EP1358818A1 - Device for applying a product, especially cosmetics, covered with a flocking of different fibre types - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator, comprising a holder (41) and a stem (40) with a tip (10) that is inserted in a product (P) to be applied, has the tip covered with flocked fibres of at least two different materials, forming irregularities that are visible to the naked eye and/or perceptible to the touch. The applicator, comprising a holder (41) and a stem (40) with a tip (10) that is inserted in a product (P) to be applied, has the tip covered with flocked fibres of at least two different materials, forming irregularities that are visible to the naked eye and/or perceptible to the touch. The fibre mixture contains preferably 10 - 90 per cent of one type, which can be of a polymer, cotton or cellulose and have cross-sections with a wide range of configurations, from geometrical shapes to letters of the alphabet, between 0.01 and 3 mm long and 0.01 - 0.6 mm in diameter.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, which comprises an application surface flocked.

In the field of makeup, it is common to use applicators which have a flocked application surface in particular for applying a mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss, etc. All of these applicators are generally covered with a type of fiber whose characteristics are chosen according to the product to be applied.

Applicators coated with a flock having only one type of fibers have however, some drawbacks. On the one hand, the flock fibers being identical, they form a relatively regular application surface. The fibers being also very tightly implanted, they do not form spaces between them which allow to retain a lot of product in area. The applicator obtained therefore has a very application surface dense which cannot retain much product on the surface which does not allow to restore a significant amount on the surface to be made up. In addition, from the application surface is very dense, the little product applied to the surface to be made up is often removed by the fibers when passing the applicator. It is therefore very difficult to obtain a makeup that is very loaded with this type of applicator. On the other hand, when using fibers of too large a diameter, the application surface obtained is relatively hard and tends to irritate the surface to be made up. However, when you use too much fiber small diameter which allow a smoother application, the applicator cannot retain enough product and therefore cannot deposit enough on the surface to be made up.

Also, is it an object of the invention to make a device of application which does not have the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

It is in particular an object of the invention to produce a device of application which makes it possible to obtain a relatively charged makeup while having a very soft application surface.

It is another object of the invention to produce an application device which allows to be used to apply different types of products by modifying simply the types of flock fibers covering the application surface.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by making application device of a product comprising a support defining at least one free surface in relief extending continuously over substantially the entire length of the support, the surface being at least partially covered with a flock coating formed from a mixture of at least two different fibers so as to define, the surface of the flock coating, irregularities visible to the naked eye and / or perceptible to the touch and capable of allowing the application device to load product.

The flock coating is obtained by coating the surface to be flocked with a adhesive, for example by dipping or spraying, and by depositing the fibers therein flocking material by an electrostatic process. Of such a process, it results in an orientation of the fibers substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface to be flocked. The fibers are thus distributed uniformly on the glued surface of the support. Thus, the application device covered with the flock coating has substantially the same general shape as that of the substrate not yet covered with the coating, to the thickness near the coating flocking.

By "relief-free surface" is meant a surface which has no variations capable of generating irregularities on the surface of the coating flocking, the irregularities present on the surface thereof only resulting of differences between the fibers forming said flocking. So when such surface is covered with a flock made of identical fibers, the surface of the flocking does not show any surface irregularity visible to the naked eye. Such a surface is notably free of streaks, slits, teeth visible to the eye bare.

By "substantially the whole length" is meant at least half of the length, and preferably at least 75% of the length.

Irregularities visible to the naked eye can result, for example, in the presence of reliefs on the surface of the flock coating, resulting in particular the use of fibers of different lengths. They can also be translate into variations in fiber density per unit area, resulting in particular the use of fibers of different diameters or of different sections. Irregularities perceptible to the touch can for example be translate into hardness variations sensitive to the surface and resulting in particular the use of fibers of a different nature, in particular fibers made of materials having different hardnesses. Fibers with different lengths can also cause significant variations touch.

The fiber mixture comprises from 2 to 98% by weight of a first type of fibers, preferably from 5 to 95% and more preferably from 10 to 90%.

The flocking consists of different fibers, for example fibers of nature and / or of different dimensions. The mixture notably contains fibers of different length, diameter, section, nature and / or color. By diameter is meant the diameter of the circle if the section is circular or the diameter of the circle which circumscribes the section if it is not circular.

The fibers are chosen, for example, from fibers of length ranging from 0.01 mm to 3 mm and diameters ranging from 0.01 to 0.6 mm. Fibers can also have a circular, oval, polygonal cross section, cruciform, trilobe, tetralobe, "C", "E", "F", "H", "I", de "L", "N", "S", "T", "V", "W", "X", "Y", "Z", shaped star or crescent. The fibers can be polyamide fibers, for example example of Nylon®, polyacrylic, polyester, cotton or cellulose, for example viscose or rayon. Finally, the fibers can be chosen among fibers of all colors.

