Patent Description:
The expression "cosmetic product" is understood to mean a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No <CIT> relating to cosmetic products.

The invention is particularly suitable for the application of a cosmetic product, such as a makeup product, for example to keratin fibres, and notably for the application of mascara.

Mascara is understood to be a composition intended to be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows. It may notably be a makeup composition for the eyelashes or eyebrows, a makeup base for the eyelashes, known as "base coat", a composition to be applied over mascara, known as "top coat", or even a composition for the cosmetic treatment of the eyelashes or eyebrows.

Conventionally, an applicator comprises at least one applicator member that defines an application surface intended to come into contact with the part of the body to be treated. The applicator member has a main body or core, of generally elongate shape, which is able to bear application elements that project from said core.

The applicator also comprises a stem which is secured to a gripping member and at the end of which the applicator member is fastened. The gripping member is generally provided to close off, in a sealed manner, the opening of a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied.

Different types of applicator member for eyelashes or eyebrows exist, for example applicator members known as "free fibre" applicator members or those known as "moulded fibre" applicator members.

The "free fibre" applicator members are generally formed by two arms of a metal wire in the form of a U-shaped hairpin, between which there is disposed a set of bristles or free fibres that are independent and arranged substantially alongside one another along the length of the interstitial space between the two arms of the hairpin. A twist force is then applied to the hairpin in order to form a twisted core comprising bristles or free fibres gripped between these arms. The twisting of the arms allows these bristles to spread helically, which bristles take up a distribution in helical layers.

The applicator members known as "moulded fibre" applicator members are obtained at least partially by moulding at least one thermoplastic material, for example an elastomer material, forming a moulded core with spikes.

Also known are applicators known as "hybrid" applicators having a flexible core, for example made of thermoplastic material, bearing spikes, and two hairpin-shaped metal arms that enclose the core and are twisted about one another, imparting a twist to the core and causing the spikes to form helical layers.

In this regard, reference may be made to the documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, which at least partially propose applicators of this type.

Also known, from the document <CIT>, is an applicator comprising a core that successively retains by clamping a first applicator member that is formed integrally and has a plurality of applicator elements such as fibres, and a second applicator member having a plurality of bristles.

However, the applicator members are disposed adjacently on the core, distinguishing an eyelash combing zone that is realized by the first applicator member and a zone for loading with product to be applied that is realized by the second applicator member.

It will therefore be appreciated that there is a need to further improve hybrid applicators, and notably to find a compromise between loading with product to be applied and combing/separation of the eyelashes.

The subject of the invention is an applicator member according to claim <NUM> for applying a product to keratin fibres, notably to eyelashes, comprising a core made of polymer material and extending along a longitudinal axis, first application elements that project from the core and are integral or in one piece with said core, and second application elements that are separate from said first application elements and project from the core.

Said first and second application elements are arranged in at least two helical coils disposed alternately along the longitudinal axis of the core.

In other words, an alternation of helical coils of the first and second application elements in the longitudinal direction of the applicator member is obtained.

Thus, an applicator member is provided that has a simple design, is economical and is easy to assemble, with an alternation of the first and second application elements.

Advantageously, a helical coil of the first application elements is disposed between a helical coil of the second application elements.

In order to mould the second application elements on the core, use can be made of any synthetic 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.

The first and the second application elements are separate from one another and have different roles in the application of the product. For example, the first application elements are mainly configured to comb/separate the eyelashes/eyebrows, while the second application elements are mainly configured for loading the product.

The applicator member comprises a support comprising at least two arms that are twisted at least partially together. The core bearing the first and second application elements is retained between said arms and turns through more than one revolution on itself about its longitudinal axis under the twisting effect brought about by the arms of the support.

The twisting of the arms of the support allows these two types of application elements to spread helically, which elements take up an interposed distribution in helical layers.

Advantageously, before twisting, the core bears two diametrically opposed rows of first application elements and two diametrically opposed rows of second application elements in the form of a layer of second application elements.

In a variant, the core bears four rows, diametrically opposed in pairs, of second application elements in the form of two layers.

Each layer may be curved at the centre of the core.

According to one embodiment, the core is overmoulded on the second application elements. Thus, first and second application elements are obtained that are inseparable from the core so as to form a one-piece application assembly.

According to another embodiment, the core comprises two complementary parts that are connected at one of their ends by material forming a hinge and are preferably hinged between an opened position and a closed position in which the second application elements are pinched between the two parts of the core.

