex edge is relatively acute, being less than 120 °.

Such brushes are more particularly intended to make up strands of eyelashes or eyebrows, the applicator being used with the rod oriented substantially parallel to the eyelash fringe.

The patent US 5,357,987 discloses a brush having two portions of distinct cross-sections, the corresponding envelope surfaces of which are connected forming a recess. One of the portions is intended more particularly to load the eyelashes and the other to comb them. The lash combing portion defines an eccentric envelope surface of constant cross-section that extends far enough away from the distal end of the applicator.

The patent US 5,876,138 discloses a brush having a cross section passing through a minimum and then a maximum, the latter being relatively remote from the distal end of the applicator.

French patent FR 2,715,038 discloses brushes whose envelope surface is biconical with one or more flat faces.

FR 2 906 116 and US 2008/0060669 disclose flocked applicators.

The patent US 5,853,011 discloses a brush having notches extending from a median plane. The cross section of the brush is the same on both sides of these notches.

JP 2002-172019 discloses a brush of constant section, provided at its end with a flocked tip whose diameter is smaller than that of the brush.

Requirement GB 2,170,996 describes a brush comprising a succession of grooves. The cross section passes through a maximum substantially mid-length of the envelope surface.

FR 2 906 115 discloses a spherical applicator.

Requirement FR 2,506,581 discloses an applicator having a core with multiple flexible branches, held between a rod and a control member slidable in the rod. The adjusting member has at its end a head which bears against the core and which impedes the use of the applicator other than with the rod oriented substantially tangentially to the eyelash fringe.

There is a need to facilitate the makeup operation and allow a relatively free makeup by bringing, if necessary, different effects.

• une tige,
• une âme qui s'étend selon un axe longitudinal,
• des éléments d'application portés par l'âme, l'extrémité distale de l'applicateur étant définie par l'âme ou par au moins un élément d'application,
• les éléments d'application s'étendant dans au moins trois directions différentes autour de l'âme et définissant une surface enveloppe qui croît jusqu'à un sommet puis décroît en section transversale en direction de l'extrémité libre de l'applicateur,
• la longueur totale q_max selon l'axe longitudinal de la surface enveloppe étant inférieure ou égale à deux fois le plus grand diamètre d_max de la section transversale de la surface enveloppe, mieux 1,75 fois le plus grand diamètre, mieux encore 1,5 fois ou 1,25 fois,
• l'angle α formé par les pentes de la surface enveloppe dans au moins une section longitudinale de part et d'autre du sommet étant supérieur à 120°, mieux 130°, encore mieux 135°.

The object of the invention is, according to one of its aspects among others, an applicator for applying a product to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising:

• a rod,
• a soul that extends along a longitudinal axis,
• application elements carried by the core, the distal end of the applicator being defined by the core or by at least one application element,
• the applicator elements extending in at least three different directions around the core and defining an envelope surface which increases to a vertex and then decreases in cross section towards the free end of the applicator,
• the total length q _max along the longitudinal axis of the envelope surface being less than or equal to twice the largest diameter d _max of the cross section of the envelope surface, better 1.75 times the larger diameter, better still 1, 5 times or 1.25 times,
• the angle α formed by the slopes of the envelope surface in at least one longitudinal section on either side of the apex being greater than 120 °, more preferably 130 °, more preferably 135 °.

By "diameter d _max " it is necessary to understand the transverse dimension of the envelope surface, even if the cross section does not have a circular contour.

By "total length q _max ", it is necessary to understand the total length of the envelope area defined by the application elements, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core. In the case of a brush for example, it may be the length of the soul carrying the bristles.

The distal end of the applicator corresponds to the end point of the latter, at its free end. The endpoint of the applicator may be defined by an applicator element or the applicator core.

The angle α is the angle formed by the slopes of the envelope surface on either side of the vertex. These slopes can be straight lines that best fit the envelope surface on either side of the top. They may be tangential to a portion of the envelope surface adjacent to the vertex, this portion extending for example over a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the core equal to 1 mm. The slopes can still be straight lines passing through the top and intersecting the envelope surface at a distance from the vertex measured along the longitudinal axis of the core equal to 1 mm.

Such an applicator makes it possible to act on the eyelashes or the eyebrows with multiple orientations of the upper relative to the eyelash fringe, thanks to the shape of the envelope surface, which defines a ball or a similar shape.

The multiple orientations may for example include orientations 180 ° apart, or more, for example more than 300 ° gap. In the case of an applicator having a twisted core, the capping of the eyelashes can be carried out for example perpendicular to the turns or in alignment thereof.

The user can easily choose the orientation and / or the gesture that best suits the desired makeup.

If necessary, the user can put on makeup by turning the applicator on itself while moving it in contact with the eyelashes as if it rolled on them.

