Title: Application device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows

Technical field

The present invention relates to an application device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, notably a make-up or care product, for example mascara, and to the corresponding packaging and application devices. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an application device and to the associated make-up method.

Prior art

Patent applications EP 1 070 468, FR 2 934 478 and FR 2 505 633 disclose devices for applying a cosmetic product comprising application elements comprising an enlarged distal part, notably in the form of a fork, hook or bowl.

International application W02013/003442 likewise discloses a device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising application elements provided with lateral protuberances.

International application WO2017/098134 describes a method for the manufacture of a device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows by additive manufacturing and the corresponding application device. The application device comprises an application member comprising a core and teeth extending from the core. The teeth lack reliefs at their distal end and each extend in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core.

There is a need to further enhance application devices for applying a product, notably mascara, to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, in order to improve the performance thereof, and, if need be, to enable particular make-up effects to be obtained.

Presentation of the invention

The invention aims to meet this objective, and its object according to one of its aspects is a device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising a monoblock application member, the application member comprising:

a core that extends along a longitudinal axis,

a plurality of application elements extending from the core, the application elements comprising: a body comprising an enlarged distal end, and

at least one protuberance extending laterally from the body.

“Application elements” denotes individualizable projecting elements designed to come into engagement with the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The application elements may be separated from each other.

The space between the body and the protuberance creates a cosmetic-product accumulation zone. This zone increases the autonomy of the application device and allows the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to be properly loaded with cosmetic product when it is being used. Furthermore, the protuberance makes it possible to achieve good separation of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

The fact that the distal end of the body is enlarged makes it possible, depending on the form of said end, to achieve different make-up effects. For example, a distal end with a profile that is rounded towards the outside allows for gentler contact between the application member and the eyelids or the eyelashes. This might encourage bringing the application member right up close to the eye, allowing the cosmetic product to be applied to the base of the eyelashes, or encourage pressing the application member more firmly against the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, which may result in better loading of cosmetic product on the eyelashes.

The enlarged distal end may form one or more product accumulation zones, which allows better loading of cosmetic product on the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. Enlargement of the distal end may also allow better engagement of the eyelashes, which facilitates application of the cosmetic product and separation of the eyelashes.

“Longitudinal axis of the core” is understood to mean the line connecting all the centres of mass of the cross sections of the core. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for the core, notably when the core has a circular cross section or a cross section in the general form of a regular polygon.

The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or may have one or more curves between the distal and proximal ends. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of a stem supporting the application member.

The application device may comprise a stem to which the application member is fixed, notably comprising a housing in which an end piece of the application member is held. Preferably, the end piece extends along the longitudinal axis of the core, which may be rectilinear or curved.

“Monoblocfc” is understood to mean that the application member is made as a single piece. The application member may be made of a single material. In a variant, the application member may comprise several materials, notably parts made of different materials fused together where they join during their manufacture such as to form just one single component. For example, the core comprises a centre made of a flexible material covered with an envelope made of a stiffer material, the two materials being fused together at their joins.

Preferably, the application device is symmetrical relative to its longitudinal axis.

The application device may lack a plane of symmetry.

The application member may be obtained by an additive manufacturing method.

The fact that the application device is obtained by additive manufacturing means that it is obtained in a single step, the various elements constituting the application device being made from the same material as one another without the need to use a mold.

The application member may be obtained on the basis of a pre-established digital model by solidification of a raw material, slice by slice, from a second longitudinal end of the application member to the first longitudinal end of the application member, notably from its distal end to its proximal end or, preferably, from its proximal end to its distal end. Preferably, the application member is made of a material selected from semi-crystalline thermoplastic materials, notably a polyamide such as nylon 12. These materials give parts of good mechanical and thermal strength.

In a variant, the application member is made of a material selected from materials that can be polymerized by irradiation with light, notably photo-crosslinkable materials, materials that can be polymerized by catalysis, or materials that can be polymerized by application of heat, notably thermo-crosslinkable materials. This allows manufacture by means of an additive manufacturing method in which the material is solidified by light irradiation, notably using a laser, by localized catalysis or by localized application of heat.

In a further variant, the application member is made of a material selected from ceramics or metals.

The application member may have an envelope surface with a cross section that varies along all or part of the length of the application member. This length may exhibit one or more extrema, notably a maximum between the distal and proximal ends, preferably at a point other than these ends, for example mid-way along the length.

The application member may have an envelope surface with a cross section that diminishes on nearing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the application member, preferably on nearing the proximal and distal ends of the application member. This notably facilitates the application of cosmetic product to the eyelashes at the comer of the eye. Preferably, the envelope surface is defined by the distal end of the application elements.

