The present invention relates to an application device for applying cosmetic product on keratinic fibers, including:

- a heating support including a gripping member, a heating element extending along a longitudinal axis from the gripping member, the heating element including a metal sheath;

- an applicator member comprising a sleeve extending along the longitudinal axis, the sleeve being able to slip around the sheath, the applicator member including a plurality of separating/combing elements protruding transversely relative to the sleeve, the sleeve delimiting an axial counterbore, emerging facing the sheath.

In particular, the heating element of the heating support further comprises a resistive wire positioned inside the sheath and in thermal contact with an inner wall of the sheath.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide that the heating element of the heating support comprises a plurality of discrete heating resistances distributed along and around the longitudinal axis, and in thermal contact with an inner wall of the sheath.

Within the meaning of the present invention, "cosmetic product" more particularly refers to a product as defined in Regulation (EC) no. 1223/2009 by the European Parliament and Council dated November 30, 2009, relative to cosmetic products.

The cosmetic product intended to be applied by the device according to the invention is in particular in the form of a powder, a compacted solid, or a fluid such as a liquid. The product is advantageously a product intended to be placed on the keratinic fibers of a user, such as the eyelashes or the eyebrows. The product is for example a makeup product, such as a mascara.

JP2003310335 and JP2003310336 describe cosmetic product applicator combs. It is known to apply a makeup product such as a mascara using a heating device, intended to curve and/or elongate the eyelashes. Document FR 2,996,109 for example describes a device in which a resistive wire is positioned between the protruding elements of a brush, so as to apply the mascara, comb and heat the eyelashes in a single gesture.

Such a device is not fully satisfactory. Indeed, the covering of the keratinic fibers with cosmetic product depends greatly on the quantity of product collected in the reservoir containing the cosmetic product and the gesture performed by the user during application. It is therefore sometimes necessary for the user to repeat the application before obtaining a fully satisfactory result. To offset this problem, FR 3,035,576 describes a device of the aforementioned type comprising a resistive wire and a metal sheath on which an applicator member in the form of a comb is engaged. The comb is intuitive to use for the user, who knows how to position it optimally relative to the eyelashes.

One of the technical and safety constraints in the development of this type of heating mascara is that the heating element intended to come into contact with the mascara and potentially the eyelashes (in the case at hand, the metal sheath) must be situated around 65°C-70°C, so as on the one hand to heat the cosmetic product enough for it to be in its effective zone, and on the other hand, to limit burn risks of the user's eyelashes, eyelids or the like.

In order to bring the cosmetic product to a temperature as close as possible to the temperature of the hot element, it is known to provide access openings to this hot element through the applicator comb.

Such a device works in a satisfactory manner to deposit cosmetic product. It may nevertheless be still further improved.

One aim of the invention is to obtain a cosmetic product applicator device making it possible to further improve the coverage by the cosmetic product and the curve of the keratinic fibers, simply and inexpensively.

To that end, the invention relates to a device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the sleeve includes a central arch traversing the counterbore parallel to the longitudinal axis and defining two lateral slits for receiving cosmetic product.

The presence of a central arch positioned through the counterbore creates two lateral slits in which a cosmetic product is located heated directly by the heating element, and forms a guide, a bearing for the keratinic fibers making it possible to accentuate the curvature thereof. The combing offered by the separating/combing elements makes it possible to dip the keratinic fibers in the cosmetic product kept at an optimal temperature in one and/or the other of the slits, ensuring very effective charging of the cosmetic product at optimal temperature on the keratinic fibers and an improved curvature of the latter, in particular due to the presence of the central arch, which forces the keratinic fibers to curve when they encounter it.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the applicator member comprises at least a first row of separating/combing elements protruding from the arch.

The presence of separating/combing elements directly on the arch favors the combing and/or separation of the keratinic fibers and orients them correctly in the slits.

According to advantageous alternatives: - the counterbore has two lateral edges, the applicator member comprising at least a second row of separating/combing elements extending along one of the lateral edges of the counterbore;

- the applicator member comprises a second row and a third row of separating/combing elements respectively extending along each lateral edge of the counterbore.

The separating/combing elements positioned on either side of the counterbore ensure effective combing and/or separation of the keratinic fibers and contribute to orienting them toward the slits receiving the hot cosmetic product.