The blend may further include straight fibers and curved fibers.

The fibers can be treated or include additives such as by example of slip agents, absorbent agents, anti-UV agents, magnetic or magnetizable particles, bactericidal agents, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the entire surface of the support is covered with said flock coating. It is quite obvious that according to the form of the applicator and the surface to be made up, the support may be only partially covered with flock coating.

According to a particular embodiment, the support is of elongated shape according to an X axis. It can be cylindrical, conical, frustoconical or prismatic, straight or curved along one or more axes. He can alternatively be in the shape of a feather, rugby ball, bean, spatula. He has by example a circular, oval, triangular, rectangular cross section or square.

Advantageously, two consecutive fibers along the X axis are implanted with substantially parallel, in particular transversely to the X axis.

According to one embodiment, the support is made of rigid or semi-rigid material, especially in thermoplastic material, glass, metal or wood. It can also be made of flexible material, in particular elastomer. The support can also be porous so that it can absorb product and thus constitute a product reserve. The support can also be made of a magnetic or magnetizable material which can be coated with silver resin. The flocking fibers then advantageously comprise magnetizable or magnetic particles, for example silver powder. The support can also be made of a material which has a thermal inertia sufficiently high that the product which is taken up by the application device does not cool too quickly when applied after you raise your temperature. The support can for example be made of a plastic material comprising a significant proportion of a mineral or other filler giving it a high thermal capacity.

The application device can also comprise a gripping member, in particular in the form of a rod, formed for example in the X axis. Of course, provision may be made for the gripping member to form a non-zero angle with the axis support, in particular to facilitate application.

According to one embodiment, the support and the gripping member are obtained from one-piece molding. Alternatively, the organ of gripping is fixed on the support by gluing, tightening, snap-fastening, or stamping.

The objects of the invention are also achieved by producing a set of packaging and application comprising a reservoir containing the product to be applied, a free edge of which defines an opening, a closing member provided for sealingly closing the opening of the reservoir, and a device of application as just described.

According to one embodiment, the application device is integral with the closing member and is housed inside the reservoir when the closing closes the tank.

The reservoir may include a wiping member, disposed near to the opening, suitable for wringing the flock coating of the applicator member and possibly the rod when removing the application device from the reservoir. The wiping member can be made of foam, elastomer, or thermoplastic material, covered or not with a flocking.

According to another embodiment, the application device is shaped spherical and is mounted in the opening of the tank so that it can turn in the tank, like a "roll-on".

The application device according to the invention can be used to apply a makeup product such as in particular a mascara, an eyeliner, a nails, an eye shadow, a lip gloss, but also a product of care such as a serum, a product for treating hair roots, etc.

• la figure 1 illustre une vue en coupe d'un mode de réalisation d'un ensemble de conditionnement et d'application selon l'invention ;
• la figure 1A illustre un détail de la surface d'application du dispositif d'application de l'ensemble représenté à la figure 1 ;
• la figure 2 représente un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 2A illustre un détail de la surface d'application du dispositif d'application représenté à la figure 2 ;
• la figure 3 représente un troisième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 3A illustre un détail de la surface d'application du dispositif d'application représenté à la figure 3 ;
• la figure 4 représente un quatrième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 4A illustre un détail de la surface d'application du dispositif d'application représenté à la figure 4 ;
• la figure 5 représente un cinquième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 6 représente un sixième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 6A illustre un détail de la surface d'application du dispositif d'application représenté à la figure 6 ;
• les figures 7A à 7L représentent différentes sections de fibres pouvant être utilisées dans un dispositif d'application de l'invention ; et
• la figure 8 représente un septième mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a packaging and application assembly according to the invention;
• FIG. 1A illustrates a detail of the application surface of the application device of the assembly shown in FIG. 1;
• FIG. 2 represents a second embodiment of an application device according to the invention;
• FIG. 2A illustrates a detail of the application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 2;
• FIG. 3 represents a third embodiment of an application device according to the invention;
• FIG. 3A illustrates a detail of the application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 3;
• FIG. 4 represents a fourth embodiment of an application device according to the invention;
• FIG. 4A illustrates a detail of the application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 4;
• FIG. 5 represents a fifth embodiment of an application device according to the invention;
• FIG. 6 represents a sixth embodiment of an application device according to the invention;
• FIG. 6A illustrates a detail of the application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 6;
• FIGS. 7A to 7L show different sections of fibers which can be used in an application device of the invention; and
• FIG. 8 represents a seventh embodiment of the application device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates by way of example an application assembly 100 on which can be mounted an applicator 10 according to the invention provided for example for apply a mascara. It includes a tank 20 of closed cylindrical shape by a bottom 21. On the side opposite the bottom 21, the tank is extended by a neck 22 of diameter smaller than that of the reservoir, of which a free edge 23 defines a opening 24. The neck 22 carries an external thread cooperating with a thread internal of a cylindrical sleeve 30 provided for sealingly closing the reservoir 20. In the sleeve 30 is fixed a rod 40, one end of which is integral with the applicator 10. The sleeve thus serves as a gripping element for the applicator 10. The rod 40 has a radial extension 41 located inside of the sleeve, the diameter of which is substantially identical to the outside diameter of the neck 22, said extension being fixed on the sleeve 30. When the sleeve 30 is screwed onto the neck 22 of the reservoir, the applicator plunges into the product P contained in the tank.

