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Title:
AN APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC, MAKEUP, OR CARE PRODUCT COMPOSITION TO THE EYELASHES OR THE EYEBROWS.
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/161584
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including a molded applicator member (8) comprising: • a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X); and • at least three rows of teeth (18) that are carried by the core over at least a major fraction of the length of the core, all of the teeth of the applicator extending from a first side of the core, over a first portion of the core having an angular extent around the longitudinal axis (X) of the core that is less than or equal to 180°; teeth having free ends that protrude either side of the core when the core is observed along a direction that is perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, from a second side of the core opposite from the first side.

Inventors:
GUERET JEAN-LOUIS (FR)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2011/052574
Publication Date:
December 29, 2011
Filing Date:
June 14, 2011
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
OREAL (FR)
GUERET JEAN-LOUIS (FR)
International Classes:
A45D34/04; A45D40/26
Domestic Patent References:
WO2010007588A22010-01-21
WO2010007588A22010-01-21
WO2007146212A12007-12-21
WO2006090343A12006-08-31
Foreign References:
EP1649777A22006-04-26
EP1498046A12005-01-19
US4964429A1990-10-23
US5086793A1992-02-11
CH311149A1955-11-30
US4422986A1983-12-27
EP1070465A22001-01-24
EP1611817A12006-01-04
EP1932444A12008-06-18
EP1498046A12005-01-19
US20060002758A12006-01-05
US20050028834A12005-02-10
US20050175394A12005-08-11
US20040258453A12004-12-23
US6375374B22002-04-23
US6328495B12001-12-11
US7455468B22008-11-25
EP1917883A22008-05-07
EP1836924A12007-09-26
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
TANTY, François (3 rue de Penthièvre, Paris, FR)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including a molded applicator member (8) comprising:

a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X) ; and

at least three rows of teeth (18) that are carried by the core over at least a major fraction of the length (Lmax) of the core, all of the teeth of the applicator extending from a first side of the core, over a first portion (90) of the core having an angular extent (γ) around the longitudinal axis (X) of the core that is less than or equal to 180°; teeth having free ends that protrude from either side of the core when the core is observed along a direction (F) that is perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, from a second side of the core opposite from the first side. 2. An applicator according to claim 1, said teeth (18) having free ends that, when the core (10) is observed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis (X) along the direction (F) , protrude by distances (£i, £2) of more than 0.5 mm, or even of more than 0.6 mm, better of more than 0.7 mm, or even of more than 1.5 mm.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein at least the free ends of the teeth of the first and the last row, as encountered around the longitudinal axis of the core, protrude from the core.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein, on moving perpendicularly to the direction of observation (F) , at least one row of teeth is crossed, or even at least two rows.

5. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein, on moving parallel to the direction of observation (F) , at least one row of teeth is crossed.

An applicator according to the two preceding claims, wherein the same row of teeth is crossed on moving perpendicularly to the direction of observation (F) and on moving parallel to the same direction of observation (F) .

An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion (90) of the core from which all of the teeth of the applicator extend is of angular extent (γ) that is less than 150°.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein all of the long directions of the teeth diverge when the applicator member is observed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of at least one tooth, measured from the core, lies in the range 1.5 mm to 8 mm. 10. An applicator according to any preceding claim, the core (10) having a cross-section of shape that is not circular .

11. An applicator according to any preceding claim, the core being solid, preferably being molded integrally with a fastener endpiece for fastening to a stem of the applicator.

12. An applicator according to any preceding claim, including a stem (7) carrying, at a first end, the applicator member (8), and being fastened, at a second end, and in a specific orientation, to a handle, preferably by fastener means including keying means (7a) .

13. An applicator according the preceding claim, wherein the handle includes a marker (20) for informing about the orientation of the applicator member relative to the handle.

14. An applicator according to any preceding claim, the applicator including 75 to 500 teeth.

15. An applicator according to any preceding claim, the number of teeth within a row of teeth lying in the range 10 to 50.

16. A packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the device comprising a container containing the composition, an applicator according to any preceding claim, and a wiper member for wiping the applicator member .

17. A method of applying makeup to the eyelashes or the eyebrows by means of an applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein an orientation of the applicator relative to the eyelashes or the eyebrows is selected in such a manner as to bring the eyelashes or the eyebrows into contact with the applicator perpendicularly to the direction (F) , or parallel to the direction (F) , or into contact with the ends (201) of the teeth that protrude from either side of the core, or even into contact with the core (10) .

Description:
AN APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC, MAKEUP, OR CARE PRODUCT COMPOSITION TO THE EYELASHES OR THE EYEBROWS

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup, or care-product composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, e.g. mascara or a care product. The invention also relates to devices comprising a container, possibly provided with a wiper member, and the above-mentioned applicator. More particularly, the applicator includes a molded applicator member, with a core extending along a longitudinal axis and teeth that are carried by the core.

Patent CH 311149 relates to a method of manufacturing a hair brush including teeth that extend in a half-plane from a semi-circular core for snap-fastening on a handle.

US patent No. 4 422 986 relates to a comb for applying mascara, the comb including teeth that extend all around the core. The same applies for international application WO 2010/007588.

In application WO 2007/146212, the teeth extend over more than 180° around the core.

In applications EP 1 070 465, EP 1 611 817, and EP 1 932 444, the teeth protrude from the core little, if at all, when said core is observed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Finally, application EP 1 498 046 relates to an applicator for applying a hair coloring composition, the applicator including teeth that extend in substantially rectilinear manner from a support, and teeth that form an angle from the support, so as to make unmolding easier.

There exists a need to enable the user to apply makeup in such a manner as to enable the eyelashes to be well coated and to be separated properly, while ensuring the makeup is applied in gentle and easy manner.

There also exists a need to benefit from an applicator that makes it possible to produce novel makeup effects on the eyelashes or the eyebrows that are pre- coated with composition or not, to obtain good penetration of the applicator member in the eyelashes or the eyebrows, e.g. so as to comb them, coat them, extend them, and separate them better, and to do so while enabling a satisfactory quantity of composition to be loaded onto the applicator, and requiring the use of hand movements that are easy to perform.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup, or care- product composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including a molded applicator member comprising :

a core that extends along a longitudinal axis; and

at least three longitudinal rows of teeth that are carried by the core over at least a major fraction of the length of the core, better over three fourths of its length, better still over all of its length, measured between the bases of the teeth that are spaced furthest apart along the longitudinal axis of the core, all of the teeth of the applicator extending from a first side of the core, over a first portion of the core having an angular extent around the longitudinal axis of the core that is less than or equal to 180°, or strictly less than 180°;

teeth having free ends that protrude from either side of the core when the core is observed along a direction (F) that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, from a second side of the core opposite from the first side.

