The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes or eyebrows, for example mascara.

The invention also relates to devices comprising a container which contains the product to be applied and is provided with a wiping member, and the applicator.

The application EP 1 070 466 discloses applicators comprising application elements that are located on one side of a core and are disposed on either side of a longitudinal rib resting on said core. Since it only comprises application elements on one side, this type of applicator very frequently needs to be reloaded with product a number of times before all the eyelashes can be made up in a satisfactory manner.

Applicators comprising rings that are disposed alongside one another so as to form an application surface are also known, as described for example in the applications FR 2 551 958, EP 0 038 524 and DE 31 14748. The applicator in the application FR 2 551 958 also comprises bristles disposed on the rings.

It is known from the patent application US 201 1/0067725 to place some bristles on top of coating surfaces arranged in a helix around the longitudinal axis of a core.

The utility models DE 20 2011 050 794 and KR 2010 0004937 describe applicators comprising rings placed between applicator elements.

There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product, in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, in order to improve the performance thereof, and more particularly to promote the creation on the applicator member of zones that are more heavily laden with product, which allow easy application of makeup and rapid and abundant loading of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, while retaining a high capacity to separate the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

A subject of the invention, according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising a moulded applicator member comprising:

- a core that extends along a longitudinal axis,

spikes that are carried by the core and extend from the core and all around the latter, and at least one rib that is attached by its base to the core and extends along an axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

The rib or ribs tend to prevent wiping of the lower part of the spikes that are located in the vicinity.

The invention makes it possible to obtain, on the applicator member, in particular along the rib, at least one zone that forms a reservoir and which acquires a surplus of product on the core after wiping. This surplus of product allows the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to be loaded with a large and satisfactory amount of product from the first application.

The expression "longitudinal axis of the core" denotes the line connecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of the core. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for the core, in particular when the core has a circular cross section or a cross section in the overall shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved and may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some, or even for all of the cross sections of the core. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is rectilinear.

The term "spike" denotes an individualizable projecting element intended to come into engagement with the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

Ribs

The applicator member may comprise a plurality of ribs that each extend around the longitudinal axis of the core.

The ribs each extend for example along an axis contained in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. The ribs may have an annular shape, of the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the core.

Preferably, at least one rib extends helically around the longitudinal axis of the core.

The ribs may in particular form two crossed helices, advantageously along more than half the length of the core.

The helices advantageously cross at a spike in each case.

The zone delimited between two portions of helices that meet at their ends may comprise at least two spikes, for example four spikes, and makes it possible to create a zone forming a reservoir that provides a large load of product on application. The or each rib advantageously connects at least two spikes, better still more than two spikes.

The or each rib preferably passes through spikes along its entire length. This makes it possible to stiffen the spikes and helps to increase the load of product.

Preferably, the or each rib is continuous, not being interrupted along its entire length.

The or each rib may extend through less than one complete turn around the longitudinal axis of the core. However, preferably, the or each rib extends through more than one complete turn around the longitudinal axis of the core.

It is possible for the applicator member not to comprise any rib(s) along a part of its length. However, preferably, the or each rib extends substantially along the entire length of that part of the core that carries the spikes.

The applicator member may comprise a plurality of ribs of annular shape, that extend along an axis contained in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, each rib connecting all the spikes disposed in a crown of spikes, that is to say spikes that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis of the core.

One crown of spikes out of two may not comprise any rib.

The first crown of spikes located at the proximal end of the core may not comprise any rib.

The spikes closest to the rib, apart from those through which it passes, may occupy the same axial position, measured along the longitudinal axis of the rib. This makes it possible to obtain eyelashes that are less separated from one another and have more volume following application of the product.

The height of the rib or ribs is preferably less than the mean height of the spikes.

The mean height of the spikes is calculated arithmetically from all the heights of the spikes. The expression "height of a rib" denotes the distance measured perpendicularly to the core between the apex of the rib and its base by way of which it is attached to the core. The expression "height of a spike ^' " denotes the distance measured along the elongation axis of the spike between its free end and its base by way of which it is connected to the core. The expression "elongation axis of the spike" denotes an axis which passes through the centres of mass of the cross sections of the spike. Preferably, the height of the or each rib is less than the smallest height of the spikes, being in particular less than half the smallest height of the spikes. This allows a larger reserve of product, and improved separation of the eyelashes, the spikes largely standing out from the rib and thus being easily accessible during application.

