FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition onto a receiving surface, such as the skin, and to a packaging including such a cosmetic composition.

STATE OF THE ART

There are currently two known techniques for applying a cosmetic composition on a receiving surface of the body (such as the skin).

A first technique consists in depositing the cosmetic composition on the receiving surface by rubbing the surface with an applicator or with the hand. This first technique has the effect of stretching the cosmetic composition on the surface thereby providing a transparent effect.

This first technique is commonly used, as it allows applying the cosmetic composition easily and rapidly. However, this technique has several drawbacks. In particular, it does not allow providing a sufficient covering effect, and can result in visible streaks left by the fingers Moreover, it can cause local accumulation of cosmetic composition due to surface irregularities, in particular at wrinkles. Therefore, it does not allow providing an even result.

A second techn iq ue consists i n depositi ng the cosm etic composition by dabbing the receiving surface with an applicator (such as for instance a sponge).

This second technique generally allows applying a thicker layer of cosmetic composition thereby providing a better covering effect. Moreover, this second technique is more precise and can be performed without leaving streaks or other unsightly visual marks.

However, it requires a certain skills and takes time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aim of the invention is to provide a new applicator, which allows to produce an effect similar to dabbing, but which can be used easily and rapidly.

This problem is solved according to the invention by a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic composition on a skin, comprising:

a flexible strip, and

a strip support for maintaining the flexible strip along a given strip path in which the flexible strip forms a plane strip segment, said plane strip segment being adapted to be brought into contact with the skin for applying the cosmetic composition, wherein the flexible strip and the support are arranged so that, when the support is moved along the skin, the flexible strip is caused to deform while shifted along the strip path, thereby shifting the plane strip segment which is in contact with the skin.

Thanks to the use of a flexible strip, such an applicator allows a uniform deposition of the cosmetic composition onto the skin. Such an appl icator provides a covering effect (s im i lar to dabbi ng) , wh i le necessitating a simple gesture (similar to rubbing).

Moreover, in such an applicator, the plane strip segment provides a large application surface in contact with the receiving surface. As a consequence, the pressure exerted on the applicator is evenly distributed on the receiving surface.

In addition, such an applicator allows depositing more cosmetic composition, in a single pass, than for instance a simple roller applicator.

Such an applicator is particularly suitable for being used with a wide variety of cosmetic compositions among which we can include pressed powder or make-up foundation.

According to particular embodiments of the invention, th e cosmetic applicator may have the following features :

- the flexible strip is an endless strip, - the strip support includes a flat surface in contact with the plane strip segment and along which the flexible strip can slide,

- the strip support comprises a frame and at least one roller which can rotate relative to the frame, the flexible strip resting on a surface of the rotating roller so that shifting of the flexible strip causes rotation of the roller relative to the frame,

- the roller has a cylindrical outer surface and relief elements protruding from the outer surface for gripping the flexible strip,

- the strip support comprises two rotating rollers having spaced parallel axes of rotation, the flexible strip extending around the rollers so as to define curved strip segments resting on outer surfaces of the rollers, the plane strip segment extending between the curved strip segments,

- the applicator comprises, in addition to the flexible strip, linking means provided between the rollers so that rotation of one roller causes simultaneous rotation of the other,

- the linking means comprise a clutch component engaging with both rollers,

- the strip support comprises a solid core having an outer surface along which the flexible strip can slide,

- the outer surface of the solid core comprises two cylindrical surface portions and two flat surface portions joining the two cylindrical surface portions,

- the solid core is made from a polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) or polyoxymethylene (POM) based material,

- the flexible strip comprises an inner base layer and an outer application layer,

- the flexible strip comprises an outer application layer which is covered by flock,

- the flexible strip comprises a single layer of material which is covered by flock,

- the flexible strip comprises a single layer made from a woven fabric, - the applicator comprises a handle for grasping the applicator,