Such a disposition of the teeth is referred to as a

"hand broom" .

The observer faces the second side when the applicator member is observed along the direction of observation. The first side is the side situated remote from the observer. When the longitudinal axis of the core is rectilinear, the first and second sides may be situated in respective half-planes, on either side of a separator plane containing the longitudinal axis of the core and perpendicular to the direction of observation.

The direction of observation F is not necessarily unique. It is selected arbitrarily in such a manner as to enable the free ends of the teeth that protrude from either side of the core to be observed. The direction of observation F may form part of a mid-plane for the applicator member, containing the longitudinal axis of the core, and may be perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

The applicator of the invention makes it easier to perform the wiping movement used to apply makeup, while providing good quality of application, providing both separation of the eyelashes and satisfactory coating with composition. Furthermore, the applicator makes it possible to curl the eyelashes well.

The applicator of the invention is particularly adapted to eyelashes or eyebrows that are relatively short, in particular of Asiatic type. The shape of the applicator member makes it easy to access closer to the eyelid. Finally, its greater combing area makes it easier to use.

The eyelashes or the eyebrows may pass through a plurality of rows of teeth, on the first side of the core. A first type of makeup effect may thus be obtained .

With the applicator of the invention, it is also possible to obtain a second type of makeup effect by orientating the applicator substantially at 90° relative to the preceding orientation, relative to the eyelashes, in such a manner that the eyelashes or the eyebrows penetrate through a smaller number of rows of teeth that protrude from the core, e.g. a single row of teeth, constituted by an end row.

The user may select the type of application desired by orientating the applicator appropriately relative to the keratinous fibers. The applicator may be used in the above-mentioned first or second relative orientations during a makeup session, or in both orientations, e.g. in succession .

On its second side, the core includes a second portion that has no teeth, that extends longitudinally, and that may present a convex surface, which portion is referred to herein as the "toothless" portion. The convex shape of the surface of the core in its toothless portion makes it possible for the eyelashes or the eyebrows to enter more easily into contact with the core during application, if so desired.

At least the free ends of the teeth of the first row and of the last row, as encountered around the longitudinal axis of the core, may protrude from the core, when the applicator member is observed along the direction of observation (F) .

When the second side core of the core is observed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, the teeth may protrude from either side of the core, by more than at least 0.5 millimeters (mm), or even by more than 0.6 mm, or even by more than 0.7 mm, better by more than 1 mm, or even by more than 1.5 mm. The teeth may protrude by less than 5 mm, or even by less than 4 mm.

The teeth may protrude by equal lengths on either side of the core, or by different lengths. By way of example, the teeth may protrude by a length that is greater on one side than on the other, e.g. because one of the end rows includes teeth of length that is greater than the other end row.

In the observation conditions defined above, the number of rows of teeth that may protrude from a side of the core may lie in the range one to four rows.

The shape of the core may be such that it may or may not mask teeth of the end rows.

On moving at a distance from the core, perpendicularly to the direction of observation, at least one row of teeth may be crossed, or even at least two rows, better at least three, or even at least four rows. The greatest number of rows may be intercepted on moving in this way.

On moving at a distance from the core, parallel to the direction of observation, at least one row of teeth may be crossed, or even two rows.

On moving perpendicularly to the direction of observation F, one row of teeth may be crossed, and the same row may be crossed once again on moving parallel to the same direction of observation F.

The applicator member may define a mid-plane that divides both the core portion carrying the teeth and the core portion that does not carry teeth into two fractions that are equal or substantially equal. By way of example, the mid-plane may or may not be a plane of symmetry for the core, or even for the applicator member. The mid-plane may contain the longitudinal axis of the core .

The direction of observation of the applicator member making it possible to observe the teeth protruding from the core on either side of said core may form part of the mid-plane, the direction of observation being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. Teeth of the applicator member may extend on either side of the mid-plane. All of the teeth of the applicator member may be situated on the same side of a front/rear separator plane that is perpendicular to the mid-plane and that contains the longitudinal axis of the core. The direction of observation may be perpendicular to the separator plane. The term "front" means facing the observer, and the term "rear" means facing away from the observer .

The eyelashes may be passed through at least three rows of teeth on moving the applicator perpendicularly to the eyelashes and to the mid-plane.

The long axis of at least one tooth, or even of a majority of the teeth of the applicator may present an angle relative to the mid-plane that is greater than 20°, or even greater than 30°.

When the core is observed along its longitudinal axis, the angle measured between the long directions of the teeth of the two end rows may be less than 180°, or even less than 150° or less than 120°, and greater than 30°, or even greater than 40°, or greater than 50°.

The portion of the core from which all of the teeth of the applicator extend may be of angular extent around the longitudinal axis of the core that is less than or equal to, or even strictly less than, 150° or 120°.

The teeth of an end row may be visible in full when the applicator is observed along the above-mentioned direction of observation (F) , i.e. all the way from their bases that are connected to the core to their free ends.

The teeth of an end row are visible only in part when the applicator is observed along said direction of observation (F) .

The term "longitudinal axis of the core" is used to designate the line that joins together the centers of gravity (barycenters) 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 presents a cross-section that is circular or that has the general shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved, and may be contained in a plane that 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.

In the meaning of the present invention, the term "portion of the core" is used to designate a portion of the surface of the core that extends around the longitudinal axis of the core. The portion of the core carrying all of the teeth of the applicator corresponds to an angular sector that is defined by the surface of the core including the bases of all of the teeth. The portion of the core that does not carry teeth corresponds to the angular sector that is defined by the complementary portion of the surface of the core, which portion has no teeth connected thereto.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the eyelashes may be coated with composition that is in contact with the core, in particular in contact with the toothless portion. The toothless portion makes it possible to improve access to the eyelashes. This portion may thus participate in active manner in applying composition to the eyelashes, thereby offering more freedom in the choice and the arrangement of the teeth of the toothed portion.

The term "tooth" is used to designate an element that projects individually for coming into engagement with the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the term being synonymous with "bristle" in the context of the present invention .

In exemplary embodiments, the core may carry an even number or an odd number of rows of teeth, e.g. at least four or six rows of teeth, or even more. The core may carry fewer than eight rows of teeth, or even fewer than six, or even fewer.

