EP1070465B1 - Device for storing and applying a product to eyelashes or eyebrows - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the application of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

Requirement DE 25 59 273 relates to a brush comprising bristles molded in one piece with the core of the brush, the bases are arranged alternately on either side of an axis, and not aligned.

The invention particularly relates to a new device for applying a product to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising a container for containing a supply of product and an applicator comprising an applicator element having at least one row of teeth, the latter comprising a succession of consecutive teeth, each tooth of this succession of teeth comprising a base and a portion extending from the base. In this device the bases of said consecutive teeth are substantially aligned and the portions extending from the bases of said consecutive teeth are offset alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface.

The applicator according to the invention preferably comprises a rod, with at least one row of a succession of consecutive teeth disposed at one end of the rod. The teeth can be made by molding plastic material.

According to the invention, by "substantially aligned bases", it is to be understood that a portion of each of the bases of the consecutive teeth is disposed on one side of a line passing through the bases of the consecutive teeth, and another portion of each of the bases of the consecutive teeth is disposed on a second side of the abovementioned line, opposite to the first side, this line being substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a base on which the teeth are arranged. In a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, with teeth whose bases are substantially aligned, the consecutive teeth are arranged such that a straight line passes through the centers of each of the bases of the consecutive teeth. Thus, the centers of the bases of three consecutive teeth can be on the same straight line.

Having substantially aligned bases and portions extending from alternately offset bases provides advantages.

In particular, by playing on the geometry of the teeth and their spacing it is possible to form more or less important cavities between the teeth, cavities that can load product at the time of application.

It is thus possible to make an applicator element capable of loading with a substantial amount of product, without the application element losing its ability to grip the eyelashes.

The teeth can be made with a small gap at their base, so that the eyelashes can be grasped effectively between two consecutive teeth, while having a greater distance between their free ends, promoting the engagement of the eyelashes between the teeth and building up product reserves on the application element.

The geometric arrangement of the teeth also allows small fibers, possibly contained in the product, to align so as to be substantially parallel to each other when the product is applied, or when the teeth are engaged through an organ spin, or both. This alignment results from a funnel effect between two consecutive teeth.

The spacing between the bases of two consecutive teeth is preferably less than or equal to 0.4 mm.

Preferably, the geometric separation surface passes through the centers of the bases of the teeth.

More preferably, the application element comprises a base.

In a particular embodiment, the teeth are made by plastic molding in one piece with the base.

The base may be fixed on the rod of the applicator and the base may have its axis parallel or not to that of the rod of the applicator.

The base can be removably attached to the applicator shaft.

The geometric separation surface may be a plane, preferably a plane of symmetry for the base.

Preferably, the geometric separation surface is a joint plane for molding the teeth and / or the application element.

The geometric separation surface may be non-planar, for example twisted.

The geometric separation surface can thus be a helical surface or a curved surface, for example.

The height of the base of the teeth may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, for example.

The rod of the applicator may be flat or substantially cylindrical or have other configurations, depending on the desired effects and ergonomics sought.

The rod may comprise at its distal end a connector in which the base can be engaged removably.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises a housing defining a slot arranged to receive the base.

The housing may have a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the axis of the rod or make an angle therewith, the longitudinal axis of the housing being for example substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

In a particular embodiment, the slot that receives the base also receives the bases of the teeth, and the slot can engage the bases of the teeth.

The base can also be made by molding plastic material in one piece with the rod of the applicator.

The applicator element can be made by molding plastics material in one piece with the applicator rod and with a sealing member intended to ensure a tight closure of the container in the absence of use, this sealing member may have a shaped surface to fit tightly in a neck of the container.

In a particular embodiment, the container comprises a wiper member arranged to remove excess product from the teeth when the applicator is removed from the container.

This wiper member is preferably deformable.

Preferably, a closure cap is disposed at one end of the applicator opposite the end comprising the teeth, this closure cap being intended to emit the container containing the product to be applied.

This closure cap may be provided with a sealing means for sealing the container.

When the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element on which the teeth are arranged, at least two consecutive teeth may have free ends that diverge, converge, intersect or are substantially parallel .

When the applicator is observed along the longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element on which the teeth are arranged, a tooth on at least two consecutive teeth may have a free end which diverges away from the tooth. free end of the other tooth, this other tooth may have a free end which is substantially straight.

When the applicator element is observed in its axis, at least two consecutive teeth, preferably three, may have free ends which are substantially aligned.

