ES2692200T3 - Packaging and application device - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging and application device, comprising: - a container containing the product (P) to be applied and comprising a drainer organ (8), - an applicator for applying the product contained in the container, an applicator comprising a rod and an application element (6) at one end of the rod, projecting laterally from this, application element comprising at least two branches (13) of plastic material, particularly of injected plastic material, of which at least one branch is at least one less partially flexible, branches that meet at their ends and define between them a cavity (12) that opens out on at least one face of the application element that serves for the application of the product, cavity that is of elongated shape and it extends along the branches, branches that are rigid enough to prevent the cavity from deforming substantially when the application element passes. through the drainer organ between the moment in which the application element leaves the product and the moment in which the product is applied.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Packaging and application device

[0001] The present invention relates to applicators of cosmetic products, including care products.

[0002] European Patent EP 0 792 602-B1 is known a product applicator comprising a flexible support forming an applicator part, covered at least in part by at least one layer of a spongy material. Such an applicator is used differently than conventional applicators comprising an applicator member disposed at the end of a rod and in which the product charge in the application organ is effected by immersion in a container possibly provided with an organ. wringer.

[0003] US Pat. No. 6,120,202 discloses a device that allows two decorative patterns to be made simultaneously on the nails, comprising an applicator having two rods each provided at one end of an applicator body provided with a circular recess.

[0004] European patent application EP 0 875 169-A1 discloses an applicator comprising an application organ comprising a block of foam flocked at one end. The lateral surface of the application device is grooved.

[0005] The European patent EP 0 824 329-B1 describes a packaging and application device comprising a drainer organ constituted at least partially by a honeycomb material. In an exemplary embodiment, the applicator body is in the form of a hollow body having a cavity capable of holding a product reservoir.

[0006] French patent application FR 2 771 077 also describes a packaging and application device comprising a drainer organ constituted at least in part by an elastically deformable porous material. In one embodiment, the application organ includes grooves sufficiently narrow so that the draining organ can hardly reach them, which allows to conserve a stock of product within the application organ after draining.

[0007] It is also known from the European patent EP 1 053 695-B1 an applicator comprising an application organ that can deform when passing through the wringing organ. The application surface is relatively narrow and the ease of application is not completely satisfactory.

[0008] European patent application EP 0 693 263-A1 discloses an applicator comprising a rod at the end of which is arranged an applicator body composed of a loop whose two ends are connected separately to the rod. Said applicator is destined more particularly to the application of enamel of some and the rod has a flexibility similar to that of the organ of application.

[0009] It is known from the patent application US 2002/0005209 an applicator to apply a product on the eyelashes or eyebrows comprising branches joined at their ends and protruding elements that may be flocked.

[0010] US Pat. No. 4,974,980 discloses an application element whose transversal section is inscribed in that of the rod when the applicator is observed along the longitudinal axis of the rod. In other words, the application element does not project laterally from the rod.

[0011] The present invention aims to propose a new applicator that allows to make a careful makeup, which is comfortable to use and which is capable of storing a relatively large amount of product.

[0012] According to one of its aspects, the invention has as its object a packaging and application device as defined in claim 1. When the application element passes through a drainer organ between the time it leaves the product and the moment in which the composition is applied, the absence of deformation of the cavity can result from the use of a wringer organ sufficiently flexible so as not to excessively deform the application element, for example a drainer organ comprising a corrugated lip, or it may result from a particular adjustment of an adjustable wringer organ.

[0013] When the application element passes through a squeezing device between the time it leaves the product and the moment in which the product is applied, the absence of deformation of the cavity can be the result of the presence of an organo squeegee flexible enough so as not to excessively constrict the application element, for example a drainer organ comprising a corrugated lip, or a particular adjustment of the drainer organ when this is adjustable.

[0014] At least one of the branches can contain a flocking coating at least half its length, for example, better over its entire length.

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[0015] The cavity may be full of product completely or not before application. The product present in the cavity can directly come into contact with the surface to be treated.

[0016] The product can be liquid, being for example intended for application on the lips, the skin or the dusters. The product can also be solid or powdery, for example in the form of a tablet, which must be wetted or not to allow the extraction of the product.