The teeth carried by the core may be disposed in at least two double rows of teeth. The term "double row of teeth" means two rows that are close together and parallel. In a similar terminology, rows may be triple or quadruple.

At least one tooth may extend from the core along a long axis of the tooth that is perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point where the tooth connects to the core. In a variant, the long axis may form an angle that is different from 90° relative to the surface of the core, at the point where the tooth connects to the core. All of the long directions of the teeth, taken in a cross-section, may diverge when the applicator member is observed along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The length of at least one tooth of the applicator, measured from the core, may lie in the range 1.5 mm to 8 mm, or even in the range 1.5 mm to 5 mm. The term "length of a tooth" is used to designate the distance measured along the long axis of the tooth between the free end of the tooth and its base via which it is connected to the core. The term "long axis of the tooth" is used to designate an axis that passes via the centers of gravity of the cross-sections of the tooth.

At least two rows of teeth that are consecutive around the longitudinal axis of the core may or may not have teeth of the same cross-section.

At least two rows of teeth that are consecutive around the longitudinal axis of the core may have teeth that are spaced evenly apart or spaced non evenly apart.

At least two rows of teeth that are consecutive around the longitudinal axis of the core may have respective longest teeth of lengths that are identical or different .

At least 50% of the teeth, e.g. of at least one row of the applicator member, e.g. at least 75%, e.g. substantially all of the teeth, may extend from the core in substantially radial manner.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the applicator member is molded within a mold that is formed by assembling together a plurality of shells. By way of example, the applicator member may be molded by assembling together six or eight shells, or twenty-four shells for example, the number of shells possibly being selected as a function of the number of rows to be made.

The core may be solid, being molded integrally with an endpiece for fastening to a stem of the applicator. The core may have a cross-section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, of shape that is not circular.

The core may present a cross-section that is circular or non-circular over the major fraction of its length. The core may or may not be of generally circularly-symmetrical shape. It need not be circularly cylindrical, and it may have no portions in relief other than the teeth. Over at least a fraction of its length, the core may present a cross-section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, of shape selected from the following list: circular or non- circular; semi-circular; flat; elliptical; oblong; semi- elliptical; polygonal; triangular; rectangular; square; pentagonal; hexagonal; heptagonal; octagonal; and semi- polygonal. The shape may vary along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The core may include a cross-section, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, of shape that varies along the longitudinal axis of the core. By way of example, the core may have a cross-section of shape that is or not constant along the longitudinal axis of the core, e.g. over at least half, or three-fourths, or even all of the length of a portion of the core carrying the teeth. By way of example, the cross-section of the core may vary in geometrically-similar manner.

From the proximal end to the distal end of the applicator member, the cross-section of the core may increase or decrease in monotonic manner, for example.

From the proximal end to the distal end of the applicator member, the cross-section of the core may present an extremum, e.g. an absolute minimum or maximum.

The core may be of polygonal cross-section, and only one face or only two faces of the core may carry teeth over all or part of the length thereof. At least two faces of the core, or even three or four faces, may be toothless over the entire length thereof. For example, when the cross-section of the core is polygonal, in particular hexagonal, it may have only two consecutive longitudinal faces that are provided with teeth over all or part of their length, e.g. presenting at least one row of teeth, e.g. two rows of teeth, whereas each of the other faces is toothless.

The toothless face or at least one of the toothless faces need not be plane. In a variant, the toothless face(s) may be plane. The toothless face or at least one of the two toothless faces may be concave or convex when the applicator member is observed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core for example, and/or may be concave or convex when the applicator member is observed along the longitudinal axis of the core for example.

The face carrying the teeth, or at least one of them, need not be plane. In a variant, the face(s) carrying the teeth may be plane. The face carrying the teeth, or at least one of the two of them, need not be plane over at least a fraction of the length thereof, being concave or convex when the applicator member is observed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core for example, and/or being concave or convex when the applicator member is observed along the longitudinal axis of the core for example. In a variant, the core may include at least one longitudinal plane face carrying the teeth, or at least two, or even at least three, or even more longitudinal plane faces carrying the teeth.

When the longitudinal axis of the core is curved, it is possible, for example, for the toothed portion of the core to be present on the concave side, or, in a variant on the convex side of the longitudinal axis of the core. The toothed portion of the core may be situated entirely on one side of a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the core, which plane may be a plane of symmetry of the core.

In particular when the applicator member has a core of cross-section that is polygonal, e.g. hexagonal, the width of the toothless face, or of the two toothless faces, may vary, and, by way of example, may present one or two maximums along the longitudinal axis of the core.

When observed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, the core may present a profile that varies. In particular, the core may present a transverse dimension that reaches an extremum substantially mid-way along its length. This may impart increased flexibility or rigidity to the core, and makes it possible to define an envelope surface of section that varies along the applicator member, in particular when the teeth in a row are of the same length, at least over a fraction of the applicator member.

The core may present a single-strand longitudinal section of shape selected from the following list: a shape having thickness that is constant or not constant, in particular rectangular; rugby-ball shaped; peanut shaped; bullet shaped; conical shaped; frustoconical shaped; fish shaped.

In a variant, a longitudinal half-section may be of a shape mentioned above, while the other longitudinal half-section may be of another of the shapes mentioned above. For example, the longitudinal section of the core is rectilinear on one side and curved on the other.

In at least one cross-section plane, the core may have an axis of symmetry that is its longitudinal axis, for example.

The core and the teeth may be molded out of a single material, or, in a variant, they may be made out of at least two different materials. By way of example, a portion of the core and of the teeth may be made out of a first material, and another portion of the core and of the teeth may be made out of a second material, e.g. that is more flexible or harder than the first. By way of example, the core is formed of one or more thermoplastic materials that may be elastomeric. The core and/or the teeth may be made out of an elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, a thermosettable material, out of metal, or out of ceramic.

The core may be rigid and the teeth flexible.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the teeth are made with the core by molding or by overmolding. By way of example, the teeth may be made by "protrusion", in which technique material is injected through at least a portion of the core, so as to enable teeth to be formed.

The core and the teeth may be made in different colors or materials.

The core may include a tubular body carrying the teeth, which body is fitted on a hub for mounting on the stem or forming part of said stem. The hub may be made of metal or of plastics material. The tubular body may be configured to be fastened to the hub, or it may be free to turn or to move in translation relative to the hub .

In a variant, the portion of the core that supports the teeth is solid.

The teeth may be made according to the teachings of US 2006-0002758.