- the handle is rotatably connected to the strip support, thereby allowing a user to modify the orientation of the handle relative to the support depending on a direction of movement of the support relative to the skin,

- the handle is movable between an extended position wherein the handle can be grasped for operating the applicator, and a folded position wherein the handle extends substantially in the plane of the support for facilitating storing of the applicator into a cosmetic packaging,

- the support comprises guiding means for laterally guiding the flexible strip along the strip path,

- the guiding means comprises lateral flanges arranged on both sides of the flexible strip for preventing the strip from laterally deviating from the strip path.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic packaging comprising: an applicator as defined previously, and

a cas i ng com pri s i ng a rece ptacl e conta i n i ng a cos m eti c composition.

According to particular embodiments of the invention, th e cosmetic packaging may have the following features :

- the receptacle has a first dimension l_i which is defined as

1

LA =— x l where / is the length of the flexible strip and n is a coefficient n

greater than 0,25,

- the receptacle has a first dimension l_i which is defined as

1

Li =— x / where / is the length of the flexible strip and n is a coefficient n

lower than 2,

- preferably n = 1 , thereby allowing cosmetic composition to be transferred on the entire length of the flexible strip by a single pass of the applicator over the cosmetic composition,

- the receptacle has a second dimension L ₂ which is substantially equal to an outer transverse dimension of the strip, - the applicator comprises a strip support which comprises a frame, and at least one roller which can rotate relative to the frame, and the receptacle has an inner depth which is substantially equal to the height of the rotation axis of the roller relative to a flat surface when the applicator is laid on said flat surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

- Figures 1 A to 1 C illustrate an applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 1 D to 1 H illustrate an applicator according to the first embodiment during use,

- Figures 2A to 2C illustrate an applicator according to a second embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 2D to 2H illustrate an applicator according to the second embodiment during use,

- Figures 3A to 3C illustrate an applicator according to a third embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 4A to 4C illustrate an applicator according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 5A to 5C illustrate an applicator according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 6A to 6C illustrate an applicator according to a sixth embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 7A to 7C illustrate an applicator according to a seventh embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 8A to 8C illustrate an applicator according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, - Figures 9A to 9C illustrate an applicator according to a ninth embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 10A to 10C illustrate an applicator according to a ninth embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 1 1 illustrates a table of total application surfaces (in millimeters) for various embodiments described in the disclosure.

DETAILLED DESCRIPTION

Given the above general description of various features of the disclosure, illustrative embodiments according to present disclosure will be described in further detail below. Such embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

In the following description of various example embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and systems in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, structures, example devices, systems, and the like may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

Aspects of the d isclosure relate to appl icators wh ich are configured to apply a substance (e. g. a cosmetic com position) to a receiving surface (e.g. skin) in an even or uniform manner (e.g. without portions of the substance being superposed) and over a relatively large area of the receiving surface in a manner that effectively uses the compact volume of the applicator. Further, applicators according to aspects of the disclosure may be relatively compact. According to aspects of the disclosure, em bodiments of the applicator may include rollers along which the strip is rotated.

For example, FIGS. 1 A to 1 C illustrate an embodiment of an applicator 100 according to aspects of the disclosure. The applicator 1 00 may comprise a flexible applicator strip 1 1 0 and a strip support 1 20 for maintaining the flexible applicator strip along a non-circular strip path.

The flexible applicator strip 1 10 is an endless strip, which means that the flexible strip is joined at the end or defines a closed loop. The flexible applicator strip 1 10 is adapted to be permeated with or retain a cosmetic composition on its outer surface. In particu lar, the flexible applicator strip 1 10 can comprise an inner layer 1 16 (or support layer) which is chosen for its resistance to longitudinal deformation and an outer layer 1 17 (or application layer) which is chosen for its ability to retain the cosmetic composition. The support layer 1 16 ca n be m ad e of a n elastom eric m aterial , rubber, si l icon or of a foam ed m aterial . The application layer 1 17 can be made from fabric, eventually flocked, such as cotton velvet.

