EP1369056B1 - Applicator with a grip connected to an articulating rod and with an inclined applicator element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to applicators comprising a gripping member, a rod connected by a hinge to the gripping member and an applicator element disposed at one end of the rod.

Such applicators, which are suitable for the application of a cosmetic product, are described in US Patent 6,026,823 .

Other applicators are described in US 5,328,282 , US 2 173 959 , US 4,396,028 , US 5,435,328 , FR 2 701 196 , US 4,165,755 , FR 1 395 217 , US 4,428,388 , US 3,185,291 and US 4,370,989 .

Furthermore, many brushes are known formed by helically winding two branches of a wire around tufts of bristles extending radially from the core, these branches being fixed in a rod made of plastics material. , secured to a closure cap of the container containing the product to be applied.

The free ends of the bristles define an envelope surface, which may have multiple shapes.

Is thus known by the request of French patent FR-A-2 605 505 a rectilinear brush having a plurality of lateral faces and on each lateral face a notch extending over substantially the entire length of the brush, each notch having in cross section a concave profile to the outside. Such notches define between them crest zones. The axis of the soul is confused with that of the stem. During the application of the product by means of such a brush, the latter being rotated about the axis of the rod, the eyelashes successively meet side faces having an identical shape.

The request for European patent EP-A-0 663 161 describes a brush having a rectilinear core and, on its lateral faces, concave notches to the outside. The edges of these notches belong to an envelope surface having the general shape of two truncated cones joined by their base.

We know by the request of European patent EP-A-0 792 603 a brush having a rectilinear core and a cylindrical portion in which one or several notches whose width passes through a maximum when moving along the axis of the brush.

We still know by the request of French patent FR-A-2,755,593 a brush having a non-rectilinear core, extending in a plane of curvature. The envelope surface of the brush has, over at least a portion of its length, a cross section of elongated shape along an axis of greater length, parallel to the plane of curvature. The two halves of the envelope surface of the brush, located on either side of the plane of curvature, are symmetrical with respect to the latter.

We know by the requests of French patent FR-A-2 749 489 and FR-A-2,749,490 other brushes with curved core. The cross section defined by the bristles of these brushes varies homothetically from one end to the other of the brush. In other words, if we compare two cross-sections of the brush taken in two places different from the length of it, one of the sections is an enlargement of the other, that is to say that the ratio dimensions from one section to the other is constant regardless of the orientation around the axis of the soul. These brushes are also made from a blank having an envelope surface symmetrical with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the core.

The U.S. Patent 5,937,870 describes a brush which has a cross section, defined by the bristles, having an elongated shape over at least a part of its length. This brush has an envelope surface having two halves symmetrical with respect to the curvature plane of the core.

The U.S. Patent 5,876,138 describes a rectilinear soul brush having a general shape of fish.

The request for DE-A-4,205,935 describes a bent-core brush of constant circular cross-section.

The request for FR-A-2 798 276 discloses a device having a curved core brush whose free end is not in alignment with the rod, to improve the sampling of the product. The brush has a cross section that varies monotonically from the end of the brush connected to the rod towards its free end.

The invention aims to provide an applicator, especially for lips, eyelids, eyelashes, eyebrows or hair, ergonomic to further improve the makeup, including that of eyelashes.

In the case of eyelash makeup, there is a need to further improve the applicators comprising a brush, especially in terms of product loading, elongation, bending, penetration of the hairs in the eyelashes and separation of the latter.

According to one of its aspects, the subject of the invention is an applicator according to claim 1.

Such an applicator may allow, by giving a non-zero angle to the rod relative to the axis of the gripping member, benefit from better ergonomics for makeup. In addition, since the applicator element comprises at least one portion, for example a distal portion, which extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the axis of the gripping member, this angle can be increased by tilting the rod relative to the gripping member, without making it more difficult the return of the applicator on the container in the case where it comprises a wiper. The application element may be non-rectilinear or the rod and the application element may not extend entirely along the same rectilinear axis. According to the invention the application element and the rod extend in a plane and the rod can rotate only in this same plane. The longitudinal axis of the applicator element may further extend beyond the pivot plane of the rod.

The rod may comprise a sealing member configured to apply substantially sealingly against a surface of a container to which the applicator is attached in the absence of use. This sealing member may comprise, for example, a disk and / or a frustoconical portion.

Application elements with a brush

According to one aspect of the invention, the application element may be configured to apply a product to the keratinous fibers and comprise a brush having bristles extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the brush.

Such a brush comprises a core having a portion from which the bristles extend, also called "empoilée" portion.

In an exemplary implementation, the core may be curved over at least a portion of its length.

By "curved core" it is necessary to understand "non-rectilinear soul", so that a broken line is a curved line in the sense of the present invention.

The envelope surface defined by the bristles of the brush may be unsymmetrical with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the core.

The angle between the axis of the portion of the rod adjacent to the brush and the axis of the core, at any point thereof, may always be less than 90 °.

The brush may have a free end not aligned with the axis of the portion of the rod adjacent to the brush.

The cross-section, defined by the bristles of the brush, may vary non-monotonically from one end of the brush to the other.

By non-monotonically varying cross-section, it should be understood that the cross-section of the brush is not constant over the entire length of the brush and does not vary in a strictly increasing or strictly decreasing manner at one end of the brush. brush to another. The fact that the cross section defined by the bristles varies in a non-monotonic manner may be due, for example, to the shape of the blank from which the brush is made, this blank possibly having, for example, an extreme diameter at a non-zero distance each end of the brush, or the presence of one or more notches, among others.

In a particular embodiment, the brush is made from a rectilinear blank, the emptied portion having a non-symmetrical envelope surface with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the core, the blank having a non-rectilinear edge when it is observed in profile in a direction perpendicular to the core, this edge having been at least partially rectified by the curvature given to the core of the blank during the manufacture of the brush.

Such a brush can make it possible to obtain a very satisfactory quality of make-up, thanks to the fact that the core is curved and that, when viewed from the side in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the stem, it has a profile that varies when it is rotated about the axis of the rod.

This brush can in particular make it possible to obtain good care of the eyelashes and may also make it possible to obtain a non-uniform wringing, leading to areas that are unequally laden with product.

Thus, the user may have on the brush on the one hand a larger amount of product for adding locally on the eyelashes of the product if this is necessary during makeup, without having to plunge the brush into the container, and secondly hairs little loaded product, can advantageously be used to separate the eyelashes, including small eyelashes at the end of the eyelid.

Starting from a brush as defined above, it is possible to return for the purposes of observation to the blank used to make it by completely straightening the soul, that is to say by rendering it completely rectilinear. .

The curvature of the soul can be non-constant.

The fact that the curvature is non-constant over the length of the brush means that the radius of curvature (which may be infinite) is not the same at least at two different points along the brush. The brush may thus comprise a greater curvature on the side of its free end than on the side of the rod for example, or may comprise a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear portion and a curved portion, which is particularly the case when the core of the brush has a rectilinear portion engaged in the rod and that the bristles are supported by a curvilinear potted portion, the latter may be of constant curvature or not.

In a particular embodiment, the cross section of the brush can pass through at least one extremum between its two axial ends. This extremum may be a maximum or a minimum and the cross section of the brush may in particular pass through a maximum and a minimum between its two axial ends, which is the case especially when the blank from which the brush is made presents a general form of fish.

In a particular embodiment, the blank may have an envelope surface having a symmetrical shape of revolution.

The blank used to make the brush may still not have an envelope surface having a symmetrical shape of revolution but simply an axial symmetry with respect to the axis of the core, for example.

The cross section of the envelope surface of the blank may have a shape varying over at least a portion of the length of the brush, for example over more than a third of its length, homothetically. In other words, if we compare two cross-sections of the brush taken in two places different from the length of it, one of the sections is an enlargement of the other, that is to say that the ratio dimensions from one section to the other is constant regardless of the orientation around the axis of the soul.

To achieve the brush, the core of the blank may be bent at least about an axis extending out of the median plane of the blank. An edge of the blank which is made more rectilinear due to the curvature given to the core may be located in the distal or proximal portion of the brush, that is to say in the first or second half of the length of the brush from its free end. The aforementioned non-rectilinear edge of the blank may be located substantially in the first or the last third of the brush, from its free end. This non-rectilinear edge may be concave outwards or, alternatively, convex outwards. When the non-rectilinear edge is concave towards the outside, it can be for example substantially in the last third of the brush. This is particularly the case when the blank has a general shape of fish. When the non-rectilinear edge is outwardly convex, it may be for example in the first third of the brush. This may be the case especially when the blank has a general shape of shell or buoy.

