Applicator for cosmetic product, in particular mascara, associated applicator assembly and method for manufacturing such an applicator

The invention relates to all applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic product, comprising: —a core (2) extending along a longitudinal extension directica (X), known as the main direction, the core (2) comprising a plurality of protuberances (9.1) protruding from the core (2) and at least one cavity (5), —at least one movable part (7) that comprises a plurality of protuberances (9.2) protruding from the at least one movable part (7) and is contained in the at least one cavity (5). The at least one movable part (7) being able to move with respect to the core (2).

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic product, in particular mascara, and an associated applicator assembly. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an applicator.

BACKGROUND

The mascara applicators can be obtained from fibrous elements held between the longitudinal parts of a twisted metal broach; they are then commonly called “twisted brushes”. The ends of the fibrous elements usually form envelopes along a longitudinal extension direction of the brush. The twisted brushes have, by their manufacturing mode, an envelope with cylindrical shape that offers few possibilities in terms of make-up effects. Many solutions have already been proposed to give various shapes to twisted brushes.

The mascara applicators can also be obtained by injection molding of plastic material, they are then commonly called “plastic brushes”. Thus, the plastic brushes can have original shapes in order to offer particular make-up effects.

However, there is still a need for improvement of the mascara applicators, in particular to obtain applicators ensuring a sufficient load of cosmetic product and a good restitution of the latter, while preserving a flexibility of application of the cosmetic product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic product, comprising:

    • a core extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called principal direction, the core comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core and at least one cavity,
    • at least one movable part comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the at least one movable part, and contained in the at least one cavity,

the at least one movable part being adapted to move relative to the core.

“Contained” means that the at least one movable part is at least partly inside the cavity. This does not exclude that at least one portion of the at least one movable part being located outside the cavity. In other words, the at least one movable part comprises at least one portion inside the cavity and may comprise at least one portion outside the cavity.

The mobility of the movable part or the movable parts in its or their cavity of the core allows for a local variation of the protrusion density, e.g. an increase of the protrusion density. Indeed, the mobility of the movable part carrying protrusions causes these protrusions to move closer to the adjacent protrusions of the core. Bringing the protrusions closer together allows for better shearing of the lashes caught in the protrusions, which are thus better enveloped in cosmetic product and better combed.

Furthermore, the mobility of the movable part or movable parts allows for a better restitution of the cosmetic product that could be stored on/in the core, inside the cavity for example.

According to various embodiments, which may be taken together or separately:

    • the at least one movable part is adapted to move in translation with respect to at least the principal direction,
    • the at least one movable part is adapted to move in translation (slightly oblique) with respect to at least the principal direction with a component along X and at least one other component along Y or Z,
    • the at least one movable part is adapted to move in rotation with respect to at least the principal direction,
    • the at least one movable part is adapted to move in translation and in rotation with respect to at least the principal direction,
    • the movable part is adapted to move relative to said core in rotation about an axis transverse to the principal direction,
    • the at least one movable part is free to rotate angularly in all directions,
    • the at least one movable part is free to rotate angularly with a certain angular limit,
    • the at least one movable part is contained in the at least one cavity of the core so as to be able to adopt at least one position in which the at least one movable part is free of any contact with the core,
    • the at least one movable part is free of contact with an external surface of the core,
    • the at least one movable part is free of any contact with an internal surface of the at least one cavity,
    • the at least one cavity is open in said core,
    • the at least one movable part passes through the core in a direction transverse to the principal direction,
    • the core comprises at least one retaining means so as to hold the movable part inside the cavity,
    • the at least one movable part comprises at least one retaining means so as to hold the movable part inside the cavity,
    • the core comprises at least one stop means so as to limit the displacement of the at least one movable part relative to the core,
    • the at least one movable part comprises at least one stop means so as to limit the displacement of the at least one movable part relative to the core,
    • a first reservoir volume of cosmetic product is formed on the surface of the at least one movable part,
    • the at least one cavity forms a reservoir adapted to be charged with cosmetic product,
    • the core comprises at least two cavities,
    • the applicator comprises at least two movable parts,
    • each of the at least two movable parts is respectively contained in one of the at least two cavities,
    • each of the at least two movable parts is adapted to move relative to the core, one independently of the other.
    • the at least two movable parts are all identical in shape,
    • the at least two movable parts are of different shapes,
    • the at least two movable parts are the same size,
    • the at least two movable parts are of different sizes,
    • the at least one movable part comprises a central body housed in the cavity,
    • the at least one movable part comprises at least one extension extending from the central body such that a free end of the at least one extension exits the cavity,
    • the at least one extension serves as a means for retaining the movable part,
    • the at least one extension extends toward at least one end of the core,
    • the central body is cylindrical,
    • the protrusions projecting from the at least one movable part project from the extension,
    • the core has a thickness which varies in at least one direction orthogonal to the principal direction, over all or part of a distance separating the at least two cavities so as to form on the surface of the core a second reservoir volume of cosmetic product,
    • the core has a plurality of prominence areas following one another axially along an axis (X) of the core,
    • the at least one cavity is carried out in a prominence area of the core,
    • the plurality of areas of prominence alternates with narrowing areas,
    • the narrowing areas serve as a means for retaining the movable part,
    • at least one of the ends of the core further comprises a cavity-free prominence area,
    • each of the ends of the core further comprises a cavity-free prominence area,
    • the narrowing areas are cavity-free,
    • the core consists of a succession of first segments corresponding to the areas of prominence, alternating with second segments corresponding to the narrowing areas,
    • all the first segments have identical dimensions,
    • all second segments have identical dimensions,
    • the positions of the first and second reservoir volumes alternate along the principal direction,
    • the cavities are aligned in the same direction,
    • the cavities are identical,
    • the cavities are offset,
    • the protrusions projecting from the core are arranged in longitudinal rows substantially parallel to the principal direction,
    • the protrusions projecting from the at least one extension are arranged in longitudinal rows substantially parallel to the principal direction,
    • the protrusions projecting from the core are arranged in transverse rows substantially orthogonal to the principal direction,
    • the protrusions projecting from the at least one extension are arranged in transverse rows substantially orthogonal to the principal direction,
    • the protrusions have a free end forming a generally cylindrical envelope,
    • the core is a monolithic piece,
    • each of the at least one movable part is a monolithic part,
    • the applicator is obtained without assembly,
    • the applicator is obtained by additive manufacturing.

