TO KERATIN FIBERS

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of applicators for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres such as eyelashes or eyebrows. Specifically, the applicators of the invention make it possible to apply a cosmetic, makeup or care product on body hair, eyelashes or eyebrows.

These applicators essentially include two elements: an elongate core on which at least one row of teeth, protuberances or elongate spikes is arranged. The spikes are embedded at one of their ends in the exterior surface of the core, and free at the other end.

Prior art

Numerous documents are known that disclose products of this type and that describe, first making it possible to load then apply the given product in a convenient, simple and reliable manner, with a harmonious result. In the field considered, we refer to the loading function, the separation function, the definition function or the curving function that must simultaneously be performed by such an applicator.

Already for some time, we have known, for example from the teaching of document FR 2 505 633, a makeup brush having a holder on which bristles are individually and regularly fixed. According to a feature of this invention, the holder and the bristles or spikes are produced by injection of a mouldable material. In addition, this applicator has bristles or spikes, the free ends of which are provided with hooks; this arrangement is intended to make the free end of the spikes less dangerous, in particular in contact with the user's eyelashes and/or eyes. Such an arrangement also makes it possible to increase the amount of fluid or pasty cosmetic product held by each spike. However, a given and constant amount of makeup product is retained, regardless of its viscosity, and regardless of the thickness of the layer of product that is already adhered to the core.

Also as an example, document FR 2 850 549 discloses an applicator brush for applying a product to keratin fibres, comprising a core holding bristles f which at least a portion extend in a curved manner.

The patent application EP 1 342 428 is also known, which discloses a mascara brush including essentially a row of spikes of various shapes and grouped tougher according to the length of the brush. This is intended above all for combing the eyelashes in a characteristic manner .

The patent application FR 2 902 984 is also known, which discloses an applicator comprising a core and at least two rows of spikes, each oriented differently with respect to an exterior face of the core. This type of applicator is intended to improve the application of a product in particular in terms of penetration of the teeth or spikes between the eyelashes, smoothing of the product to be applied, and separation of same.

One of the main desired effects consists of curving the eyelashes: for this, the user must cause the eyelashes to penetrate into the actual applicator brush so that they will be loaded with product, then gesturally accompany them with the brush so as to curve them while applying the product. Thus, the eyelashes must simultaneously be in contact with the product and adhere to it during movement of the brush over the eyelashes.

Numerous embodiments have thus been sought in order to retain significant amounts of makeup product, but without actually succeeding in controlling and adapting the amount of product according to the nature of the product, or even according to the nature of the keratin fibres to be treated.

Such applicators can be obtained by moulding, transformation of plastic materials, thermoplastic elastomers and/or vulcanizable materials. Techniques such as three-dimensional printing, stereolithography, or conventional or laser machining can make it possible to product such applicators. Such applicators can also be obtained by moulding two materials, by co-injection or by bi-in ection . The invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to propose an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres, including an elongate core extending according to a longitudinal axis XX and spikes embedded at a first end on the exterior surface of the core, the second ends of said spikes being free. Characteristically, all or some of the spikes are provided on their exterior surface with at least one protuberance or hook placed at a distance D from the first end of the spike, the distance D being less than around 75% of the length of the spike.

The distance D is measured between the first end of the spike and the surface or line of the hook closest to the core. The distance D is preferably greater than or equal to around 0.02 millimetres.

It is thus possible, by placing the hooks at more or less substantial distances D from the exterior surface of the core, to transfer an amount of fluid or liquid product that is both controlled and adapted as needed. The position of the hooks makes it possible to curve the eyelashes and to load the eyelashes; interestingly, the specific chosen position of the spikes enables the loading effect to be adjusted according to the position of the hooks.

The present invention advantageously makes it possible to precisely hold the eyelashes with respect to the exterior surface of the core, owing to the characteristic positioning of the protuberances or hooks attached to the spikes. Advantageously, the longitudinal axis XX of the core may not be straight. The shape of the longitudinal axis XX will be determined by a person skilled in the art according to the particular case.

In addition, the core may have a constant transverse cross-section over its length.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the lengths of said spikes implanted on the core are such that the spikes together form a substantially cylindrical volume.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lengths of said spikes implanted on the core are such that the spikes together form an oval ball- or barrel-shaped volume.

Without going beyond the scope of the invention, said spikes form at least one aligned row substantially parallel to the axis XX of the core.

Preferably, said spikes form part of a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the core.

Advantageously, the distance D is around one-third the total length of the spike. A person skilled in the art will more specifically choose this distance according to the case envisaged.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said hooks have a flat right triangle shape in which a first face of the right angle coincides with the exterior surface of the spike and a second face of the right angle is close to the exterior surface of the core. Interestingly, the spikes and the core may be monolithic .

