Patent Publication Number: US-2017354239-A1

Title: Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows

Description:
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara. The invention also relates to devices comprising the applicator and to a container containing the product to be applied. 
     The container is conventionally provided with a wiping member which wipes the stem of the applicator as it is withdrawn from the container. The behaviour of the application member on passing through the wiping member depends on numerous factors, such as the shape and nature of the lip of the wiping member and the arrangement of the application elements on the application member. 
     A compromise has to be found with regard to the quantity of product which is left on the application member for application of makeup. Excessive wiping of the application member causes the latter to be insufficiently loaded and obliges the user to frequently dip the applicator back into the container. Insufficient wiping leaves an excess of product that is difficult to manage and could result in clumps of product on poorly separated eyelashes. 
     EP 1 070 465 and. EP 1 070 466 disclose combs having a row of teeth disposed in staggered rows, which are partially or entirely superposed. 
     EP 2 084 987 discloses a brush comprising rows of spikes disposed between rows of teeth of flattened cross section, the spikes alternating longitudinally with the teeth. 
     Design patent US D708 855 describes an applicator comprising axially offset longitudinal rows of groups of spikes. 
     There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product, in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, in order to improve the performance thereof, and more particularly to promote the creation on the application member of zones that are more heavily laden with product, which allow easy application of makeup and rapid and abundant loading of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, while retaining a satisfactory capacity to separate the latter. 
     The invention aims to meet this objective and the subject thereof, according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an application member comprising:
         a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, and   spikes that are carried by the core and are arranged in groups of spikes within longitudinal rows,
 
in which applicator the groups of spikes are preferably uniformly spaced along the longitudinal rows and each comprise at least two spikes,
 
at least one longitudinal row of spikes being axially offset with respect to the consecutive longitudinal row, in such a way that at least one group of spikes of the offset row occupies the same axial position as a space free of spikes between two groups of spikes of the consecutive row.
       

     The invention makes it possible to obtain, on the application member, in particular in the spaces free of spikes, at least one zone that forms a reservoir, the contents of said zone not being much emptied during the extraction of the applicator, thus providing a surplus of product along the entire length of the core and on all sides after wiping. This surplus of product allows the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to be loaded with a large and satisfactory amount of product from the first application. 
     The applicator according to the invention makes it possible to separate the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, avoiding the formation of clumps, by virtue of the axial offset between the longitudinal rows of spikes. 
     During manufacture, it is possible to play with the spacing between the spikes of the groups of spikes on the one hand and with the spacing between the groups of spikes on the other hand and also with the axial offset between the longitudinal rows of spikes in order to adjust the extent to which the applicator is charged with product after wiping. 
     The expression “longitudinal axis of the core” denotes the line connecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of the core. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for the core, in particular when the core has a circular cross section or a cross section in the overall shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved and may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some or even for all of the cross sections of the core. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is rectilinear. 
     The term “spike” denotes an individualizable projecting element intended to come into engagement with the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. 
     The expression “axially offset longitudinal rows” should be understood as meaning that the spikes of the same rank in these rows do not occupy the same position along the longitudinal axis of the core. 
     Core and Spikes 
     Each longitudinal row of spikes is preferably offset axially with respect to the consecutive longitudinal row. 
     Each group of spikes of at least one row preferably occupies the same axial position as the space free of spikes between two groups of spikes of the consecutive row, better still each group of spikes of the core occupies the same axial position as a space free of spikes between two groups of spikes of the consecutive rows. 
     The spikes of the same rank in every other longitudinal row can all occupy the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the core. 
     The spacing between the consecutive groups of spikes is preferably constant within at least one longitudinal row, better still within each longitudinal row. In one variant, the spacing between the consecutive groups of spikes is variable within at least one longitudinal row and/or from one row to the other. 
     Within a longitudinal row, the spacing between two consecutive groups of spikes, measured at the base of the core between the outer flanks of the last spike of the first group and the first spike of the second group along the axis of the row containing the groups, can be between 0.3 mm and 2.5 mm, better still between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm. 