The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising:

    • a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and
    • an applicator of the cosmetic product as described above, adapted to be attached to the container, so that the applicator is housed inside the reservoir.

The invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator for cosmetic product, in particular mascara, as described above. The method comprises:

    • a step of elaborating a digital model of the applicator;
    • a step of manufacturing the applicator by means of the digital model.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference is made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of applicator assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 2 in which the core and the movable parts are in a detached position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a first side view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a side and longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a second side and longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the movable part according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the movable part according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the invention relates to an applicator 1 for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core 2 extending along a direction of longitudinal extension, called principal direction and marked X in FIG. 1.

The core 2 preferably has a first end 2a, also called proximal end, adapted to be attached to a rod 3 of the applicator 1 by a sleeve 4 extending the core 2, and a second free end 2b, also called distal end, opposite the first end 2a along the principal direction X.

According to the invention, the core comprises at least one cavity 5 and the applicator comprises at least one movable part 7 contained in the at least one cavity 5, the at least one movable part 7 being adapted to move relative to the core 2.

Advantageously, as will be seen below, the at least one movable part 7 is adapted to move in translation and/or rotation relative to the core 2, in particular the at least one movable part 7 is free to pivot angularly relative to the core 2 in all directions.

Advantageously, the core 2 may comprise at least two cavities 5 and the applicator may comprise at least two movable parts 7 respectively contained in a cavity 5 of the core 2.

In the case of a plurality of cavities 5 and movable parts 7, each of the movable parts 7 is advantageously adapted to move relative to the core 2, independently of each other.

In order to guarantee this mobility while maintaining the movable part 7 inside its cavity 5, the movable part 7 and/or the core 2 advantageously comprise retaining means and/or stop means as will be described in more detail below.

The applicator 1 further comprises a plurality of protrusions 9.1 projecting from the core 2 and a plurality of protrusions 9.2 projecting from the movable part or parts 7. Preferably, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 are integral with the core 2 and/or the movable part or parts 7. The protrusions 9.1, 9.2 are thus made in one piece with the core 2 and/or the movable part or parts 7. The sleeve 4 has no protrusions 9.1, 9.2.

The core 2 may be solid or hollow without leaving the scope of the invention.

Thus, the core 2 has a plurality of prominence areas 13 and a plurality of narrowing areas 15 following one another axially along the principal direction X. The prominence areas 13 alternate with the narrowing areas 15.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12, each of the ends 2a, 2b of the core 2 is in the form of a prominence area 13 flanking three further central prominence areas 13 and four central narrowing areas 15.

