ES2903249T3 - cosmetic applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

Applicator for a cosmetic, make-up or care product, on human keratin materials, comprising: - an applicator tip (20) made of felt, defining an application surface (25) for the product, which extends along of a longitudinal axis (Y), where the application surface (25) presents: - at least one oblique groove (31, 32, 34, 36) that extends along an axis (T) that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20) and that is not contained in a plane containing the longitudinal axis (Y), or - at least three longitudinal grooves (37, 38, 39, 40) each extending along an axis (T) contained in a plane (Ml) containing the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20).

Description

DESCRIPTION

cosmetic applicator

[0001] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic product to human keratinous materials, and in particular, but not exclusively, to eyeliner applicators. The invention also relates to a packaging and application device and a corresponding make-up method.

[0002] The act of making up the eyelid or the eyebrows by drawing a line of eyeliner with the help of an applicator provided for this purpose is known.

[0003] Among the known eyeliner applicators, some have a container provided with a threaded neck in which a closure cap can be fixed that carries a rod at the end of an applicator tip, usually made by injection of thermoplastic material, and with a flock lining. A squeegee member is usually placed on the neck to drain the rod and reduce the amount of product extracted during withdrawal of the applicator.

[0004] Applicator pens, more practical to use, are also known. However, the performances of these pens sometimes lag behind those that are possible to obtain with complex shapes of known applicator nozzles, made by injection or by machining felt tips.

[0005] An eyeliner applicator having an axial slot is known from application FR883900 or from application WO 2011/004341.

[0006] Application EP 1797790 describes a cosmetic applicator for the lips or eyelids, which can have a longitudinal through cavity.

[0007] Application EP 1 726 235 describes a cosmetic applicator for the lips or nails, comprising two branches defining a longitudinal cavity between them, with a membrane joining the two branches.

[0008] Application EP 1 726 236 discloses a cosmetic applicator for the skin or nails, which can have a longitudinal cavity.

[0009] Application EP 0965286 discloses a cosmetic applicator for the lips made by injection of plastic material, comprising an applicator part that has holes.

[0010] Application EP 1336353 discloses an applicator for applying a product to the eyelid, which has two flocked tips.

[0011] There is interest in obtaining an eyeliner applicator that is flexible and precise in application and that provides a satisfactory product load.

[0012] The invention is defined by the characteristics of claim 1 of an applicator and by the characteristics of the manufacturing process of claim 15.

[0013] The purpose of the invention is to cover this need, and it does so by providing an applicator for applying a cosmetic, make-up or care product to human keratin materials, comprising:

- an applicator tip made of felt, defining a product application surface, extending along a longitudinal axis, where the application surface has at least one oblique groove extending along a non-perpendicular axis longitudinal axis of the applicator tip and not contained in a plane containing the longitudinal axis, or at least three longitudinal grooves each extending along an axis contained in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the tip applicator.

[0014] The presence of the oblique grooves provides flexibility to the applicator tip and flexibility in application. In addition, the grooves allow the product reserves to be created on the application surface.

[0015] The longitudinal grooves favor the flow of the product towards its distal end during application.

[0016] Advantageously, each of the longitudinal or oblique slot(s) extends completely along an axis not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip.

[0017] The longitudinal or oblique groove or grooves are preferably not transverse throughout their length.

[0018] The longitudinal or oblique slot(s) may or may not extend to the distal end of the applicator tip.

[0019] The longitudinal or oblique groove or grooves may extend only for a part or for the entire length of the application surface.

[0020] Several longitudinal or oblique grooves may be arranged around the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip.

[0021] The longitudinal grooves may be uniformly distributed around the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip. This allows the product to be evenly distributed on the application surface.

[0022] In the event that the applicator tip comprises a mounting nozzle, the oblique or longitudinal slot(s) may extend therethrough.

[0023] The oblique slot(s) may each extend through at least one revolution about the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip.

[0024] In a variant, the oblique groove or grooves extend over one or more revolutions around the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip, in particular forming one or more annular grooves.

[0025] The applicator tip can have at least two oblique grooves in the form of intersecting annular grooves.

[0026] In a variant, the oblique groove or grooves follow the path of a helix around the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip.

[0027] The applicator tip may have two oblique grooves that follow the path of two inverted helices that intersect around the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip.

[0028] The edges of the longitudinal or oblique grooves can be parallel to each other or follow corrugations.

[0029] The profile of the longitudinal or oblique grooves can be of any shape, the grooves being particularly flat-bottomed, rounded-bottomed or toothed-bottomed.

[0030] The longitudinal or oblique groove(s) may be continuous.