The applicator may be used alone, for example to complete the makeup of eyelashes or eyebrows on which a composition has already been applied, or after loading the application elements with a composition, the loading taking place either by depositing the composition on the application elements or by bringing the application elements in contact with a composition bread or by immersing the applicator in a container containing the composition.

When the applicator is used in combination with a container provided with a wringing member, the shape of the applicator may lead to an uneven spin that can be used for makeup. For example, the larger diameter area of the applicator will be more wrung out and will have a better power of separation and extension of the eyelashes. The end zone of the applicator may be more heavily loaded in composition and be used for example to make wicks, thanks to the possibility of using the applicator with multiple orientations.

The invention can make it possible to use the excess composition which is often encountered at the end of the brush and which is due to the non-zero section of the wiper orifice, and which is an inconvenience with conventional brushes.

The applicator may comprise at least two application elements of different lengths.

At least two application elements, see at least three, may extend in at least two different directions from the core, or at least three directions.

The applicator may comprise at least one application element that is not perpendicular to the core. The portion of the core carrying the application elements may be of elongate shape along the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

The soul may extend along a rectilinear or curved longitudinal axis. In the case where the longitudinal axis of the core is curved, its orientation may vary by less than 90 °.

In exemplary embodiments, the ratio R ₁ = d _max / d _core is greater than or equal to 2.5, and better than or equal to 3. d _core corresponds to the diameter in which the cross section of the core is inscribed.

In the case of an applicator having application elements molded with the core, there is for example d _core greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm, for example, d _core less than or equal to 2, 5 mm, and in the case of a twisted core brush there is for example a _core less than or equal to 1.8 mm, for example d _core greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 1.8 mm .

For example, d _{max is} between 6 and 12 mm, for example between 8 and 9 mm, the application elements are molded or the applicator is twisted core.

An applicator with application elements having a relatively long length can allow both a good load of product and a satisfactory spin, offering a successful application and for example avoiding the staining of the eyelids.

The longer the application elements are and the lower the risk of contact between the core and the eyelids, such contact of the soul and the eyelid may affect the quality of makeup.

The generally spherical shape of the applicator may be related to a variable length of the application elements, for example bristles, and not to a variation of the diameter of the core which supports them, variation observed along the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

Preferably, the dewatering of the applicator is effected with a wiper member made of an elastomer. Such a wiper member is particularly suitable for applicators whose core is molded.

Whether the applicator is a twisted core or a molded core, a wiper member having a wiper orifice whose minimum internal diameter is greater than or equal to the maximum diameter of the _rod of the applicator is preferably chosen.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the ratio R ₂ = d _max / d _rod is greater than or equal to 2.5, and better still greater than or equal to 3.

The core can be made so that its outer surface is in the continuity of the outer surface of the rod, once the soul in place on the rod. Thus, one can avoid the presence of an extra thickness between the soul and the stem.

The outer diameter of the _rod is for example between 2.5 and 3 mm when the core is molded and in the case of a twisted core brush, the _rod diameter is for example between 2 and 4.5 mm.

The core may be retained in a housing of the rod by force insertion, bonding and / or by stamping the rod on a tip made in one piece with the portion of the core carrying the application elements.

The longitudinal axis of the core may not be entirely contained in the extension of the longitudinal axis of the rod.

The soul of the applicator can extend straight, especially when the core is twisted. The soul, in the case of a twisted soul, can be unfolded on itself.

The application elements may have a cross section, relative to their axis of elongation, which is non-circular, for example polygonal, and the application elements may have for example at least one edge and / or at least one flat portion. . The latter may be parallel or secant to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

At least a portion of the application elements, or all of them, may have a cross section, relative to their elongation axis which is semicircular.

A non-circular cross-section of the applicator elements may allow a better load and a better rate of transfer of the product onto the eyelashes, especially when the applicator elements have, as indicated above, a cross-section which has at least one edge and / or a flat portion, for example a semicircular cross section. Application elements with a non-circular cross section relative to their direction of elongation may in particular be made by molding, in particular in the case of an applicator having a molded core.

When the applicator comprises a twisted-core brush, the brush is advantageously a brush which has no visible turn effect, that is to say in which the free ends of the bristles have a distribution on the envelope surface. the brush which differs from a distribution according to helical layers clearly visible to the naked eye.

The brush may comprise for example between 10 and 40 hairs per turn.

The applicator may have two twisted cores that are twisted together, which may reduce the coil effect.

The core, when twisted, can be made with one or more wires which are sheathed, in particular one or more wires which comprise a metal core and a sheath of a material other than a metal, for example a thermoplastic material. or a varnish.

