Abstract:
An applicator for applying a product, includes a handling element secured to an application member. The application member includes a base and an application support is mounted on the application member. The application support defines an application surface. The applicator includes a manipulation member designed to alter a profile of the application surface at right angles to a mid-plane of the base. At least one passage passes through the base. A portion of the manipulation member extends through the at least one passage so that the manipulation member can be placed in engagement with the application support so as to alter the profile of the application surface. The applicator can be used, for example, for treating or applying makeup to the face.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to and claims priority under 37 C.F.R. § 119 to French patent application no. 9907272, filed on Jun. 9, 1999, entitled “APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A PRODUCT, AND ITS USE IN TRANSFERRING PRODUCTS ONTO A SURFACE SUCH AS THE SKIN,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to an applicator for applying a product, for example a cosmetic or dermatological product, to a surface such as the skin. This applicator is of the type having an application member secured to an element for handling and capable of allowing the product to be applied by being transferred from an application surface onto a surface to be treated. 
     2. Discussion of Background 
     Among the products that can be applied to the skin, mention may be made of makeup powders, blushers, liquid foundations, eye shadows, dermatological compositions, anti-wrinkle compositions, body care compositions, etc., which are presented in the form of powders, creams, gels or lotions. 
     The nature of the application member is chosen according to the consistency of the product to be applied and according to the quantity of product to be transferred, which product may be taken from a product reservoir. 
     Its dimensions, that is to say the size and shape of the application member, are chosen according to the morphology of the surface to be treated. 
     Numerous applicators are currently commercially available and are intended for applying cosmetic, particularly makeup and body care, products. In general, when these are applicators of the “product-transfer” type, that is to say applicators which are not self-supplied with product, often found in commercially available makeup cases. Applicators of this type are generally used by picking up a dose of product using an application surface, then applying the application surface to an area, for example of the face, that it is desired to treat (or make up). The application of the product may, as necessary, be accompanied by a light rubbing action. 
     Commercially available applicators of the aforementioned kind often present a problem of comfort of application. Furthermore, they frequently present problems of ergonomics, because, as a general rule, they are often not very easy to use, particularly on account of their small size. 
     With a view to improving the ergonomics of an applicator for makeup products, patent applications EP-A-0 761 125 and FR-A-2 701 196 propose an applicator comprising a portion for handling and an application portion, articulated to one other. The applicators described in these documents have the drawback that they can be used for only one range of specific products of the mascara or nail varnish type. 
     Furthermore, in the example of the aforementioned makeup cases, the applicator is often contained in a relatively small-sized compartment. As a result of this, the size of the application member cannot exceed a certain size and cannot therefore, when applying product, cover any more than an area of relatively small size. Specifically, an application member with a relatively large application surface is too bulky to be contained in a makeup case, particularly when it has to be carried around in a handbag. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,880 discloses a mascara applicator which has an applicator part intended to be laden with product and the diameter of which can be increased. The applicator part comprises a body forming a hollow elastomer sleeve. A compression device passes through the sleeve and makes it possible, by a pressure exerted parallel to the application surface, to alter the exterior contours of the applicator part. This type of applicator is designed for applying a specific product to the eyelashes and cannot be used for spreading a product out on a support such as the skin. A mechanism such as this offers little latitude regarding the deformations of the application surface that can be obtained. Furthermore, it is relatively tricky to assemble and of somewhat suspect reliability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,168 describes an applicator assembly comprising an application surface which can be impregnated with a liquid product. This liquid product is packaged in a frangible housing. The application surface is mounted on a flexible support which is secured to two parallel tabs emerging at right angles from the support. When these tabs are squeezed together by a user squeezing them between his or her fingers, the frangible housing is pierced and the application surface becomes impregnated with the liquid. During the action of compressing the tabs together the support deforms, leading to a temporary doming of the application surface. 
     A major drawback of this device stems from the fact that, after numerous bending operations in the course of use, there is a risk that the support and/or the tabs will break as a result of fatigue of the material of which they are made. Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain the compression on the tabs in order to have the domed surface. This is because when the compression on the tabs ceases, the application surface reverts to its initial configuration. Furthermore, this device is not able to allow the configuration of the application surface to be set in a reproducible way. Finally, this type of applicator is not very practical to use and its size entails bulky packaging. 
