Applicator for a Cosmetic Product and Associated Applicator Assembly

Abstract

An applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core and protrusions projecting from the core. The core extends along a main longitudinal axis of extension, referred to as the main axis (X). The protrusions being moulded with the core. The protrusions are arranged in longitudinal rows (R), the rows (R) comprising protrusions which differ from one another, at least by the shape thereof, the inclination thereof relative to the main axis (X), and the dimensions thereof. One of the rows (R) comprising at least one protrusion which is identical to at least one of the protrusions, which differ from one another, of at least one other of said rows (R). An applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator of the type described above.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to French Application Serial No. 1457313, filed Jul. 29, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator and to an associated applicator assembly.

BACKGROUND

Applicator assemblies for cosmetic products, in particular for cosmetic products to be applied to the eyelashes, such as mascara, comprising a receptacle containing the cosmetic product and an applicator capable of being removably attached to the receptacle, are known.

The receptacle generally comprises a body, the body having walls which delimit a container which contains the cosmetic product, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be removed.

The applicator assembly generally comprises a cap suitable for being attached to the neck, a rod extending from the cap and an applicator attached to a free end of the rod. The applicator comprises a core and a plurality of protrusions extending from the core.

When the cap is attached to the neck, the rod and the applicator extend within the container. The applicator is immersed in the cosmetic product contained in the container.

To use the applicator, the user detaches the cap from the neck and removes the applicator from the container.

It is known to produce applicators by means of moulding. An advantage of moulded applicators is that they permit significant freedom, particularly in shape.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is that of proposing an applicator having moulded protrusions making it possible to obtain different make-up effects.

The invention therefore relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core and protrusions projecting from said core, said core extending along a main longitudinal axis of extension, referred to as the main axis, said protrusions being moulded with the core.

According to the invention, said protrusions are arranged in longitudinal rows, said rows comprising protrusions which differ from one another, at least by the shape thereof, the inclination thereof relative to the main axis, and the dimensions thereof, one of said rows comprising at least one protrusion which is identical to at least one of said protrusions, which differ from one another, of at least one other of said rows.

The applicator of the invention comprises protrusions which differ from one another, in particular by a plurality of technical features. This has the advantage, for a non-expert user, of being able to achieve different make-up effects which are usually obtained by means of a plurality of different applicators. The presence of identical protrusions within the applicator makes it possible, for its part, to ensure the sufficient existence of each of said effects.

According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately:

• • the rows of protrusions extend over the entire periphery of the core,
  • said protrusions are all inclined with respect to the main axis,
  • the applicator according to the invention has a proximal end and a distal end, opposite said proximal end, along the main axis,
  • said protrusions are all inclined with respect to the main axis towards said distal end,
  • the protrusions in a row are arranged at least in pairs, forming a heterogeneous pattern of protrusions, said heterogeneous pattern repeating regularly along the main axis,
  • the protrusions in a row are arranged at least in threes, referred to as a pattern of three,
  • the protrusions of said pattern of three are separated from one another according to a different pitch,
  • the pitch between each heterogeneous pattern is substantially constant,
  • the pitch between each heterogeneous pattern is different from that or those according to which the protrusions of said pattern of three are separated from one another,
  • said protrusions project from the core, having a foot connecting to the core, a main elongation direction, and a free end opposite said foot along said elongation direction,
  • said protrusions are narrowed at the foot thereof,
  • said protrusions have a semi-circular cross section,
  • said semi-circular cross section is present over the entire length of said protrusions,
  • the protrusions each have a planar surface,
  • the protrusions are positioned such that the planar surfaces of two adjacent protrusions of two neighbouring rows are oriented in the same direction of rotation,
  • the rows are identical, optionally being axially offset and/or having one more and/or one fewer row-end protrusion from one row to another,
  • said rows are radially spaced around the periphery of the core at a constant angular distance,
  • the core is solid,
  • the core is made of plastics material,
  • the protrusions are made of plastics material,
  • the core and the protrusions are moulded from the same material,
  • the applicator forms a brush.