The applicator member may include teeth having free ends oriented toward a proximal end of the applicator, alternately disposed with teeth having free ends directed toward a distal end of the applicator.

The teeth may provide between them a housing axis substantially parallel to that of the base. This housing can accommodate an inner application element such as a twisted-core type brush.

The application element may have only one row of teeth and constitute a comb.

The application element may also include several rows of teeth arranged at different angular positions around the applicator and constitute a brush.

The application element may comprise for example a second row of teeth opposite the first.

The application element may also comprise, for example, a polygonal cross section base or not. At least one row of teeth preferably extends substantially in the extension of one side of the base in the case of a polygonal section. In the case of a non-polygonal section, for example circular or elliptical, the bases are preferably connected substantially tangentially at the base. An applicator element having such a configuration makes it possible to use the base to apply the product and the contact of the eyelashes with the teeth can be carried out progressively. An application element having this structure can still make it possible to lengthen and curl the eyelashes.

The application element may be more flexible than the rod.

The application element may be made for example in a softer plastic material than that used to manufacture the rod of the applicator. It is thus possible to obtain more comfort in use.

Alternatively, the rod of the applicator may be made of a plastic material less hard than that used to achieve the application element. It is thus possible to use, for manufacturing reasons, for example a relatively hard material for producing the application element and to compensate for the hardness of the application element at the time of application by the flexibility of the rod.

The teeth can also be made in a material different from that used to make the base.

The height of the teeth can be variable.

Preferably, the height of the teeth is between 0.5 and 15 mm, and more preferably between 7 and 13 mm.

The invention further relates to an applicator for applying a product on the eyelashes or the eyebrows comprising a rod and a base disposed at one end of the rod. This applicator further comprises at least one row of teeth having bases arranged on the base and portions extending from the bases. The consecutive tooth bases are substantially aligned and the portions extending from the bases of the consecutive teeth are disposed on either side of a geometric separation surface.

The width of the base is preferably greater than the width of the bases.

A second row of teeth may also be disposed on the base. This second row of teeth may be arranged such that the rows are directed in substantially opposite directions.

Portions extending from the bases of consecutive teeth may diverge apart from each other. These divergent portions may be at near the bases of the teeth.

The teeth may have different lengths and the bases of the teeth may be either in contact or spaced from each other.

The teeth can be arranged on the base in a non-symmetrical manner
relative to a line according to which the bases are aligned.

The base may have two ends, one of which may be attached to a distal end portion of the stem.

Alternatively, the base may be attached to a distal end portion of the shaft along a portion between its ends.

At least one of the teeth may comprise a hollow portion, preferably extending along the length of the tooth. Preferably, at least one side of the tooth then has an opening giving access to this hollow portion.

At least one of the teeth can be flocked.

The applicator may be part of a system comprising a container.

This container may have a wringing member.

Preferably, the wiper member is deformable, and it may comprise a block of an open cell foam or an elastomeric lip, or other suitable similar members.

The invention also relates to an applicator comprising a rod and a base at one end of the rod. At least one row of teeth including bases is disposed on the base and the consecutive tooth bases of this row are substantially aligned along a plane passing through the bases of the consecutive teeth, the latter comprising portions extending to from their base alternately staggered on each side of the alignment plane.

The invention further relates to a method for applying a product to the eyelashes by means of an applicator as defined above. This method comprises the steps of loading with the product at least a portion of the teeth and bringing at least a portion of the teeth into contact with the eyelashes or eyebrows, so that the product is deposited on the eyelashes or eyebrows. Product loading can be done by inserting the applicator or a portion of it into a container containing the product and then removing the applicator from the container and wiping off the excess product. has settled on the teeth. Product loading can also be done by distributing the product from the container on the teeth or by bringing them into contact with a solid product bread, possibly moistened.

In the latter case, the product can be moistened before bringing the teeth to its contact or alternatively the product can be deposited on the teeth and then moistened.

Preferably, the product that is applied is mascara. If this mascara comprises fibers, the method further comprises the step of orienting the fibers with the teeth such that the fibers are substantially parallel to the eyelashes when the product is applied.

When the applicator has a base on which the teeth are arranged and a rod, and that the base can be removably attached to the rod, the method may also include the step of attaching the base on the rod. This allows the applicator to receive interchangeable bases having different tooth configurations.

Thus, the user can choose from among several configurations of teeth that to obtain the desired effect.