In a particular embodiment, the non-rectilinear edge of the blank is at least partially defined by a distal end portion of ogival shape of the brush, the body of the brush having a frustoconical shape with a cross section decreasing from this part of the brush. distal end, over at least a portion of the length of the brush, towards the rod to which the core is connected.

In another particular embodiment, the non-rectilinear edge of the blank is defined by the area surrounding the junction between a distal end portion of the brush, frustoconical in shape, converging towards the free end of the brush and the body of the brush. the brush, also frustoconical, converging towards the stem to which the soul connects.

In another particular embodiment, the blank having the general shape of a fish, the non-rectilinear edge of the blank is defined by the area surrounding the junction between the proximal end portion forming the tail of the fish and the body of the fish. fish.

In another particular embodiment, the brush being made from a blank having the shape of a diabolo, the non-rectilinear edge of the blank is defined by the reentrant angle at the junction of the two truncated cones.

In another particular embodiment, the blank having the shape of a rugby ball having at least one facet or notch, the non-rectilinear edge is defined by the notch or is located in the vicinity of one end of the notch or facet.

The non-rectilinear edge of the blank may advantageously be deformed, following the curvature given to the core, so as to be located at least partially and substantially in the axis of the adjacent edge of the body of the brush, when the latter is observed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the stem.

The soul can be a twisted soul, stepping left or right, especially left footstep as described in the application for French patent FR-A-2 701 198 . In a left-handed brush, the branches of the core are twisted by turning to the left to form turns which, viewed along the axis of the core from the end fixed in the stem, rotate clockwise when we move from the stem to the free end of the brush.

The core is advantageously curved, when the brush is stepping to the left, so as to reduce the inclination of the helical layers formed by the bristles relative to the axis of the rod as and when it is away from the stem, which improves the separation of the eyelashes at the ends of the eyelid, increasing the angle between the eyelashes and said plies.

One can also play on the curvature given to the soul, when the latter is stepping right, so as to orient the hairs in a desired direction.

The core may be made other than by twisting two branches of a wire, the bristles may be implanted or molded on other supports.

The hairs can be natural or synthetic, and their ends can undergo any type of known treatment, for example to form rounded heads or forks.

The brush may comprise bristles of different lengths, in particular short bristles contained in the volume delimited by the envelope surface defined by the free ends of the large bristles.

The brush may comprise a mixture of bristles.

The bristles used may be of any kind, in particular be hollow bristles, with a capillary groove, flat or twisted, or with a preferential deformation zone.

One can still use a brush, which can have any shape and whose soul is not curved around a single axis. In particular, the core can be curved around two non-parallel axes. In this case, the axis of the soul is not entirely contained in a single plane of curvature. The axes around which the soul is curved can extend in perpendicular directions or not, and be intersecting or not.

• réaliser une ébauche à âme rectiligne, notamment ayant une section transversale variant de manière non monotone d'une première extrémité de la brosse à une deuxième extrémité, l'ébauche ayant une surface enveloppe non symétrique par rapport à un plan médian perpendiculaire à l'âme,
• incurver l'âme de manière à ce que la première extrémité de la brosse ne soit pas alignée avec l'axe de la partie rectiligne de l'âme adjacente à la deuxième extrémité, et à ce que l'angle formé entre l'axe de la partie rectiligne de l'âme et l'axe en tout point de la partie incurvée de l'âme soit inférieur à 90°.

The applicator rod may be provided with a brush made by a method comprising the following steps:

• performing a rectilinear blank, in particular having a non-monotonically varying cross-section from a first end of the brush to a second end, the blank having a non-symmetrical envelope surface with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the core ,
• bending the web such that the first end of the brush is not aligned with the axis of the straight portion of the web adjacent to the second end, and that the angle formed between the axis of the web the rectilinear part of the soul and the axis at any point of the curved part of the soul is less than 90 °.

• réaliser une ébauche à âme rectiligne ayant une section transversale non constante, et sur au moins une partie de la longueur de l'ébauche, un bord non rectiligne lorsque l'ébauche est observée de profil dans une direction perpendiculaire à l'âme,
• incurver l'âme de manière à diminuer la courbure dudit bord non rectiligne de l'ébauche, lorsque la brosse est observée dans la même direction que précédemment.

In a particular implementation, this method comprises the following steps:

• producing a rectilinear blank having a non-constant cross section, and on at least a portion of the length of the blank, a non-rectilinear edge when the blank is viewed in profile in a direction perpendicular to the core,
• bending the core so as to decrease the curvature of said non-rectilinear edge of the blank, when the brush is observed in the same direction as before.

The blank may be symmetrical of revolution or not and have for example a general shape of shell, buoy, fish, diabolo or rugby ball.

At least one facet or notch can be made on the blank before bending the soul. At least three such facets or notches can be made in order to give the brush, in cross section and over at least a part of its length, a generally triangular shape.

For example, it is possible to give the core the maximum curvature at the bulged part of the blank when the blank has a general shape of shell or buoy, in order to raise the distal end portion of the blank. roughing, with the effect of straightening a non-rectilinear upper edge of the bulged part of the blank and accentuate the curvature of its diametrically opposite lower edge.

It is also possible, for example, to give the maximum curvature to the core at the narrowest part of the blank when the latter has a general shape of fish or diabolo, in order to raise the proximal end portion. of the blank, with the effect of further digging the concave upper edge towards the top of the blank and flatten its lower edge, diametrically opposite, concave down.

The curvature given to the core may, in general, have the effect for example of pushing a convex or concave shaped face of the brush to make it substantially rectilinear, in particular substantially parallel to the axis of the rod.

When the curvature given to the core has the effect of straightening a concave or convex face to make it substantially rectilinear, this curvature can be performed around an axis contained in a median plane for said face.

The blank may be to the left.

The rod of the applicator may be provided with a brush, whose shape may be any and whose empoilated portion has a free end which is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the end of the rod adjacent to the brush neither with the axis longitudinal of the gripping member, when the inclination of the rod, relative to the gripping member, is zero.

The core of the pile portion may be curved such that a line tangent to the core at any point in the core is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end of the stem adjacent to the brush .

According to another aspect of the invention, the bristles of the empoilated portion may have ends defining an envelope surface having a cross section that varies over at least part of its length, the envelope surface being unsymmetrical with respect to a median plane of the envelope surface, perpendicular to the soul. The soul may optionally be curved around two axes not parallel to each other, as indicated above.

Such a brush makes it possible to obtain a product loading of the hairs inhomogeneous thanks to the fact that at least some parts of the brush are off-axis with respect to the axis of the rod and therefore with respect to the axis of the wiper.

The axes around which the soul is curved can extend in perpendicular directions, and be intersecting or not. They may belong to planes of symmetry for certain portions of the brush.

The brush may be made by bending the core of a blank of symmetrical envelope surface of revolution over at least part of its length, so as to change on this part the geometry of said envelope surface.

The brush may also be made from a blank on which one or more notches and / or one or more facets have been cut, the latter being able to be substantially plane, to be parallel to the rectilinear core of the blank or to make a angle with it.

Another type of brush that can advantageously be used with a variable inclination rod may comprise a curved core, on which the bristles are connected, this brush having a cross section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the brush so not homothetic, this section being, in at least one point of the soul, unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature of the soul at this point.

The brush may have at least three side faces having different shapes from each other.

The brush may have at least two plane lateral faces.

When the application element is a brush, it can be made from a blank, having a general shape of shell, peanut, buoy, fish, diabolo or rugby ball.

For example, a brush connected to one end of the rod may be used, this end of the rod having a longitudinal axis whose free end is non-aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rod. At least a portion of the core is bent in such a way that a tangent to the core at any point of the core is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end portion of the stem. The brush comprising bristles, the ends of the bristles may define an envelope surface having a cross section which varies along at least a portion of the length of the core, this envelope surface being unsymmetrical with respect to a median plane, the median plane being oriented perpendicular to the soul.

The brush may comprise a core bent over at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the core defines a curve in a plane of curvature, a plurality of bristles defining a cross section of the brush which varies over at least part of the length of the web in a non-geometrically symmetrical manner. The cross section of the brush may, in at least one point of the core, be substantially unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature and the core may pass through the center of the cross section of the brush at less a place of its length.