In the neck is inserted a wiping member 50, for example in the shape of a finger glove, which has, on the side of the tank, a circular wiping lip 51. On the opposite side, this thermowell 50 comprises a collar 52, extending radially outward, and which rests on the neck 22 of the reservoir. In position assembly of the assembly 100, the radial extension 41 of the rod comes to bear against the collar 52, thus acting as a seal. The organ wringing 50 consists of an elastomeric or thermoplastic material, can be chosen from thermoplastic elastomers and rubbers natural or synthetic. The wiping lip 51 can be covered, at less in part of a flock coating. Alternatively, one can use a foam wringer which can be flocked or not flocked.

The applicator 10, shown in more detail in FIG. 1A, comprises a support 11, of axis X, of cylindrical shape of revolution. Support 11 is formed in the extension of the rod which itself extends along the X axis. it is obvious that one can alternatively provide a support 11 of axis X which forms a non-zero angle with the axis of the rod. Support 11 is obtained from molding from a single piece with the rod. Alternatively, the support 11 can be snapped, glued or welded to the rod 40.

The support 11 of the applicator is for example made of a material semi-rigid elastomer with a Shore A hardness of the order of 25 to 40, chosen from the group of thermoplastics, elastomers thermoplastics, natural and synthetic rubbers. Support 11 defines a smooth surface 12 over its entire length, that is to say that it does not shows no irregularity visible to the naked eye.

This surface 12 is then covered with a flock coating made up of a mixture of two different fibers 13a and 13b. The fiber blend comprises approximately 75% by weight of the first type of fiber 13a and 25% by weight of the second type of fiber 13b. The two types of fibers are for example cotton fibers of circular section which have an identical diameter and a different length. In particular, the fibers 13a and 13b have a diameter of 0.1 mm. The fibers 13a have a length of approximately 1 mm and the fibers 13b have a length of about 0.5 mm. In addition, the surface 12 of the support 11 being smooth and without irregularity, the fibers 13a and 13b are oriented so substantially parallel. With such an arrangement of fibers, the coating of flocking has a surface which has reliefs so that it is not uniform as seen in Figure 1A. So between two more fibers 13a very long, a space 14 is formed which makes it possible to retain a quantity of relatively large product. The fibers are also implanted so perpendicular to the X axis of the support so that when applying the product, the eyelashes to be made up pass through spaces 14 and become charged into product. The applicator obtained thus makes it possible to obtain makeup. relatively busy. In addition, the longest fibers provide softness in the app. Fibers 13a and 13b can also include additives such as slip agents making it possible in particular to increase the gentle application.

So, if we want to obtain an even more product-carrying brush, it suffices increase the percentage of shortest fibers to obtain more of product retention spaces 14.

To make such an applicator 10, the support 11 is first formed, by example by molding it with the rod. Then, the external surface 12 is coated with support 11 of a liquid adhesive, for example an acrylic epoxy adhesive, vinyl or elastomer. The adhesive is coated either by dipping or by spraying of the adhesive by spraying. If the entire surface 12 of the support is flocked and the support is porous, we make sure that the glue forms a permeable or porous layer so as not to suppress the capacity of the support to deeply absorb the product and to return it to the places wanted. Advantageously, however, when the support 11 is porous, the latter is not glued over its entire surface.

The support 11 thus impregnated is then passed through the mixture of fibers 13. These electrostatically charged fibers are suspended in the air and are deposited on the impregnated surface of the support by electrostatic attraction. As a result, in the majority of cases, these fibers orient themselves so substantially perpendicular to the impregnated surface. Excess fiber is then removed by aspiration.

