APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC, MAKEUP OR CARE, PRODUCT TO THE EYELASHES OR EYELIDS

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic product (P) to the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or eyelids, comprising a moulded applicator member (8) comprising:—a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X),—spikes (18) that are carried by the core (10) and extend from the core (10), and—an application element (13) that is elongate along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) and extends along less than the length of the core, wherein the applicator member (8) comprises no spikes that project orthogonally over the elongate application element (13), or wherein at least one spike (18) projects orthogonally over the elongate application element (13) such that the top (S) of the elongate application element (13) is farther away from the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) than the free end of the projection of said spike (18).

Description

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

The invention also relates to devices comprising a container which contains the product to be applied and is provided with a wiping member, and the applicator.

The application FR 2 961 384 discloses an applicator comprising teeth that extend over less than half way around the longitudinal axis of the core. Such an applicator is particularly suitable for relatively short eyelashes or eyebrows, the shape of the applicator member making it possible to get closer to the eyelid.

It is known from the application EP 1 070 466 to have an applicator comprising application elements located only on one side of a core.

The application US 2012/0167910 describes an applicator comprising a stationary bristle area and a mobile bristle area whose base can be displaced relative to the base of said stationary bristle area.

There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product, in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and/or eyelids, in order to improve the performance thereof, and more particularly to promote the creation on the applicator member of zones that are more heavily laden with product, which allow easy application of makeup and rapid and abundant loading of the eyelashes, while retaining a high capacity to separate the eyelashes. There is also a need to benefit from an applicator that makes it possible to produce new makeup effects on the eyes.

A subject of the invention, according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or eyelids, comprising a moulded applicator member comprising:

a core that extends along a longitudinal axis,

spikes that are carried by the core and extend from the core, and

an application element that is elongate along the longitudinal axis of the core and extends along less than the length of the core,

wherein the applicator member comprises no spikes that project orthogonally over the elongate application element,
or wherein at least one spike projects orthogonally over the elongate application element such that the top of the elongate application element is farther away from the longitudinal axis of the core than the free end of the projection of said spike.

The invention makes it possible to obtain, on the applicator member, in particular along the elongate application element, at least one zone that forms a reservoir and which acquires a surplus of product after wiping. The latter allows the eyelashes to be loaded with a large and satisfactory amount of product from the first application.

In particular, a local overload of product can be deposited at the internal base of the eyelashes since the elongate application element is free of any spikes and is higher than the spikes that are adjacent to it. The user can apply makeup to the base of the upper eyelashes from below by using the elongate application element so as to obtain the effect of an eyeliner. Specifically, because the elongate application element does not deform substantially as it passes the wiping member of the container into which the applicator is dipped, product still remains on the elongate application element. The user's row of eyelashes can be positioned on the latter and the user can use the elongate application element to tap the internal base of the upper eyelashes from below. The spikes can then be used to spread the product and to comb the eyelashes.

Furthermore, the user can directly produce a line of eyeliner on the eyelids by using the elongate application element.

The expression “longitudinal axis of the core” denotes the line connecting all of 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, in particular when the core has a circular cross section or a cross section in the overall shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved and may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some, or even for all of the cross sections of the core. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is rectilinear.

The term “spike” denotes an individualizable projecting element intended to come into engagement with the eyelashes.

The expression “top of the elongate application element” denotes a point on the free edge of the elongate application element that is located at the greatest distance from the base of the elongate application element, by way of which it is connected to the core, said distance being measured perpendicularly to the core.

Elongate Application Element

The elongate application element advantageously extends along less than the length of the portion of the core that carries the spikes.

The elongate application element may extend along less than three quarters of the length of the core, better still along less than half the length of the core.

The elongate application element may extend along a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the core, or parallel thereto.

When at least one spike projects orthogonally over the elongate application element, the height of the orthogonal projection of this spike over the elongate application element is advantageously less than the maximum height of the elongate application element, and in particular is less than half the maximum height of the elongate application element.

The maximum height of the elongate application element may be greater than the mean height of the spikes, along the portion of the core that carries the elongate application element.