The core may have a cross section of circular or polygonal form, such as square, rectangular or triangular.“Cross section” is understood to mean any section produced in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the core.

The core may have a constant cross section from its proximal end to its distal end. In a variant, the core has a cross section of variable form and/or dimension along its longitudinal axis. For example, the cross section may exhibit several local extrema, for example at least one local minimum. The latter is preferably located substantially mid-way along the length of the core.

The core may be solid or hollow.

The core may comprise longitudinal apertures. These latter allow product accumulation. Thus, the autonomy of the application device and its capacity for loading with cosmetic product is increased. The apertures may also allow the core to have a degree of flexibility. Preferably, the core has at least one helical groove turning about the longitudinal axis of the core, preferably at least two opposite helical grooves of the same pitch, turning about the longitudinal axis of the core. Such grooves allow the formation of reserves of cosmetic product on the core.

Preferably, the helical groove or grooves extend about the longitudinal axis over at least one revolution, preferably over a plurality of revolutions, notably between 2 and 60 revolutions, better still between 3 and 40 revolutions over the entire length of the application member.

In a variant, the core is cylindrical.

The application elements may be distributed over the core in at least one row of application elements, preferably at least two rows of application elements. Preferably, the row or rows of application elements extend helically about the longitudinal axis of the core, following a helix with the same pitch as the helical groove or grooves, and preferably at the same distance from the two helical grooves.

The application elements of the row may be aligned following the helix defined by the corresponding groove.

Preferably, consecutive application elements of a row are all spaced apart by the same distance, defined between the axes of extension of two consecutive application elements at their base, of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

The application elements may each be solid or hollow.

The bodies of the application elements may each have an axis of elongation extending in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Each application element may be symmetrical relative to the axis of elongation of the body.

Preferably, the axis of elongation is inclined relative to a radial axis of the core at the base of the body by an angle of between 0 and 90°, better still between 5 and 30°, even better still between 10 and 20°. This notably makes it possible to limit the amount of space without application elements, notably when the application device is seen end-on, i.e. looking along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The axis of elongation may extend perpendicularly to the surface of the core at its base.

In a variant, the axis of elongation may be oriented radially, i.e. along a radial axis of the core.

In an exemplary embodiment, the axis of elongation extends at least partially in a plane that is inclined relative to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core. This notably makes it possible to limit the amount of space without application elements when the application device is seen from the side, i.e. looking perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core. Preferably, the axes of elongation all extend in the direction of one same end of the core. This makes it possible, during manufacture by additive manufacturing, notably by Digital Light Processing (DLP), for all the portions of the body, which are solidified slice by slice, to be attached to the core by the application element. A portion that is not, at some point in the manufacture of the application device by DLP, attached to the core could shift as a result of the manufacturing method being carried out in a liquid bath, and this would not allow manufacture in accordance with the digital model. The bodies of the application elements may each have a cross section that is circular or polygonal.

The bodies of the application elements may each comprise a proximal portion, extending from the core, formed by a single strand of material.

The enlarged distal end of the body may correspond to its free end.

The enlarged distal end of the body may be flattened in a flattening plane. This latter is, preferably, a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core, notably the transverse plane in which the axis of elongation extends.

Preferably, the enlarged distal end is delimited by two mutually parallel planes, notably planes transverse to the core, spaced apart by a distance less than or equal to the larger dimension of the base of the application element.

The enlarged distal end may have a rounded form, at least towards the outside. For example, the distal end may have the form of a disk or half-disk. In a variant, it may have a head with chamfered edges such as to limit projecting comers. This results in a distal end notably coming into contact with the eyelids and/or the eyelashes that has no projecting elements, making contact between the application member and the eyelids or the eyelashes gentler. This also allows good separation of the eyelashes.

The enlarged distal end may be solid.

In a variant, the enlarged distal end is hollow. The hollow appearance of the enlarged end may give the application elements a degree of flexibility. It also makes it possible to accumulate product by surface tension and thus to increase the autonomy of the application device and/or to increase the loading capacity of the application device, without thereby losing any capacity for separating and combing the eyelashes. The hollow at the distal end may comprise an opening towards the outside.

Preferably, the enlarged distal ends of the application elements are all solid, or the enlarged distal ends of the application elements are all hollow.

In a variant, the row(s) comprises (comprise) alternating application elements comprise a hollow enlarged distal end and application elements comprising a solid enlarged distal end. The height of the body, measured from the core along the axis of elongation of the application element, may be between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and

3 mm. The height of the bodies of the application elements may vary along all or part of the length of the application member. This height may exhibit one or more extrema, notably between the distal and proximal ends, preferably at a point other than these ends, for example mid- way along the length. The height of the bodies may likewise diminish on nearing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the application member, preferably on nearing the proximal and distal ends of the application member.

