Patent Application
20060243295
The invention relates to the domain of cosmetic applicators.
Cosmetics are packaged in packagings that comprise or form an applicator chosen as a function of the nature of the cosmetic. Thus, a lipstick tube forms a packaging and an applicator to the extent that the user moves the tube herself to apply the upper end of the lipstick contained in the tube to the lips.
For a powder compact, a powder puff is included in the compact and is used as an applicator.
For a nail varnish, the cap of the flask is fitted with a small brush that dips into the varnish and is used as an applicator.
These are only a few examples that illustrate the general case mentioned above.
Firstly, as is clear with cosmetics and their applicators according to the state of the art, a given applicator is usually associated with a given cosmetic, which is an advantage and also a constraint or limitation.
Imposing a given applicator also means imposing that every user should use the same application means corresponding to “average” needs, although different persons may have different needs and preferences.
In particular, making an accurate application, that is either precisely positioned or with a fine line, is difficult if not impossible with a traditional applicator.
Furthermore, for cosmetics, there is a continuous need to renew the product range, in other words to permanently offer new products and services or new functions.
The invention is intended to solve these two problems.
According to the invention, the applicator, typically an applicator of a cosmetic, comprises a) an attachment means (2) designed to be temporarily and reversibly fixed to a finger (4) of a hand, and b) an application means (3) fixed to the said temporary attachment means and chosen particularly as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic to be applied, so as to form a digital applicator (1) of the said cosmetic.
This combination of means solves the problems that arise to the extent that the applicator according to the invention is significantly different from known applicators, and also to the extent that it corresponds to a completely different product from known product ranges and considering the inherent design of this applicator, enables the user to make many different choices, so that the variety of needs that arise when applying cosmetics can be satisfied in practice.
A double arrow with a dashed line represents the elastic part E of the temporary attachment means that can separate elastically so that the digital applicator (1) can be temporarily and reversibly assembled on the end of the finger.
FIGS. 1 to 5 show a vertical dashed line denoted (5) forming a separation plane, with temporary attachment means (2) to the left of this line, and the application means (3) to the right of this line.
a shows an enlarged axial sectional view of the portion in
b and 3c are axial sections that illustrate the shape and fineness of different specific applicators (32) with a pointed tip in the case of
The applicator (1) according to this embodiment may be fixed to the finger either by axial displacement as illustrated in
a corresponds to a section perpendicular to the axial direction of applicators (1) along the vertical dashed line in
According to the invention, the said application means (3) may be a removable application means (30) so that the said application means can be chosen not only as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic, but also as a function particularly of the fineness of the application, but without needing to change the said attachment means (2).
It is an advantageous embodiment of the invention, which makes it possible to use the same attachment means (2) and to change the application means (3) depending on the needs.
However, cases arise in which it is preferable to have a series of applicators (1) depending on needs, each comprising a specific application means that may or may not be removable, either because this corresponds to a required presentation, or because it is easier to use, or because there is a risk of the fingers getting dirty every time that the application means (3) is replaced.
Advantageously, and as illustrated particularly in
In
According to a first embodiment of the invention, the said attachment means (2) may comprise or form a front opening (25) typically at one of its so-called “near” ends (20), into which the said finger end phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end (21) being fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the assembly means (23) or by the said sleeve (230).
This embodiment is illustrated particularly in FIGS. 1 to 4.
According to one variant of this embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said attachment means (2) may form a finger cap or sheath (22) typically with a side opening (221) on part of its length so as to form flexible edges or walls (220).
However, the variant in which the sheath does not include a side opening forms part of the invention but is not illustrated as such in a Figure. It would correspond to an applicator like that illustrated in
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said sheath (22) may have an upper recess (24) symbolically and typically in the form of a nail, and typically towards its far end so as to make the nail (41) of the said end phalanx (40) visible, and thus to guide a person using the said applicator (1) on how to use the applicator.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said attachment means (2) may have a variable section and as illustrated in
The invention also includes the case of finger caps (2) with a constant, and typically circular or oval section.