[0017] The product is conditioned in a container provided with a draining organ, which is made, for example, of a non-cellular material, for example an elastomer, which may allow to leave more product in the cavity. The drainer organ includes, for example, one or several slots.

[0018] The cavity can make it possible to constitute a reserve of product that provides a complementary autonomy to the application element or that allows to deposit more easily a more important quantity of product, in order to reinforce an effect of the make-up, for example the color or the gloss of a product applied on the lips, for example the shine of a lip gloss. The application can also be made on the facets, particularly the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, for the care or makeup of these.

[0019] When only a part of the application element is flexible, this may allow the user, for example, to select the branch, end, side or face of the application element that is flocked or not depending on the result of makeup wanted.

[0020] At least one of the branches may have, in cross section, at least a partially rounded shape. Such a form can improve the comfort of application and reduce the risk that the displacement of the application element on the makeup region will eliminate the previously applied product. At least one of the branches may have, for example, in cross section, a circular, oval or elliptical shape. Alternatively, at least one of the branches may have a substantially triangular, square or rectangular shape in cross section.

[0021] The branches can each have a substantially rectilinear or curvilinear longitudinal axis, optionally corrugated.

[0022] At least one of the branches may have a dimension, in cross section, greater than the width of the cavity, for example a width or a height greater than the width of the cavity.

[0023] The cavity can have a maximum width greater than the diameter of the rod.

[0024] The application element, including the entire applicator, can be devoid of metal, which allows, for example, its passage through a microwave oven.

[0025] The shape of the application element may depend particularly on the area of the body or face on which the product is to be applied.

[0026] For the lips, for example, the cavity can advantageously extend substantially parallel to a plane forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of a rod to which the application element is connected. In this way, at least one part of the application element can be elongated along a longitudinal axis forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the support rod. The longitudinal axis of the application element can also be substantially coaxial with that of the rod carrying the application element.

[0027] The application element may or may not have a symmetrical circumferential surface of revolution. The application element can have a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane, particularly a median plane containing the longitudinal axis of the support rod. The latter may be connected, at the opposite end to the one that carries the application element, to a closure cap of the container.

[0028] Starting from the rod to which the application element is connected, the width of the application element can increase and then decrease in the direction towards the distal end of the application element.

[0029] The width of the application element can thus be greater, by at least a point of its length, even by more than a quarter or half of its length, by the diameter of the rod. The application element may contain at least one longitudinal side that is displaced laterally outwardly with respect to the rod. The application element, therefore, protrudes laterally from the rod on at least one side.

[0030] The application element can project laterally from the rod, either because its width exceeds that of the rod and / or by the direction in which it extends.

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[0031] The distance at which the application element protrudes from the rod may correspond, for example, to the length of the flocking bristles or be greater.

[0032] The thickness of the material, around the cavity, at least in the distal half of the application element may not be constant, due to, for example, the presence of a thicker area formed at the junction of the branches.

[0033] The application element can have a single point centered on a median axis, which gives more precision to the makeup.

[0034] The application element can be devoid of elongated shaped reliefs such as lugs or teeth made by molding with the branches of the application element and connected thereto.

[0035] The container includes, as said above, an inserted drainer organ, which is attached, for example, to the neck of the container.

[0036] The fixing of the application element on the rod can be effected in various ways, and the application element can particularly contain a fixation connector inserted in the rod. The application element may contain a connector embedded in the rod or fitted by means of a clip in or on it. Before being inserted on the rod, the application element can also be made at least partially in one piece with the rod.

[0037] The rod can have an outer diameter greater than or equal to 2.5 mm, better than or equal to 3 mm, particularly in the order of approximately 4 mm, which gives it a certain rigidity and can increase the precision of the make-up.

[0038] The cavity can extend for more than half the width of the application element.

[0039] The cavity can be through in more than half the length of the cavity. When the cavity is not through and the application element includes a membrane molded in one piece with the branches or added to the latter, the thickness of the membrane may be less than or equal to 1 mm, for example.

[0040] The cavity can have a non-constant width and, for example, a triangular general shape.

[0041] The width of the cavity may be less than the width of the two attached branches.

[0042] The cavity can extend for more than half the length of the application element.

[0043] The application element can have magnetic properties, particularly containing magnetic particles.

