Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
APPLICATOR FOR COMBING THE EYELASHES OR THE EYEBROWS AND/OR FOR APPLYING A COMPOSITION THERETO
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/210859
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an applicator (1) for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product thereto, the applicator (1) comprising a molded applicator member (8) that comprises: - an elongate core (6) that defines an application surface; - a plurality of teeth (28) protruding from the application surface (18); - at least one row of walls (29) protruding from the application surface (18) and extending along a longitudinal axis, the walls (29) having at their base a cross section of an elongate shape that extends along a major axis (Z) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls (28).

Inventors:
ROUALDES MARINE (JP)
LECHANOINE MARC (JP)
MARIN ALEXANDRA (FR)
RAMET MARC (JP)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2018/062587
Publication Date:
November 22, 2018
Filing Date:
May 15, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
OREAL (FR)
International Classes:
A46B1/00; A46B3/00; A46B9/02; A46D1/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2014195911A12014-12-11
Foreign References:
US20090193602A12009-08-06
US20170079410A12017-03-23
US20150257514A12015-09-17
US20160073767A12016-03-17
USD757445S2016-05-31
FR2796528A12001-01-26
FR2909532A12008-06-13
JP2008119453A2008-05-29
US20030213498A12003-11-20
US4801004A1989-01-31
FR2968906A12012-06-22
FR2955018A12011-07-15
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CABINET NONY (FR)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An applicator (1) for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product thereto, the applicator (1) comprising a molded applicator member (8) that comprises:

- an elongate core (6) that defines an application surface;

- a plurality of teeth (28) protruding from the application surface (18);

- at least one row of walls (29) protruding from the application surface (18) and extending along a longitudinal axis (Y), the walls (29) having at their base (30) a cross section of an elongate shape that extends along a major axis (Z) transverse to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the at least one row of walls (28).

2. Applicator according to claim 1, the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6) being curved.

3. Applicator according to claim 2, the longitudinal axis (X) being concave towards the application surface.

4. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the application surface (18) being planar along at least half its length (L), the rows of teeth (28) and the row(s) of walls (29) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (6) over at least half the length (L) of the application surface (18).

5. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the cross sections of the walls

(29) at their bases (13) having a largest dimension (f) measured along the major axis (Z) of the cross section that ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm.

6. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the applicator member (8) comprising teeth (28) and walls (29) that alternate along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

7. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the applicator member comprising one central row (28c) of teeth (28) and two side rows (28s) of teeth (28) on respective sides of the central row (28c) of teeth (28).

8. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the applicator member comprising multiplets of teeth, the teeth of each multiplet occupying substantially a same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

9. Applicator according to claim 8, the applicator member comprising triplets (27) of teeth (28) formed by the teeth of the central row (28c) and the two side rows (28s) of teeth (28) that occupy substantially a same axial position, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

10. Applicator according to claim 9, comprising a single row of walls (29), the walls (29) alternating with the triplets (27) of teeth (29) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

11. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the walls (29) being rectilinear at their bases.

12. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the walls (29) being curved at their bases.

13. Applicator according to claim 12, comprising a single row of walls (29), two successive walls (29) in the row having a same curvature and being respectively concave and convex towards a distal end (81) of application surface (18), the applicator member (8) comprising:

- a triplet (27) of teeth (28) at an axial position between two successive walls (29) being convex toward each other, and

- a doublet (17) of teeth (28) formed by two teeth (28) of respective side rows (28s) that occupy substantially a same axial position.

14. Applicator according to claim 9, comprising two rows (29a, 29b) of walls (29) disposed on respective sides of the central row (28c) of teeth (28), wherein the walls (29) of one row (29a) and corresponding walls (29) of the other row (29b) that occupy substantially the same axial positions form alternating converging and diverging pairs (25, 26) of walls (29) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6), and wherein the converging, respectively diverging, pairs (25, 26) of walls (29) converge, respectively diverge, towards the distal end (81) of the application surface (18), the major axis (Z) of the cross section of the walls (29) at their base (13) forming an angle (a) with the longitudinal axis (X) of the core that lies between preferably 45° and 80°, the applicator comprising:

- at an axial position between a converging pair (25) of walls (29) and a successive (26) diverging pair of walls (29), when moving towards the distal end (81) of the applicator member (8), a triplet (27) of teeth (28), and

- at an axial position between a diverging pair (26) of walls (29) and a successive converging pair (25) of walls (29), when moving towards the distal end (81) of the application surface (18), a single tooth (28) belonging to the central row (28c) of teeth (28).

