FR2876890A1 - DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A PRODUCT TO EYELASHES OR EYEBROOPS, IN PARTICULAR MASCARA. - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator has a row of application units (6) arranged on a support (5) which is connected to a stem (4) and extending transversally to a longitudinal axis (Y) of the support. The units extend over a distance along the axis such that they contact a quarter of eyelashes or eyebrows of a fringe of the eyelashes or eyebrows while the axis is oriented tangentially to the fringe. A notch is arranged between upper parts of the units. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for packing and applying a product (2) a method for makeup of the eyelashes or eyebrows with the product.

Description

The present invention relates to an applicator for the application of a

  produces on eyelashes or eyebrows, including mascara.

  Various applicators have been proposed in patent applications EP 1 070 465, EP 1 070 466, EP 1 070 467, EP 1 070 468, EP 1 115 303, EP 1 115 304, EP 1 115 305, EP 1 157 629, EP 1 157 632, EP 1 169 941 and FR 2 810 861.

  Also known from the patent application FR 2 564 712 a cosmetic product applicator comprising an elongate handle provided with several bristles or teeth molded in one piece and extending axially at one end of the handle.

  There is a need to benefit from an applicator for making new makeup effects on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows and in particular to deposit the product only on a wick of eyelashes or eyebrows, for example.

  The use of a brush-type applicator for this type of application is not very satisfactory, because if the brush is not sufficiently wrung out, it keeps a drop of end product that creates a cluster on the eyelashes.

  If the brush is well wrung out, the amount of product remaining may be insufficient.

  The use of a flocked applicator makes it possible to obtain a good product load, but it is difficult to separate, if desired, the lashes which are glued together by the product.

  According to one of its aspects, the subject of the present invention is an applicator for applying a product to an eyelash or eyebrow fringe, comprising: a rod, a support connected to the stem and extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of application elements, of which only two, if any, are arranged on the support and extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support.

  The application elements may extend a distance along the longitudinal axis of the support which is such that the application elements can at best contact simultaneously at most a quarter, even a fifth or a sixth of the eyelashes or eyebrows of the fringe, while the longitudinal axis of the support is oriented substantially tangentially to the fringe.

  A strand of eyelashes or makeup eyebrows may for example correspond to at most a quarter or even a fifth or a sixth of the length of the fringe.

  The application elements may include teeth and / or bristles. The invention makes it possible to properly load the eyelashes while exerting a possible combing action.

  The application elements extend over the support for a sufficiently short distance to be able to make up one or more locks of eyelashes or eyebrows, which makes it possible to obtain new makeup effects.

  The invention makes it possible to create colored locks or stripes in the eyelashes. For example, by virtue of the invention, the eyelashes of one and the same fringe can be painted with at least two different colors.

  For bangs in the sense of the present invention, the eyelashes of the upper eyelid or those of the lower eyelid, the inner corner to the outer corner of the eyelid, or the eyebrows of the eyebrow of one or the other eyes of the user.

  The application elements may for example extend over the support over a distance of between approximately 0.1 and 1 cm, for example less than or equal to 8 mm, or even 7 mm or 6 mm, for example a distance of 2 mm to about 5 mm, for example between 2 mm and 3 mm.

  The present invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to an applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising: - a rod, - a support connected to the stem and extending according to a longitudinal axis, - at least one row of application elements, in particular constituted by teeth, arranged on the support, the application elements of the row each extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support and having free ends whose distance to the longitudinal axis varies non-monotonically as one moves between the extreme application elements of the row.

  By non-monotonically varying in the sense of the present invention, it should be understood that the line connecting the free ends of the application elements has a distance to the longitudinal axis of the support which passes through at least one extremum, for example a maximum .

  The presence of a maximum in the row of application elements can allow a gradual penetration of the application elements in the eyelashes and thus facilitate the makeup of a wick, for example.

  The number of application elements of the row, in particular the number of teeth, may be for example between 3 and 9, preferably between 3 and 8, in particular between 3 and 7.

  According to one embodiment, the support and the application elements are made in one piece, in particular by molding or machining. Alternatively, the application elements can be reported on the support.

  The support and the rod can be made in one piece, in particular by molding or, alternatively, the support can be attached to the rod. In this case, the support may comprise a tip arranged to engage in a housing of the rod or the rod may comprise a tip arranged to engage in a housing of the support.

