Title: Applicator for applying a product, notably a cosmetic product

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

A “cosmetic product” is understood to be a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

The invention is particularly suitable for the application of a cosmetic product, such as a make-up product, for example to keratin fibres, and notably for the application of mascara.

Mascara is understood to be a composition intended to be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows. It may notably be a make-up composition for the eyelashes or eyebrows, a make-up base for the eyelashes, known as a “base coat”, a composition to be applied over a mascara, known as a “top coat”, or even a composition for the cosmetic treatment of the eyelashes or eyebrows.

Conventionally, an applicator comprises at least one application member that defines an application surface intended to come into contact with the part of the body to be treated. The application member has a main body or core, of generally elongate shape, which is able to bear application elements that project from said core.

The applicator also comprises a stem which is secured to a gripping member and at the end of which the application member is fastened. The gripping member is generally provided to close off, in a sealed manner, the opening of the receptacle containing the cosmetic product to be applied.

Different types of application member for eyelashes or eyebrows exist, for example “fibre” application members or “moulded” application members.

“Fibre” application members are generally formed by two arms of a metal wire in the form of a U-shaped pin, between which a series of separate fibres is arranged, said fibres being arranged side by side along the space separating the two arms of the pin. A twisting force is then applied to the arms of the pin to form a twisted core comprising the fibres clamped between these arms. The twisting of the arms allows these fibres to fan out helically and to adopt a distribution in helical layers. The major benefit of such application members is a very good productloading capacity, and therefore immediate application of a significant quantity of product to the eyelashes without reloading.

However, a major drawback of these “fibre” application members is that they do not effectively comb the row of eyelashes. This is because the fibres do not have sufficient intrinsic rigidity and are not distributed sufficiently uniformly along and about the application member, as a result of the helical fanning thereof, to enable effective combing of the row of eyelashes.

“Moulded” application members are obtained at least partially by moulding at least one thermoplastic material, for example an elastomer material, forming a moulded core with spikes.

These application members provide very good combing performance because the spikes are sufficiently rigid and uniformly distributed on the application member, enabling the row of eyelashes to be effectively combed.

However, such application members have a much lower product-loading capacity than “fibre” application members.

There is therefore a need to further improve applicators to improve the tradeoff between the loading capacity of the product to be applied and eyelash combing performance.

The invention relates to an applicator for applying a product to keratin fibres, notably to eyelashes, comprising a stem having a longitudinal axis, and at least one helical slot formed on the stem and extending about and along the longitudinal axis of the stem, forming a succession of turns spaced apart axially from one another.

According to one general feature, the helical slot is delimited in the axial direction by two opposing lateral flanks that have a rectilinear profile in axial crosssection.

The applicator comprises at least one application member comprising a core made of a polymeric material and mounted at least in part inside the helical slot.

According to another general feature, the core of the application member winds along the helical slot and bears a plurality of projecting application and combing elements.

“Application and combing elements” means any separable projecting elongate member. The application and combing elements may have the same section or different sections. The section of an application and combing element may be constant or variable along the length thereof.

The applicator has the advantage of improving eyelash combing performance compared to “fibre” application members, while retaining good loading capacity for the product to be applied.

This is because the formation of the helical slot on the stem enables the pitch of the helical path followed by the application and combing elements to be smaller than in “fibre” application members. Indeed, for a “fibre” application member, the fineness of the pitch of the twisted core formed by the metal arms is limited by the mechanical strength of these arms under twisting.

With the applicator according to the invention, the application and combing elements are thus arranged more in the form of a comb in the circumferential direction than in the form of helical layers resulting in a helical tunnel effect. The eyelashes of the user thus penetrate between the application and combing elements more easily, which enhances combing performance and eyelash separation.

Furthermore, the design of the helical slot in the stem with the lateral flanks having a rectilinear profile in axial cross-section ensures a good axial hold of the core of the application member relative to the stem. This is particularly useful when passing the applicator through the wiper fitted to the neck of the related receptacle when the user wishes to load the applicator with product.

The application and combing elements are carried by the core. The application and combing elements are rigidly connected to the core. The core and the application and combing elements of the application member form a unitary assembly.

To further enhance the axial hold of the core relative to the stem, the application member is advantageously in contact against at least one of the lateral flanks of the helical slot, preferably against both lateral flanks.