The shape of the envelope surface can be obtained, in the case of an applicator whose core is twisted, by a mowing of the bristles or by a heat treatment thereof, for example a treatment which allows a local melting of the end of the hairs over a predefined length.

The fact that the applicator elements extend a relatively short length along the longitudinal axis of the applicator can be used to lengthen the rod and thus increase the applicability of the applicator.

A relative elongation of the length of the rod may also improve the impregnation of the application elements, since they can be moved a greater distance inside the container before removal from the container. A larger proportion of application elements with higher product loading can be obtained, especially for containers which are not initially filled to 100%, which is common to avoid a problem of swabbing when removing the applicator.

The invention can make it possible to use containers having a relatively low depth, for example sample containers, without this small depth of the container resulting in an applicator insufficiently loaded with product. It may for example have R ₃ = d _max / p _container greater than or equal to 3.

The _container depth p is defined as the distance between the top of the container in the absence of an applicator, i.e., the upper end of the neck when such a neck exists, and the inner surface of the container. bottom of the container, the distance being measured along the longitudinal axis of the container.

Preferably, there is R ₄ = d _max / d _f (where d _f is the distance between the inner surface of the bottom and the lower end of the wiper member) which is also greater than or equal to 3.

The container used may be any and in particular may be with two parts movable relative to each other, a rotation of one of the parts relative to the other resulting in the increase of the volume of a chamber defined at the inside of the container between the two parts and the decrease of the volume of another chamber and the passage of the product between these two chambers. This passage can take place through a central region of the container where the applicator member is housed. Such a container is described for example in the application EP 1 584 260 .

The container may be provided with a wiper member which is for example molded in a thermoplastic material, for example an elastomer. This wiper member may comprise in the upper part a flange which bears on the upper end of the neck of the container. In a variant, the wiper member may be a wiper comprising a block of a porous material, in particular a foam which may comprise open cells.

The soul of the applicator may include, especially when twisted, a free end. The rod can be attached to the closure cap which serves as a gripping member and not made in one piece with the entire closure cap. The container may be made by molding thermoplastic material or be made of glass or other materials.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the applicator comprises a twisted core, on the left or on the right, but in a variant the core may be non-twisted, for example being molded, and the application elements held on the other side. soul by gluing, crimping, local fusion of material or overmolding of the soul.

The application elements can also be made by molding with the core, for example in an elastomeric material, the applicator then being a comb or an injected brush.

The application elements may be bristles, and these may be sufficiently flexible to deform upon application, loading composition and / or passage through the possible wiper member. The application elements can still be relatively rigid teeth.

The number of application elements is for example between 100 and 1500 in the case of a twisted core brush and between 20 and 150 in the case of an injected brush or a comb.

The application elements may have, at mid-length between their base connected to the core and their free end, a cross section inscribed for example in a circle of 6/100 and 35/100 mm in diameter.

The envelope surface may define a cross-section of at least partially circular contour, for example circular contour over at least 180 ° around the core, or even completely circular, at least one point of the length of the core, in particular at the top, or on at least a portion of the length of the core, for example over the entire length of the portion of the core carrying the bristles.

The cross section may have a shape factor greater than 0.7 at least in the plane where the radius r _max is maximum. The envelope surface may be devoid of notches or concave face towards the outside, for example in the plane where the radius r _max is maximum.

The envelope surface may define at least one radius whose length varies non-linearly between the proximal end of the envelope surface and the vertex, for example varying along an arc of a circle or any curve other than a straight line. By "ray" is meant the straight segment starting from the core perpendicular to its axis and whose end belongs to the envelope surface.

The envelope surface may define a radius that varies non-linearly between the vertex and the distal end of the envelope surface, for example varying along an arc of a circle.

The envelope surface, on one side of the apex, for example towards the proximal or distal end of the applicator, may be non-conical.

The slope on one side of the apex may be non-constant, for example increasing in inclination relative to the longitudinal axis towards the distal or proximal end.

The envelope surface may define at least two radii parallel to X ₁ and X ₂ axes perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, the lengths of these radii as a function of the position on the longitudinal axis varying nonlinearly , for example according to an arc of a circle, on at least one side of the vertex.

The envelope surface can grow and then decrease at least 180 ° around the soul, better 270 ° around the soul, for example 360 ° around the soul.

The envelope surface may have, when viewed from the side, that is to say perpendicular to the axis of the core, a rounded profile on either side of the top.

The envelope surface may have a distal portion at least partially spherical, for example to 20%. In other words, each point of this portion of the envelope surface is situated at a distance of the same point which is between 0.8 _average and 1.2 _average , where r _means is the radius of the spherical surface measured at from this point.