Alternatively, the brush may comprise a core bent over at least a portion of its length such that the axis of the core defines a curve in a plane of curvature, the curve having a convex side and a concave side. The bristles define a cross section of the brush which varies over at least a portion of the length of the web in a non-homothetic manner, the cross section of the brush being in at least one position along the substantially unsymmetrical core by relative to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature. In the curvature plane, the distance from the side The convex curve of the envelope surface may vary along at least a portion of the length of the core.

The brush may comprise a core bent over at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the core defines a curve in a plane of curvature and a plurality of bristles extending from the core, the bristles defining a cross-section of the brush which varies over at least a portion of the length of the web in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one position along the web may be substantially unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature and when the web is straight, the ends of the bristles define at least one notch having a maximum width located between the ends of the notch, these ends being spaced from each other along the length of the brush.

The brush may further comprise a core bent over at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the core defines a curve in a plane of curvature, and a plurality of bristles extending from the core, bristles defining a cross-section of the brush which varies over at least a portion of the length of the web in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one position along the web may be substantially unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature and when the web is straight, the ends of the bristles define at least one notch, this notch being concave in at least one plane intersecting the notch.

The brush may further comprise a bent core along at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the core defines a curve in a curvature plane, the curve having a convex side and a concave side. A plurality of bristles extend from the core, the bristles having ends defining an envelope surface of the brush. The bristles also define a cross-section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the web in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one position along the web may be substantially unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature, and the envelope surface on the convex side of the curve may define a substantially flat surface along at least a portion of the length of the brush, the substantially planar surface being secant to the plane of curvature.

The brush may further comprise a bent core along at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the core defines a curve in a curvature plane, the curve having a convex side and a concave side. A plurality of bristles are connected to the core, the bristles having ends defining an envelope surface of the brush. The bristles define a cross section of the brush which varies over at least a portion of the length of the web in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one position along the web is substantially unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature. In the curvature plane, the envelope surface of the convex side of the curve may define a substantially rectilinear portion along at least a portion of the length of the brush.

The brush may further comprise a bent core along at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the core defines a curve in a curvature plane. A plurality of bristles are connected to the core. The bristles define a cross section of the brush which varies over at least a portion of the length of the web in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one position along the web may be substantially unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature. The rod having one end connected to the core, this end defining an axis, the free end of the brush may be non-aligned with the axis of the end of the rod.

The brush may further comprise a core bent over at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the core defines a curve in a plane of curvature. A plurality of bristles extending from the core, the bristles defining a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the core in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush at at least one position along the web may be substantially unsymmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature and at least a portion of the length of the brush, the cross section of the brush may have a variable width, the width passing through the core being perpendicular to the plane of curvature.

Applicator with servo portion

The applicator may comprise, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a maneuverable portion for modifying the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the articulation and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first.

Such a manoeuvrable portion may make it possible to modify the orientation of the applicator element relative to the gripping member during use.

The operable portion, the hinge and the gripping member can be configured so that the user can change the orientation of the rod with one hand by acting with a finger on the operable portion, while the applicator is not in place on a container.

The gripping member may comprise a body crossed at one end by the operable portion. The body may comprise, at this end, an end wall provided with an opening through which the maneuverable portion passes. This end wall may have a generally convex shape towards the outside.

The aforementioned opening may comprise at least one slot, which may serve to guide the movement of the operable portion. This slot may extend, if necessary, on at least a portion of the lateral surface of the gripping member. The opening may for example comprise at least two slots, the longitudinal axes of these two slots being substantially perpendicular to each other, for example. The slot or slots may comprise edges defining, for example by means of at least one boss, at least one hard point during the displacement of the operable portion. The hard point can facilitate, if necessary, the maintenance of the portion operable in a predetermined position.

The applicator, for example the end wall, may comprise at least one mark, for example graduations, allowing the user to more easily locate the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member.

The operable portion may comprise a cover configured to at least partially overlap the gripping member. This cover may have, for example, a generally concave face towards the gripping member.

The operable portion may be at least partially covered by a sheath, for example having at least one flexible region. This flexible region may include a bellows.

The manoeuvrable portion can be covered entirely by the sheath.

The sleeve may be entirely flexible, being made for example in an elastomer, for example butyl nitrile, EPDM, silicone or latex, this list not being limiting.

The sleeve may be attached to the gripping member or, alternatively, made in one piece by molding with the gripping member, for example by over-injection.

The sleeve may have an outer shape having a symmetrical axial and have, for example, on at least a portion of its length, a circular cross section.

The sheath may have an outer shape favoring its deformability in one or more directions. The sheath may thus have, for example, at least a portion of its length an oblong transverse section.

The sheath may comprise a wall which may be more or less thick. The sheath may for example have a wall whose thickness, at least in places, is of the order of magnitude of that of a wall of the gripping member.

The sleeve may also have a relatively thick wall, especially when it is made of a cellular material.

The sleeve may comprise, for example, a block of a foam, provided with a recess or at least one slot in which the rod is engaged at its second end. Such a block may for example be fixed by welding or gluing to one end of the body of the gripping member.

The sheath can contribute to sealing the closure of a container to which the applicator is attached in the absence of use.

articulation

The hinge may be disposed within the gripping member.

Arranging the hinge within the gripping member can make the applicator more compact and easier to grip.

The hinge may be configured to prevent substantial axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod relative to the gripping member.

The absence, at the joint, of axial displacement, that is to say in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gripping member, and / or lateral, that is to say perpendicularly the longitudinal axis of the gripping member, the rod relative to the gripping member can allow the user to precisely position the application member at the place where the product is to be applied.

The joint may comprise a brake for braking the movement of the rod relative to the gripping member. The brake can exert a braking action regardless of the position of the rod relative to the gripping member. The brake may also, as a variant, exert a braking action only in at least one predetermined position of the rod relative to the gripping member.

The joint can be made in various ways, and allow for example a displacement of the rod around a geometric axis, two geometric axes or an infinity of geometric axes.

The joint may for example comprise a ball joint, which may have a rigid or flexible seat. A rigid seat may make it possible to obtain, if necessary, a better seal of the closure of the container by virtue of a better contact between a sealing member of the rod and the container, for example.

The articulation may alternatively comprise a pin, for example a metal pin, around which the rod can pivot. The rod may also comprise a cylindrical portion serving as a pivot.

The joint may further comprise at least one flexible wall, for example a disc, through which the rod passes, this wall extending between the rod and the gripping member. In an exemplary implementation, the joint comprises at least one block of an elastically deformable material, for example a foam, traversed by the rod.

The applicator can be configured in such a way that the rod retains the orientation given to it by the user once the latter releases the operable portion.

The applicator may also include an elastic return member capable of bringing the rod back to a predetermined orientation, when the user releases it, by example to align its axis with that of the gripping member. This return member may be constituted for example by a constituent element of the joint. The return member may be constituted by a sheath as mentioned above.

Other application elements

The applicator element may comprise a comb configured to apply a product to the keratinous fibers, for example the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

The application element may comprise a brush made by plastic injection with notches.

The application element may, in an alternative embodiment, include a brush, including a brush for applying a nail polish. In this case, the stem may include a bend, for example.

The application element may also comprise a foam, a sponge, a felt or a flocked tip, being configured for example to apply a product on the lips or eyelids.

The application element may be able to retain the product by capillarity.

The application element may have a rectilinear or curved axis.

The application element can be flocked.

Packaging and application device

The invention further relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product and an applicator as defined above.

The applicator can be configured to close the container.

The container may include a wiper. The wiper can make it possible to bring the rod back to a position of zero inclination when the applicator is brought back onto the container.

The container and the applicator may be configured such that the applicator rod is prevented from pivoting relative to the container when the applicator is in place thereon.

A sealed closure of the container may be obtained by sealing means located above the joint, around the joint or below the joint, when moving along the axis of the rod.

Application process

• charger un élément d'application, qui peut être quelconque, avec le produit, l'élément d'application étant présent à une extrémité d'une tige reliée de manière articulée à un organe de préhension ayant un axe,
• modifier l'orientation de la tige par rapport à l'organe de préhension.

The subject of the invention is also a method for applying a cosmetic product to a part of the body or face, in particular on the eyelashes or the eyebrows, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• loading an applicator element, which may be arbitrary, with the product, the applicator element being present at one end of a rod hingedly connected to a gripping member having an axis,
• modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member.

