FR3019975A1 - COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

The cosmetic product applicator comprises: - a rod (30); - A brush (32) mounted at the end of the rod (30), the brush (32) having a core (50) and bristles (52) projecting from the core (50). The applicator (14) further comprises: - a tubular sleeve (34) attached to the rod (30) outside the brush (32), the tubular sleeve (34) delimiting a plurality of passage openings ( 62) of bristles (52) opening into an outer surface (74) of the tubular sleeve (34), the bristles (52) of the brush (32) projecting through the passage openings (62). The total area of the through openings (62) is less than 50%, especially less than 40%, of the total area of the outer surface (74) of the tubular sleeve (34).

Description

The present invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator. Such an applicator is intended to apply a cosmetic product to keratinous fibers of a user, in particular on the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cosmetic product" advantageously means a product as defined in Regulation EC No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products. The cosmetic product is for example a care product or a makeup product, especially a mascara.

To apply mascara to eyelashes or eyebrows, mascara brushes are generally used. These brushes comprise a core formed by two twisted metal strands defining turns, between which are taken the bristles of the brush. These brushes are inexpensive and can effectively apply cosmetic product on keratin fibers. However, in some cases, even though the traditional mascara brush is effective, it has limited functionality, especially in terms of application and appearance. To vary the performance of a conventional mascara brush, WO 2006/121519 discloses a mascara brush having a perforated shaft defining a plurality of through openings. The brush is mounted inside the perforated rod. The bristles of the brush protrude transversely through the through openings from the perforated shank. Such a brush modifies the performance characteristics of the applicator.

However, this brush is tedious and expensive to manufacture. Moreover, during the insertion of the brush in the shaft, some bristles of the brush remain stuck inside thereof, since they are pressed against the inner surface of the rod. The final effectiveness of the brush can therefore decrease in some cases. FR 2 916 328 describes a brush which has improved functionalities, comprising both bristles and elastomer pins. An object of the invention is to obtain a cosmetic product applicator which has improved functionality and external appearance, while being simple to manufacture. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an applicator comprising: a rod; - A brush mounted at the end of the rod, the brush having a core and bristles projecting from the core; the applicator further comprising: - a tubular sleeve attached to the shaft outside the brush, the tubular sleeve defining a plurality of bristle openings opening into an outer surface of the tubular sleeve, the bristles of the brush projecting through the passage openings, the total area of the passage openings being less than 50%, especially less than 40%, of the total area of the outer surface of the tubular sleeve.