In other words, the core 2 has a thickness varying in at least one direction orthogonal to the principal direction, here, over the entire distance between two cavities 5.

The central prominence areas 13 are each provided with a cavity 5. These are through cavities 5 oriented transversely to the principal axis of the core 2 along an axis Y.

In other embodiments not shown, it is also possible for the cavity or the cavities 5 not to be through-going.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the core has two first opposing sides 17 provided with the cavities and two second opposing sides 19 provided with hollows 19a and bumps 19b.

The cross-section at the level of a prominence area 13 is composed of two opposing circular arcs which delimit a housing forming each of said cavities 5 as seen in FIG. 6. Each of the cavities 5 has an internal surface.

In this embodiment, the core 2 comprises three cavities 5 evenly distributed along the principal axis of the core 2. The cavities 5 are identical and are aligned and oriented in the same direction Y. It may be possible, in other embodiments not shown, that the cavities 5 are of different sizes, different shapes, oriented in different directions, and/or oriented in a non-uniform manner.

On the other hand, in the embodiment illustrated here, the prominence areas 13 located at each of the ends 2a, 2b of the core 2, as well as the narrowing areas 15, are devoid of cavity 5.

In this embodiment, each of the three cavities 5 comprises a movable part 7 that passes through the core 2 along the direction Y transverse to the principal direction X.

The movable parts 7 are identical and comprise a central body 21 housed in the cavity 5 and four extensions (two transversely opposed extensions 23.1, 23.2 and two axially opposed extensions 23.3, 23.4).

The central body 21 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section and extends along the principal direction X.

Each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 extends from the central body 21 so that a free end 25 exits from the cavity 5 and extends towards one of the ends 2a, 2b of the core 2.

Two transversely opposed extensions 23.1, 23.2 or 23.3, 23.4 form a hollow cone of revolution angularly interrupted by one of the prominence areas forming the core 2, thus forming two lateral edges 27. The cone projects from the center of the side wall of the cylindrical central body 21 from its apex. In other words, each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 extends outwardly flaring, i.e. away from the central body 21 of the movable part 7, and narrows at the level of the central body 21. Thus, each extension 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 has a cross-section with a circular arc shape with a radius that increases towards the free end 25.

Each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 serves as a means for retaining the movable part 7 inside its cavity 5. Indeed, the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 come into abutment with the narrowing areas 15 and/or the prominence areas 13 of the core 2 thus preventing the movable part 7 from exiting its cavity 5. By “means for retaining the movable part 7 inside its cavity 5” is meant an element allowing to hold the movable part 7 at least partly inside its cavity 5. This does not exclude that at least one portion of the movable part 7 is located outside the cavity 5. The extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 taken in combination with the narrowing areas 15 of the core 2 allow the movable part 7 to be held inside its cavity 5.

In following description, in particular for the description of the movements of the movable parts 7 in relation to the core 2, an orthonormal reference frame “X,Y,Z” is defined in a non-limiting manner.

The axis X corresponds to the direction of longitudinal extension of the core 2, called principal direction, mentioned above and marked X. The axis Z corresponds to an axis orthogonal to the axis X and passing through the apex of the bumps 19b of the core 2. The aforementioned axis Y corresponds to an axis orthogonal to the axes X and Z. In FIGS. 1 to 12, the axis Y corresponds to the transverse orientation of the cavity 5.

Advantageously, each of the movable parts 7 is adapted to move in translation and/or in rotation relative to the core 2, in particular independently of each other.

These different displacements will be detailed hereafter for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12.

Each of the movable parts 7 can move in translation along the axes X, Y and Z.

The translational movement along the axis X is limited by the central body 21 of the movable part 7 which comes in abutment against an adjacent narrowing area 15.

The translational movement along the axis Y is limited by the two lateral edges 27 of two axially opposite extensions 23.1, 23.3 or 23.2, 23.4 which comes in abutment against one of the first sides 17 of the core 2 at the level of the adjacent narrowing areas 15. The translational movement along the axis Z is limited by the central body 21 and/or a side edge 27 of the four extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 which come in abutment against the internal surface of the cavity 5 at the level of the adjacent narrowing areas 15.

Each of the movable parts 7 may also be rotated about the axes X, Y and Z. This rotational movement being limited by the structure of the movable part 7 and/or the core 2, it can be seen as an angular pivoting of the movable part 7 with respect to the axes X, Y and Z. Each of the movable parts 7 is free to rotate angularly with a certain angular limit which will be described for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12.