The ratio between the height of said at least one rib and the smallest height of the spikes may be between 0.2 and 0.7, better still between 0.3 and 0.6.

The height of said at least one rib may be between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm, better still between 0.3 mm and 1 mm.

The height of said at least one rib may be constant along its entire length. Preferably, the height of said at least one rib is variable, in particular periodically, with for example between 1 and 10 maxima per revolution, better still between 1 and 6.

When the rib extends helically around the longitudinal axis of the core, the height of the rib may increase from one spike to another, then be substantially constant between a particular number of spikes, and then decrease from one spike to another, before increasing again.

When they follow crossed helices, the ribs may cross both where their height is at a minimum and where their height is at a maximum. Each rib passes for example through two spikes between the crossing spikes. A spike may be present at each crossing point.

Along one and the same row of longitudinally extending spikes, for example one spike in four is located at the intersection of the two ribs in the form of crossed helices. For the adjacent longitudinal row, it is one spike in two that is located on a rib, then one in four again in the next row, at the intersection of two ribs.

Each helix carries out for example a little more than two complete revolutions around the core.

The spikes located on a rib may be slightly wider than said rib.

The width of said at least one rib may be between 0.2 mm and 1.1 mm, better still between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. The expression "width of a rib" denotes the largest transverse dimension of the rib, in section, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the rib.

The ribs are preferably moulded together with and from the same material as the core. The core, the spikes and the ribs may be moulded from one and the same material, or in a variant they can be made from at least two different materials. A part of the core, the spikes and the ribs may for example be made from a first material, and another part of the core, the spikes and the ribs may be made from a second material which is for example more flexible or harder than the first material. The core is for example formed from one or more thermoplastic materials which may be elastomeric.

The core and/or the spikes and/or the ribs may be made of an elastomeric, thermoplastic or thermosetting material, metal or ceramic.

In implementation examples of the invention, the spikes and/or the ribs are produced by moulding or overmoulding with the core. The spikes and/or the ribs may, for example, be produced by a technique in which a material is injected through at least one part of the core, so as to allow the formation of the spikes and/or the ribs.

Spikes

The height of at least one spike, measured from the core, may be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, or even between 1 mm and 4 mm.

The height of the spikes may vary, for example in a monotonous manner, along the longitudinal axis of the core. For example, along the longitudinal axis of the core, the height of the spikes may increase between the proximal end of the core and a first abscissa, then remain substantially constant between this first abscissa and a second abscissa before decreasing between this second abscissa and the distal end of the core.

The spikes may differ from one another by way of at least one of their shape, thickness, height, orientation, colour and/or material.

The free ends of the spikes of the applicator member define an envelope surface of the applicator member, which is for example in the form of a cylinder of revolution along at least a part of its length.

This envelope surface may have various shapes, with a rectilinear or non- rectilinear longitudinal axis.

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

The envelope surface may have a largest transverse dimension that is substantially constant along at least a part of the length of the applicator member, in particular along more than half the length of the core that carries the spikes. The envelope surface may also have a cross section that varies along all or part of the length of the applicator member. The cross section of the envelope surface may for example have one or more extremes and for example at least one local minimum and two local maxima.

Some spikes of the applicator, or even all the spikes, may have a thickness measured at their base, that is to say at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core, of between 0.2 and 1 mm, or even between 0.3 and 0.8 mm. The expression "thickness of a spike" denotes the largest transverse dimension of the spike, in section, perpendicularly to the elongation axis of the spike. It is a diameter when the spike has a conical overall shape.

The spikes may have any shape. The spikes may have a cylindrical or tapered, in particular conical, frustoconical or pyramidal shape. At least one spike may end with a rounded, in particular hemispherical, free end.