The mean height of the spikes is calculated arithmetically from all the heights of the spikes. The expression “maximum height of the elongate application element” denotes the distance measured perpendicularly to the core between the top of the free edge of the elongate application element and its base by way of which it is attached to the core. The expression “height of a spike” denotes the distance measured along the elongation axis of the spike between its free end and its base by way of which it is connected to the core. The expression “elongation axis of the spike” denotes an axis which passes through the centres of mass of the cross sections of the spike.

In particular when spikes project orthogonally over the elongate application element, the maximum height of the elongate application element along the portion of the core that carries the elongate application element is preferably greater than the greatest height of the spikes. This allows a greater reserve of product to be applied to the base of the eyelashes, the elongate application element standing out largely from the spikes and thus being easily accessible during application.

The ratio between the maximum height of the elongate application element and the greatest height of the spikes may be between 0.5 and 1.5, better still between 0.8 and 1.2.

The height of the elongate application element may be constant along its entire length. Preferably, the height of the elongate application element is variable. The height of the elongate application element may increase from its distal end to the top of its free edge before decreasing to its proximal end.

The height of the elongate application element at its distal end may be non-zero.

The maximum height of the elongate application element may be between 2 mm and 5 mm, better still between 3 mm and 4 mm.

The point of the elongate application element that is farthest from the longitudinal axis of the core may be a single point. In one variant, the free edge of the elongate application element extends over a segment that is not reduced to a point at a single maximum distance from the longitudinal axis of the core.

The maximum thickness of the elongate application element may be between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, better still between 0.4 mm and 1 mm.

The elongate application element is preferably largely higher than it is thick, in particular between 4 and 7 times higher than it is thick. The elongate application element advantageously also has a profile that is tapered towards its free edge when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the core. The thickness of the elongate application element can thus decrease in the direction of its free edge, for a given axial position on the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

The length of the elongate application element may be between 10 mm and 14 mm.

The top of the elongate application element may be located at a distance, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, of between a quarter and half the total length of the core from the distal end of the core, in particular equal to one third of the length of the core.

The elongate application element is preferably closer to the distal end of the core than to its proximal end.

The distal end of the elongate application element may be away from the distal end of the core along the longitudinal axis of the core, in particular by a distance of between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm.

In one variant, the elongate application element extends around the nose of the core on the plane along which the elongate application element extends. The elongate application element can thus have a rounded portion at its distal end, preferably with the same thickness as the rest of the elongate application element, extending around the nose of the core on the plane along which the elongate application element extends. The elongate application element can thus extend longitudinally beyond the distal end of the core over a distance, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, which is non-zero, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

The elongate application element may have rounded edges at its distal and proximal ends, and thus does not have right angles at its ends. This reduces the risk of catching during the use of the applicator and improves the comfort of application.

The elongate application element may be offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core, that is to say that the distance between the plane along which the elongate application element extends and the longitudinal axis of the core is non-zero.

The elongate application element may present an overall fin shape which is more or less high and more or less rounded.

The top of the elongate application element may be closer to its proximal end that to its distal end along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The elongate application element may also be arch-shaped. The elongate application element may in this case consist of an arched element that is connected to the core at its two ends. In this case, the spikes are considered to project over the elongate application element when they project in the hollow of the arch, under the arched element.

The elongate application element is preferably moulded together with and from the same material as the core.

The core, the spikes and the elongate application element may be moulded from one and the same material, or in a variant they can be made from at least two different materials. A part of the core, the spikes and the elongate application element may for example be made from a first material, and another part of the core, the spikes and the elongate application element may be made from a second material which is for example more flexible or harder than the first material. The core is for example formed from one or more thermoplastic materials which may be elastomeric.

The core and/or the spikes and/or the elongate application element may be made of an elastomeric, thermoplastic or thermosetting material, metal or ceramic.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the spikes and/or the elongate application element are produced by moulding or overmoulding with the core. The spikes and/or the elongate application element may, for example, be produced by a technique in which a material is injected through at least one part of the core, so as to allow the formation of the spikes and/or the elongate application element.

In one variant, the elongate application element may be attached to the core. In this case, the core may have two parts, one of these parts carrying the elongate application element.

The elongate application element may be flocked. This makes it possible to retain more product on its surface and its free edge and to apply the line of eyeliner better, as the case may be.