The angular pivoting about the axis X is limited by

    • the side edges 27 of two axially opposite extensions 23.1, 23.3 or 23.2, 23.4 which abut the core 2 at the level of the two adjacent narrowing areas 15, and
    • the opposite side edges 27 of the other two axially opposite extensions 23.1, 23.3 or 23.2, 23.4 which abut the other side of the core 2 at the level of the two adjacent narrowing areas 15. The angular pivoting about the axis X is between −45° and +45°, preferably between −15° and +15°.

The angular pivoting about the axis Y is limited by:

    • the side edges 27 of two transversely opposite extensions 23.1, 23.2 or 23.3, 23.4 which abut the core 2 at the level of the same adjacent narrowing area 15, and
    • the side edges 27 of the other two transversely opposite extensions 23.1, 23.2 or 23.3, 23.4 which abut the core at the level of the other adjacent narrowing area 15.

The angular pivoting about the axis Y is between −45° and 45°, preferably between −15° and +15°.

The angular pivoting about the axis Z is limited by:

    • the two lateral edges 27 of a same extension 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 which abut the core 2 at the level of the same adjacent narrowing area 15, and
    • the two side edges 27 of a further axially and transversely opposite extension 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 which abut the core 2 at the level of a further adjacent narrowing area 15.

The angular pivoting about the axis Z is between −60° and +60°, preferably between −45° and +45°.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, each of the movable parts 7 is contained in a cavity 5 of the core 2 so as to be able to adopt at least one position in which it is free of any contact with the core 2.

Free of contact means that there is no material connection between the core 2 and the movable part 7, which does not prevent friction between the core 2 and the movable part 7.

In particular, here the movable parts 7 are free from contact with an external surface of the core 2 but also with the internal surface of the cavity 5 in which each is contained.

It may also be envisaged in an embodiment not shown that each of the movable parts 7 is connected to the core 2 so that the mobility of the movable part 7 described above is retained. For example, advantageously, each of the movable parts 7 comprises at least one means for connecting to the core 20

This may be, for example, a tab connecting the movable part 7 to the core 2, such as the external surface of the core 2 or the internal surface of the cavity 5 in which it is contained. The tab must be sufficiently flexible and elastic to allow this mobility.

As shown in FIG. 13, the movable part 7 may be cube-shaped with domed faces. The curvature of the faces allows the movable part 7 to be held in the cavity 5 of the core 2. In this embodiment, the protrusions 9.2 project from two opposite faces 29. For better visibility, the protrusions 9.2 have not been illustrated.

The movable part 7 may also be, for example, a cylinder of circular cross-section with a convex transverse wall 31 as shown in FIG. 14. The convex shape of the transverse wall 31 allows for a central part with a diameter smaller than that of the bases 33, which holds the movable part 7 in its cavity 5. In this embodiment the protrusions 9.2 project from the opposite bases 33. For better visibility, the protrusions 9.2 have not been illustrated.

In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 15, the applicator 1 may comprise a plurality of movable parts 7 that are different. In this embodiment, the applicator 1 comprises a domed cube-shaped movable part 7 such as that described above and shown in FIG. 13 and a cylindrical movable part 7 such as that described above and shown in FIG. 14. For better visibility the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 have not been illustrated.

It is also possible that the movable parts 7 are of different sizes and/or oriented in different directions.

The movable parts 7 may be evenly distributed along the main axis X, in particular with an identical distance between each of the movable parts 7 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12.

In another embodiment not shown, the movable parts 7 may be distributed along the main axis X in a non-uniform manner. In other words, the distance between two movable parts 7 can be variable. Advantageously, each of the cavities 5 forms a reservoir adapted to be charged with cosmetic product. The cosmetic product contained in the cavities 5 can be easily restored, in particular with the movement of the movable part 7 included therein.

Advantageously, the movable part 7 has a design that allows a cosmetic product reservoir, called first reservoir volume V1, to be formed on its surface. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the first reservoir volume V1 is located between the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 of the movable part 7.

Advantageously, the formation of the narrowing areas 15 at the level of the core 2, in other words the variation in thickness of the core 2, allows to form a second reservoir volume V2 of cosmetic product at the surface thereof.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the positions of the first and second reservoir volumes V1, V2 are alternated along the principal direction X. This allows to have a homogeneity in the distribution of the cosmetic product along the principal axis X. Advantageously, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 project from the core 2 and/or from the movable elements along a direction substantially normal to the principal direction X, called radial direction. By “the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 project in a direction substantially normal to the principal direction X” is meant protrusions 9.1, 9.2 which project in a plane comprising the principal direction X and a radial direction of the direction X. In other words, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 may be inclined, in this plane, towards the proximal and/or distal end, without going beyond the scope of the invention.

