WO2020078910A1

WO2020078910A1 - Cosmetic device

Info

Publication number: WO2020078910A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/077792
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Marc Lebrand; Audrey THENIN; Juliette Valcke
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2018-10-15
Filing date: 2019-10-14
Publication date: 2020-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-15
Also published as: CN112888342A; KR102534905B1; FR3087099B1; FR3087099A1; JP7722922B2; JP2022508731A; KR20210063364A

Abstract

A cosmetic device (1) for the distribution or taking-up of a fluid cosmetic composition (C), comprising: - a case (2) having a housing (10), - a composition (C) placed in the housing (10), - a permeable textile (15) forming a screen defining a surface (17) through which the cosmetic composition (C) is taken up or distributed, said surface (17) being partially obstructed by at least one obstructing element (18) adhering to the textile (15) and chosen from the group constituted by a swelling ink, an adhesive and a polymer material.

Description

COSMETIC DEVICE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of cosmetics and more particularly but not exclusively to a cosmetic device intended for making up or caring for human keratin materials, notably the skin, and also to a method for manufacturing such a cosmetic device.

Prior art and objects of the invention

It is known to impregnate a porous structure with a cosmetic composition, it being possible to bring a finger or an applicator into contact with said porous structure in order to load said finger or applicator with product. The porous structure may be a foam.

It is further known to cover a reservoir of cosmetic composition with a screen through which the composition is taken up by a finger or an applicator.

Numerous patent application publications address cosmetic articles of this type. Notably, application WO 2017/016608 Al may be cited, which discloses an article comprising a mat of fibers constituted by a nonwoven, covered on one face with a screen. A problem that arises with this kind of article is the compromise that needs to be found between various parameters, such as the capacity to store a large quantity of composition and to release it progressively, without excess at the time of each use, and as completely as possible during use, and the need to utilize shape memory and an ability to receive compositions of variable viscosity, all with a small overall size and a manufacturing cost that is compatible with the requirements of large-scale marketing.

KR101380587 and KR 20140147706 disclose different screens allowing composition to pass through. WO 2016148371 describes a supplementary component positioned on the screen.

US2015159330, furthermore, discloses a fibrous structure comprising an active agent and having printed graphics. FR 2 985 272, furthermore, discloses a fibrous structure with a particular geometry.

There is a need to have available a cosmetic device that allows better control of the way in which the composition is distributed or taken up through a screen.

Summary of the invention

Thus, according to one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a cosmetic device for the distribution or taking-up of a fluid cosmetic composition, comprising:

- a case having a housing, - a composition placed in the housing,

- a permeable textile forming a screen defining a surface through which the cosmetic composition is taken up or distributed, said surface being partially obstructed by at least one obstructing element adhering to the textile and chosen preferably from the group constituted by a swelling ink, an adhesive and a polymer material, notably a polymer material suitable for hot-stamping or injection-overmolding.

By virtue of the invention, a distribution or taking-up device is provided that makes it possible to adjust this distribution or taking-up of composition by means of the partial obstruction of the textile, which remains permeable to the composition outside of the zones where the obstructing element is adhered. In fact, this partial obstruction makes it possible to mask a part of the screen such as to orient the distribution or taking-up zones and/or to form a barrier to too rapid a distribution or taking-up of composition, notably in the case of a composition with a relatively low viscosity, and/or to homogenize the distribution or taking-up of the composition and/or partially to stiffen the textile and/or to indicate the taking-up or distribution zone.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term“fluid composition” will be understood to mean a composition that is not in solid form and of which the viscosity, measured using a Rheomat 180 viscometer at 25°C at a spin speed of 200 rpm after 30 seconds of rotation, is less than 2 Pa.s.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term“obstructing element” will be understood to mean an element that reduces the permeability of the textile or renders the textile impermeable in those zones where it adheres to the textile.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term“obstructing element adhering to the textile” will be understood to mean that the obstructing element is not dissociated from the textile within the device.

The textile may be secured to a frame, notably to a ring. In this case, the textile may be secured to the frame such that a tension is present in the textile. This makes it possible further to stiffen the screen. The tension may be applied to the textile prior to securing to the frame and/or by means of securing to the frame.