In a variant, the height of the application elements is constant along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The protuberance may extend along an axis of extension extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Preferably, the protuberance extends along an axis of extension extending in the flattening plane of the distal end of the bodies.

The protuberance may extend along an axis of extension that is rectilinear or curved.

The protuberance may extend from the distal half of the body.“Distal half must be understood to mean the portion located more than 7/2 from the core along the axis of elongation of the body, where / is the total height of the body measured along this axis of elongation of the body. This thus makes it possible to accumulate composition at a certain distance that is easily accessible for the eyelashes, and makes it possible to load them with composition without it being necessary to introduce them deeply into the application member.

The protuberance may comprise an enlarged, preferably flattened, distal end.

The protuberance may be oriented radially outwards or towards the longitudinal axis. For each application element, the axis of extension of the body forms an angle, oriented towards the outside of the application element, with the protuberance, of between 10° and 170°, better still between 90° and 160°, for example 120° with the axis of elongation of the body. Preferably, the protuberance is oriented towards the outside of the application member. Such an orientation of the protuberances makes it possible to create reserves of product at a non-zero distance from the core. In a variant, the protuberance is oriented towards the longitudinal axis. Such an orientation of the protuberances makes it possible to catch the eyelashes, improving separation of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows and the application of cosmetic product with the application device. Preferably, the application elements each comprise a plurality of protuberances, notably two protuberances, extending laterally from the body. This makes it possible to improve the separation of the eyelashes and to benefit from several reserves of product, notably along the height of the application elements.

Preferably, at least two protuberances of an application element, notably all the protuberances, extend along axes of extension extending from one and the same longitudinal plane of the body. The axes of extension of the protuberances of an application element may extend in one and the same longitudinal plane of the body.

At least two protuberances of an application element may extend from opposite faces of the body.

At least two protuberances of an application element may extend from one and the same face of the body.

Preferably, the axes of extension of at least two protuberances of an application element extend in one and the same transverse plane of the core.

Preferably, at least one axis of extension of the protuberance(s) of an application element, preferably all the axes of extension of all the protuberances of an application element, extend in the flattening plane of the enlarged distal end of the body, the flattening plane being preferably a transverse plane of the core.

At least two protuberances of an application element may extend along axes of extension extending from different longitudinal planes of the body. Said longitudinal planes of the body may form an angle of between 0 and 180° between them, preferably between 45 and 125°.

At least two protuberances of an application element, preferably of all the protuberances of an application element, may extend along axes of extension forming the same angle with the axis of elongation of the body.

At least two protuberances may extend over the body at the same height relative to the base of the body.

At least two protuberances may extend at different heights of the body relative to the base of the body. The two protuberances extending at different heights may extend along axes of extension extending from one and the same longitudinal plane of the body and one and the same face of the body or in different longitudinal planes. The application member may further comprise a plurality of additional application elements, without a protuberance, extending from the core.

The additional application elements may each have an axis of elongation extending in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core. This axis of elongation may be oriented radially, i.e. along a radial axis of the core.

The additional application elements may be inclined relative to the radial axis of the core at their base by an angle of between 0 and 90°, better still between 5 and 30°, even better still between 10 and 20°.

The axis of elongation may extend at least partially in a plane that is inclined relative to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core.

The additional application elements may have a circular or polygonal cross section.

Preferably, the additional application elements are spikes. Preferably, they have a cross section that diminishes nearing the free end thereof. This allows good separation of the eyelashes.

The additional application elements may extend along an axis of extension that is rectilinear or curved. Their distal end may be curved.

In a variant, the additional application elements have any other form, notably the form of a Y. The distal end of the additional application elements may likewise be enlarged, preferably flattened in a flattening plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core. For example, the enlarged end has the form of a disk, a half-disk, an X or a V.

The row(s) may comprise application elements with at least one protuberance alternating with additional application elements. This allows both good separation of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, notably by the additional application elements, and good loading of the eyelashes and eyebrows with cosmetic product, notably by the application elements comprising at least one protuberance.

The height of the additional application elements may vary along all or part of the length of the application member. This height may have one or more extrema. For example, it may decrease towards one of the distal and proximal ends of the core. Preferably, the height of the bodies has at least one local minimum and two local minima. Preferably, the local minimum is located substantially mid- way along the length of the core.