• maquiller les fibres kératiniques avec par exemple la tige sensiblement horizontale et avec une première inclinaison de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension, cette première inclinaison étant par exemple nulle, la tige pouvant par exemple être entraînée en rotation sur elle-même autour de son axe et l'élément d'application être constitué par l'une des brosses telles que définies précédemment,
• maquiller les fibres kératiniques avec la tige sensiblement verticale et une deuxième inclinaison de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension, différente de la première, par exemple une inclinaison maximale de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension. Le maquillage peut s'effectuer, lorsque l'élément d'application est constitué par l'une des brosses telles que définies précédemment, sans entraîner en rotation la tige sur elle-même.

In the case where the application element is configured to apply a product to the keratinous fibers, for example the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, the method may comprise the following steps:

• makeup keratinous fibers with for example the substantially horizontal rod and with a first inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, this first inclination being for example zero, the rod may for example be rotated on itself around its axis and the application element be constituted by one of the brushes as defined above,
• makeup the keratin fibers with the substantially vertical rod and a second inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, different from the first, for example a maximum inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member. Makeup can be performed when the application element is constituted by one of the brushes as defined above, without rotating the rod on itself.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en coupe axiale, d'un dispositif pour l'application d'un produit sur les cils ou les sourcils, réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente une variante de réalisation dans laquelle l'applicateur est pourvu d'une portion manoeuvrable,
• la figure 3 représente isolément l'applicateur du dispositif de la figure 2, après pivotement de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension,
• la figure 4 illustre l'utilisation de l'applicateur de la figure 3 pour le maquillage des cils, avec la tige orientée sensiblement verticalement,
• la figure 5 illustre l'utilisation de l'applicateur de la figure 3 pour le maquillage des cils, avec la tige orientée sensiblement horizontalement,
• les figures 6 à 9 représentent divers exemples d'ébauches à partir desquelles peuvent être réalisées des brosses selon un aspect de l'invention,
• les figures 10 à 13 représentent des brosses obtenues respectivement à partir des ébauches représentées sur les figures 6 à 9,
• la figure 14 représente l'ébauche de la figure 6 sur laquelle ont été réalisées des facettes,
• la figure 15 est une section transversale selon XV-XV de la figure 14,
• la figure 16 est une section transversale similaire à la figure 15 illustrant une variante de réalisation à encoches,
• la figure 17 représente l'ébauche de la figure 7 sur laquelle ont été réalisées des facettes,
• la figure 18 est une section transversale selon XVIII-XVIII de la figure 17,
• la figure 19 représente l'ébauche de la figure 8 sur laquelle ont été réalisées des facettes,
• la figure 20 est une section transversale selon XX-XX de la figure 19,
• la figure 21 représente l'ébauche de la figure 9 sur laquelle ont été réalisées des facettes,
• la figure 22 est une section transversale selon XXII-XXII de la figure 21,
• la figure 23 représente l'ébauche de la figure 14 après courbure de l'âme,
• la figure 24 représente l'ébauche de la figure 17 après courbure de l'âme,
• la figure 25 représente l'ébauche de la figure 19 après courbure de l'âme,
• la figure 26 représente l'ébauche de la figure 21 après courbure de l'âme,
• la figure 27 représente la brosse de la figure 13, après avoir fait subir à l'âme une deuxième torsion,
• la figure 28 représente de manière schématique la brosse de la figure 10, avec l'âme torsadée à gauche, en cours d'application de produit sur les cils,
• la figure 29 représente différents angles entre une nappe hélicoïdale, un cil et l'axe de l'âme,
• la figure 30 est une vue analogue à la figure 28, représentant partiellement et isolément une âme torsadée à droite,
• la figure 31 illustre une section transversale à crans,
• la figure 32 représente, de manière schématique, une brosse ayant une forme générale de diabolo, avant courbure de l'âme,
• la figure 33 représente de manière schématique une brosse ayant une forme générale de ballon de rugby, comportant une encoche, avant courbure de l'âme,
• les figures 34 et 35 illustrent l'utilisation de la brosse de la figure 11 pour le maquillage des cils,
• la figure 36 illustre la réalisation d'un coude sur l'âme à proximité de la tige,
• la figure 37 représente une portion d'âme pour illustrer un angle formé par la direction de l'âme avec l'axe de la tige,
• les figures 38 et 39 représentent deux exemples d'ébauches avec en trait discontinu la courbure donnée à l'âme,
• la figure 40 représente, de manière schématique, un exemple de brosse ayant une âme courbe autour d'au moins deux axes,
• la figure 41 représente une ébauche destinée à la réalisation d'une brosse conformément à un autre aspect de l'invention,
• la figure 42 représente l'ébauche de la figure 41, après courbure de l'âme,
• la figure 43 est une coupe transversale schématique selon XLIII de la figure 42,
• les figures 44 à 46 représentent différents exemples d'autres applicateurs,
• les figures 47 et 48 illustrent la possibilité d'utiliser une tige courbe,
• la figure 48A représente, en coupe transversale, un élément d'application comportant des crans,
• la figure 49 représente, isolément, un peigne pouvant être présent à l'extrémité de la tige d'un applicateur réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• les figures 50 à 52 représentent différents exemples, parmi d'autres, de réalisation de l'articulation,
• la figure 53 représente partiellement, en vue de côté, un applicateur conforme à une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 54 est une vue de face selon la flèche LIV de la figure 53,
• les figures 55 et 56 sont des vues analogues à la figure 54, représentant des variantes de réalisation,
• les figures 57 à 64 représentent partiellement d'autres exemples d'applicateurs,
• la figure 65 est une section selon LXV de la figure 64,
• les figures 66 à 68 représentent d'autres exemples d'articulation, et
• la figure 69 illustre la réalisation d'une articulation avec des crans.

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

• the figure 1 is a diagrammatic view, in axial section, of a device for applying a product to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, produced according to the invention,
• the figure 2 represents an alternative embodiment in which the applicator is provided with a maneuverable portion,
• the figure 3 represents in isolation the applicator of the device of the figure 2 after pivoting the rod relative to the gripping member,
• the figure 4 illustrates the use of the applicator of the figure 3 for the makeup of the eyelashes, with the stem oriented substantially vertically,
• the figure 5 illustrates the use of the applicator of the figure 3 for the makeup of the eyelashes, with the rod oriented substantially horizontally,
• the Figures 6 to 9 represent various examples of blanks from which can be made brushes according to one aspect of the invention,
• the Figures 10 to 13 represent brushes respectively obtained from the blanks represented on the Figures 6 to 9 ,
• the figure 14 represents the draft of the figure 6 on which facets were made,
• the figure 15 is a cross section according to XV-XV of the figure 14 ,
• the figure 16 is a cross section similar to the figure 15 illustrating an embodiment variant with notches,
• the figure 17 represents the draft of the figure 7 on which facets were made,
• the figure 18 is a cross section according to XVIII-XVIII of the figure 17 ,
• the figure 19 represents the draft of the figure 8 on which facets were made,
• the figure 20 is a cross section along XX-XX of the figure 19 ,
• the figure 21 represents the draft of the figure 9 on which facets were made,
• the figure 22 is a cross section according to XXII-XXII of the figure 21 ,
• the figure 23 represents the draft of the figure 14 after curvature of the soul,
• the figure 24 represents the draft of the figure 17 after curvature of the soul,
• the figure 25 represents the draft of the figure 19 after curvature of the soul,
• the figure 26 represents the draft of the figure 21 after curvature of the soul,
• the figure 27 represents the brush of the figure 13 after having subjected the soul to a second twist,
• the figure 28 schematically represents the brush of the figure 10 , with the twisted soul on the left, during application of product on the eyelashes,
• the figure 29 represents different angles between a helical layer, an eyelash and the axis of the core,
• the figure 30 is a view similar to the figure 28 , partially and singly representing a twisted soul on the right,
• the figure 31 illustrates a cross section with notches,
• the figure 32 represents, schematically, a brush having a general shape of diabolo, before curvature of the soul,
• the figure 33 schematically represents a brush having a general shape of a rugby ball, having a notch, before curvature of the soul,
• the Figures 34 and 35 illustrate the use of the brush of the figure 11 for the makeup of eyelashes,
• the figure 36 illustrates the realization of an elbow on the soul near the rod,
• the figure 37 represents a core portion to illustrate an angle formed by the direction of the core with the axis of the rod,
• the Figures 38 and 39 represent two examples of blanks with the dashed curve given to the soul,
• the figure 40 represents, schematically, an example of a brush having a curved core around at least two axes,
• the figure 41 represents a blank intended for producing a brush according to another aspect of the invention,
• the figure 42 represents the draft of the figure 41 , after curving of the soul,
• the figure 43 is a schematic cross section along XLIII of the figure 42 ,
• the Figures 44 to 46 represent different examples of other applicators,
• the Figures 47 and 48 illustrate the possibility of using a curved rod,
• the figure 48A represents, in cross-section, an application element comprising notches,
• the figure 49 represents, in isolation, a comb that may be present at the end of the rod of an applicator produced according to the invention,
• the Figures 50 to 52 represent various examples, among others, of realization of the joint,
• the figure 53 partially depicts, in side view, an applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 54 is a front view according to the arrow LIV of the figure 53 ,
• the Figures 55 and 56 are similar views to the figure 54 , representing alternative embodiments,
• the Figures 57 to 64 partially represent other examples of applicators,
• the figure 65 is a section according to LXV of the figure 64 ,
• the Figures 66 to 68 represent other examples of articulation, and
• the figure 69 illustrates the realization of a joint with notches.