The textile may be retained on the case by any means and, for example, by a retaining lip arranged on the case. Said at least one obstructing element, notably the swelling ink, may be deposited on the textile using a silkscreen method. As a variant, or in addition, said at least one obstructing element, notably the polymer material, is deposited on the textile using a hot- stamping method. In another variant, or in addition, said at least one obstructing element, notably the polymer material, is deposited by injection-overmolding of substance on the textile. In yet another variant, or in addition, said at least one obstructing element is deposited by application of a precursor of the obstructing element through a mask having at least one opening of the shape of a motif to be produced with the obstructing element.

The obstructing element may form a motif, for example a decorative motif, on the surface for taking up or distribution of the composition.

The permeable textile advantageously has a mesh structure, the mesh structure being partially obstructed by said at least one obstructing element. The mesh structure is provided, notably, by knitting, weaving, preferably non-run knitting performed on a warp knitting machine or Raschel knitting machine, or another knitting process.

The textile is preferably formed from threads produced from fibers and/or micro fibers.

The textile comprises, for example, synthetic fibers and/or microfibers chosen from fibers and/or microfibers of polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, elastane, acrylic, viscose, acetate, and mixtures thereof.

The textile may further comprise natural fibers and/or micro fibers chosen from silk, wool, cotton, linen, hemp, and mixtures thereof.

The textile is advantageously a single-layer textile.

The textile acting as screen may be in contact with the cosmetic composition, forming a shroud on the composition at rest and allowing the composition passing through it to pass through it when it is distributed or taken up for example on a finger or using an applicator, the user pressing on the textile in order to take up some of the composition.

Said at least one obstructing element may be present on the surface opposite said surface for the taking-up or distribution of the composition. If the obstructing element is present only on this surface opposite the surface for the taking-up or distribution of the composition, it may not be visible to the user.

Said at least one obstructing element may form a three-dimensional motif having, for example, motif elements of varying thickness over the height thereof. A height of the obstructing element is preferably less than 2 mm and better still between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

The obstructing element advantageously lacks flocking fibers.

The obstructing element may have an upper surface with which the user’s finger or the applicator may come into contact. The upper surface of the obstructing element may be soft to the touch. The upper surface of the obstructing element may be flat or rounded. The motif formed by the obstructing element may have a planar upper surface or a rounded upper surface.

The motif, or part of the motif, of the obstructing element may form letters, alphanumeric characters, a logo, a bar code, a person, an animal, a plant, a landscape, a geometric or non-geometric motif, etc. The logo may be the trademark under which the device is sold. The obstructing element may, at one and the same time, be esthetic and form a desired partial obstruction of the distribution or taking-up surface.

The fluid cosmetic composition may be in the form of a cream.

The fluid composition contains, for example, an ingredient in liquid form, for example an oil and/or a volatile solvent.

The composition may comprise a mixture of pigments, notably pigments based on iron oxides, and/or pearl shell. The composition may constitute a foundation or a blusher.

The composition may be housed directly in a reservoir formed by the housing of the case.

In a variant, the composition may impregnate a porous material, which may be a foam or a sponge. In this case, the textile may cover the porous material, being or not being secured to the porous material.

The device may, furthermore, comprise a cover, which may be screwed or articulated onto the case. The case of the device may be made from thermoplastic material. A magnetic or snap-fit closure system may be used to keep the device closed. The device may comprise a mirror and a housing for receiving an applicator, if need be.

The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, in combination with the aforesaid, to a method for manufacturing a device as defined above, comprising the formation of an obstructing element on the permeable textile by means of printing, preferably using a silkscreen method, a hot-stamping method, injection-overmolding or the application of a precursor of the obstructing element through a mask having at least one opening of the shape of a motif to be produced with the obstructing element.

The method may, furthermore, comprise the step consisting in securing the textile to a frame, conferring a tension on the textile prior to securing to the frame and/or by means of securing to the frame.