     The axial offset between one longitudinal row of spikes and the consecutive longitudinal row can be greater than or equal to the length of a group of spikes of said consecutive row. The “length of a group of spikes” is to be understood as meaning the sum of the width of the spikes of the group and the spacing between said spikes. Preferably, the spikes are not superposed when the application member is observed from the side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. 
     The transversal distance between two consecutive groups of spikes occupying the same axial position, having a space free of spikes between them, measured at the base of the core between the outer flanks of the last spike of the first group and the first spike of the second group perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core, can be greater than or equal to the length of one of said groups of spikes. 
     The spacing between the spikes of a group is preferably the same for all the groups. In one variant, the spacing between the spikes of a group differs from one group of spikes to another, within one longitudinal row and/or from one longitudinal row to another. 
     This spacing, measured along the longitudinal axis of the row containing the group, between the bases of the spikes, can be between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm, better still between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm. 
     All the groups of spikes advantageously comprise the same number of spikes. In one variant, the number of spikes differs from one group of spikes to another, within one longitudinal row and/or from one longitudinal row to another. 
     The groups of spikes can comprise two or more than two spikes, for example three spikes or four spikes. 
     The number of spikes per longitudinal row can be between 10 and 48. 
     The implantation of the spikes may be such that the angular offset α about the longitudinal axis of the core, between the spikes of two consecutive crowns of spikes, in particular every two crowns of spikes, is non-zero, being preferably equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in one and the same crown. The core advantageously has an alternating sequence of two consecutive crowns of spikes that are not mutually offset, then two consecutive crowns of spikes that are offset with respect to the two first crowns that are not mutually offset. A “crown of spikes” is to be understood as meaning a row in the circumferential direction formed by spikes that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis of the core. 
     At least one longitudinal row can comprise an isolated spike at the proximal end of the core, better still every other longitudinal row comprises such a spike. A single crown of spikes is thus advantageously present at the proximal end of the core. 
     Within at least one group, the spikes are advantageously of the same height, better still within each group. In one variant, the height of the spikes varies within the same group. 
     Preferably, the height of the spikes varies, for example in a monotonous manner, along the longitudinal axis of the core. Within a longitudinal row, the height of the spikes preferably decreases in the direction of the distal end of the core, in particular along at least half the visible length of the application member. In one variant, the height of the spikes is constant along the longitudinal axis of the core. 
     The height of the spikes can be between 0.15 mm and 4.5 mm, better still between 0.3 mm and 3 mm. The “height of a spike” denotes the distance measured along the elongation axis of the spike between its free end and the base of the spike by way of which the latter is connected to the core. The “elongation axis of the spike” denotes an axis which passes through the centres of mass of the cross sections of the spike. 
     The spikes can have a width of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, better still between 0.35 mm and 0.65 mm. The “width of a spike” denotes the greatest transverse dimension of the spike, in section, along the longitudinal axis of the core. 
     The spikes can have a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.85 mm, better still between 0.3 mm and 0.75 mm. The “thickness of a spike” denotes the greatest transverse dimension of the spike, in section, perpendicularly to the elongation axis of the spike and to the longitudinal axis of the core. 
     The spikes of at least one group are advantageously of the same shape, better still all the spikes of a longitudinal row are of the same shape, or even better still all the spikes of the application member are of the same shape. In one variant, the shape of the spikes differs within groups and/or from one group to another. 
     The spikes may have any shape. The spikes advantageously have an asymmetric semi-conical shape, having a first face that has a first shape, in particular a plane shape, and a second face that has a second shape, for example a non-plane shape, in particular a rounded shape. In this case, all the plane faces are preferably&#39; oriented circumferentially in the same direction. In one variant, the spikes have a cylindrical or tapered shape, in particular a conical, frustoconical or pyramidal shape, in particular with a hexagonal base. 