[0044] The application element may contain proximal and distal portions shaped to facilitate the passage of the drainer organ, when this is present. The distal part, for example, can be sharpened in an opposite direction to the rod.

[0045] The application element may contain more than two branches, of which at least one branch is of longitudinal axis not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the application element.

[0046] Particularly when the product is intended for application to keratin fibers, for example eyelashes or eyebrows, the two branches of the application element have, for example, different shapes. It can also be so when the product is intended for application on the lips, for the care or makeup of these.

[0047] One of the branches, for example, is thicker, which may allow the cavity to be de-centered. The latter can be unique.

[0048] The cavity can have a relatively elongated shape, with a relation m / n for example greater than or equal to 3, or 4, or 5 or 6, where m denotes the length of the cavity and n its greater width. A relatively narrow shape of the cavity may favor a retention of the product, for example.

[0049] The width of the cavity can pass through one end between its two free ends, this end being for example a maximum. The cavity may extend along a longitudinal axis not coincident with that of the rod, for example parallel but displaced or curvilinear.

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[0050] The branches may have a longitudinal outer edge convex outward, or concave outwards, or substantially rectilinear in at least a fraction of their length, for example about half their length, approximately.

[0051] The application element may contain a first branch having an outer edge at least partially convex facing outward and a second branch having an outer edge at least partially concave or rectilinear.

[0052] The applicator element may alternatively also contain a first branch having an outer edge at least partially concave outwardly and a second branch having an outer edge at least partially concave outwardly or rectilinear.

[0053] The outer edge of at least one of the branches may be at least partially grooved.

[0054] The branches can be molded together in a thermoplastic material and flocked at least partially after their molding.

[0055] The branches are joined, on the side of the rod, before reaching the latter, when moving in the direction of the rod.

[0056] The application element may contain flocking bristles with different lengths and / or diameters, for example with longer bristles in the vicinity of the distal end of the application element, which may allow make-up of short eyelashes. The bristles can be made of different materials.

[0057] Said device offers several possibilities of make-up or treatment of the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, for example an application of the product on the side using one of the branches of the applicator alone or a product application in plane using the two branches . The ramifications can be only two in number. The branches can be non-fluted.

[0058] Said applicator is flocked, with for example a mixture of bristles, particularly bristles of diameter and / or of different lengths. The flocking may extend in particular over at least one of the branches, for example substantially over its entire length. The flocking bristles can also be made of different materials. A distal portion of the applicator element may thus contain, for example, a flock with longer bristles and / or a greater density of bristles, in order to facilitate the makeup of the short eyelashes.

[0059] The distance between the first and the second end may be constant. The three branches define between them a cavity that can be filled with product.

[0060] Said applicator is used, for example, for the make-up or care of the skin, mucous membranes or skin.

[0061] The invention also aims, according to another of its aspects, a skin or lip makeup process as defined in claim 43. The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description, of non-limiting examples of its realization, and when examining the attached drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section, schematic and partial, of a packaging and application device made according to the invention,

- figure 2 represents in isolation the application element of figure 1,

- Figure 3 is a cross-section according to NI-IN of Figure 2,

- figure 4 is a side view in the direction of arrow IV of figure 2,

Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the application element, according to V-V of Figure 4,

- Figure 6 represents in isolation the upper part of a variant embodiment of the container of the

Figure 1,

- Figure 7 illustrates the use of the applicator to apply a product on the lips,

- Figure 8 illustrates the possibility of using a wringer organ made at least partially of a cellular material,

- Figure 9 is a cross-section according to IX-IX of Figure 8 of the wringer organ represented in isolation,

- Figure 10 represents partially and in front view a variant embodiment of the drainer organ,

Figures 11 to 13 are views analogous to Figure 5 illustrating different ways of fixing the application element on the rod,

Figures 14 to 17 are views analogous to Figure 2 of variants of embodiment of the application element,

- Figures 18 to 25 and 27 are sections analogous to Figure 3 of variants of embodiment,

- figure 26 is an analogous view to figure 2 of a variant embodiment,

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- figure 28 represents, viewed from the side, an application element according to a variant embodiment of the invention,