The applicator can be used to apply a cosmetic product, preferably mascara, to the eyelashes or eyebrows. However, other products can be applied and the applicator according to the present invention can also be used to comb eyelashes or eyebrows, for example.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif conforme à un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe axiale schématique représentant l'applicateur rentré dans le récipient,
• la figure 2 est une coupe axiale partielle représentant une variante d'organe d'essorage,
• la figure 3 est une vue à échelle agrandie du détail III de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une coupe schématique selon le trait de coupe IV-IV de la figure 3,
• les figures 5 à 7 représentent des variantes de réalisation de l'élément d'application,
• les figures 8 à 11, 17 et 18 sont des vues selon l'axe longitudinal de l'élément d'application, illustrant différentes configurations de dents,
• la figure 12 représente un élément d'application ayant une deuxième rangée de dents à l'opposé de la première,
• la figure 13 représente une variante de réalisation dans laquelle l'axe de l'embase est orienté perpendiculairement à l'axe de la tige de l'applicateur,
• la figure 14 illustre le montage de l'embase dans un logement de la tige de l'applicateur,
• la figure 15 représente partiellement un élément d'application ayant une embase de section triangulaire avec une rangée de dents dans le prolongement d'un côté,
• la figure 16 représente une brosse ayant trois rangées de dents disposées en étoile,
• la figure 19 est une vue de l'embase, selon l'axe longitudinal de l'élément d'application, et de deux dents consécutives floquées, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 20 est une vue en perspective, partielle, d'une série de trois dents consécutives creuses, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 21 est une vue en perspective d'un exemple de réalisation dans lequel le produit est déposé sur l'élément d'application à partir d'un tube flexible,
• la figure 22 est une vue en perspective d'un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention dans lequel le produit destiné à être appliqué se présente sous la forme d'un pain solide ou d'une poudre,
• la figure 23 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un applicateur conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, dans lequel l'extrémité distale de l'élément d'application comporte une pointe sensiblement effilée,
• la figure 24 est une vue en perspective d'un applicateur ayant,une configuration similaire à celle de l'applicateur de la figure 13, dans lequel l'embase de l'élément d'application est réalisée d'un seul tenant avec la tige,
• la figure 25 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur dans lequel l'élément d'application est fixé de manière amovible sur une partie d'extrémité distale de la tige, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 26 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives dont une sur deux est rectiligne et l'autre s'écarte des dents adjacentes,
• la figure 27 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives dont les extrémités libres sont sensiblement alignées, des dents consécutives dont les extrémités libres se croisent et des dents consécutives ayant à nouveau des extrémités libres sensiblement parallèles,
• la figure 28 est une vue partielle de dessus, schématique, d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives avec des bases sensiblement alignées et des portions s'étendant à partir des bases divergeant les unes des autres,
• la figure 28A est une coupe partielle selon le trait de coupe A-A de la figure 28,
• la figure 29 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives avec des bases sensiblement alignées, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, et
• la figure 30 est une vue partielle de côté d'un applicateur ayant des dents de différentes hauteurs et dans lequel l'embase est flexible.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a schematic axial section showing the applicator returned to the container,
• the figure 2 is a partial axial section showing a variant of the wiper member,
• the figure 3 is an enlarged view of detail III of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 is a schematic cross section along line IV-IV of the figure 3 ,
• the Figures 5 to 7 represent alternative embodiments of the application element,
• the Figures 8 to 11 , 17 and 18 are views along the longitudinal axis of the application element, illustrating different tooth configurations,
• the figure 12 represents an application element having a second row of teeth opposite the first,
• the figure 13 represents an alternative embodiment in which the axis of the base is oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the rod of the applicator,
• the figure 14 illustrates the mounting of the base in a housing of the rod of the applicator,
• the figure 15 partially represents an applicator element having a base of triangular section with a row of teeth in the extension of one side,
• the figure 16 represents a brush having three rows of teeth arranged in a star,
• the figure 19 is a view of the base, along the longitudinal axis of the application element, and two flocked consecutive teeth, according to another embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 20 is a partial perspective view of a series of three consecutive hollow teeth, according to another embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in which the product is deposited on the applicator element from a flexible tube,
• the figure 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in which the product intended to be applied is in the form of a solid cake or a powder,
• the figure 23 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the end distal to the applicator element has a substantially tapered tip,
• the figure 24 is a perspective view of an applicator having a configuration similar to that of the applicator of the figure 13 , in which the base of the applicator element is made in one piece with the rod,
• the figure 25 is a partial perspective view of an applicator in which the applicator element is removably attached to a distal end portion of the stem, according to another embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 26 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth of which one in two is rectilinear and the other deviates from the adjacent teeth,
• the figure 27 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth whose free ends are substantially aligned, consecutive teeth whose free ends intersect and consecutive teeth having again substantially parallel free ends,
• the figure 28 is a partial top view, schematic, of an applicator having consecutive teeth with substantially aligned bases and portions extending from the bases diverging from each other,
• the figure 28A is a partial cut along the AA cut line of the figure 28 ,
• the figure 29 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth with substantially aligned bases, according to another embodiment of the invention, and
• the figure 30 is a partial side view of an applicator having teeth of different heights and wherein the base is flexible.