The applicator member may be fastened on a stem that is connected to a handle of the applicator, e.g. by snap- fastening, adhesive, heat sealing, crimping, stamping, force-fitting, cold or hot, e.g. by mounting in a housing of the stem. In a variant, the stem may be received in a housing provided in the core.

The stem and the applicator member may also be molded as a single part, and may or may not be molded out of the same thermoplastic material.

The applicator member may include a mounting endpiece that is molded integrally with the core, and that may, where appropriate, include one or more constricted portions making it possible to improve the flexibility of the applicator and flexibility in application . The core may extend along a longitudinal axis that, at least at one point along its length, forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem to which the core is fastened. The applicator member may be bent where it connects to the stem.

The stem may comprise a rigid first portion that is extended at its distal end by a more flexible second portion, e.g. made of elastomer, carrying the applicator member .

A greatest transverse dimension of the core may be less than, greater than, or equal to a greatest transverse dimension of the stem.

The free ends of teeth of the applicator member define an envelope surface of the applicator member.

The envelope surface may present various shapes of longitudinal axis that is rectilinear or not rectilinear.

Where appropriate, the envelope surface may extend along a longitudinal axis that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the core.

The envelope surface may be of greatest transverse dimension that is substantially constant over at least a fraction of the length of the applicator member, in particular over more than half of the length of the portion of the core carrying teeth.

The envelope surface may also present a cross- section that varies over all or part of the length of the applicator member. By way of example, the applicator member may have one or more extremums, e.g. at least one local minimum and two local maximums. By way of example, the envelope surface may be peanut-shaped when the applicator member is observed from the side, in a direction that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

The longest teeth of the applicator member may be of length lying in the range 1 mm to 8 mm, or even in the range 2 mm to 6 mm, e.g. in the range 1.7 mm to 4.5 mm. More than half of the teeth may have a length as defined above . The length of the teeth of at least one row may vary within a row, e.g. in monotonic manner, along the longitudinal axis of the row. For example, along the longitudinal axis of the core, the length of the teeth within at least one row may increase between the proximal end and a first abscissa, then remain substantially constant between the first abscissa and a second abscissa, then decrease between the second abscissa and the distal end. The length of the teeth within at least one row may have two maximums.

From one row to another, the teeth may differ by at least one of their shape, thickness, length, orientation, color, and/or material. Within a single row, the teeth may differ by at least one of their thickness, length, hardness, orientation, spacing with the adjacent teeth of the row, color, and/or shape. Two rows may differ by the numbers of teeth in the rows. The teeth of two consecutive rows may be axially offset relative to one another .

Some of the teeth, or even all of the teeth, may have a cross-section of shape that is semi-circular or semi-elliptical. A shape with a flat, such as a semi ¬ circular or semi-elliptical shape, makes it easier to unmold the applicator member, the flat coinciding with the join plane of the mold.

At least one tooth may present a cross-section that is: circular, with or without a flat; non-circular; flat; star-shaped, e.g. cross-shaped with a plurality of branches; U-shaped; H-shaped; T-shaped; V-shaped; a hollow shape, e.g. circular or square; formed with ramifications, e.g. snowflake-shaped; a prismatic shape, e.g. triangular, square, or hexagonal; an oblong shape, in particular lens-shaped or hourglass-shaped; polygonal, regular or not, in particular square, rectangular, octagonal, parallelogram-shaped, lozenge-shaped; or oval. At least one tooth may present at least one portion in relief, so as to improve the adherence of composition to the tooth. Without changing in shape, the cross-section of the tooth may decrease on moving away from the core, e.g. over more than half of the length of the tooth.

Some of the teeth of the applicator, or even all of the teeth, may have thickness, measured at their bases, i.e. at the point where a tooth connects to the core, lying in the range 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, or even in the range 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. The term "thickness of a tooth" is used to designate the greatest transverse dimension of the tooth, in section that is perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth. Each tooth may have a base of thickness that is less than the thickness of another portion of the tooth.

The thickness of the teeth may be selected as a function of the type of makeup effect desired and/or the nature of the eyelashes and/or the rheology of the composition, for example.

The teeth may be of any shape. The teeth may be of shape that is cylindrical or tapering, in particular frustoconical or pyramid-shaped. At least one tooth may have a profile that is frustoconical , at least in part, e.g. terminated by a rounded free end, such that the cross-section of the tooth decreases towards its free end .

Two consecutive teeth may or may not be touching at their bases. They may be spaced apart at their bases by a distance of up to 4 mm.

The applicator may include in the range 75 to 500 teeth, for example. Within a row of teeth, the number of teeth may lie in the range 6 to 60, in particular in the range 10 to 50.

At least two teeth of at least one row may present lengths that are different or identical. A row of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis may have at least three teeth of the same length. When the applicator is observed from the side, perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, at least two teeth may define a V-shaped groove.

At least two consecutive teeth of a row of teeth may have first longitudinal faces both having a common first shape, e.g. plane, in particular at least at a bottom portion of the tooth, and second longitudinal faces both having a common second shape, e.g. not plane, in particular rounded. The first faces may all face in the same direction around the core, i.e. they may all face in the same clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, when the core is observed along its longitudinal axis.

The first faces of the teeth, in particular when they are plane, may be connected substantially perpendicularly to the corresponding face of the core, at least for some teeth in the row.

At least one tooth, or even each tooth, may present a plane face that is parallel to its long direction.

The teeth may or may not be rectilinear, e.g. each extending along a long direction for the tooth that is rectilinear, or else they may be curved, e.g. undulating.

Since the longitudinal axis of a row is considered at the surface of the core, two longitudinal axes of two consecutive rows, around the longitudinal axis of the core, may be separated angularly by an angle that is less than 80°, e.g. about 60°, or even less than 50°, e.g. about 45°, e.g. about 30°, the angle being measured around the longitudinal axis of the core. Preferably, the axes of the rows are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

When the core is observed along its longitudinal axis, it is possible to pass from one row to another by turning the core about its longitudinal axis through an integer sub-multiple of 360°, e.g. turning through 360°/n, where n is an integer that lies in the range 3 to 20, for example. The teeth may extend in at least four different directions around the longitudinal axis of the core.

At least one tooth of a row may extend, at least at its portion that is connected to the core, or even over its entire length, along a first direction Zi, perpendicular to the longitudinal face of the core to which the tooth is connected, or forming a small angle with the normal to said surface of the core, e.g. less than 10°, better 5°. A tooth of a consecutive row may extend from the same face of the core along a second direction Z 2 , at least at the portion that is connected to the core, or even over its entire length, forming a nonzero angle a with the first direction, when the core is observed along its longitudinal axis.