The applicator according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: the maximum length of each passage opening taken longitudinally with respect to the brush is less than half, especially one-third, possibly one-tenth of the length of the tubular sleeve, taken with respect to a central axis of the tubular sleeve. - The angular extent of each passage opening, taken relative to a central axis of the tubular sleeve, is less than 30 °, especially less than 10 °. the tubular sleeve defines a longitudinal central lumen receiving the core of the brush, each opening opening opening inwards in the central lumen. - The tubular sleeve has a free distal end, the central lumen being closed longitudinally at the free distal end of the tubular sleeve. - The central lumen comprises a central section receiving the core, and an empty end section, located opposite the rod, adapted to accommodate the soul during a displacement of the tubular sleeve to the rod. - The central lumen opens at the free end of the tubular sleeve, the applicator having a cover attached to the tubular sleeve for closing the central lumen at the free distal end of the tubular sleeve. - The tubular sleeve has a proximal portion located longitudinally opposite a distal region of the rod, the proximal portion of the tubular sleeve being adapted to slide in two opposite directions relative to the distal region of the rod on a stroke at least equal at the maximum radial extent of a hair, before the attachment of the tubular sleeve to the stem. the stem has a proximal region, the cross section of the proximal region being greater than the minimum cross section of the distal region.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cosmetic product applicator, comprising the following steps: - supply of a rod and a brush; - mounting the brush at the end of the rod, the brush having a core and bristles protruding from the core, - then, mounting a tubular sleeve on the outside of the brush, the tubular sleeve defining a plurality of hair passage openings, the bristles of the brush projecting through the passage openings, the total area of the passage openings being less than 50%, especially less than 40%, of the total area of the outer surface of the tubular sleeve. The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in any technically possible combination: the step of mounting the tubular sleeve comprises a first displacement of the tubular sleeve on the brush in a first direction, and a second displacement of the tubular sleeve on the brush in a second direction opposite to the first direction. the first displacement comprises the plating of at least one hair against the core away from a passage opening, the second displacement comprising the placement of said hair facing a passage opening so that the hair protrudes radially through the passage opening. - The race of the tubular sleeve during the second displacement is greater than the maximum transverse extent of each hair, before the insertion of the tubular sleeve on the rod. the step of mounting the tubular sleeve comprises a third displacement of the tubular sleeve in the first direction after the second displacement. the tubular sleeve defines a longitudinal central lumen receiving the core, each opening opening opening inwards in the central lumen, the core being received in an end section of the central lumen or projecting out of the tubular sleeve at the end of the first displacement, the end portion being empty or the core being completely received in the tubular sleeve at the end of the second displacement The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely to As an example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a sectional view along a median axial plane of an application assembly, comprising a first cosmetic product applicator according to the invention; ; FIG. 2 is a side view of the end of the first applicator according to the invention; - Figures 3 to 6 are side views, partially in section, of the first applicator according to the invention, during its assembly; - Figure 7 is a view, taken in partial section, of the interface between the tubular sleeve and the rod of a second applicator according to the invention; FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of a third applicator according to the invention; - Figure 9 is a view, taken in section along a median axial plane, of the tubular sleeve of a fourth applicator according to the invention; FIGS. 10 to 15 are side views of applicator variants according to the invention; FIG. 16 illustrates possible cross-sections of rods and tubular sleeves for alternative applicators according to the invention.

In all that follows, the term "proximal" generally means closer to the hand of the user entering the applicator. The term "distal" is generally understood to be further away from the hand of the user grasping the applicator. A first device 10 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product is illustrated in FIG.

The cosmetic product is for example a care product or a makeup product, especially a mascara. It is intended to be applied to a user's keratin fibers, such as eyelashes and eyebrows. The device 10 comprises a container 12, an applicator 14 according to the invention, and a gripping member 16 mounted at one end of the applicator 14 for closing the container 12. The container 12 defines an interior volume 18 containing the cosmetic product . The internal volume 18 opens outwards at a neck 20 of the container 12. The container 12 comprises a wiper member 22, mounted in the neck 20. The wiper member 22 is for example constituted by a elastomer piece. It can be conventional or not, or even be adjustable. It defines a section wiper substantially corresponding to that of the applicator 14 at its stem. The gripping member 16 is arranged to seal the container 12 at the neck 20, for example by screwing. It is removably mounted on the container 12.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the applicator 14 comprises a rod 30, and a brush 32 attached to a distal end of the rod 30. According to the invention, the applicator 14 further comprises a perforated tubular sleeve 34, reported on the rod 30 to cover the brush 32. In this example, the rod 30 has a circular cross section. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 16, the rod 30 has other sections, such as a polygonal section, for example triangular, rectangular, square, diamond, or an elongate cross section, for example oval, elliptical. The rod 30 advantageously extends linearly, along an insertion axis A-A 'in the container 12, between a proximal end fixed on the gripping member 16 and a free distal end receiving the brush 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, it thus has a proximal region 38 and a distal region 40, the distal region 40 having a cross-section of area smaller than the cross section of the proximal region 38. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the distal region 40 has a cross-section of area decreasing towards the axis AA 'towards the distal free end of the rod 30. The rod 30 internally defines an axial housing 42 for fixing the brush 32. The axial housing 42 opens distally to the distal free end of the shaft 30. The length of the distal region 40, taken along the axis A-A ', is less than the length of the brush 32 projecting from the outside of the rod 30, taken along the same axis. The brush 32, illustrated in FIG. 3 before it is inserted into the sleeve 34, comprises a core 50 and a plurality of bristles 52 projecting radially with respect to the core 50. The core 50 is partially inserted into the axial housing 42. It is for example formed by two strands twisted, preferably metal. The bristles 52 are clamped between the turns of the core 50. They extend radially from the core 50 over a maximum radial extent ER, taken perpendicular to the axis A-A '. Before insertion of the sleeve 34, the bristles 52 of the brush 32 are distributed so as to form an envelope surface of substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape of revolution about the axis A-A '. The bristles 52 advantageously have a maximum transverse dimension, taken in cross section relative to their axis, less than 0.5 mm, and in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.4 mm.