The device 10 shown on the Figures 1 to 4 comprises a container 11 containing a reserve of cosmetic product such as mascara and an applicator 12 comprising a rod 13 of axis X, provided at one end with an applicator element 14 and at the other end of a component of gripping member 15 which also constitutes a container closure cap 11.

The container 11 comprises in the example described a wiper member 16 here constituted by an open-cell foam block.

Other types of wiper members may be used, for example a flexible lip 16A as illustrated in FIG. Figure 2A , flocked or not.

The wiper member is arranged such that it flexes or deforms to take the form of the applicator member as it passes therethrough.

The container is closed in a sealed manner in the absence of use, for example by providing a sealing surface on the gripping member 15 or the rod of the applicator.

In the example shown, the application element is in the form of a comb 14 which comprises a single row of teeth made in one piece by molding plastic material with a relatively wide base 17 of axis Z extending in the extension of the rod 13 of the applicator.

The rod 13 has on a part of its length a smaller diameter than the comb 14, in particular so as not to permanently deform the wiper member 16 (or 16A).

The comb 14 comprises in the example described two series of teeth 18a and 18b arranged alternately, whose bases 19 are non-contiguous and substantially aligned along the Z axis of the base 17.

The upper portions of the teeth are oriented alternately respectively on either side of a geometric separation surface S, constituted here by a plane extending parallel to the bases 19 of the teeth and containing the Z axis of the base 17.

The Z axis of the base 17 may be coincident with the axis X of the rod 13 or form an angle therewith, to improve the ergonomics of the applicator.

The total height of the teeth is preferably between 0.5 mm and 15 mm and more preferably is between 7 and 13 mm approximately.

The heights of the teeth are not necessarily equal and the height can vary from one tooth to another.

As can be seen on the figure 4 , the teeth 18a have their free end inclined to the left while the teeth 18b, each located halfway between two teeth 18a, have their free end inclined to the right.

With this arrangement of the teeth 18a and 18b on the comb 14, it is possible to have a spacing between the bases 19 of the teeth zero or very low, for example less than or equal to 0.4 mm.

The total length of a row of consecutive teeth is preferably between about 10 mm and 45 mm, even between 15 and 28 mm and more preferably between 20 mm and 26 mm.

The number of teeth per row is preferably between about 6 and 50, even between 10 and 35 or so, and more preferably between 15 and 32 or so.

Two successive teeth form between them notches allowing the applicator element to grip the eyelashes during the application of the product on the latter.

This can lead to an improvement in the elongation and bending of the eyelashes.

The offset upper parts of the teeth can form cavities between them making it possible to form product reserves on the application element.

This can improve the way in which the application element loads into the product, so that more product can be applied before it is necessary to reload the applicator.

Each of these effects, namely the effect of aggression of the eyelashes and the loading effect in product, contributes to obtaining a quality makeup.

The base may have various embodiments.

For example, there is shown on the figure 5 an application member 20 having a narrower base 22 and two sets of teeth 28a and 28b forming a row of consecutive teeth.

The consecutive teeth 28a and 28b have bases 29 substantially aligned along the Z axis of the base 22 and upper parts, extending from the bases and extending to the free end of the teeth, arranged alternately on the and another of a geometric separation surface S, constituted here by a median plane of symmetry for the base 22.

In other words, the upper portion of the tooth 28a is located on one side of the geometric separation surface S and the upper portion of the tooth 28b is on the opposite side of the surface S.

The width of the base 22 shown on the figure 5 is barely greater than the width of the bases 29 of the teeth.

The base 22 supporting the teeth of the comb may be rectilinear Z axis as just described.