According to a first design, the helical slot in the stem is delimited in the radial direction by a bottom against which the application member is mounted, the lateral flanks projecting outwards from the bottom.

In other words, each lateral flank forms a break in gradient in relation to the bottom in the connection zone thereof with said bottom.

Said lateral flanks project outwards from the bottom at least in the radial direction. The lateral flanks can project from the bottom in a purely radial direction. This further improves the axial holding of the core of the application member relative to the stem. In a variant, the lateral flanks may however project obliquely from the bottom, i.e. in the radial direction and in the axial direction simultaneously.

According to a second design, the helical slot in the stem need not have a bottom. In this case, the lateral flanks of the slot are connected together and extend obliquely.

Regardless of the design of the helical slot with or without bottom, where the lateral flanks extend obliquely, these flanks, viewed in axial cross-section, can be symmetrical about a radial plane or asymmetrical.

In a specific embodiment, the helical slot in the stem has, alternately in the circumferential direction, a first angular sector in which each of the lateral flanks extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the stem, and a second angular sector in which each of the lateral flanks forms a non-zero, non-right angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem.

This design is particularly advantageous since it further reinforces the axial hold of the core of the application member relative to the stem when passing through the wiper of the neck of the related receptacle. Furthermore, such a design facilitates industrial manufacture of the stem, notably the moulding and demoulding thereof using a mould of relatively simple design.

In another embodiment, each of the lateral flanks of a helical slot may however form a non-zero, non-right angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem over the entire length of said slot.

Furthermore and as indicated above, the helical slot in the stem forms a succession of turns spaced apart axially from one another. The pitch separating the turns is preferably constant along the stem of the applicator. Alternatively, this pitch may be variable along the stem.

According to an advantageous design, the application and combing elements of the application member can form rows of elements that extend axially along the stem, the rows of elements being spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

This arrangement further enhances combing performance and eyelash separation.

Preferably, the core of the application member may be attached to the stem by clamping. In this case, each end of the core of the application member can be fastened by clamping on the stem. The proximal end of the core of the application member can be fastened by clamping inside the helical slot. The distal end can be fastened by clamping inside a groove extending the helical slot.

The application and combing elements of the application member can be arranged on the core in the form of at least one row. These elements can be arranged in a single row. Alternatively, these elements can be arranged in several rows, for example two rows. The elements in adjacent rows of the core can be aligned or offset in a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the core.

In one embodiment, the application and combing elements of the application member extend along an axis orthogonal to the axis of elongation of the core.

Alternatively, the application and combing elements can be inclined towards the proximal end or towards the distal end of the stem. It is also possible for some of the application and combing elements to be inclined towards the proximal end and the remainder of the application and combing elements to be inclined towards the distal end.

Where the application and combing elements of the application member are inclined, they can extend along an axis forming an angle of between 45° and 89°, and preferably between 70° and 80°, with the axis of elongation of the core.

In one embodiment, the application and combing elements and the core of the application member are made as a single part. Alternatively, the application and combing elements can be connected to the core.

The application and combing elements can be relatively flexible in relation to the stem, or elastically deformable.

“Elastically deformable” refers to elements that, on account of the material or materials used and/or the dimensioning thereof, can be deformed under the action of a load exerted by the user, and can return to their initial position by elasticity once the load ceases.

According to a specific design, the stem can be relatively flexible, or elastically deformable.

The stem can be made of polymeric material. This facilitates end-of-life recycling since the applicator is made using a single type of material, specifically polymeric materials.

The invention also relates to a device for packaging and applying a product, notably a cosmetic product, comprising a storage receptacle for storing said product that is provided with a neck, a wiper fastened inside the neck of the storage receptacle, and an applicator as defined above, mounted removably between a withdrawing position in which the application member of said applicator is inside the storage receptacle and an application position in which the applicator is separated from said receptacle.