FIG. 2 represents a second embodiment of an applicator 10 of the invention. The applicator differs from that described in accordance with Figure 1 in that the support 11 is this time made of a polyester elastomer. It is further formed separately from the rod on which it is fixed by snap-fastening. The support 11 also cylindrical of revolution this time comprises a notch 15 extending along the X axis over almost its entire length. The organ differs from that described above more particularly by its flocking shown in detail in Figure 2A.

The flock coating is this time obtained from a mixture consisting of two types of polyamide fibers of circular cross-section which have a length identical and a different diameter. The two types of fibers 13c and 13d have by example a length of about 0.5 mm. The first type of fiber 13c has a 0.1mm diameter and the second type of fiber 13d has a diameter of 0.2mm. The mixture this time consists of 80% 13c fiber and 20% fiber 13d, by weight. Such a mixture makes it possible to obtain a flocking coating which has a variable fiber density per unit area along the area. Indeed, the areas which include a greater number of fibers smaller in diameter are denser than the areas in which they are found larger diameter fibers. The presence of weaker fibers diameter provides a relatively soft application surface then that the fibers of larger diameter allow to space the fibers more small diameter so as to create larger spaces between the fibers which allow to retain more product. Again, we get an applicator that is relatively heavy while having a gentle application.

FIG. 3 represents a third embodiment of an applicator 10 of the invention. The enforcement body differs from that described in accordance with the Figure 1 in that the support 11 is curved. In addition, the flock coating shown in more detail in Figure 3A, this time consists of two types of fibers 13e and 13f of circular section, the two types of fibers having the same length, approximately equal to 1 mm, the same diameter approximately equal to 0.1 mm. The fibers 13e and 13f are not of the same nature. Fibers 13e are made of cotton and are curved and the fibers 13f are made of polyester and are straight. The mixture comprises, by weight, for example 25% of 13th curved fibers and 75% of straight 13f fibers. So the surface of the flock coating includes relief irregularities resulting from the presence of spaces 14 formed between the straight fibers and the curved fibers. Of such spaces allow a relatively large quantity of product to be retained important.

FIG. 4 represents a fourth embodiment of an applicator 10 of the invention. The support 11 has this time the shape of a spatula of axis X which is inclined relative to the axis Y of the rod. The spatula is for example made in polyamide. The flock coating shown in more detail in Figure 4A, this time consists of two types of fibers 13g and 13h of different length and diameter. 13g fibers are for example fibers of rayon and have a length of about 1.2 mm and a diameter of about 0.1 mm. The fibers 1 p.m. are for example polyester fibers and have a length of about 0.5 mm and a diameter of about 0.2 mm. The mixture includes, by weight, about 75% of the longest 13g fiber and 25% of 13h shortest fibers. The fibers of larger diameter 13h allow to spread and aerate the fibers of smaller diameter 13g. Spaces 14 are thus obtained between the short fibers and the longest fibers which provides a relatively loading applicator. The presence of fibers long and small diameter allow to obtain an applicator which includes a gentle application. Such an applicator can for example be used to apply a liquid lipstick.

FIG. 5 represents a fifth embodiment of an applicator 10 of the invention which can in particular be used for applying a mascara. The support 11 is conical with axis X and is fixed to rod 40 by gluing. He is trained in the axis of the rod. The support 11 is made of porous material. The flocking this time consists of two types of fibers 13 of different nature and identical length, diameter and section. The flock coating is for example made of a mixture of relatively rigid polyester fibers and relatively flexible viscose fibers. This difference in hardness is noticeable to the touch because when you press on the surface of the flocking, the fibers the most rigid hardly bend while the most rigid fibers flexible bend under finger pressure. The fibers have a section circular, a length of about 2 mm and a diameter of about 0.1 mm. The mixture comprises, by weight, about 20% of polyester fibers and 80% of viscose fibers. The presence of the most rigid fibers makes it possible to comb the eyelashes, while the less rigid fibers give softness to the application.

FIG. 6 finally illustrates an applicator member 10 in the form of a spatula obtained by molding in one piece with the rod 40 of polyamide. The spatula is rectangular in shape and relatively flat. Its surface external 11 is smooth over the entire length of the spatula. The surface is only partially covered with a flock coating, in particular at the end opposite the rod. The flock coating, illustrated so enlarged in Figure 6A, consists of a mixture of two types of 13k fibers and 131 of the same type, of the same length, and of cross section different. The fibers 13k and 131 are for example polyacrylic fibers, approximately 1 mm in length. 13k fibers have a cross section circular while the fibers 131 have a cruciform cross section illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 7K. The mixture is for example made up of 50% of fibers of circular cross section and 50% of fibers of cruciform cross section. Using section fibers different transverse, we thus create irregularities which allow increase product retention capacity. Indeed, the section fibers cross section do not have the same retention capacity by capillarity since the external surface of the fibers on which the product can be retained is not the same. In particular, when the cross section includes hollow portions in the case in particular of a hollow fiber such as represented in FIG. 7F, of a fiber of section in the shape of "H", of "Z", of "V" (Figures 7C to 7E), cross-section (Figures 7G, 7K) or section comprising concave portions as shown in the figures 71, 7J and 7L, the product retention capacity in these hollow areas is more important than the product retention capacity on surfaces of circular, square (Figure 7A), triangular (Figure 7B), or still oval (Figure 7H).