- figure 29 represents the application element of figure 28 in a top view,

- Figures 30 to 41 represent in a top view other examples of application elements,

- Figures 42 and 43 represent schematically, in perspective, the elements of application in

three branches,

- Figures 44 and 45 are cross sections respectively according to XLIV and XLV of Figures 42 and 43,

- Figure 46 is a longitudinal section of a variant embodiment of the applicator,

- Figure 47 represents an illustrative example of a set that does not form part of the invention,

- Figure 48 is a top view of a variant embodiment of an application element,

- Figure 49 is a bottom view of the application element of Figure 48,

- figure 50 represents the application element in elevation,

- Figure 51 is a section according to LI-LI of Figure 48,

- Figure 52 represents, schematically, in longitudinal section, a variant embodiment of the container, and

- Figure 53 represents, schematically and in longitudinal section, a variant embodiment of the wringing organ.

[0062] The packaging and application device 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a container 2 with a product P to be applied and an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 with longitudinal axis X, provided at a first end with a gripping element. 5 which also constitutes a sealing plug of the container 2 and at the other end of an application element 6.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the X axis of the rod 4 is rectilinear but could be curved, in a variant.

[0064] The container 2 is provided in the upper part of a neck 7. The gripping element 5 is screwed into the neck 7, but alternatively it could be fixed in another way, for example by clip.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the application element 6 has, as can be seen in figure 5, a general symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane of symmetry M and includes a cavity 12 that is delimited laterally by two branches 13 and axially by distal 14 and proximal parts 15 connecting the branches 13. The latter are elongated along the respective longitudinal axes Y extending substantially parallel to a plane B, as can be seen in figure 4, which forms with the X axis of the rod 4 an angle to which is comprised for example between approximately 20 ° and approximately 30 °. The angle p between each axis Y and the median plane of symmetry M is comprised, for example, between 5 and 45 °, as can be seen in figure 2.

[0066] The branches 13 and the distal 14 and proximal parts 15 are made by injection of plastic material and are coated with a flock. The distal part 14 defines a single tip centered on a median axis.

[0067] The application element 6 projects laterally from the rod 4, when it is observed according to its axis. The shape of the distal 14 and proximal portions 15 is advantageously chosen so as to facilitate franking of the opening 11 of the container 2. Thus, the proximal part 15 may contain edges 60, adjacent to the rod 4, which extend obliquely with with respect to the X axis, and the distal portion 14 can have a generally sharp shape.

[0068] In the example considered, the branches 13 converge towards each other in the direction towards the distal part 14 and the cavity 12 presents, when the application element 6 is observed in elevation, a substantially triangular shape.

[0069] The cavity 12 extends, for example, as can be seen in figures 2 and 5 particularly, by more than a quarter of the width b of the application element 6, as well as by more than a quarter of its length. length L. The dimensions of the cavity 12 can be selected depending on the quantity of product that one wishes to retain, possibly by capillary action, in particular in the cavity 12 after the removal of the applicator from the container.

[0070] In the variant illustrated in figure 6, a wringer organ 8 is housed in the neck 7. This wringing organ 8 includes a ridge 9 resting on the upper edge of the neck 7 and a wringing lip 10 which defines in the example considered a drainer hole 11 of circular section, of diameter a, for example substantially equal to that of the rod 4. The latter has a diameter usually greater than 2.5 mm, for example of the order of 4 mm.

[0071] The squeezing device 8 can be sufficiently flexible so that the application element 6 can be extracted without a sensitive deformation of the cavity 12.

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[0072] The product P present in the cavity 12 increases the autonomy of the applicator and can also improve the ease of application, which facilitates the sliding of the applicator on the treated surface.

[0073] The product P is intended, for example, to be applied to the lips and the user can deposit it on them, for example by putting the back face 20 of the applicator element 6 in contact with them, as illustrated in figure 7. In the example considered, the rear face 20 corresponds to the one located on the rear side when the application element 6 is observed with the branches 13 extended forward.

[0074] During the application, depending on the surface of the application element 6 in contact with the treated area, the thickness of the deposited product may be different, which may allow the user to vary for example the shine of the make-up.

[0075] When the application element 6 is applied flat, the product P present in the cavity 12 can be deposited and the surface loaded with product P that comes in contact with the lips can be relatively important, so that the lips can be Make up pretty quickly.