The present invention will be better understood from reading the detailed description of embodiments that are given by way of entirely non-limiting example and are illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[Figure 1] is a perspective view of an applicator according to an example embodiment of the invention,

[Figure 2]

[Figure 3] show side views of the applicator in Figure 1,

[Figure 4] is a front view of the applicator in Figures 1 to 3,

[Figure 5]

[Figure 6] show side views of the applicator in Figures 1 to 5 in which an application member is represented partially,

[Figure 7]

[Figure 8] show respective details of Figures 6 and 7,

[Figure 9] is a cross-section view along the line IX-IX in Figure 7,

[Figure 10] is a cross-section view along the line X-X in Figure 8,

[Figure 11] shows the application member of the applicator in Figures 1 to 10 before assembly on a stem of said member,

[Figure 12] is a detail view of Figure 11,

[Figure 13] is a cross-section view of a packaging and application device fitted with the applicator in Figures 1 to 12,

[Figure 14]

[Figure 15]

[Figure 16]

[Figure 17]

[Figure 18] show details of the application member of applicators according to other example embodiments of the invention, and

[Figure 19] is a perspective view of an applicator according to another example embodiment of the invention. Figures 1 to 4 show an applicator, denoted by the overall reference numeral 10, which is intended to enable the application of a cosmetic product.

The product to be applied may be, for example, a cosmetic product such as a make-up or care product, and notably mascara intended to be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows of a user.

The applicator 10 comprises a stem 12 having a longitudinal axis X-X’ . The applicator 10 is shown with the stem 12 in a supposed horizontal position.

The applicator 10 also comprises an application member 14 carried by the stem 12. The application member 14 is distinct from the stem 12. A helical slot 16 is formed on the stem 12 to mount the application member 14. The slot 16 is formed on the outer surface 12a of the stem. In the example embodiment shown, the stem 12 has a circular cross section. Alternatively, the stem 12 may have other profiles in cross section, for example polygonal, such as square, rectangular or hexagonal, or oval, etc.

The stem 12 is made of polymeric material. The stem 12 can be dimensioned so as to be elastically deformable in order to enhance the sensory effect of the applicator 10.

The helical slot 16 extends about and along the longitudinal axis X-X’ of the stem 12. As shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the slot 16 forms a succession of turns spaced apart from one another in the axial direction. The turns of the slot 16 are not contiguous. In other words, two successive turns of the slot 16 are separated from one another by the outer surface 12a.

The slot 16 is delimited by a bottom 16a and by two opposing lateral flanks 16b, 16c. The bottom 16a is offset radially inwards in relation to the outer surface 12a of the stem. In the example embodiment shown, the bottom 16a is flat. The bottom 16a therefore extends axially. Alternatively, the bottom 16a could have a different shape, for example an outward-oriented concave shape.

The lateral flanks 16b, 16c of the slot extend from the bottom 16a and join the outer surface 12a of the stem. The lateral flanks 16b, 16c project radially from the bottom 16a. The lateral flanks 16b, 16c are axially opposed. The lateral flanks 16b, 16c are identical to one another.

As shown more clearly in Figures 7 and 8, the slot 16 has, alternately in the circumferential direction, a first angular sector 18 in which each of the lateral flanks 16b, 16c extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis X-X’ of the stem, and a second angular sector 20 in which each of the lateral flanks 16b, 16c forms a non-zero, non- right angle with the axis X-X’. In this second angular sector 20, the angle formed between each flank 16b, 16c and the axis X-X’ can for example be between 100° and 120°.

The first and second angular sectors 18, 20 of the slot are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. In other words, moving circumferentially along the slot 16, the circumferential end of an angular sector 18 extends the preceding angular sector 20 and the circumferential end opposite this angular sector 18 is prolonged by the following angular sector 20. Similarly, the circumferential end of an angular sector 20 extends the preceding angular sector 18 and the circumferential end opposite this angular sector 20 is prolonged by the following angular sector 18.

In the example embodiment shown, a pitch of the slot 16 is obtained by moving circumferentially along two first and second angular sectors 18, 20. Each of the angular sectors 18, 20 extends over 90°. Alternatively, angular sectors of different dimensions may be provided.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the lateral flanks 16b, 16c of the slot have a rectilinear profile in axial cross-section. In each of the first and second angular sectors 18 and 20, the lateral flanks 16b, 16c extend radially from the bottom 16a.

In each of the first and second angular sectors 18 and 20, the lateral flanks 16b, 16c extend in a rectilinear manner in the circumferential direction. Each lateral flank 16b, 16c of the slot therefore has, alternately in the circumferential direction, a radial rectilinear portion extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis X-X’ of the stem, and an inclined rectilinear portion 20 forming a non-zero, non-right angle with the axis X-X’ .

With reference again to Figures 5 and 6, the slot 16 enables the application member 14 to be mounted on the stem 12.