The device 1 represented at figure 1 is intended for the application of a product P on the eyelashes or the eyebrows, for example mascara, comprises an applicator 2 and a container 3 containing the product P and on which the applicator 2 can be fixed in a substantially watertight manner. the lack of use. The container 3 may comprise, in a conventional manner, a threaded neck 4 inside which is fixed a wiper 5, made for example of elastomer and may comprise a flexible lip of generally conical shape.

The applicator 2 comprises a rod 6, rectilinear of axis X in the illustrated example and a gripping member 7 of Y axis also constituting a closing cap of the container 3, being provided for this purpose with an internal thread 8 configured to screw on the neck 4.

The rod 6 comprises a sealing member 9 configured to cooperate with the opening of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, as can be seen on the figure 1 . This sealing member 9 may comprise, for example, a frustoconical portion 9a provided at its upper end with a flange 9b configured to bear on the upper edge of the wiper 5. The latter defines inside the container a wiping orifice 5a which can be circular when the portion of the rod to be dewatered is of circular section, being adapted to the diameter thereof. As a variant, the sealing member could for example comprise only the frustoconical part or a disc, and include for example a sealing skirt. The sealing member may comprise, especially when it comprises a disc, a cord of an elastomeric material.

The gripping member 7 comprises a generally tubular body 14, for example made of a rigid plastics material, having a symmetrical outer shape of Y-axis revolution in the illustrated example, this body 14 defining at an axial end an opening 15 allowing its engagement on the neck 4 of the container 3.

The rod 6 is connected in an articulated manner to the gripping member 7.

The applicator 2 may comprise a joint which is for example in the form of a ball joint, having a generally spherical portion 10 formed on the rod 6 and a housing or seat 11 of corresponding shape, inside the body 7. Such a ball may possibly allow rotation of the rod 6 on itself, about its axis X, relative to the gripping member 7, and prevent significant axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod 6 at the joint, relative to the gripping member 7.

The spherical portion 10 comprises, in the example of the figure 1 , a recess 16 intended to cooperate with a corresponding boss 19 made on a wall 12 of the gripping member defining the housing 11. This boss 19 is located on the Y axis.

The engagement of the boss 19 in the recess 16 may contribute to maintaining the rod 6 in the axis of the gripping member 7. It can also provide the user with a tactile or audible sensation to inform him about the position of the rod relative to the gripping member.

The rod is provided at one end with an applicator element 20 which is constituted for example by a mascara brush.

The applicator element may or may not come into contact with the bottom of the container when the applicator is in place.

In the example shown in Figures 2 to 5 , the housing 11 is defined by a wall 12 of the gripping member which is devoid of the boss 19 and is connected at an upper end to a radially inwardly directed return 13 of the body 14.

The rod 6 is provided with a maneuverable portion 18 serving to orient the rod relative to the gripping member 7.

The angle ii formed between the X axis of the rod 6 and the Y axis of the gripping member 7 can be modified by the user.

The change of orientation of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7, when the applicator comprises a maneuverable portion 18, can be done without grasping the portion of the rod which is introduced into the container when the applicator is in position. place on it, so without risk for the user to get dirty fingers.

Furthermore, the operable portion 18 of the rod 6 may allow the user to visualize a change of direction of the applicator element relative to the gripping member during makeup.

In the examples of Figures 1 to 5 , the brush 20 has a curved core, the proximal portion 21a of the core 21, adjacent to the rod, connecting thereto substantially along the axis X of the rod 6 and the distal portion 21b of the core 21 pointing in a direction Z forming an angle i with the axis X.

The angle formed between the Z direction and the Y axis of the gripping member 7 may correspond to the cumulative value of the angles i and ii, which may allow for example to apply the product on the eyelashes with the rod of the applicator facing upwards, as shown on the figure 4 . In this figure, the applicator has been shown with a maneuverable portion 18 but the explanations are also valid when the applicator is devoid of it.

When makeup with the applicator rod facing upwards, the angle formed between the rod and the gripping member can be relatively high, to move the gripping member of the face and facilitate makeup.

When the applicator is used with the substantially horizontal rod, the orientation of the rod may for example be substantially zero relative to the axis of the gripping member, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 . The brush may be rotated about the X axis of the rod, for example.

The applicator can be configured so that the rod maintains the orientation that is given to it once the rod, for example its operable portion 18, is released.

Alternatively, when the rod has a maneuverable portion 18, the applicator may be configured to return the rod in an orientation predetermined with respect to the axis of the gripping member, once the maneuverable portion 18 released.

When the applicator is in place on the container, the cooperation of the rod and, if appropriate, of the sealing member 9 with the container, for example with the wiper member 5, may have the effect of preventing a substantial pivoting of the operable portion 18 relative to the gripping member, contrary to what is the case for example of the device described in the French patent FR 1 395 217 .

According to one aspect of the invention, among others, the applicator may comprise a curved core brush such as one of those shown in FIGS. Figures 10 to 13 .

We have shown figure 10 a brush 210. The core 21 of this brush 210 is made by twisting two lengths of wire. Unrepresented hairs are caught between the turns of the soul in a conventional manner.

We did not represent on the figure 10 , for the sake of clarity, that the envelope surface defined by the free ends of large hairs.

The core 21 is fixed at one end to the rod 6 of axis X. The latter is for example made of plastic material and the core 21 inserted by force in a housing at the end thereof.

To produce the brush 210, one starts from a blank shown in FIG. figure 6 , having an envelope surface in the general shape of shells. This envelope surface is symmetrical with revolution about the axis W of the core 21, rectilinear, and not symmetrical with respect to a median plane M, cutting the core 21 at the mid-length of the emptied portion of the blank.

The bulged portion of the brush passes through a maximum diameter at a circle 214 of larger diameter.

The distal end portion 215 of the brush has an ogival shape and the body 216 of the brush has a frustoconical shape, the diameter of the body 216 decreasing towards the rod 6 to be minimum at a circle 217 d 'end.

The top edge of the sketch of the figure 6 comprises a first rectilinear portion 218a, extending along the body 216 between the circles 214 and 217, and a second rounded portion 218b, upper delimiting the distal end portion 215, quarter-elliptical in the example represent.

The regions of the portions 218a and 218b that surround the circle 214 constitute a non-rectilinear edge 218c.

To produce the brush 210, the core 21 undergoes a twist around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure 6 , so as to straighten the distal end portion 215 of the blank, which has the effect of smoothing the edge 218c, which becomes substantially rectilinear and in the axis of the portion 218a, as can be seen in FIG. figure 10 .

Note that the brush 210 is not symmetrical about the X axis of the rod 6. The ends of the bristles 210 located on the side of the edge 218c are more eccentric with respect to the X axis of the rod 6 than those located diametrically opposite. Thus, on the brush 210, after removal of the container and spinning, a larger reserve of product is obtained at the edge 218d located substantially in the axis X of the rod 6 and a more vigorous spin at the edge 218c, which facilitates the makeup, allowing the user to deposit locally on the eyelashes of the product when needed, by taking it on the less dewatered part of the brush, and to separate the eyelashes using the least loaded hairs product .

The direction Z 'of the core, at any point of its length, makes with the axis X of the rod an angle α which can vary but which is less than 90 °, as illustrated on FIG. figure 37 .

The soul may not be covered with hair over the entire length of its portion extending out of the stem 6.

Thus, the soul can include, as we see on the figure 10 a curvilinear portion 211a on which the bristles are connected and which is separated from the shank by a rectilinear portion 211c, devoid of bristles and at least partially implanted in the shank 6. The core therefore does not have a constant curvature . The curvilinear portion 211a may have a curvature constant or not.

We have shown figure 11 a brush 220 which is obtained from the blank of the figure 7 , shaped like a buoy.

