WO2012168861A1

WO2012168861A1 - A packaging and applicator device

Info

Publication number: WO2012168861A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/052826
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Louis Gueret
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2011-06-07
Filing date: 2012-06-05
Publication date: 2012-12-13
Also published as: FR2976164A1; JP2014515970A; FR2976164B1; CN103648325A

Abstract

An applicator (3) for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition (P) to the skin, the nails, or the lips, the applicator including an applicator member (8) that is defined by at least two applicator elements (19) of elongate shape that are spaced apart at their tips by a distance (ω) of at least 1.5mm; each applicator element (19) being flocked, in particular radially flocked, over a fraction only of its length (L), preferably starting from its tip.

Description

A PACKAGING AND APPLICATOR DEVICE

The present invention relates to packaging and applicator devices for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition, other than packaging and applicator devices for applying makeup or a care product to the eyelashes and the eyebrows.

Applicator members having an application face that is constituted by a flocked membrane are known.

In use, such applicator members are relatively difficult to clean. In addition, the accuracy of

application is not always satisfactory.

US application No. 2003/0235454 teaches making an applicator that includes a plurality of applicator elements that may be flocked completely or in part.

Applicators including applicator elements that are flocked at their ends are also known from FR 2 947 702, FR 2 933 281, US 6 386 781, and US 5 899 622.

There exists a need to improve still further

applicators and packaging and applicator devices for applying a cosmetic composition, e.g. so as to provide effectiveness, sensory sensitivity, and/or accuracy in application, and/or to make it easier to clean the applicator .

The invention thus provides, an applicator for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological

composition to the skin, the nails, or the lips, the applicator including an applicator member that is defined by at least two applicator elements of elongate shape that are spaced apart at their tips by a distance that is preferably at least 1.5 millimeters (mm), better at least 3 mm; each applicator element being flocked, in

particular radially flocked, over a fraction only of its length, preferably starting from its tip.

The two above-mentioned applicator elements may optionally be adjacent.

The distance between the tips is measured ignoring flocking. For a tip that is not defined by a single point, the tip is considered as being the center of the surface of the tip.

The invention also provides a cosmetic treatment method for treating the skin, the nails, or the lips using the applicator of the invention.

By means of the invention, the composition and, where applicable, the foam that it generates, if any, flows better along the applicator elements, and the composition reaches the flocked portions of the

applicator elements more easily than with a known

applicator, when said applicator elements are supplied with composition at their bases, and this may increase the accuracy in application, in particular for a nail polish or for other cosmetic or dermatological

compositions.

At least a fraction of the space between two

adjacent applicator elements may be filled in by the flocking bristles carried by the elements. This makes it possible to obtain an application surface that is

particularly effective in causing a composition that is capable of foaming to foam in such a manner as to cleanse the surface of the skin, the lips, or the nails

effectively. The applicator may also be cleaned easily after use.

Where appropriate, the applicator elements may be used to massage the zone being treated.

Applicator elements

Each of the applicator elements may optionally be circularly-symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

The applicator elements may be arranged on the support at a spacing that varies or that is regular, e.g. at a spacing that is constant in two perpendicular directions, or a spacing that varies towards the

periphery. The applicator elements may be arranged in rows that are parallel or concentric. The applicator elements that are situated at the periphery of the support may define an outline of any shape when the applicator is observed face on, e.g. an outline that is optionally circular, polygonal, or oval, in particular elliptical.

All of the applicator elements may project from the same side of the applicator.

The length L of an applicator element is measured along its longitudinal axis from its base to its tip, the base being the zone in which the element becomes an individual element.

The applicator elements may have longitudinal axes that are rectilinear or they may present shapes that are curvilinear. Their visible height is thus strictly less than their length.

The applicator elements may be sufficiently flexible to be able to flex in visible manner during normal use of the applicator, as a result of their length and/or of the material out of which they are made. The applicator elements may be molded by injection-molding a

thermoplastic material, in particular an elastomer.