  The rod may extend along a longitudinal axis distinct from the longitudinal axis of the support. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the rod may form with the longitudinal axis of the support, in particular for the portion thereof carrying the application elements, an angle of between 5 and 45, in particular between 15 and 25, for example equal to about 20. This configuration may allow a more comfortable handling of the applicator when applying the product on the eyelashes. The longitudinal axis of the support may for example be curvilinear or rectilinear.

  The rod may alternatively extend along a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the support.

  The applicator and / or the support may be made at least partially of a flexible or rigid material, in particular at least partially made of thermoplastic material, elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer, in particular by molding. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention if the applicator is made at least partially of wood or metal or other materials, particularly by machining.

  When the support is made of an elastically deformable material, this may allow a preferential spin on one side of the support.

  The rod and the support may or may not be made of different materials.

  When the applicator is viewed from the side, a line connecting the free ends of the application elements may have a distance to the longitudinal axis of the support which passes through at least one extremum, in particular a maximum, which can make the penetration of the applicator into the eyelashes.

  The aforementioned line may in particular have at least partially a pointed shape, in particular triangular, or rounded, in particular circular or ogival.

  Whatever the profile of the aforementioned line, when there is a maximum and a minimum, the angle formed between on the one hand the straight line connecting the free ends of a longer application element associated with this maximum and an application element of smaller length associated with a minimum closest to the application element of greater length, and secondly the normal to the longitudinal axis of the support, this normal passing by the free end of the application element of greater length, is for example between 25 and 60 approximately, especially between 25 and 50, especially between 25 and 45, for example between 30 and 45, for example equal to About 43

  The distance of the aforementioned line to the longitudinal axis of the support can still go through two extrema or more.

  The application elements may be arranged in a single row or in at least two rows. In the latter case, the application elements of a first row and those of a second row may extend in different directions or, alternatively, in parallel directions. The two rows may for example be arranged substantially opposite one another relative to the support.

  The height of the application elements may for example be between 0.5 and 10 mm, in particular between 1 and 3 mm.

  When the application elements are arranged in at least one row, the latter may comprise a succession of application elements extending alternately, at least partially, on either side of a geometric separation surface.

  Application elements may have aligned bases or not.

  When the application elements are arranged in at least one row, the row may extend along a non-rectilinear axis. The application elements can also be made alternately on either side of a median core.

  Always when the application elements are arranged in at least one row, this row may comprise a succession of application elements located alternately at least partially on either side of a geometric separation surface, two elements of consecutive application having adjoining adjacent portions or overlapping when the applicator is viewed from the side and forming between them a recess for receiving an eyelash.

  The applicator may comprise a comb or a brush.

  When the applicator comprises a brush, the support may comprise two twisted wires of small diameter, especially less than 0.7 mm, for example between 0.2 and 0.6 mm, better between 0.35 and 0.5 mm .

  Still in the case where the applicator comprises a brush, the application elements may be small diameter bristles, for example less than or equal to 10 8/100 mm, better 6/100 mm.

  When the brush has a twisted core, the number of turns of the brush may be between 3 and 6, for example. In the case of a twisted core brush, the bristles extend from the core in two helical layers. The number of turns of the brush corresponds to the sum of the revolutions around the core of the two layers. Part of the twisted core may be devoid of bristles, especially near the junction between the support and the rod.

  The cross section of the envelope surface of the brush may be circular, square, or other.

  The brush may have a biconical envelope surface. The envelope surface may further be conical or frustoconical with the base of the cone located on the distal or proximal end side of the brush.

  The invention also relates, for example, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a twisted core and bristles extending from the core, the number of turns being less than or equal to 6.

  The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a core and bristles extending from the core, the length of the portion of the brush carrying the bristles being less than or equal to 8 mm, more preferably 7 mm or even 6 mm.

  The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a core and bristles extending from the core, contained in an envelope surface of substantially frustoconical, conical or biconical shape, in which the smallest angle formed between a plane containing the largest cross section of the brush and a tangent to the envelope surface of the brush at the intersection with this plane is between 20 and 60, especially between 25 and 50, for example between 30 and 35.

  The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a core and bristles extending from the core, wherein the envelope surface of the brush has a substantially biconical shape, with an apex angle at the junction of the truncated cones less than or equal to 120, or even less than or equal to 90.

  The invention also relates, for example, to a comb for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows having a support and teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support, the distance between the extreme teeth along the longitudinal axis being less than or equal to 8 mm, better 7 mm or even 6 mm.