The base may also be curved or extend along a broken line, for example a zigzag line.

In particular, the base can be curved around an axis K substantially perpendicular to the bases of the teeth, as is the case of the comb 30 shown in FIG. figure 6 .

In addition, on this figure 6 , the teeth are alternately oriented at their upper part towards the front, ie the distal end of the comb, and towards the back, ie towards the rod of the applicator, in addition to be shifted alternately to the right and to the left.

The base can thus be curved about an axis not perpendicular to the bases of the teeth.

The base can also be curved about an axis substantially parallel to the bases of the teeth, as is the case of the comb 40 shown in FIG. figure 7 .

In this figure, the geometric separation surface on either side of which the upper portions of the teeth alternately extend is a cylindrical surface of director constituted by the axis of the base, this directrix being here a curved line, and of generator parallel to the bases of the teeth, this generator being here perpendicular to the plane of the figure 7 .

When the geometric separation surface is cylindrical, the directrix can generally be a curve or a broken line, for example a zigzag line.

The geometry of the base is chosen according to the type of makeup and the nature of the product to be applied to the eyelashes.

The teeth of the comb can be made in many ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular, the two sets of alternating teeth may each comprise teeth having a symmetrical base of revolution or not.

The base of the teeth may have a circular, polygonal or other cross section.

The upper parts of the teeth may have a rounded head or a hook.

In general, the geometry of the teeth will be chosen according to the nature of the product to be applied to the eyelashes and the type of makeup sought.

We have shown on Figures 8 to 11 , 17 and 18 , various configurations of teeth, the application element being observed along the longitudinal axis of the base.

We have shown on the figure 8 in front view along the axis of the base an essentially comb-shaped application element 50 having two series of alternating teeth 51a and 51b, whose bases 52 are substantially aligned on the base 53.

The teeth 51a and 51b have generally curved shapes, substantially concave inwardly and define a housing 55 therebetween.

This housing 55 can receive a twisted-core type brush 56, as illustrated in FIG. figure 9 .

The free ends 54 of the teeth are directed inwards but do not intersect when the comb is observed along the longitudinal axis of the base 53.

Alternatively, the free ends of the teeth can cross, when the comb is observed along the longitudinal axis of the base.

For example, there is shown on the figure 10 a comb 60 in which the free ends 67 of the two sets of alternating teeth 61a and 61b intersect when the comb is observed along the axis of the base.

The free ends of the consecutive teeth can also diverge when the comb is observed along the axis of the base.

For example, there is shown on the figure 11 a comb 70 in which the free ends 77 of the two series of alternating teeth 71a and 71b diverge.

The inclination of the teeth may tend to make tangential contact with the eyelashes at the time of application.

The application element 120 shown on the figure 17 has alternating teeth 121a and 121b whose free ends 122 are substantially aligned.

This alignment is in the example described along a line parallel to that according to which the bases of the teeth are substantially aligned.

In the variant shown on the figure 18 , the application element 130 comprises consecutive teeth 131a and 131b whose free ends 132 are substantially parallel. Thus, they point in the same direction.

We have shown on the figure 26 an application member 260 having two sets of teeth 261a and 261b forming a row of consecutive teeth.

The bases of the consecutive teeth 261a, 261b are substantially aligned. The free ends of the teeth are arranged such that the consecutive teeth alternately have a substantially straight free end and a free end which diverges away from the substantially straight free ends, that is to say the ends of the teeth 261a shown. on the figure 26 . The application element may also comprise a combination of consecutive teeth comprising teeth having diverging free ends and / or converging free ends and / or aligned free ends and / or free intersecting ends and / or free ends parallel, and any combination of such teeth as shown for example on the figure 27 .

In this figure, we see teeth 271a, 271b having free ends substantially aligned at the distal end of the applicator element, then alternately diverging and again having free ends substantially aligned in the vicinity of the end. proximal to the application element.

The invention is not limited to an application element comprising a single row of teeth and also applies to application elements comprising several rows of teeth, essentially forming a brush, for example.

In such brushes, at least one of the rows of teeth comprises substantially aligned bases and portions of the length of the teeth extending from the base alternately offset on either side of a geometric separation surface.

The application element may comprise for example a second row 91c and 91d teeth opposite a first row of teeth 91a and 91b, as illustrated by the brush 110 schematically represented on the figure 12 .

The base may have a polygonal cross section, for example triangular, with a row of teeth extending substantially in the extension of each side. This allows the eyelashes to come into contact with the base to load product at the time of application.