The core, especially when it is twisted, may comprise a first portion carrying no apparent application element, extending in particular axially between a second portion of the core carrying the application elements and a rod to which connects the core, the length of the first portion being for example greater than or equal to 5 mm. The length of the second portion carrying the application elements, in particular the bristles, is between 6.5 and 15 mm. The number of turns of the portion of the core carrying the application elements may for example be greater than or equal to 7, for example between 7 and 12.

The largest diameter of the envelope surface may be greater than, for example, at least the value of the largest radius r _max , the diameter at the proximal and / or distal end.

The distance of a transverse plane containing the aforementioned vertex at the distal end of the applicator may be less than or equal to 12 mm, or even 10 or 8 mm, for example.

The top may be located at a distance r _max greater than or equal to 2.5 mm from the longitudinal axis of the core, for example between 2.5 and 7.5 mm, or even 3 and 6 mm from the axis of soul. This value may depend for example on the wire used to make the soul, when it is twisted.

The application elements may extend at least in two non-parallel directions, especially on opposite sides of the core.

The application elements can extend in more than four different directions around the core angularly spaced two by two more than 45 ° between them.

The application elements may be aligned or arranged in staggered rows.

The length of the applicator elements may be sufficient so that, during the passage of the applicator through the wiper member, application elements are lying down towards the distal end of the applicator and cover the end distal to the applicator.

The portion of the core not carrying application elements may be rectilinear or not.

The envelope surface may be symmetrical of revolution or not.

The portion of the core carrying the application elements may be rectilinear or not.

The rod may comprise a flexible portion that can flex during use, located between the portion of the rod for connecting the core and a portion of the rod connected to a gripping member.

The core has for example an end supported by the rod and a free opposite end or carrying application elements.

The stem can be full.

The stem can have a fixed length. The length of the rod may not be modifiable by acting on an adjusting member. The distance between the end of the rod connected to the core and the gripping member can be fixed.

• la composition à appliquer sur les fibres kératiniques,
• un applicateur tel que défini plus haut.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a packaging and application device for applying a composition to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising:

• the composition to be applied to the keratinous fibers,
• an applicator as defined above.

The composition may be contained in a container, which may include a wringing member for wringing the applicator when it is withdrawn from the container.

According to another of its aspects, the subject of the invention is also a process for making up the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising the steps of loading the bristles of an applicator with a composition to be applied to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, then to bring the application elements thus loaded with composition in contact with the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

During the application, the user can rotate the applicator on itself, especially as if it rolled on the eyelashes towards their tip.

The makeup of the eyelashes can be performed for example at least with the application elements of the applicator located axially on the web between the top and the distal end of the applicator.

• une âme torsadée,
• des poils portés par l'âme sur un nombre de spires de l'âme compris entre 7 et 12,
• les poils définissant une surface enveloppe qui croît puis décroît en passant par un plus grand diamètre supérieur ou égal à 2,5, mieux 3 mm.

The invention further relates to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising:

• a twisted soul,
• hairs worn by the soul on a number of turns of the soul between 7 and 12,
• the bristles defining an envelope surface which increases and then decreases through a larger diameter greater than or equal to 2.5, more preferably 3 mm.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en coupe longitudinale partielle, d'un exemple de dispositif de conditionnement et d'application réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente en perspective la surface enveloppe de la brosse du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une coupe transversale schématique selon III-III de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 représente isolément, de manière schématique, une variante de réalisation de la brosse,
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 4 d'une autre variante de réalisation,
• les figures 6A et 6B illustrent le maquillage des cils avec un applicateur réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• les figures 7A et 7B sont des coupes analogues à la figure 3, de variantes de réalisation
• les figures 8 à 12 représentent d'autres variantes de réalisation de l'applicateur,
• la figure 13 illustre la réalisation de la tige avec une partie flexible,
• la figure 14 représente un autre exemple de dispositif de conditionnement et d'application réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 15 représente l'angle formé au sommet entre les pentes de la surface enveloppe pour la brosse de la figure 2,
• la figure 16 représente en coupe longitudinale, schématique et partielle, un autre exemple de dispositif de conditionnement et d'application réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 17 est une vue schématique et partielle de l'extrémité de l'applicateur de la figure 16,
• la figure 18 est une section transversale selon XVIII-XVIII de la figure 17,
• la figure 19 est une coupe longitudinale, schématique et partielle, de l'applicateur de la figure 16,
• les figures 20 et 21 illustrent des exemples de fixation de l'âme sur la tige,
• la figure 22 représente une variante de réalisation de l'applicateur,
• la figure 23 illustre le franchissement de l'organe d'essorage par un applicateur réalisé conformément à l'invention, et
• les figures 24 à 26 illustrant quelques exemples de particularités de réalisation des éléments d'application.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced according to the invention,
• the figure 2 represents in perspective the envelope surface of the brush of the device of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a schematic cross section along III-III of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 4 represents in isolation, schematically, an alternative embodiment of the brush,
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 4 another variant embodiment,
• the Figures 6A and 6B illustrate eyelash makeup with an applicator made according to the invention,
• the Figures 7A and 7B are similar cuts to the figure 3 , variants of embodiment
• the Figures 8 to 12 represent other embodiments of the applicator,
• the figure 13 illustrates the embodiment of the rod with a flexible part,
• the figure 14 represents another example of a packaging and application device produced according to the invention,
• the figure 15 represents the angle formed at the top between the slopes of the surface envelope for the brush of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 16 represents in longitudinal section, schematic and partial, another example of packaging and application device produced according to the invention,
• the figure 17 is a schematic and partial view of the end of the applicator of the figure 16 ,
• the figure 18 is a cross section according to XVIII-XVIII of the figure 17 ,
• the figure 19 is a longitudinal section, schematic and partial, of the applicator of the figure 16 ,
• the Figures 20 and 21 illustrate examples of fixing the soul on the rod,
• the figure 22 represents an alternative embodiment of the applicator,
• the figure 23 illustrates the crossing of the wiper member by an applicator made according to the invention, and
• the Figures 24 to 26 illustrating some examples of implementation particularities of the application elements.