     The present invention sets out to overcome the drawbacks of the applicators of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     So, one object of the present invention is to provide an applicator, the shape of the application surface of which is variable and adaptable to suit the profile of the object to be treated, for example the profile of the face. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an application member suited to treating the skin, for example facial skin, by transferring product. In addition, according to an objective of ergonomics, the invention is aimed at an applicator whose application member has an orientation which is variable with respect to the orientation of the handling element. 
     According to yet another object, the present invention sets out to provide an applicator whose size can be minimized in a first, storage, position and which can occupy a second, service, position in which its size is greater. In the storage position this applicator has to be able to be housed, for example, in a makeup case. In the service position it allows, in particular, the area to be treated to be made up easily and accurately. 
     So, the present invention provides an applicator for applying a product to a surface such as the skin, comprising a handling element secured to an application member formed of a base on which is mounted an application support defining an application surface, characterized in that it comprises a manipulation member designed to alter the profile of the application surface at right angles to a mid-plane of the base, there being at least one passage which passes through the base and through which a portion of the manipulation member can be placed in engagement with the application support so as to alter the profile of the application surface in response to a pressure exerted by the portion approximately at right angles to the application surface. 
     Advantageously, this portion of the manipulation member, which can be placed in engagement with the application support, is formed of an end portion of the manipulation member. 
     According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the application support is secured to the base around at least part of the passage, the portion of the manipulation member being able to be placed in engagement with part of the application support situated facing the passage. 
     According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the manipulation member is formed on the handling element. According to a preferred feature, the manipulation member is capable of passing from a first, so-called storage, position into a second, so-called service, position. In the storage position the bulk of the applicator is minimal. According to this feature, in the first position the base is approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis passing through the element for holding, and in the second position a non-zero angle α is formed between the mid-plane of the base and the longitudinal axis. 
     This arrangement also makes it possible to obtain an orientation of the application surface that can be varied, at will, with respect to the orientation of the handling element, improving the ergonomics of the applicator. 
     The first position thus constitutes a position of minimum bulk. The second position, in which the bulk is greater, allows for ease of handling of the applicator by the user and gentle application of the product during the operation of treating (supplying makeup to) the skin. 
     Advantageously, the application surface is configured in such a way as to facilitate the attachment of the product to be applied. It is formed of an application surface secured to the rigid base of the application member. 
     Advantageously, the application support, including its surface that is intended to become laden with product, is elastically deformable. The term “elastically deformable” is meant to denote a support capable of deforming elastically in response to appropriate stress and of reverting to its initial shape when the stress ceases. Advantageously also, the application support may be elastically compressible, which makes the product easier to release at the time of application. Through this contrivance, it is also possible to improve application comfort. 
     The ability of the application support to curve, in response to the action of the manipulation member, and to return by elasticity to its initial shape when the stress ceases, is associated with the elasticity of the material of which the application support is made. The ability of such a material to bend may also be characterized by its bending modulus. In general, the materials envisaged by the invention have a Young&#39;s modulus in bending which is at most equal to 200 MPa. The flexibility may result from the nature of the material of which the application support is made and/or from its configuration. When the application support consists of a foam, the flexibility also depends on the density of the foam (the size and number of cavities). 
     According to one advantageous embodiment, in the storage position the application surface is approximately flat whereas in the service position it is approximately domed. 
     The free end of the manipulation member which engages with the application support may have various contours, according to the profile that it is desired to give to the application surface, in the service position. Furthermore, the free end of the manipulation member, depending on the angular position of the element for holding with respect to the orientation of the application support, gives a more or less pronounced alteration of the profile of the application surface. 
     As far as the shape of the application support is concerned, this advantageously has a lateral edge that forms a continuous curve, for example of oval shape. More specifically, this lateral edge may further comprise at least one region of concave shape. This feature allows the shape of the applicator to be tailored, for example to suit the application of makeup to the eyelids or other contours around the eyes or nose. 
     The handling element may be mounted on the application member by means of articulation means made on a portion of the handling element and of the base, respectively. For this purpose, the manipulation member may comprise a hinge which has a pivot pin. In this case, a first part of the articulation is formed by the application member and a second part, capable of collaborating with the first, is formed by the handling element. 