Spikes

The applicator member may have a number of longitudinal rows of spikes that extend along the longitudinal axis of the core. The applicator member may have between 3 and 10 longitudinal rows of spikes, better still between 4 and 7 longitudinal rows of spikes.

The longitudinal rows of spikes may each comprise the same number of spikes. In one variant, the longitudinal rows of spikes comprise a different number of spikes from one row to another.

Each longitudinal row of spikes may comprise between 10 and 20 spikes, better still between 14 and 20 spikes.

The offset between a spike in one longitudinal row and the adjacent spike in the next longitudinal row may be between 0.5 mm and 1.1 mm, for example equal to 0.8 mm.

The height of at least one spike, measured from the core, may be between 0.2 mm and 5 mm.

The height of the spikes may vary, for example in a monotonous manner, along the longitudinal axis of the core, within one longitudinal row and/or from one row to another. For example, along the longitudinal axis of the core, the height of the spikes may increase, within one row, between the proximal end of the core and a first abscissa, then remain approximately constant between this first abscissa and a second abscissa before decreasing between this second abscissa and the distal end of the core.

The spikes may differ from one another by way of at least one of their shape, thickness, height, orientation, colour and/or material.

The free ends of the spikes of the applicator member and the free edge of the elongate application element define an envelope surface of the applicator member, which is for example in the form of a cylinder of revolution along at least a part of its length.

This envelope surface may have various shapes, with a rectilinear or non-rectilinear longitudinal axis.

The envelope surface may, if appropriate, extend along a longitudinal axis that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the core.

The envelope surface may have a cross section that varies along all or part of the length of the applicator member.

Some spikes of the applicator, or even all the spikes, may have a thickness measured at their base, that is to say at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core, of between 0.2 and 1.2 mm, or even between 0.4 and 0.8 mm. The expression “thickness of a spike” denotes the largest transverse dimension of the spike, in section, perpendicularly to the elongation axis of the spike. It is a diameter when the spike has a conical overall shape.

The spikes may have any shape. The spikes may have a cylindrical or tapered, in particular conical, frustoconical or pyramidal shape. At least one spike may end with a rounded, in particular hemispherical free end.

At least one spike may extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spike is attached to the core. Preferably, all of the spikes extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

In a variant, the elongation axis of the spikes may form an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core. The applicator may comprise between 30 and 200 spikes, for example between 50 and 130 spikes.

Applicator

The applicator may comprise a stem that carries the applicator member at a first end and is fixed to a gripping member at a second end.

The core may be solid, being for example moulded with an end piece for fixing to the stem of the applicator. The expression “length of the core” denotes the length of the visible part of the core after it has been fixed in the stem, not including the fixing end piece. This length corresponds to the visible length of the applicator member. A shoulder may be provided between the core and the fixing end piece so as to limit the pushing of the applicator member into the stem.

The applicator member may be fixed to the stem by snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, crimping, pressing, stapling, force-fitting, fitting in a cold state or fitting in a hot state, for example by being mounted in a housing in the stem. In a variant, the stem may be received in a housing provided in the core.

It is also possible for the stem and the applicator member to be moulded or not to be moulded in one piece and from the same thermoplastic material.

The spikes and/or the elongate application element may be made of a material that is more or less rigid than a material used to produce the stem of the applicator to which the core is attached.

The applicator member may comprise a mounting end piece that is moulded in one piece with the core and may comprise, if appropriate, one or more narrowed portions that improve the flexibility of the applicator and the smoothness of application.

The core may extend along a longitudinal axis which, at at least one point along its length, forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem to which the core is fixed. The applicator member may be angled at its attachment to the stem.

The stem may comprise a first, rigid portion that is extended on the distal side by a second, more flexible portion, for example made of elastomer, that carries the applicator member.

A largest transverse dimension of the core may be smaller than, larger than or equal to a largest transverse dimension of the stem. The largest transverse dimension of the core may be between 1 mm and 5 mm.

The core may have a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, with a circular or non-circular shape, for example a hexagonal shape.