Substantially half of the teeth of a row may extend parallel to the first direction Zi. The angle a between the directions Zi and Z 2 may lie in the range 5° to 80°.

At least one tooth may extend along a longitudinal axis forming a non-zero angle with the normal to the longitudinal axis of the core when the applicator member is observed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core. Two teeth may thus extend along angles having values that are different, or even opposite, and may cross each other when the applicator member is observed in a direction that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. All of the teeth of two adjacent rows may cross one another.

The length of a row preferably lies in the range about 10 mm to 45 mm, in particular in the range 15 mm to 35 mm, or even in the range 20 mm to 30 mm, e.g. being about 25 mm.

The teeth may be made of a material that is more rigid or less rigid than a material that is used to make the stem of the applicator to which the core is connected.

The applicator may include a stem carrying, at a first end, the applicator member, and being fastened, at a second end, to a handle by fastener means including keying means . The handle may include a marker for indicating the orientation of the applicator member relative to the handle. By way of example, the marker may comprise an alphanumeric sign, a logo, a color, or it may even result from an asymmetric shape of the handle. The marked orientation of the applicator member relative to the handle makes the applicator easier to use, enabling the eyelashes to be brought into contact with rows of teeth, either parallel to the direction of observation (F) , or perpendicularly thereto.

The invention also provides a packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the device comprising an applicator as defined above and a container containing the composition. The handle of the applicator may constitute a closure cap for closing the container. The container may include a wiper member that is adapted to wipe the stem and the applicator member. Preferably, the composition is a mascara, e.g. a water-resistant mascara.

The invention also provides a method of applying makeup to the eyelashes or the eyebrows by means of an applicator as defined above.

An orientation of the applicator relative to the eyelashes or the eyebrows may be selected in such a manner as to bring the eyelashes or the eyebrows into contact with the greatest number of teeth, or into contact with the ends of the teeth that protrude from either side of the core, or even into contact with the core. An orientation of the applicator relative to the eyelashes or the eyebrows may be selected in such a manner as to bring the eyelashes or the eyebrows into contact with the applicator perpendicularly to the direction F, or, in a variant, parallel to the direction F. The presence on a marker on the applicator member makes it easier to orientate the applicator member relative to the eyelashes, as explained above. Independently or in combination with the above, the invention also provides an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including a molded applicator member comprising:

a core extending along a longitudinal axis; and

at least three rows of teeth that are carried by the core, over at least a major fraction of the length of the core carrying teeth, all of the teeth of the applicator extending from a first side of the core, over a first portion of the core with the angles formed between the long directions of the teeth when the core is observed along its longitudinal axis being less than or equal to 180° on the first side, minus the ends of the teeth having free ends that protrude from either side of the core when the core is observed along a direction (F) that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, from a second side of the core opposite the first side.

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic elevation view, partially in longitudinal section, showing an example of a packaging and applicator device made in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is partially in longitudinal section, and shows the Figure 1 applicator in isolation;

Figure 3 is a view, as seen looking along arrow III of Figure 4, of the applicator member of the Figure 1 device shown in isolation;

Figure 4 is a section on IV-IV of Figure 3;

Figures 4a and 4b are views similar to Figure 4, showing an eyelash passing through the applicator;

· Figure 5 shows a detail of Figure 4;

Figures 6 to 8, 8a, 9, and 10a to 10c are views similar to Figure 4 of variant embodiments; Figures 11 and 11a to 11m show various shapes of core section;

Figures 12a, 12b, and 12 to 14 are diagrammatic side views showing variant applicator members of the invention;

Figures 15a to 15i are diagrammatic longitudinal sections showing variant envelope-surface shapes;

Figures 16a to 16d are diagrammatic side views showing variant applicator members of the invention;

· Figures 17a and 17b are longitudinal sections of variant applicator members of the invention;

Figures 18a to 18c are diagrams of examples of teeth of the invention;

Figures 19a to 19d, 19f, and 19g show variant embodiments of wiper members;

Figure 19e is a longitudinal section of the Figure 19d wiper member; and

Figures 20a and 20b show two variant embodiments of the distal end of the stem.

Figure 1 shows a packaging and applicator device 1 made in accordance with the invention, the device comprising an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a composition P for application to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, e.g. mascara or a care product.

In the embodiment under consideration, the receptacle 3 includes a threaded neck 4, and the applicator 2 includes a closure cap 5 that is arranged to be fastened on the neck 4 so as to close the receptacle 3 in leaktight manner when not in use, the closure cap 5 also constituting a handle for the applicator 2.

The applicator 2 includes a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which stem is connected at its top end to the closure cap 5 having keying means 7a that are shown very diagrammatically in Figure 2, and at its bottom end to an applicator member 8. The applicator member comprises a core 10 carrying teeth 18. The presence of keying means on the applicator 2 enables the applicator member 8 to be fastened in a specific orientation relative to the handle. In Figure 2, the keying means 7a are situated where the stem 7 is fastened to the cap 5, but, in a variant, the keying means may be situated where the applicator member 8 is fastened to the stem 7.

Still in a variant, keying means are provided both where the applicator member is fastened to the stem, and where the stem is fastened to the handle.

The container 3 also includes a wiper member 6 that is inserted in the neck 4, for example.

In the embodiment under consideration, the wiper member 6, which may be of any type, includes a lip that is arranged to wipe the stem 7 and the applicator member 8 while the applicator 2 is being removed from the container 3. The lip defines a wiper orifice 6a of diameter that is adapted to the diameter of the stem.

In the embodiment shown, the stem 7 presents a cross-section that is circular, but it would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention for the stem 7 to present some other section, the cap 5 thus possibly being fastened on the container 3 other than by screw- fastening, if necessary. The wiper member is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to the shape of the applicator member 8, where appropriate.

Preferably, and as in the embodiment under consideration, the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincides with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but it would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention for the stem 7 to be non-rectilinear, e.g. forming a bend.

Where appropriate, the stem 7 may include an annular narrowing at its portion that comes to be positioned facing the lip of the wiper member 6, so that said wiper member is not mechanically stressed unduly during storage . The applicator member 8 may be fastened on the stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, by snap-fastening, by adhesive, by heat-sealing, or by crimping in a corresponding housing provided at the end of the stem 7.