At least one spike may extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spike is attached to the core. Preferably, all of the spikes extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

In a variant, the elongation axis of the spikes may form an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

The implantation of the spikes may be such that the angle a about the longitudinal axis of the core between two consecutive crowns of spikes, said crowns each being formed by spikes that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis of the core, is non-zero, being preferably equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in a crown.

The or each rib may pass through all of the spikes in consecutive crowns, and in particular through a spike in a given crown and through that spike in the consecutive crown which is offset by the angle a.

The applicator may comprise between 10 and 500 spikes, for example between 50 and 300 spikes. Applicator

According to one implementation example of the invention, the applicator member is moulded within a mould formed by the assembly of a plurality of shells.

The applicator may comprise a stem that carries the applicator member at a first end and is fixed to a gripping member at a second end.

The core may be solid, being for example moulded with an end piece for fixing to the stem of the applicator.

The applicator member may be fixed to the stem by snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, crimping, pressing, stapling, force-fitting, fitting in a cold state or fitting in a hot state, for example by being mounted in a housing in the stem. In a variant, the stem may be received in a housing provided in the core.

It is also possible for the stem and the applicator member to be moulded or not to be moulded in one piece and from the same thermoplastic material.

The spikes and/or the rib or ribs may be made of a material that is more or less rigid than a material used to produce the stem of the applicator to which the core is attached.

The applicator member may comprise a mounting end piece that is moulded in one piece with the core and may comprise, if appropriate, one or more narrowed portions that improve the flexibility of the applicator and the smoothness of application.

The core may extend along a longitudinal axis which, at at least one point along its length, forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem to which the core is fixed. The applicator member may be angled at its attachment to the stem.

The stem may comprise a first, rigid portion that is extended on the distal side by a second, more flexible portion, for example made of elastomer, that carries the applicator member.

A largest transverse dimension of the core may be smaller than, larger than or equal to a largest transverse dimension of the stem.

The core may have a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, with a circular or non-circular shape.

The visible length of the applicator member may be between 10 mm and 40 mm, better still between 15 mm and 35 mm. Application device

A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising an applicator as defined above and a container containing the product.

The gripping member of the applicator may form a cap for closing the container.

The container may comprise a wiping member suitable for wiping the stem and the applicator member.

The diameter of the circumscribed circle which has as its centre the longitudinal axis of the core and which passes through the apex of said at least one rib is advantageously less than or equal to the diameter of the circle defined by the orifice of the wiping member. The ribs are thus not wiped excessively, thereby helping to form reservoir zones for product between the ribs and the spikes.

The product is preferably a mascara.

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting illustrative embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the applicator member from Figure 1 on its own,

Figure 3 is a view, similar to Figure 2, of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention,

Figure 5 is a view, similar to Figure 4, of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention,

Figure 6 is a flat developed view illustrating the arrangement of some of the spikes and the ribs on the surface of the core of an applicator member according to the invention,

Figures 7 to 10 are views similar to Figure 6 of variant embodiments, Figure 11 is a view, similar to Figure 2, of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention, and

Figure 11 A represents a detail of the applicator member of Figure 11. Figure 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordance with the invention, comprising an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product.

The container 3 comprises, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 comprises a closure cap 5 designed to be fixed on the neck 4 so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap 5 also forming a gripping member for the applicator 2.

The applicator 2 comprises a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is attached at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an applicator member 8. The latter comprises a core 10 that carries spikes 18 that extend from the core 10 and all around the latter.

The container 3 also comprises a wiping member 6, for example inserted into the neck 4.

This wiping member 6, which may be any wiping member, comprises, in the example in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem 7 and the applicator member 8 when the applicator 2 is withdrawn from the container 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6a comprising a diameter adapted to that of the stem.

In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but if the stem 7 has some other section, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention, it then being possible to fix the cap 5 on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of the applicator member 8, if appropriate.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but if the stem 7 is not rectilinear, forming for example an elbow, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention. If need be, the stem 7 may comprise an annular narrowing at its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, so as not to mechanically stress the latter unduly during storage.