According to one alternative, the separating/combing elements protruding from the arch are positioned axially in staggered rows relative to the separating/combing elements extending along a lateral edge of the counterbore.

The arrangement in staggered rows of the separating/combing elements positioned on the arch and on the edges of the counterbore, respectively, creates twistiness, a baffle for the keratinic fibers favoring charging of the fibers with product during their combing/separation.

According to alternatives:

- projected in a median axial plane of the applicator member, the free ends of the separating/combing elements protruding from the arch are positioned at a height comprised between the heights of the adjacent separating/combing elements respectively extending along the lateral edges of the axial counterbore;

- the free ends of the separating/combing elements protruding from the arch and/or the free ends of the separating/combing elements extending along each lateral edge of the counterbore define a concave curve with the concave side oriented toward the longitudinal axis. The presence of separating/combing elements at the same height, and advantageously having a concave shape, adapts perfectly to the shape of the eyelids, to allow simple and effective application of the cosmetic product.

According to one alternative, the counterbore has two lateral edges, the arch extending above the lateral edges of the counterbore when the counterbore is oriented upward.

The presence of a raised arch relative to the lateral edges of the counterbore gives the keratinic fibers a vertical curvature, causing an accentuated conformation of the fibers and making it possible to submerge the fibers in the fluid cosmetic product received in the lateral slits.

According to one alternative, the device comprises transverse arms for connecting the central arch to the lateral edges. The presence of radial arms stiffens the central arch, and establishes its position relative to the lateral edges of the counterbore.

The invention also relates to an assembly for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, including:

- a cosmetic product reservoir;

- a device as defined above, the applicator member being able to be dipped in the reservoir to collect cosmetic product.

The assembly according to the invention is particularly adapted to the needs of a user, since it comprises both the applicator device and the cosmetic product reservoir in which the applicator member can be dipped.

The invention also relates to a method for applying a cosmetic product including the following steps:

- providing an assembly as defined above,

- activating the heating element;

- collecting cosmetic product in the reservoir, the cosmetic product accumulating in the lateral slits defined on either side of the arch;

- separating/combing of the keratinic fibers by the separating/combing elements;

- dipping the keratinic fibers in the cosmetic product received in the lateral slits;

- curving the keratinic fibers by bearing on the central arch.

The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to any technically possible combination:

- the applicator member comprises at least a first row of separating/combing elements protruding from the arch, the step for curving keratinic fibers being accompanied by a step for separating/combing of the keratinic fibers by the separating/combing elements protruding from the arch.

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, provided solely as an example, done in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a first packaging and applicator assembly comprising an application device according to the invention;

- figure 2 is a sectional view along a median vertical plane of the application device according to the invention;

- figure 3 is a three-quarters front perspective view of the application member of the device of figure 1 ;

- figure 4 is a side view of the application member of the device of figure 1 ;

- figure 5 is a top view of the application member of the device of figure 1 ; - figure 6 is a sectional view, along a median axial plane, of the application member of the device of figure 1 ;

- figure 7 is an end view of the application member of the device of figure 1 ;

- figure 8 is a sectional view along the transverse plane VI I- VI I of the application member of the device of figure 1 .

Figures 1 to 8 show a partial view of an application device 10 according to the invention. The application device 10 is intended to be combined with a cosmetic product reservoir 1 1 to form a packaging and application assembly.

The application device 10 is intended to apply a cosmetic product, in particular a cosmetic makeup and/or care product, in particular a mascara, on the keratinic fibers of a user, in particular on the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

The application device 10 includes an applicator member 12. It also includes a heating support 14 on which the applicator member 12 is permanently or removably assembled.

The heating support 14 has an elongated shape, extending substantially along a first axis A-A'. The heating support 14 in particular includes a gripping member 18 assuming the form of a handle positioned along the axis A-A'. The heating support 14 also includes a heating element 20, able to heat the cosmetic product and/or the keratinic fibers of the user, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

The gripping element 18 includes a proximal part (not shown) and a distal part

(22), adjacent along the axis A-A'. Opposite the proximal part, the distal part 22 has a distal end 24. The distal end 24 includes an assembly mechanism of the applicator member 12.

The distal part 22 of the gripping element 18 is formed in one piece, in particular by a thermoplastic material. The distal part 22 has a shape of revolution around the axis A-A'. An inner wall of the distal part 22 has a cylindrical shape, defining a tubular cavity 26 that traverses said distal part 22 along the axis A-A'.