Alternatively, the flexible strip 1 10 may comprise a single layer of a material which is covered by flock.

Alternatively, the flexible strip 1 10 can comprise a single layer made from woven fabric, such as terrycloth.

The strip support 120 comprises a rigid fram e 1 30 and two cylindrical rollers 140 and 150 which can rotate relative to the frame. The rollers 140, 150 include a front roller 140 and a rear roller 150, which are identical. In particular, they have identical diameters and length. They are mounted on the frame 130 in side-by-side arrangement such that their respective axes of rotation are parallel to each other and spaced from each other by a given distance.

The rigid frame 130 comprises a central portion 1 31 and two lateral flanges 132 and 133, arranged on both sides of the central portion 131 . The central portion 1 31 com prises two flat plates 1 34 and 1 35, includ ing a top plate 1 34 and a bottom plate 1 35, each plate being adapted to be in contact with the flexible strip to as to guide the flexible strip along the strip path.

Each roller 140, 150 is rotatably mounted between the two lateral flanges 1 31 , 1 32. The rollers 140, 1 50 are arranged on both sides of the central portion 131 , with their axes of rotation being parallel to each other. Each roller 140, 1 50 has a cylindrical outer surface 141 , 1 51 and relief elem ents 1 42, 1 52 (e. g. pins) protrud ing from the outer surface for gripping the flexible strip.

Alternatively, the rollers 140, 150 may have cylindrical outer surfaces 141 , 151 having sufficient roughness for avoiding sliding of the flexible strip 1 10 on the outer surfaces.

Each lateral flange 131 , 132 comprises a central pin 136, for rotatably connecting a handle to the frame (not shown on figures 1 A to 1 C), such that the handle is hinged to the frame 130 according to an axis of rotation which is parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers 140, 150. The handle may have an arcuate shape having two ends, each end being hinged to the frame 130 on a respective pin 136.

When mounted on the strip support 120, the flexible strip 1 10 extends around both rollers 140, 150 and rests on the outer surfaces 141 , 151 of the rollers, like a caterpillar track. More precisely, the flexible strip 1 10 extends along a non circular strip path, which is defined by the outer surface 141 , 142 of the rollers 140, 150 and the two flat plates 134, 135. In this configuration, the flexible strip 1 10 has four segments : a first flat strip segment 1 14 (segment which is moving forward relative to the frame 120 when the applicator is used) extending along the top plate 134, a second flat strip segment 1 15 (segment which is moving backward relative to the frame 120 when the applicator is used) extending in parallel to the first strip segment 1 14 and along the bottom plate 135, a third curved strip segment 1 1 1 (segment joining the two flat strip segments 1 14, 1 15 at their front ends) extending along the outer surface 141 of the first roller 140, and a fourth curved strip segment 1 12 (segment joining the two flat strip segments 1 14, 1 15 at their rear ends), extending along the outer surface 151 of the second roller 150.

In use, the applicator 100 is first brought into contact with a cosmetic composition, such that the outer surface of the flexible strip 1 10 is covered with cosmetic composition. Then, the applicator is brought into contact with the receiving surface (e.g. the skin), such that the flexible strip 1 10 is interposed between the rollers and the receiving surface. More precisely, the second flat strip segment 1 15 is brought into contact with the skin so as to deposit cosmetic product on the receiving surface. The support 1 10 is then moved along the receiving surface, which cause the flexible strip 1 10 to shift around the support 120, along the non-circular strip path. As the strip path is non circular, the flexible strip 1 10 is caused to deform while shifted along the strip path. In particular, the second flat strip segment 1 15 is caused to translate backward relative to the support 1 1 0, while the first flat strip segment is caused to translate rearward relative to the support in parallel to the first flat strip segment.

In the example disclosed on figures 1 A to 1 C, shifting of the flexible strip 1 10 is facilitated by the rollers 140, 150, which are driven in rotation relative to the frame 130 by the flexible strip 1 10.