According to the invention, the said attachment means may comprise (2) at least one element (27, 28) with two branches forming a spring with a typically “U” shaped profile, the said branches comprising at least ends that can be elastically separated.
According to another embodiment of an applicator (1) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 8, the said element with two branches may be an element (27) in which the two branches (270) are typically parallel to an axial plane, and in which the base (271) is fixed to the said assembly means (23) or the said application means (3), the two branches of the said “U” shaped element forming a front opening (25) through which the said finger end phalanx can be inserted by an axial movement along an axial direction A, like a thimble that fits on a finger, so as to be temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically an end phalanx of a finger such as the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end carrying the said application means.
According to another embodiment of the applicator (1) illustrated in
Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, the said attachment means (2) may have a variable section, either as such over all or part of its length, if the attachment means (2) does not include elastic elements or spring effect elements, and corresponds to a “thimble” type sheath, or following an axial or lateral stress as illustrated in
According to the invention, the said application means (3) may comprise a specific applicator (32) chosen as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic and in order to apply it, typically fixed to the said assembly means (31) or to the said standard end piece (310), and typically chosen from an absorbent or cellular material, or a brush with a determined section and profile, typically with a circular and tapered section, so as to have a small diameter end and thus enable precise application of the said cosmetic.
Furthermore, the said specific applicator (32) may have a predetermined suppleness or flexibility.
In general, for a given cosmetic, the materials and the arrangement of these materials used to form specific applicators (32) according to the invention, may be the same as those used in traditional applicators.
Advantageously, the said attachment means (2) comprising the said sleeve, may typically be a single piece metal or plastic part. It is particularly advantageous economically if the said attachment means (2) is a moulded single piece plastic part.
Another purpose of the invention consists of using the applicator (1) for application of a cosmetic, the said cosmetic typically being in solid or semi-solid form such as a powder or paste, and preferably a lipstick or eye shadow.
The said applicator (1) can also be used in association with a cosmetic sample.
Another purpose consists of an applicator assembly including the said applicator (1) according to the invention and a series of N removable application means (30), typically differing in their section, profile, flexibility or suppleness, where N typically varies from 2 to 6, in which each of the removable application means includes the same assembly means (31) or standard end piece (310) designed to cooperate with the sleeve (23) of the attachment means (2).
This applicator assembly, typically packaged in a packaging or a compact, may comprise at least one cosmetic, the said applicator and the said application means being adapted for application of the said cosmetic.
In particular, the said applicator assembly may form a support for different applicators (1) or for the different application means (3), typically so that the specific applicator (32) can be changed without any risk of the hands getting dirty.
FIGS. 1 to 9 correspond to embodiments of a digital applicator (1), or variant embodiments according to the invention.
The attachment means (2) of the applicator (1) according to FIGS. 1 to 4, 7 and 8 were obtained in a single piece by moulding a plastic material.
The attachment means (2) of the applicator (1) according to
Firstly, digital applicators (1) according to the invention provide a compact and economic solution to the problem of the diverse natures of applicators necessary to satisfy a wide variety of user needs, particularly when these persons are travelling or are in the office, in other words they are not in the bathroom.
Thus, considering the low cost and size of applicators (1) according to the invention, and since it is possible to associate a large number of application means with a single attachment means, the invention makes it possible to market applicator assemblies, typically with at least two possibilities:
any marketed applicator assembly may comprise a number N of removable application means (30) or possibly applicators (1) that cover “standard” needs of users,
or, it would be possible for an applicator assembly to be marketed including a number N of removable application means (30) or possibly applicators (1), to be chosen among a number N′>N such that each user can compose an applicator assembly perfectly suited to her needs, whenever necessary.
Furthermore, as will be obvious from the above description, the invention enables a radical renewal of new products offered on the market, which is essential for cosmetics. Furthermore, the invention provides a means of making a large number of embodiments or variants, so as to personalize applicators if required.
