BRUSH APPLICATOR AND METHOD OF MAKING
A brush applicator including at least one tuft of hairs, a stick with a mounting including a first opening at one end of the stick. The tuft of hairs is fixed in the mounting by at least one fastener. The mounting is formed by a tubular wall including at least one punched portion so as to increase the retention of the fastener and/or modify the configuration of the hairs. A method of making the brush applicator includes punching a stick to as to form the appropriate shape of the stick.
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This document claims priority to French Application Number 05 53490, filed Nov. 17, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/748,594, filed Dec. 9, 2005, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to brush applicators. For example, one embodiment of the invention relates to brush applicator intended for the application of a cosmetic product, particularly to the nails, eyelids, lips or hair, such as nail varnish, lipstick, or lip gloss.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONDiscussion of Background
Each of EP 1 462 023, EP 1 477 083, EP 1 504 691, EP 1 563 759, U.S. Pat. No. 2,122,980, U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,213, U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,447 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,143 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,595 and JP 11-244040 describes examples of brush applicators.
A conventional brush applicator typically comprises a molded stick comprising in its lower part a tubular wall defining a mounting and at least one tuft of hairs arranged in this mounting.
The tuft of hairs may be divided into two pieces in the mounting, and the tuft may be secured by means of a fastener.
The form of mounting determines the manner in which the hairs of the tuft leave the stick and thus has an influence on the characteristics of application. Since the stick is formed by molding, a new mold is necessary each time it is desired to modify the shape of the mounting, which implies a relatively substantial investment. Furthermore, brush applicators can be produced with hairs of different natures or in variable quantity, depending on the characteristics of application being sought. The implanting of different tufts of hairs in mountings of identical form may cause problems with the retention of the hairs. In the case of sliding hairs, for example, these contribute less to the retention of the fastener in the stick than non-sliding hairs. The retention of the fastener in the stick is prone to be reduced when the number of hairs in the tuft is reduced. It may be desirable, however, if the intention is to achieve flexibility, to reduce the number of hairs in the tuft. Finally, it may prove to be relatively difficult to produce an applicator with a cluster of hairs extending outside the stick in a sufficiently homogenous manner if the cluster of hairs derives from a tuft which is divided in two and secured in the stick mounting by a fastener.
Consequently, there is a need for a brush applicator which reduces all or part of the abovementioned disadvantages, particularly in which the tuft of hairs can be fixed in a satisfactory manner on the stick.
In some cases, there is likewise a desire for a brush applicator comprising a cluster of hairs having a relatively low thickness and being approximately uniform.
In some cases, there is also a desire for a brush applicator comprising a relatively large cluster of hairs, for example to cover the surface of a nail, and/or relatively homogenous or having a shape, which is difficult to obtain with conventional applicators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one non-limiting example, the invention includes a brush applicator comprising at least one tuft of hairs, a stick with a mounting opening at one end of the stick into which the tuft of hairs is fixed by means of at least one fastener. It is understood that “hairs” includes, but is not limited to strands of synthetic material, natural hairs, bristles, and natural fibers. This mounting is defined by a tubular wall having at least one portion which is crimped or punched.
According to another non-limiting example, the invention includes a brush applicator including at least one tuft of hairs, a stick including a mounting with a first opening at one end of the stick, into which the tuft of hairs is fixed by means of at least one fastener, this mounting being formed by a tubular wall including at least one punched portion so as to increase the retention of the fastener and/or modify the configuration of the hairs.
The punched portion can for example increase the retention of the fastener and/or modify the configuration of the hairs in and/or out of the mounting.
Accordingly, the punched portion can be used to modify the shape of the mounting accommodating the hairs, without the need to create a new mold. The same mold can be used to create applicators which have, after punching, mountings in different shapes accommodating the tufts of hairs, which allows for an economy of scale to be achieved.
Moreover, the punched portion can allow for mountings to be created in shapes different from those which can be obtained by molding, or even impossible to achieve, which will allow applicators to be produced with other application characteristics.
