Patent ID: 12220042

FIG.1shows a cosmetic product applicator1in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This applicator1includes a gripping element2that the user grasps with his/her hand when he/she wishes to apply the cosmetic product.

The applicator extends according to a general direction of extension, around a main axis A. The general direction of extension of the applicator is so-called longitudinal.

The applicator1includes an application endpiece3. The application endpiece3corresponds to the portion of the applicator intended to be loaded with the cosmetic product and to be brought into contact with the skin in order to transfer the cosmetic product therein.

In the exemplary embodiment shown herein, the application endpiece3is mounted at the end of a stick4which extends over the main axis A and links the gripping element2to the application endpiece3.

According to the present invention, the application endpiece3is mounted free in rotation, about the axis A, relative to the gripping element2. In the illustrated configuration, at least two solutions could thus be implemented: either the endpiece of rotatably mounted relative to the stick4, which could then be fixed with respect to the gripping element2, or the application endpiece3and the stick4are fixed relative to each other (for example made in one-piece) and the stick4is rotatably mounted relative to the gripping element. An embodiment according to this second possibility is described as example in more details with reference toFIG.5.

FIG.2shows the application endpiece3of the applicator1ofFIG.1in more details.

The application endpiece3is formed around the main axis A, and has an axisymmetric general shape. More particularly, the application endpiece includes branches31which spiral around the main axis A, and thus define a cavity32internal to the application endpiece. The cavity32has an axisymmetric shape around the main axis A.

Thus, the application endpiece3may generally be considered as a hollow endpiece.

Each branch31turns, while spiralling around the main axis A; by an angle comprised between 90° and 720°, preferably in the range of 180°. Thus, each branch forms, between its ends, between one quarter-turn and two turns around the main axis of the applicator.

Thus, for example, each branch may form a helix portion around the main axis A.

Advantageously, the application endpiece3includes at least three branches31. Thus, the application endpiece may include exactly three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten branches.

The branches31may be formed of various materials. They may be metallic, for example made of stainless steel. They may be made of ceramic. They may be made of a plastic material. They may be made of wood, or another suitable natural material.

Advantageously, the surface of the branches is devoid of protuberances. By protuberance, it should be understood an element significantly projecting from the surface of the branches. Thus, the branches advantageously have no teeth or hairs. Yet, this does not exclude the presence of an undulation or of local deformations allowing improving the massage effect during the application of the cosmetic product. Furthermore, this does not exclude the presence of a slightly protruding (or recessed) texture at the surface of the branches, to improve the retention of the cosmetic product by the application endpiece3and/or improve adhesion on the skin during the application of the cosmetic product. This texture may be generated directly in the matter forming the branches (by machining, or obtained directly during the manufacture of the applicator) or by application of a coating over the branches.

Moreover, the branches31may be covered with a coating, for example a metallic coating which improves the appearance of the application endpiece and, where appropriate, the freshness feel upon application. Coating by vapour phase deposition may be carried out.

Alternatively, the branches may be covered with an elastomeric material coating. This includes any polymer having elastic properties, in particular organic polymers, such as rubbers, and mineral polymers such as silicones. This coating may be overmoulded over the branches31. An elastomeric coating has a soft and flexible touch and improves adhesion on the skin.

A coating by flocking is also possible, in particular to obtain a “velvet” effect.

Preferably, the branches have a rounded section. Thus, the cross-section of the branches31may be circular, oval, or else square or triangular with rounded angles.

In the embodiment that is shown, the application endpiece3(and the corresponding cavity32) has a so-called “bud”-like axisymmetric shape. A bud-like shape refers to an elongate axisymmetric shape flaring progressively and terminating in a rounded tip33.

Nevertheless, in the context of the present invention, any axisymmetric shape may be considered for the application endpiece.

In particular, a pear-like shape, a rugby ball like oval shape, or a cylindrical shape may be considered. Moreover, the main body may progressively narrow, so as to feature, for example, an ogive-like shape.

Advantageously, the branches31are evenly distributed radially around the main axis A. This could be described as a radially symmetrical distribution. In other words, over the entire cross-section of the application endpiece, each branch is at the same distance from the two branches that surround it (or are diametrically opposite if there are only two branches).