In other embodiments not shown, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 may have an inclination. They may, for example, project at an angle to the principal direction X other than 90°. In other words, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 may be inclined towards the second end 2b of the core 2 or inclined towards the first end 2a of the core 2. The protrusions 9.1, 9.2 may also have a different inclination to each other.

The protrusions 9.1, 9.2 extend from an end 91 integral with the core 2 and/or the movable parts 7 towards a free end 92 along an elongation direction so as to define a height.

By “height” of the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 is meant the height measured between the radial periphery of the core 2 and/or the movable part 7 and the free distal end 92 of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2. In other words, “height” of the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 means their radial extension measured from the base of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2, in projection on a plane orthogonal to the principal direction X.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 have a different height over most of the length of the applicator 1 so that their free end forms a generally cylindrical envelope E1. However, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2, called distal, i.e. the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 which extend in the vicinity of the distal end 2b of the core 2, have different heights so as to form an ogive-shaped envelope E2 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 12.

In particular, the ogive-shaped envelope facilitates the insertion of the applicator 1 through the neck of the container containing the cosmetic product and the application of the cosmetic product at the level of the internal corner of the eye.

In an embodiment not shown, it is also possible that the heights are identical. In this case, the envelope formed by the free ends of the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 is similar in shape to the core 2, i.e. has hollows and bumps.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 have a quadrilateral cross-section of identical size and shape over their entire height.

It is also conceivable in an embodiment not shown that the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 have a cross-section whose dimension is greater in the vicinity of the end 91 than in the vicinity of the free end 92 of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2. In other words, the cross-section of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2 has a dimension that decreases from the end 91 towards the free end 92.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 projecting from the movable parts 7 project from each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4.

The protrusions 9.1, 9.2 of the core 2 and of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 are arranged in longitudinal rows substantially parallel to the principal direction and in transverse rows substantially orthogonal to the principal direction.

In other embodiments not shown, it is also possible for the longitudinal rows to be inclined with respect to the principal direction X, or to be wound helically around the core, or any other possible arrangement.

The helical winding may be such that the angular offset is between 2 and 10°, preferably 5°, so that when viewed from the distal end, the protrusions appear to form a solid disc.

As further possible arrangements, the protrusions may for example be arranged so as to form a zigzag or an undulation, i.e. be arranged on either side of the principal axis X so as to form opposite peaks, or in other words so as to form alternately projecting and retracting angles.

In other embodiments not shown, the protrusions projecting from the core 2 and the movable part or the movable parts may be randomly arranged without forming longitudinal rows.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the longitudinal and transverse rows of protrusions 9.1, 9.2 comprise protrusions 9.1, 9.2 originating either from the core 2 only, or from the core 2 and the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4.

During the application of the cosmetic product, the movement performed by the user leads to a translational and/or rotational movement of each of the movable parts 7.

These different movements lead to a change in the distance between the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 of the core 2 and the movable part 7. This change in distance causes a shearing of the lashes caught between the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 and an increase in the density of the protrusions 9.1, 9.2, allowing to envelop the lashes in a maximum of cosmetic product and thus increase the volume effect. The lashes can also be stretched when they are trapped between two protrusions 9.1, 9.2 which facilitates the combing. Moreover, the movements of the movable parts 7 also cause the expulsion of the cosmetic product stored in the cavity 5 and/or in the first and second reservoir volumes V1, V2, i.e. stored at the level of the movable parts 7 and at the level of the narrowing areas 15 of the core 2.

It should also be noted that the applicator 1 advantageously forms a brush.

The core 2 and each of the movable parts 7 are single monolithic parts.

Advantageously, the core and each of the parts are obtained without assembly. In other words, the core and each of the parts are not obtained by assembly.

Advantageously, the applicator 1 is obtained without assembly. In other words, the applicator 1 is not obtained by assembly.

Assembly is understood here as the fact of putting together, joining at least two isolated elements, but does not exclude the possibility of several steps.

Preferably, the applicator 1 described above is obtained by an additive manufacturing method.

Additive manufacturing method means a manufacturing method by adding material, generally computer assisted. Such a manufacturing method is also called three-dimensional printing or 3D printing.