The packaging and application device 1 shown in FIG. figure 1 comprises a receptacle 2 and an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 of axis X and of _rod diameter, provided at its end with a brush 5 and connected to the end opposite to a gripping member 7 also constituting an organ of closure of the container 2. The latter comprises a threaded neck 11 on which can be screwed tightly gripping member 7, but could be achieved otherwise. p _container corresponds to the distance between the top of the neck and the inner surface of the bottom of the container.

A wiper member 8 can be mounted in the neck 11, as illustrated, and comprises in the example considered a flexible lip 9 for wiping the rod 4 and the brush 5 to its withdrawal from the container 2. d _f corresponds to the distance between the lower end of the wiper member and the inner surface of the bottom of the container.

The container 2 contains a composition P to be applied to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, for example mascara.

In the example considered, the rod 4 is rectilinear and of circular cross section, but in non-illustrated variants, the rod may be non-rectilinear and / or of non-circular section.

Fixing the applicator 3 on the container 2 can be done otherwise than by screwing, for example by snapping.

In the example considered, the brush 5 comprises a twisted core 10 formed for example by a wire folded in U and twisted in one direction to enclose between the turns thus formed bristles made of a natural or synthetic material. This wire has for example a diameter of between 0.35 and 1.2 mm, being for example steel stainless, for example a diameter of the order of 0.45 mm. d _soul is the diameter in which the cross section of the soul fits.

The core 10 extends along a longitudinal axis Y which may be rectilinear or not and which may or may not coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4.

The free ends of the bristles 12 of the brush 5 define an envelope surface E which is schematically represented in perspective at the figure 2 .

In the example considered, the envelope surface E is symmetrical with revolution and has a variable cross section, for example in the direction of the distal end of the core 21 two substantially hemispherical portions 23 and 26 connected by an edge 30 defining a vertex where the radius r , that is to say the distance from the envelope surface E to the Y axis of the core 10, is the largest for the entire envelope surface E.

The portion 23 makes it possible, for example, to pass from an envelope surface diameter E which is, for example, approximately 5 mm to a diameter which is, for example, approximately 10 mm, over a distance long of the core which is, for example, the order of 5 mm.

The portion 26 allows for example to go from a diameter of about 10 mm to a diameter of about 5 mm, over a length of about 5 mm.

The cross section of the brush increases and then decreases as one moves from the proximal end towards the distal end of the envelope surface, along at least two axes X1 and X2 perpendicular to each other, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .

In the longitudinal section plane containing the axis X1 perpendicular to the Y axis, the radius r increases, reaches the maximum r _max , then decreases. It is the same in the longitudinal section plane containing the axis X2. The longitudinal sectional planes containing the axes X1 and X2 respectively may be planes of symmetry for the envelope surface.

The brush 5 is for example manufactured from a cylindrical envelope surface blank of revolution, of diameter corresponding to that of the edge 30, by cutting this blank with a knife having the same profile as the envelope surface in longitudinal section.

In the example considered, the distance along the Y axis between the proximal end 53 of the envelope surface E and the free end 21 of the core 10 is, for example of the order of 11 mm and the distance l of the transverse plane containing the apex edge 30 to that containing the free end 21 of the core is for example of the order of 6 mm.

The distance j between the transverse plane containing the apex edge 30 and the distal end of the envelope surface is for example of the order of 5 mm.