The fractions of the applicator elements that are covered with flocking bristles may optionally be made out of the same material as the remainder of the applicator elements, and may optionally be more flexible. The cross-section of the applicator element along its flocked fraction may be different from the cross-section of the applicator element along its non-flocked fraction.

The tips of at least two applicator elements that are adjacent or that are separated by other applicator elements, may be spaced apart by at least 1 mm, better still by at least 1.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm.

Preferably, the total length L of each applicator element (ignoring flocking) is greater than twice the greatest transverse dimension of the element at its base, i.e. its greatest diameter for an applicator element of shape that tapers and of section that is circular at its base .

The length L of the applicator elements may lie in the range 3 mm to 20 mm, e.g. lying in the range 5 mm to 10 mm .

The distance between the centers of the bases of two adjacent applicator elements may optionally be different from the distance between the tips of the same applicator elements .

The length (_p of the flocked portion (measured between the axial ends of the flocked coatings at the bases of the flocking bristles) of the applicator

elements may vary between applicator elements.

The ratio (_P/ preferably lies in the range 1/5 to ½, better still in the range 0 to ¼.

The non-flocked fraction of the applicator elements may optionally be deformed during normal use of the applicator .

At rest, the applicator elements may be parallel, e.g. being perpendicular to a support that carries them.

In a variant, the applicator elements may have

longitudinal axes that diverge at rest, e.g. being mutually perpendicular, or arranged in a V-shape, or in a fan configuration.

The applicator elements may have lengths that are different or identical.

More generally, the applicator elements may be of any shape in elevation and of any shape in section, and they may optionally cross over one another when the applicator is observed in elevation, along at least one direction of observation.

Each applicator element may be of tapering shape, or its end may be in the shape of a bead, a spike, or a fork .

The applicator elements may have wide heads at their tips . The envelope surface defined by the free ends of the applicator elements may be plane, outwardly convex or concave, or beveled. The envelope may optionally be a surface of revolution.

The applicator elements may be molded integrally with a support that may define a grip surface and/or may serve to close a container and/or may be arranged to be fastened on a container.

At least two applicator elements of an applicator of the invention may be flocked with bristles at different densities and/or with flocking bristles that are of different thicknesses, lengths, sections, hardnesses, diameters, and/or kinds.

The applicator elements may be flexible.

The applicator elements may be washable, e.g. in water .

Flocked coating

The flocking may optionally be circularly

symmetrical, and may be present on each, or on only some, of the applicator elements.

The flocked coating may be arranged on each

applicator element in the form of a hemispherical tuft, for example.

The flocking bristles may be bonded on the

applicator elements by an adhesive that is resistant to all of the solvents commonly used in cosmetic

compositions and that is resistant to washing in water, the adhesive being of solvent or aqueous type, e.g.

acrylic or latex. By way of example, the adhesive may be deposited by dipping or coating, so as to ensure a level of flocking that is constant from one applicator element to another.

The length of the flocking bristles may lie in the range 0.2 mm to 2 mm, e.g. lying in the range 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The flocking bristles present on a single applicator element may be identical, or they may be of diameters, sections, and/or lengths that are different, or they may be made out of materials that are different.

The flocking bristles of two adjacent applicator elements may interpenetrate, in particular over a

distance h_p that is less than or equal to the length of the flocked portion (_p, e.g. lying in the range i_p/4 to ( p . In a variant, the flocking bristles of two adjacent applicator elements need not interpenetrate.

The length (_p of the flocked portion may be different for at least two applicator elements.

The flocking bristles may be locally perpendicular to the surface of the applicator element to which they are connected.

Applicator

The applicator may include a closure member for closing a container, the closure member defining a grip surface for gripping the applicator.

The applicator member may be permanently attached or removable relative to the grip surface.