     According to one particular embodiment, the articulation means may be configured in such a way that the application member is removable. Thus, the application member may constitute an interchangeable refill, it being possible for the application support to be pre-impregnated with a product that can be crumbled. The fact of having a removable application member also makes it possible, as necessary, to clean the application support. 
     According to another embodiment, the application support may comprise a raised pattern, in particular constituting a logo or a decorative element, for example allowing a temporary “tattoo” to be created on the skin. 
     As far as the application support is concerned, this may be made of natural or synthetic rubber, particularly of polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer. It may consist of a cellular foam with closed cells, open cells or semi-open cells. The application support may have a flocked coating encouraging the holding of the product and making the layer of product easier to spread out evenly after application. 
     Advantageously, the application support has a mean thickness of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. 
     Furthermore, in order to be able to position the handling element in a definite position with respect to the application support during use, the applicator may comprise means for locking the application surface in a determined orientation with respect to the handling element, in the service position. 
     More specifically, these positioning means may comprise at least one elastic tongue located near one of the ends of the passage, this tongue having at least one profile capable of collaborating with a complimentary profile formed by the handling element, this profile being able to be negotiated as the element for holding pivots towards the storage position or towards the service position. 
     The applicator which has just been described can be used, in particular, for applying a liquid, pasty or solid product that can be crumbled to the skin or its superficial body growths. 
     In particular, this applicator is intended for applying a treatment product, such as an anti-wrinkle product, or a makeup product such as a loose or compact powder, a coloured paste, an eye shadow, a blusher or a foundation. 
     According to another method of use, the applicator of the invention can be used for creating a temporary “tattoo” on the skin by transferring an appropriate product. 
     In practice, the applicator is used for picking up the product to be applied from an appropriate reservoir. This reservoir may consist of a pot filled with cream or loose powder, a compact powder placed in a makeup case, an appropriate support impregnated with liquid, particularly of the inkpad type, etc. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     Other objects of the invention will become evident in greater detail from reading the description which will follow, of some embodiments of the invention which are given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, depicted in the appended drawings. 
     In these drawings: 
     FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1, in the storage position; 
     FIG. 3 depicts a view in axial section of the applicator according to FIG. 2, in the storage position; 
     FIG. 4 shows a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1, in the service position; 
     FIG. 5 depicts a view in axial section of the applicator according to FIG. 4, in the service position; 
     FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view of an applicator member equipped with means for positioning the handling element; 
     FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a preferred form of the application member; and 
     FIG. 8 shows an alternative form of the application member, allowing makeup to be applied tattoo style. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference in particular to FIGS. 1 to  5  it is possible to see an applicator, denoted in its entirety by the reference  1 . The applicator  1  is made up of a handling element  2 , which allows the applicator to be held in the hand, and of an application member  4  comprising a rigid base  3  mounted so that it can pivot on the handling element. 
     As can be seen, particularly in FIG. 1, the handling element  2  has an elongate shape, of axis A, a first free end  2   a  of which forms an approximately cylindrical handle. A second end  11 , at the opposite end to the first, is located at the end of a flattened portion  10 , which is markedly wider than the handle  2   a . This second end forms, with the handling element  2 , a manipulation member as will be explained hereinafter. The flattened portion  10  is delimited by two lateral flanks  22 , each bearing an articulation journal  8   a . The two journals  8   a  are centred on an axis Y perpendicular to the axis A. The handling element  2  is advantageously made by moulding a rigid or semirigid thermoplastic. The greater part of the flattened portion  10  is on the opposite side to the handle  2   a , with respect to the axis Y, so that it can execute a sweeping movement as the element for holding is pivoted. 
     The rigid base  3  of the application member  4  extends approximately parallel to a mid-plane P and has an approximately flat shape with a rounded contour  4   a . This contour  4   a  may have an oval, circular or “kidney bean” shape, exhibiting a concave portion  5 , as illustrated in detail in FIG.  7 . 