For example, each of the parts of the core bears, on its outer surface, the first application elements.

Advantageously, one of the parts of the core comprises, on an inner surface, a longitudinal rib that extends from the free end of said part towards the hinge and cooperates with a corresponding longitudinal groove in the second part, the groove extending from the free end of said second part towards the hinge.

The second application elements are, for example, disposed in tufts or bunches between the two parts of the core, substantially adjacently to one another, and the core is hinged into the closed position in order to pinch the second application elements between the two complementary parts of the core. Thus, first and second application elements are obtained that are inseparable from the core so as to form a one-piece application assembly.

Provision could be made for the internal surfaces of the two parts to comprise notches configured to make it possible to position the free fibres before the parts are hinged into the closed position. Thus, an alternating arrangement of coils of free fibres and coils of spikes is obtained.

The first application elements are spikes and the second application elements are free fibres or bristles.

The spikes are particularly suitable for combing/separating the eyelashes during the application of the product.

The free fibres are, for example, made of nylon, forming second application elements that are particularly suitable for loading with the product to be applied.

The core may have, in cross section, a shape with at least two diametrically opposed ribs that meet at the centre of the core.

In a variant, the core has, in cross section, a cross shape with four ribs, opposite one another in pairs, that meet at the centre of the core.

At least some of the spikes moulded together with the core, notably all the spikes moulded together with the core, may be multiple spikes, notably double spikes.

A "spike" denotes an individual projecting element.

"Multiple spikes" denotes spikes having at least two arms that extend in divergent directions away from the core, these arms being joined, notably on the core, to one and the same base or having bases that meet or are close to one another. "Bases close to one another" denotes bases the spacing between which is less than their greatest dimension, measured perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the corresponding arm.

The arms of a multiple spike may occupy the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the core. The longitudinal axes of the arms of the multiple spike may be contained within one plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core.

In the case of a double spike, the two arms of the spike may be symmetric to one another with respect to a median plane of symmetry containing the longitudinal axis of the core, when the latter is rectilinear.

The divergent arms of the double spike may form an angle between one another.

The arms of one and the same double spike meet for example at the top of a corresponding rib of the core.

In a variant, at least some of the spikes moulded together with the core are single spikes. The single spikes may be rectilinear and extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the core.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for packaging and applying a product, notably a makeup product, comprising a container for storing the product, and an applicator comprising an applicator member as described above, which is able to be inserted into the internal volume of the container in order to be loaded with product.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator member as described above, comprising the following steps:.

The present invention will be understood better from studying the detailed description of embodiments that are given by way of entirely non-limiting example and are illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a device <NUM> for packaging and applying a product, comprising a container <NUM> delimiting an internal volume 2a containing a product to be applied to a user's eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example a cosmetic makeup product such as mascara or a care product. The device <NUM> for packaging and applying a product also comprises an applicator or application device <NUM> for applying said product.

The container <NUM> extends along a longitudinal overall axis X1-X1', shown in a position presumed to be vertical. The body of the container <NUM> is provided with a closed lower end <NUM> forming a bottom and an upper end <NUM> forming a neck provided with an opening <NUM>, opposite the lower end <NUM>, allowing access to the internal volume 2a containing the product. In a variant, provision could be made for the body of the container not to comprise a neck and for the opening to be made in a free edge of said container.

In the embodiment illustrated, the neck <NUM> has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the body of the container <NUM> and comprises, on its outer surface, a thread 5a. The body of the container <NUM> may be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.

The application device <NUM> or applicator extends along a longitudinal overall axis X2-X2', shown in a position presumed to be vertical, that is coincident with the axis X1-X1' in <FIG>. The application device <NUM> comprises a gripping member <NUM>, a stem <NUM>, a wiping member or wiper <NUM> and an applicator member <NUM>.

The gripping member <NUM> has a tubular mounting skirt 7a and a transverse wall 7b that extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis X2-X2' and is attached to the mounting skirt 7a. The mounting skirt 7a comprises a threaded inner surface 7c that is intended to be screwed onto the thread 5a on the neck of the container <NUM>.

The stem <NUM> comprises a first end fastened to the applicator member <NUM> and a second end fastened to the gripping member <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the stem <NUM> has a circular cross section more or less along its entire length. In a variant, other shapes could be provided for the cross section of the stem, for example a polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape, or even an oval shape, etc..