This blank has a symmetrical general shape of revolution about the axis W of the core 21, rectilinear, and an envelope surface formed by the meeting of two truncated cones joined by their base, which constitutes a circle 213 of larger diameter.

The top edge of the sketch of the figure 7 is formed by the meeting of the generatrices 222a and 222b of the truncated cones, and the region surrounding the circle 213 of larger diameter constitutes a non-rectilinear edge 222c.

The envelope surface of the sketch of the figure 7 is unsymmetrical with respect to a median plane M intersecting the core 21 at the mid-length of the blank.

To make the brush 220 from the sketch of the figure 7 , the core 21 is bent so as to bring the portions 222a and 222b substantially in alignment with one another, which also has the effect of increasing the curvature of the lower edge, diametrically at least one of the two ends. 'opposite.

The core 21 is bent, for example, with a constant radius of curvature on its portion encased around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure 7 , located on the side of the upper edge of the blank. The core 21 has, in its entirety, a non-constant curvature, the portion inserted in the rod being rectilinear.

We will notice on the figure 11 that the edge 222c has become substantially rectilinear.

We have shown figure 12 a brush 230 made from the outline of the figure 8 , shaped like a fish.

The envelope surface of this blank is symmetrical with revolution about the axis W of the core 21, rectilinear, and not symmetrical with respect to the median plane M intersecting the core 21 at mid-length of the emptied portion of the blank .

The draft of the figure 8 comprises a body 232 whose diameter is maximum at a circle 231 of larger diameter. The distal end portion 233, which extends forward of the larger diameter circle 231, has an ogival shape. The proximal end portion 234 of the blank connects to the body 232 through a narrowed portion 236. The lower edge 237 of the blank forms at this narrowed portion 236 a concave depression downward.

To produce the brush 230, a certain curvature is given to the web 21 of the blank of the figure 8 , so as to flatten the lower edge 237 and make it less hollow, or rectilinear as in the example shown.

The upper edge 238, diametrically opposed to the narrowed portion 236, takes a greater curvature due to the twisting of the core 21.

We see on the figure 12 that the portion 232a of the lower edge of the body 232, adjacent to the narrowed portion 236, has also been rectified due to the curvature given to the core.

We have shown figure 13 a brush 240 obtained from the blank shown in FIG. figure 9 . The envelope surface of this blank has a general shape of fish, symmetrical of revolution about the axis W of the soul 21, rectilinear. The distal end portion 241 of the blank is frustoconical in shape. The body 242 of the blank is, in its region adjacent to the circle 243 of larger diameter, frustoconical. The body 242 connects to the proximal end portion 244 of the blank by a narrowed portion 245. The lower edge 246 of the narrowed portion 245 is concave downwardly.

We go from the draft of the figure 9 with the brush 240 by giving a certain curvature to the core 21 so as to flatten the lower edge 246 to make it otherwise rectilinear and in the extension of a generatrix 242a of the body 242, at least substantially less hollow than it was initially.

The curvature given to the core 21 has the effect of further digging the upper edge 247 of the narrowed portion 245, diametrically opposite the lower edge 246.

We can realize on each of the drafts of Figures 6 to 9 one or more facets or notches before bowing the soul.

For example, there is shown on the figure 14 the draft of the figure 6 on which three substantially plane facets 219 have been produced, giving the blank body, in cross-section, a generally triangular shape as shown in FIG. figure 15 .

Facets 19 are, in the example of the figure 14 , substantially planar, parallel to the axis W of the soul.

Alternatively, they could be replaced by notches 219 'having in cross section a concave shape outwards, as illustrated in FIG. figure 16 or by notches having a concave profile outwardly when the brush is observed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rod, the profile of the notch may be an arc of a circle for example.

We have shown on the figure 17 the draft of the figure 7 on which three substantially plane facets 229 have been made, giving the blank body a generally triangular cross-sectional shape, as illustrated in FIG. figure 18 .

We have shown on the figure 19 the draft of the figure 8 on which three substantially planar facets 239 have been made, giving the body of the blank a generally triangular cross-sectional shape, as can be seen in FIG. figure 20 .

We have shown on Figures 21 and 22 the draft of the figure 9 on which three substantially planar facets 249 have been made.

While in the example of the figure 19 , the facets 239 extend only over the body of the brush, in the example of the figure 21 the facets extend over the entire length of the blank, including its proximal end portion.

We have shown on Figures 23 to 26 the brushes obtained respectively by subjecting the blanks to Figures 14, 17 , 19 and 21 the same transformation as for passing drafts of Figures 6 to 9 those of the brushes Figures 10 to 13 .

In the examples of Figures 23 to 26 , the bending plane of the core may be substantially perpendicular to the facet 219, 229, 239 or 249 which is diametrically opposite the non-rectilinear edge which has been straightened. The curvature plane of the core 21 may also be a median plane of symmetry for a facet.

In all the examples which have just been described, the web 21 is bent around an axis only.

It is possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to bend the core around two or more axes, parallel or otherwise, perpendicular or not, intersecting or not.

For example, there is shown on the figure 27 the brush of the figure 13 which has been subjected to a second twist around a bending axis C parallel to the plane of the figure 27 , that is to say parallel to the curvature plane of the brush of the figure 13 .

Due to this additional curvature, the core 21 no longer extends in a single plane of curvature, which can improve the ergonomics of the brush.

It is possible to have on the brush at least one application surface substantially parallel to the rod, for example.

It should be noted that it is particularly advantageous to start from a left-handed brush, as will be explained by referring to Figures 28 and 30 .

On the figure 28 , the brush of the figure 11 with a twisted soul to the left.

The path of the plies N defined by the ends of the bristles has been schematized by dotted lines, these plies forming an angle v with a plane perpendicular to the core.

It will be noted on examination of the figure 29 that the angle of the plies N with respect to the axis X of the rod 6 decreases when one approaches the free end of the brush, which makes it possible to maintain a relatively large angle β between the eyelashes H to end of the eyelid and N plies, to separate the eyelashes.

Of course, the invention is not limited to a twisted core on the left and it is possible to use a twisted core on the right, partially represented on the figure 30 .

It is possible to make notches on a brush according to the invention, as illustrated in FIG. figure 31 . In this figure, we see that the brush has been machined to form on at least a portion of its length of the recesses 310 at its surface, with substantially radial flanks.

We have shown on the figure 32 a blank 320 in the general form of a diabolo, defining when viewed from the side a non-rectilinear edge 321 intended to be straightened by virtue of the curvature given locally to the core, at the level of the smallest diameter of the brush.

We have shown on the figure 33 a blank 330 having a general shape of rugby ball, having a notch 331.

This notch 331, concave, can be made substantially flat by the curvature given to the soul.

We have illustrated on Figures 34 and 35 the use of the brush of the figure 11 for the makeup of eyelashes. One side of the brush can be used for makeup eyelashes located at one end of the eyelid while the opposite side of the brush can be used for makeup eyelashes located at the opposite end of the eyelid.

It is possible to bend the web 21 of a brush as described above very close to the rod 6, as illustrated in FIG. figure 36 , in order to modify the ergonomics, if necessary.

We have shown on Figures 38 and 39 two brush blanks before curvature of the soul and implantation of the soul in the stem. It can be seen that the core 21 is, for each of these examples, entirely rectilinear before implantation in the stem. The form of the soul after curvature has been represented in broken lines. In the example of the figure 38 , the blank has a bi-frustoconical envelope surface around the axis W of the core 21. The total length of the portion 211 which carries the bristles is for example of the order of 26 mm. The largest diameter of the blank may be slightly greater than 7 mm while the end diameters may be close to 4 mm. The total length of the core 21 may be slightly greater than 35 mm. The core 21 may be curved while keeping the portion 211c, adjacent to the rod, rectilinear, to give the portion 211a a radius of curvature of about 60 mm. The free end of the core may be off-axis with respect to the axis of the rectilinear portion 211c by a distance d which may be of the order of 4.5 mm.

We have shown on the figure 39 another example of a blank which has, before the curvature of the core, a general shape of fish with a substantially frustoconical front portion 380 and a symmetrical body 381 of revolution, delimited in longitudinal section by two opposite circular edges 382 and 383, concave outwardly, having a radius of curvature of the order of 52 mm. The diameter of the brush at the rear end plane 385 may be of the order of 7.5 mm and that at the front end plane 386 of the order of 5 mm.