     In FIG. 1, the base  3  comprises an upper face  4   b  and a lower face  4   c . The upper face  4   b  carries articulation means  8   b ,  8   c  capable of collaborating each with one of the two journals  8   a  of the element for holding. For this purpose, two emerging portions  8   b ,  8   c  are located some distance apart, this distance approximately corresponding to the width of the flattened portion  10 . Each portion  8   c  has a bore  8   b  intended to house a journal  8   a . This arrangement constitutes an articulation allowing the handling element  2  to be pivoted with respect to the application member  4 . Thus, various service positions of the handling element can be obtained, as desired, these ranging between a position of minimum bulk or storage position (in which the handling element is parallel to the base) and a position of maximum bulk, whereby the axis A is approximately at right angles to a mid-plane P of the base  3 . Depending on the ergonomics required by the user, the service position is set to a position located between the storage position and the position of maximum bulk (that is to say when the axis A is at right angles to mid-plane P). 
     The base  3  of the application member  4  is further provided with an opening or passage  12 , the size of which is such that the portion  10  of the handling element can pass through it as the handling element  2  is pivoted with respect to the application member  4 . 
     The lower face  4   c  of the base  3  is covered with an application support  6  defining an application surface  6   a  and a rear face  6   b  approximately parallel one with respect to the other. A rim  4   d  of the base surrounds the lateral edge  14  of the application support (see FIGS.  3  and  5 ). 
     The application support  6  is elastically deformable. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it consists of a sheet of elastomer, a sheet of open-cell, semi-open-cell or closed-cell foam, the application surface  6   a  of which may be covered with a flocked coating. 
     A catching region  6   c  is provided, to fix the periphery of the application support  6  to the lower face  4   c  of the base  3 . The application support may be attached by bonding, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding or any other appropriate means. 
     As illustrated, particularly in FIG. 1, visible through the opening  12  is the rear face  6   b  of the application support, which is the opposite face to the application surface  6   a.    
     Once the handling element  2  has been mounted on the application member  4  by engaging the journals  8   a  in the bores  8   b , the applicator  1  is ready for use. 
     Thus, FIGS. 2 and 3 show the applicator  1  in the storage position. In this position, the axis A passing through the handling element  2  is approximately parallel to the mid-plane P of the application member  4  (see FIG.  2 ). It can be seen that, in this position, the applicator in its entirety has a minimum bulk which allows it to be stored, for example, in an appropriate compartment of a makeup case. Furthermore, in this position, there is no contact between the portion  11  of the handling element  2  and the application support  6 . In consequence, the application support  6  is in its position of rest and forms an approximately flat surface  6   a.    
     By lifting the handle  2   a  up with respect to the application member, an angle α is formed between the axis A and the plane P of the base  3  (see FIG.  4 ). In practice, the angle α is set to between about 40° and about 90°, according to the user&#39;s requirements. Thus, during application, ergonomic actions can be performed, according to which point of the face is to be treated (made up). 
     When the applicator is brought into the service position, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the portion  11  of the element for holding, which is of a rounded shape, comes into contact with the rear face  6   b  of the application support  6 . The shape of the portion  11  of the handling element  2  may vary and is advantageously suited to imparting an appropriate convexity to the application surface  6   a  tailored to best match the surface to be treated. A domed configuration such as this allows the product to be applied very accurately, particularly to regions of the face which are difficult to access. 
     Furthermore, means  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  24  may be provided for locking the position of the handle  2   a  with respect to the plane P of the base  3 . As visible in greater detail in FIG. 6, there are two slots  21  formed one on each side of the opening  12 . The slots  21  partially bound slender tongues  20 . 
     Each tongue  20  is equipped with a pair of approximately parallel ribs  24  which are positioned in such a way that the lateral flank  22  of the element for holding, in the service position, can be housed between the ribs  24 . In this position, the lateral flanks  22  are held in position by elastic clamping between the tongues  20 . 
     When the handling element  2  is folded back into the storage position, the lateral flanks  22  exert pressure on the ribs  24 , causing the tongues  20  to deform elastically outwards to temporarily occupy the positions  20   a  drawn in dotted line in FIG.  6 . Once the portion  10  and the tongues  20  have completely disengaged, the tongues return to their initial position through elasticity, and the application surface  6   a  reverts to its flat shape. 