In a variant, the height of the additional application elements is constant along the longitudinal axis of the core. Preferably, the distal ends of the additional application elements define a secondary envelope surface inscribed within the envelope surface of the application member. The secondary envelope surface may be spaced apart from the envelope surface of the application member, in cross section, by a constant distance.

Preferably, the application elements and the additional application elements extend perpendicularly to the surface of the core at their base.

Preferably, the application device is manufactured by additive manufacturing method, notably manufactured by solidification of successive slices of the application member.

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

The gripping member of the application device may form a cap for closing the container. In a variant, the member for gripping the application device constitutes the container containing the product; the core is then hollow and the application member comprises at least one orifice for supplying the application member with product.

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

The product is preferably a mascara.

A further subject of the invention is a method for manufacturing an application device according to the invention, as defined above, wherein a blank of the application member or the application member itself is produced in successive layers with relative movement of the part already formed in the direction away from the formation zone, all the protuberances extending from the body in such a way that, during manufacture, the portions of the protuberances formed are always attached to the core by a bridge of material.

Such a method allows an application device to be manufactured in a single step, the various elements of the application device being made from the same material as one another without the need to use a mold.

Such a method also makes it possible to develop new forms of application device, particularly those that are impossible to produce by injection molding owing to the presence of undercuts.

The method may comprise: (i) production of a digital model of the application device,

(ii) solidification of a flowable raw material as a function of the digital model.

The raw material may be liquid, notably a photo-crosslinkable or powder material.

In the case of a photo-crosslinkable raw material, in step (ii) the raw material may be solidified slice by slice, by irradiation of the photo-cros si i nkabl e raw material.

In the case of a powder raw material, step (ii) may be performed by sintering the powder raw material layer by layer.

The method of manufacture by additive manufacturing may be a method of filament deposition printing (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) or Digital Light Processing (DLP), in particular CLIP (Continuous Liquid Interface Production), preferably MJF.

Preferably, the method of manufacture is a multi jet fusion technique. This method may comprise the steps consisting in:

a) depositing a layer of powder material on a printing substrate,

b) dispensing one or more coalescence agents and coalescence modifiers onto parts of the layer that are determined on the basis of the digital model of the application member,

c) applying energy to the layer of powder material, notably by irradiation with infrared or near-infrared light, such as to cause at least partial melting of the parts on which the coalescence agent or agents have been applied.

d) cooling the layer of powder material to solidify the melted parts, e) repeating steps a) to d), the layer of powder material previously deposited forming the printing substrate, such as to produce continuously in successive layers solid parts that adhere to one another to form the application member.

The powder material may be a material in powder form selected from a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material, notably a polyamide such as nylon 12 or PA220, preferably pure, metal, composite, ceramic, glass, resin or polymer.

The coalescence agent or agents may be a composition of an ink type comprising carbon black, such as for example the ink composition CM997A available notably from the Hewlett-Packard Company. The coalescence agent or agents may additionally comprise an infrared and/or near infrared and/or visible light absorber, notably the ink compositions CE039A and CE042A available notably from the Hewlett-Packard Company. The coalescence modifying agent or agents may be a colloidal ink, a dye-based ink or a polymer-based ink. The coalescence modifying agent or agents may comprise solid compounds or compounds in solution, and notably may be a saline solution. The coalescence modifying agent or agents may be the ink composition CM996A or CN673A available notably from the Hewlett-Packard Company. Preferably, the layer of powder material has a thickness of between 90 and 110 microns.

Preferably, the printing plate has a dimension ranging from 10 cm x 10 cm, to 100 cm x 100 cm.

The method for manufacturing the application device may be as described in international application W02015106816.

In a variant, the method of manufacturing by additive manufacturing comprises:

a) localized irradiation by a light source, notably a laser, in a predefined formation zone, of a fluid photo-crosslinkable material contained in a vat so as to form one or more polymerized solid parts in the polymerizable material in said formation zone, the polymerized solid part or parts being attached to a substrate, the irradiation site or sites in the predefined formation zone being determined on the basis of the digital model of the application member,

b) moving the substrate and the polymerized solid parts attached to the latter relative to the light source, in the direction away from the formation zone such as to release the polymerized solid parts from the formation zone, the formation zone once again filling up with fluid photo-crosslinkable material,

c) repeating steps a) and b) to produce continuously, by successive layers, solid parts that adhere to one another such as to form the application member.

The vat preferably comprises a surface in fluid communication with a source of polymerization inhibitor, step a) being performed while forming or keeping a fluid zone between the predefined formation zone and said surface, in which fluid zone the polymerization of the fluid photo-crosslinkable material is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor.

Preferably, the polymerization inhibitor is oxygen.