The core may comprise a nose at its distal end. The nose at the distal end of the core may be a portion of a sphere. The nose of the core may comprise one or more cutouts that make it easier for the applicator to pass through the wiping member of the container. The visible length of the applicator member may be between 15 mm and 30 mm.

Application Device

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

The gripping member of the applicator may form a cap for closing the container.

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

The product is preferably a mascara.

Makeup Process

A further subject of the invention is a process for making up the eyes, wherein use is made of a device according to the invention.

This process may comprise the steps in which:

product is applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows and the latter are combed by using the spikes of the applicator member, and

the elongate application element of the applicator member is used to deposit the product and draw a line on the eyelid.

The features mentioned above for the applicator apply to the device and to the process.

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the applicator member from FIG. 1 on its own,

FIG. 3 is a front view of the applicator member from FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a schematic and incomplete cross-sectional view of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention,

FIG. 5 is a top view of the applicator member from FIG. 2,

FIGS. 6 to 8 are schematic views of variant embodiments of an elongate application element according to the invention, on its own,

FIG. 9 is a schematic and incomplete side view of a variant embodiment of the elongate application element, where the spikes are not shown,

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the core and of the elongate application element, on their own, showing a variant embodiment, and

FIG. 11 shows an example of the use of the applicator according to the invention.

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

The container 3 comprises, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 comprises a closure cap 5 designed to be fixed on the neck 4 so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap 5 also forming a gripping member for the applicator 2.

The applicator 2 comprises a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is attached at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an applicator member 8. The latter comprises a core 10 that carries spikes 18 that extend from the core 10.

The container 3 also comprises a wiping member 6, for example inserted into the neck 4.

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

In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but if the stem 7 has some other section, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention, it then being possible to fix the cap 5 on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of the applicator member 8, if appropriate.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but if the stem 7 is not rectilinear, forming for example an elbow, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

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

The applicator member 8 may be fixed to the stem 7 by any means, and in particular 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 FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 may comprise an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing in the stem 7, optionally in an aligned manner. A shoulder may be provided between the core 10 and the fixing end piece 9. The length l_e of the end piece 9 may be between 6 mm and 9 mm.

In a variant, the stem 7 may be inserted into a housing provided in the core 10. The core 10 may also be produced in one piece with the stem 7 by being moulded together therewith.

With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the core 10 has an elongate shape along a longitudinal axis X, which is rectilinear in the example described.

As in the example in question, the core 10 may have a circular cross section along the majority of its length. The longitudinal axis X may be central, as illustrated. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, however. Thus, in the variant in FIG. 10, the core 10 has a hexagonal cross section.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 in particular, the core 10 comprises a nose 16 at its distal end 12, which is a portion of a sphere in the example described, but may have some other shape. The nose 16 of the core 10 comprises three cutouts 16a in the example in question. In the example in question, the nose 16 of the core 10 has a largest cross section larger than the largest cross section of the core 10 elsewhere, the largest cross section 5, of the nose 16 being for example between 2.6 mm and 3.3 mm, and the largest cross section 5, of the core 10 elsewhere being for example between 2 mm and 3 mm.

The visible length H of the applicator member 8 may be between 22 mm and 30 mm, and is around 26 mm in the example illustrated.

The applicator member 8 comprises a number of longitudinal rows of spikes 18 that extend along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. In the example described, the applicator member 8 comprises five longitudinal rows of spikes 18.

In the examples shown, the spikes 18 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spike 18 is attached to the core 10. In one variant which is not shown, the elongation axis W of the spikes 18 forms an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core 10 at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

The height of the spikes 18 may decrease towards the distal end 12 of the core 10, as can be seen in FIG. 2, so as to make it easier to insert into the container 3. The height of the spikes 18 may also decrease towards the stem 7, so as to make it easier for the applicator member 8 to pass the wiping member 6 while the applicator 2 is being withdrawn from the container 3.

The height of the spikes 18 is for example between 0.2 mm and 5 mm.

The thickness e_p of the spikes 18, measured at their base, is for example between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm.

The spikes 18 may have various shapes. In the example in question, the spikes 18 have a conical shape. However, the invention is not limited to one particular shape of spikes.