15. Applicator according to claim 14, comprising at least two external rows (28e) of teeth (28) on respective sides of the rows (29a, 29b) of walls (29), the teeth (28) of the external rows (28e) of teeth protruding from the application surface (18) along an elongation axis (S) that forms a non-zero elongation angle (β) with a longitudinal mid-plane (M) of the applicator member (8).

16. Applicator according to claim 15, the top (92) of the walls (29) being curved, the height (h) of the teeth (28) and the curved shape of the top (92) of the walls (29) being configured in such a way that when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator member (8), the free ends of a triplet (27) of teeth (28), the teeth (28) of the external rows (28e) occupying substantially the same axial positions as the triplet (27), and the top (92) of a successive diverging pair (26) of walls (29) are situated on a same arc (C).

17. Applicator according to claim 15 or 16, the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6) being curved, the teeth (28) of the central row (28c) of teeth protruding form the application surface (18) along respective elongation axis parallel to each other, except in the vicinity of the distal end 81 where the applicator member (8) comprises two teeth (28) belonging to the central row (28c) of teeth (28), which touch at their bases and protrude from the application surface (18) along respective elongation axis that form a non-zero angle therebetween.

18. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 17, the teeth (28) of the external rows (28e) of teeth touching the teeth (28) of the side rows (28s) and the walls (29) at their bases (10, 13).

19. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, two successive walls (29) of the at least one row of walls (29) being alternatively disposed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6) and overlapping each other, at least partially, when observed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6), the applicator comprising two central rows (28a, 28b) of teeth, wherein two teeth (28) of respective central rows (28a, 28b) occupying substantially a same axial position, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, form central pairs (24) of teeth (28), the central pairs (24) of teeth (28) alternating with the walls (29) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6); at an axial position where a wall (29) is present, the applicator comprising a single tooth (28) belonging to one of the side rows (28s) of teeth (28), wherein said single tooth (28) and the barycenter (C) of the corresponding wall (29) occupying substantially the same axial position as said tooth (29) are disposed on respective sides of the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

20. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the applicator member comprising at least one row of teeth (28e) extending with respective elongation axes that from an angle (β) with a longitudinal midplane (M) for the applicator member (8).

21. A packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, the device comprising an applicator (1) as defined in any of claims 1 to 20, and a receptacle (3) containing the cosmetic product for application to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.

22. A cosmetic treatment method for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying thereto a cosmetic product, using an applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

Description:
APPLICATOR FOR COMBING THE EYELASHES OR THE EYEBROWS AND/OR FOR

APPLYING A COMPOSITION THERETO

The present invention relates to an applicator for combing keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product, such as a makeup, or a care product, e.g. mascara, thereto.

The invention also relates to a packaging device comprising such an applicator. The invention further relates to a cosmetic treatment method.

FR 2796528 discloses an applicator comprising a core and a plurality of consecutive teeth disposed on opposite sides of the core.

FR 2909532 discloses an applicator comprising a structure having at least one branch member extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and including teeth.

JP 2008-119453 discloses an applicator comprising two application surfaces provided respectively with a comb and a brush.

US 2003/0213498 discloses an applicator comprising groups of teeth and gaps between adjacent groups. The applicator may comprise portions in relief extending in the gap.

US 4801004 discloses an applicator comprising a core having a planar top surface and filament-like teeth extending at angles from the planar top surface. The applicator may further comprise walls disposed on the side faces and/or bottom face of the core.

FR 2968906 discloses an applicator having a curved top surface. This top surface may comprise teeth or grooves.

FR 2955018 discloses an applicator comprising a support and a plurality of application elements protruding from the support. The plurality of application elements are fixed to the support by melting the roots of the application elements and forming a layer interconnecting the roots of the application elements.

The invention seeks to further improve applicators for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, in particular in terms of the ability of the teeth to penetrate into the eyelashes, to smooth the composition on the eyelashes, and to separate and curl said eyelashes.

The invention also seeks to improve the ability of the applicator to load the composition.

In one aspect of the present invention, an applicator is provided for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product thereto, the applicator comprising a molded applicator member that comprises: - an elongate core that defines an application surface;

- a plurality of teeth protruding from the application surface, the teeth preferably having at their base a cross section of a non-elongate shape;

- at least a row of walls protruding from the application surface and extending along a longitudinal axis, the walls having at their base a cross section of an elongate shape along a major axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls.

The presence of the walls according to the invention makes it possible to increase the ability of product loading, while ensuring the ability of the teeth to grip the eye lashes. In this way, the invention makes it possible to apply the cosmetic product with fewer strokes. Also, the product deposited at the surface of the lashes can be properly smoothed.