As shown in Figure 2, the applicator member 8 may include an endpiece 9 enabling it to be fastened in a corresponding housing of the stem 7, possibly in a specific orientation, as mentioned above.

In a variant, the stem 7 may be inserted in a housing provided in the core. The core 10 may also be molded integrally with the stem 7.

With reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the core 10 is of elongate shape along a longitudinal axis X that may be rectilinear or curved.

In the embodiment under consideration, over the majority of its length, the core 10 may present a cross- section that is polygonal, preferably in the shape of a regular polygon, having sides that define longitudinal faces 15 and 100 that are respectively provided with teeth and toothless. The longitudinal axis X may be central, as shown.

In the embodiment under consideration, the teeth 18 are made integrally with the core 10 by molding thermoplastic material.

In order to mold the applicator member 8, it is possible to use any thermoplastic material that is relatively rigid or not, e.g.: styrene-ethylene-butylene- styrene (SEBS) ; a silicone rubber; latex rubber; a material having good slip; butyl rubber; ethylene- propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM) ; a nitrile rubber; a thermoplastic elastomer; a polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, or vinyl elastomer; a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) ; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ; ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) ; polystyrene (PS); SEBS; styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyethylene terephthalate (PET) ; polyoxymethylene (POM) ; polyurethane (PU) ; styrene acrylonitrile (SAN); polyamide (PA); or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) . It is also possible to use a ceramic, e.g. an alumina-based ceramic, a resin, e.g. a urea formaldehyde type resin, possibly a material filled with graphite. In particular, it is possible to use materials known under the trade names Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax®, Pollobas®, this list not being limiting.

Where appropriate, the teeth and the core may be made out of different materials, the teeth being molded through openings in the core, for example.

The teeth may be made out of a material that is softer than the material of the core, or, in a variant, that is harder than the material of the core.

All of the teeth of the applicator extend from a portion 90 of the core, said portion extending around the longitudinal axis X of the core over an angle γ that is less than 180°. The core presents a complementary toothless portion 95 that extends around the longitudinal axis X of the core over an angle β of more than 180°. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, the toothed portion 90 extends over an angle γ that is slightly smaller than 180°, whereas the toothless portion 95 extends over an angle β = 360°-γ that is slightly greater than 180°.

As shown, the handle preferably includes a marker 20 for informing about the orientation of the applicator member relative to the handle, which marker enables the user to identify the position of the toothed portion 90 relative to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

Furthermore, the teeth 18 of at least the end rows 200 have free ends 201 that protrude from either side of the core 10 when the core is observed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, along a direction of observation F shown in Figure 4. In orthogonal projection onto a plane Q including the longitudinal axis X, and perpendicular to the direction of observation F, the teeth protrude by a visible length £ 1 on one side of the core, and by a visible length £2 on the other side of the core. The lengths £\ and £2 may be equal or they may be different. Preferably, the lengths £\ and £2 are greater than 0.5 mm.

Figures 4a and 4b show an eyelash C passing through the applicator while makeup is being applied, the two figures differing in the orientation of the applicator member relative to the eyelashes. In Figure 4a, the eyelash C is brought into contact with a large number of rows of teeth, with the eyelash being oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction F, the resulting makeup effect thus possibly being highly separating and smoothing. In Figure 4b, the eyelash is oriented substantially parallel to the direction F, and enters into contact with an extreme row and possibly with other rows, the resulting makeup effect being more heavily coated with composition.

In Figure 4, it can be seen that the applicator member presents three longitudinal faces 100 that are toothless, whereas each of the three other faces 15 carry at least one row 17 of teeth, specifically two rows. The width of each face 15 or 100 may vary along the longitudinal axis of the core X, as shown in Figure 3.

In the embodiment in Figures 3 and 4, the core 10 presents a cross-section that is hexagonal, but the invention is not limited to a core with a section of any particular shape.

The length of the teeth 18 may decrease towards the distal end 12 of the core 10, as can be seen in Figure 3, so as to facilitate engagement in the container 3. The length of the teeth 18 may also decrease towards the stem 7, as shown in Figure 3, so as to make it easier for the applicator member 8 to pass through the wiper member 6 while the applicator 2 is being removed from the container.

The teeth 18 may present various shapes. For example, as shown, each tooth 18 may include a first longitudinal face 40 of plane shape and a second longitudinal face 41 of rounded shape, in particular of half-cone shape, the invention not being limited to teeth of a particular shape.

As shown in Figure 5, each face 15 carries a first row of teeth 17a that are connected to the corresponding face 15 of the core 10 while forming an angle oizi relative to the normal thereto, and a second row of teeth 17b that are connected to the face 15 obliquely, forming an angle Z2 relative to said normal. The teeth 18 of the first row 17a extend along a direction Zi that is substantially perpendicular to the face 15, the angle oizi being relatively small, e.g. less than 10°, or even less than 5°. The teeth 18 of the row 17b are also straight in the embodiment under consideration, extending along a direction Z 2 , forming an angle a with the direction Zi. By way of example, the angle a lies in the range 20° to 80°. The teeth 18 of each row 17a and 17b may be separated by a separation surface S, the surface S being a plane bisecting the angle a, for example.

In other words, the rows 17a and 17b may constitute a double row 17 comprising teeth that are disposed alternately on opposite sides of a separation surface S, a tooth of a row 17b following a tooth of a row 17a along the longitudinal axis of the row.

In the embodiment described, the portion 90 to which all of the teeth are connected comprises three faces 15, but the applicator member 8 may include teeth on a portion that is of smaller angular extent.

By way of example, Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the core 10 presents a hexagonal cross-section with only two faces 15 out of the six faces carrying teeth, the four other faces 100 being toothless. The toothed portion 90 thus extends over an angular extent that is slightly smaller than 120°, while the toothless portion 95 extends over an angular extent that is slightly greater than 240°. Furthermore, and as shown, each of the two toothed faces 15 may include a row of teeth 17a and a row of teeth 17b as described above.

Around the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, the angular spacing between two consecutive rows may be constant, or, on the contrary, it may vary.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the core may be of cross-section other than hexagonal, e.g. circular.

The cross-section of the core may be of rounded triangular shape, as shown in Figure 9, with only one of the faces of the rounded triangle carrying teeth 18.

The teeth may extend along long axes that pass through the longitudinal axis of the core, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, or, on the contrary, they may be off- center relative to the longitudinal axis of the core, as shown in Figure 8a. In this embodiment, the applicator member includes four consecutive rows of teeth having long axes that are parallel to one another, and two end rows 200 having long axes that form a non-zero angle with those parallel axes.