The stem <NUM> and the gripping member <NUM> may be produced in one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastics material, to which the applicator member <NUM> is then attached. Provision could be made for the stem to be fastened to the gripping member by any other means, for example by adhesive bonding, screwing, etc..

As illustrated in <FIG>, the wiping member <NUM> comprises a cylindrical body 9a with an outside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The body is delimited by two opposite ends, with one of the ends being in radial contact with the outer surface of the stem <NUM>. The body 9a comprises, on its outer surface, a member 9b for retaining it on the container <NUM>, for example in the form of an annular bulge that is snap-fitted in a complementary shape on the container <NUM>.

The wiping member <NUM> also has, at a first free end of the body, an annular wiping lip 9c, defining with its free end a wiping orifice 9d with a substantially circular cross section. This wiping lip 9c extends in the direction of the stem <NUM> and is dimensioned so as to press at least against the stem <NUM>, or even also against the applicator member <NUM> as the applicator is removed from the container. The wiping lip 9c in this case extends obliquely with respect to the body 9a towards the axis X2-X2'.

The inside diameter of the orifice 9d is preferably less than or equal to the outside diameter of the stem <NUM>, so as to prevent the product contained in the container <NUM> from escaping to a space delimited between the stem and the mounting skirt 7a of the gripping member <NUM> of the application device <NUM>.

The body 9a of the wiping member <NUM> comprises, at a second end opposite the first end, an annular flange 9e having an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the mounting skirt 7a of the gripping member <NUM> of the application device <NUM>. After the application device <NUM> has been joined to the container <NUM>, the flange 9e bears axially against the neck <NUM> of the container.

The wiping member <NUM> may be made for example of an elastomer material or a polyolefin, notably polyethylene or any other plastics material. The wiping lip 9c is, for example, more flexible than the body 9a of the wiping member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the applicator member <NUM> has an elongate main body or core <NUM> extending along the longitudinal overall axis X2-X2', first application elements <NUM> and second application elements <NUM>.

The core <NUM> is made of polymer material, notably thermoplastic material, having the first application elements or spikes <NUM> that are moulded together with the core <NUM> and extend radially from the core <NUM> and all around the latter. The spikes <NUM> may be aligned with one another in at least one row, which extends axially for example along more or less the entire length of the core <NUM>.

"Multiple spikes" denotes spikes having at least two arms that extend in divergent directions away from the core, these arms being joined, notably on the core, to one and the same base or having bases that meet or are close to one another. "Bases close to one another" denotes bases the spacing between which is less than their greatest dimension measured perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the corresponding arm.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the core <NUM> has, in cross section, a cross shape with four ribs 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, opposite one another in pairs, that meet at the centre of the core <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the core <NUM> bears two diametrically opposed rows <NUM> of double spikes <NUM>. Each double spike <NUM> has two arms which diverge with increasing distance from the longitudinal axis of the core <NUM>, at an angle α, for example equal to <NUM>°. The arms of a single double spike <NUM> meet at the top of the corresponding rib 11a, 11c of the core <NUM>. The spikes <NUM> form first application elements that are particularly suitable for combing/separating the eyelashes during the application of the product.

The core <NUM> also bears two diametrically opposed rows <NUM> of free fibres <NUM> or bristles, made for example of nylon, that form second application elements that are particularly suitable for loading with the product to be applied. The two rows of free fibres <NUM> form a layer of free fibres extending on each side of the core <NUM>.

The free fibres <NUM> are disposed in planes that are interposed with respect to the planes containing the spikes <NUM>.

In order to produce the applicator member <NUM>, first of all the core <NUM> is moulded from polymer material together with the first application elements <NUM>, namely in this case the spikes, and with the second application elements <NUM>, in this case the free fibres. The core <NUM> with the first application elements <NUM> is advantageously overmoulded on the second application elements <NUM>, in this case the free fibres, preferably positioned parallel to one another, as illustrated in the figures. Generally, first and second application elements <NUM>, <NUM> are obtained that are inseparable from the core <NUM> so as to form an application assembly in one piece with the core <NUM>.

This application assembly is then disposed between two arms <NUM> of a support <NUM>, visible in <FIG> and <FIG>. The support <NUM> initially has, before twisting, for example the form of a U-shaped hairpin, and is made for example of metal material.