An outer wall of the distal part 22 includes a shoulder 28 axially delimiting the distal end 24. Said distal end 24 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the rest of the distal part 22.

As described below, the applicator member 12 is able to be fitted on the distal end 24, to abut axially against the shoulder 28.

The heating element 20 includes a tubular metal sheath 38, with a substantially cylindrical shape, preferably cylindrical of revolution. The tubular metal sheath 38 is for example made from stainless steel, in particular rustless steel 316. As an example, the sheath 38 has an outer diameter of about 2 mm and an axial length of about 40 mm. The sheath 38 here extends along the first axis A-A'.

The gripping element 38 includes a proximal part (not shown) and a distal part (44), adjacent along the axis A-A'. The proximal part 42 is positioned inside the gripping element 18 and the distal part 44 forms an axial protrusion relative to the distal end 24 of the gripping member 18.

A proximal end 46 of the tubular sheath 38 is open. A distal end 48 of said sheath 38 is preferably closed. The sheath 38 is in particular manufactured using a deep stamping method or made from an open tube provided with a seal at its distal end 48. Alternatively, the distal end is open.

In this example, the proximal part 42 of the sheath 38 is inserted into the distal part 22 of the handle 18. The tubular cavity 26 of the distal part 22 extends the tube formed by the sheath 38, along the axis A-A'.

The heating element 20 further includes a resistive assembly 50, shown in figure 1 . The resistive assembly 50 includes a rod 52, able to be inserted into the tubular metal sheath 38. Preferably, the rod 52 is made from an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic. Alternatively, the resistive assembly 50 has no support 52.

The resistive assembly 50 further includes a resistive wire 54 wound around the rod 52. The resistive wire 54 is for example made from Nichrome with a diameter of 0.14 mm.

Preferably, the resistive wire 54 is wound over an entire length of the rod 52. Advantageously, the resistive wire 54 is wound in the form of a double helix around the rod 52, such that two ends 56 of said wire extend in the gripping element 18 from a proximal end 58 of the rod 52.

The rod 52 is inserted in the tubular metal sheath 38, such that the resistive wire

54 is in thermal contact with an inner wall of said sheath. Preferably, the wire 54 is glued to the inner wall of the sheath 38, using an adhesive allowing good thermal conduction between said wire 54 and the sheath 38.

The resistive assembly 50 further includes a temperature sensor 60, positioned on the rod 52 and in thermal contact with the inner wall of the sheath. The sensor 60 is for example a NTC thermistor.

The heating element 20 further includes an electric energy source (not shown), housed in the proximal part of the gripping element 18. The ends 56 of the resistive wire 54 extend in the tubular cavity 26 of the gripping element 18 and are connected to said electric energy source, which thus feeds the wire 54. Advantageously, the energy source is connected to a switch positioned on the surface of the proximal part of the gripping element 18.

Preferably, the heating element 20 further includes an electronic regulating device (not shown), housed in the proximal part of the gripping element 18. Such an electronic device for example includes an electronic board to which the temperature sensor 60 is connected. Such an electronic device in particular makes it possible to limit the temperature measured by the sensor 60 to a determined range. Such a range is for example defined between 50°C and 70°C. The risks of a user being burned are thus limited.

The applicator member 12 is illustrated in more detail in figures 3 to 8.

Advantageously, the applicator member 12 is formed in a single piece, for example by molding a plastic or metal material. Preferably, the applicator member 12 is made from one or several of the materials chosen from the following list: a silicone, latex, a material with reinforced gliding, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, polyamide, polyethylene or vinyl, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PL), SAM, PA, PMMA. The applicator member 1 1 is for example made from materials known under the brands Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax®, Pollobas®.

In reference to figures 3 to 8, the applicator member 12 includes a sleeve 200 with a longitudinal axis A-A' delimiting an upper counterbore 202, and, according to the invention, a central arch 204 extending longitudinally through the counterbore 202.

The applicator member 12 further includes rows 206, 208, 210 of separating/combing elements 212 respectively positioned on the central arch 204 and on the lateral edges 214, 216 of the counterbore 202.

The sleeve 200 is intended to be fitted on the distal part 22 of the gripping element

18 around the heating element 20. It defines a central lumen 218 for introducing the heating element 20. It includes a proximal part 220 for mounting on the distal part 22 of the gripping element 18, a rounded distal part 222, and an intermediate product application part 224, situated between the proximal part 220 and the distal part 222.