The walls and teeth are connected to the core by their base.

By "the walls having at their base a cross section of an elongate shape along a major axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls", it should be understood that the major axis of the cross section of the walls at their base forms a nonzero angle with the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls, i.e. for example is oblique or perpendicular to this axis.

For example, the major axis of the cross section of the walls at their base forms an angle a between 10° and 80°, preferably between 60° and 80°, better still between 70° and 80°, for example about 75°, with the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls, when the applicator is observed form top. The major axis of the cross sections of the walls at their base may also be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls, i.e. a=90°.

The angle between the major axis of the cross section of the walls at their base and the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls may be of a same value for all the walls of said row.

The major axis of the cross section of the walls at their base may form a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the core, when observed from the top.

For example, at least one wall has the major axis of its base that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core.

At least one wall may have the major axis of its base that is oblique with regard to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Preferably, at least some of the teeth, and even better most or all of the teeth have at their base a cross section that is smaller than a cross section of at least a wall at its base, better smaller than cross sections of all walls at their bases. The cross section of the walls at their base may have a largest dimension measured along the major axis of the cross section that ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm.

The cross section of the teeth at their base may have a largest dimension that ranges from 0.2 to 0.9 mm.

The cross section of the teeth at their base may be of any shape, for example circular, oval, or polygonal, in particular triangular.

The core is elongate along a "longitudinal axis", which is to be understood as the line that joins the centers of gravity (barycenters) of the cross-sections of the core. In some circumstances, the longitudinal axis of the core may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for the core, in particular when the core presents a cross-section that has the general shape of a regular polygon or a circle. The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved. Preferably, the longitudinal axis is concave towards the application surface.

The core may be inclined relative to an axis of a stem to which it is connected, for example by an angle that increases on approaching the free end of the applicator.

The longitudinal axis of the row(s) of walls may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Preferably, the application surface is flat along at least half of its length, better over all its length. The application surface may be planar along at least half of its length, better all its length.

This makes it easier to force the lashes to go deeper between the walls, thus allowing more transfer of the product onto the lashes.

The application surface may also be concave or convex towards the outside.

Preferably, the application surface comprises a center line that is rectilinear along at least half of its length, when observed from the top and/or the side of the applicator. Alternatively, the center line of the application surface is curved.

Observing the applicator from the top should be understood as a direction of observation of the applicator facing the application surface.

Observing the applicator from the side should be understood as a direction of observation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and parallel to the application surface.

When observed from top, the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls may be rectilinear. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls may be curved. The applicator member may be symmetrical with regard to a longitudinal mid- plane perpendicular to the application surface.

Preferably, the teeth are of an elongate shape along a respective elongation axis. The elongation axis of the teeth may be perpendicular to the application surface. In a variant, the elongation axis of the teeth is oblique with regard to the application surface.

The applicator member comprises at least one row of teeth extending with respective elongation axes that from an angle with a longitudinal midplane for the applicator member.

The cross dimension of the teeth, measured perpendicularly to the elongation axis of the teeth, may be substantially constant over a major portion of the length of the teeth.

Preferably, the walls protrude from the application surface along respective elevation axes, for example perpendicularly to the application surface. The cross section of the walls, measured perpendicularly to the elevation axes of the walls, may be substantially constant over a major portion of the length of the walls.

The top of the walls may be flat, being for example perpendicular to their elevation axis or may present an apex.

The top of the walls may be curved, around a curvature axis that is preferably contained in a longitudinal mid-plane of the applicator member.

The applicator may comprise a single row of walls, the bases of the walls being for example centered on the application surface, i.e., the barycenters of the cross sections of the walls at their base being situated substantially along the center line of the application surface.

In a variant, barycenters of the cross sections of at least one succession of walls in the row may be arranged, at least in part, alternately on opposite sides of a geometrical separation surface. Two successive walls of the row may or may not overlap when the core is seen along its longitudinal axis.

In another variant, the applicator comprises two rows of walls, the longitudinal axis of the two rows being preferably parallel, for example being both parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. The rows of walls may be arranged symmetrically with regard to the longitudinal axis of the core, when viewed from the top of the applicator. For example, the walls are situated on respective sides of a geometrical separation surface and are symmetrical with regard to said surface, which is preferably planar.

The walls may be rectilinear at their base and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core when observed from the top. Preferably, the width of the application surface lies in the range of 3 to 7 mm, better from 4 to 6 mm.

When observed from the top, the application surface may have two parallel side edges that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. The distal end of the application surface may have a substantially rectilinear edge. In a variant, the distal end of the application surface is curved.