We go from the draft of the figure 39 with the final brush by bending the portion 211a of the bristle-bearing core, with a radius of curvature which in the illustrated example is constant, of the order of 53 mm, the end of the portion 211a adjacent to the portion 211c being able to form a slight angle, as illustrated, with the axis of the portion 211c. The distance d of which the eccentric end of the free end of the core may be of the order of 2.4 mm.

In the figures, it was possible to exaggerate the curvature of the soul, in order to facilitate the understanding of the presentation. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the curvature is lower, being adapted for example to that of the eyelid.

The soul can still be curved at S in the same plane of curvature.

It will be understood that the brushes which have just been described are capable of undergoing inhomogeneous wringing, with a distal end portion offset from the axis of the rod. The brushes may have faces of different shapes to obtain multiple effects.

On the figure 40 , there is shown a brush 340, whose shape can be any and whose particularity is to be curved around two axes C ₁ and C ₂ .

The axes C ₁ and C ₂ are non-parallel, being perpendicular in the example described.

Of course, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention that the C ₂ axis is secant or not to the axis C ₁ and perpendicular or not to it.

Such a brush has the advantage of allowing to have a supply of product on a portion of the brush and to have a portion of the well wrung brush for combing and separating the eyelashes. Note also that when the product is applied to the eyelashes by brushing a rotational movement about the axis X of the rod 6, there is an oscillation of the bristles of the eccentric region corresponding to the distal end of the brush, transversely to the axis X, which can facilitate their penetration between the eyelashes and improve the care of the latter.

On the figure 42 another example of a brush 350 made from the sketch of the figure 41 . This blank is cylindrical, with a straight core 21, and extends along an axis W coincides with the axis X of the rod 6. A notch 351 has been made in this blank.

To make the brush 350 from the sketch of the figure 41 , the web 21 is given a curvature around a bending axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure 41 this axis being located on the side opposite the notch 351, which has the effect of smoothing the latter to the point of turning it into a substantially flat facet. The formation of such a facet in place of the notch 351 is accompanied by the formation, on the side opposite the notch 351, of an envelope surface 352 concave outwards.

It will be noted on examination of the figure 43 that the brush has in cross section, on the portion of the core along which the initial notch 351 has been made, a non-symmetrical cross section with respect to a plane K perpendicular to the curvature plane V of the core and containing the W axis of the latter.

We can also start from a blank with several notches.

Although many examples of brushes have been given, the invention also applies to applicators provided with an application element configured to apply a cosmetic product other than on keratinous fibers.

It is thus possible to use applicator elements comprising a flocked tip 30, intended for example for makeup of the eyelid, as illustrated in FIG. figure 44 , a flocked tip 40 for lip makeup, as illustrated in FIG. figure 45 , or a brush 50 for the application of varnish on the nails, as illustrated in FIG. figure 46 . It will be noted in this figure that the rod of the applicator is bent, so that the rod and the brush 50 are not entirely on the same line.

The applicator, of which only a part has been represented on the figure 47 , also has a bent rod. The axis of the application member 51 thus forms a non-zero angle with a portion of the rod. The application element 51 may comprise a foam for example.

On the figure 48 the axis of the applicator element 52 forms a non-zero angle with the rod of the applicator. The application element 52 is constituted for example by a felt tip.

The applicator element may have notches, when viewed in cross-section, as can be seen on the figure 48A and be made by plastic injection.

It is also possible to use a comb 60, as represented on the figure 49 . Other examples of non-limiting combs are described in the applications EP 1169 941 , EP 1 070 465 , EP 1 070 468 , EP 1 070 467 especially.

In the example of Figures 2 to 5 , the operable portion 18 of the rod 6 is made in one piece with the rest of the rod, for example by molding plastic material.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the operable portion 18 is constituted by an insert on the rest of the rod 6, being for example inserted at one end into a housing 61 of the spherical portion 10, as illustrated in FIG. figure 50 .

The hinge connecting the rod 6 to the gripping member 7 may be formed by means of a piece attached to the rest of the gripping member 7, as illustrated in FIG. figure 51 . It is seen in this figure that the housing 11 is formed in a part 63 fixed for example by snapping on the rest 64 of the gripping member.

We can also see on the figure 51 that the opening of the gripping member 7, through which the actuatable portion 18, can be delimited by edges 65 diverging outwardly.

The wall 12 which defines the housing 11 of the ball may extend, for example, at least partially outside the gripping member 7, as illustrated in FIG. figure 52 .

The operable portion 18 may be provided with a cover 66 which at least partially covers the wall 12 of the housing 11 with a slight clearance, this cover 66 possibly having, as in the example illustrated, a concave face 67 directed towards the wall 12.

The gripping member 7 may comprise at an axial end an end wall 69, as illustrated in FIG. figure 53 , crossed by one or more slots allowing the passage of the operable portion 18.

In the example of the figure 54 , the end wall 69 is traversed by two slots 70 and 71, with respective axes F ₁ and F ₂ perpendicular to each other, and whose width substantially corresponds to the diameter of the operable portion 18, the latter being able to move in the slots when the rod 6 is inclined relative to the gripping member 7.

The presence of the slots 70 and 71 can make it possible to limit the possibilities of displacement of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7 according to the directions of the axes F ₁ and F ₂ .

The end wall 69 has, in the example shown, a generally convex shape to the outside. At least one of the aforementioned slots, for example the two slots 70 and 71, may comprise, as illustrated in FIG. figure 55 at least one boss 73, for example two bosses 73 facing each other, in order to create a hard point when passing through the operable portion 18, which may make it possible to participate in maintaining the operable portion 18 in a predetermined position, for example abutting against an axial end of one of the slots.

In the example of the figure 55 , the user can thus bring the operable portion 18 into one of five predefined positions, namely a central position in which the portion 18 is at the intersection of the slots 70 and 71 and the inclination of the rod 6 relative to the Y axis substantially zero, and four extreme positions in each of which the operable portion 18 abuts against an axial end of the corresponding slot. The transition from the central position to one of the extreme positions takes place with crossing a hard point related to the presence of the bosses 73.

If it is desired for example that the rod 6 can pivot only around a geometric axis only, the gripping member 7 may have only one slot 70, as shown in FIG. figure 56 .

When the rod pivots only in one plane, the applicator element may have a curved longitudinal axis extending in this plane.

The gripping member may comprise at least one marker 77 allowing the user to locate the position of the operable portion 18 relative to the gripping member. The gripping member may comprise for example a plurality of graduations.

The operable portion 18 may be covered by a sheath, which may be made in various ways. The sheath can contribute, for example, to the sealing of the container.

We have shown figure 57 a sleeve 80 made by overmolding an elastomer on a portion 81 of the body of the gripping member 7.

The sheath can be made for example with folds 82, as shown in FIG. figure 58 , the folds 82 constituting for example a bellows conferring flexibility in all directions, to allow to operate the rod 6.

In the examples of Figures 57 and 58 , the sheath has an outer generally symmetrical shape of revolution around the Y axis of the gripping member 7, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention to give the sheath a non-symmetrical shape of revolution, for the purpose possibly to define one or more privileged directions of movement of the operable portion.

By way of illustration, there is shown in the figure 59 a sleeve 90 having two substantially flat opposed surfaces 91, on which the user can press to modify the inclination of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7.

One of these surfaces 91 may optionally include an inscription 92 to encourage the user to press it.

We can give to the sheath, as is the case of the one represented in figure 59 , a shape for limiting the angular displacement of the rod 6 around a geometric axis only.

In the example of the figure 59 , the flexibility of the sleeve 90 in the direction D substantially perpendicular to the surfaces 91 promotes the pivoting of the rod about a geometric axis L substantially parallel to the surfaces 91, while the greater rigidity of the sleeve 90 in the direction of the axis L tends to prevent pivoting of the rod about an axis perpendicular to the axis L.

The housing of the ball may be formed by a wall made in one piece by molding material with the sleeve, for example to slow the movement of the rod by generating a greater friction.

For example, there is shown in the figure 60 a sleeve 100 having a base portion 94, snapped onto a return 95 of the gripping member. The base portion 94 defines the housing 11 in which is contained the spherical portion 10 of the rod 6.

The sleeve engaged on the operable portion 18 may optionally have no fixed portion relative to the gripping member.

The operable portion 18 may be free inside the sleeve and allow a relative movement, particularly axial, of the actuatable portion 18 relative to the sleeve when the inclination of the rod is changed.

The operable portion 18 may also not be free relative to the sheath, for example to generate stresses tending to bring the rod into a rest position where the X axis is substantially coincident with the Y axis.