[0076] As appropriate, the application can be made only with the tip of the distal portion 15, to draw a contour, for example.

[0077] The possibility of using an inserted wringer tool 8 different from that shown in Figure 6 is illustrated in Figure 8.

[0078] In Figure 8, the squeezing device 8 is constituted by a block of an alveolar material, elastically compressible.

[0079] The draining organ 8 can be crossed at its center by a cavity 42 defining the opening 11 of the container, as can be seen in Figure 9, with one or more grooves.

[0080] The diameter of the cavity 42 may correspond substantially to that of the rod 4, for example.

[0081] The drainer organ can also, whatever its nature, alveolar or not, have one or more grooves, which can be of contiguous edges or not.

[0082] Figure 10 shows an elastomeric drainer organ 8 comprising a central, for example circular, opening for the passage of the rod and the application element and several grooves 100, which can be radial.

[0083] The fastening of the application element 6 on the rod 4 can be effected by various means.

[0084] In the example of figure 1, the proximal part 15 is prolonged, as can be seen in figure 5, by a connector 18 housed inside the rod 4.

[0085] This connector 18, for example, is glued, stapled or welded to the rod 4. The latter can also be encased in the connector, as illustrated in figure 11.

[0086] Figure 12 illustrates the possibility of joining the application element and the rod by loop. The connector 18 is configured, for example, to be snapped onto a head 70 made at the end of the rod 4. The outer diameter of the connector 18 can then, for example, correspond substantially to that of the rod 4.

[0087] In a variant not illustrated, it is the rod 4 that is snapped into the connector 18.

[0088] The body of the application element can also be made in one piece with the rod 4, as illustrated in figure 13.

[0089] It is illustrated in Figure 14 the possibility that at least a part of the application element 6 extends along a longitudinal axis Z that forms an angle and with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4, where the X and Z are contained in the same plane and the cavity 12 extends substantially parallel to this plane.

[0090] The possibility that the application element 6 has a non-symmetrical shape with respect to the X axis of the rod 4 is illustrated in Figure 15. As is convenient, as illustrated in FIG. Application 6 may have an edge 72 extending substantially within the alignment of the rod 4. The application member 6 projects laterally from the rod 4 on the side opposite the edge of 72.

[0091] The application element 6 may also contain more than one cavity 12, for example two cavities 12 as shown in Figure 17.

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[0092] The two cavities 12, for example, are aligned according to the longitudinal axis of the application element 6. The latter can have, for example, in frontal view, a general form of eight.

[0093] In the example of figure 1, the application element 6 extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4.

[0094] The application element 6 can also be elongated, in a variant not illustrated, along a curvilinear longitudinal axis.

[0095] The application element 6 can be realized in another way and each branch 13 can extend, for example, with its longitudinal axis Y contained in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4.

[0096] In the example of Figure 1 particularly, the cavity 12 opens into the front and rear of the application element 6 when it is observed from the front, as in Figure 2.

[0097] The branches 13 can have, for at least a part of their length, a solid transverse section, of circular shape, for example. It is illustrated in Figures 18 to 22 the possibility that the branches 13 have another shape in section. In a variant not illustrated, the branches 13 are hollow.

[0098] The branches 13 can have, for example, a height h that is greater than the width w of the cavity 12 between the branches, as illustrated in Figure 22.

[0099] In the examples that have been described, the cavity 12 is filled with air before any contact of the application element 6 with the product contained in the container. This could be otherwise.

[0100] Thus, the cavity 12, for example, can be occupied at least partially by the flock that extends over the body of the application element 6, as is the case of the example illustrated in figure 23. The bristles of the flock that They cover the body of the application element 6, for example, they can be long enough so that the bristles located on the faces facing the branches 13 collide.

[0101] The application element 6 can, as illustrated in FIG. 24, contain two cavities 12 that are separated by a membrane 80 that joins the branches 13 and is located, for example, half of their thickness.

[0102] The cavity 12 can open on only one face of the application element 6, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the application element can contain a membrane 82 that defines, for example, at least partially the application surface. on its outer face 83. This membrane 82 can, for example, be externally flexible. In a variant not illustrated, at least one hole allows the product contained in the cavity 12 to reach the outer face 83, through the membrane 82.