  The invention also relates, for example, to a comb for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows comprising a support and teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support, comprising a tooth of greater length having a first length and a smaller length tooth having a second length, comb in which the ratio of the first length to the second length is greater than or equal to 1.3.

  The subject of the invention is, for example, a comb for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a support and teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support, in which the angle formed between a straight line joining the free end of a tooth of smaller length and the free end of a longer tooth and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support passing through the free end of the tooth of greater length is between 20 and 60.

  According to another of its aspects, the subject of the invention is also a device for packaging and applying a product to an eyelash or eyebrow fringe comprising: a container for containing the product, an applicator, comprising in particular a brush or comb, as defined above.

  The device according to the invention may comprise a wiper member. This wiper member may for example comprise a block of a cellular material such as an open cell foam or closed, with or without flocking. In a variant, the wiper member may comprise a non-cellular material, possibly flocked, for example an elastomer or a polyolefin. In this case in particular, the wiper member may for example comprise at least one slot and / or include a lip arranged to wring the rod.

  Preferably, when the device comprises a wiper member, the support of the applicator is profiled so as to facilitate the passage through the wiper member and may comprise, for example, for this purpose at the front a rounded nose and in the back a boss.

  The rod of the applicator may be connected to a closure cap of the container which may also act as a gripping member and the applicator may be housed inside the container in the closed position of the device.

  The product may be mascara, for example black mascara or a color other than black, or any other cosmetic or care product suitable for application on eyelashes or eyebrows. The product may be in liquid or pasty form. The product may also, where appropriate, be in a solid form, for example bread.

  The device according to the invention may comprise an additional container for containing another product and an additional applicator for applying this other product. The other product may be different from the product contained in the container. This additional applicator may for example comprise a brush or a comb.

  The device may for example comprise, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, an applicator according to the invention, associated with a mascara having a black color or other than black, and another applicator, which is for example a brush or a comb, associated with a color mascara respectively other than black or black, the two applicators remaining for example integral with each other during use.

  According to another of its aspects, the subject of the invention is also a process for making up the eyelashes or the eyebrows with a cosmetic product, comprising the step of applying the product to at least one strand of eyelashes or eyebrows at the same time. using an applicator as defined above.

  The method may comprise the preliminary step of makeup the eyelashes or eyebrows, using another cosmetic product different from the product for producing the locks.

  The invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view with partial section of a device according to the invention, - Figure 2 illustrates the use of the applicator of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a side view, schematic and partial, of the applicator FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and partial perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of an applicator variant; FIG. FIG. 6 is a view analogous to FIG. 4, showing the applicator of FIG. 5; FIGS. 7 to 9 show a diagrammatic partial side view of other variants of the applicator of FIG. 1; Figures 10 and 11 show schematically, with partial section, examples of fastening of the su Figure 12 shows a diagrammatic and partial side view of an embodiment of the applicator, - Figures 13 to 17 show a side view, schematically and partially, different profiles of applicators according to the invention, - Figure 18 is a side view, schematic and partial, an applicator variant having two rows of application elements, - Figures 19 to 22 show in axial section, schematic, different applicators comprising one or more rows of application elements, - Figures 23 and 24 show a side view different configurations of application elements, - Figure 25 shows a variant of the device of Figure 1 comprising another of the wiper member, - Figures 26 and 27 show in axial section, schematic and partial, further examples of wiping members that can be used in a device FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a variant comprising FIGS. 29 to 35 are diagrammatic and partial views of variants of FIG. 36 is a schematic cross section of the brush of FIG. FIG. 37 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in which the product is deposited on the applicator element from a flexible tube; FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view of FIG. another embodiment of the invention, in which the product to be applied is in the form of a solid or a powder, - Figures 39 to 43 are axial sections, schematic, of devices according to the invention comprising two products and two applicators at least one of which is in accordance with the invention, and - FIGS. 44 and 45 are diagrammatic illustrations of examples of make-up that can be obtained using a device according to the invention.

  The device 1, shown in Figures 1 to 4, comprises a container 2 containing a reserve of a cosmetic product P such as mascara, and an applicator 3 having a rod 4 of longitudinal axis X. The rod 4 is provided with an end of a support 5 having a plurality of application elements 6 and the rod 4 is connected to the end opposite to a closure cap 7 of the container 2 which also constitutes a gripping element.

  The closure cap 7 has an unseen internal thread intended to be screwed on the neck 11, threaded externally, of the container 2.

  The container 2 comprises, in the example described, a wiper member 8 engaged in the neck 11 and having a wiper lip 9 arranged to dewater the rod 4 and the support 5 provided with the application elements 6.