     To perform treatment, for example to apply makeup to the eyelids, the user takes the applicator out of a storage compartment. The applicator is then in the folded form as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Next, the user brings the handle  2   a  into the service position with respect to the application member  4  (see FIGS. 4 and 5) to cause the application surface  6   a  to adopt a domed configuration. The amplitude and shape of the domed configuration depend, as mentioned hereinabove, on the shape of the portion  11  of the element for holding, and on its position with respect to the axis of articulation Y. 
     By bringing the application surface  6   a  into contact with the product to be applied, for example a loose or compact powder, a paste, or a pad impregnated with liquid such as a lotion or alternatively with a cream, the user picks up an appropriate dose of product. The application support becomes laden with product by a capillarity effect, by impregnation or absorption of the product, or alternatively simply by rubbing the applicator across a block of the product that can be crumbled. The user then proceeds to apply the product, by applying the product-laden application surface  6   a  to an area of skin such as, for example, the eyelids or the cheeks. 
     In the service position, the product can be applied easily and comfortably because of the way the applicator sits in the hand. By virtue of the domed application surface  6   a , the product is applied gently and accurately. 
     After use, as appropriate, the application support may be cleaned. By folding the handle  2   a  back down into the storage position (FIGS.  2  and  3 ), the applicator  1  can be put back away in its initial housing. 
     According to another possibility, the application member  4  may constitute a refill which is pre-laden with product, obtained by impregnating the application surface  6   a  beforehand. In this case, the application member is advantageously a use-once member which is disposed of after use. 
     FIG. 7 depicts details of a preferred embodiment of the application member  4 , designed in particular for applying makeup to the eyelids. 
     The application member according to FIG. 7 has two ends, a first end  14   a  and a second end  14   b . The two ends have a rounded shape, a radius of curvature r 1  of the first end  14   a  being shorter than a radius of curvature r 2  of the second end  14   b . In the example under consideration, r 1  is about 3.5 mm, r 2  being about 7.5 mm. The distance between the two ends  14   a  and  14   b  is about 33 mm. 
     The two ends  14   a ,  14   b  are joined together by two edges  14   c  and  14   d . The edge  14   c  is convex and has a radius of curvature r 3 . The edge  14   d  is concave and has a radius of curvature of r 4 . In the embodiment illustrated, r 3  is greater than r 4 . This makes it possible for the lateral edges  14   c ,  14   d  to converge slightly towards the end  14   a.    
     In the example under consideration, the radius r 1  is tailored to the curvature of the upper eyelid. Typically, r 3  is of the order of 20 mm and r 4  is of the order of 16 mm. 
     The thickness of the application support  6  is chosen according to the flexibility of the material used to make the application support  6 . In general, this thickness is from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. 
     The material of which the application element  6  is made is an elastically deformable material, particularly a material which is elastically deformable in terms of bending, compression and elongation. It can be chosen from natural or synthetic rubbers and preferably from thermoplastic elastomers. Advantageously, a cellular elastomer foam is chosen. The surface of the application element  6  may possibly be flocked, thus improving its ability to hold the product P and therefore its autonomy, particularly when the product is a powder. 
     FIG. 8 depicts an applicator member  4  comprising a rigid base  3  defining a lateral edge  4   a  which is approximately circular. The base  3  can be mounted on a pivoting handling element  2 , as described hereinabove. This application member  4  is intended to allow decorative makeup effects to be produced, by a technique known as “tattooing”. 
     Mounted on the base  3  is an elastically compressible disc  6  made of closed-cell foam. Fixed to the center of the disc  6  is a projecting pattern  18  forming a decorative pattern or a logo. The element  18  is made of a material capable of holding on to a makeup product such as a colored paste or colored ink. As the handling element is brought into the service position, the surface of the roundel  6  becomes domed, making it easier, on the one hand, for the projecting pattern  18  to become laden with product and, on the other hand, allowing the makeup to be applied precisely and cleanly to the chosen spot. Thus, using a reservoir of product, for example of the inkpad type, the user impregnates the pattern  18  with product and transfers the product onto the skin, where the decorative pattern is deposited. 
     After use, the handle  2   a  is folded down onto the application member, in a way similar to the storage position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in which it has a minimum bulk, so that the applicator can be put away. 
     In the foregoing detailed description, reference was made to some particular embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed hereinafter.