The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product which comprises a receptacle having a body which forms a container intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator as described above that is capable of being attached to the receptacle such that the applicator is housed within the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood, and its other aims, details, features and advantages will become more clearly apparent in the detailed explanatory description that follows of at least one embodiment of the invention given as a purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevated view of an embodiment of an applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the applicator shown in FIG. 1, along the axis A-A marked in said FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the applicator shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a partial, substantially inclined isometric view of the applicator shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is the same view as that of FIG. 4, the applicator shown having undergone a rotation about the main longitudinal axis of extension thereof.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the invention relates to an applicator 10 for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core 12 and protrusions 20 projecting from said core 12.

Said core 12 extends along a main longitudinal axis of extension, referred to hereinafter as the main axis, and marked X in the drawings, in particular in FIGS. 1 to 3. Said core 12 has a proximal end 13 and a distal end 16 opposite said proximal end 13 along said main axis X.

The protrusions 20 are moulded with the core 12. The core 12 is moulded in plastics material, as are the protrusions 20 which are, preferably, moulded using the same plastics material as the core 12, or even forming a single piece with the core 12. For example, the core 12 and the protrusions 20 can be moulded in a material based on LDPE (low-density polyethylene). Other materials may also be used, namely the material “Exact” from ExxonMobil or the material “Hytrel” from Dupont, or a mixture of these materials.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the protrusions 20 of the invention are arranged in longitudinal rows R. Said rows R are substantially parallel to the main axis X.

Within the context of the invention, said rows R comprise protrusions 20 which differ from one another, at least by the shape thereof, the inclination thereof relative to the main axis, and the dimensions thereof. In other words, each row R comprises protrusions 20 which differ from one another, at least by the shape thereof, the inclination thereof relative to the main axis, and the dimensions thereof. In other words again, inside of a same row R, protrusions 20 differ from one another, at least by the shape thereof, the inclination thereof relative to the main axis, and the dimensions thereof.

In particular, with regard to the variation in the shape thereof, the protrusions 20 may advantageously be curved to a greater or lesser extent.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an example of particularly curved protrusions, referenced 21. The protrusions referenced 22 and 23 in said FIGS. 4 and 5 are less curved than said protrusions referenced 21. The advantage of the particularly curved protrusions 21 is the ability thereof to be loaded with a cosmetic product in order to return a large amount of the cosmetic product to the users eyelashes.

Said protrusions 21, 22, 23 each have a main elongation direction which forms an angle with the main axis X. With regard to the variation in the inclination thereof, the protrusions referenced 22 in FIGS. 4 and 5 have a main elongation direction which forms a smaller angle with the main axis X than that formed between the main elongation directions of the protrusions 21, 23 and the main axis X. The effect of combing the eyelashes outwards which is obtained using the protrusions referenced 22 is thus more accentuated than when it is obtained using the protrusions referenced 21, 23.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show protrusions 21, 22, 23 which are all inclined with respect to the main axis X, in particular towards said distal end 16.

The advantage associated with said inclination is in the orientation obtained for the eyelashes: the eyelashes are combed outwards as a result of the inclination of said protrusions 21, 22, 23. In other words, said inclination of the protrusions 21, 22, 23 brings the user's eyelashes to the side of their face in order to give the expression of said user an effect of openness.

As mentioned above, the protrusions 20 also differ in the dimensions thereof.

For example, in FIG. 3, two types of protrusions, referenced 21 and 23, are shown, each having its own thickness e21, e23.

The thickness e21 is, for example, of approximately 0.6 mm whereas the thickness e23 is, for example, of approximately 0.4 mm.

This difference in thickness between the protrusions 20, in particular between the protrusions referenced 21 and 23, makes it possible to provide protrusions dedicated to combing the eyelashes and other protrusions dedicated to loading the eyelashes. The protrusions referenced 21, which are in this case thinner than the protrusions referenced 23, are dedicated to combing the eyelashes, whereas the protrusions referenced 23, which are thicker, are dedicated to loading the eyelashes. Indeed, the protrusions 21, which are thinner, are flexible and thus easy to wipe: they are suitable for combing the eyelashes. The protrusions referenced 23, which are thicker, are rigid and thus difficult to wipe: they have a high cosmetic product loading capacity.