The application member 14 comprises a core 22 and a plurality of application and combing elements 24 supported by the core. The core 22 is mounted inside the helical slot 16 in the stem. The core 22 winds along the slot 16. The core 22 thus extends about and along the longitudinal axis X-X’ of the stem. The core 22 bears radially against the bottom 16a of the slot. Advantageously, the core 22 is dimensioned to bear axially against the two flanks 16b, 16c of the slot. The core 22 is made as a single part. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, which show the application member 14 before insertion into the slot in the stem, the core 22 has a rectilinear axis of elongation 22a when in a free state. The application and combing elements 24 project from the core 22. The application and combing elements 24 project from the outer surface 12a of the stem. The application and combing elements 24 extend transversely in relation to the core 22. In the example embodiment shown, the application and combing elements 24 extend perpendicularly to the core 22. When the application member 14 is in the free state, the application and combing elements 24 extend along an axis orthogonal to the axis 22a of elongation of the core. The application and combing elements 24 extend from just one side of the core. Preferably, the spacing between the application and combing elements 24 is regular along the core 22.

In the example embodiment shown, the application and combing elements 24 are arranged on the core 22 in the form of a row. The row of application and combing elements 24 in this case extends over substantially the entire length of the core 22. In the example embodiment shown, the row of application and combing elements 24 is centred thereon. In other words, the application and combing elements 24 are in this case positioned in a central zone of the core 22. In the example embodiment shown, the core 22 has a circular cross section.

As described in greater detail below, other arrangements and shapes are possible for the application and combing elements 24 and the core 22.

The core 22 and the application and combing elements 24 may be moulded using the same polymeric material, or alternatively may be made from at least two different polymeric materials. One portion of the core 22 and of the application and combing elements 24 may for example be made from a first polymeric material, and another portion of the core 22 and of the application elements 24 may be made from a second polymeric material, which is for example more flexible or harder than the first material. The application and combing elements 24 may for example be made as a single part by moulding with the core 22, as indicated above, or by overmoulding the core, or be fastened to the core 22 by any suitable means, for example by bonding, welding, or knitting as described in patent application FR3102915A1.

By way of indication, the core 22 and the application and combing elements 24 of the application member may be made from any polymeric material, which may be relatively rigid or otherwise, for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved slip, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyamide elastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, PU, SAM, PA, PMMA, PBT, or a mixture of these materials.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, after mounting inside the slot 16, the application and combing elements 24 form a helical winding along the stem 12.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the application and combing elements 24 form rows of elements that extend axially along the stem 12, the rows of elements 24 being spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. In the example embodiment shown, for a given axial row, the application and combing elements 24 are spaced apart from one another axially and regularly by the value of the pitch of the slot 16.

Advantageously, in order to attach the application member 14 into the slot 16 in the stem, each end of the core 22 of said member is fastened by clamping. For this purpose, a protuberance 26 (Figure 5) is provided on the slot 16 at the proximal end of the stem 12. The protuberance 26 extends from one of the flanks of the slot, in this case from the flank 16b, towards the other flank 16c to create a zone in the slot that has a narrower passage section than the remainder of the slot. The proximal end of the core 22 is clamped between the protuberance 26 and the flank 16c of the slot. The protuberance 26 can for example have a projecting edge to facilitate this clamping.

Similarly, a protuberance 28 (Figures 1 and 4) is formed on a groove 30 that is formed on the distal end of the stem 12 and that extends the slot 16. The protuberance 26 extends inside the groove 30. The distal end of the core 22 is clamped between the protuberance 28 and a flank of the groove. The protuberance 28 can also have a projecting edge to facilitate this clamping.

As mentioned above, the applicator 10 is intended for application of a cosmetic product.

Figure 13 illustrates a device 40 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product P, which comprises a storage receptacle 42 containing said product and fitted with a wiper 44, and the applicator 10.

The receptacle 32 extends along a longitudinal geometric axis 46, in this case a vertical axis. The axis 46 of the receptacle is coaxial relative to the axis X-X’ of the applicator 10. The receptacle 42 internally delimits an internal reservoir 48 for storing the cosmetic product P. The receptacle 42 comprises a lower end forming a bottom and an opposite, open end forming a neck 50. The neck 50 delimits an access opening providing access to the reservoir 48. The wiper 44 is mounted in the neck 50. The wiper 44 is fitted with a wiping lip 44a of reduced section.