  The wiper member 8 can, if necessary, be arranged in such a way that it can deform in the passage of the application elements 6.

  The wiper member 8 may be made by injection molding, for example in a polyolefin.

  The container 2 is sealed in the absence of use by screwing the closure cap 7 on the neck 11.

  In the example shown, the applicator 3 comprises a comb, the application elements 6 being constituted by teeth. The support 5 extends along a longitudinal axis Y forming with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 a non-zero angle, as illustrated in Figure 3 in particular. This angle may be between 5 and 45 for example.

  The application elements 6, six in number for example, are arranged in the example under consideration in a row 10.

  The application elements 6 can be located on the support 5 in various configurations.

  In the example shown, the row 10 comprises a first series of teeth 6a and a second series of teeth 6b respectively located on either side of a geometric separation surface S, which is here a median plane of symmetry of the comb, parallel to the plane of Figure 3, and may also constitute a joint plane for molding the comb.

  In the illustrated example, the teeth 6a and 6b are made alternately on either side of a common core 15 of the support 5, which serves as a sort of skeleton on which the teeth are connected in the lower part.

  The support 5 is provided at the front with a rounded nose 17, intended to facilitate its retraction into the receptacle 2.

  The support 5 comprises, at the rear, a boss 18 intended to facilitate the crossing of the wiper member 8 during its extraction from the container 2.

  The application elements 6 each comprise an upper part 20 ending in a free end 30 and a lower part 22 connected to the core 15 of the support 5.

  In the example considered, the application elements 6 extend substantially perpendicular to the Y axis of the support 5.

  The free ends 30 of the application members are at a distance from the longitudinal axis Y varying non-monotonously as one moves between the extreme application elements of the row 10, from left to right on the figure 3.

  In the illustrated example, the line L connecting the free ends 30 has, when the applicator is viewed from the side, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 4 and the aforementioned geometric separation surface, as shown in FIG. Figure 3, a substantially triangular shape, with two straight segments forming between them an angle substantially equal to 90 in the drawing.

  In the example considered, the succession of application elements 6 comprises two larger teeth 6a and 6b of the same length.

  The line DI passing through the free end of the element of smaller length starting from the distal end of the applicator and the free end of the element of greater length closest to this element of more short length is confused in the example under consideration with the first rectilinear segment of the line L. The angle y1 formed between the line DI and the perpendicular N1 to the axis Y passing through the free end of the application element greater length above is for example between 25 and 60, being for example about 43.

  The line D2, passing through the smallest application element from the proximal end of the support 5 and the largest application element closest to this element is merged with the second rectilinear segment of the line L. L angle 72 formed between the straight line D2 and the perpendicular N2 to the Y axis passing through the free end of this larger application element can be included in the same ranges of value as the angle y1, being for example substantially equal to y1. The apex angle between the segments of the line L is for example less than or equal to 120, or even less than or equal to 90.

  The application elements 6 extend over the support 5 over a relatively small distance d, in particular a distance d of between 0.1 and 1 cm approximately. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 2, it is possible, with the aid of the applicator 3, to make up only one strand of eyelashes at a time without reaching all the eyelashes of the eyelid. For example, the application elements can simultaneously contact, at most, less than a quarter of the eyelashes of the upper eyelid, as illustrated.

  The product P can be applied to eyelashes or eyebrows made up or not.

  It may comprise a reversible or non-reversible polymer formula, for example a vinyl formula. Product P can be resistant to cold water and dissolve in hot water.

  The product P can consist of a black or colored mascara, for example. Its formulation makes it for example compatible with an underlying mascara, so that the application to form a wick on lashes already made up does not remove the mascara already present on the eyelashes.

  The support 5 and the application elements 6 are made in one piece in the illustrated example, by plastic molding. The support 5 is attached to the rod 4 in a manner which will be detailed below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  In the example described, the upper portions 20 of two consecutive application elements 6 provide between them a notch 21 extending substantially to the core 15, when the comb is viewed from the side, as in FIG. The notches 21 make it easier to grasp the eyelashes, for example to separate, comb or smooth the product deposited on their surface.

  It is understood that by varying the length of the application elements and the interval between them, it is easy to act on the amount of product that the applicator loads.

  The difference between the vertices of two successive application elements 6a or 6b situated on one and the same side of the geometric separation surface is in the example considered substantially greater than the width of an application element, measured at half height of the applicator 3, parallel to the axis Y of the support 5.