In the example described, the spikes end with a rounded free end, having a radius of curvature R_p of between for example 0.07 mm and 0.16 mm, for example equal to 0.1 mm.

The offset E_p between a spike 18 in one longitudinal row and the adjacent spike in the next longitudinal row, measured between the elongation axes of the spikes, may be between 0.5 mm and 1.1 mm, for example comprise to 0.8 mm.

The applicator member 8 may have between 30 and 200 spikes, for example around 80 spikes.

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 3 and 5.5 mm, for example around 4.5 mm or 5 mm.

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

The wiping orifice may thus be defined by an undulating wiping lip that has a radially inner free edge that defines the wiping orifice 6a. The wiping member 6 may have between 3 and 12 undulations, for example. The wiping lip may extend generally in the form of a cone converging in the direction of the bottom of the container 3, having a generatrix that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the container 3. The diameter of the wiping orifice 6a increases for example from 4 mm to 5.5 mm without excessive deformation of the wiping member 6, as the applicator member 8 passes through, by deployment of the undulations.

The wiping member may also be adjustable, if appropriate.

The wiping member may for example be as described in the patent applications or patents US 2005/0028834, US 2005/0175394, US 2004/0258453, U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,374, U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,495, U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,468.

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

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 comprises an application element 13 that is elongate along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is in the form of a fin and extends along less than half the length of the core 10. The application element 13 is flattened along a median plane P containing the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 or parallel to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the core.

In the example in FIGS. 2 and 3, the applicator member 8 comprises no spikes 18 that project orthogonally over the elongate application element 13. In other words, in the front part of the applicator member, the spikes 18 are oriented on one side and the elongate element 13 on the other.

In the example in question, and as can be seen in FIG. 3, the elongate application element 13 is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, the distance d between the plane P and a parallel plane containing the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 being non-zero.

In the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 4, one spike 18 projects orthogonally over the elongate application element 13 such that the top S of the elongate application element 13 forms a point farther away from the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 than the projection of the free end 18a of said spike 18.

The distance D_e between the top S and the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 is thus greater than the distance D_p between the end of the orthogonal projection of the spike 18 over the elongate application element 13 and the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, these distances being measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and perpendicularly to the direction of projection.

In the example in question, the height h, of the orthogonal projection of the spike 18 over the plane P above the core is less than half the maximum height h_n of the elongate application element 13.

In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 5, the maximum height h_n of the elongate application element 13 is greater than the greatest height h_p of the spikes 18 along the portion 10a of the core 10 that carries the elongate application element 13.

The ratio h_n/h_p between the height h_n of the elongate application element 13 and the greatest height of the spikes h_p is for example between 0.5 and 1.5.

In the examples shown, the height of the elongate application element 13 increases from its distal end 14 to the top S before decreasing to its proximal end 15.

In one variant which is not shown, the height of the elongate application element 13 is constant along its entire length.

The maximum height h_n of the elongate application element 13 is for example between 2 mm and 5 mm.

In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 7, the height of the elongate application element 13 at its distal end 14 is non-zero.

In the variant shown in FIG. 8, the height of the elongate application element 13 at its distal end 14 is zero.

In the variant shown in FIG. 7, the top S of the elongate application element 13 is a single point. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4, the thickness e_n of the elongate application element 13 can decrease in the direction of its free edge 13a.

As shown in FIG. 5, the thickness e_n of the elongate application element 13 can increase in the direction of its distal end 14 and decrease in the direction of its proximal end 15.

The maximum thickness of the elongate application element 13 is for example between 0.4 mm and 1 mm, for example equal to 0.6 mm.

In the examples described, the elongate application element 13 is higher than it is thick, being for example between 4 and 7 times higher than it is thick.

The length l_n of the elongate application element 13 may be between 10 mm and 14 mm, for example equal to around 11 mm.

In the example in FIGS. 1 to 3, the top S of the elongate application element 13 is located at a distance d_e approximately equal to one third of the length of the core 10 from the distal end 12 of the core 10.

In the examples shown, the elongate application element 13 is closer to the distal end 12 of the core 10 than to its proximal end 11.

In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 5, the distal end 14 of the elongate application element 13 is away from the distal end 12 of the core 10, for example by a distance d_d equal to around 0.5 mm.