During movement of the support 120, the second plane strip segment 1 15 in contact with the receiving surface is continuously shifted along the flexible strip, like a caterpillar track, thereby continuously and evenly depositing the cosmetic product on the receiving surface.

If necessary, the applicator 100 can be reciprocated along the receiving surface. The orientation of the handle relative to the frame can be modified in order to facilitate reciprocating of the applicator.

Moreover, the support 120 can be rotated relative to the handle, such that the flat strip segments 1 14 and 1 15 are inverted, the first flat strip segment 1 14 coming into contact with the receiving surface.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the applicator 100 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 34 mm and a height of approximately 14 mm. Further, the first and second rollers, 140 and 150 may have a diameter of approximately 8 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 100 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

The flexible applicator strip 1 10 may be configured to receive and hold a particular amount of a cosmetic composition to be applied. For example, as seen in FIG. 1 D, the applicator strip 1 10 may hold a first portion 1 , a second portion 2, a third portion 3 and a fourth portion 4 of the composition. The applicator surface of the strip 1 10 may equal H 0 + 20. Therefore, the application surface of the strip 1 10 may be considered the four portions. According to some aspects of the disclosures, the portions 2 and 4 are equivalent and equal to U 0/2 , whi le portions 1 and 3 are equivalent and equal to approximately 0. Hence, the total application surface of the strip may equal portion 1 + portion 2 + portion 3 + portion 4, which may equal (U+2) 0. Therefore, it is understood that the applicator 100 of the present disclosure may provide a large application surface regardless of the size or diameter of the rollers. Hence, the applicator 100 of the present disclosure may be configured to provide a faster application of the substance to the receiving surface as compared with a conventional roller applicator.

As seen in FIGS 1 D, the applicator 100 may be manipulated so that one or both of the rollers 140, 150 turn (e.g. , in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5A) allowing the applicator strip 1 10 to move around the rollers 140, 150 and apply the substance to a receiving surface. For example, as seen in FIG. 1 E, the appl icator strip 1 1 0 is rotated (via the rollers 140 and 150) to apply the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 of the substance to the receiving surface. Further, as seen in FIG. 1 F, the applicator strip 1 10 is rotated further to apply the third portion 3 of the substance to the receiving surface. Further, as seen in FIG. 1 G, the applicator strip 1 10 is rotated still further to apply the fourth portion 4 of the substance to the receiving surface.

Hence, as seen in FIG. 1 H, the applicator strip 1 10 may be moved around the rollers 140, 150 to apply the all portions of the substance to the receiving surface in an even manner. Therefore, the total application surface covered by the applicator 100 according to aspects of the disclosure is the total of the first portion 1 , the second portion 2, the third portion 3 and the fourth portion 4. Further, as seen in FIG. 1 H, as the strip is continuously applied against the receiving surface, no gaps are provided between the portions of substance appl ied to the receiving surface. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 1 H, no portions of the substance applied to the receiving surface are superposed. Hence, the applicator according to aspects of the present disclosure can provide a uniform and even coating or application of the substance to the receiving surface.

Figures 2A to 2C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 200 which also include rollers along which the strip is moved. The applicator 200 which is illustrated on figures 2A to 2C is sim ilar to the applicator 1 00 illustrated on figures 1 A to 1 C, except that the axes of rotation of the rollers 240, 250 are spaced form each other by a distance A.

As seen in FIG. 2A to 2C, an applicator 200 according to aspects of the disclosure may include two identical rollers, a first roller 240 and a second roller 250 having parallel axes of rotation which are spaced apart by the distance A. Further, an applicator 200 according to aspects of the disclosure may include an applicator strip 21 0. As seen in the depicted embodiment, according to aspects of the disclosure, the applicator strip 210 may extend around the rollers 240 and 250. Further, the applicator strip 21 0 may be configured to receive and hold a particular amount of a cosmetic composition to be applied.