Thus, the protrusions 21, 22, 23 which differ by the shape thereof, the inclination thereof relative to the main axis, and the dimensions thereof, each provide an advantageous make-up effect for the user.

Moreover, a row R comprises at least one protrusion which is identical to at least one of said protrusions, which differ from one another, of at least one other of said rows adjacent to said row R, substantially at the same height along the core.

The effect associated with a given protrusion, with the shape thereof, the inclination thereof and the dimensions thereof, is thus ensured. In other words, the applicator 10 of the invention comprises protrusions 21, 22, 23 which, certainly, differ from one another, but each type of protrusion 21, 22, 23 is sufficiently repeated on the periphery of the core 12 in order to ensure the associated make-up effect.

Secondly, the protrusions 21, 22, 23 of a row R are assembled at least in pairs, forming a heterogeneous pattern of protrusions 21, 22, 23, said heterogeneous pattern repeating regularly along the main axis X.

In the embodiment shown here, the protrusions 21, 22, 23 of a row R are assembled in threes, referred to as a pattern of three, and referenced M3 in particular in FIG. 2.

The protrusions 21, 22, 23 of said pattern of three M3 are separated from one another according to a pitch p1-p6.

In the embodiment of the row shown in detail in FIG. 4, the pitch p1 between the protrusions referenced 21 and 22 is of approximately 1 mm. The pitch p2 between the protrusions referenced 22 and 23 is, for its part, of approximately 1.5 mm.

Moreover, the pitch p3 between each heterogeneous pattern M3 is substantially constant along the main axis X, here of approximately 1.9 mm.

The pitch p3 between each heterogeneous pattern M3 is preferably different from those of p1 and p2 according to which the protrusions 21, 22, 23 of said pattern of three M3 are separated from one another.

It should be noted that the rows R of protrusions 20 extend over the entire periphery of the core 12. In other words, in an embodiment of this type, no angular region without protrusions is provided around the core 12.

Said rows R may be identical to one another.

They may also differ from one another, in particular by the value of the pitches p1, p2, p4, p5 which separate the protrusions 21, 22, 23 from one another within the same heterogeneous pattern M3, or by the pitch p3, p6 which separates two heterogeneous patterns M3 from one another. The pitches p1-p3, p4-p6 are advantageously the same within a given row.

The adjacent rows R may furthermore be offset with respect to one another in the extension direction of the core X. “Offset” means that the protrusions 20 of a row R are axially offset with respect to the protrusions 20 of the adjacent rows R. Said rows may furthermore have one more or one fewer protrusion at the end of the rows R.

Secondly, the protrusions 21, 22, 23 project from the core 12, having a foot connecting to the core 12, a main elongation direction as set out above, and a free end opposite said foot along said elongation direction.

It should be noted that the protrusions 21, 22, 23 are, in this case, narrowed at the foot thereof. Said protrusions each have their own foot size b21, b22, b23. Said foot size b21, b22, b23, measured along the main axis X, is for example of approximately 0.5 mm for the protrusions referenced 21, of approximately 0.55 mm for those referenced 22, and of approximately 0.6 mm for those referenced 23.

The advantage associated with the narrowed foot of said protrusions 21, 22, 23 lies in the flexibility thus granted to said protrusion 21, 22, 23. In this case, the difference between the foot sizes b21, b22, b23 provides different flexibilities to said protrusions 21, 22, 23 within the same row R and around the core 12. This thus produces different make-up effects.

The free ends of the protrusions 20 form, for their part, an envelope E, the shape of which may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the height h20 of the protrusions 20 may vary within the same row R from the proximal end 13 to the distal end 16 so as to form envelopes E which are substantially concave or convex at least in part, or envelopes having a plurality of peaks. “Height of the protrusions” means the height h20 measured between the main axis X of the core and the free end of said protrusions. In other words, “height of the protrusions” means the radial extension thereof measured from said main axis X projected on an orthogonal plane about said main axis X.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, said height h20 of the protrusions is of approximately 4 mm for example.

In this case, the core 12 has a transverse section which is round from the proximal end 13 to the distal end 16, the protrusions 20 of a row R being angularly spaced apart from the protrusions 20 of another row R, at least at the feet thereof, having a radial spacing between said adjacent rows R around the periphery of the core 12 which is produced according to a constant angular distance, referenced α in FIG. 3. Said angular distance α is in the range of between [10° and 90°]; it is preferably 30°.