The device 40 also comprises a gripping member 52 fitted with a stem 54 onto which is fastened the stem 12 of the applicator. Alternatively, the stem 12 could be made longer and be fastened directly to the gripping member. In a known manner, the gripping member 52 of the applicator is designed for form a stopper able to removably close the receptacle 42.

When the gripping member 52 is in the position in which the receptacle 42 is closed, which also corresponds to a position for withdrawing the product using the application and combing elements 24 of the applicator, a portion of the stem 54 and these elements are located inside the reservoir 48 of the receptacle. The stem 54 of the applicator passes through the wiper 44.

Upon each use, the user detaches the gripping member 52 of the applicator from the receptacle 42 and withdraws the applicator 10 therefrom, using an axial withdrawing movement. During this withdrawing movement, excess product loaded on the application and combing elements 24 is removed as it passes through the wiper 44, and notably through the wiping orifice thereof. As indicated above, when the applicator 10 passes through the wiper 44, the flanks of the slot ensure the good axial hold of the application member 14 in relation to the stem.

Furthermore and as mentioned above, the shape of the core 22 of the application member 14 can be different to the shape illustrated in the example embodiment described above.

For example and as shown in Figure 14, the core 22 of the application member can have an elliptical cross section, with the major axis of the ellipse oriented parallel to the flanks of the slot in the stem. This improves the hold of the core 22 inside the slot without modifying the pitch of the slot.

In the example embodiment shown in Figure 15, the core 22 of the application member has a square cross section. Alternatively, other polygonal cross sections could be used, for example rectangular.

Furthermore, other arrangements of the application and combing elements 24 on the core 22 are also possible. For example and as shown in Figure 16, the application and combing elements 24 may be arranged on one side of the core 22. In this case, after mounting inside the slot in the stem, the core 22 bears against the bottom of the slot and against one of the flanks, and the application and combing elements 24 bears against the other flank of the slot.

In another variant, as shown in Figure 17, the application and combing elements 24 could be folded into a “U” shape about the core 22 so as to be positioned laterally on both sides of said core. The application and combing elements 24 are thus arranged on the core 22 in the form of two parallel rows. This increases the density of the application and combing elements 24. After mounting inside the slot in the stem, the application and combing elements 24 bear against the bottom and the flanks of the slot.

In the example embodiments illustrated, the application and combing elements 24 extend along an axis orthogonal to the axis 22a of elongation of the core. Alternatively, the application and combing elements 24 could be inclined towards the proximal end or the distal end of the core 22. For example, the application and combing elements 24 can extend along an axis forming an angle of between 45° and 89°, and preferably between 70° and 80°, with the axis 22a of elongation of the core.

In the example embodiments illustrated, the application and combing elements 24 have a circular cross section. In a variant, the application and combing elements 24 can have other types of cross section, as shown by way of example in Figure 18, for example hexagonal, crescent-shaped, square, wave-shaped, crossshaped, etc. The application and combing elements 24 could also take the form of an open or closed loop, include undercut portions, or have a complex shape such as a logo.

The application and combing elements 24 of a given application member can have identical cross sections or different sections, and/or identical or different orientations, and/or identical or different heights. By way of example, the height of the application and combing elements 24 may be between 1 mm and 6 mm.

Furthermore, in the example embodiments illustrated, once the application member 14 is mounted on the stem 12, the free ends of the application and combing elements 24 define a cylindrical envelope surface. In a variant, the envelope surface defined by the application and combing elements 24 could have other shapes, for example a shape having a diameter that varies along the applicator, notably a peanut shape as shown in Figure 19. In this case, in order to simplify manufacture, the application and combing elements 24 can be cut out in the desired shape from the envelope surface once the application member has been mounted on the stem. Alternatively, the dimension of the application and combing elements 24 could be determined when designing the application member in consideration of the desired final shape of the envelope surface, thereby obviating the need for a final reworking operation. In the example embodiments illustrated and described, the stem 12 of the applicator has a single helical slot 16 inside which a single application member 14 is engaged. In a variant, two distinct application members 14 could be mounted inside the slot 16, said application members for example being of identical design but made of different materials, for example to provide different application or comfort features. In another variant embodiment, the stem 12 of the applicator could be provided with at least two helical slots spaced apart from one another in the axial direction, with an application member mounted in each slot.