As seen in F I G. 2 D , the applicator strip 21 0 may hold a first portion 1 , a second portion 2, a third portion 3 and a fourth portion 4 of the substance. For example, the applicator surface of the strip 210 may equal U 0 + 2 A. Therefore, the application surface of the strip 21 0 may be cons idered the fou r porti ons . Accord i ng to so m e aspects of the disclosures, the portions 2 and 4 are equivalent and equal to U 0/2, while portions 1 and 3 are equivalent and equal to approximately A. Hence, the total application surface of the strip 210 may equal portion 1 + portion 2 + portion 3 + portion 4, which may equal H 0 + 2A. Further, it is noted that if A is equal to the 2 0 (e.g. , the same length as the triple roller), the total application surface of the strip 1 1 0 may equal portion 1 + portion 2 + portion 3 + portion 4, which may equal +4) 0.

As seen in FIGS. 2D, the applicator 200 may be manipulated so that one or both of the rollers 240 and 250 turn simultaneously (e.g. , in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2D) allowing the flexible applicator strip to move 210 around the rollers and apply the substance to a receiving surface. For example, as seen in FIG. 2E, the applicator strip 210 is moved (via the rollers 240 and 250) to apply the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 of the composition onto the receiving surface. Further, as seen in FIG. 2F, the applicator strip 1 1 0 is rotated further to apply the third portion 3 of the substance to the receiving surface. Further, as seen in FIG. 2G, the applicator strip 21 0 is rotated still further to apply the fourth portion 4 of the substance to the receiving surface.

Hence, as seen in FIG. 2H, the appl icator strip 21 0 may be rotated to apply the all portions of the substance to the receiving surface in an even manner. Therefore, the total application surface covered by the applicator 200 during one pass according to aspects of the disclosure is the total of the first portion 1 , the second portion 2, the third portion 3 and the fourth portion 4. As discussed above, this total application surface may be greater than a conventional roller applicator, wherein the total application surface covered is, at best, the area of the outer surface of the roller. Further, as seen in FIG. 2H, the applicator 200 according to aspects of the d isclosure may be configured such that no gaps are provided between the portions of composition applied to the receiving surface. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 2H, no portions of the composition applied to the receiving surface are superposed. Hence, the applicator of the present disclosure provides a uniform and even coating or application of the composition to the receiving surface. The distance A that separates the axes of rotation of the first roller 240 and the axis of rotation of the second roller 250 may be varied as desired. For example, as seen in FIG. 2D, the distance A that separates the first roller 240 and the second roller 250 may be greater than the diameter of each of the rollers 240 and 250. The distance A may be twice the diameter of one of the rollers 240 and 250. Therefore, it is understood that the applicator 200 of the present disclosure may provide a large application surface regardless of the size or diameter of the rollers 240 and 250 and despite a small spacing A between the rollers. Hence, the applicator 200 of the present disclosure may be configured to provide a faster application of the composition to the receiving surface as compared with a conventional roller applicator. In particular, more surface area can be covered in one pass.

The applicator 200 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 44 mm and a height of approximately 16 mm. Further, the first and second rollers 240, 250 may have a diameter of approximately 10 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 200 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 300 which also include rollers 340 and 350 along which a flexible strip 310 is moved. The applicator 300 which is illustrated on figures 3A to 3C is similar to the applicator 100 illustrated on figures 1 A to 1 C, except that it comprises rollers 340, 350 having a bigger diameter.

The applicator 300 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 32 m m and a height of approximately 1 8 mm . Further, the first and second rollers 340, 350 may have a diameter of approximately 12 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 300 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

As seen in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the applicator 300 includes a flexible applicator strip 310 and a strip support 320 for holding the flexible applicator strip 310. The strip support 320 comprises a rigid frame 320, a first roller 340 and a second roller 350. The rigid frame 320 may hold the first and second rollers 340 and 350 while allowing them to rotate relative to the frame 320.

FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 400 which also include rollers 440, 450 along which a flexible strip 410 is moved. The applicator 400 which is illustrated on FIGS. 4A to 4C is similar to the appl icator 1 00 i l lustrated on F I GS . 1 A to 1 C , except that it comprises a handle 460 for grasping the applicator.

The handle 460 may have an arcuate shape having two ends 461 , 462, each end being hinged to the frame 430 on a respective pin 436. The handle 460 can rotate relative to the frame 430 according to an axis of rotation which is parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers 440 and 450.

As the handle 460 is rotatably connected to the strip support 420, a user can modify the orientation of the handle 460 relative to the support 420 depending on a direction of movement of the support 420 relative to the receiving surface.

Moreover, the handle 460 is movable between an extended position (not shown) wherein the handle 460 can be grasped for operating the applicator, and a folded position (as illustrated on FIG. 4B) wherein the handle 460 extends substantial ly in the plane of the support 420 for facilitating storing of the applicator 400 into a cosmetic packaging.

The applicator 400 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 29 mm and a height of approximately 14 mm. Further, the first and second rollers 440, 450 may have a diameter of approximately 8 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 400 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 500 which also include rollers 540, 550 along which a flexible strip 51 0 is moved. The applicator 500 which is illustrated on FIGS. 5A to 5C is similar to the appl icator 400 i l lustrated on F I GS . 4A to 4C , except that the components have different dimensions. In particular, the rollers 540 and 550 have a smaller diameter than the rollers 440 and 440, so as to provide a more flat applicator 500 which can be easi ly stored in a cosmetic packaging.

The applicator 500 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 30 mm and a height of approximately 10 mm. Further, the first and second rollers 540, 550 may have a diameter of approximately 5 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 500 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 600 which also include rollers 640, 650 along which a flexible strip 61 0 is moved. The applicator 600 which is illustrated on FIGS. 6A to 6C is similar to the applicator 100 illustrated on FIGS. 1 A to 1 C, except that the components have different dimensions and that it comprises, in addition to a flexible strip 610, a linking means 670 provided between the rollers 640 and 650, so that rotation of one roller 640 or 650 causes simultaneous rotation of the other roller relative to the frame 630.

As seen in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the applicator 600 includes a flexible appl icator strip 61 0 and a strip support 620. The strip support 620 com prises a frame 630, a first roller 640 and a second roller 650. The frame 630 may hold the first and second rollers 620, 630 while allowing them to rotate relative to the frame 630.

As shown on FIG. 6C, the linking means 670 may comprise an interm ediate com ponent 671 , such as a clutch com ponent, wh ich is arranged so as to engage with both rollers 640 and 650 simultaneously. Each roller 640, 650 has an outer cylindrical surface 641 , 651 comprising a toothed surface portion 643, 653. The clutch component 671 comprises a toothed wheel 672 which is rotatably mounted on the frame 630, between the two rollers 640, 650, such that the teeth of the toothed wheel 672 engage with the teeth of each of the toothed surface portions 643, 653 of the rollers 640, 650, thus providing a mechanical link between the rollers. With such a linking means 670, the applicator 600 is configured to force one of the rollers 640, 650 to rotate together with the other roller when that roller is rotated. According to aspects of the disclosure, the applicator 600 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 41 mm and a height of approximately 21 mm. Further, the first and second rollers, 640, 650 may have a diameter of approximately 12 mm . However, the dimensions of the applicator 600 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 700 which also include rollers 740, 750 along wh ich a flexible strip 71 0 is moved. The applicator 700 which is illustrated on FIGS. 7A to 7C is similar to the appl icator 1 00 i l lustrated on F I GS . 1 A to 1 C , except that the components have different dimensions and that the frame 730 does not comprise any flat plate.

Instead, the frame 730 comprises a spacer 737 for maintaining the lateral flanges 732, 733 at a fixed distance from each other. I n particular, the spacer 737 can com prise a rig id bar 737 extend ing transversally between the lateral flanges 732, 733 and connecting the lateral flanges 732, 733 rigidly together.