In a variant shown in FIG. 9, the elongate application element 13 extends around the nose 16 of the core 10 on the plane P. The elongate application element 13 thus has for example a rounded portion at its distal end 14, preferably with the same thickness as the rest of the elongate application element 13, extending around the nose 16 of the core 10 on the plane P. In the example described, the elongate application element 13 extends longitudinally beyond the distal end 12 of the core 10 over a distance d_en, measured along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, which is non-zero, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

The elongate application element 13 advantageously has rounded portions at its distal end 14 and proximal end 15, and thus does not have right angles at its ends.

As shown in FIG. 6, the elongate application element 13 may be flocked.

In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 7, the elongate application element 13 is solid. In the variant in FIG. 8, the elongate application element 13 has the shape of an arch, consisting of an arched and hollow element.

The free ends of the spikes 18 of the applicator member 8 and the free edge of the elongate application element 13 define an envelope surface of the applicator member 8, which has a cross section that varies along a part of the length of the applicator member 8. The envelope surface may have a largest cross section of between 8 mm and 11 mm, corresponding for example to a diameter D_s of around 9 mm, as shown in FIG. 3.

The spikes 18 and the elongate application element 13 are made, in the examples in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding thermoplastic material.

In order to mould the applicator member 8, use can be made of any thermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid, 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, POM, PU, SAM, PA or PMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example based on alumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, and possibly a material containing graphite as filler. It is possible in particular to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, this list not being limiting.

In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 and withdraws the applicator member 8 from the container 3.

Once the applicator member 8 has passed through the wiping member 6, a certain quantity of product remains along the elongate application element 13, allowing the user to load the eyelashes and/or eyebrows with product P and to comb them with the spikes 18. He can also deposit product P on the internal base of the upper eyelashes from below by using the elongate application element 13, as shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the user can directly produce a line of eyeliner on the eyelids by using the elongate application element 13.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described, the characteristics of which may be combined with one another as parts of variants which are not illustrated.

The applicator member 8 may comprise any bactericidal agent such as silver salts, copper salts, preservatives and at least one preservative for the product P.

The core 10 and/or the spikes 18 and/or the elongate application element 13 may furthermore comprise particles, for example a filler, in particular a compound which is magnetic, bacteriostatic or absorbs moisture, or else a compound intended to produce roughness.

The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”, and “between” is understood as including the limits, unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1. Applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or eyelids, comprising a moulded applicator member comprising: wherein the applicator member comprises no spikes that project orthogonally over the elongate application element, or wherein at least one spike projects orthogonally over the elongate application element such that the top of the elongate application element is farther away from the longitudinal axis of the core than the free end of the projection of said spike.

a core that extends along a longitudinal axis,

spikes that are carried by the core and extend from the core, and

an application element that is elongate along the longitudinal axis of the core and extends along less than the length of the core,

2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the elongate application element extends along less than three quarters of the length of the core.

3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the elongate application element extends along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein, when spikes project orthogonally over the elongate application element, the height of the orthogonal projection of said at least one spike over the elongate application element is less than the maximum height of the elongate application element.

5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the ratio (hn/hp) between the maximum height of the elongate application element and the greatest height (hp) of the spikes that are carried by the core along the portion of its length that carries the elongate application element is between 0.5 and 1.5.

6. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the height of the elongate application element increases increases from its distal end to the top before decreasing to its proximal end.

7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the height of the elongate application element at its distal end is non-zero.

8. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the top of the elongate application element is located at a distance of between a quarter and half the length of the core from the distal end of the core.

9. Applicator according to. claim 1, wherein the elongate application element is closer to the distal end of the core than to its proximal end.

10. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the elongate application element is away from the distal end of the core.

11. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the elongate application element decreases in the direction of its free edge.

12. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the elongate application element is moulded together with and from the same material as the core.

13. Device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or eyelids, comprising an applicator according to claim 1 and a container containing the product and comprising a wiping member.

14. A method for making up the eyes, wherein use is made of a device as defined in claim 13, Method wherein

product is applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows and the latter are combed by using the spikes of the applicator member, and

the elongate application element of the applicator member is used to draw a line on the eyelid.