Preferably, the fluid zone has a height less than or equal to 1 mm, preferably between 500 pm and 0.01 pm, better still between 100 pm and 10 pm. Preferably, the localized irradiation and movement of the support are continuous, the fluid zone and the formation zone at the interface having a polymerization gradient such that manufacture of the application member is substantially continuous. This limits the presence of apparent strata as occurs in additive manufacturing methods in which the object is manufactured layer by layer.

The method preferably comprises an additional step of heating the application member formed. This allows stiffening of the structure of the application member manufactured and smooths out its surface.

The method preferably comprises an additional step of heating the application member formed. This improves polymerization of the material of the application member manufactured.

The method for manufacturing the application device may be as described in international applications WO2014126830 and WO2014126837.

The invention also relates to a method for making up the eyelashes and/or eyebrows using an application device according to the invention as defined above, in which the product is applied by bringing the application device into contact with the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

Brief description of the drawings

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

[Fig 1] figure 1 shows an application and packaging device according to the invention,

[Fig. 2] figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation, in profile, of an application member of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig 3] figure 3 is a view of a detail of the application member of Figures 1 to

2,

[Fig 4] figure 4 is a cross section view through the application member of Figure 2,

[Fig 5A] figure 5A shows an application element of the application member of Figures 1 to 4,

[Fig 5B] figure 5B shows an application element of the application member of Figures 1 to 4, [Fig 6] figure 6 shows envelope surfaces of the application member of Figures 1 to 5,

[Fig 7] figure 7 shows envelope surfaces of the application member of Figures 1 to 5,

[Fig 8] figure 8 is a view in cross section of the application member of Figures 1 to 7,

[Fig 9] figure 9 is a view in cross section of the application member of Figures 1 to 7,

[Fig. 10] figure 10 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 11] figure 11 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 12] figure 12 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 13] figure 13 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 14] figure 14 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 15] figure 15 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 16] figure 16 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 17] figure 17 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 18] figure 18 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 19] figure 19 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 20] figure 20 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 21] figure 21 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention, [Fig. 22] figure 22 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 23] figure 23 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 24] figure 24 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 25] figure 25 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 26] figure 26 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 27] figure 27 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 28] figure 28 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 29] figure 29 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 30] figure 30 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 31] figure 31 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 32] figure 32 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 33] figure 33 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 34] figure 34 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 35] figure 35 shows variant application elements of an application device according to the invention,

[Fig. 36 A] figure 36A illustrates a step in the manufacture of the application member according to the invention,

[Fig. 36B] figure 36B illustrates a step in the manufacture of the application member according to the invention, [Fig. 36C] figure 36C illustrates a step in the manufacture of the application member according to the invention,

[Fig. 36D] figure 36D illustrates a step in the manufacture of the application member according to the invention,

[Fig. 36E] figure 36E illustrates a step in the manufacture of the application member according to the invention,

[Fig. 36F] figure 36F illustrates a step in the manufacture of the application member according to the invention,

[Fig. 37] figure 37 illustrates steps in the manufacture of the application member according to the invention,

[Fig. 38] figure 38 illustrates steps in a variant method of manufacture of the application member according to the invention.

[Fig. 39] figure 39 illustrates steps in a variant method of manufacture of the application member according to the invention.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordance with the invention, comprising an application device 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product F to be applied to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product.

The container 3, in the example concerned, comprises a threaded neck 4, and the application device 2 comprises a gripping member 5 which also forms a closure cap for the container 2. This is arranged to be fixed to the neck 4 such as to close the container 3 in a sealed fashion when not in use.

The container 3 may also be produced differently.

The application device 2 has a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Xt, which is attached at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an application member 8 according to the invention. The latter has a core 10 bearing application elements 15 that extend from the core 10, right around the latter.

The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, for example inserted into the neck

4.

This wiping member 6, which may be any wiping member, has, in the example in question, a lip arranged such as to wipe the stem 7 and the application member 8 when the application device 2 is withdrawn from the container 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6a having a diameter adapted to that of the stem.

The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer.

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

The diameter of the wiping orifice 6a of the wiping member 6 is, for example, between 2.5 and 6 mm.

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

The wiping member may also be adjustable, if appropriate.

In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the stem 7 were to have a different section, it then being possible to fix the cap 5 on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the form of the stem 7 and to that of the application member 8.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Xt of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the application device 2 is in place thereon, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the stem 7 were not rectilinear, forming for example an elbow.

If need be, the stem 7 may have an annular narrowing at its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, such as not to mechanically stress the latter unduly during storage.

The stem 7, to which the application member 8 is fixed, may be at least partially, and notably completely, flexible, notably in the vicinity of the application member.