[0103] This membrane 80 may be flocked or not. The membrane 80 can be replaced by a grid 81, as illustrated in Figure 26.

[0104] The membranes 80 or 82 can be molded in one piece with the branches 13.

[0105] The membrane 82 can be replaced by an added membrane 34, as illustrated in Figure 27. The membrane 34 may contain for example a fabric or a nonwoven, a foam, a perforated film, a grid, a felt, among others, and can be fixed by welding or gluing, for example.

[0106] The membrane 34 may or may not be permeable to the product P contained in the cavity 12.

[0107] The body of the application element 6 is made, for example, at least partially by injection molding in a thermoplastic material, for example PVC, PU, eVa, SIS-SEB, nitrile, silicone, EPDM, Hytrel®, Pebax ®, Santoprene®, or other thermoplastics, for example elastomers.

[0108] The application element 6 can also be made of non-thermoplastic materials, for example resins, particularly flexible resins, or be made otherwise than molding, for example by cutting.

[0109] Figures 28 and 29 show an application element 6 having upper faces 130 and lower faces 131 converging in the direction towards the distal end of the application element, at least along a part of the cavity 12. .

[0110] The longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 is, for example, substantially parallel to one of these faces, for example to the upper face 130.

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[0111] In this example, the application element 6 also has, when viewed from above as shown in FIG. 29, substantially rectilinear longitudinal edges converging towards the distal end.

[0112] The application elements shown in FIGS. 30 to 45 can be advantageously used for the application of a product, of make-up or care, on the keratin fibers, for example the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

[0113] In these application elements, the single cavity 12 has an elongated shape, where the ratio of the length m of the cavity to the greater width n thereof is for example greater than or equal to 3, or 4, or 5 or 6. For example, 3 <m / n <6.

[0114] Figure 30 represents an application element whose cavity 12 has a substantially constant width in at least half of its length. The longitudinal edges of the branches 13 are rectilinear and parallel to each other, on either side of a median part located halfway along the length of the cavity.

[0115] In the example of figure 31, the application element 6 is flocked and its distal part is covered by bristles longer than those covering the branches 13. This distal part serves, for example, to make up the corner of the eye .

[0116] In the example of Figure 32, the branches 13 have unequal widths and the cavity 12 is off center.

[0117] In the example of figure 33, the longitudinal edges of the branches 13 appear grooved, when the application element is observed from above.

[0118] Figure 34 illustrates the possibility that the branches 13 of the applicator element have concave longitudinal edges facing outwards. The cavity can then have a width that passes through a minimum between its two axial ends.

[0119] In the example of Figure 35, the longitudinal edges of the branches are convex outwards, and the cavity 12 has, when viewed from above, a lenticular shape.

[0120] The application element shown in FIG. 36 has a longitudinal and curvilinear axis and the free end of the application element is not located on the longitudinal axis X of the rod. One of the branches has an outer convex edge outward and the other branch an outer edge concave outwards.

[0121] The application element of figure 37 has a branch having one convex outward outer edge and another branch having a rectilinear outer edge. Furthermore, it can be seen in this figure that the cavity 12 can be relatively narrow and form a capillary groove.

[0122] In the embodiment example of figure 38, the cavity 12 is larger than in the example of figure 37 and has a variable width, passing through one end.

[0123] Figure 39 illustrates the possibility that the application element contains two branches, one of which has a rectilinear outer edge and the other an outer edge concave outwards.

[0124] In the example of Figure 40, the application element has a curvilinear longitudinal axis, as in the example of Figure 36, and the free end of the application element is located on the same side, with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the rod, which practically all the rest of the application element.

[0125] Figure 41 illustrates the possibility that one of the branches of the application element has grooves while the other branch is devoid of them. These grooves extend, for example, transversely to the branch.

[0126] Figures 42 and 43 represent application elements comprising a third branch 16 joining the distal and proximal portions of the application element.

[0127] In the example of figure 42, the third branch is located on one side of the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the two branches 13, as can be seen in figure 44. The branch 16 has, for example, a arched shape.