Two adjacent walls in the at least one row of walls may be spaced at their bases by a smallest distance that ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, for example being about 0.4 mm.

The applicator may comprise a plurality of rows of teeth that extend along respective axes that are rectilinear or curved.

The rows of teeth may extend in a same direction, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, over at least half the length of the application surface. For example, the rows of teeth extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core over all the length of the application surface, except for example in the vicinity of the distal end thereof.

The applicator may comprise at least two rows of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis of the core, e.g. between 2 and 10 rows of teeth, better between 2 and 6 rows, for example 3 or 4 rows. Each row of teeth may comprise between 1 and 20 teeth.

Within each row of teeth, the teeth may be spaced-apart evenly along a majority of the length of the application surface.

Alternatively, the spacing between two adjacent teeth of a row may vary. For example, the spacing between two adjacent teeth with the presence of a wall therebetween is different from the spacing between two adjacent teeth without the presence of a wall therebetween.

The spacing between two adjacent teeth situated in the vicinity of each of the two ends of the applicator member may be different from the spacing between two adjacent teeth situated in a central portion of the applicator member.

All the teeth of a row of teeth may have a same height, except possibly the teeth situated in the vicinity of distal and proximal ends of the applicator member.

The height of the teeth of one row may differ from the height of the teeth of another row.

Preferably, the free ends of the teeth and the top of the walls defining along at least a portion of the length of the applicator member an envelope surface that is of arcuate cross-section. The applicator member may comprise at least one central row of teeth and two side rows of teeth, the side rows of teeth being for example arranged on respective sides of the at least one central row. The at least one central row of teeth may be centered on the applicator surface, when observed from the top.

The teeth of the central row may have a same first height and the teeth of the side rows may have a same second height, except possibly for the teeth situated in the vicinity of distal and proximal ends of the applicator member. The first height is preferably larger than the second height.

The top of the wall is preferably situated between the free ends of the teeth when measured along the elevation axis of the wall, for example between the free ends of the teeth of the central rows and of the side rows.

Preferably, the teeth do not touch at their bases, and the teeth and the walls do not touch at their bases, i.e. being spaced from each other at their bases, except for example in the vicinity of the side edges of the application surface and/or of the distal end thereof. A smallest distance between a tooth and a wall, measured at their bases, may range between 0 and 0.9 mm.

By adapting the spacing between two teeth, the distance between the walls and that between the walls and the teeth, it is possible to establish cavities of greater or smaller size suitable for being loaded with composition without the teeth losing the ability to properly guide and grip the eyelashes.

At least one tooth of the plurality of rows of teeth may be situated at an axial position that lies between two adjacent walls in the at least one row of walls. The applicator member may comprise teeth and walls that alternate along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

The applicator member may comprise two central rows of teeth, wherein teeth of respective central rows occupying substantially a same axial position, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, form central pairs of teeth. The central pairs of teeth may alternate with the walls of the at least one row of walls along the longitudinal axis of the core. Two successive walls of the at least one row of walls are preferably alternatively disposed on either sides of the longitudinal axis of the core, and overlap each other, at least partially, when observed along the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls. The applicator preferably comprises, at an axial position at which a wall is present, a single tooth belonging to one of the side rows of teeth, said single tooth and the corresponding wall occupying substantially a same axial position. The applicator member may comprise multiplets of teeth, the teeth of each multiplet preferably occupying substantially a same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, the multiplets of teeth preferably being doublets of teeth or triplets of teeth.

The applicator member may comprise at least a multiplet, e.g. a doublet or a triplet, of teeth comprising at least the teeth of respective side rows that occupy substantially a same axial position measured along the longitudinal axis of the core.

For example, a multiplet, e.g. a triplet, of teeth is formed by teeth of respective rows of the at least one central row and the two side rows of teeth.

The teeth of the multiplet of teeth may occupy substantially a same axial position, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core except for example in the vicinity of the distal end of the application surface.

For example, when the distal end of the application surface is of a curved shape, the teeth of a triplet of teeth in the vicinity of the distal end of the application surface may be disposed along a curved line that substantially conforms to the curved shape of the distal end of the application surface.

By "a tooth and a wall, respectively two teeth, occupying substantially the same axial position measured along the longitudinal axis of the core", it should be understood that the base of the tooth and the base of the wall, respectively the bases of the two teeth, overlap at least partially when observed from the side of the applicator member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The bases may overlap exactly.

The distances between two adjacent teeth in a multiplet, e.g. a triplet, of teeth may be equal.