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

As illustrated in Figure 2, the application member 8 may comprise an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing in the stem 7. One example of an application member according to the invention is described in relation to Figures 2 to 9 below. The application member 8 has a core 10 and a plurality of application elements 18a; 18b extending from the core 10.

The application member 8 has a core 10 and a plurality of application elements 18 extending from the core 10.

The core 10 is elongate in form along a longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal axis X is rectilinear, but in a variant may have another form, for example curved. The longitudinal axis X is central, but this could be different.

The length H of the core 10 may, for example, be between 15 mm and

27 mm.

As is illustrated notably in Figures 2 and 4, the core 10 has two grooves 16 and 17 each turning about the longitudinal axis of the core X, following two respective helices 13 and 15. The two helices 13 and 15 are opposite one another relative to the longitudinal axis X, and have the same pitch. The helices 13 and 15 turn about the axis X over more than one turn, notably over more than 6 turns, for example over 9 turns.

The application member 8 may comprise two rows of application elements 18. The rows of application elements 18 extend about the core, each following the helical path of one of the two helices 13 and 15. These rows extend between the two grooves 16 and 17, preferably at the same distance from the latter. This does not have to be the case. For example, in a variant, the application member 8 comprises rows of application elements that do not follow the helical path of the grooves 16 and 17. The rows of application elements 18 may be helical but extend along helical grooves 16 and 17.

In a variant, the core is a solid cylinder and the rows of application elements 18 extend helically or along the longitudinal axis of the core X.

Each row has, for example, between 2 and 500 application elements, better still between 5 and 200 application elements.

The application elements are aligned with each other at their base along the corresponding row.

The distance between the bases of two consecutive application elements is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.4 mm.

In this embodiment, the core has a cross section that is constant from its proximal end to its distal end. In a variant that has not been illustrated, the distal and/or proximal ends of the core are tapered, which facilitates insertion into the container containing the product.

Each row may comprise two types of application elements, alternating with one another:

- application elements 18a comprising a body 20 and two protuberances 22a and 22b extending laterally from the body 20, and

- application elements 18b without protuberances.

In the example illustrated, each application element 18a is symmetrical relative to a median plane M, but this does not have to be the case.

In the example in question, as can be seen notably in Figures 6 and 8, the free ends of the application elements 18a define an envelope surface SI of the application member 8, the longitudinal axis of which is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The envelope SI is axi symmetrical about said axis X, notably having the form of a peanut, i.e. an elongate cylindrical form narrowing at its centre, as may be seen notably in Figure 6. The envelope surface SI has, in the example illustrated, a cross section that varies over the entire length of the application member 8, with notably three local minima, at points corresponding substantially to the distal end of the application member, to the middle of the length H of the application member 8 and to the proximal end of the application member.

It would not constitute a departure from the scope of the invention if an envelope surface of another form, for example spherical, ovoid, frustoconical or biconical, were to be considered.

The body 20 of the application elements 18a has an enlarged distal end 20b, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5A-B, 8 and 9. The bodies 20 of the application elements 18a may each extend along an axis Y of extension included in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. This axis of extension may be inclined relative to the radial axis R of the core at the base of the body by an angle a of between 5° and 25°, for example substantially equal to 15°. Thus, the bodies 20 of the application elements 18a are transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the core and inclined relative to the radial axis R of the latter at their base.

In a variant, the axis Y of extension is coincident with the radial axis R. In other words, the bodies extend radially and orthogonally to the core. The axis Y of extension is rectilinear. In a variant, it is curved.

In the embodiment illustrated, the bodies 20 of the application elements 18a have a circular cross section. In a variant, the section is polygonal, for example triangular or rectangular.

The height / of a body, measured from the core, may be between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

The height of the bodies may vary along all or part of the length of the application member. This height may exhibit one or more extrema, notably a minimum mid- way along the length. The height of the bodies may likewise diminish on nearing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the application member, preferably on nearing the proximal and distal ends of the application member.

The enlarged distal end 20b of each body 20, as illustrated in Figure 5a, may be rounded, notably in the form of a disk.

Preferably, the distal end is flattened along a plane of symmetry Mo of the application element, as shown in Figure 5b, in such a way that it does not project laterally beyond the base. In this example, the application element is delimited in profile view by two parallel planes Mi; M ₂ . These latter are spaced apart by a distance D smaller than or equal to the larger dimension of the base of the application element.

The length d of the enlarged distal part 22, measured along the axis Y of elongation, is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, better still 0.5 mm.

The ratio d/1, where 1 denotes the total height of the body 20, is, for example, between 15% and 50%.