As the frame does not have any flat plate or surface, flexible strip

71 0 is free to deform so as to mate with reliefs of the receiving surface. Such an applicator can be suitable for applying a cosmetic composition onto a receiving surface having a com plex shape, such as a face for instance.

Moreover, with such an applicator, friction between the flexible applicator strip 710 and the support 720 is further reduced, thereby facilitating movement of the flexible strip 710 relative to the support 720.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the applicator 700 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 34 mm and a height of approximately 14 mm. Further, the first and second rollers, 740 and 750 may have a diameter of approximately 8 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 700 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired. FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 800 which also include a flexible strip 81 0 which is movable relative to a support 820. The applicator 800 which is illustrated on FIGS. 8A to 8C is similar to the applicator 1 00 illustrated on FIGS. 1 A to 1 C, except that the support 820 may not include rollers around which the flexible strip is moved.

Instead, the strip support 820 may comprise a core 830 over which the applicator strip 810 slides.

As can be seen on FIGS. 8A to 8C, the core 870 may comprise a single solid piece of material having a generally flat shape.

Alternatively, the core 870 m ay be obtai ned by assem bl ing several pieces of material.

The core 870 has an outer surface 873 including two cylindrical surface portions 871 , 872 and two flat surface portions 874, 875 continuously joining the two cylindrical surface portions 871 , 872.

The core 870 is preferably made of a material which shows low adhesion with the material of the flexible strip 810. For instance, the core 870 may be made of a material which has lubricous properties or shows a low friction coefficient, such as polyam ide (PA), polyethylene (PE) or polyoxymethylene (POM) based material.

Moreover, the core 870 may also comprises two lateral flanges 831 , 832, which are similar to the lateral flanges 131 , 132 of the embodiment of FIGS 1 A to 1 C.

When mounted on the support 820, the flexible strip 810 extends around the core 870 and rests on the outer surface 873 of the core. In particular, the inner surface of the flexible strip 810 rests on the cylindrical surface portions 871 and 872 and eventually on the flat surface portions 874, 875. The flexible strip 810 extends along a non circular strip path, which is defined by the outer surface 873 of the rigid core 870.

In this configuration, the flexible strip 810 has four segments (as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 A to 1 C) : a first flat strip segment 814 (segment which is moving forward relative to the frame 820 when the applicator is used) extending along the top flat surface portion 874 of the core 870, a second flat strip segment 815 (segment which is moving backward relative to the frame 820 when the applicator is used), extending in parallel to the first flat strip segment 814 and along the bottom flat surface portion 875 of the core 870, a third curved strip segment 81 1 (segment joining the two flat segments 814 and 815 at their front ends), extending along the front cylindrical surface portion 871 of the core 870, and a fourth curved strip segment 812 (segment joining the two flat segments 814 and 815 at their rear ends), extending along the rear cylindrical surface portion 872 of the core 870.

In use, the applicator 800 is first brought into contact with a cosmetic composition, such that the outer surface of the flexible strip 810 is covered with cosmetic composition. Then, the applicator 800 is brought into contact with the receiving surface (e.g. the skin), such that the flexible strip 810 is interposed between the rigid core 870 and the receiving surface. More precisely, the second flat strip segment 815 is brought into contact with the skin so as to deposit cosmetic composition onto the receiving surface. The support 820 is then moved along the receiving surface, which causes the flexible strip 810 to shift along the non-circular strip path. As the strip path is non-circular, the flexible strip 810 is caused to deform while shifted along the strip path. In particular, the second flat strip segment 815 is caused to translate backward in parallel to the first flat strip segment 814. During this movement, the flexible strip slides on the outer surface 873 of the rigid core 870. Sliding of the flexible strip 810 is facilitated by the low adhesion of the inner surface of the flexible strip 810 on the outer surface 873 of the core 870.