  Each applicator element 6a extends substantially halfway, when the applicator 3 is viewed from the side, two adjacent applicator elements 6b and vice versa.

  In the example considered, the upper parts 20 of the application elements 6 point substantially all in the same direction.

  The lower portions 22 of two successive application elements located on one and the same side of the core 15 form between them and with the core 15 a cavity 23 which can constitute a reserve of product.

  The spacing between the application elements 6a or 6b may be relatively large in favor of the amount of product that the applicator loads without the applicator losing any ability to grip the eyelashes, thanks to the shifting of the elements. application and the notches 21 formed by the upper parts 20 of the application elements remain sufficiently narrow.

  The application elements 6 may have many configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention, including differently oriented upper parts.

  It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the application elements 6 are arranged differently on the support 5.

  FIGS. 5 and 6 show another example of an applicator comprising a plurality of teeth 6, for example seven in number, extending in a row 10. The teeth 6, as can be seen in FIG. Figure 6, have aligned bases 22 while the upper portions 20 of two consecutive teeth 6a and 6b diverge.

  FIG. 7 illustrates the possibility of producing the rod 4 with a longitudinal axis X which coincides with that Y of the support 5.

  In FIG. 8, the support 5 is represented with a longitudinal axis Y forming a non-zero angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4, the direction of inclination of the support in FIG. 8 being opposite to that of the support Figures 1 to 4.

  The support 5 can be made in one piece with the rod 4, for example by molding plastics material as illustrated in FIG. 9. But the support 5 can also be attached to the rod 4.

  In the example shown in Figure 10, the support 5 comprises a substantially cylindrical nozzle 35 having an annular groove 36. The rod 4 comprises a corresponding housing 37, provided with an annular bead 38 arranged to snap into the groove 36 .

  The end piece 35 could still be configured to be force-fitted into the rod 4.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the rod 4 comprises a substantially cylindrical tip 40, arranged to be housed in a corresponding housing 41 of the support 5.

  The applicator 3 may comprise a number of teeth less than six or seven, and in particular comprise only two teeth 6 as illustrated in FIG. 12. The teeth may or may not have the same width.

  The line L connecting the free ends 30 of the application elements 6 may have various shapes other than those of FIGS. 1 to 11, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 17.

  In particular, the line L may have a rounded shape, in particular substantially circular as illustrated in FIG. 13, or ogival as illustrated in FIG. 14. The extremum may be located substantially in the middle of the support 5 as illustrated above, be closer of the rod 4 as illustrated in Figure 15 or closer to the distal end of the applicator as illustrated in Figure 16. The distance of the line L to the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5 can pass by two extrema as illustrated in Figure 17.

  It can be seen in FIG. 13 that the support 5 may be devoid of the rounded nose 17 and / or the boss 18.

  In this figure, the straight lines D1 and D2 and the normal N are also represented at the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5, which passes through the free end of the longer-length applicator element, which is unique in the field of view. example considered.

  The angles yl formed between the line D1 and this normal N and 72 formed between the line D2 and this normal N may be equal or different, being for example included in the range of values given above.

  In the example of FIG. 17, angles y 'and 72 relative to the normal N passing through the free end of the application element associated with the first relative extremum and 7'1 and 7'2 relatively can be defined. the normal N 'passing through the free end of the application element corresponding to the second relative extremum, these angles being again included for example in the range of values given above.

  FIG. 18 illustrates the possibility of producing on the support 5 two rows of application elements, for example two rows located opposite one another relative to the core 15 of the support 5. The elements application may extend differently from one row to another and in particular, as illustrated in Figure 18, have different profiles when the applicator 3 is viewed from the side.

  The core 15 may present in cross section a circular shape as illustrated in Figures 19, 20 and 22 or other, for example flattened, in particular substantially rectangular, as shown in Figure 21.

  The support 5 may comprise a row of aligned teeth, as illustrated in FIG. 19, or several rows of teeth extending in different directions, for example divergent as illustrated in FIG. 20 or in parallel directions as illustrated in FIG. 21.

  FIG. 22 shows an applicator comprising a plurality of rows 10, arranged all around the core 15 of the support 5.

  The applicator elements 6 may have, when the applicator is observed from the side, over at least a part of their length, a substantially constant width profile, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 22. The application elements 6 may still have a different profile, including substantially triangular, as shown in Figure 23, or other.

  The application elements may be staggered as shown in FIG. 24.