In the example illustrated, the bodies are identical and each of the bodies has a symmetry relative to its axis Y of elongation. It is not a departure from the scope of the invention for the body not to be symmetrical.

The distance between the base of two consecutive bodies is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

In the example illustrated in Figures 2 to 9, the application elements 18a each comprise two protuberances 22a and 22b each extending along an axis P of extension contained in one and the same transverse plane of the core 10. The protuberances 22a and 22b extend on either side of the body 20. The protuberances 22a and 22b, as illustrated, are all of substantially identical forms. They have a constant cross section and a rounded distal end. In a variant, the cross section may vary, notably decreasing towards their distal end.

The protuberances 22a and 22b extend from the body at the same height h, being symmetrical to one another relative to the axis Y of extension.

The axes P of extension of the protuberances 22a and 22b each form an external angle gr with the axis Y of extension of the body of between 10° and 170°. In the example illustrated, the protuberances extend in the direction of the free end of the corresponding application element 18a, the angle gr being substantially equal to 120°.

The application elements 18a comprise protuberances 22a; 22b extending over the distal half of the application element such as to constitute reserves of product at a distance from the core.

The application elements 18b, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, have a spike form of circular cross section and taper in the direction of their distal end.

The application elements 18b may each extend along an axis Y _b of extension contained in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. This axis of extension may be inclined relative to the radial axis R of the core at the base of the application element by an angle b of between 5° and 25°, for example substantially equal to 15°.

The angle b may be chosen such as to reduce the zones that lack application elements, notably in the front view of the application device, in other words viewed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core 10.

In a variant, the axis Y _b of extension is coincident with the radial axis R.

The axis Y _b of extension is rectilinear. In a variant, it is curved.

The axis Y _b of extension of an application element 18b of a row forms an angle g with the axis Y of extension of the adjacent application element 18a of the same row. This angle g may be between 10° and 90°, for example substantially equal to 40°. The application elements 18b may define, at their distal end, an additional envelope surface S2, shown in Figures 7 and 8, inscribed within the envelope surface Si and of the same form. The distance e between the additional envelope surface S2 and the envelope surface Si may be constant, notably between 0 and 3 mm, for example substantially equal to 0.5 mm. Thus, the application elements 18b may be smaller than adjacent application elements 18a, the distance between the distal ends of adjacent application elements 18a and 18b, in projection along an axis transverse to the core 10, being equal to the distance e.

In the embodiment presented above, the additional application elements all have the same form, but this does not have to be the case.

Figures 9 to 35 illustrate forms of application elements 18a that differ from that of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7.

The application elements may not be symmetrical, as illustrated in Figures 10 to 17.

Figures 10, 12, 15 and 16 show embodiments in which the application element 18a comprises a single protuberance 22a.

The enlarged distal end of all the bodies 20 may be solid. In a variant, this may be hollow, as illustrated in Figures 14 to 18, 20, 26 and 29 to 30.

The distal end may be in the form of a half-disk, for example in the form of an umbrella, as illustrated in Figure 35, or in the form of a mushroom, as illustrated in Figure 23.

When flattened, the distal end may have a chamfered edge, as illustrated in Figures 22 and 24.

The protuberances extend towards the free end of the application element 18a. In a variant, the protuberances extend towards the core, as illustrated in Figure 21.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 28, the axis of extension of the protuberances is perpendicular to the axis Y of elongation of the body 20.

In another embodiment, illustrated in Figures 32 and 33, the distal end of the protuberance 22a and/or 22b has an elbow. The distal end of the protuberance 22a and/or 22b may be oriented towards the exterior, as illustrated in Figure 33, or towards the interior, i.e. towards the core, as may be seen in Figure 32.

In Figures 10 and 12, the two protuberances 22a , 22b extend on either side of the body at different heights.

The two protuberances may extend from the proximal half, as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19.

Figures 25 to 27 and 30 to 31 illustrate an example in which the body is in the form of a P. In the example illustrated in Figure 29, the application element 18a comprises a loop 24 that extends from the body 20.

Figure 34 illustrates an example in which several protuberances extend from the body 20. In this example, the protuberances 22c and 22b extend along axes P of extension that extend from different longitudinal planes of the body. These longitudinal planes of the body may form between them an angle of between 0 and 180°, preferably between 45 and 125°, for example 90°.

The application member 8 may be manufactured using a device for manufacture by additive manufacturing, based on a digital model of the application member 8.

The digital model faithfully represents the application member 8 in three dimensions, and may be generated using computer-as si sted design software such as SolidWorks 3D.