Brief description of the figures

Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become more clear form the following description, in reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

- figure 1, a side view of the end of a device according to the invention;

- figure 2, a perspective view of the end of a device according to the invention;

- figure 3, a front view of a device according to the invention, with a plurality of eyelashes held inside;

figure 4, a longitudinal cross-section of a device according to the invention equipped with a straight core;

figure 5, a longitudinal cross-section of a device according to the invention equipped with a curved core;

- figure 6, a partial perspective of an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

- figures 7A, 7B and 7C show, in transverse cross- sections, the characteristic effect of the device on a keratin fibre; and

figures 8 to 16 show examples of hook or protuberance shapes capable of being envisaged within the scope of the invention. For greater clarity, the same or similar features are designated by the same reference signs in all of the figures. Detailed description of an embodiment

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention that includes, in a known manner, a core 1 with a general elongate shape and that extends according to a longitudinal axis XX. The longitudinal axis XX can be straight or slightly curved, as shown in figure 1. The core preferably has a solid circular transverse cross- section, but other shapes may be envisaged without going beyond the scope of the invention. The transverse cross-section of the core can be constant over the entire length or not. The core may be solid or hollow.

Spikes 2 project from this core. The spikes 2 have an elongate shape, with a first end 20 fixed or embedded on the exterior surface of the core 1 and a second free end 21. The spikes can have various shapes and be straight or curved. They may be moulded integrally with the core. They are implanted on the core 1 so as preferably to form rows aligned according to the axis XX, as shown in the appended figures. This implantation may be different.

When a plurality of rows of spikes are provided, the spikes 2 of two adjacent rows may belong to the same plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX. The spikes 2 of two adjacent rows can have a longitudinal offset; and the spikes of non-adjacent rows can belong to the same transverse plane. In addition, the lengths of the spikes 2 can be constant or variable over the entire device according to the invention. Figure 3 shows an example in which the lengths of the spikes 2 are such that the general exterior shape of the device is a sort of barrel or oval ball. This shape is preferred when ...

Without going beyond the scope of the invention, the exterior volume may be cylindrical.

According to the invention, all or some of the spikes 2 are equipped on their exterior surface with at least one protuberance or hook 3 placed at a distance D from the first end 20 of the spike 2, the distance D being less than around 75% of the length of the spike concerned. A distance D of around one-third the length of the spike 2 has been tested with success.

The distance D will be chosen by a person skilled in the art according to the particular case. In every case, it involves holding the eyelashes between the exterior surface of the core 1 and the portion closest to the hook 3. The fluid or pasty product is itself also held in this area, it is thus ensured that it will easily be transferred onto the eyelash.

Depending on the position of the hooks 3 on the spikes 2, a different amount of product is transferred; thus, the transfer of product onto the eyelash C is ensured and controlled.

In addition, the hooks 3 make it possible to hold and retain the eyelash C, that is, to guide it. Such an attachment is favourable for good curvature of the eyelash C. As is clearly shown in figures 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8 according to a preferred embodiment, the hooks 3 have a flat right triangle shape in which a first face of the right angle coincides with the exterior surface of the spike 2 at the level of its attachment with same. The second face of the right angle of the hook 3 is close to the exterior surface of the core. More specifically, this second face in this case serves as a reference for defining the distance D, measured according to the length of the spike 2 concerned. The distance D is measured from the exterior surface of the core 1, where the spike is embedded, i.e. at the first end 20 thereof Regardless of the specific shape of the hook 3, the distance D is defined between the surface or line of the hook 3 closest to the core 1 and the exterior surface of the core, where the hook is embedded. This distance D is advantageously less than 75% of the total length of the spike concerned.

In a same device, the distance D is not necessarily always the same. Figure 4 clearly shows a distance D at the centre of the applicator that is greater than the distance D at the ends of said applicator. In this particular case, the spikes 2 themselves have different lengths according to their position on the longitudinal axis XX of the applicator: shorter lengths at the two ends and longer in the middle area. Thus, the exterior shape of the applicator is that of an oval ball or barrel. In this embodiment, the hooks 3, provided at different distances D, are positioned substantially at the same distance from the free ends 21 of the spikes 2. It is thus possible to consider that, at the middle of the applicator, the hooks 3 are placed at around 75% of the length of the spikes, whereas, at the ends, they are positioned at around 60% of the length of the spikes 2.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment that differs from the embodiment shown in figure 4 at the core 1, which is not straight, but curved. In this case, at the middle, the hooks are placed at a distance D of around 40% of the length of the spike 2, whereas, at the ends, they are placed at a so-called minimal distance, of around 0.02 mm, which corresponds substantially to the exterior diameter of a keratin fibre.

Figure 6 shows, in greater detail and in perspective, an applicator portion: it is seen that from the core 1, the spikes 2 are embedded at their first end 20 and free at their second end 21. The hooks 3 are not present on all of the spikes 2; more specifically, the hooks are in this case provided only on certain rows of spikes.