  The wiper member 8 may be different from that shown in Figure 1 without departing from the scope of the present invention. FIG. 25 shows a device in which the wiper member 8 consists of a cellular material, in particular an open-cell or closed-cell foam.

  The wiper member 8 may alternatively be made of elastomer and comprise at least one slot 50 as illustrated in FIG. 26. The wiper member 8 may comprise an annular lip 51 as illustrated on FIG. Figure 27, except at its lower end.

  The application elements may be other than teeth and comprise for example bristles, reported on the support, as shown in Figure 28. The applicator 3 then comprises, for example, a brush whose bristles 60 extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis Y of the support, which may be coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 as illustrated.

  In the example considered, the bristles extend over a distance d along the longitudinal axis Y of the support which is such that the bristles can not simultaneously contact more than a quarter of the eyelashes or eyebrows of the fringe. eyelashes or eyebrows that one wants to make up. The distance d may for example be between 2 and 3 mm, and the number of turns may be between 3 and 6, for example.

  When the applicator 3 is viewed from the side, as shown in Fig. 28, the line L connecting the free ends of the bristles may have a distance to the Y axis which passes through at least one extremum.

  When the applicator 3 comprises a brush, the bristles 60 used are preferably relatively thin, for example about 6/100 mm in diameter.

  The bristles 60 may have a solid, substantially circular cross section.

  The core 61 may be formed by a U-folded wire and whose branches are twisted on themselves so as to clamp the bristles together.

  The wire used is preferably relatively thin, for example with a diameter of less than 0.7 mm, in particular between 0.35 and 0.5 mm.

  Figures 29 to 35 show alternative applicators.

  In FIG. 29, the applicator 3 comprises a brush having a substantially conical or frustoconical envelope surface, the longest hairs being on the side of the rod 4.

  The angle S formed between the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the brush passing through the larger dimension of the cross section and the tangent to the envelope surface is for example between 20 and 60.

  The applicator 3 of FIG. 30 comprises a substantially biconical envelope surface brush whereas that of FIG. 30 has a substantially conical or frustoconical envelope surface brush, the shortest hairs being on the side of the rod 4.

  The longitudinal axis Y of the brush may or may not be aligned with that X of the rod.

  The Y axis may form an angle α with the axis X of the rod, as illustrated in Figures 32 to 35. The angle may for example be between 5 and 45 approximately, for example be equal to about 20.

  The envelope surface E of the brush may be of circular cross section as illustrated in FIG. 36 or other, in particular polygonal, oblong or with notches or crenels.

  When the twisted core is bent, the bend can be located more or less close to the rod 4, as shown in Figures 32 to 35.

  In non-illustrated variants, the soul is curved.

  FIGS. 37 and 38 show further alternative embodiments of the invention.

  Figure 37 shows a device in which the product P is contained in a container 2 in the form of a flexible tube.

  Other modes of distribution may be used to deposit the product P on the applicator 3, for example a pump dispenser, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  The device shown in Figure 38 comprises a container 2 containing a solid bread product P. This bread can be moistened and the applicator moved in contact with the humidified portion of the product to load product. Alternatively, the applicator may be moistened and moved in contact with a previously un-wetted portion.

  In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, it is not necessary to provide the proximal end of the applicator with a handle or closure cap, since the applicator may not be stored. in the container containing the product. In addition, in these embodiments, the rod itself can be used as a gripping member.

  FIG. 39 represents another device made according to the invention, comprising in addition to the container 2 containing the product P and the applicator 3, a second container 70 containing a product P 'and a second applicator 71 which may be different from For example, the applicator 71 may include a conventional mascara brush.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 39, the container 2 containing the product P has a lower skirt 72 provided with a thread and constituting a closure cap for the container 70 containing the other product P '.

  The applicator 71 may allow for example to apply on the eyelashes a first product, for example mascara, having a certain color and then the user can use the applicator 3 to make up for example another color some locks of eyelashes .

  Other examples of devices comprising two containers and two applicators have been shown in FIGS. 40 to 43.

  The applicators are in these examples oriented in opposite directions so that each container can serve as a gripping member to the applicator associated with the other container.

  In Figure 40, the device comprises a mascara brush and an applicator 3 according to the invention comprising a comb, while the applicator 3 of the device of Figure 41 comprises a brush. The mascara brush may be chosen for example from those described in US 5,937,870 or FR 2,605,505, for example.

  The device of FIG. 42 comprises a comb and an applicator 3 according to the invention, constituted also by a comb. The applicator of FIG. 43 comprises a comb and an applicator according to the invention, constituted by a brush. The comb of the applicators 71 of Figures 42 and 43 is for example selected from those described in US 6,581,610, WO 01/05271 or US 6,539,950.