The walls of the at least one row of walls may alternate with multiplets of teeth as defined above along the longitudinal axis of the core.

In one variant, the applicator member comprises a central row of teeth and the walls of the at least one row of walls alternate with triplets of teeth formed by teeth of respective rows of the central row and the two side rows of teeth that occupy substantially a same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The walls of the at least one row of walls may be curved at their base, two adjacent walls in the row preferably having a same curvature and being respectively concave and convex towards a distal end of the application surface. The applicator may comprise a central row of teeth, and: - at an axial position between two adjacent walls being convex towards each other, a triplet of teeth formed by teeth of respective rows of the central row and the two side rows of teeth that occupy substantially a same axial position, and

- at an axial position between two adjacent walls being concave towards each other, a doublet of teeth formed by two teeth of respective side rows that occupy substantially a same axial position.

The walls of the at least one row of walls may be situated between the side rows of teeth when observed along the longitudinal axis of the core.

In another variant, the applicator comprises two rows of walls disposed on respective sides of the central row of teeth, the walls being rectilinear at their base, wherein the walls of one row and corresponding walls of the other row that occupy substantially the same axial positions form alternating converging and diverging pairs of walls along the longitudinal axis of the core, and the converging, respectively diverging, pairs of walls converge, respectively diverge, towards the distal end of the application surface, the base section of the walls forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the core that preferably ranges between 10° and 80°, the applicator comprising:

- at an axial position between a converging pair of walls and a subsequent diverging pair of walls, when moving towards the distal end of the application surface, a triplet of teeth as defined above,

- at an axial position between a diverging pair of walls and a subsequent converging pair of walls, when moving towards the distal end of the application surface, a single tooth belonging to the central row of teeth.

A converging pair of walls and a successive diverging of walls, when moving towards the distal end of the application surface, may form a substantially X pattern.

In still another variant, the applicator comprises a central row of teeth and two rows of walls disposed on respective sides of the central row of teeth, the walls being rectilinear at their base, wherein the walls of one row and corresponding walls of the other row that occupy substantially the same axial positions form alternating converging and diverging pairs of walls along the longitudinal axis of the core, and the converging, respectively diverging, pairs of walls converge, respectively diverge, towards the distal end of the application surface, the base section of the walls forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the core that ranges between 10° and 80°, the applicator comprising:

- at an axial position between a converging pair of walls and a subsequent diverging pair of walls, when moving towards the distal end of the application surface, a triplet of teeth formed by teeth of respective rows of the central row and the two side rows of teeth that occupy substantially a same axial position,

- at an axial position between a diverging pair of walls and a subsequent converging pair of walls, when moving towards the distal end of the application surface, a single tooth belonging to the central row of teeth,

- at least two external rows of teeth at respective sides of the rows of walls, the teeth of the external rows of teeth protruding from the application surface along an elongation axis that forms a non-zero elongation angle with a direction perpendicular to the application surface.

The elongation angle of the teeth of the external rows is preferably between 25° and 35°, for example about 30°.

Each external row of teeth may extend along a respective longitudinal edge of the application surface, which is for example parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

Preferably, the central row and side rows of teeth, and the walls, are arranged between the external rows of teeth when observed along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The teeth of the external rows of teeth may occupy substantially same axial positions as the teeth of the side rows and the external longitudinal ends of the walls.

By "external longitudinal end", it should be understood one of the two longitudinal ends of the walls that is situated further away from the central row of teeth.

The teeth of the external rows of teeth may touch the teeth of the side rows and the walls at their bases.

At least one tooth may be of tapered, frustoconical, or pyramid shape.

At least one tooth of one of the rows may present a shape that is different from a tooth of another row.

The applicator may comprise a stem, the applicator member being fixed to the stem, for example being overmolded onto the stem or being fixed to the stem with a mechanical attachment.

The core may present a cross-section that is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis, in particular at least over a fraction of the length of the applicator member.

Over at least a fraction of its length, the core may present a cross-section of a shape selected from: circular; non-circular; semi-circular; elliptical; semi-elliptical; polygonal; triangular; square; rectangular; pentagonal; hexagonal; octagonal, and semi-polygonal. The shape of the cross section may vary along the longitudinal axis of the core. The cross-section of the core may be flat over a fraction of the length of the applicator member. A longitudinal axis of the cross-section may be parallel to the application surface.

In another of its aspects, the invention provides a packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, the device comprising an applicator as defined above, and a receptacle containing the cosmetic product for application to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.

The receptacle may comprise a wiper member for wiping the applicator member.