The punched portion can define a constriction in the mounting. The punched portion can allow for a mounting to be created which has an opening of which the shape is not well-suited for insertion across a fastener.
The stick of the applicator may have at least one portion having a transverse section which is generally plate-shaped. This can facilitate the insertion into the stick of a tuft of hairs and a fastener with an orientation predefined relative to the stick.
This can likewise facilitate the punching of the stick with an orientation predefined relative to the stick.
The stick of the applicator can also have a locating pin allowing it to be positioned with a predefined orientation during the placement of the tuft and the fastener and/or during the punching. The fastener can be oriented, for example, essentially parallel to a large axis of the transverse section of the stick or be oriented essentially perpendicular to a large axis of the transverse section of the stick or be oriented in yet another manner.
The punched portion can extend on one side only of the mounting, or on at least two opposing sides of the stick. The punched portion can extend as far as the end of the stick, or in its recess.
The mounting can open outward by way of an opening of circular or non-circular transverse section, after punching. The stick can comprise two external protrusions, preferably laterally opposed, at the level of the punched portion. These protrusions can project towards the outside relative to the tubular wall of the stick.
In one non-limiting example, the tuft of hairs can leave the stick by forming a bundle of hairs with a longitudinal axis essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a distal portion of the stick, or by forming a bundle of hairs with a longitudinal axis forming a non-zero angle with a longitudinal axis of a distal portion of the stick.
The stick may comprise a distal portion offset on a proximal portion and the mounting can be defined by this distal portion. The offset distal portion can be fixed by snap engagement or other means on the proximal portion, for example by adhesive bonding, soldering, or punching.
The mounting can open externally not only through an opening located in the end of the stick, but equally by at least one lateral opening. This lateral opening can be formed, if appropriate, during the punching. The lateral opening allows for greater flexibility to be provided at the end of the stick, for example.
The tuft of hairs can comprise less than 110 hairs, or even 100 hairs or less, before the insertion of the mounting into the stick, and the applicator can comprise less than 220 visible hairs, or even 200 hairs or less. The punching of the stick allows for a good retention of the tuft of hairs and of the fastener even for a lower number than that habitually encountered.
The applicator may comprise, in one embodiment of the invention, a sleeve at least partially surrounding the stick and allowing for a reserve of the product to be formed.
The sleeve may or may not at least partially cover the portion of the hairs which extends out of the mounting.
The stick may be connected to a gripping element, which can be configured in order to enclose a receptacle containing the substance to be applied.
The stick may also be of one piece with a receptacle containing the substance to be applied. The stick can comprise at least one channel allowing for the tuft of hairs to be fed with the substance deriving from the receptacle.
Another non-limiting embodiment includes a method of manufacture of a brush applicator, with a stick and at least one tuft of hairs and a fastener to fix the tuft of hairs in a mounting of the stick. The stick is punched in such a way as to modify the shape of the mounting and improve the securing of the fastener and/or modify the configuration of the hairs. The punching can be carried out hot or cold. The tuft of hairs can be secured in a manner aligned in relation to the stick. The punching can be effected with or without the removal of material. The punching can be effected at a distance from the free end of the stick or, as a variant, beginning from the free end of the stick.
In one example of the invention, the punching is effected in at least two places on the stick, spaced in the axial direction. In another example, the punching is performed at only one place on the stick. At least one of the locations can be located above the mounting, in such a way as to create a hinge on the stick. The punching can be carried out over various lengths along the stick, for example over a distance between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. The stick may be smoothed, if applicable, which can facilitate the movement of the substance.
One aspect of the invention also includes a machine for manufacturing brush applicators, comprising a punching device arranged in such a way as to punch a stick at its end or close to its end so as to improve the retention of the fastener and/or to modify the configuration of the hairs. Such a machine may comprise a base allowing for the accommodation of a stick and a puncher may be lowered onto the base in order to punch the stick.
As should be apparent, various embodiments of the invention can provide a number of advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or benefits of embodiments, disclosed herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the features of the disclosed examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSA better understanding of the invention will be gained from reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as a guide to various examples of the invention, and in no way limit the invention to the specific examples enclosed therein.