The length of each hair 52, taken between the core 50 and a free end is for example less than 8 mm and is in particular between 1.5 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm. According to the invention, the sleeve 34 is mounted at the distal end of the rod 30 to cover the brush 32. It delimits an interior insertion light 60 of the brush 32, and a plurality of through openings 62 passing through. bristles, connecting the inner lumen 60 to the outside of the sleeve 34. In the example shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the sleeve 34 has a proximal peripheral wall 64 and a distal head 66 distally sealing the inner lumen 60 The length of the sleeve 34, taken along the axis A-A ', is greater than the length of the brush 32, projecting out of the rod 30 along the axis A-A'. The proximal peripheral wall 64 is of revolution about the axis A-A '. It delimits a central section 68 of the lumen 60. The passage openings 62 are formed through the wall 64. In this example, the maximum thickness of the wall 64, taken radially with respect to the axis A-A ', is less than the maximum width of the central section 68, taken perpendicular to the axis A-A '.

The head 66 delimits an end section 70 of the lumen 60, of smaller cross-section than the central section 68. It has a convergent and rounded shape towards the distal end of the sleeve 34. The inner lumen 60 opens out axially proximal by an axial opening 72 for insertion of the brush. It is closed axially distally by the head 66. In this example, the head 66 and the wall 64 are made in one piece by being made of material. The sleeve 34 is preferably made of a flexible material to be deformable to the touch. This material is, for example, an elastomeric thermoplastic which makes it possible to have a gripping effect and having more rebound on the keratinous fibers. This increases the elongating effect on the fibers, especially on the eyelashes. Alternatively, the sleeve 34 is made of a rigid material. It is for example injected thermoplastic, or made of metal. This increases the smoothing power.

The sleeve 34 has an outer surface 74 which in this example is smooth. The surface is devoid of protrusions larger than the maximum radial extent of the openings 62. Alternatively, the outer surface 74 is micro-textured or ribbed, preferably by organized grooves having a comb effect. The microstructures also form reserves of cosmetic product to accentuate the loading of cosmetic product. In another variant, not shown, the surface 74 is covered with projections, such as pins, teeth, nipples for attachment of keratin fibers, and better retention of the cosmetic product. Alternatively, the surface 74 is honeycombed to provide increased retention of cosmetic product. According to the invention, the total area of the passage openings is less than 50%, especially less than 40%, or even less than 30% of the total surface area of the outer surface 74 of the sleeve. The total area of the outer surface 74 of the sleeve 34 is defined as the sum of the area of the solid regions of the sleeve 34 located around the openings 62 and the area of the openings 62 on the surface 74. The maximum area each aperture 62 is less than 10%, especially less than 5%, of the total area of the outer surface 74 of the sleeve 34. Thus, significant solid regions extend around the through openings 62 on the outer surface 74 These solid regions constitute a forming medium for the keratinous fibers to be smoothed, or on the contrary to curl. The outer surface 74 makes it possible, in certain cases, to blow-dry the keratinous fibers, creating an ultra smoothing and lengthening effect. Advantageously, the maximum length of each opening 62, taken along the axis A-A ', is less than 50%, preferably less than 30% of the length of the sleeve 34, taken along the axis A- AT'. Preferably, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the maximum angular extent of each opening 62, taken perpendicular to the axis AA 'about the axis A-A', is less than 180 °, preferably lower than at 90 °, advantageously less than 45 °. Each opening 62 passes radially through the wall 64 of the sleeve 34. At least one opening 62 has for example a geometric pattern, such as circular, square, spiral, rhombus, cross, triangle, rod, ellipse, star, rectangle, hexagon, or any other polygonal shape.