During movement of the support 820, the second plane strip segment 815 in contact with the receiving surface is continuously shifted along the flexible strip, like a caterpillar track, thereby continuously and evenly depositing the cosmetic composition on the receiving surface.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the applicator 800 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 34 mm and a height of approximately 14 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 800 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator 900 which also include a flexible strip 910 which is movable relative to a support 920. The applicator 900 which is illustrated on FIGS. 9A to 9C is similar to the applicator 800 illustrated on FIGS. 8A to 8C, except that the support 920 comprises a core 970 having inner recesses so as to make the applicator lighter. Such a core 970 can be made by injection molding.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the applicator 900 may have a width of approximately 33 mm, a length of approximately 44 mm and a height of approximately 16 mm. However, the dimensions of the applicator 900 (and portions thereof) may be varied as desired.

FIGS. 10A to 10C illustrate another embodiment of an applicator

1000.

In this embodiment, the applicator 1000 comprises a flexible applicator strip 1010 and a strip support 1020 for maintaining the flexible applicator strip along a non-circular strip path.

The strip support 1020 comprises a rigid frame 1030 and two cylindrical rollers 1040 and 1050 which can rotate relative to the frame. The rollers 1040, 1050 are identical. In particular, they have identical diameters and length. They are mounted on the frame 1030 in side-by- side arrangement such that their respective axes of rotation are parallel to each other and spaced from each other by a given distance.

In this embodiment, the rigid frame 1030 is shaped as a cover for housing the rollers 1040, 1050. The rigid frame 1030 comprises a central portion 1031 , extending above the rollers 1040 and 1050, and two lateral flanges 1032 and 1033, arranged on both sides of the central portion 1031 . Each roller 1040, 1050 is rotatably mounted between the two lateral flanges 1031 , 1032.

As shown on the figures, the lateral flanges 1 032 and 1033 only extends on a top part of the applicator 1000 and only partially cover the lateral faces of the rollers 1040 and 1050. Each lateral flange 1031 , 1032 comprises a pin 1036, for rotatably connecting a handle 1060 to the frame1030, such that the handle is hinged to the frame 1030 according to an axis of rotation which is parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers 1040, 1050.

In this embodiment, the pins 1036 are located above the axes of rotation of the rollers 1040, 1050.

Such an applicator 1000 can be used in the same way as the applicator 100 illustrated on FIGS. 1A to 1 C.

However, the applicator 1000 has the advantage that, due to the particular shape of its frame 1 030 and to the positioning of the handle 1060, it can penetrate deeply in a receptacle 1080 containing the cosmetic composition.

The receptacle 1080 has a first dimension l_i (or length), a second dimension L ₂ (or width) and a third dimension L ₃ (or depth).

he first dimension l_i may defined by :

where n can be greater than 0,25 thereby providing a compact receptacle,

and where n can be lower than 2 such that the dimension l_i is sufficient for allowing the applicator to be moved over the cosmetic composition.

Preferably n = 1 , thereby allowing cosmetic composition to be transferred on the entire length of the flexible strip by a single pass of the applicator over the cosmetic composition.

This feature allows cosmetic composition to be transferred on the entire length of the flexible strip 1010 by a number n of passes of the applicator over the cosmetic composition.

The second dimension L ₂ may be substantially equal to an outer transverse dimension of the strip 1010, thereby ensuring that the cosmetic composition is taken by the applicator in substantially the entire width of the receptacle. Moreover, as can be seen on FIGS. 10A to 10 C, the inner depth l_3 of the receptacle is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height of the rotation axis of the rollers 1040 and 1050 relative to a flat surface when the applicator is laid on said flat surface.

This feature al lows the applicator to be in contact with the cosmetic composition contained into the receptacle, despite a decrease in the quantity of cosmetic composition during time.

Figure 1 1 illustrates a table of total application surfaces (in millimeters) for various embodiments described in the disclosure.