Brief description of the figures

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and from studying the appended drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a device according to the invention,

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a textile of a device according to the invention,

Figure 3A is a view similar to Figure 3 of another example of a textile of a device according to the invention,

- Figures 4 and 5 schematically represent top and perspective views of examples of textiles that may be used in a device according to the invention, and

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2 of another example of a device according to the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

In the rest of the description, identical elements or elements having identical functions bear the same reference sign. In order to make the present description concise, such elements are not described for each of the figures, only the differences between the embodiments being described.

Figure 1 shows a cosmetic device 1 according to the invention, comprising a case 2 having a body 3. The case 2 also comprises a lid 5 that, in this example, is articulated onto the body 3. The lid could be secured differently, for example screwed onto the body.

The case 2 also houses an applicator holder 6 that, in this example, is articulated onto the body 3 about an axis of rotation perpendicular to that of the articulation between lid 5 and body 3. The applicator is not shown in this figure. A dish 4 is received in a housing 8 of the body 3 of the case 2. The dish 4 forms a housing constituting a reservoir of cosmetic composition in fluid form, i.e. which is not solid and the viscosity of which, measured using a Rheomat 180 viscometer at 25°C at a spin speed of 200 rpm after 30 seconds of rotation, is less than 2 Pa.s. For example, the cosmetic composition, which cannot be seen in the drawing, is in the form of a cream.

The device 1 furthermore comprises a permeable textile 15 forming a screen defining a surface 17 through which the cosmetic composition C is taken up or distributed. The textile 15 is arranged over the reservoir of composition such that it is not possible to see the latter in this figure. The surface 17 is partially obstructed by an obstructing element 18 adhering to the textile 15. In the example illustrated, the obstructing element 18 is present and adheres to the surface 17 that is used for taking up or distributing the cosmetic composition. The textile 15 may be pressed against the reservoir upon first use of the device 1 such as to be loaded with cosmetic composition.

In this example, the obstructing element 18 comprises a swelling ink, which swells by means of hot thermal reaction, which has been deposited using printing, in particular using a silkscreen method. Still in this example, the obstructing element 18 forms a floral decoration. The obstructing element 18 thus has an esthetic effect and also an effect of partial obstruction of the textile 15, at least locally limiting or reducing the permeability of the textile 15 in the zones where the former is present.

The presence of the obstructing element 18 may make it possible, as desired, to adjust the distribution or taking-up of the composition, to divide the surface into sectors, to homogenize the distribution or taking-up, to mask one or more zones on the surface, to capture the cosmetic composition and/or to form a barrier to the cosmetic composition. Its presence may, furthermore, make it possible to distribute the dosage, as desired, to limit formula defects of cosmetic composition that is spilled, or to partially stiffen the textile. This makes it possible, lastly, when the textile is held on a frame, to vary the tension of the textile, to indicate the taking-up zone and/or to form esthetic motifs on the surface of the textile.

The textile 15 comprises a mesh structure formed, for example, by knitting threads made with synthetic and/or natural fibers and/or microfibers.

The cosmetic composition C can be seen in the example of the device illustrated in Figure 2. It is contained in the housing 10 that forms the reservoir. In the example of Figure 2, the textile 15 is held in place by the presence of an annular lip 9 that comes above the dish 4.

In this example, the applicator 7, consisting of a powder puff, can also be seen on the applicator holder.

As may be seen in Figure 3, representing, in isolation, the textile 15 with the obstructing element 18, the latter forms a relief in this example that is less than 2 mm in height. The obstructing element 18 makes it possible partially to obstruct at least some of the openings 19 in the mesh structure forming the textile 15. Distribution or taking-up of the cosmetic composition C through the surface 17 can thus be controlled by the shape given to the obstructing element 18. The relief of the obstructing element 18 comprises motif elements with a thickness that varies over their height, as may be seen. In those places where the obstructing element 18 adheres to the textile 15, the latter is no longer permeable or is less permeable than in those places of the textile 15 that lack the obstructing element 18. Two types of zones of the textile 15 can thus be distinguished: the zones 21 of the textile 15 where the obstructing element 18 adheres, which are less permeable or are impermeable, and the zones 22 of the textile 15 that lack the obstructing element 18 and are permeable.