A first arm <NUM> of the U-shaped hairpin is threaded between a first rib 11a and a second rib 11b of the core <NUM>, and a second arm <NUM> of the U-shaped hairpin is threaded between a third rib 11c and a fourth rib 11d of the core <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. Generally, the first arm of the hairpin is threaded between two adjacent ribs and the second arm of the hairpin is threaded between two adjacent ribs symmetrically with respect to the first arm of the hairpin.

A twisting force is then applied to said support <NUM> in order to form a twisted application assembly comprising the core bearing the intertwined spikes <NUM> and free fibres <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. The twisting of the arms <NUM> of the support <NUM> twists the core <NUM> about its longitudinal axis and allows these two types of application element <NUM>, <NUM> to spread helically, which elements take up an interposed distribution in helical layers, as can be seen in <FIG>.

It makes no difference whether twisting is carried out in one twisting direction or in the other.

The application assembly may turn through more than one revolution on itself about its longitudinal axis under the effect of the twist imparted by the arms <NUM> of the support <NUM>, forming an alternate succession of helical coils along the longitudinal axis of the core, each containing the first or the second application elements.

In other words, an alternation of the first and second application elements in the longitudinal direction of the applicator member is obtained.

The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> differs from the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> only by the fact that the core <NUM> bears two diametrically opposed rows <NUM> of single spikes <NUM> moulded together with the core rather than double spikes. In this example, the core <NUM> likewise bears two diametrically opposed rows <NUM> of free fibres <NUM> as in the previous embodiment.

The height of the spikes <NUM>, whether single or double, and of the free fibres <NUM>, may decrease towards the free ends of the core <NUM>. The shaping of the application elements <NUM>, <NUM> is visible in <FIG>. The shaping of the spikes <NUM> is advantageously carried out during the moulding of the core. The shaping of the free fibres <NUM> is carried out in particular by cutting the fibres.

The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> differs from the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> only by the fact that the core <NUM> bears two layers of free fibres 13a, 13b rather than one.

Each fibre layer 13a, 13b is curved at the centre of the core <NUM> and comprises a first part extending from a first rib 11a; 11b of the core and a second part extending from an adjacent second rib 11d; 11c of the core.

Thus, the core <NUM> bears four rows 15a, 15b, diametrically opposed in pairs, of free fibres 13a, 13b moulded together with the core.

The core <NUM> likewise bears two diametrically opposed rows <NUM> of double spikes <NUM>. In this example, one of the ends of the fibre layers 13a, 13b extends between two arms of a double spike.

In a variant, single spikes could be provided.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of an applicator member <NUM>.

The applicator member <NUM> has an elongate main body or core <NUM>, first application elements <NUM> and second application elements <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the core <NUM> has, in cross section, a shape with two ribs 31a, 31b that meet at the centre of the core <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the core <NUM> bears two diametrically opposed rows <NUM> of double spikes <NUM>. Each double spike <NUM> has two arms which diverge with increasing distance from the longitudinal axis of the core <NUM>, at an angle α, for example equal to <NUM>°. The arms of a single double spike <NUM> meet at the top of the corresponding rib 31a, 31b of the core <NUM>. The spikes <NUM> form first application elements that are particularly suitable for combing/separating the eyelashes during the application of the product.

The core <NUM> also bears two diametrically opposed rows <NUM> of free fibres <NUM> or bristles, made for example of nylon, that form second application elements that are particularly suitable for loading with the product to be applied.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the core <NUM> comprises two parts <NUM>, <NUM> that are connected at one of their ends by material forming a hinge <NUM> hinged along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X2-X2' of the core <NUM>. Thus, the two parts <NUM>, <NUM> act as a jaw that is hinged between an opened position, visible in <FIG>, in which the free fibres <NUM> are positioned substantially adjacently, and preferably parallel, to one another, and a closed position, visible in <FIG> and <FIG>, in which the free fibres <NUM> are pinched between the two parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the core <NUM>.

Each of the parts <NUM>, <NUM> bears, on its outer surface, double spikes <NUM>. In a variant, single spikes could be provided.

One of the parts <NUM> comprises, on its inner surface, opposite the outer surface, a longitudinal rib 36a that extends from the free end of said part <NUM> towards the hinge <NUM> and cooperates with a corresponding longitudinal groove 37a in the second part <NUM>. The groove 37a extends from the free end of said second part <NUM> towards the hinge <NUM>.