The cosmetic product is for example a mascara. The makeup may be applied to the eyelashes and the eyelashes may be combed.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a cosmetic treatment method for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product thereto with an applicator according to the invention.

The teeth and the walls may be made out of the same material, or, in a variant, they may be made out of different materials.

The teeth and/or the walls may be made by molding a thermoplastic material, e.g. the same material as is used for the portion of the core carrying it. The teeth and/or the walls can be made of a different material than the core.

The applicator member may be molded in a single material, the core and the stem may thus be made using the same material, or in a variant using different materials, and in particular materials of different colors, thereby making it easier to identify the application surface, if so desired by the user. The materials may present different hardnesses. For example, the two materials may both be polyester thermoplastic elastomers, e.g. under the trademark Hytrel® or polyether block amide under the trademark Pebax®. When the applicator is made using two materials, these materials may present mechanical properties that are different, in particular in terms of hardnesses, one of the materials being softer than the other, for example, or the materials may be of different colors.

The invention will be understood better from reading the following description of non-limiting examples of the implementation thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an applicator member according to the invention,

- Figure 2 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 1, - Figure 3 shows an example of a packaging and application device according to the invention,

- Figure 4 is a side view of a further embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention,

- Figures 5A to 8A illustrate schematically in top view embodiments of an applicator member according to the invention,

- Figures 5B to 8B are enlarged partial views of the applicator member of Fig.5 A to 8A,

- Figure 9 illustrates in top and partial views a further embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention,

- Figure 10 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 9 along the arrow

X,

- Figure 11 is a cross-section taken along the plane XI-XI of Figure 9 of the applicator member of Figure 9,

- Figure 12 is a view of the applicator member of Figure 9 along the arrow XII of Figure 9, and

- Figure 13 is a perspective view of the applicator member of Figure 9,

- Figure 14 is a trop view of the applicator member of Figure 4.

Figure 1 shows an applicator 1 made in accordance with the invention, that comprises an applicator member 8 that is overmolded or fixed otherwise onto a stem 3.

The applicator 1 is configured to be received in a receptacle 5 containing the cosmetic product for application to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, as shown in Figure 3.

The applicator comprises a handle 41 connected to a distal end of the stem 3. The applicator 1 is configured for closing the receptacle 5 in an air tight manner.

The applicator member 8 comprises a core 6 which is elongate about a longitudinal axis X, the latter being rectilinear in the illustrated embodiment.

The applicator member 8 comprises an application surface 18, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is planar over a majority of its length L. The application surface 18 comprises two side edges 9 parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

The applicator member 8 comprises at least one central row 28c of teeth 28 and two side rows 28s of teeth 28. The rows 28c, 28s of teeth 28 extend in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6. The applicator member comprises two rows 29a, 29b of walls 29. These rows 29a and 29b extend along a longitudinal direction Y, which is rectilinear and parallel to the longitudinal axis X in the illustrated embodiment.

The walls 29 are connected by their base 13 to the application surface 18. The base 13 of each wall 29 has a cross section which is elongate along a corresponding major axis Z. This axis Z forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the walls 29 protrude from the application surface 18 along respective elevation axes Q, each axis Q being locally perpendicular to the application surface 18.

The teeth 28 each extend from a base 10 by which they are connected to the application surface 18, to a free end 11, along a respective elongation axis S. The teeth 28 of a same row may have as shown a same height h over a majority of the length L of the application surface 18.

In the embodiments according to Figures 5 A to 8A, the application surface 18 is planar over a majority of its length L.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, the applicator member 8 comprises a row of walls 29 extending along a longitudinal axis Y that is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

The barycenters C of two successive walls 29 are disposed on respective sides of the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, forming two subrows 29a, 29b of walls 29. Two successive walls in the row overlap partially with each other when observed along the longitudinal axis X of the core, preferably by a distance m ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B comprises two central rows of teeth 28a, 28b extending each parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, and preferably having a same number of teeth 28, as shown. Teeth 28 of one row 28a and corresponding teeth 28 of the other row 28b occupying substantially a same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 form central pairs 24 of teeth 28. The teeth 28 in each row 28a, 28b are preferably evenly spaced, as shown.

Preferably, each row 28a, 28b of teeth 28 is centered with regard to a corresponding subrow 29a, 29b of walls 29.

The walls 29 alternate with the central pairs 24 of teeth 28 along the longitudinal axis X of the core.

At an axial position where a wall 29 is present, the applicator member 6 comprises a single tooth 28 that belongs to one of the side rows 28s of teeth 28. Said tooth 28 and the barycenter C of the cross section of said wall 29 at its base are situated on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

Preferably, a wall 29 is equally distant from adjacent central pairs of teeth and the distance / between the wall and an adjacent central pair remains constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

The major axis Z of the walls 29 may be rectilinear and extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 when observed from the top, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 5 A and 6A.