The applicator member may be molded integrally with a stem or it may be fitted thereto. The applicator elements may be present at the distal end of the stem.

The applicator member may include one or more dispenser orifices for dispensing the composition, e.g. at least one orifice formed in its center, opening out between the bases of the applicator elements.

The applicator may be mounted on a container of any shape, e.g. pen shaped, pot shaped, or flask shaped, that is provided with any dispenser system, e.g. an open-neck system that is optionally provided with a flow reducer, a pump system, a valve system, and/or an ON/OFF system that makes it possible, where appropriate, to dispense a predefined dose of composition. The container may be provided with any other applicator, e.g. of roll-on type. The applicator may be mounted on the container by various means, possibly being snap-fastened or screw- fastened on the container, e.g. on its neck, on its end wall, or on a closure member for closing the container.

The applicator may be arranged on top of the

container at rest, or it may be mounted astride the container, or it may be engaged on the container in some other way.

Other exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a packaging and applicator device for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition to the skin, the nails, or the lips, the device comprising:

^• a container containing the composition for

application; and

· an applicator of the invention, as defined above.

The use of an applicator of the invention may serve to apply makeup to, or to remove makeup from the face, to cleanse the skin, to apply a composition to the body or the face, e.g. a sun-screen or makeup.

Other exemplary embodiments of the invention thus also provide a cosmetic-treatment, makeup-application, makeup-removal, or cleansing method for treating human keratinous materials, in particular the skin, in which method a cosmetic or dermatological composition is applied to said materials by means of the applicator of the invention, as defined above.

During application, the user may cause the

applicator elements to flex when said applicator elements are sufficiently deformable.

The surface being treated may make contact only with the flocking bristles.

The applied composition may be a composition for cleansing the skin, the nails, or the lips, containing at least one surfactant or an organic or aqueous solvent, for example.

The composition may be applied while causing it to foam, when its formulation allows it. The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

· Figure 1 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section showing an example of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

^• Figure 2 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section of an applicator of the invention, taken in isolation;

^• Figures 3 to 7 show variant embodiments of applicator elements;

^• Figures 8A to 8G show various examples, in cross- section, of applicator elements;

· Figures 9 and 10 show examples of use of a device of the invention;

^• Figures 11 to 17 show variant embodiments of an applicator member of the invention; and

^• Figures 18 to 28 show variants of devices of the invention.

The packaging and applicator device 1 shown in part in Figure 1 comprises: a container 2 having a

longitudinal axis X and containing, in its inside space 6, a composition P for application to human keratinous materials, in particular to the skin, the lips, or the nails; and an applicator 3 that makes it possible to apply the composition P.

The container 2 includes a body 2a that may

optionally be user deformable. By way of example, the container 2 may be made by injection-molding a rigid thermoplastic material. In a variant, the container may be made out of glass or out of metal. In general, in order to make the body of the container 2, it is possible to use any known thermoplastic material, in particular a polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene, a polyamide, in particular RILSAN®, polyethylene

terephthalate (PET) , polyoxymethylene (POM) , polystyrene (PS) . The wall of the container 2 may optionally be transparent. The body of the container 2 may also be made with a flexible wall, where appropriate.

In the embodiment described, the applicator 3 includes a stem 7, at the distal end of which there is arranged an applicator member 8. The applicator member may be fitted to the stem 7, or, in a variant, it may be molded integrally with said stem, at least in part.

By way of example, the applicator 3 is as shown in Figure 2, the stem 7 being connected, at its end remote from the applicator member 8, to a closure member 5 for closing the container 2, which closure member also defines a grip surface 17 for the user. In the

embodiment described, the applicator member 8 is

permanently attached relative to the grip surface 17. In a variant, the applicator member 8 is removable relative to the grip surface 17.

As shown in Figure 1, the container 2 may contain a mixer member 10, e.g. a ball.