FIGS. 16 to 19 are views analogous to
FIGS. 20 to 25 represent in isolation, in transverse section, examples of sticks and tufts of hair after punching;
Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals are utilized to designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
A device for storage and application 1, as represented in
In the example shown in
In the example discussed above, the stick 5 comprises, at its end engaged in the gripping element 10, a plate 13, against which the upper end 14 of the collar 12 can come into support contact at the end of the screwing action of the gripping element 10 in order to obtain a sealed closure of the receptacle 2. The upper end 14 can be provided, as illustrated, with a threaded lip in order to facilitate the obtaining of a sealing effect.
In an embodiment not illustrated, the stick 5 is designed to be located on the radially interior surface of the collar 12 in order to close the receptacle 2 in a sealed manner. To this end, the lower face of the collar 12, or the upper end of the stick 5, may comprise a portion in the shape of a truncated cone or a sealing lip. The stick 5 can be fixed in a variety of ways in the gripping element 10, for example by snap engagement, friction, adhesive bonding, or soldering.
The stick represented in
In the variant illustrated in
With reference to
The stick 5 can be of a full transverse section above the mounting 18, over at least a part of its length, for example over more than half its length or even over its whole length. In other words, the stick can be solid in an area above the mounting 18.
In this particular example, the tuft of hairs 8 is divided into two in the mounting 18 and maintained in this form by means of a fastener 19 inserted into the material of the stick 5 above the mounting 18.
The tubular wall 17 comprises at least one punched portion 20, which extends, for example, over one side of the stick in the example from
The punched portion 20 extends, for example, over a distance d, not zero, from the lower edge 25 of the stick. Such a punching arrangement can be useful in particular in improving the holding of the tuft of hairs 8 in the stick 5, without necessarily changing the shape of the opening 40 of the mounting 18.
The stick 5 is punched after the fixing of the tuft of hairs 8 in the mounting 18, by being introduced into a suitable machine, having at least one punching element of which the shape corresponds to the punching which is to be carried out.
This machine may comprise a base with a shape adapted to receive the stick, in a predetermined position relative to the punching element. The base allows the stick to be positioned in a predefined angular position in relation to the punching element in order for punching to be carried out in a manner adapted in relation to the tuft and/or the fastener 19. Punching elements with different forms may be used, depending on the result being sought.
Punching may be carried out hot (heated to a temperature above room temperature) or cold (room temperature), depending, for example, on the shape which it is desired to give to the punched portion or portions, as well as depending on the nature of the stick and/or that of the hairs, as may be applicable. For example, if the material from which the stick is made allows it, the punching may be performed when the stick 5 is at room temperature.
Illustrated in
In this example of the invention, the punched portion 20 extends upwards from the lower end 25 of the stick over a distance which is, for example, less than the depth of the mounting 18.
The presence of the punched portion 20, in the example from
The presence of one or more punched portions 20 can likewise allow for the bundle of hairs to be widened, for example according to a median plane M, approximately perpendicular to the plane of the section in
The person skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the shape given to the punched portion or portions 20, it is possible to modify the shape of the bundle of hairs without having to produce a new mold for the stick.
Additionally, the deformation of the mounting 18 under the effect of the punching of the stick 5 can improve the retention of the tuft of hairs on the stick, which provides new possibilities with regard to the tuft of hairs, for example with regard to the choice of hairs and/or with regard to their number, without fearing insufficient retention of the tuft on the stick.
The tuft of hairs can comprise, for example, less than 110 hairs, preferably about 100 hairs or less, before folding and fastening in the mounting 18. As applicable, the stick can be ground or polished in order to present a smoother outer surface. Illustrated in
The mounting 18 can be given different shapes without departing from the framework of the present invention. Illustrated in
Illustrated in isolation in
The mounting 18 can equally well be given a stepped shape, as illustrated in
The stick 5 may be produced with a thickness of material increased around the mounting 18, as illustrated in
The punched portion or portions 20 can extend, for example, only along the distal portion 31 of the mounting, as illustrated in
The stick 5 can be punched in such a way as to change the orientation of the bundle of hairs 8 which leaves the stick, and it is possible, for example, to punch this in order to orient the bundle of hairs leaving the stick in a direction Y, forming non-zero angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the stick 5, as illustrated in
The punching of the stick 5 can be effected in such a way that it results in a raising of material, as illustrated in
The stick 5 represented in
The presence of the punched portions can likewise confer greater flexibility to the stick 5.