The applicator member 8 may be fixed to the stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing provided at the end of the stem 7.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the applicator member 8 may comprise an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing in the stem 7, optionally in an aligned manner.

In a variant, the stem 7 may be inserted into a housing provided in the core 10. The core 10 may also be produced in one piece with the stem 7 by being moulded together therewith.

With reference to Figure 2, it can be seen that the core 10 has a shape that is elongate along a longitudinal axis X, which is rectilinear in the example described.

As in the example in question, the core 10 may comprise a circular cross section along the majority of its length. The longitudinal axis X may be central, as illustrated.

The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for example between 12 mm and 35 mm.

In the examples shown, the spikes 18 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spike 18 is attached to the core 10. In one variant which is not shown, the elongation axis W of the spikes 18 forms an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core 10 at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

As can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 5, the implantation of the spikes 18 may be such that the angle a about the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 between two consecutive crowns 20 and 21 of spikes 18, said crowns each being formed by spikes 18 that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is non-zero, being for example equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in a crown.

The height of the spikes 18 may decrease towards the distal end 12 of the core

10, as can be seen in Figure 2, so as to facilitate insertion into the container 3. In one embodiment that is not illustrated, the height of the spikes 18 may also decrease towards the stem 7, so as to make it easier for the applicator member 8 to pass the wiping member 6 while the applicator 2 is being withdrawn from the container 3.

The height of the spikes 18 is for example between 1 mm and 4.7 mm.

The thickness ep of the spikes 18, measured at their base, is for example between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm.

The spikes 18 may have various shapes. In the example in question, the spikes 18 have a conical shape. However, the invention is not limited to one particular shape of spikes.

The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer.

The wiping member 6 may comprise a wiping orifice 6a with a circular shape, optionally with slots.

The diameter of the wiping orifice 6a of the wiping member 6 is for example between 3 and 5.5 mm, for example around 4.5 mm or 5 mm.

The wiping member 6 may optionally have undulations, allowing the wiping orifice to widen more easily when the applicator member 8 passes through.

The wiping orifice may thus be defined by an undulating wiping lip that has a radially inner free edge that defines the wiping orifice 6a. The wiping member 6 may have between 3 and 12 undulations, for example. The wiping lip may extend generally in the form of a cone converging in the direction of the bottom of the container 3, having a generatrix that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the container 3. The diameter of the wiping orifice 6a increases for example from 4 mm to 5.5 mm without excessive deformation of the wiping member 6, as the applicator member 8 passes through, by deployment of the undulations.

The wiping member may also be adjustable, if appropriate.

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

The stem 7, to which the applicator member 8 is fixed, may be at least partially, and in particular completely, flexible, in particular in the vicinity of the applicator member. As illustrated in Figure 2, the applicator member 8 comprises ribs 13 that are attached by their base 13a to the core 10 and extend all around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, along an axis Z that is not parallel to the axis X.

In the example described, the ribs 13 extend helically around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, forming two crossed helices, along the entire length of that part of the core 10 that carries the spikes 18.

The two crossed helices formed by the ribs 13 cross, in the example in Figure 2, in each case at a spike 18. The zone between two portions of the two crossed helices, making it possible to create a reservoir of product P, comprises for example four spikes 18.

In one variant, which is shown in Figures 3 and 9, the applicator member 8 comprises a single rib 13 that extends helically around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

In a further variant, which is illustrated in Figures 4, 6, 7, 11 and 1 1 A, the applicator member 8 comprises a plurality of ribs 13 with an annular shape. In these examples, the ribs 13 extend along an axis Z contained in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The rings formed by the ribs 13 have the same axis as the longitudinal axis X of the core.

In this variant, shown in particular in Figure 11 and 11 A, one crown of spikes 18 out of two does not comprise any rib 13.

In the examples in question, the height h _n of the ribs 13 is less than the mean height of the spikes 18. Preferably, and as illustrated in particular in Figure 4, the height h _n of the ribs 13 is less than the smallest height h _p of the spikes 18, even better still less than half the smallest height of the spikes 18.

The ratio h _n /h _p between the height h _n of the ribs 13 and the smallest height of the spikes h _p is for example between 0.3 and 0.52.