In the embodiment shown, the applicator member 8 comprises three applicator elements 19 of elongate shape that are made by molding thermoplastic material

optionally integrally with the stem 7, and that are spaced apart at their bases and at their tips in the embodiment shown.

At least two applicator elements 19 are spaced apart at their tips by a distance ω that is greater than 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm.

As shown in Figure 2, the closure member 5 may include a fastener endpiece 25 that is molded integrally with the stem 7, and a mounting skirt 26 that is

internally threaded for fastening on a threaded neck of the container 2.

The applicator elements 19 include coatings of flocking 21 that is arranged in tufts over a fraction only of their lengths L, starting from their distal ends 20, as shown in Figure 3. By way of example, the length L of each applicator element 19 is greater than twice the greatest dimension d of the base 22 of the element, L lying in the range 3 mm to 20 mm, for example.

The lengths (_p of the flocked portions of the applicator elements 19 may optionally vary for a single applicator member 8.

By way of example, the ratio (_P/ lies in the range 1/5 to ½, better still in the range 0 to ¼.

The non-flocked portions of the applicator elements

19 promote the flow of the composition P between the applicator elements 19, while the flocked coatings 21 make it possible to apply makeup to, or to cleanse, the zone being treated.

In a single tuft of flocking, an applicator element

19 may present bristles 21 that are of diameters, lengths, sections, hardnesses, thicknesses, and/or kinds that may be different.

The flocking bristles 21 make it possible to fill in, at least in part, the space between two adjacent applicator elements 19. For this purpose, a circularly- symmetrical shape, e.g. a hemispherical shape, may be given to each of the tufts of flocking bristles 21.

The applicator elements 19 may be of any shape, as shown in Figures 3 to 7. Nevertheless, the presence of a rounded end is advantageous in that it promotes the hemispherical distribution of the flocking bristles 21 at the end of the applicator element 19.

Figure 3 shows the possibility of the applicator elements 19 presenting densities of flocking bristles 21 that are different.

Figure 3 also shows the possibility of each of the applicator elements 19 presenting the shape of a cone that is rounded at its end.

Figure 4 shows an applicator element 19 that is provided with a head that is rounded, e.g. of spherical shape . The applicator element 19 shown in Figure 5 presents the shape of a cone that tapers at its end, and the applicator element shown in Figure 7 presents the shape of a pyramid.

Figure 6 shows the possibility of the applicator element 19 presenting a shape that is cylindrical, preferably circularly-cylindrical, and provided with a distal end 20 that is rounded.

The applicator elements 19 may have cross-sections of any shape, as shown in Figures 8A to 8G, e.g.

optionally: circular (Figure 8A) ; oval (Figure 8C) , in particular elliptical; polygonal, in particular

triangular (Figure 8B) ; square (Figure 8D) ; or

rectangular (Figure 8E) ; or cross-shaped (Figures 8F and 8G) .

Figure 9 shows an example of use of the applicator member 8 of the invention, for applying a polish or a nail-polish remover to the nail of a finger A of the user .

Figure 10 shows the possibility of the applicator elements 19 being flexible during application, e.g. so as to be able to splay apart from one another by flexing.

The envelope surface S joining the distal ends 20 of the applicator elements 19 may be of any shape, e.g.

plane as shown in Figure 17, concave as shown in

Figure 11, convex as shown in Figures 12 and 13, or beveled as shown in Figure 16.

The length L of the applicator elements 19 may vary within a single applicator 3, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. In these examples, the longitudinal axes of the applicator elements 19 are parallel, the applicator elements being perpendicular to a support that is

constituted by the stem 7 in the embodiment under

consideration.

In a variant, the applicator elements 19 may be oriented in directions that are different, in particular that diverge, as shown in Figure 13, in which the

applicator elements are arranged in a fan configuration.

Figure 14 shows the possibility of the applicator elements 19 crossing over one another when the applicator 3 is observed in elevation, along a direction that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

The applicator elements 19 may have longitudinal axes that are not rectilinear, e.g. that are curved, as shown in Figure 15.