Advantageously, the use of three-dimensional printing can allow to produce in a single step an applicator 1 comprising a core 2 having protrusions 9.1, 9.2 and at least one cavity 5 and at least one movable part 7 contained in one of the cavities 5. Such an applicator 1 could be very complex or even impossible to obtain, in particular in a single step, by a conventional injection molding method. It is thus possible to produce the applicator 1 directly and in a single manufacturing operation. In addition, this technique allows to eliminate the need for complex molds.

Alternatively, the three-dimensional printing may be used to form the core 2 with the sleeve 4 and/or the rod 3.

Various additive manufacturing technologies known to the person skilled in the art can be used. In particular, this may include:

    • fused deposition modeling (FDM),
    • selective laser melting (SLM),
    • selective laser sintering (SLS),
    • electron beam melting (EBM),
    • stereolithography or photopolymerization (SLA for Stereolithography Apparatus), or
    • laminated object manufacturing (LOM).

Preferably, these are sintering and/or stereolithography technologies.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator 1 as described above. The method comprises:

    • a step of elaborating a digital model of the applicator 1;
    • a step of manufacturing the applicator 1 by means of the digital model.

The digital model is a computer file that corresponds to a virtual model of the applicator 1. To obtain this, the applicator 1 is first modeled so as to obtain a CAO model which is then converted into a suitable format such as an “.STL” file. The file is then processed on an additive manufacturing machine. When the digital model is read, it is divided into a number of layers depending on the desired accuracy. Preferably, the layers correspond to a cross-section of the applicator 1, i.e. a section of the applicator 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the principal longitudinal direction X.

The suitable materials for manufacturing the applicator 1 by three-dimensional printing are polyamides, light-sensitive resins, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

The invention also relates to an applicator assembly 35 for a cosmetic product, comprising the container 37 comprising a body 39 forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product (not shown), and an applicator 1, as previously described, adapted to be attached to the container 37, such that the applicator 1 is housed inside the reservoir. The applicator 1 is attached, for example, to a proximal end of the rod 3, which is itself attached to a cap 41 advantageously screwed to the container 37.

Advantageously, the applicator assembly 35 may be obtained in whole or in part by three-dimensional printing.

Claims

1. An applicator for cosmetic product, comprising:

a core extending along a longitudinal extension direction, “principal direction” the core comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core and at least one cavity,
at least one movable part comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the at least one movable part, and contained in the at least one cavity, the at least one movable part being adapted to move relative to the core.

2. The applicator according to the claim 1, wherein the at least one movable part is adapted to move in translation and/or in rotation.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity is open in said core, the at least one movable part passing through the core in a direction transverse to the principal direction.

4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core and/or the at least one movable part comprise at least one retaining means so as to hold the movable part inside the cavity and/or at least one stop means so as to limit a displacement of the at least one movable part relative to the core.

5. The applicator according to claim 4, wherein a first reservoir volume of cosmetic product is formed on the surface of the at least one movable part.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core comprises at least two cavities and the applicator comprises at least two movable parts, each of the at least two movable parts being respectively contained in one of the at least two cavities, and adapted to move relative to the core, one independently of the other.

7. The applicator according to claim 6, wherein the at least two movable parts are all identical.

8. The applicator according to claim, wherein the core has a thickness which varies in at least one direction orthogonal to the principal direction, over all or part of a distance separating the at least two cavities so as to form on the surface of the core a second reservoir volume of cosmetic product.

9. The applicator according to claim 8 wherein the positions of the first and second reservoir volumes are alternated along the principal direction.

10. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is obtained without assembly.

11. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is obtained by additive manufacturing.

12. An applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising:

a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and
an applicator of the cosmetic product adapted to be attached to the container, so that the applicator is housed inside the reservoir, the applicator comprising:
a core extending along a longitudinal extension direction (“principal direction”), the core comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core and at least one cavity,
at least one movable part comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the at least one movable part, and contained in the at least one cavity,
the at least one movable part being adapted to move relative to the core.

13. A method for manufacturing an applicator for cosmetic product comprising a core extending along a longitudinal extension direction (“principal direction”), the core comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core and at least one cavity, at least one movable part comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from the at least one movable part, and contained in the at least one cavity, the at least one movable part being adapted to move relative to the core, the method comprising:

elaborating a digital model of the applicator;
manufacturing the applicator by means of the digital model.
Patent History
Publication number: 20220232949
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 20, 2020
Publication Date: Jul 28, 2022
Inventors: Yann CRAPET (Gennevilliers), Sophie ARGIOLAS (Gennevilliers)
Application Number: 17/618,498
Classifications
International Classification: A45D 40/26 (20060101); A45D 34/04 (20060101);