[0128] In the example of Figure 43, the two branches 13 and the third branch 16 are arranged in a regular manner about the longitudinal axis Y of the application element, where the proximal part of the application element has a cross section usually in the form triangle or star with three arms, as you can see in figure 45.

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[0129] Figure 46 shows the possibility of realizing the body of the application element in a monocytic manner with the rod and with the gripping member, which can also serve as the closure organ of the container.

[0130] The application elements of figures 30 to 45 are made, for example, at least partially by molding material, particularly a thermoplastic material.

[0131] The application elements of Figures 30 to 45 may allow to load the eyelashes with a relatively large amount of product. Two branches of the application element can be used simultaneously or successively to apply the product on the eyelashes.

[0132] For all the application elements previously described, the application of the product could be carried out as desired in various ways according to the desired result, the application element being for example used in plane, by the edge or with various inclinations, since the The chosen orientation allows the user to control for example the intensity of the makeup and eventually the combing of the eyelashes.

[0133] The application element can have other forms besides those illustrated, for example diamond, circle or ellipsis, when the application element is observed from the front.

[0134] The application elements may contain magnetic particles, in order to be able, for example, to attract magnetic fibers contained in the product.

[0135] When the application element is deformable, its deformability can be used to recover the product that adheres to the internal surface of the container. An application element having a clearly elongated shape, as is the case, for example, with the application elements of FIGS. 29 to 43, is advantageously carried out so as to allow this deformation.

[0136] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been described. In particular, the characteristics of different embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0137] All the application elements described above, particularly those described with reference to the drawing, can be used without intervening a deformation of the application element between the load and the application, which may be the case for example when these elements of application are used in association with a product reservation contained elsewhere than a container with a neck.

[0138] In such embodiments of the invention, the applicator rod may optionally be devoid of the gripping element 5.

[0139] The product P is contained, for example in the form of a paste, a compacted powder or a free powder or otherwise, in a reservoir of a box 110, as illustrated in FIG. 47, in FIG. an example that is not part of the invention. The applicator, for example, is received in a corresponding compartment 112 of the box.

[0140] The application element can be loaded with the product upon contacting it. A deformation of the application element may or may not occur during the collection of the product.

[0141] Figures 48 to 51 show an application element according to another variant embodiment of the invention.

[0142] With respect to the embodiment of Figure 1, the application element of Figures 48 to 51 presents a sharper shape when viewed sideways, as in Figure 50. The angles h, i2, i3 are, for example, they are comprised between 6 and 16 °, respectively, being for example close to 11 °, 17.7 and 27.7, i2 being for example close to 20.7 ° and 25.4 and 35.4, i3 being for example example next to 30.4 °.

[0143] The front faces 200 and rear 20 converge towards the distal end 201 of the application element, being for example substantially planar. The sides of the application element can be rounded together in section in a plane perpendicular to the axis Y and when viewed from above or from below in figures 48 and 49. The height of the cavity 12, measured perpendicularly to the axis Y, it can vary by at least half the length of the cavity.

[0144] The length of the cavity 12, measured along the Y axis, can be less than or equal to 20 mm or greater than 20 mm.

[0145] The cavity 12 can have a width that varies by more than half the length of the cavity 12.

[0146] When an application element, such as, for example, one of those described above, is used in association with a drainer organ 8, this may optionally be adjustable as illustrated in the figure

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52. In such a case, the container 2 is made with at least two parts 2a and 2b which are movable with respect to one another in order to exert a tension on the drainer organ 8 and, for example, to vary the section for the step of the application element.

[0147] In the example of Figure 52, the container includes an extension 210 under the neck that rests on the drainer organ in order to dilate it more or less.

[0148] For a certain adjustment of the squeezing device, the opening of this can be weak enough to exert a tension on the application element, which can deform when passing through the squeezing device. For another adjustment of the squeezing device 8, the diameter of the opening of the squeezing device is large enough so that the application element does not suffer any tension when passing through the squeezing device, even so that it only suffers a tension that does not entail a sensible deformation of the squeegee. the cavity 12.

[0149] Of course, the invention is not limited to one way of realizing the means that allows to vary the opening of the wringing organ.