In order to produce the applicator member <NUM>, first of all the core <NUM> is moulded from polymer material together with the first application elements <NUM>, namely in this case the spikes. Next, the free fibres <NUM> are disposed in tufts or bunches between the parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the core <NUM>, substantially adjacently, and preferably parallel, to one another, and then the core <NUM> is hinged into the closed position, visible in <FIG> and <FIG>, so as to pinch the free fibres <NUM> between the two parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the core <NUM>.

In a similar manner to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, first and second application elements are obtained that are inseparable from the core so as to form a one-piece application assembly.

A first arm <NUM> of the U-shaped hairpin is threaded between a first rib 31a of the core <NUM> and the layer of free fibres <NUM>, and a second arm <NUM> of the U-shaped hairpin is threaded between a second rib 31b and the layer of free fibres <NUM>, on the opposite side from the first arm <NUM> of the hairpin, as can be seen in <FIG>. Generally, each of the arms of the hairpin is threaded symmetrically between a rib and the adjacent layer of free fibres.

A twisting force is then applied to said support <NUM> in order to form a twisted application assembly comprising the core <NUM> bearing the intertwined spikes <NUM> and free fibres <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. The twisting of the arms <NUM> of the support <NUM> twists the core <NUM> about its longitudinal axis and allows these two types of application element <NUM>, <NUM> to spread helically, which elements take up an interposed distribution in helical layers, as can be seen in <FIG>. It makes no difference whether twisting is carried out in one twisting direction or in the other. However, in this exemplary embodiment, twisting is preferably carried out in a direction such that the arms <NUM> of the hairpin are deformed in the direction of the adjacent ribs 31a, 31b of the core while the support is being twisted. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the twisting of the hairpins <NUM> of the support <NUM> is preferably carried out in the clockwise direction.

In other words, an alternation of the first and second application elements <NUM>, <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the applicator member <NUM> is obtained.

In all the embodiments, the free fibres or bristles <NUM>, <NUM> may all be identical to one another, or indeed be formed from a collection of bunches of different types of bristle, for example with different diameters, shapes and cross sections. The bristles are made, for example, of synthetic or natural material, notably of polyamide.

In this embodiment, provision could be made for the internal surfaces of the two parts <NUM>, <NUM> to comprise notches (not shown) configured to make it possible to position the free fibres <NUM> before the parts are hinged into the closed position. Thus, a free fibre <NUM> may be disposed in a plane between two planes that each contain a spike <NUM>.

The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> differs from the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> only by the fact that the core <NUM> has, in cross section, a cross shape with four ribs 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, opposite one another in pairs, that meet at the centre of the core <NUM>.

The addition of ribs makes it possible to improve the hold of the free fibres <NUM>.

In the embodiment in <FIG>, each part <NUM>, <NUM> of the core <NUM> comprises a central rib 31a, 31c and two lateral half-ribs suitable for cooperating with the two lateral half-ribs provided on the other part <NUM>, <NUM> so as to form two lateral ribs 31b, 31d that pinch the free fibres <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the arms of the hairpin <NUM> of the support <NUM>, before twisting, are threaded respectively between two adjacent ribs symmetrically with respect to one another.

By way of indication, in order to mould the second application elements on the core, use can be made of any synthetic material which is or is not relatively rigid, for example SEES, 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.

By virtue of the invention, an applicator of simple and economic design that is easy to assemble is provided, with an alternation of free fibres or bristles and spikes.

Claim 1:
Applicator member (<NUM>, <NUM>) for applying a product to keratin fibres, notably to eyelashes, comprising:
- a core (<NUM>, <NUM>) made of polymer material and extending along a longitudinal axis (X2-X2'),
- first application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) that project from the core (<NUM>, <NUM>) and are integral with said core (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
- second application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) that project from the core (<NUM>, <NUM>) and are separate from the first application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the core (<NUM>, <NUM>) bears the first application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein said first and second application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) are arranged in at least two helical coils disposed alternately along the longitudinal axis (X2-X2') of the core (<NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein said applicator comprises a support (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising at least two arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) that are twisted at least one partially together, the core (<NUM>, <NUM>) bearing the first and second application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) being retained between said arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) and turning through more than one revolution on itself about its longitudinal axis (X2-X2') under the twisting effect brought about by the arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the support (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the first application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) are spikes and the second application elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) are free fibres or bristles.