Preferably, the walls 29 are evenly spaced over a majority of the length L of the application surface 18. The distance d between two successive walls 29 may range from 0.1 to 1 mm.

The applicator member comprises, in the vicinity of the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, a triplet of teeth formed by two teeth of respective side rows 28s and a tooth centered with regard to said teeth of the side rows. The teeth of said triplet occupy substantially a same axial position in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 5 A.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6A to 8A, the applicator member comprises a central row of teeth 28c and two side rows 28s of teeth 28 arranged on respective sides of the central row 28c of teeth 28.

The teeth 28 may be evenly spaced in each row 28s, 28c of teeth 28, over a majority of the length L of the application surface 18, as shown.

Triplets 27 of teeth 28 each formed by a tooth 28 of the central row 28c and corresponding teeth of the side rows 28s that occupy substantially a same axial position are disposed along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6. The distances e between two adjacent teeth 28 in such a triplet 27 of teeth 28 are preferably equal, as shown.

The walls 28 may alternate with the triplets 27 of teeth 28 along the longitudinal axis X of the core, as illustrated in Figures 6 A and 6B. Preferably, a wall 29 is equally distant from adjacent triplets of teeth and the distance r between the wall and an adjacent triplet remains constant along a majority of length L of the application surface 18.

Preferably, the triplets 27 of teeth 29 are equally spaced along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, the applicator member comprises two rows 29a, 29b of walls 29 disposed on respective sides of the central row 28c of teeth 28. The major axis Z of each wall 29 is rectilinear and extends at a non-zero angle a with regard to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6. The angle a preferably ranges from 45° to 80°.

Along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, the walls 29 of one row 29A and corresponding walls 29 of the other row 29B that occupy substantially the same axial positions form alternating converging and diverging pairs 25, 26 of walls 29.

As can be seen in Figures 7A and 7B, the converging, respectively diverging, pairs 25, 26 of walls 29 converge, respectively diverge, towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

Triplets 27 of teeth 28 are arranged at axial positions between a converging pair

25 of teeth 28 and a successive diverging pair 26 of teeth 28, when moving towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

At an axial position between a diverging pair 26 of teeth 28 and a successive converging pair 25 of teeth 28, when going towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, the applicator member 8 comprises a single tooth 28 belonging to the central row

28c of teeth 28.

Preferably, a converging and a successive diverging pair 25, 26 of teeth 28 are symmetrical with regard to a separation plane perpendicular to the application surface 18. This separation plane may contain a tooth of the central row 28c of teeth 28.

Converging and successive diverging pairs 25, 26 of teeth 28, when moving towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, may form a substantially X pattern, as shown.

The applicator member 8 may be symmetrical with regard to a longitudinal mid- plane M perpendicular to the application surface 18, as can be seen on Figures 6A to 8A.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B, the major axis Z of each wall

29 is curved.

Two successive walls 29 in the row have a same radius of curvature r and are respectively concave and convex towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

The applicator member 8 comprises a triplet 27 of teeth 28, at an axial position between two adjacent walls 29 that are convex towards each other.

At an axial position between two adjacent walls being concave to each other, the applicator member 8 comprises a doublet 17 of teeth 28 formed by two teeth 28 of respective side rows 28s that occupy substantially a same axial position. The distance a between the bases of two successive walls 29 convex towards each other, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, may be constant.

The distance b between the bases of two successive walls 29 concave towards each other, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, may be constant.

The linear distance / between the respective longitudinal ends 49 of a wall 29 range preferably between 1 and 3 mm.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, the applicator member 8 comprises two rows 29a, 29b of walls 29 disposed on respective sides of the central row 28c of teeth 28.

The major axis Z of each wall 29 is rectilinear and extends at a non-zero angle a, which is for example of about 75° with regard to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 in the illustrated embodiment.

Along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, the walls 29 of one row 29a and corresponding walls 29 of the other row 29b that occupy substantially the same axial positions form alternating converging and diverging pairs 25, 26 of walls 29.

As in the embodiment of Figure 7A, triplets 27 of teeth 28 are arranged at axial positions between a converging pair 25 of teeth 28 and a successive diverging pair 26 of teeth 28, when moving towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

At an axial position between a diverging pair 26 of teeth 28 and a successive converging pair 25 of teeth 28, when moving towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, the applicator member 8 comprises a single tooth 28 belonging to the central row 28c of teeth 28.