Alternatively or in addition, at least one opening 62 has a fancy pattern, for example heart-shaped, star-shaped, skull-shaped, flower-shaped, panther-shaped, shaped head of animal, especially cat, shaped task, in the form of lightning.

In one example, all the openings 62 of the sleeve 34 have the same pattern. In a variant, the patterns of at least two openings 62 of the sleeve 34 are different. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the openings 62 are distributed homogeneously on the outer surface 74. In a variant, the distribution is inhomogeneous, for example as a function of the face of the sleeve 34, or of a particular region of the sleeve 34. The outer surface 74 optionally has openings 62 with patterns producing a degrading effect. When the sleeve 34 is assembled on the shaft 30, its proximal edge is inserted around the distal region 40 of the shaft 30. The sleeve 34 substantially completely covers the brush 32. The core 50 is inserted into the central lumen 60. at least a portion of the bristles 52 of the brush 32 protrude from the sleeve 34 through the openings 62, extending radially away from the surface 74.

The sleeve 34 has a proximal portion 80 located longitudinally opposite the distal region 40 of the rod 30, when assembled on the rod 30. According to the invention, and as will be seen below, the proximal portion 80 of the sleeve 34 is capable of sliding in two opposite directions D1, D2 along the axis AA 'with respect to the distal region 40 of the rod 30 over a stroke at least equal to the transverse extent of a bristle 52, before fixation of the sleeve 34 on the rod 30. The sleeve 34 has a radial extent, taken in section from its central axis, less than the length of the bristles 52, taken from the core 50. This radial extent is for example less than 4 mm and is advantageously between 1 mm and 3 mm.

A method of manufacturing an applicator 14 according to the invention will now be described. Initially, as shown in Figure 3, a brush 32 is assembled at the end of the shaft 30. In the example shown in Figure 3, the core 50 is partially inserted into the axial housing 42 at the distal end. of the rod 30. The brush 32 is partially projecting axially along the axis AA 'with respect to the rod 30.

Then, with reference to FIG. 4, the sleeve 34 is engaged around the brush 32, moving it in a first direction D1 along the axis AA 'towards the proximal end of the rod 30. As illustrated by FIG. 4, the brush 32 is inserted into the central lumen 60 through the axial opening 72. The displacement of the sleeve 34 continues, until its proximal portion 80 is placed in contact on the distal region 40 of the At least a portion of the bristles 52 then protrude from the lumen 60 through the apertures 62 to protrude radially beyond the outer surface 74.

In some cases, another part of the bristles 52 remains wedged between an inner surface of the sleeve 34 and the core 50. For this purpose, according to the invention, the sleeve 34 is moved in a second direction D2 along the axis. A-A ', opposite to the direction D1, away from the proximal end of the rod 30, as illustrated in Figure 5. This allows to extract the bristles 52 wedged through the openings 62, to ensure that a tuft of bristles 52 of satisfactory density protrude through each opening 62. Advantageously, the sleeve 34 is again moved in the direction D1. The proximal portion 80 engages again around the distal region 40. Simultaneously, the distal end of the core 50 enters the end portion 70 and attaches to it by wedging. The proximal portion 80 is then advantageously crimped radially around the distal region 40. The sleeve 34 is then fixed firmly on the rod 30. The bristles 52 then protrude in separate tufts in each opening 62.