For example, there is shown on the figure 15 a row of teeth 93a, 93b, whose bases 90 extend substantially in the extension of a side 91 of the base, of triangular section.

Alternatively, the bases of the rows of teeth may extend radially from the base.

For example, there is shown on the figure 16 a brush 100 having a base of triangular section and three rows 101 to 103 of teeth whose bases are aligned and whose portions of the teeth extending from the base are alternately offset on each side of the bases of the teeth.

In this example, the teeth start from the tops of the base, the bases of the teeth of the different rows being oriented radially.

The base may have edges on which are connected the teeth, which extend helically, with a constant or variable pitch.

In many embodiments which have just been described, the base extends substantially in the extension of the rod of the applicator.

In other words, a proximal end of the base is attached to a distal end portion of the shaft, and a distal end of the base forms a free end of the applicator.

We have shown on Figures 13, 14 and 24 an essentially comb-shaped application element 80 ( Fig. 13, 14 ), 240 ( Fig. 24 ) in which the longitudinal axis Z of the applicator element extends substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the rod 84 ( Fig. 13, 14 ), 244 ( Fig. 24 ) of the applicator, which is flat in the illustrated examples, and could possibly be perforated at its center.

Thus, a side surface of the applicator element or the base between its two ends is connected to the distal end portion of the applicator shaft.

The comb 80 has two sets of alternating teeth 85a and 85b having substantially aligned bases 86, as can be seen in FIG. figure 14 .

These teeth can be made by plastic molding in one piece with the base 87 and then it can be inserted into a connector in the form of a housing 81 formed at the distal end of the rod 84 of the applicator.

We illustrated on the figure 14 placing the comb 80 in the housing 81, which is effected by sliding along the Z axis.

The housing 81 defines a slot 82, at the front, to allow the passage of the bases 86 of the teeth 85a and 85b.

Advantageously, the width of this slot 82 corresponds substantially to the thickness of the bases 86 of the teeth, so that the comb 80 is retained in the housing 81 by clamping the bases 86 between the opposite edges of the slot 82.

This assembly makes it possible to easily make the comb in an elastomeric plastic material and the rod 84 in a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material.

The Figures 19 and 20 represent various tooth configurations of the application element that can help achieve desired application effects.

As shown on the figure 19 the teeth 191a, 191b can be flocked. This flocking can come from the plastic material used to make the teeth. In addition, although not illustrated, the base can also receive a flocking.

As can be seen on the figure 20 , the teeth 201a, 201b may have hollow portions 202. These hollow portions preferably extend over at least a portion of the length of the teeth and at least one opening 202 'on the side of the teeth provides access to this portion dig. These hollow portions may contain the product and thus contribute to the product loading of the applicator and to increase the amount of product settling on the eyelashes during application.

We have shown on Figures 21 and 22 variants of implementation of the invention.

The figure 21 represents an application assembly in which the product is contained in a tube-shaped container 210. This tube is preferably produced in a flexible material that allows the product to be dispensed onto the applicator element when compressed.

Other dispensers may also be used to dispense the product onto the applicator element, for example a pump dispenser, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The application set represented on the figure 22 comprises a container 220 containing a product solid bar 225. This solid bar may be moistened and the application member moved in contact with the moistened portion of the product to load product.

Alternatively, the application member may be moistened and moved in contact with an unhumidified portion.

In the examples of achievements represented on the Figures 21 and 22 it is not necessary to provide the proximal end of the applicator with a handle or a closure cap, since the applicator is not stored in the container containing the product and does not have to close such a container. In addition, in these embodiments, the rod itself can be used as a handle.

The figure 23 represents an applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The applicator shown in this figure has a tip 235 extending from the base 233 of the applicator element 231.

When the applicator element 231 is loaded with product, the tip 235 can also be loaded with product and serve as an eyeliner or element to be inserted between insulated eyelashes.

The figure 24 represents an applicator similar to that described with reference to the figure 13 . However, in the example shown, the base 243 is formed in one piece with the structure made by molding with the rod. The teeth 241 can also be made in one piece with the base 243 and the rod 244.

The figure 25 is another exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the base of the applicator element is removably attached in a connector housing 257, made in a distal end portion of the rod.

This housing defines a slot in which the base of the application element can be engaged.

Unlike the example shown in Figures 13 and 14 only one end of the applicator element 250 is connected to the distal end of the shaft.