In the examples in Figures 4, 5, 11 and 1 1 A, the height h _n of the ribs 13 is constant along their entire length.

In variants, shown in particular in Figures 2 and 3, the height h _n of the ribs 13 is variable along their entire length, for example periodically.

In the examples in Figures 1 to 3, when the ribs 13 extend helically around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, the height h _n of the ribs 13 may increase from one spike 18 to another, then be substantially constant between a particular number of spikes 18, and then decrease from one spike 18 to another, before increasing again.

The height h _n of the spikes 13 is for example between 0.35 mm and 1.2 mm.

The width / of the spikes 13 is for example between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, 11 and 11 A, the ribs 13 connect at least two spikes

18. Preferably, the ribs 13 connect more than two spikes, the ribs 13 passing for example through spikes 18 along their entire length.

In the variant shown in Figure 10, the ribs 13 do not pass through any spike 18, and thus each extend between two adjacent rows of spikes 18.

In the examples described, the ribs 13 are continuous, not being interrupted along their entire length.

In the examples in Figures 1 to 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 1 1 A, the ribs 13 extend through one complete turn around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

In one variant, which is shown in Figures 5 and 8, the ribs 13 extend through less than one complete turn around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

In the example in Figures 7 and 11, the applicator member 8 does not comprise any ribs 13 along a part L ₂ of its length.

In the example in Figure 1 1, the first crown 24 of spikes 18 located at the proximal end 11 of the core 10 does not comprise any rib 13.

As can be seen in particular in Figure 9, the spikes 18 closest to the rib 13 can occupy the same axial position, measured along the longitudinal axis Z of the rib 13.

The diameter D of the circumscribed circle which has as its centre the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and which passes through the apex 13b of the ribs 13, said circle being visible in Figure 4, is advantageously less than or equal to the diameter of the circle defined by the orifice 6a of the wiping member 6.

The spikes 18 and the ribs 13 are made, in the examples in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding thermoplastic material.

In order to mould the applicator member 8, use can be made of any thermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid, for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved slip, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyamide elastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, SAM, PA or PMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example based on alumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, and possibly a material containing graphite as filler. It is possible in particular to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon ^® , Hytrel ^® , Cariflex ^® , Alixine ^® , Santoprene ^® , Pebax ^® and Pollobas ^® , this list not being limiting.

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

Once the applicator member 8 has passed through the wiping member 6, a particular quantity of product remains between the ribs 13 and the spikes 18 that are at a distance therefrom, making it possible to load the eyelashes and/or eyebrows with product P in a satisfactory manner. The spikes 18, which protrude from the ribs 13 by virtue of their greater height, make it possible to separate the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described, the characteristics of which may be combined with one another as parts of variants which are not illustrated.

The applicator member 8 may be able to vibrate, that is to say that it is possible to apply vibrations thereto during application, combing or picking up of the product P, for example as described in the application WO 2006/090343.

In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be able to rotate, that is to say that it may be made to carry out a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, for example during application, combing or picking up of the product P.

In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be heated, that is to say comprise a heating element for heating the keratin fibres, the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or the spikes 18 and/or the core 10 and/or the ribs 13 of the applicator member 8.

It is also possible for the applicator member 8 to be able to vibrate, to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only to be able to vibrate and to be able to rotate, or only to be able to vibrate and to be heated, or only to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only to be able to vibrate or only to be able to rotate or only to be heated.

The applicator member 8 may comprise any bactericidal agent such as silver salts, copper salts, preservatives and at least one preservative for the product P.

The core 10 and/or the spikes 18 and/or the ribs 13 may, furthermore, comprise particles, for example a filler, in particular a compound which is magnetic, bacteriostatic or absorbs moisture, or else a compound intended to produce roughness on the surface of the spikes 18 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the spikes. At least one of the core 10, a spike 18 and a rib 13 may be flocked, receive any heat or mechanical treatment, and/or comprise particles, for example a filler, in order in particular to improve the sliding of the applicator member on the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", and "between" is understood as including the limits, unless specified to the contrary.