To use the device 10, the user grasps the gripping member 16, and extracts the rod 30, then the brush 32 covered by the sleeve 34 from the container 12, advantageously through the wiper member 22. Of the product The cosmetic is then retained on the tufts of bristles 52, and advantageously on the outer surface 74 of the sleeve 34. Then, the user moves the sleeve 34 and the tufts of bristles 52 to the keratinous fibers on which the product is to be applied. He then deposits the cosmetic product by performing a smoothing and / or a looping. The presence of tufts of bristles 52 protruding through the openings 62, with a predefined conformation, associated with the presence of an outer surface 74 of support on the sleeve 34, ensures effective contact with the keratinous fibers. This makes it possible to conform them in a desired manner, and to effectively deposit there cosmetic product. The distal region 40 of the stem 30 of a second applicator 14 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. Unlike the one shown in FIG. 3, the distal region 40 comprises a first convergent section 90 and a second section 92 of constant cross section. The proximal portion 80 of the sleeve 34 is preferably crimped onto the second section 92. The distal region 40 of the rod 30 of a third applicator 14 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. Unlike the one illustrated by FIG. 3, the distal region 40 has a constant cross section substantially equal to that of the proximal region 38. The proximal portion 80 of the sleeve 34 remains crimped on the distal region 40. The sleeve 34 of a fourth applicator 14 according to the present invention. The invention is illustrated by FIG. 9. Unlike the one illustrated in FIG. 3, the sleeve 34 has no head 66. The central lumen 60 opens axially via a distal axial opening 94. The axial opening 94 allows the relative displacement of the sleeve 34 with respect to the rod 30 along the axis AA 'in the opposite directions D1 and D2, between a first position, remote from the proximal end of the rod 30, in which the distal end of the core 50 is completely received in the lumen 60, and a second position, close to the proximal end of the rod 30, in which the distal end of the core 50 projects axially out of the lumen 60 through the opening 94. The applicator 14 further comprises a cover 96, forcibly attached to the sleeve 34 in the opening 94, to cover the distal end of the core 50.

The cover 96 has a proximal section 97 inserted into the lumen 60. The proximal section 97 defines a housing 98 receiving the distal end of the core 50. The sleeve 34 of a sixth applicator 14 according to the invention is illustrated by the In contrast to that illustrated in FIG. 3, the sleeve 14 has passage openings 62 which are elongated along the axis A-A '. In this example, the length of the passage openings 62 taken along the axis A-A 'is greater than their width. In this example, the openings 62 extend parallel to the axis A-A '. As a variant, they are inclined, for example at an angle less than 45 °, with respect to the axis AA '.

The sleeve 34 of a seventh applicator 14 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. In contrast to that illustrated in FIG. 3, the sleeve 34 comprises a first face 100 having openings 62 in the form of transverse slots, and an opposite face 101 having openings 62 of patterns distinct from the openings 62 of the first face 100, for example of circular pattern. The presence of the first face 100 and the opposite face 101 makes it possible to successively use each of the faces 100, 101 in contact with the keratin fibers, to obtain a different effect of shaping and application of the product according to the face 100 101. The sleeve 34 of an eighth applicator 14 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. Unlike the one shown in FIG. 3, the openings 62 are formed by elongated patterns transversely with respect to the axis. AA 'elongation of the sleeve 34. In the example shown in Figure 3, the outer cross section of the sleeve 34 decreases gradually along the axis A-A' to the distal end of the rounded sleeve 34 Unlike this sleeve 34, the sleeve 34 of a ninth applicator 14 according to the invention, shown in FIG. 13, comprises a proximal portion 102 of substantially constant cross-section and a distal portion 104 of a cross-section. ersal decreasing towards the rounded distal end of the sleeve 34. The sleeves 34 of the applicators 14 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 differ from that shown in FIG. 13 in that the proximal portion 102 has an increasing cross-section towards the distal end The sleeve 34 shown in FIG. 14 has an angular transition 106 between the portions 102, 104 and a general diamond shape. The sleeve 34 shown in Figure 15 has a smooth transition 106 and a general shape of addition.