The proximal part 220 here is tubular around the longitudinal axis A-A'. It advantageously includes an element 226 for fastening to the assembly mechanism supported by the distal part 22 of the gripping element 18. In this example, the assembly mechanism comprises an annular protrusion (not shown) and the fastening element 226 is formed by a circumferential slot receiving the annular protrusion. The distal part 224 forms a rounded end piece. The end piece defines a central passage 228 intended for molding of the application member 12, emerging in the central lumen 218.

The transverse span of the central lumen 218 in the proximal part 220 is greater than the transverse span of the central lumen 218 in the intermediate part 224.

The intermediate part 224 has, seen from above when the counterbore 202 is oriented upward, a shape that becomes thinner midway along the length of the axis A-A'. The counterbore 202 is arranged in the intermediate part 224.

Each lateral edge 214, 216 defines a planar surface 230, 232 from which separating/combing elements 212 protrude.

The planar surfaces 230, 232 are coplanar. They extend below a median horizontal plane passing through the axis A-A' when the applicator member 12 extends horizontally, with its counterbore 202 oriented upward.

The counterbore 202 forms a lateral indentation in the applicator member 12. It has an angular span greater than 180° around the axis A-A', preferably comprised between 190° and 200°. It is laterally delimited by the lateral edges 214, 216 and is longitudinally delimited by a proximal transverse surface 234 situated at the proximal part 220, and by a distal transverse surface 236 situated at the distal part 222.

The central lumen 218 emerges transversely in the counterbore 202 in order to allow the cosmetic product received in the counterbore 202 to be heated by the heating element 20.

The central arch 204 extends longitudinally through the counterbore 202, at the center of the counterbore 202. Here, it extends parallel to the axis A-A', transversely away from the axis A-A'.

The central arch 204 extends above a median horizontal plane passing through the axis A-A' and above the lateral edges 214, 216, when the applicator member 12 extends horizontally, with the counterbore 202 oriented upward.

The central arch 204 connects the proximal transverse surface 234 to the distal transverse surface 236.

It has a width, considered perpendicular to the axis A-A', smaller than the distance connecting the lateral edges 214, 216. The arch 204 thus defines, in the counterbore 202, between the respective lateral edges 214, 216, lateral slits 238, 240 for receiving cosmetic product. The slits 238, 240 are able to form traps for the cosmetic product, in which the cosmetic product comes into contact with the sheath 38 of the heating element 20.

The separating/combing elements 212 here are formed by spurs protruding perpendicular to the plane defined by the lateral edges of the counterbore 202. These spurs extend vertically when the applicator member 12 extends horizontally, with the counterbore 202 oriented upward. Each spur here has a shape becoming narrower toward a free end. The spurs for example have a length comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm.

In this example, the applicator member 12 includes a first row 206 of separating/combing elements 212 forming a line on the central arch 204. The separating/combing elements 212 of the first row 206 are distributed along the arch 204, with a constant distance separating two successive separating/combing elements 212.

The separating/combing elements 212 of the first row 206 define central interstitial spaces 242 between them intended to receive keratinic fibers for combing and/or separating of the fibers.

The applicator member 12 further includes a second row 208 of separating/combing elements 212 forming a line on a first lateral edge 214 of a third row 210 of separating/combing elements 1 12 forming a line on a second lateral edge 216.

The separating/combing elements 212 of the second row 208 and the third row 210 are distributed along the respective lateral edge 214, 216, with a constant distance separating two successive separating/combing elements 212.

The separating/combing elements 212 of the second row 208 are situated axially across from the separating/combing elements 212 of the third row 210. They are axially offset from the separating/combing elements 212 of the first row 206, to be placed in staggered rows relative thereto.

The separating/combing elements 212 of the second row 208 and the third row 210 define lateral interstitial spaces 244 intended to receive keratinic fibers for combing and/or separating of the fibers.

The lateral interstitial spaces 244 are each situated axially across from a separating/combing element 212 on the central arch 204. Likewise, the central interstitial spaces 242 are each situated axially across from a separating/combing element 212 on each lateral edge 214, 216.

In this example, the free ends of the separating/combing elements 212 placed axially facing on the respective lateral edges 214, 216 are situated at the same height.