In the example of Figure 3, the obstructing element 18 is produced and is present on the surface 17 for taking up or distributing the cosmetic composition C.

In the example of Figure 3 A, the obstructing element 18 has been produced and is present on a surface 20 opposite the surface 17, as may be seen.

It is not a departure from the scope of the invention if the obstructing element 18 is, at one and the same time, present on the surface 17 and on the surface 20, or if a first obstructing element 18 is present on the surface 17 and a second obstructing element 18 is present on the surface 20 opposite the surface 17.

In the example of Figure 3 A, the obstructing element 18 has been deposited using hot-stamping and comprises a polymer material.

Other examples of motifs formed by the obstructing element 18 have been shown in Figures 4 and 5.

In the example of Figure 4, a plurality of geometric motifs formed by the obstructing element 18 are reproduced over the entire surface 17 of the textile 15. In this example, the obstructing element 18 has been deposited using injection-overmolding of a polymer substance. In the example of Figure 5, the obstructing element 18 forms, on the surface 17 of the textile 15, a plurality of lines that do not intersect one another but are not mutually parallel, at least in the case of some of them. In this example, the obstructing element 18 has been formed on the textile 15 by the application of a precursor of the obstructing element 18 through a mask having at least one opening that has the shape of the motif formed by the obstructing element 18. The precursor was then treated such as to obtain the obstructing element 18.

In the example of Figure 6, the textile 15 is tensioned on a frame 40 that is, for example, circular or rectangular or, alternately, square or oval, depending on the shape of the case. The frame 40 forms a peripheral part around the textile 15 and is able to assist in concentrating the distribution or taking-up of the composition toward the center of the surface 17 and can enhance the stiffness of the textile 15 at the periphery thereof. By virtue of the frame 40, it is possible, furthermore, to adjust the tension of the textile 15, thereby further enhancing the stiffness thereof and/or modifying, notably increasing, the dimensions of the openings 19 formed in the mesh structure. The textile 15 may be tensioned upon securing to the frame 40 and/or prior to securing to the frame 40.

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

The obstructing element 18 may comprise one or more colors. Certain parts of the obstructing element 18 may, for example, be in a first color, it being possible for other parts of the obstructing element 18 to be in another, second color.

The device 1 may be designed such that the screen formed by the textile is able to move toward the bottom of the device 1 as a function of the variation in the quantity of cosmetic composition remaining in the housing 10. The textile 15 is then designed such as to follow the surface of the cosmetic composition in the housing 10. As a result, when the level of the cosmetic composition falls, the screen descends by the same amount.

Claims

1. A cosmetic device (1) for the distribution or taking-up of a fluid cosmetic composition (C), comprising:

- a case (2) having a housing (10),

- a composition (C) placed in the housing (10),

- a permeable textile (15) forming a screen defining a surface (17) through which the cosmetic composition (C) is taken up or distributed, said surface (17) being partially obstructed by at least one obstructing element (18) adhering to the textile (15) and chosen from the group constituted by a swelling ink, an adhesive and a polymer material.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the textile (15) is secured to a frame (40), notably to a ring.

3. The device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the textile is secured to the frame (40) such that a tension is present in the textile.

4. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one obstructing element (18), notably the swelling ink, is deposited on the textile (15) using a silkscreen method.

5. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one obstructing element (18), notably the polymer material, is deposited on the textile (15) using a hot-stamping method.

6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one obstructing element (18), notably the polymer material, is deposited by injection overmolding of substance on the textile (15).

7. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permeable textile (15) has a mesh structure, the mesh structure being partially obstructed by said at least one obstructing element (18).

8. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one obstructing element (18) is present on the surface (20) opposite said surface (17) for the taking-up or distribution of the composition.

9. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the obstructing element (18) lacks flocking fibers.

10. A method for manufacturing a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the formation of an obstructing element (18) on the permeable textile (15) by means of printing, preferably using a silkscreen method, a hot-stamping method, injection-overmolding or the application of a precursor of the obstructing element (18) through a mask having at least one opening of the shape of a motif to be produced with the obstructing element (18).