Figure 8 shows another example of a packaging assembly 200 comprising an application device 210 in which the support 211 has this time a spherical shape. The support 211 is mounted in the neck 222 of a container 220 and projects beyond the opening 224 delimited by the free edge 223 of the neck. The support 211 can rotate in the neck which has a shape adapted to the support spherical, like a "roll-on". Support 211 is covered with a coating flocked by fibers 213 of different nature and length, of identical diameter and section. The flock coating is for example made from a mixture of relatively rigid polyester fibers and fibers relatively flexible viscose as in the example illustrated in accordance with fig 5.

All the examples which have just been illustrated relate to mixtures of two types of fibers. But it is obvious that the flock coating can be obtained by a mixture of a greater number of types of fibers, in function in particular of the makeup result that one wishes to obtain. In in addition, the surface of the applicator member may be covered with several types of mixtures.

Thus, by playing, on the one hand, on the nature, the shape, and the dimensions of the fibers and, on the other hand, on the proportions of different types of fibers in the mixing, very different application surfaces can be obtained. So at from the same support, an applicator can be produced which can be used for different products and different types of makeup by changing simply the mixture of fibers constituting the flocking.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that there are variations be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below. In particular, all or part of the characteristics of the previous embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

Device for applying (10) a product (P) comprising a support (11) defining at least one surface (12) free of relief extending continuously over substantially the entire length of the support, the surface (12) being at least partially covered with a flock coating made of a mixture of at least two different fibers (13) so as to define, on the surface of the flock coating, irregularities visible to the naked eye and / or perceptible to the touch and able to allow the application device to load in product. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fiber mixture comprises from 2 to 98% by weight of a first type of fiber (13), preferably from 5 to 95% and more preferably from 10 to 90%. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mixture comprises fibers (13) of length, diameter, section, nature and / or different color, said fibers being chosen from fibers of length ranging from 0 , 01 to 3 mm; with a diameter ranging from 0.01 to 0.6 mm; circular, oval, polygonal, cruciform, trilobe, tetralobe, "C", "E", "F", "H", "I", "L", "N" shaped , "S", "T", "V", "W", "X", "Y", "Z", star-shaped or crescent-shaped; polyamide, polyacrylic, polyester, cotton or cellulose fibers. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture comprises straight fibers (13) and curved fibers. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire surface (12) of the support (11) is covered with said flock coating. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (11) is of elongated shape along an axis X, in particular of cylindrical, conical, frustoconical or prismatic, straight or curved, or even in the form of a feather, rugby ball, bean, spatula. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the support (11) has a circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, or square cross section. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that two consecutive fibers (13) along the axis X are implanted in a substantially parallel manner, in particular transversely to the axis X. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (11) is made of rigid or semi-rigid material, in particular of thermoplastic material, of glass, of metal or of wood, or of flexible material, in particular of elastomer. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a gripping member (30; 40), in particular in the form of a rod. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the gripping member (30; 40) is formed in the X axis. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the support (11) and the gripping member (30; 40) are obtained by molding in one piece. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the gripping member (30; 40) is fixed to the support by gluing, snap-fastening, or stamping. Package (100; 200) of packaging and application comprising a reservoir (20; 220) containing the product to be applied, including a free edge (23; 223) delimits an opening (24; 224), a closing member (30) provided for sealing the opening (24; 224) of the reservoir, and a device application (10; 210) according to any one of claims preceding. Assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the application device (10) is integral with the closure member (30) and is housed inside the reservoir (20) when the closure member (30) closes the tank. Assembly according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the reservoir (20) comprises a wiping member (50), disposed near the opening, capable of wiping the flock coating of the application member ( 10), and possibly the rod (40), during the withdrawal of the application device (10) from the reservoir, said wiping member (50) being made of foam, elastomer, or thermoplastic material, covered or not covered with 'a flocking. Assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the device (210) is spherical in shape and is mounted in the opening (224) of the reservoir so as to be able to rotate in the reservoir.

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