[0031] In a variant, the longitudinal or oblique groove or grooves are discontinuous, each one in particular forming a succession of alveoli or oblong holes.

[0032] The applicator tip may contain between three and 6 longitudinal grooves.

[0033] In the event that the applicator tip includes several grooves, these can be identical to each other or vary, particularly in their depth, width or length, or in the shape of their bottoms or their edges.

[0034] The depth of each longitudinal or oblique groove may or may not be constant along the axis of the groove.

[0035] The maximum depth of a groove, measured perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, can be between 0.1 mm and 6 mm.

[0036] The width of each longitudinal or oblique groove may or may not be constant along the axis of the groove.

[0037] The width of a groove can be between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0038] The length of a longitudinal groove, measured between its ends along its axis, can be between 0.1 mm and 30 mm.

[0039] The application surface can be of variable section, decreasing particularly towards the distal end of the applicator tip

[0040] The applicator part of the applicator tip can have any shape, being particularly tapered towards its distal end, for example conical shell.

[0041] The applicator tip can be symmetrical with respect to a median plane of symmetry, which passes through its longitudinal axis. A symmetrical shape can make it easier to make up the right and left eyes identically.

[0042] The applicator tip is made of felt, that is, of synthetic or natural fibers all oriented substantially in the same direction, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the tip, and joined together.

[0043] They can be fibers of thermoplastic material, in particular of acrylic polymer, polyester or polyamide, or of porous polyurethane. The fibers may be less than 1 denier, preferably between 0.5 and 0.9 denier, particularly 0.7 denier (ie about 9 microns). The fibers can be Nylon®.

[0044] The oblique grooves cut certain fibers and thus modify the diffusion of the product by capillarity inside the applicator tip. In particular, it is possible to influence the distribution of the product on the application surface by playing with the arrangement of the slot or slots. In particular, diffusion to the tip can be favored in the case of fibers not interrupted by the groove or grooves, and diffusion of the product to the surface can be slowed down in the case of fibers interrupted by the groove or grooves. This can allow you to gain precision by allowing a burr-free final scratch to be drawn with the tip, if desired.

[0045] The applicator tip is preferably made by cutting a one-piece cylindrical blank, in particular with the aid of a cutting tool that is mobile and swiveling in all spatial directions.

[0046] The applicator tip is preferably impregnated with the cosmetic product to be applied, particularly with eyeliner. This can allow the product to spread easily by capillarity. The fibers allow the product to be transported along the applicator tip.

[0047] The longitudinal or oblique groove or grooves can be made by machining the blank, by deformation or by heating.

[0048] Aside from the slot or slots, the applicator tip may not be perforated or have gaps in its application surface. In this way, the applicator tip may not have an outwardly concave edge at its distal end.

[0049] The applicator tip may have a cross-sectional narrowing between the applicator portion defining the application surface and a nozzle for mounting the applicator tip on the body of an applicator pen or on an applicator wand.

[0050] The distal end of the applicator tip is preferably located in the longitudinal axis of the applicator tip, the latter preferably being rectilinear.

[0051] The invention also refers to a manufacturing process of an applicator according to the invention, in which:

- an applicator tip is made of felt, in particular by cutting a one-piece cylindrical blank, and

- Longitudinal or oblique grooves are made in the applicator tip, in particular by machining the blank.

[0052] The invention also relates to a packaging and application device for a cosmetic, make-up or care product, comprising:

- a container containing the product to be applied, in particular an eyeliner, and

- an applicator according to the invention.

[0053] The applicator tip can be permanently attached to the container containing the product. Therefore, the device can be in the form of a pen, with the applicator tip immersed in the product, so that the latter moves by capillarity to the application surface.

[0054] Alternatively, the container is detached from the applicator during application. The applicator can comprise a rod mounted on a closure cap of a container containing the product to be applied, so that the applicator tip can be inserted into the container to be impregnated with product.

[0055] The applicator according to the invention is intended in particular for applying a cosmetic, make-up or care product to the eyelids, eyebrows, lips or nails, and is preferably intended for applying eyeliner on the eyelids.

[0056] The invention also relates to a method of making up the eyelid, comprising the step of applying eyeliner using an applicator according to the invention.

[0057] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be observed by reading the following detailed description, of non-limiting implementation examples thereof, and by examining the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically represents, in elevation, an example of a packaging and application device according to the invention, in the form of an applicator pen,

- figure 2 represents in isolation, schematically and in perspective, the applicator tip of the ballpoint pen of figure 1,

- Figures 3 to 7 represent the variants of the applicator tip according to the invention, represented in isolation, schematically and in perspective,

- figure 8 is a cross section according to VIN-VIN of figure 7,

- figures 9 to 14 and 16 represent the variants of the applicator tip according to the invention, represented in isolation, schematically and in perspective, and

FIG. 15 represents a cross-sectional view of a variant of the applicator tip according to the invention.