  The devices of FIGS. 40 to 43 comprise a tubular sleeve 80 interconnecting the closure caps 82 and 7 respectively associated with the receptacles 70 and 2. The closure caps 82 and 7 may be, for example, retained by friction, gluing or snap-fastening. inside the sleeve 80.

  In each of the devices of FIGS. 40 to 43, the product P 'contained in the second container 70 may be different from the product P contained in the container 2.

  The product P 'may for example be a mascara of a different color from that of the product P, the product P' being for example of a color other than black, and the product P being black.

  During the application, the product P 'can be applied first to the eyelashes or eyebrows then the product P can be applied, for example on some eyelashes or eyebrows only, so as to form colored locks.

  The makeup obtained may be as shown in one of FIGS. 44 and 45, for example, with a grouping of at least some lashes in packages. In Figure 44, only some eyelashes are bundled together while in Figure 45, substantially all the eyelashes are bundled together. Eyelashes may still not be packaged.

  The same eyelash fringe may comprise, where appropriate, several locks of different colors.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described. In particular, the characteristics of the different embodiments can be combined with one another. The wiper member may be different from those described above.

  Throughout the description, including the claims, the phrase having one must be considered to be synonymous with the phrase having at least one, and the expression between one must be considered to include the term, unless the opposite is specified. .

Claims (64)