Furthermore, the protrusions 20 have a transverse section with respect to their elongation direction which may be semi-circular, thus forming a planar surface on each protrusion 20.

Said protrusions 20 are positioned such that the planar surfaces of two adjacent protrusions 20 are oriented in the same direction of rotation about the core 12. This means that the protrusions 20 in a first row R all have a planar face that is radially oriented in a first direction about the core 12, and that the planar faces of the protrusions 30 in rows adjacent to the first row Rare oriented in the same direction about the core 12. In other words, no planar face is opposite another planar face. The moulding of said protrusions 20 with the core 12 is therefore easy, because it allows the use of sliding mould cores which are simple in shape, all have substantially the same shape, and are all radially oriented in the same direction.

It should be noted that the core 12 is provided so as to be solid. It is also possible, in another embodiment which is not shown, for the core 12 to be hollow.

It should also be noted that the applicator 10 advantageously forms a brush.

The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle (not shown) having a body which forms a container intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator 10, as described above, suitable for being attached to the receptacle, so that the applicator is housed inside the container.

Said applicator 10 is attached by means of a cylindrical sleeve 14 to the end of a rod (not shown), the rod itself being attached to a cap (not shown) that is advantageously screwed to the receptacle. A cylindrical sleeve 14 of this kind is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Said cylindrical sleeve 14 is positioned in the extension of the core 12, starting at the proximal end 13, and extends along said main axis X.

After assembly, the cylindrical sleeve 14 is positioned in the rod and the proximal end 13 of the core forms the visible proximal end of the applicator 10.

In the embodiment shown here, the distance h12 which separates the proximal 13 and distal 16 ends from the core 12, measured along said main axis X, is of approximately 3 cm for example.

It should also be noted that variants are of course possible. In particular, it is also conceivable, in additional embodiments, for the applicator to have a curved core.

Claims

1. Applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core and protrusions projecting from said core, said core extending along a main longitudinal axis of extension, referred to as the main axis (X), said protrusions being moulded with the core, characterised by the fact that said protrusions are arranged in longitudinal rows (R), said rows (R) comprising protrusions which differ from one another, at least by the shape thereof, the inclination thereof relative to the main axis (X), and the dimensions thereof, one of said rows (R) comprising at least one protrusion which is identical to at least one of said protrusions, which differ from one another, of at least one other of said rows (R).

2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said protrusions are all inclined with respect to the main axis (X).

3. Applicator according to claim 1, having a proximal end and a distal end, opposite said proximal end, along the main axis (X), said protrusions all being inclined with respect to the main axis (X), towards said distal end.

4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions of a row (R) are assembled at least in pairs, forming a heterogeneous pattern of protrusions, said heterogeneous pattern repeating regularly along the main axis (X).

5. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein the protrusions of a row (R) are assembled at least in threes, referred to as a pattern of three (M3).

6. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein the protrusions of said pattern of three (M3) are separated from one another according to a different pitch (p1, p2, p4, p5).

7. Applicator according to claim 6, wherein the pitch (p3, p6) between each heterogeneous pattern (M3) is substantially constant.

8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the pitch (p3, p6) between each heterogeneous pattern (M3) is different from that or those (p1, p2, p4, p5) according to which the protrusions of said pattern of three (M3) are separated from one another.

9. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said protrusions project from the core, having a foot connecting to the core, a main elongation direction, and a free end opposite said foot along said elongation direction, said protrusions being narrowed at the foot thereof.

10. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said protrusions have a semi-circular cross section.

11. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions each have a planar surface.

12. Applicator according to claim 11, wherein the protrusions are positioned such that the planar surfaces of two adjacent protrusions of two neighbouring rows (R) are oriented in the same direction of rotation.

13. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said rows (R) are radially spaced around the periphery of the core at a constant angular distance (a).

14. Applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising:

a receptacle having a body which forms a container intended to contain the cosmetic product, and

an applicator according to claim 1 that is capable of being attached to the receptacle such that the applicator is housed within the container.