Figure 7 shows different cases of application demonstrating the relationship between the position of the hook(s) 3 and the thickness of the layer 10 of product (such as mascara) present at the exterior surface of the core. This layer 10, more or less thick, is externally defined by a contour 10'. In figure 7A, the eyelash C is held in the thickness of the product owing to the hook 3 located at a distance D inferior to the thickness of the product. Thus, the eyelash C is held in the product 10 under the hook 3. A loading effect as well as a curvature effect of the eyelash C is obtained. Figure 7B shows an example in which the eyelash C is held right at the surface (flush) with the contour 10' of the product. The eyelash is thus curved, and moderately loaded with product since it is only slightly in contact with the product 10.

Figure 7C shows the case in which the eyelash C is held by the hook 3 outside the product 10. The eyelash C therefore is not loaded with product; however, it is curved by the hook 3. A curvature effect, without volume, is obtained.

It can be seen that the invention enables a correlation between the position of the hooks 3 on the spikes 2 and the height of product 10 attached to the exterior surface of the core 1. Depending on the desired effect, the nature of the product and also the respective diameters of the core 1 and the associated wiper, a person skilled in the art will choose the appropriate position of the hooks 3 on the spikes; their density and their positioning in the brush formed by all of the spikes 2 are also the choice of a person skilled in the art.

In addition, the shape of the hook may be different from that defined above, but in every case it ensures that an eyelash C is held near the exterior surface of the core 1. It is possible to envisage choosing different shapes of hooks 3 on the same applicator device.

Figures 8 and 8A show a so-called triangle hook shape. The hooks 3 have a flat right triangle shape in which a first face of the right angle coincides with the exterior surface of the spike and a second face of the right angle is close to the exterior surface of the core. The distance D is in this case defined, as indicated in these figures, from the first end 20 of the hook 2 to the surface of the hook 3 closest to the core 1.

Figure 9 shows a hook 3 in the shape of a right triangle of which the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spike 2 is removed from the first end 20 of the spike. The distance D is in this case defined up to the acute angle of the right triangle .

Figures 10A and 10B show a hook 3 with a shape similar to that of figures 8A and 8B, but of which the surface closest to the core 1 consists of a double slope 30, 31. The distance D is then defined as illustrated in these figures.

Figure 11 concerns a right triangle-type hook 3, of which the surface closest to the core is hollow and consists of two slopes 32, 33. In this case, a sort of harpoon is formed at the level of this surface close to the core 1.

Figure 12 shows a K-shaped hook 3, of which the main branch coincides with the exterior surface of the spike 2 and of which the two branches 34, 35 are respectively oriented toward the core (branch 34) and toward the free end 21 of the spike 2 concerned.

Figure 13 relates to a hook shape similar to that of figures 8, but of which the surface 36 closest to the core 1 is not flat, but curved. This difference favours the holding of the eyelash at this surface that forms, with the associated surface of the spike (the surface closest to the core), a sort of harpoon.

Figure 14 shows a protuberance 3 in the form of a half-cylinder emerging from the surface it shares with the spike 2, the width of which corresponds to that of the spike 2 at their connection.

The hook 3 shown in figure 15 is in the shape of a truncated cylinder toward the free end 21 of the spike

2.

According to figure 16, the hook 3 is formed by two half-cylinders 37, 38, substantially juxtaposed according to the length of the spike 2.

Preferably, the core 1, the spikes 2 and the hooks

3 are moulded integrally. It is interesting to note that all of the surfaces of the hook 3 can be in contact with the eyelash to be treated; usually, it is the surface closest to the core that is active, but the other free surfaces of the hook also have their own function: product loading, curvature of the eyelash C, holding of the eyelash C; this is particularly valuable, novel and inventive.

In addition, as briefly mentioned above, the modularity in the shape and the arrangement of the hooks is valuable parameter of the invention. In particular, it makes it possible to vary both the curvature and the loading (volume of product transferred onto the eyelashes) effect from the same container. Commonly, the applicator of the invention is part of an assembly also consisting of a product container (also called the bottle) , a wiper mounted in the neck of the container, as well as a cap, a rod holder and a rod, at the end of which the applicator is attached. It is understood that these parts cooperate functionally so as to arrive at a result (in particular makeup) . It is very difficult to change at least one of these three parts in order to produce a different makeup effect. According to the invention, by simply changing the position and/or the shape of the hooks, the makeup effect is significantly modified. This is therefore highly valuable economically.

Similarly, the exterior appearance of the applicator can easily be modified. This is valuable because it is very economical.

Numerous arrangements and combinations can be envisaged without going beyond the scope of the invention; a person skilled in the art will choose one or another depending on economical, ergonomic, dimensional or other constrains that must be respected.