[0058] The packaging and application device 10 represented in figure 1 is presented in the form of an applicator pen comprising a body 11 elongated along an axis x, which defines a container containing the make-up product to apply, in this case eyeliner. The latter contains, for example, water, one or more pigments, in particular iron oxide, and/or one or more colorants and polymers.

[0059] The capacity of the container is comprised, for example, between 1 and 6 ml.

[0060] The device 10 can also contain, as illustrated, a closure cap 12, which is fixed, for example, by ratchet, screwing or friction on the body 11.

[0061] The body 11 carries an applicator tip 20 according to the invention, examples of which are shown in isolation in figures 2 to 14, which can be fixed by any means adapted to the body 11 and which is inserted, for example, by force into a corresponding compartment, provided at the upper end of the body 11, which communicates with the container.

[0062] Preferably, this applicator tip 20 is made entirely of felt, in particular of synthetic or natural fibers all oriented substantially in the same direction, in particular along the longitudinal axis X of the tip 20, and joined to form a felt.

[0063] The applicator tip 20 has a mounting nozzle 21 that serves to fix it on the body 11 and an applicator part 22 that serves for the application, when in contact with the skin to deposit the eyeliner that impregnates the felt .

[0064] The nozzle 21 can have a chamfered proximal part 70, as shown in figures 9 to 11.

[0065] The applicator tip 20 extends along a longitudinal axis Y which, in the examples described, coincides with the longitudinal axis X of the body 11 of the device 10.

[0066] The applicator tip 20 is fed with product through its proximal end 23 and the product can extend longitudinally through it, along the Y axis, until it reaches the applicator part 22 intended to come into contact with the skin.

[0067] The mounting nozzle 21 has, in the examples described, a symmetric shape of revolution around the Y axis, with a circular section. The largest diameter of the mounting nozzle 21 is, for example, between 4 and 6 mm and is equal to, for example, 5 mm.

[0068] The applicator part 22 defines an application surface 25 that presents, in the example of figures 1 and 2, an oblique groove 31 that extends along an axis T that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the part. applicator tip 20 and that is not contained in a plane containing the longitudinal axis Y.

[0069] In the example considered, the oblique groove forms an annular groove that extends around the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator tip 20.

[0070] In the variant of FIG. 3, the application surface 25 has two oblique grooves 31 and 32, each one forming an annular groove.

[0071] In another variant, shown in FIG. 4, the application surface 25 has two grooves 31 and 32 forming intersecting annular grooves.

[0072] In the examples of figures 1 to 4, the edges of the grooves 31 and 32 are parallel to each other. In the variant of figure 5, the edges of the grooves 31 and 32 follow undulations, for example uniform. In this example, a tangent Tt to an edge 43 of the slot 31 or 32 is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator tip 20, in at least one point thereof.

[0073] In the example of figure 5, the mounting nozzle 21 of the applicator tip 20 also has an oblique groove 32. The presence of one or more grooves in the mounting nozzle 21 can have the advantage that it provides more flexibility to the applicator during application, which makes the tip bend to tilt it and which provides a pleasant aesthetic thanks to the continuity with the applicator part 22.

[0074] In the variant shown in Figure 6, the oblique groove 34 follows a helical path around the longitudinal axis Y, with a path that decreases as it approaches the distal end.

[0075] In the variant of figure 9, the application surface 25 of the applicator part 22 has two grooves 34 and 36 that follow the path of two intersecting helixes around the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator tip 20.

[0076] In the example of Figures 7 and 8, the oblique slot 31 of the applicator part 22 extends less than one revolution about the longitudinal axis Y.

[0077] As shown in figure 8, the maximum depth Pr of the groove 31, measured between its bottom 41 and its edges 42, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis T, is comprised, for example, between 0.1 mm and 3mm

[0078] In the examples of figures 10 to 14, the application surface 25 of the applicator part 22 has at least three longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39, each of which extends along an axis T contained in a plane M ¹ containing the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator tip 20.

[0079] The presence of longitudinal grooves can make it possible to interrupt the fibers that make up the felt over a greater length than the oblique grooves. In addition, this can allow zones on the application surface defined by uninterrupted fibers to be maintained, which can deliver a greater quantity of product.