The applicator member 8 may define a line or surface joining the tips of the applicator elements 19 that extends obliquely, giving the applicator a shape that is beveled as a result of the difference in length between the applicator elements 19 being of different lengths, as shown in Figure 16.

The flocking bristles 21 are preferably locally perpendicular to the surface of the applicator element 19 to which they are connected, as shown in Figure 3, for example .

The flocking bristles 21 of two adjacent applicator elements 19 need not interpenetrate, as shown in

Figure 2. In a variant shown in Figure 17, the flocking bristles interpenetrate over a distance h_p.

An applicator 3, made in accordance with the

invention, may be mounted on, or be associated with, a large number of different containers. Only a few

possible examples are described below.

Figure 18 shows a device 1 including an additional applicator member 60 that may be stationary or movable relative to the body of the container 2, like an

applicator dome or a roll-on. A closure cap 50 may be provided for closing the device 1 and for covering the applicator member 60 when not in use.

The applicator member 8 carrying the applicator elements 19 of the invention may be arranged on the side of the container 2 that is remote from the applicator member 60, e.g. possibly being snap-fastened on the bottom wall 15 of the container, or being molded

integrally with said container, at least in part. A protective cap, not shown, may be provided so as to protect the applicator elements 19 when not in use.

The user may apply a certain quantity of the

composition P contained in the container 2 by means of the applicator 60. The user may use the applicator member 8 in order to cleanse the surface on which the composition has been applied.

Figure 19 shows the possibility of mounting an applicator 3, made in accordance with the invention, on a container 2 that presents a housing 168 for receiving the applicator 3 and for loading it with composition P. The housing 168 may be defined by a neck 161 of the

container, as shown. The applicator member 8 may be carried by a support portion that, by way of example, is arranged to be screw-fastened on the neck 161, as shown, so as to close the housing 168 with the applicator member 8 in place in said housing.

The housing 168 may be supplied with composition P for application by any means, and, by way of example and as shown, by means of a rod 116 of a valve or pump 115. By way of example, the rod is secured to a refill 163 that may slide in the body 2 of the container, and extend downwards beyond said container, as shown for a different example in Figure 23. Thus, the user may press on the bottom wall of the refill 163 so as to cause the

composition P contained in said refill to be dispensed into the housing 168.

As shown, the support portion 114 may be secured to a handle 117 that may receive a vibration source 145, where appropriate.

In the variant shown in Figure 20, the container includes a dispenser system 181, e.g. a push-button system, making it possible to dispense the composition P. In this embodiment, the applicator 3 at the top of the container being secured to a closure cap 180 that covers the dispenser system 181. Where appropriate, a removable protective cap 55 may be mounted on the applicator 3.

After separating the applicator 3 from the container 2, the user takes the desired quantity of composition P, and can spread it by means of the applicator 3.

In the variant shown in Figure 21, at least one dispenser orifice 120 for dispensing the composition P opens out between at least two applicator elements 19, the orifice 120 being, for example, a single orifice that is formed in the middle of the applicator member 8.

By way of example and as shown, the orifice (s) 120 is/are supplied with composition by a valve or pump rod 116 or by some other means, e.g. by means of direct communication with the inside space 6 containing the composition P, as shown for a different example in

Figure 25.

In Figures 22 and 23, it can be seen that the device 1 may present a shape that is relatively narrow and elongate, e.g. the shape of a pen.

In the variant shown in Figure 22, the composition P arrives at the base of the applicator member 8 via an outlet orifice that communicates with the space inside the container 2. A dispenser system 70 of the ON/OFF type is present on the container 2, so as to allow the composition P to be dispensed on demand.

In the variant shown in Figure 23, the composition is contained in a refill 163 that is movable relative to the body 2a of the container 2, making it possible to actuate a dispenser mechanism, like that described in Figure 19.