     The cross section of the spikes is advantageously semicircular (or half-moon shaped). In one variant, the cross section of the spikes is substantially circular, elliptic or semi-elliptic, or it may also be for example polygonal, in particular hexagonal. 
     The spikes can each extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core. In a variant, the elongation axis of the spikes forms an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core. 
     The free ends of the spikes of the application member define an envelope surface of the applicator member, which is for example in the form of a cylinder of revolution along at least a part of its length. 
     The envelope surface may have a greatest transverse dimension that is substantially constant along at least a part of the length of the application member, in particular along more than half the part of the core that carries the spikes. 
     The envelope surface may also have a cross section that varies along all or part of the length of the application member. The cross section of the envelope surface may for example have one or more extremes and for example at least one local minimum and two local maxima. The diameter of the envelope surface passing through the summit of the spikes of least height can be between 3 mm and 6.5 mm. The diameter of the envelope surface of the application member passing through the summit of the spikes of greatest height can be between 5 mm and 12 mm. 
     The spikes can terminate in a rounded free end, in particular in a hemisphere, of which the radius can be between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm 
     The longitudinal rows of spikes are advantageously rectilinear. 
     The number of longitudinal rows may be even. There can be at least eight longitudinal rows of spikes, in particular between twelve and thirty-six rows, in particular sixteen rows. 
     The core may have a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, of any shape, in particular of a circular shape. The greatest cross section of the core, namely its diameter in the case where the cross section of the core has a circular shape, can be between 1.5 mm and 3.2 mm. 
     The core and the spikes can be moulded from one and the same material, or in a variant they can be made from at least two different materials. In implementation examples of the invention, the spikes are produced by overmoulding on the core. 
     The core and/or the spikes are preferably produced from a thermoplastic material. 
     Applicator 
     The applicator may have a stem that carries the application member at a first end and is fixed to a gripping member at a second end. 
     The core may be solid, being for example moulded with an end piece for fixing to the stem of the applicator. In one variant, the core is hollow. 
     The application member may be fixed to the stem by snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, crimping, pressing, stapling, force-fitting, fitting in a cold state or fitting in a hot state, for example by an endpiece of the application member being mounted in a housing in the stem. In a variant, the stem is received in a housing provided in the core. 
     It is also possible for the stem and the application member to be moulded or not to be moulded in one piece and from the same thermoplastic material. 
     The spikes may be made of a material that is more or less rigid than a material used to produce the stem of the applicator to which the core is attached. 
     The core may extend along a longitudinal axis which, at at least one point along its length, forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem to which the core is fixed. The application member may be angled at its attachment to the stem. 
     The stem may have a first, rigid portion that is extended on the distal side by a second, more flexible portion, for example made of elastomer, that carries the application member. 
     The visible length of the application member may be between 15 mm and 35 mm, better still between 22 mm and 29 mm. 
     The applicator can have a total of between 80 and 1296 spikes, better still between 96 and 864 spikes. 
     Application Device 
     A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator according to the invention, as defined above, and a container containing the product to be applied. 
     The gripping member of the applicator may form a cap for closing the container. 
     The container may have a wiping member suitable for wiping the stem and the application member. 
     The product is preferably a mascara. 
    
    
     
       The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of a non-limiting implementation example thereof, and with reference to the attached drawing, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordance with the invention, 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the application member from  FIG. 1  on its own, 
         FIG. 2A  shows a detail of the application member from  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 3  is a section along of a detail of the application member from  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 4  is a flat developed view illustrating the arrangement of some of the spikes on the surface of the core of an application member according to the invention, and 
         FIG. 5  is a section along VI-VI of the application member from  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
       FIG. 1  shows a packaging and application device  1  produced in accordance with the invention, having an applicator  2  and an associated container  3  containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product. 
     The container  3  has, in the example in question, a threaded neck  4  and the applicator  2  has a closure cap  5  designed to be fixed on the neck  4  so as to close the container  3  in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap  5  also forming a gripping member for the applicator  2 . 