The opening 40 of the mounting 18 can, for example, have, before punching, a circular shape, as illustrated in
It can be seen in
As shown in
A transverse non-circular section, flattened for example, can facilitate the implanting of the tuft of hairs with an orientation predefined in relation to the stick and can equally allow for the stick to be punched in a specific manner in relation to the tuft of hairs. As a variant, the stick 5 can comprise a locating pin for this purpose.
In one example of the implementation of the invention, the stick 5 has a flattened transverse section, for example approximately rectangular, with rounded corners and two longitudinal throats on the principal faces. Such throats can channel the product which flows on the stick towards a median area of the bundle of hairs 8.
The punching can allow the stick to be provided with different shapes, such as a shape approximately flattened as illustrated in
The punching can likewise allow for the stick to be given a corrugated section, for example corrugated on two opposed sides as illustrated in
It is possible to punch the stick in such a way as to provide the opening 40 of the mounting with a shape with a longitudinal axis Z, generally curved inwards as illustrated in
The stick can be shaped in such a way that the opening of the mounting has a shape which is not symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis of the stick, as illustrated in
Independently of the manner in which it is punched, the stick 5 can be produced in various different ways, such as, for example, to be flat over a part of its length.
The stick 5 can, for example, comprise at least one area of articulation or joint 50, as illustrated in
The stick may have a thinner portion, as illustrated in
The stick may also have a flattened portion, as illustrated in
The mounting 18 can be produced in a distal portion 50 which is added onto a proximal portion 51 of the stick 5, as illustrated in
The distal portion 50 is typically fixed, for example, by snap engagement on the proximal portion 51. As a variant, the fixing of the distal portion 50 could be effected differently, for example by adhesive bonding, soldering, screwing, or clamping.
The invention is not limited to the examples illustrated. The fastener 19 can be oriented approximately parallel to the median plane M as illustrated in
The stick 5 of the applicator 3 represented in
The receptacle containing the product to be applied can be of one piece with the applicator during its use. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the stick 5 is, for example, fixed to the receptacle 2, as illustrated in
A sleeve 70 can surround the stick 5, if applicable, as illustrated. If not being used, the applicator can be fixed onto another receptacle 85. The punching can allow, if applicable, for the separation of the bundle of hairs leaving the stick into two distinct sub-bundles, as illustrated in
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Claims
1. A brush applicator comprising:
- at least one tuft of hairs;
- a stick including a mounting with a first opening at one end of the stick, into which the tuft of hairs is fixed by at least one fastener, wherein the mounting includes a tubular wall including at least one punched portion, wherein said punched portion increases the retention of the hairs by the fastener and/or modifies the configuration of the hairs.
2. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the punched portion forms a constriction in the mounting.
3. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the punched portion extends on only one side of the mounting.
4. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the punched portion extends on at least two opposed sides of the stick.
5. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is in a non-circular transverse section of the stick formed after punching.
6. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the punched portion extends to a lowest end of the stick.
7. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the punched portion begins in an area of the stick away from a lowest end of the stick and extends upward along the stick.
8. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stick includes, over at least a portion of its length, a non-circular transverse section.
9. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the stick includes, over at least a portion of its length above the mounting, a generally plate-shaped transverse section.
10. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the stick includes two external protrusions at the level of the punched portion.
11. An applicator according to claim 10, wherein the two external protrusions are laterally opposed to one another across the punched portion.
12. An applicator according to claim 10, wherein the fastener is oriented essentially parallel to a large axis of the transverse section.
13. An applicator according to claim 10, wherein the fastener is oriented essentially perpendicular to a large axis of the transverse section.
14. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the tuft of hairs leaves the stick forming a bundle of hairs with a longitudinal axis essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a distal portion of the stick.
15. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the tuft of hairs leaves the stick forming a bundle of hairs with a longitudinal axis of the hairs forming a non-zero angle (α) with a longitudinal axis of a distal portion of the stick.
16. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stick includes a distal portion coupled to a proximal portion, and the mounting is formed by the distal portion.
17. An applicator according to claim 16, wherein the distal portion is fixed the proximal portion by snap engagement.
18. An applicator according to claim 16, wherein the distal portion is fixed on the proximal portion by soldering.
19. An applicator according to claim 16, wherein the distal portion is fixed on the proximal portion by punching.
20. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stick is connected to a gripping element.
21. An applicator according claim 20, wherein the gripping element is configured to enclose a receptacle.
22. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stick is coupled to a receptacle.
23. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the mounting includes a stepped form before punching, with a distal portion enlarged in relation to a proximal portion.
24. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first opening of the mounting includes a shape with flattened sides and protruding toward center of the first opening.
25. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first opening of the mounting includes a corrugated shape.
26. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first opening of the mounting includes an elongated section curved along a curvilinear longitudinal axis so as to form an arc shape.
27. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first opening of the mounting is wider at ends of the first opening than at a middle of the first opening as viewed in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the stick.
28. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first opening of the mounting includes a width which increases laterally so as to form a triangular shape as viewed in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the stick.
29. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the tuft of hairs comprises less than 220 hairs.
30. An applicator according to claim 29, wherein the tuft of hairs comprises less than 200 hairs.
31. An applicator according to claim 1 further comprising a sleeve surrounding the stick.
32. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stick includes a second opening extending in a lateral direction through the stick into the mounting.
33. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the punched portion includes two punched portions extending at a distance from one another along the mounting.
34. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stick has, before punching, a widened distal portion.
35. A device for storage and application of a product, comprising:
- a receptacle containing a product to be applied and an applicator according to claim 1.
36. A device according to claim 35, wherein the product contained in the receptacle is configured to be applied to the human body.
37. A device according to claim 36, in which the product is a nail varnish or a product configured to be applied to the lips.
38. A device according to claim 35, wherein the applicator is configured to be fixed on the receptacle.
39. A device according to claim 35, wherein the applicator is of one piece with the receptacle during the application.
40. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge on the stick.
41. A method of manufacturing a brush applicator comprising:
- providing a stick which includes a mounting in which a tuft of hairs is fastened; and
- punching said stick in such a way as to modify the shape of the mounting.
42. A method according to claim 41, wherein the punching takes place when the stick is cold.
43. A method according to claim 41, wherein the punching takes place when the stick is hot.
44. A method according to claim 41, in which the punching takes place aligned in relation to the stick.
45. A method according to claim 41 including positioning the stick at a predefined orientation using a locating pin before punching.
46. A method according to claim 41 further comprising forming a first opening in the stick during punching, the first opening connected to the mounting.
47. A method according to claim 41 further comprising forming a second opening in the stick during punching, the second opening extending in a lateral direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the stick.
48. A method according to claim 41 further comprising forming a hinge on the stick during punching.
49. A method according to claim 41, wherein punching includes removing material from the stick.
50. A method according to claim 41, wherein, before punching, the mounting has a cylindrical shape with an innermost portion with a cone shape.
51. A method according to claim 41, wherein punching changes orientation of the tuft of hairs from an orientation of the tuft of hairs before punching to a different orientation after punching.
52. A method according to claim 51, wherein punching separates the tuft of hairs into two separate bundles.
53. A method according to claim 41, wherein punching includes forming a corrugated section in an opening of the mounting.
54. A method according to claim 41, wherein punching includes forming a curved section in the opening of the mounting with an arc shape.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 17, 2006
Publication Date: May 17, 2007
Applicant: L'OREAL (Paris)
Inventor: Jean-Louis GUERET (Paris)
Application Number: 11/561,265
International Classification: A46B 11/00 (20060101);