Figures 10a to 10c show embodiments in which the lengths £\ and £2 are different because the lengths of the teeth of at least the extreme rows 200 are different.

As shown in Figure 10a, in at least one cross- section, the length of the teeth increases around the longitudinal axis of the core from one extreme row to the other. In Figure 10b, the length of the teeth increases and then decreases around the longitudinal axis of the core from one extreme row 200 to the other. In Figure 10c, the length of the teeth 18 decreases and then increases around the longitudinal axis of the core.

The core 10 may have a cross-section that is: elliptical, as shown in Figure 11; polygonal, e.g. rectangular, as shown in Figure 11a; triangular, as shown in Figure lib; square, as shown in Figure lie; pentagonal, as shown in Figure lid; heptagonal; or octagonal, as shown in Figure lie. Examples of arrangements for the rows of teeth are shown in these figures, which arrangements are not limiting, and, by way of example, the same shape of core may be kept with different arrangements for the teeth.

The core may have a cross-section that is: semi ¬ circular, as shown in Figure llf; lozenge-shaped, as shown in Figure llg; formed of two adjacent triangles of different sizes, as shown in Figure llh; triangular with a groove, as shown in Figure Hi; cross-shaped, as shown in Figure llj; crescent-shaped, as shown in Figure Ilk; hourglass shaped, as shown in Figure 111; or semi- hourglass shaped, as shown in Figure 11m.

Whatever the way in which the teeth are implanted, at least one tooth may have a cross-section that is semi- circular, as shown in the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5. In a variant, the section may be: circular; or triangular; or even lozenge-shaped; formed of two adjacent triangles of different sizes; hourglass shaped; or semi-hourglass shaped; or triangular with a groove; cross-shaped; square-shaped; semi-circular shaped with a groove .

The teeth are preferably of cross-section other than circular. A non-circular shape for the cross-section of the teeth may favor the retention of composition on the teeth or between consecutive teeth.

The teeth of the rows forming a double row may be parallel to one another, as shown in Figure He. In a variant, the teeth may be disposed in a V-shape, when the core is observed along its longitudinal axis.

The teeth may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and may all be of the same length, as shown in Figure 12a, or they may be oriented towards a distal end of the applicator member, remote from the stem, as shown in Figure 12b.

The teeth may slope relative to the core, crossing one another above the core, as shown by way of example in Figure 12. The teeth may co-operate with the longitudinal axis of the core to form an angle that increases and then decreases along the longitudinal axis X of the core, so that they are disposed in a fan configuration when the applicator member is observed in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, as shown in Figure 13.

The teeth 18 may include narrowing at their bases, imparting flexibility thereto during application, and enabling supplies of composition to be formed.

The teeth 18 may be non-rectilinear.

The longitudinal axis X of the core 10 may coincide with the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7, but it would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention for this to be otherwise. By way of example, Figure 14 shows a variant embodiment in which the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 forms an angle βι with the longitudinal axis Y of the stem. By way of example, such a configuration may improve the ergonomics of the applicator.

The applicator may extend along a longitudinal axis

X that is not rectilinear. Figure 15a shows a variant embodiment in which the core extends along a longitudinal axis X that is curved. When observed in longitudinal section, as in Figure 15a, the envelope surface E may, on one side of the axis X, present a convex first profile 54 substantially in the same direction as the axis X, and, on the opposite side of the axis X, a concave second profile 55 in the same direction as the axis X.

The distal end of the envelope surface E of the applicator may be off-center relative to the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator, as shown in Figure 15a, or, on the contrary, it may be on said axis, as shown in Figure 15h.

In these figures, the longitudinal axis forms a curve having a single curvature, but it could form more than one curvature, e.g. two curvatures, as shown in Figure 15i. The envelope surface may be cylindrical, or of non- cylindrical shape passing through a maximum or through two maximums .

In the variant shown in Figure 15b, the envelope surface E presents two opposite longitudinal profiles 54 and 55, of which the profile 54 is straight.

In a variant, the envelope surface E may present a cross-section that passes through two maximums and one local minimum, as shown in Figure 15c, or through one maximum, as shown in Figure 15d.

In longitudinal section, observed in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction F, the envelope surface may thus be ball shaped; peanut shaped; bullet shaped; or conical, semi-conical, or frustoconical ; it may include one or two bevels at each end; or it may be fish shaped.

In another variant, shown in Figure 15e, the envelope surface E extends generally along a longitudinal axis W that forms an angle j2 with the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The Figure 15f variant differs from the Figure 15e variant in the shape of the envelope surface E that presents a cross-section that passes through a minimum.

The longitudinal axis X of the core 10 may be rectilinear and may form an angle with the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7, as shown in Figure 15g, the envelope surface E having, for example, a cross-section that is not constant, e.g. passing through a minimum.

The core 10 may present a cross-section that is constant or not along the longitudinal axis of the core. By way of example, Figures 16a and 16e show a core of cross-section that is constant along the longitudinal axis .

In the embodiment in Figure 16a, all of the teeth of one row have the same length, whereas in the embodiment in Figure 16e, the length of the teeth of one row decreases towards the ends of the applicator member. Figure 16b shows a core of shape that is convex, at least on the side of the toothless portion.

Still in a variant, in longitudinal section, the core may be of shape that is concave on the side of the portion carrying the teeth, e.g. being curved, as shown in Figures 16c and 16d. These figures differ by the fact that the two sets of teeth are not of the same length, the envelope surface E defined by the ends of the teeth thus being of shape that is concave in Figure 16c, and convex in Figure 16d.

Still in a variant, the core may be of shape that is concave on the side of the portion that is toothless, as shown in Figures 16f and 16g. In Figure 16f, the core is of shape that is convex on the side of the toothed portion, and in Figure 16g the core is of shape that is plane on the side of the toothed portion. The convex shape of the envelope surface E is due to the length of the teeth of the row increasing and then decreasing along the axis of the row.

Furthermore, the spacing between the teeth in a row may be constant, as shown in Figures 16a to 16g, or it may vary, as shown in Figure 16h.

In the variant embodiments shown in Figures 17a and 17b, the core 10 includes a recess in which there is engaged a support 60, e.g. made of metal or plastics material. The core 10 may be configured to be fastened to the support 60, or it may be free to turn or to move in translation relative to the support 60. By way of example, the core 10 may also be molded on the support 60. In Figure 17a, the core surrounds the support 60, while in Figure 17b, the support 60 extends beyond the core and presents a wide head 61.