Furthermore, projected in a vertical plane passing through the axis A-A', the height of the free end of each separating/combing element 212 of the first row 206 is comprised between the height of the free ends of two successive separating/combing elements 212 of the second row 208 or the third row 210 situated axially on either side of the separating/combing element 212 of the first row 206.

Advantageously, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the free ends of each row 206, 208, 210 of separating/combing elements 212 define a concave curve, with the concave side oriented toward the axis A-A'. This corresponds to the shape of an eyelid, and therefore the arrangement of the eyelashes on the eyelid.

The operation of a packaging and application assembly implementing an application device 10 according to the invention will now be described.

Initially, the user grasps the gripping member 18 of the application device 10 fastened on the reservoir 1 1 with the applicator member 12 being dipped in the cosmetic product and activates the switch on the surface of the gripping member 18. The electric energy source then feeds the heating element 20, under the control of the electronic regulating device, to heat the heating element 20 to a temperature comprised between 50°C and 70°C.

The cosmetic product extending in the slits 238, 240 on either side of the central arch 204 of the applicator member 12 is then heated in contact with the heating element 20 to the desired temperature, comprised between 40°C and 80°C.

Then, the user removes the application device 10 from the reservoir 1 1 and brings the applicator member 12 into contact with the keratinic fibers. The user performs a translational and/or rotational movement to charge, comb/separate and curve the keratinic fibers.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the heating element 20 is not fed by the electric energy source until the application device 10 is removed from the reservoir 1 1 , with the cosmetic product loaded on the application member 10, in particular in the lateral slits 238, 240, in particular so as not to cause the cosmetic product contained in the reservoir 1 1 to undergo a superfluous heating/cooling cycle.

As illustrated by figures 5 and 8, the keratinic fibers F of an eye made up with a given hand, for example the right hand, successively pass between separating/combing elements 212 (shown in dotted lines in figure 8) of the second row 208 on a first lateral edge 214 of the counterbore 202, between separating/combing elements 212 of the first row 206 situated on the central arch 204, axially offset relative to the elements 212 of the second row 208 so as to form a baffle damping/slowing the travel of the keratinic fibers F on the applicator member 12 so that they can be loaded with cosmetic product received in one 240 of the lateral slits 238, 240, as in particular shown in figure 5, and heated to an optimal temperature while passing as close as possible to the heating element 20. Concomitantly, and as in particular visible in figure 8, the keratinic fibers F bear on the central arch 204, in particular situated above the lateral edges 214, 216 of the counterbore 202, which makes it possible to impart an accentuated curve to the keratinic fibers F.

The keratinic fibers F of an eye made up with the other hand, for example the left hand, successively pass between separating/combing elements 212 (shown in dotted lines in figure 8) of the second row 208 on the second lateral edge 216 of the counterbore 202, between separating/combing elements 212 of the first row 206 situated on the central arch 204, axially offset relative to the elements 212 of the second row 208 so as to form a baffle damping/slowing the travel of the keratinic fibers F' on the applicator member 12 so that they can be loaded with cosmetic product received in the other 238 of the lateral slits 238, 240, as in particular shown in figure 5, and heated to an optimal temperature while passing as close as possible to the heating element 20. Concomitantly, and as in particular visible in figure 8, the keratinic fibers F' bear on the central arch 204, in particular situated above the lateral edges 214, 216 of the counterbore 202, which makes it possible to impart an accentuated curve to the keratinic fibers.

In top view, the keratinic fibers F, F' therefore follow a twisting path.

Consequently, the combing and/or separation of the keratinic fibers is very effective, causing an accentuated curvature, while offering improved loading with cosmetic product on the keratinic fibers, at the optimal temperature for the application of the product.

The twisting path of the keratinic fibers dampens the circulation of the keratinic fibers through the applicator member 12, thus allowing the keratinic fibers to be dipped sufficiently in the cosmetic product received in the lateral slits 238, 240 delimited on either side of the central arch 204.

In one alternative, shown in dotted lines in figure 5, the applicator member 12 includes lateral stiffening arms 250 transversely connecting the arch 204 to the lateral edges 214, 216. The lateral stiffening arms 250 are distributed over the length of the arch 204.

In one alternative (not shown), the distal part 22 is positioned along the axis A-A'. The heating element 20 is arranged along a parallel axis that is off-centered relative to the axis A-A' of the distal part 22.