As in the variant shown in Figure 24, it is possible to have an applicator member 8 that is movable relative to the container 2, so as to enable the user to actuate the dispenser mechanism 115 by exerting downward pressure on the applicator 3. The applicator may be made with an endpiece 130 that is engaged on the stem 116. In the variant in Figure 25, a chimney 90 makes it possible to supply composition P to an orifice 91 that opens out between the applicator elements 19. In this embodiment, the applicator elements are made by being molded integrally with a support that is fastened on the chimney 90.

In the variant in Figure 26, the applicator 3 is fastened in removable manner on the end wall 15 of the container 2, e.g. by snap-fastening.

In the variant shown in Figure 27, the device 1 is in the form of a flask comprising a container 2 and a dispenser system for dispensing composition P, which dispenser system may be of any kind.

The applicator 3 carrying the applicator elements 19 includes a support having the shape of a clip, which support makes it possible to mount the applicator 3 on the container 2 when not in use.

As shown in Figure 28, in order to apply the

composition P, the user separates the applicator 3 from the container, takes the composition P by means of the dispenser mechanism, and then places the applicator 3 on the fingers A in order to apply the composition P.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

In particular, the characteristics of the various embodiments shown can be combined with one another within variants that are not shown.

The container may be of any shape other than those shown .

The device may include a vibration source, as in the example in Figure 19, making it possible to subject the applicator member to vibration during application.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1. An applicator (3) for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition (P) to the skin, the nails, or the lips, the applicator including an applicator member (8) that is defined by at least two applicator elements (19) of elongate shape that are spaced apart at their tips by a distance (ω) of at least 1.5 mm;

each applicator element (19) being flocked, in particular radially flocked, over a fraction only of its length (L) , preferably starting from its tip.

An applicator according to claim 1, the applicator member (8) being defined by at least two applicator elements (19) that are preferably flexible and washable, and that are spaced apart at their tips by distance of at least 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm .

An applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, the length (L) of each applicator element (19) being greater than twice the greatest dimension (d) of the base (22) of the applicator element.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, the flocking bristles (21) of two adjacent applicator elements (19) interpenetrating.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, the longitudinal axes of the applicator elements (19) being parallel, e.g. perpendicular to a support.

6. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the longitudinal axes of the applicator elements (19) diverging, e.g. being mutually perpendicular. An applicator according to any preceding claim, the applicator elements (19) having lengths that are different .

An applicator according to any preceding claim, including a closure member (5) for closing a container

(2), the closure member defining a grip surface (17) for gripping the applicator (3) , the applicator member

(8) being removable or permanently attached relative to the grip surface (17) .

An applicator according to any preceding claim, including a stem (7), the applicator elements (19) being arranged at the distal end of the stem (7) .

10. An applicator according to any preceding claim, each applicator element (19) being of tapering shape, or its end being in the shape of a bead, a spike, or a fork .

An applicator according to any preceding claim, the ratio (ip/ ) of the length (t_p) of the flocked fraction to the total length (L) of an applicator element (19) lying in the range 1/5 to ½, better still in the range 0 to ¼, the flocking bristles (21) preferably being locally perpendicular to the surface of the applicator element (19) to which they are connected.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, the applicator elements (19) being molded integrally with a support.

An applicator according to any preceding claim, at least two applicator elements (19) being flocked with flocking bristles (21) at different densities and/or with flocking bristles that are of different thicknesses, lengths, sections, hardnesses, diameters, or kinds .

14. A packaging and applicator device (1) for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition (P) to the skin, the nails, or the lips, the device comprising :

^• a container (2) containing the composition (P) for application; and

· an applicator (3) as defined in any preceding claim.

15. A method of cosmetic-treatment, makeup-application, makeup-removal, or cleansing, the method comprising the step consisting in applying a cosmetic or

dermatological composition (P) to the skin, the nails, or the lips by means of an applicator (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.