The teeth of at least one row may present different lengths, passing through an extremum between the extreme teeth of the row, for example.

At least one of the teeth 18 of the rows 17 may present a surface state that is not smooth, e.g. having ridges as a result of molding or roughness linked to the presence of a filler in the plastics material, for example .

The applicator member may be made with a plastics material that includes magnetic particles. The magnetic field created by such particles, that may be magnetizable and/or magnetized, may interact with magnetic fibers or pigments that are present in the composition.

The applicator member may be made with flocking, said flocking extending over the teeth only or over the core only, for example.

At their free ends, the teeth may present portions in relief or of a particular shape, e.g. a fork, a hook, or a bead, as shown in Figures 18a, 18b, and 18c respectively. By way of example, the hook may extend transversally, parallel, or obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis X of the core. In order to obtain the beads, it is possible to heat the applicator member in such a manner as to melt the ends of the teeth, for example. In order to obtain the forks or the hooks, it is possible to treat the applicator member mechanically, e.g. by grinding, and thus to abrade the ends of the teeth .

The wiper member may be made out of elastomer.

The wiper member may include a wiper orifice 6a of shape that is circular, as shown in Figure 19a, and it may have slots 6b, as shown in Figures 19b and 19c. In Figure 19b the slots are radial, and in Figure 19c the slots are tangential to the wiper orifice.

By way of example, the diameter d of the wiper orifice 6a of the wiper member 6 may lie in the range 3 mm to 5.5 mm, e.g. about 4.5 mm or 5 mm.

The wiper member 6 may possibly include undulations 6c, as shown in Figures 19d and 19e, enabling the wiper orifice to widen more easily when the applicator member passes therethrough. Figure 19d is a view of the wiper orifice as seen looking along arrow VI in Figure 19e. The wiper orifice may thus be defined by an undulating wiper lip 9, having an inside free edge that defines the wiper orifice 6a, as shown in Figure 19e. The wiper member 6 may include a number of undulations 6c lying in the range 3 to 12, for example. The wiper lip 9 may extend generally along a cone that converges towards the bottom of the container, having a generator line G that forms an angle i with the longitudinal axis of the container. While the applicator member is passing through the wiper orifice, the diameter of the wiper orifice increases from 4 mm to 5.5 mm, for example, without excessively deforming the wiper member, by deploying the undulations.

In a variant, the wiper lip 9 may extend generally along a mid-plane that is perpendicular to the axis X, or it may even extend generally along a cone that converges towards the outlet of the container.

Still in a variant, the wiper orifice may be oblong, as shown in Figure 19f.

The wiper member may be made in some other way, e.g. it may comprise a block of foam that may be slotted, as shown in Figure 19g.

The wiper member may also be adjustable, where appropriate .

The wiper member may be as described in patent applications or US patents Nos. 2005/0028834, 2005/0175394, 2004/0258453, 6 375 374, 6 328 495, 7 455 468, for example.

The wiper member may or may not be flocked.

At least some and in particular all of the stem 7 to which the applicator member is fastened may be flexible, in particular in the proximity of the applicator member.

By way of example, the stem 7 may include at least one flexible element 80, as shown in Figure 20a, e.g. made of elastomer. The flexible element may present a shape that imparts flexibility, e.g. at least one annular groove 81, as shown in Figure 20b. By way of example, the flexible element is as described in EP 1 917 883 A2 and may be made, at least in part, out of a material from the following list: elastomer material; thermoplastic; thermoplastic elastomer; low-density polyethylene (LDPE) ; PVC; PU; thermoplastic elastomer polyesters, in particular copolymers of esterified polytetramethylene oxide glycol and butene terephthalate ; Hytrel®; EPDM; propylene-diene terpolymer (PDM) ; EVA; SIS; SEBS; styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) ; latex; silicone rubber; nitrile rubber; butyl rubber; polyurethane ; polyether block amide; polyester; this list not being limiting. The flexible element 80 may be made of a material having hardness that lies in the range 25 on the Shore A scale (ShA) to 80 on the Shore D scale (ShD) , for example, or even in the range 40 ShA to 70 ShD. The rigid portions of the stem may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular one of the materials selected from the following list: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ; LDPE; linear PE; polycrystalline (PT) ; PP; POM; PA; PET; and polybutyl terephthalate (PBT); this list not being exhaustive .

The distal end of the applicator member 5 may or may not be offset relative to the longitudinal axis X, as described in application EP 1 836 924, for example.

The applicator member may be made by any known method such as injection-molding, dual-injection-molding, and protrusion, in which material is injected through at least one portion of the core, so as to enable teeth to be formed.

In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 and removes the applicator member 8 from the container 3.

After the applicator member 8 has passed through the wiper member 6, a certain quantity of composition remains between the rows 17 and between the teeth 18 of the rows, and in particular in the toothless portion 95. Naturally, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, the characteristics of which may be combined together within variants not shown.

The applicator member may be a vibrator member, i.e. vibration may be applied to the applicator during application, combing, or while taking the composition, e.g. as described in application WO 2006/090343.

Still in a variant, the applicator member may be rotary, i.e. it may be turned about the longitudinal axis of the core, e.g. during application, combing, or while taking the composition.

Still in a variant, the applicator member may deliver heat, i.e. it may include a heater element making it possible to heat the keratinous fibers, the eyelashes, or the eyebrows, and/or the teeth and/or the core of the applicator member.

It is also possible that the applicator member may vibrate, turn, and heat, or merely vibrate and turn, or merely vibrate and heat, or merely turn and heat, or merely vibrate, or merely turn, or merely heat.

The applicator member may include any bactericidal agent such as silver salts, copper salts; preservatives; and at least one agent for preserving the composition such as parabens or other preservatives.

The core and/or the teeth may further include particles, e.g. a filler, in particular a magnetic, bacteriostatic, or humidity-absorbing compound, or even a compound for creating roughness at the surface of the tooth, or for encouraging sliding of the eyelashes over the teeth. At least one of the core and a tooth may be flocked, may receive any heat treatment or mechanical treatment, and/or may include particles, e.g. a filler, in particular for improving sliding.

In the embodiments shown, all of the teeth are situated on one side of the core, over the entire length L max carrying the teeth. In a variant that is not shown, the applicator member is of the hand broom type over the majority of the length L max , and, by way of example, presents teeth with ends defining an envelope surface that is hemi-spherical , for example.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", and "lying in the range" should be construed as including the limits of the range, unless specified to the contrary.