The teeth 28 of a triplet 27 occupy substantially a same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of core 6, except in the vicinity of the distal end 81 of the application face 18.

As illustrated in Figure 9, in the vicinity of the distal end 81 of the application face 18, the applicator member 8 comprises two triplets 27 that are arranged along curved lines which follow substantially the curvature of the distal end 81 of the application face 18. A tooth 28 of one triplet 27 and a corresponding tooth 28 of the other triplet 27 touch at their bases 10.

The applicator member further comprises two external rows 28e of teeth 28 extending along the side edges 9 of the applicator member. The side rows 28s of teeth 28 and the walls 29 are arranged between the external rows 28e. The teeth 28 of the external rows 28e are situated at same axial positions as the teeth 28 of the side rows 28e and external longitudinal ends 49 of the walls 29 and touch the latter at their bases 10, 13.

As can be seen in Figure 10, the application surface 18 may be planar over a majority of its length L.

The teeth 28 of the central rows 28c and of the sides rows 28s are elongate along respective elongation axes S that are perpendicular to the application surface 18, except for the end teeth 28 in the vicinity of the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

The end teeth 28 of the triplet 27 the closest to the distal end 81 of the application surface 18 extend outwardly away from the proximal end of the application surface 18 along respective elongation axes S that form each a non-zero elongation angle y with a longitudinal mid-plane M of the applicator member 8, wherein the tooth belonging to the central row is contained in the mid-plane M and the teeth of the side rows extend away from the mid-plane M.

The teeth 28 of the external rows 28e, as illustrated in Figure 11, also protrude from the application surface 18 along respective elongation axes S that each form a non-zero elongation angle β with the mid-plane M of the applicator member 8, β being about 30° in the illustrated embodiment and being for example equal to y. The teeth 28 of the external rows 28e extend away from the longitudinal mid-plane M of the applicator member 8.

The elongation axes S of the teeth of each external row may be parallel. Preferably, the axes of the teeth of respective external rows that occupy the same axial positions are contained in a same plane. The axes of the teeth of a triplet 27 and of the side rows 28s that occupy the same axial positions are contained in a same plane.

As illustrated in Figure 11, the height h of the teeth and the curved shape of the top 92 of the walls may be chosen so that when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 8, the free ends of a triplet of teeth, the teeth of the external rows occupying substantially the same axial positions as the triplet, and the top 92 of a successive diverging pairs 26 of walls 29 are substantially situated on a same arc C. This arc may have a radius of curvature R ranging between 5 and 7 mm, preferably between 5.5 and 6 mm.

The width W of the application surface 18 may range from 5 to 7 mm, for example about 6 mm.

The applicator member 8 illustrated in Fig. 4 and 14 differs from that of Fig. 9 in that the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 is curved. The longitudinal axis X is concave towards the application surface 18. The transverse distance D of the application member 8 is preferably between 3 and 5mm.

As illustrated in Fig. 14, the distal end 81 of the application surface 18 is of pointed shape. In the vicinity of the distal end 81 , the applicator member 8 comprises two triplets 27, the one closer to the distal end 81 being arranged along a curved line which follows substantially the curvature of the distal end 81.

Two external rows 28e of teeth 28 extend along the side edges 9 of the applicator member 8. As illustrated in Fig. 14, the teeth 28 of the external rows 28c arc situated at same axial positions as the teeth 28 of the side rows 28e, except at the distal end 81 of the application face 18. The teeth 28 of the central row 28c of teeth protrude from the application surface 18 along respective elongation axis parallel to each other, except in the vicinity of the distal end 81, where the applicator member 8 comprises two teeth 28 protruding from the application surface 18 along respective elongation axis that form a non-zero angle therebetween and touch at their bases.

In order to fix the applicator member to the stem 3, the applicator member 8 may comprise a T-shape fixing part 84, as can be seen in Figures 12 and 13, that is configured to be slotted into a corresponding groove 86 in the stem 3 of the applicator. The part 84 extends about a length U that is less than the total length T of the applicator member 8. The latter comprises a rail 91 that engages into a corresponding recess 92 provided on the stem 3, as shown in Figure 5, for example. This may help the user to determine the orientation of the applicator member 8 when the applicator member 8 and the stem 3 are mad of materials of different colors. This may also help to secure the applicator member to the stem.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

For example, the walls and the teeth may be arranged differently from the illustrated embodiments.

The dimensions of the walls and the teeth may be modified.

The multiplet of teeth may comprise more than three teeth, for example four teeth, formed by two teeth belonging to respective side rows and two teeth belonging to the at least one central row.