  Applicator for the application of a product (P) to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising: - a rod (4), - a support (5; 61) connected to the rod (4) and extending along a longitudinal axis (Y), - a plurality of application elements (6; 60) disposed on the support (5) and extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (Y), the application elements (6; 60) extending a distance along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the carrier which is such that the applicator elements (6; 60) can at best contact simultaneously at most one quarter of the eyelashes or eyebrows of the fringe, the longitudinal axis (Y) being oriented substantially tangentially to the fringe.   2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the application elements are arranged in at least one row.   3. Applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that the application elements have free ends (30) whose distance to the longitudinal axis (Y) varies non-monotonically when moving between the elements. extreme application of the row (10).   4. Applicator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the number of application elements (6) of the row (10) is between 3 and 9, preferably between 3 and 8.   5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of application elements (6) is less than 9, especially less than 7 or 8.   6. Applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two application elements (6).   7. Applicator according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the application elements (6) comprise teeth.   8. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the application elements (6) comprise bristles.   9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application elements (6) extend over the support (5) over a distance (d) of between 0.1 and 1 cm approximately, in particular less than or equal to 8 mm, or even 7 mm or 6 mm, in particular between 2 and 5 mm, in particular between 2 and 3 mm approximately.   10. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support (5) and the application elements (6) are made in one piece, in particular by molding or machining.   11. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the application elements (6) are attached to the support (5).   12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (5) and the rod (4) are made in one piece, in particular by molding.   13. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the support (5) is attached to the rod (4).   14. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (5) comprises a nozzle (35) arranged to engage in a housing (37) of the rod.   15. Applicator according to claim 13, characterized in that the rod (4) comprises a nozzle (10) arranged to engage in a housing (4) of the support.   16. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (4) extends along a longitudinal axis (X) distinct from the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (5).   17. Applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that the longitudinal axis (X) of the rod (4) forms with the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (5) an angle (a) between 5 and 45, especially equal to about 20.   18. Applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (5) is curvilinear.   19. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (5) is rectilinear.   20. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the rod (4) extends along a longitudinal axis (X) coincides with the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (5).   21. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made at least partially of thermoplastic material, elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer, in particular by molding.   22. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it is made at least partially of wood or metal, in particular by machining.   23. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the support (5) is made of an elastically deformable material.   24. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when viewed from the side, a line (L) connecting the free ends (30) of the application elements (6) has a distance to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (5) which passes through at least one extremum.   25. The applicator of claim 24, characterized in that the extremum is a maximum.   26. The applicator of claim 25, characterized in that the line (L) has at least partially a triangular shape.   27. Applicator according to claim 25, characterized in that the line (L) has at least partially a rounded shape, in particular circular or ogival.   28. Applicator according to claim 25, characterized in that the distance of the line (L) to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support passes through two extrema.   29. Applicator according to claim 25, characterized in that it comprises a single application element of greater length.   30. Applicator according to claim 25, characterized in that it comprises two application elements of greater length.   31. Applicator according to claim 30, characterized in that the two application elements of greater length are consecutive.   32. Applicator according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that the angle (71; y 2; y'1; 'y'2) formed on the one hand between the line (D1; D2). connecting the free ends of an application element of greater length associated with the maximum and a smaller application element associated with a minimum closest to the application element of greater length, and on the other hand, the normal (N; N1; N2; N ') to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support passing through the free end of the longer application element is between 25 and 60 approximately, especially between 25 and 50, especially between 25 and 45, better still between 30 and 45, in particular equal to approximately 43.   Applicator according to Claim 2, characterized in that the application elements (6) are arranged in at least two rows (10).   Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the application elements (6) of a first row and those of a second row extend in different directions.   35. Applicator according to claim 33, characterized in that the application elements (6) of at least a first row and those of a second row extend in parallel directions.   36. An applicator according to claim 33, characterized in that the rows (10) are arranged opposite one another relative to the support (5).   37. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of the application elements (6) is between 0.5 and 10 mm, in particular between 1 and 3 mm.   38. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the application elements (6) are arranged in at least one row (10), the latter comprises a succession of application elements. extending alternately, at least partially, on either side of a geometric separation surface.   39. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application elements (6) have aligned bases.   40. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the application elements (6) have non-aligned bases.   41. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the application elements (6) are arranged in at least one row (10), the row extends along a non-rectilinear axis.   42. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that when the application elements (6) are arranged in at least one row (10), said application elements (6) are arranged alternately on either side of a median core (15) of the support.   43. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that when the application elements (6) are arranged in at least one row (10), said row comprises a succession of application elements. (6) located alternately at least partly on either side of a geometric separation surface (S), two consecutive application elements (6) having adjoining or overlapping adjacent parts when the applicator (3) is observed from side and forming between them an indentation for gripping an eyelash.   44. An applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a comb.   45. An applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a brush.   46. An applicator according to claim 45, characterized in that the brush is twisted core and in that it comprises between 3 and 6 turns.   47. Applicator according to one of claims 45 and 46, characterized in that the application elements are bristles with a diameter of less than or equal to 8/100 mm, better 6/100 mm.   48. An applicator according to any one of claims 45 to 47, characterized in that the brush has a substantially conical or frustoconical envelope surface converging towards its distal end.   49. An applicator according to any one of claims 45 to 47, characterized in that the brush has a substantially conical or frustoconical envelope surface diverging towards its distal end.   50. An applicator according to any one of claims 45 to 47, characterized in that the brush has a substantially biconical envelope surface.   51. An applicator according to any one of claims 45 to 50, characterized in that the brush comprises a twisted core and in that the core comprises a wire of diameter less than 0.7 mm, in particular between 0 , 2 and 0.6 mm, better between 0.35 and 0.5 mm.   52. Apparatus for packaging and applying a product (P) to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows comprising: a container (2) for containing the product (P), - an applicator (3) as defined in FIG. any preceding claim.   53. Device according to claim 52, characterized in that it comprises a wiper member (8).   54. Device according to claim 53, characterized in that the wiper member (8) comprises an annular lip (51) arranged to dewater the rod (4).   55. Device according to any one of claims 52 to 54, characterized in that the rod (4) is connected to a closure cap (7) of the container, and in that the applicator (3) is housed inside the container (2) in the closed position of the device.   56. Device according to any one of claims 52 to 55, characterized in that the product (P) is mascara.   57. Device according to claim 56, characterized in that the mascara is of a color other than black.   58. Device according to any one of claims 52 to 57, characterized in that it comprises an additional container (70) and an additional applicator (71).   59. Device according to claim 58, characterized in that the additional container comprises a product (P ') different from the product (P) contained in the container.   60. Brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a twisted core and bristles extending from the core, the number of turns being less than or equal to 6.   61. Brush for applying a product on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a core and bristles extending from the core, the length of the portion of the brush carrying the bristles being less than or equal to 8 mm, better 7 mm, or even 6 mm.   62. Comb for applying a product to eyelashes and / or eyebrows having a support and teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support, the distance between the end teeth along the longitudinal axis being less than or equal to 8 mm, better to 7 mm, or even 6 mm.   63. A process for makeup of eyelashes or eyebrows with a product (P), characterized in that it comprises the step of applying the product (P) to at least one lock of eyelashes or eyebrows using an applicator (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 51.   64. The method of claim 63, characterized in that it comprises the prior step of makeup eyelashes or eyebrows using another product (P ') different cosmetic product (P).