The angle α formed between the slopes 40 and 41 of the envelope surface, located respectively on either side of the ridge 30 is significantly greater than 120 °, as can be seen on the figure 15 .

Each slope 40 or 41 is defined, as illustrated in FIG. figure 15 the straight line passing through the apex of the envelope surface E, which best conforms to the contour of the envelope surface in a longitudinal section plane, over an interval of 1 mm in length along the Y axis, on the corresponding side of the Mountain peak.

In the example of a biconical envelope surface, the slopes are respectively those of the two portions of cones. In the example of a spherical envelope surface, symmetrical with respect to the plane containing the vertex 30, the angle α is closer to 180 °.

In the example of the figure 2 the brush shape factor in the transverse plane containing the apex edge 30 is 1, the envelope surface E having a circular contour centered on the Y axis of the core 21.

The form factor is defined by r _min / r _max , where r _max is the largest radius of the considered cross-section, i.e., the largest distance from the Y axis of the web 10 to the envelope surface E and r _min denotes the smallest radius, that is to say the smallest distance from the axis Y of the core 10 to the envelope surface E in the plane of section. A square cross section, with a centered core, will have a form factor of 1 / √2.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the envelope surface E is non-symmetrical of revolution and when the envelope surface has at least at one point along the core a cross section which is not symmetrical of revolution, for example due to the presence of at least one facet 50, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 7A .

The applicator may also include, as illustrated in Figure 7B at least one ridge 51, which extends for example less than 90 ° about the Y axis. This ridge 51 can be formed at the junction of two facets 110 and 111, which can For example, be written in a circle C defining the contour of the portion of the envelope surface opposite the ridge 51.

The two facets 110 and 111 may be symmetrical to each other or not, and planar or not.

The crest may be more or less tapered, depending on the inclination of the facets 110 and 111, and be more or less wide depending on the spacing between them.

The brush can be twisted left or right, as shown in the Figures 4 and 5 .

The core 10 may have a stripped portion 60, not carrying bristles, extending between the portion of the core carrying the bristles and the rod 4. This stripped portion 60 may extend over a distance n which may be more or less important, for example between 5 and 10 mm, or even longer when this portion serves as a rod and replaces the conventional plastic rod.

As illustrated in the examples of Figures 4 and 5 the envelope surface may have a spherical portion which is extended toward the proximal and distal ends by relatively short cylindrical portions 52 and 53.

The shape of the envelope surface E, in the invention, makes it possible to use the applicator for the makeup of the eyelashes, in multiple orientations, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 6A and 6B .

In particular, it is possible to use, for makeup, bristles located on the core between the transverse plane where the cross section is the largest and the free end of the applicator, for example by orienting the latter with the distal end of the applicator. the rod 4 which is directed towards the eyelash fringe. Alternatively, it is possible to use bristles of the brush which are located further in recess, the longitudinal axis of the rod being in this case for example oriented substantially parallel to the eyelash fringe, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 6A .

When applying the composition to the eyelashes, the applicator may be rotated on itself as if it rolled in contact with the eyelashes approaching their free end, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B .

The envelope surface E of the brush may have various other forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the example of the figure 8 the envelope surface has a substantially biconical shape.

The angle α between the slopes at the top is however relatively large, especially greater than 120 °, so as to approach a ball shape.

The radius r may not decrease to zero at the ends of the envelope surface.

The diameter of the envelope surface E, in this example or in other examples, at the distal end is, for example, greater than or equal to 4 mm.

The envelope surface E may, if necessary, be symmetrical on either side of a median plane containing the vertex 30.

In the example of the figure 9 , the envelope surface E has a shape, in longitudinal section, generally lenticular. The cross section defined by the envelope surface E increases for example from a proximal end where the radius r is substantially zero to the vertex 30, then decreases to an end where the radius r can again be substantially zero.

The vertex 30 may be defined by an edge, as illustrated in the above examples.

As a variant, the vertex 30 may extend over a certain distance along the Y axis, as illustrated on FIG. figure 10 .

In the example of this figure, the envelope surface E delimits a maximum cross section of radius r _max over a distance t before decreasing towards the free end of the core. The middle of this portion of radius r _max is for example located at a distance l from the free end 21 which is such that the ratio l / r _max is less than 1.5. The length t is for example greater than or equal to 1 mm.

The envelope surface E, especially in the plane where the cross section is maximum, may have a shape that is not revolution.

For example, the envelope surface may have in a longitudinal sectional plane, on its portion where the cross section is variable, a contour that is substantially semi-circular on one side of the core and substantially triangular on the other side of the soul, as illustrated in figure 11 .

The maximum radius r _max may be defined for example by the substantially semicircular portion or the substantially triangular portion.