In an applicator in accordance with the present invention, the cavity32forms a volume adapted to receive a cosmetic product and retain it. Thus, the cavity32forms a cosmetic product reserve, which will be released, through the spaces present between the branches31, during the application of the cosmetic product.

Thus, the volume of the cavity can be adapted to the cosmetic product volume desired for application over a defined area of the body. For example, it could be interesting to ensure that the application endpiece is loaded with a suitable (sufficient by not excessive) amount of cosmetic product for application over the surface to be treated. For example, the applicator may be adapted to enable application over the surface of the bottom of an eye, or possibly over the surface of the bottom of both eyes (in the case where the product could, without limitation, be a cream or a serum against dark circles). The applicator may be adapted to application over the surface of a cheek or of both cheeks. The applicator may be adapted to enable the application of a product over the entirety of the surface of the face, and/or of the neck.

Of course, the examples hereinabove are not restrictive, and the applicator may be adapted to any particular surface of the skin.

The shape and the dimensions of the application endpiece3may be adapted accordingly.

While the cavity of the application endpiece ofFIG.2is devoid of any inner element, the cavity32of the application endpiece ofFIG.3includes a central element, namely an elongate central element34, extending over the main axis A.

The elongate central element34is herein cylindrical, but any other suitable shape may be used.

The elongate central element34links a proximal endpiece35of the application endpiece3which enables connection thereof to the stick4at the tip33of the application endpiece.

The elongate central element34may be formed of the same material as the branches31. In particular, it may be made in one-piece with the branches31.

The elongate central element34may have several functions. It may allow adapting the volume of the cavity32, independently of the external shape of the application endpiece3.

It could allow rigidifying the application endpiece, while keeping the distance between the proximal endpiece35and the tip33, and possibly their relative position, constant.

FIG.4shows another example of an endpiece wherein the cavity32of the application endpiece ofFIG.3includes a central element in the form of a bulb36. The bulb36is linked to the proximal endpiece35of the application endpiece3, yet without lining it to the tip33. Thus, the bulb36allows modulating the volume available for receiving the product in the applicator, yet without affecting the ability to deform during application, and more generally the mechanical properties that the applicator would have in the absence of thus bulb36.

FIG.5shows, according to a sectional schematic view, a set including a bottle5and the applicator1ofFIG.1. The gripping element2also forms herein a cap adapted to be screwed onto the cosmetic product bottle5that an adapted neck51includes. To this end, the cap may be provided with a tapping. According to other embodiments, the cap could be adapted to be affixed on the bottle by clipping.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.5, the application endpiece3is rigidly fastened to the stick4. The stick4is hollow, and mounted free in rotation over a rigid and longitudinal core6, which is rigidly fastened to the gripping element2.

However, the stick4is fixed in translation along the core6.

The bottle5forms an inner volume containing a liquid, viscous or pasty, for example semi-liquid, cosmetic product.

When the applicator1is affixed on the bottle5(the gripping element2forming a suitable cap), the application endpiece3is in contact with the cosmetic product. For example, the application endpiece3is immersed in the cosmetic product. Thus, the application endpiece3is loaded with the cosmetic product, at its surface and in the cavity32.

The bottle5includes a wiper7. The wiper7is a flexible device located proximate to the neck51of the bottle5or in the latter. The wiper7provides for a passage calibrated for the insertion and removal of the application endpiece3. The wiper7allows pulling off the excess cosmetic product at the surface of the application endpiece3upon removal from the bottle5. Thus, a perfect compliance with the cosmetic product dose defined essentially by the volume of the cavity32. Thus, an accurate, even and optimum predetermined cosmetic product amount for application over a given area of the body of the user, is contained in and over the application endpiece3.

The wiper7may be of the so-called “folding” type. Such a wiper7has a frustoconical shape and tends to fold upon passage of the application endpiece3.

The cosmetic product applicator, including the care product proposed in the invention, including a rotatably-mounted hollow application endpiece with spiraling branches, enables an even application, in an even film, of an accurate amount of product throughout the rotation of the application endpiece over the skin of the user. The branches of the application endpiece accompany the application movement, which causes the rotation of the endpiece by rolling over the application surface (typically the skin), and allows for an even adhesion, without jerkin, over the skin of the user. They also promote the massage effect during application of the product.