On the figure 25 the longitudinal axis of the applicator member 251, once attached in the connector 257, extends from the shank substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the shank.

The Figures 28 and 28A represent an example of consecutive teeth on an applicator element 281, in which the bases 289a and 289b are substantially aligned within the meaning of the present invention.

So, as we can see more clearly on the figure 28A bases 289a and 289b slightly overlap by a distance r when the applicator element is observed along its longitudinal axis and are considered to be substantially aligned.

The figure 29 represents an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the teeth 292a and 292b have bases 299 having enlarged portions extending in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the portions of the teeth extending from the bases. .

Thus, consecutive teeth have portions extending from the bases of the teeth extending alternately from opposite sides of the tooth bases, i.e. alternately from a left side of the bases and a right side of the bases. when the application element is observed along its longitudinal axis.

The figure 30 represents an applicator in which the application element 331, including a base 333, is generally flexible, which allows it to deform with respect to the rod during the application of the product.

We can see on the figure 30 that the surface of the base on which the teeth are connected is convex.

This convex shape causes the adjacent teeth to diverge, thus allowing a relatively large amount of product to be housed between the teeth.

In addition, the applicator of the figure 30 can make it possible to improve the product loading when the applicator is extracted through a wiper member, since the latter exerts a force tending to straighten the applicator element and to bring the teeth towards a central region ( mid-length) of the application element.

As the teeth get closer, the product can be forced between the teeth towards the base, allowing the applicator element to contain a relatively large amount of product.

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

In particular, other forms of teeth may be made, the teeth not all having the same shape.

In general, the particularities of realization of each of the given examples can be combined with each other, depending on the type of makeup sought.

In particular, the application element may comprise a succession of teeth having a first and a second series of teeth arranged alternately, the teeth of the first series having a shape different from the teeth of the second series.

One of the series of teeth may be composed of teeth having different shapes, or different heights.

The teeth may have a height that varies as a function of the axial positioning on the application element, for example an increasing height, decreasing, decreasing and increasing or increasing and decreasing, from front to rear.

The teeth may have a surface condition to increase the amount of product that the application element is responsible for; the teeth and / or the base may thus comprise capillary grooves or flocking, over all or part of their surface.

The teeth may be covered with a coating such as a varnish or PTFE for example, to give them a better glide on the eyelashes or on the contrary more roughness.

Gliding agents may be incorporated into the plastic material for making the teeth.

The application element, and more particularly the teeth, can also contain active ingredients such as, for example, preservatives, moisture absorbers, metal salts, especially copper salts, magnetic particles, and other suitable similar materials, intended to be released into the product when the latter is deposited on the application element.

These assets can be either included in the material used to make the application element, or deposited as a coating on the application element, or both.

In addition, products which modify the surface tension of the application member in contact with moisture may be incorporated into the teeth or coat them.

The teeth can undergo abrasion surface treatment, for example to form forks at their free end.

The teeth may undergo a heat treatment to round for example their tip, or even form a ball at their free end. The teeth become less aggressive vis-à-vis the eyelashes.

The application element is preferably made by plastic injection, but alternatively it is possible to use material forming processes by compression, stamping or machining.

The base may include grooves or reliefs for example to accommodate the product.

In each of the embodiments described, the length of a row of consecutive teeth is preferably between about 10 mm and about 45 mm, and more preferably between about 15 mm and about 28 mm, and more preferably between 20 mm and about 26 mm.

The length of each tooth is preferably between about 0.5 mm and 15 mm, and more preferably between about 7 mm and about 13 mm.

The number of teeth in a consecutive row is preferably between 6 and 50, and more preferably between 10 and 35, and more preferably between 15 and 32 approximately.

Claims (49)