Claims (15)

1. Applicator (14) of cosmetic product, comprising: - a rod (30); - a brush (32) mounted at the end of the rod (30), the brush (32) having a core (50) and bristles (52) projecting from the core (50); the applicator (14) further comprising: - a tubular sleeve (34) attached to the shaft (30) outside the brush (32), the tubular sleeve (34) defining a plurality of passage openings ( 62) of bristles (52) opening into an outer surface (74) of the tubular sleeve (34), the bristles (52) of the brush (32) protruding through the passage openings (62), the total area of the openings (62) being less than 50%, especially less than 40%, of the total surface area of the outer surface (74) of the tubular sleeve (34). 2. - Applicator (14) according to claim 1, wherein the maximum length of each passage opening (62), taken longitudinally relative to the brush (32) is less than half, including third, possibly one-tenth of the length of the tubular sleeve (34), taken with respect to a central axis (A-A ') of the tubular sleeve (34). The applicator (14) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the angular extent of each passage opening (62), taken with respect to a central axis (A-A ') of the tubular sleeve (34). ), is less than 30 °, especially less than 10 °. 4. - Applicator (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular sleeve (34) defines a longitudinal central lumen (60) receiving the core (50) of the brush (32), each opening passage (62) opening inwards into the central lumen (60). The applicator (14) of claim 4, wherein the tubular sleeve (34) has a free distal end, the central lumen (60) being closed longitudinally at the free distal end of the tubular sleeve (34). 6. - Applicator (14) according to claim 5, wherein the central lumen comprises a central section (68) receiving the core (50), and an empty end section (72), located opposite the rod (30), adapted to accommodate the core (50) during a displacement of the tubular sleeve (34) to the rod (30). 7. - Applicator (14) according to claim 4, wherein the central lumen (60) opens at the free end of the tubular sleeve (34), the applicator (14) having a cover (96) attached to the tubular sleeve (34) for closing the central lumen (60) at the free distal end of the tubular sleeve (34). 8. - Applicator (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular sleeve (34) has a proximal portion (80) located longitudinally opposite a distal region (40) of the rod (30), the proximal portion (80) of the tubular sleeve (34) being adapted to slide in two opposite directions with respect to the distal region (40) of the shaft (30) over a stroke at least equal to the maximum radial extent of a bristle (52) prior to attaching the tubular sleeve (34) to the shaft (30). The applicator (14) of claim 8, wherein the shaft (30) has a proximal region (38), the cross section of the proximal region (38) being greater than the minimum cross sectional area of the distal region (40). ). 10. - A method of manufacturing an applicator (14) of cosmetic product, comprising the following steps: - providing a rod (30) and a brush (32); - mounting the brush (32) at the end of the rod (30), the brush (32) having a core (50) and bristles (52) projecting from the core (50), - then , mounting a tubular sleeve (34) outside the brush (32), the tubular sleeve (34) defining a plurality of openings (62) for the passage of bristles (52), the bristles (52) of the brush (32) protruding through the passage openings (62), the total area of the passage openings (62) being less than 50%, especially less than 40%, of the total area of the outer surface ( 74) of the tubular sleeve (34). 11. - The method of claim 10, wherein the step of mounting the tubular sleeve (34) comprises a first displacement of the tubular sleeve (34) on the brush (32) in a first direction (D1), and a second displacement tubular sleeve (34) on the brush (32) in a second direction (D2) opposite the first direction (D1). The method of claim 11, wherein the first movement comprises plating at least one pile (52) against the core (50) away from a passage opening (62), the second displacement comprising placing said pile (52) facing a passage opening (62) so that the pile (52) protrudes radially through the passage opening (62). 13. - The method of claim 12, wherein the stroke of the tubular sleeve (34) during the second displacement is greater than the maximum transverse extent of each bristle (52), before the insertion of the tubular sleeve (34) on the rod (30). 14. - Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of mounting the tubular sleeve (34) comprises a third displacement of the tubular sleeve (34) in the first direction (D1) after the second displacement. 15. - Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the tubular sleeve (34) defines a longitudinal central lumen (60) receiving the core (50), each opening opening (62) opening towards the inside the central lumen (60), the core (50) being received in an end section of the central lumen or projecting out of the tubular sleeve (34) at the end of the first displacement, the end portion being empty or the core (50) being completely received in the tubular sleeve (34) at the end of the second displacement.