The sleeve may constitute, where appropriate, an elastic return member of the rod in a position of zero inclination at rest.

The sheath may also comprise a block of cellular material fixed on the body of the grasping organ.

By way of illustration, there is shown in the figure 61 a sleeve consisting of a block 102 of an elastically deformable foam, fixed by a face 103 by welding or gluing on an end wall 104 of the gripping member.

The block 102 has a recess 105 opening on the face 103, in which is received the operable portion 18.

As a variant, the recess 105 may be replaced by one or more slots 106, for example two cross-shaped slots, as illustrated in FIG. figure 62 .

The sleeve may also be made of the same material as the gripping member, being for example connected by a film hinge to the gripping member, as illustrated in FIG. figure 63 .

Shown in this figure is a sleeve 108 made in one piece by molding material with the gripping member 7 and connected by a film hinge 107 to the gripping member.

The film hinge 107 is interrupted in a central region to allow the passage of the maneuverable portion 18.

Other means than a ball may be used to achieve the articulation of the rod relative to the gripping member.

For example, there is shown on the Figures 64 and 65 a hinge comprising a pin 110, for example metal, axis T on which is engaged the rod 6, the latter comprising for example an enlarged portion 111 having planar faces substantially perpendicular to the axis T and traversed by an opening 112 for the passage of the pin 110. The latter can be fixed in diametrically opposed pads 113 of the gripping member. This may comprise an outer covering 114, for example metallic, fixed on its body 115 and which also serves to retain the pin 110 in the studs 113.

We can still realize, as illustrated in the figure 66 , the articulation of the rod by replacing the spherical portion with a cylindrical portion 116, for example, in order to allow the pivoting of the rod only around the axis U of this cylindrical portion, perpendicular to the X axis of the stem. This cylindrical portion 116 can be received at its axial ends in housings 117 open towards the end 15 of the gripping member, to allow the introduction of the cylindrical portion 116 in the housings 117 by latching, at the same time that the actuatable portion 18 is introduced into the corresponding opening of the gripping member.

The joint can also be made using a wall or a block of a deformable material.

For example, there is shown in the figure 67 an articulation comprising a block 120 of a cellular material, for example an elastically deformable foam, fixed inside the body of the gripping member, for example by welding or gluing. The rod 6 passes through an opening 121 of the block 120, for example a slot and may comprise reliefs 123, 124 disposed on either side of the block 120, these reliefs having a sufficient size to maintain the block 120 between them when the rod 6 is manipulated by the user to change its orientation.

A simple disk 130, for example elastomer, can also be used, as illustrated in FIG. figure 68 , this disc being for example welded on a return 131 of the gripping member bordering the opening through which the actuatable portion 18 leaves.

The spherical portion 10, engaged in the housing 11, may comprise reliefs 135, for example notches as illustrated in FIG. figure 69 , cooperating with complementary reliefs 136 formed on the wall 12 of the housing, in order to slow the movement of the rod and / or to make it easier to immobilize it in one or more predetermined angular positions. The reliefs 135 and 136 may, alternatively, be replaced by at least one bead of an elastomeric material intended to create additional friction between the rod and the gripping member.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described. The characteristics of the various embodiments may for example be combined with one another to achieve new embodiments in accordance with the invention.

Throughout the description, the phrase "having one" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

An applicator made in accordance with the invention may not be used in connection with a container into which the applicator is introduced in the absence of use.

The applicator element can be loaded into product for example by bringing it into contact with a product loaf.

Claims (40)

1. An applicator comprising:

   a handle member (7);

   a stem (6) connected to the handle member via a hinge; and

   an applicator element (20) at a first end of the stem,

   the applicator being characterized by the fact that the stem (6) and the applicator element do not extend entirely along a common rectilinear axis and by the fact that the stem (6) and the applicator element (20) extend in a plane, with the stem being capable of pivoting only in said plane.
2. An applicator according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the applicator element has a longitudinal axis (W) that is not rectilinear.
3. An applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the fact that the longitudinal axis of the stem is not rectilinear.
4. An applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the fact that the longitudinal axis (X) of the stem is rectilinear.
5. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator element carries bristles or teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the applicator element.
6. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator element is configured to apply a makeup to keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes, the eyebrows, or the hair.
7. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator element comprises a mascara brush.
8. An applicator according to claim 7, in which the portion of the stem adjacent to the brush has an axis (X), the brush having a core (21) with a portion having bristles projecting therefrom, the applicator being characterized by the facts that:

   - the core is curved over at least a fraction of its length; and

   - the envelope surface defined by the bristles is not symmetrical relative to a midplane (M) of the portion from which the bristles project, said plane being perpendicular to the core.
9. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the brush has a free end that is not in alignment with the axis (X) of the portion of the stem adjacent to the brush.
10. An applicator according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized by the fact that the cross-section of the brush as defined by the bristles of the brush varies in non-monotonic manner from one end of the brush to the other.
11. An applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by the fact that the brush is made from a blank having a rectilinear core, the blank not being symmetrical about a midplane perpendicular to the core, having an edge that is not rectilinear when observed in profile in a direction perpendicular to the core, said edge being straightened out at least in part by imparting curvature to the core during fabrication of the brush,
12. An applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by the fact that the brush is made from a blank that is circularly symmetrical.
13. An applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by the fact that the brush is made from a blank presenting axial symmetry relative to the axis (W) of the core.
14. An applicator according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the brush is curved about at least two axes (C₁, C₂) that are not mutually parallel.
15. An applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by the fact that the brush is made from a blank in which one or more indentations and/or facets have been formed.
16. An applicator according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the brush has a core that is curved with bristles connected thereto, and by the fact that the brush presents a cross-section which varies over at least a fraction of the length of the brush in a manner that is not homothetic, said section at at least one point along the core being non-symmetrical relative to a plane (K) perpendicular to the plane of curvature (V) of the core at said point.
17. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the brush presents at least three side faces of shapes that are different from one anther.
18. An applicator according to any one of claims 7 to 17, characterized by the fact that the brush presents at least two side faces that are substantially plane.
19. An applicator according to any one of claims 7 to 18, characterized by the fact that the brush is made from a blank that presents the general shape of a bullet, a peanut, a buoy, a fish, an hourglass, or a (rugby or American) football.
20. An applicator according to any one of claims 7 to 19, characterized by the fact that the brush is made from a blank presenting a cross-section that passes through at least one extremum between the two axial ends of the brush.
21. applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the applicator element comprises a comb (60) configured to apply a makeup to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.
22. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the applicator element comprises a flocked endpiece.
23. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the applicator element is in the form of a paintbrush, in particular a brush for applying nail varnish.
24. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hinge (10, 11) is disposed inside the handle member (7).
25. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hinge is configured to prevent significant axial and/or lateral displacement of the stem relative to the handle member at the hinge.
26. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the handle member is configured to close a receptacle (3).
27. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the stem includes a maneuverable portion (18) enabling the direction in which the stem points relative to the handle member to be modified, said maneuverable portion extending at least in part between the hinge and a second end of the stem, opposite from the first end.
28. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the handle member comprises a body having an end wall at one end which is provided with an opening through which the maneuverable portion passes.
29. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the opening includes at least one slot (70, 71).
30. An applicator according to claim 29, characterized by the fact that at least one slot includes at least one edge defining a hard point during displacement of the maneuverable portion.
31. An applicator according to any one of claims 27 to 30, characterized by the fact that the maneuverable portion includes a cover configured to cover the handle member, at least in part.
32. An applicator according to any one of claims 27 to 31, characterized by the fact that the maneuverable portion is covered at least in part by a sheath including at least one flexible region.
33. An applicator according to any one of claims 27 to 32, characterized by the fact that it is configured in such a manner that the stem continues to point in the direction imparted thereto by the user, after the user has released the maneuverable portion (18).
34. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hinge comprises a ball-and-socket joint.
35. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the seat (11) of the joint is rigid.
36. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the stem includes a sealing member (9) configured to co-operate substantially in leaktight manner with a surface of the receptacle on which the applicator is fitted when not in use.
37. A device (1) for packaging and applying a cosmetic, the device comprising a receptacle containing the cosmetic and an applicator as defined in any preceding claim.
38. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator is configured to close the receptacle.
39. A device according to claim 37 or claim 38, characterized by the fact that the receptacle includes a wiper (5).
40. A device according to any one of claims 37 to 39, characterized by the fact that the receptacle and the applicator are configured in such a manner that the stem (6) of the applicator is prevented from tilting relative to the receptacle when the applicator is in place thereon.

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