1. A device for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, on the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising a container (11) containing a reserve of product an applicator (12) comprising an applicator element having at least one row of teeth, said row of teeth (18a, 18b; 28a, 28b; 51a, 51b; 61a, 61b; 71a, 71b; 85a, 85b; 93a, 93b; 121a, 121b; 131a, 131b; 201a, 201b; 261a, 261b; 271a, 271b; 288a, 288b; 292a; 292b) including a series of consecutive teeth having substantially aligned bases and parts extending from the bases offset alternating on either side of a geometric separating surface (S), the geometric separating surface (S) passing through the bases of the consecutive teeth, at least two consecutive teeth having free ends that diverge, converge or intersect when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are arranged, characterized in that a portion of each of the bases of the consecutive teeth is positioned on the first side of a line passing through the bases of the consecutive teeth, and another portion of each of the bases of the consecutive teeth is positioned on a second side of the aforementioned line, opposite the first side, said line being substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a bottom frame on which the teeth are positioned.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth are made from a plastic material.
3. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the teeth are positioned on a bottom frame (17; 22; 53; 87).
4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the teeth are made by molding a plastic material with the bottom frame (17; 22; 53; 87).
5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator further includes a stem.
6. The device according to claim 5 and one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the bottom frame is arranged so as to be able to be removably fastened on the stem.
7. The device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the stem is substantially flat.
8. The device according to claim 3 and optionally one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the bottom frame (87) is removably fastened in a connector situated at the distal end of the stem of the applicator.
9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the connector defines a slit arranged to receive the bottom frame.
10. The device according to claim 3 and optionally one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the bottom frame is made by molding in a shingle piece with the stem of applicator.
11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a sealing member capable of sealably closing the container.
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further includes a cap at one end of the applicator situated opposite the end including the teeth.
13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the cap is capable of closing the container.
14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are positioned, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (77) that diverge.
15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are positioned, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (54) that converge toward one another.
16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are positioned, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (67) that intersect.
17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth positioned, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (132) that are substantially parallel.
18. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are positioned, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (122) that are substantially aligned.
19. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least two consecutive teeth include three teeth.
20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator element includes teeth having free ends oriented toward the distal end of the applicator element, positioned alternating with teeth having free ends oriented toward a proximal end of the applicator element.
21. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis of a portion of the applicator element, one teeth of a pair of consecutive teeth is substantially rectilinear and the other tooth of that pair diverges, moving away from the substantially rectilinear tooth.
22. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the teeth form an elongate housing (55) between them, wit a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.
23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that said housing is arranged to receive an inner applicator element, in particular a twisted core brush (56).
24. The device according to claim 5 and optionally any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator element is made from a plastic material that is more flexible than the material used to produce the stem of the applicator.
25. The device according to claim 5 and optionally any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the applicator element is made from a plastic material that is harder than the material used to produce the stem of the applicator.
26. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric separating surface is a plane.
27. The device according to claim 3 and optionally any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric separating surface (S) is a plane of symmetry for the base.
28. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the geometric separating surface is non-planar.
29. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the geometric separating surface is spiraled.
30. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (84) of the applicator is flat and includes a housing (81) at its end, said housing defining a slit (82) and having an axis that is not parallel to the axis (X) of the applicator, the applicator element (80) being inserted in a housing (81), the base (86) of the teeth (85a, 85b) then engaging in said slit.
31. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height (h) of the base (19) of the teeth is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.
32. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation between the bases (19) of two consecutive teeth is smaller than or equal to 0.4 mm.
33. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes teeth of different heights.
34. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of the teeth is comprised between 0.5 and 15 mm, preferably 7 to 13 mm.
35. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator only includes a single row of teeth and forms a comb.
36. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the applicator element includes a second row of teeth, or several rows of teeth, and then forms a brush.
37. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the applicator element includes two rows of teeth extending in opposite directions.
38. The device according to claim 3 and optionally any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the base (92) has a polygonal or non-polygonal transverse section, and in that the applicator element includes at least one row of teeth extending substantially in the extension of one side of the bottom frame in the case of a polygonal section or whereof the bases connect substantially tangentially to the bottom frame in the case of a non-polygonal section.
39. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bases of the teeth are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the row.
40. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further includes a wringing member arranged to remove the excess product from the teeth when the applicator is removed from the container, the ringing member preferably being deformable, and also preferably being formed by a flexible lip or a foam block.
41. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the width of the bottom frame is larger than the width of the base of the teeth.
42. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that within said row of teeth, the number of teeth is comprised between approximately 6 and 50, preferably between approximately 10 and 35, still more preferably between approximately 15 and 32.
43. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of a row is comprised between approximately 10 and 45 mm, preferably 15 to 28 mm and still more preferably 20 to 26 mm.
44. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the teeth is flocked.
45. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bases of adjacent teeth are joined.
46. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the teeth has a hollow portion, the hollow portion preferably extending along the length of the tooth, the tooth preferably including at least on opening on at least one side, providing access to said hollow portion.
47. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product includes fibers.
48. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product is in the form of a solid bar.
49. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container is a tube.

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