The core 10 can still be curved on its stripped portion 60, as illustrated in FIG. figure 12 . In this example, the portion of the core carrying the bristles is rectilinear and forms for example an angle γ with the longitudinal axis X of the rod between 1 and 30 °. The bent portion can still be located, in a variant not shown, flush with the rod 4.

The core 10 can be mounted in different ways on the rod 4, being for example introduced into a housing of the rod, for example by force mounting, especially when the core is a twisted metal core.

The rod 4 may comprise, as illustrated in FIG. figure 13 , a portion 70 of increased flexibility, which can bend when the applicator is brought into contact with the eyelashes and / or when the applicator passes through the wiper member 8 while being withdrawn from the receptacle 2.

The increased flexibility zone 70 is for example formed by stamping the rod and / or a thinned portion thereof and / or by a portion of a softer material than the rest of the rod.

The invention is not limited to a packaging and application device comprising only an applicator as described above.

The device may for example comprise, as illustrated in FIG. figure 14 , a second applicator which is for example integral with the applicator 3 by means of a sleeve 80.

The second applicator 100 is for example provided with a brush and may be intended for the application of a composition P 'which may have the same formulation as the composition P contained in the container 2 or a different formulation, for example intended to to be applied on the eyelashes before the application of the composition P or after it, or else having a different color or to create a different effect.

In the examples that have just been described, the application elements are bristles added to the core.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 16 to 22 embodiments of the invention in which the application elements are molded with the core and extend in several directions around the core.

The figure 16 thus represents an alternative embodiment of the packaging and application device, in which the applicator comprises an injected brush 5 at the end of the rod 4.

In this case, the distal end of the applicator may be defined by at least one application element, as illustrated in this figure.

The application members define an envelope surface E having a cross-section that grows and then decreases from the distal end to the proximal end of the applicator.

The application elements can be molded in the same material as the soul. Alternatively, the application members and the core may be molded into different materials.

The application elements can be relatively thin and behave similarly to the bristles reported on a twisted core. Alternatively, the application members may be relatively rigid and form teeth.

In the example shown in Figures 16 to 19 the applicator elements each extend rectilinearly, some of which are directed towards the distal end of the applicator, the applicator thus having applicator elements connecting to the core in a direction not perpendicular to the applicator. longitudinal axis Y of the soul.

The term "soul" should be understood in a broad sense and encompass a soul having, for example, a substantially spherical shape, as illustrated.

The envelope surface E may present over at least a portion of its length, as illustrated in FIG. figure 18 , a cross section of at least partially circular contour. In a variant not shown, the envelope surface may have, over at least a portion of its length, a polygonal cross section, for example more than five sides.

The envelope surface may, as illustrated, be spherical to within 20%, at least on its portion extending from a plane where the transverse dimension delimited by the envelope surface E is maximum, to the distal end 21.

The applicator may comprise, as illustrated, application elements oriented towards the proximal end of the applicator.

The applicator may comprise application elements 12 extending in more than four directions around the axis of the core, better extending in at least eight directions around the Y axis of the core, in particular more than eight directions.

These application elements 12 may be arranged in rows extending along the core and angularly equidistributed around the axis of the core.

The core 10 is full in the illustrated example but could, in a variant not shown, be hollow.

The core 10 and the envelope surface E can pass, as illustrated, a maximum cross section at the same axial position on the Y axis.

In the variant illustrated in figure 22 , the application elements have a variable height so that their free ends define the desired profile for the envelope surface E. The core 10 is for example of elongate shape, for example cylindrical, as illustrated.

The core 10 may be attached to the rod 4 or, in a variant not shown, be molded with the rod.

The rod 4 comprises for example a housing 37 provided with a relief 38 for snapping a proximal portion 35 of the core 10, provided with a complementary detent relief, for example in the form of a throat as shown in figure 20 . Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 21 , the rod 4 is made with a distal portion 40 which is fixed in a housing 41 made at the proximal end of the core 10.

The radius r of the envelope surface E may for example vary by less than 50% between one quarter and one half of the distance separating the plane containing the apex 30 and the distal end 21 of the applicator.

When the applicator is loaded in composition by being introduced into a container through a wiper member, in some embodiments the bristles of the applicator may bend towards the distal end to the removal of the applicator . Some bristles may be sufficiently long and close to the distal end 21 to cover, by flexing, the shorter hairs located closer to the distal end. During their bending when passing through the wiper member, the free end of certain bristles may come substantially at the level, on the Y axis, of the distal end of the core, as illustrated in FIG. figure 23 , for example, exceed this end.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described.

In particular, it is possible to combine the different embodiments of the above examples in non-illustrated variants.

For example, any of the brushes can be made Figures 8 to 12 with a soul extending along a curved longitudinal axis.