     The latter has a stem  7  of longitudinal axis Y, which is attached at its upper end to the closure cap  5  and at its lower end to an application member  8 . The latter comprises a core  10  carrying spikes  18  which extend from the core  10  and all about the latter. As will be seen in  FIG. 2 , the first spike  18  along the longitudinal axis X of the core  10 , starting from the stein  7 , is arranged at a non-zero distance d t  from the proximal end  11  of the core. The last spike  18  along the longitudinal axis X of the core  10 , starting from the stem  7 , is arranged at a non-zero distance d d  from the distal end  12  of the core  10 . 
     The container  3  also has a wiping member  6 , inserted into the neck  4 . 
     This wiping member  6 , which may be of any suitable type, has, in the example in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem  7  and the application member  8  when the applicator  2  is withdrawn from the container  3 . The lip defines a wiping orifice  6   a  having a diameter φ a  adapted to that of the stem  7 . The wiping member  6  may be made of elastomer. The wiping orifice  6   a  has, for example, a circular shape. 
     The diameter φ a  of the wiping orifice  6   a  is typically between 3 and 5.75 mm. 
     In the example illustrated, the stem  7  has a circular cross section, but if the stem  7  has some other section, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention, it then being possible to fix the cap  5  on the container  3  in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member  6  is adapted to the shape of the stem  7  and to that of the application member  8 , if appropriate. 
     Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Y of the stem  7  is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container  3  when the applicator  2  is in place thereon, but if the stem  7  is not rectilinear, forming for example an elbow, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention. 
     If need be, the stem  7  may have an annular narrowing at its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member  6 , so as not to mechanically stress the latter unduly during storage. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the application member  8  may have an endpiece  9  for fixing it in a corresponding housing of the stem  7 . 
     The application member  8  may be fixed to the stem  7  by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping, in this housing. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the core  10  has a shape that is elongate along a longitudinal axis X, which is rectilinear in the example described. The longitudinal axis X may be central, as illustrated. 
     The visible length H of the application member  8  is, for example, equal to 25.5 mm. 
     In the example illustrated, the spikes  18  each extend from the core  10  along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spike  18  is attached to the core  10 . 
     In the example described, the spikes  18  are arranged in groups of spikes  15 ,  16  within sixteen rectilinear longitudinal rows  17 ,  19 ,  20 , as can be seen in particular in  FIG. 2 , each longitudinal row  17  of spikes being offset axially with respect to the consecutive longitudinal rows  19 ,  20 . 
     Preferably, as illustrated, the groups of spikes  15 ,  16  are uniformly spaced along the longitudinal rows  17 ,  19 ,  20  and each comprise two spikes  18 . In a variant not illustrated, the groups of spikes  15 ,  16  comprise more than two spikes  18 , for example three or four spikes. In another variant, the number of spikes  18  differs from one group of spikes  15  to another, within one longitudinal row  17 ,  19 ,  20  and/or from one longitudinal row to another. 
     Preferably, and as in the example described, the spacing S p  between the spikes  18  of a group  15 ,  16  is the same for each group. In a variant not illustrated, the spacing S p  between the spikes  18  of a group  15 ,  16  differs from one group of spikes to another, within one longitudinal row  17 ,  19 ,  20  and/or from one longitudinal row to another. 
     This spacing S p  can be between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm. 
     In the example in question, the spacing S g  between each consecutive group of spikes  15 ,  16  is advantageously constant within each longitudinal row  17 ,  19 ,  20 . In a variant not illustrated, the spacing S g  is variable within at least one longitudinal row and/or from one row to the other. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the spacing S g  between two consecutive groups of spikes  15 ,  16 , measured at the base of the core  10  between the outer flanks  18   a  of the last spike of the first group  15  and the first spike of the second group  16 , along the axis of the row  17  containing the groups, can be between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm. 