[0150] Figure 53 shows the possibility that the drainer organ 8 contains a corrugated draining lip with corrugations 220 that allows it to unfold when the application element passes. This may allow a tension that can cause a sensitive deformation of the cavity 12 to be exerted on the application element. The corrugations may, for example, be in the form of an alternation of holes and protuberances in the circumferential direction around the opening of the draining organ.

[0151] The expression "comprising a" is to be understood as being synonymous with the expression "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified.

Claims (42)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 1. Packaging and application device, comprising: - a container containing the product (P) to be applied and comprising a draining organ (8), - an applicator for applying the product contained in the container, applicator comprising a rod and an application element (6) on one end of the rod, projecting laterally from this, application element comprising at least two branches (13) of plastic material, particularly of injected plastic material, of which at least one branch is at least partially flexible, branches that meet at their ends and define between them a cavity (12) that opens out on at least one side of the element of application serving for the application of the product, cavity that is of elongated shape and extends along the branches, branches that are rigid enough to prevent the cavity from deforming substantially when the application element passes through the drainer organ between the moment in which the application element leaves the product and the moment in which the product is applied. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (12) opens into two opposite faces of the application element. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (12) has, in a plane at least, a closed contour. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (12) extends substantially parallel to a plane forming a non-zero angle (a) with the longitudinal axis (X) of a rod (4). ) to which the application element is connected. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part (13) at least of the application element (6) is lengthened according to a longitudinal axis (Y) forming a non-zero angle (a) with the longitudinal axis of a rod (4) to which the application element (6) is connected. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the draining organ is made of an elastomer. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the draining organ (8) is fixed on a neck (7) of the container. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element (6) has a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane, particularly a median plane (M) containing the longitudinal axis (X) of a rod (4) to which the application element is connected. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator includes a rod (4) carrying the application element (6) and which is connected at the other end to a closure cap (5) of the container . Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the application element (6) includes a fixing connector (18) attached to the rod (4). Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the rod (4) has an outer diameter greater than or equal to 2.5 mm, better than or equal to 3 mm, particularly of the order of approximately 4 mm. 12. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the application element is inserted in the rod. 13. Device according to claim 9, in which the application element is molded with the rod. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (12) extends for more than half the width (b) of the application element. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the width of the cavity is less than the width of the two connected branches. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (12) extends for more than half the length (l) of the application element (6). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, before any contact with the product, the cavity (12) is filled with air. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (12) presents from above a substantially triangular shape. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one distal end part (14) of the application element is flexible. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the surface of the application element serving for the application of the product is completely flexible. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element has a generally flat shape in cross section. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) is intended for the makeup of mucous membranes, skin or nails. 23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the product is a lipstick. 24. Device according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the product is a mask. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the cavity represents, when the application element is observed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cavity, at least 15% of the bounded surface by the outer contour of the application element, even between 15 and 50% of the surface delimited by the outer contour of the application element. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the branches (13) has, in cross section, an at least partially rounded shape. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the branches has, in cross section, a circular, oval or elliptical shape. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (12) has a maximum width greater than the diameter of the rod. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two branches of the application element have different shapes. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (12) has an elongated shape, with a m / n ratio greater than or equal to 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, where m designates the length of the cavity and n its greater width. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer edge of at least one of the branches (13) is at least partially grooved. 32. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element includes flocking bristles with different lengths and / or diameters, particularly with longer bristles in proximity of the distal end of the application element. 33. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application element includes flocking bristles made of different materials. 34. Device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the application element has magnetic properties, particularly including magnetic particles. 35. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity is unique. 36. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the branches are molded together in a thermoplastic material. 37. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the application element increases from the rod, at least a part of the length of the application element. 38. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the application element exceeds the diameter of the rod in at least a part of the length of the application element. 39. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application element comprises a single point centered on a medium axis. 40. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity is through more than half its length. 41. Device according to claim 6, wherein the squeegee organ includes a corrugated lip that is configured to be deployed with the passage of the application element. 42. Device according to claim 6, in which the draining organ is adjustable. 43. Method of makeup of the skin or lips by means of a device as defined in any of the preceding claims, in which a product is applied to the skin or lips by means of the applicator, without the cavity substantially deformed when the application element passes through the 20 drainer organ between the moment in which the application element leaves the product and the moment in which the product is applied.