[0080] In the example of figure 10, the longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39 are made in the applicator tip 20 from its distal end 35.

[0081] In the variant shown in FIG. 12, the longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39 are made in the applicator tip 20 starting at a distance d ^d from its distal end 35 other than zero.

[0082] In the examples of figures 10, 12 and 13, the longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39 extend only for part of the length L ^p of the application surface 25.

[0083] In the variants of figures 11 and 14, the longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39 extend over the entire length L ^p of the application surface 25. In these examples, the longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39 extend through the mounting nozzle.

[0084] In the examples of figures 1 to 12 and 14, the grooves are continuous.

[0085] In the examples of figures 13 and 16, the longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39 are discontinuous, forming oblong hollows in the example of figure 13 and alveoli in the example of figure 16.

[0086] In the variant shown in figure 15, the applicator tip 20 has four longitudinal grooves 37, 38, 39, uniformly distributed around the longitudinal axis Y.

[0087] The applicator part 22, in particular in the examples of figures 4 and 5, is symmetrical with respect to a median plane M, which passes through the longitudinal axis Y.

[0088] In general, the length L ^p of the applicator part 22 is comprised, for example, between 4 and 15 mm. The largest transverse dimension w of the applicator part 22 is, for example, between 4 and 6 mm.

[0089] The application surface 25 is preferably tapered in shape, with a section that decreases towards the distal end 35.

[0090] In the examples of figures 1 to 13, the applicator part 22 is conical in shape, except for the grooves. In the variant of figure 14, the applicator part 22 has an outwardly concave generatrix.

[0091] The invention is not limited to the examples that have been described. In particular, even the shape of the applicator tip can be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] The applicator tip may be covered with a flock coating, as appropriate.

[0093] The applicator tip is not necessarily attached to a container body during application. It can be mounted on the end of an applicator wand which can be fixed to the body 11 of a container containing the product when not in use.

[0094] The expression "comprising one" should be understood as synonymous with "comprising at least one".

Claims (15)

1. Applicator of a cosmetic, make-up or care product, in human keratin materials, comprising: - an applicator tip (20) made of felt, defining an application surface (25) of the product, which extends along a longitudinal axis (Y), where the application surface (25) has: - at least one oblique groove (31, 32, 34, 36) that extends along an axis (T) that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20) and that is not contained in a plane containing the longitudinal (Y) axis, or - at least three longitudinal grooves (37, 38, 39, 40) each extending along an axis (T) contained in a plane (Ml) containing the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20 ). 2. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the longitudinal groove or grooves (37, 38, 39, 40) or oblique (31, 32, 34, 36) extend or not to the distal end (35) of the tip applicator (20). 3. Applicator according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the longitudinal groove or grooves (37, 38, 39, 40) or oblique grooves (31, 32, 34, 36) extend only for a part or for the whole length (L ^p ) of the application surface (25). 4. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, in which the applicator tip (20) includes a mounting nozzle (21) and at least one longitudinal (37, 38, 39, 40) or oblique (31, 32, 34) slot .36) extends through the mounting nipple (21). An applicator according to any of the preceding claims, in which the oblique slot or slots (31, 32) each extend for less than one revolution about the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20). Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the oblique groove or grooves (31, 32) form one or more annular grooves that extend around the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20). Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 4 or 6, in which the applicator tip (20) has at least two oblique grooves (31,32) that form intersecting annular grooves. Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which at least one oblique groove (34, 36) follows the path of a helix around the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20). 9. Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 4 or 8, in which the applicator tip (20) has two oblique grooves (34, 36) that follow the path of two inverted helices that intersect around the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20). Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the longitudinal grooves (37, 38, 39, 40) are uniformly distributed around the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator tip (20). 11. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, in which the groove or grooves (31, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40) are continuous or discontinuous, in particular each forming a succession of alveoli or oblong holes. 12. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, in which the maximum depth ( Pr) of a groove (31, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40), measured between its bottom (41) and its edge (42), perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (T), is between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, in which the application surface (25) has a variable section, in particular it decreases towards the distal end (35) of the applicator tip (20). 14. Device (10) for packaging and applying a cosmetic, make-up or care product to human keratin materials, comprising: - a container (11) containing the product to be applied, in particular an eyeliner, and - an applicator according to any of the preceding claims, where the applicator tip is preferably fed with product from its proximal end. 15. Manufacturing process of an applicator according to any of claims 1 to 13, in which: - an applicator tip (20) is made of felt, in particular by cutting a one-piece blank, and - Longitudinal (37, 38, 39, 40) or oblique (31, 32, 34, 36) grooves are made in the applicator tip (20), in particular by machining the blank.