     Each longitudinal row  17  of spikes  18  is advantageously axially offset with respect to the consecutive longitudinal row  19 , in such a way that each group of spikes  15  of the offset row  17  occupies the same axial position as the space  14  free of spikes between two groups of spikes  15 ,  16  of the consecutive row  19 , as can be seen in particular in  FIGS. 2, 2A and 4 . 
     The spikes  18  in every other longitudinal row advantageously all occupy the same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of the core  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , for example between the longitudinal rows  17  and  20 . 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the axial offset D a  between one longitudinal row  17  of spikes  18  and the consecutive longitudinal row  19  is greater than the length L g  of a group of spikes  15  of said consecutive row  19 . 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the transversal distance D T  between two consecutive groups of spikes  15  occupying the same axial position, having a space  14  free of spikes between them is greater than or equal to the length L g  of one of said groups  15  of spikes. 
     As is shown in particular in  FIG. 2 , every other longitudinal row comprises an isolated spike  18  at the proximal end  11  of the core  10 . A single crown  22  of spikes  18  is thus advantageously arranged at the proximal end  11  of the core  10 . The longitudinal rows comprising this isolated spike can comprise one spike less than the other rows, for example thirteen spikes  18  as opposed to fourteen spikes. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the implantation of the spikes  18  may be such that the angle α about the longitudinal axis X of the core  10  between two consecutive crowns  20  and  21  of spikes  18 , said crowns each being formed by spikes  18  that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis X of the core  10 , is non-zero, being for example equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in a crown. 
     In the example in question, the spikes  18  are advantageously of the same height within each group of spikes  15 ,  16 . In a variant not illustrated, the height of the spikes  18  varies within the same group. 
     Preferably, and as in the example described, the height of the spikes  18  within the longitudinal rows decreases in the direction of the distal end  12  of the core  10 . In a variant not illustrated, the height of the spikes  18  is constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core  10 . 
     The height h p  of the spikes  18  can be between 0.15 mm and 0.45 mm. 
     The width l p  of the spikes  18  can be between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. 
     The thickness e p  of the spikes  18  can be between 0.1 mm and 0.85 mm. 
     The spikes  18  can have diverse shapes, optionally varying within a group  15 ,  16  and/or from one group to another. In the example in question, and as can be seen in particular in  FIG. 2A , all the spikes  18  have a semi-conical shape, each having a first face  18   b  that is plane and a second face  18   c  that is rounded. All the plane faces  18   b  are preferably oriented circumferentially in the same direction. However, the invention is not limited to one particular type of spikes. 
     In the example in question, the free ends  28  of the spikes  18  define an envelope surface S of the application member  8 , having a rectilinear longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the core  10 , and is rotationally symmetrical about said axis X. 
     The spikes  18 , in the example in question, are made in one piece with the core  10  by moulding of thermoplastic material. 
     In order to mould the application member  8 , use can be made of any thermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid, for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved slip, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyamide elastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, SAM, PA or PMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example based on alumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, and possibly a material containing graphite as filler. It is possible in particular to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, this list not being limiting. 
     In order to use the device  1 , the user unscrews the closure cap  5  and withdraws the application member  8  from the container  3 . 
     After the application member  8  has passed through the wiping member  6 , a certain amount of product P remains in the spaces  14  free of spikes that are created between the groups of spikes  15 ,  16 , thereby creating reservoirs of product P along the entire length of the core  10  and on all sides, such that the eyelashes and/or eyebrows can be supplied satisfactorily with product P. In addition, the eyelashes and/or eyebrows are separated satisfactorily, thus avoiding formation of clumps, by virtue of the axial offset present between the longitudinal rows  17 ,  19 ,  20  of spikes  18 . 
     Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment which has just been described. 
     At least one of core  10  and spike  18  may be flocked or undergo any heat treatment or mechanical treatment. 
     The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”, and “between” is understood as including the limits, unless specified to the contrary.