The hairs can be of any kind and present any section.

It is possible to use bristles having, in cross section, for example a circular shape with or without flat, flattened, star-shaped, for example in the form of a cross or with several three branches, in the shape of a U, H, T or V , a hollow shape, for example circular or square, forming branches, for example flake-shaped, a prismatic shape, for example triangular, square or hexagonal, or an oblong shape, in particular lenticular or hourglass shape.

Hair with articulated parts may be used in relation to one another. It is also possible to use bristles having at least one capillary groove.

The bristles may have, before placement on the core, a rectilinear shape or not, for example a wavy shape.

Hair may be treated to form balls or forks at their ends.

The bristles may be natural or synthetic and for example be made of a material selected from: PE, PA, in particular PA6, PA6 / 6, PA 6/10 or PA-6/12, HYTREL ^®, PEBAX ^®, silicone, PU, this list n not being limiting.

The applicator may comprise a mixture of bristles, the application elements that they are formed of bristles or teeth, can cross when the applicator is observed perpendicularly to the Y axis, as shown in FIG. figure 24 .

It is possible to use flocked application elements or application elements made by extrusion or injection of a plastic material comprising a charge of particles, for example particles of a moisture-absorbing material, in order to impart a microrelief. on the surface of the application elements or give them magnetic or other properties.

The application elements, whether formed of teeth and / or bristles, can thus be magnetizable.

The application elements can also be made with a material having properties promoting sliding.

The soul can still be a double soul, formed by two elementary souls twisted together. Each elementary soul may comprise two strands twisted together and enclosing hairs. The two elementary cores can each be constituted by a branch of a single twisted core folded U-shaped, the two branches being twisted together.

The application elements can be treated by contact with a hot surface and / or by stamping, so as to break the coil effect or orient them in a circumferential direction around the core.

Notches can be made in the applicator, especially when it comes to a brush.

The application elements may be arranged in rows, for example aligned along meridians joining the distal and proximal ends of the core.

Within a row, the application elements can be aligned or arranged in staggered rows, as shown in FIG. figure 26 .

The application elements, particularly in the case of teeth or bristles molded with the core, can extend with a constant spacing along the longitudinal or variable axis, as illustrated in FIG. figure 25 .

The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified. The expression "between" must be understood as inclusive.

Claims (15)

Applicator (5) for applying a product to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising: a rod (4), a core (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (Y), the distal end of the applicator being defined by the core or by at least one application element, application elements carried by the core (10), the application elements (12) extending in at least three different directions around the core, the applicator being characterized in that the application elements define an envelope surface which increases and then decreases in the direction of the distal end of the applicator, and defines an apex (30), the total length q _max along the longitudinal axis of the envelope surface (E) being less than or equal to twice the largest diameter d _max of the cross section of the envelope surface, the angle α formed by the slopes of the envelope surface in at least one longitudinal section on either side of the apex being greater than 120 °. Applicator according to claim 1, with q _max ≤ 1, 75 d _max , or even with q _max ≤ 1, 5 d _max , better with q _max ≤ 1, 25 d _max . An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the envelope surface having a shape factor ( r _min / r _max ) greater than 0.7, at least in the transverse plane relating to the apex (30). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the largest radius r _max measured at the top (30) being greater than or equal to 3 mm. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the envelope surface having a distal portion at least partially spherical to 20%. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the envelope surface (E) having a cylindrical proximal (53) or distal (52) portion. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the core having a first portion (60) bearing no application element, apparent, extending between a second portion of the core carrying the application elements and a rod (4) to which the core is connected, the length (n) of the first portion (60) being greater than or equal to 5 mm . Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the distance ( l ) of a transverse plane containing the apex (30) at the distal end (21) of the applicator being less than or equal to 12 mm. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the apex (30) being at a distance ( r _max ) between 2.5 and 7.5 mm from the axis (Y) of the core (10). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, a portion (60) of the core (10) bearing no application elements being of non-linear axis (Y). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio R ₁ = d _max / d _core is greater than or equal to 2.5, where d _core corresponds to the diameter in which the cross section of the core is inscribed. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio R ₂ = d _max / d _rod is greater than or equal to 2.5, where d _rod corresponds to the maximum diameter of the rod. Packaging and application device for applying a composition to keratin fibers, comprising: a container containing the composition to be applied to the keratinous fibers, - a wiper, an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the ratio R ₃ = d _max / p _container is greater than or equal to 3, where p _container corresponds to the distance between a top of the container in the absence of applicator and the inner surface of the bottom of the container. Device according to claim 13, the length of the application elements being sufficient so that, during the passage of the applicator through a wiper member, application elements are lying down towards the distal end of the applicator and cover the distal end of the applicator.

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