As illustrated in Figures 36A-F and 37, the manufacturing device 50 may comprise a printing substrate 51, a dispenser of powder material 53 designed to supply a layer of powder material 63 onto the printing substrate 51, a first agent dispenser 55 for delivering one or more coalescence agents 65 onto the layer of powder material 63, a second agent dispenser 57 for providing one or more coalescence modifiers 67, and an energy source 59.

During manufacture, the dispenser of powder material 53 deposits a first layer of powder material 63 over the entire surface of the printing substrate 51, as illustrated in Figure 36a, by moving the material dispenser 53 along the axis Y'. One or more coalescence agents 65 and/or coalescence modifiers 67 are then deposited on parts of the layer 63, as shown in Figure 36a, by moving the associated dispensers along the axis Y'. The parts of the layer 63 on which the agents 65 and the modifiers 67 are deposited are determined as a function of the digital model previously formed.

Once the coalescence agents 65 and coalescence modifier 67 have been deposited, the latter at least partially penetrate the layer 63 as shown in Figure 36B. Lastly, energy is applied to the entire layer 63 using the source 51. Application of this energy allows those parts on which the coalescence agent or agents 65 have been applied to melt at least partially, which, once the layer has cooled, allows the melted parts to solidify, as illustrated in Figure 36c. The modifiers 67 allow the fused zones to have abrupt edges by preventing the fusion of the peripheral zones. After the layer of material 63 has been treated, as described above, a fresh layer 73 of powder material is deposited on the previously treated layer 63, as illustrated in Figure 36D. The process explained above may then be repeated to generate the three-dimensional application member layer by layer, as illustrated in Figures 36D-F.

During manufacture, the substrate 51 moves along the axis Z' such that, as fresh layers of material are deposited, a predefined gap is maintained between the surface of the most recently deposited layer and the dispensers 55 and 57. In a variant, the substrate 51 does not move along the axis z and the dispensers 55 and 57 are able to move along this axis.

Preferably, the application member 8 is manufactured using this device from its proximal end 13, i.e. the end designed to be attached to the stem 7, at its distal end 11. The reverse is also possible.

A manufacturing process of this type, suitable for production of the application device, is notably described in international applications W02015106816.

In a variant, the application member 8 is manufactured using a different device for manufacture by additive manufacturing, notably by light-irradiation of a photo- crosslinkable material, as illustrated in Figures 38 and 39. In the example concerned, the manufacturing device may comprise a light source 40, a vat 42 arranged above the light source 40, and a substrate 46. The vat 42 is at least partially transparent to the radiation emitted by the light source. It contains a liquid photo-crosslinkable material 44.

During manufacture, the light source 40 is controlled according to the digital model such as to crosslink the liquid material 44 in a formation zone between the substrate 46 and the plate 42, following a pattern dependent on the digital model. The crosslinked parts of the liquid material 44 are solid. Before manufacture, as illustrated in Figure 38, the substrate 46 dips into the liquid material 44, and the formation zone is in contact with the substrate 46 such that the liquid material 44 is crosslinked on the substrate 46 and attached to the latter. During manufacture, as illustrated in Figure 39, the substrate 46 is moved away from the light source 40 at the speed of manufacture of the application member 8, such that the crosslinked parts are manufactured in successive layers, each crosslinked layer being attached to the preceding layer. The vat 42 may have a surface 48 between the substrate 46 and the light source 40 that is in fluidic communication with a polymerization-inhibitor source, notably an oxygen source. The polymerization inhibitor allows the liquid material 44 to be maintained in liquid form by preventing its polymerization by the light irradiation, in a fluid zone of non-zero thickness. This fluid zone extends from the surface 48 to the formation zone and allows the circulation of liquid towards the formation zone. Preferably, the fluid zone has a thickness of between 10 pm and 100 pm.

The interface between the fluid zone and the formation zone may not be sharp, but may be formed by a gradient of polymerization. In this case, the substrate 46 is moved continuously, and irradiation by the light source 40 is continuous.

Preferably, the application member 8 is manufactured using this installation from its proximal end 13 to its distal end 11. The reverse is also possible. After manufacture of the application member 8, the latter is detached from the substrate 46 and heated such as to stiffen and to smooth out the structure. A manufacturing process of this type, suitable for production of the application device, is described notably in international applications WO2014126830 and WO2014126837.

In a variant, the application member 8 is manufactured using a different device for manufacture by additive manufacturing, in particular by filament deposition modelling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA) or selective laser sintering (SLS).

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

The device may comprise a reservoir of product and the application device may be mounted by its proximal end 13 on the reservoir. In this case, the application device has a hollow core and at least one aperture allowing the supply of cosmetic product to the application device.