EP1342428B1 - Device for combing and/or brushing eyelashes and/or eyebrows and/or applying a product to the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for combing keratinous fibers such as eyelashes and / or eyebrows and / or applying a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, thereon.

Different applicators have been proposed in the 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 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

We know by the request GB-A-2 170 996 a brush having a notch extending along a helical path about its axis and a brush having a succession of notches extending all around the brush. The subject of the request GB-A-2 170 996 lies in a mascara applicator able to apply mascara uniformly on the eyelashes, without the latter sticking to each other.

There is a need to benefit from a device for performing even other makeup effects on eyelashes and / or eyebrows, already coated with product or not.

The object of the present invention is, according to one of its aspects among others, a device according to claim 1.

In such an embodiment of the invention, the projecting elements may for example be connected to a support by bases having a shape and any orientation.

The support may have, for example a face on which are connected all the projecting elements or, in another example, two substantially opposite faces on which are connected all the projecting elements, for example alternately.

The spacing between two protruding elements can be measured at their apex when the protruding elements concerned each have a single upper end. When the protruding elements have several ends in the upper part, which is the case for example when the projecting elements each have at least two branches in the upper part or each consist of a tuft of bristles inserted into a hole of the support, l spacing between the projecting elements can be measured at their base or between the axes of the holes.

The invention can make it possible to easily obtain makeup effects relatively difficult to achieve with known applicators, including a makeup in which a portion of the eyelashes or eyebrows is grouped in packages.

Each projecting element may be elongated along a longitudinal axis and have a base having a cross section, in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, not oblong. Such a projecting element does not extend obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support.

Each projecting element may also be elongate along a longitudinal axis and have a base of cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, oblong not extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support, that is, that is elongate in a direction at substantially zero angle with the axis of the row or substantially perpendicular to that axis.

The axis of the row may be substantially parallel to the axis of the support which is connected to the projecting elements.

The projecting element outside the first group may belong to a second group of projecting elements.

The projecting element outside the first group may be separated from another adjacent projecting element, within the second group, by a spacing smaller than the length of said space. This spacing may for example be substantially equal to the spacing between at least two projecting elements of the first group.

The first group of projecting elements may extend, along the axis of the row, a distance greater than the length of said space.

The longitudinal axis of the support may be rectilinear or not.

The row may extend along a rectilinear axis or not.

At least two projecting elements of the first group and the projecting element external to the first group may occupy respective positions along the axis of the row which are substantially multiple of the same pitch. The distance separating the outer projecting element from the first group and the first group of projecting elements may be, for example, substantially twice or triple of the said pitch.

The device may comprise several groups of regularly spaced projecting elements. The distance of a group of elements protruding from the adjacent group may be constant or not.

All the projecting elements may have identical shapes or not. The device may include a row comprising at least two projecting elements having different shapes.

The device may comprise protruding elements consisting of teeth of substantially triangular profile when the row is observed in a direction substantially perpendicular to its axis. At least two teeth may have different slopes.

The device may comprise a row of teeth all of triangular profile when the row is observed in a direction substantially perpendicular to its axis, at least two teeth having different heights and / or widths at their base.

The device may comprise at least two groups of projecting elements and at least one relief between these groups. Such a relief may facilitate for example the retention of the product in the gap between the first group of projecting elements and the projecting element outside this group.

At least two projecting elements can define, when the row is observed in a direction substantially perpendicular to its axis, a substantially V-shaped groove. The bottom of such a groove may for example be at a non-zero distance from the support on which the projecting elements defining said groove are connected to each other.

The device may comprise at least two rows of projecting elements. Each of the rows comprises at least three successive protruding elements, arranged with a substantially constant spacing therebetween, and a fourth protruding element separated from the projecting element closest to the three protruding elements by a distance greater than spacing between the three protruding elements.

At least two rows may be substantially parallel, for example.

The projecting elements of at least one row and those of another row may extend in different directions.

At least one of the projecting elements may comprise a lateral surface comprising reliefs and / or at least one angular portion. At least one of the projecting elements may also, alternatively or additionally, comprise a flocking.

At least one of the projecting elements of a group of projecting elements may have a size substantially different from that of the other elements of this group. The height of the projecting elements may be for example between 0.5 and 10 mm, in particular between 1 and 3 mm.

The projecting elements of the row may have substantially aligned bases. By "substantially aligned bases" it should be understood that a portion of each of the bases of the consecutive projecting elements is disposed on one side of a line passing through the bases of the consecutive projecting elements, and another portion of each bases of the consecutive projecting elements are arranged on a second side of the aforementioned line, opposite to the first side, this line being for example substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a support on which the projecting elements are arranged.

In a particular nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, with protruding elements whose bases are substantially aligned, the consecutive protruding elements are arranged such that a straight line passes through the centers of each of the bases of the elements. consecutive projection. Thus, the centers of the bases of three consecutive protruding elements can be on the same straight line.

A row of projecting elements may comprise at least one succession of projecting elements extending alternately, at least partially, on either side of a geometric separation surface.

The support may comprise two parts each carrying projecting elements and movable relative to each other, to allow the user to change the spacing between at least two projecting elements. These two movable parts can be separated by the aforementioned geometric separation surface and be movable in translation relative to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the support.

A row of projecting elements may comprise projecting elements arranged on a first side of a wall, this wall having a second side, opposite to the first, connected over at least a part of its length to a support.

The device may also comprise a first portion and a second portion connected by a base portion, a plurality of projecting elements being disposed on a support, the latter being connected to said base portion over at most a part of its length.

The support of the projecting elements may be perforated and define at least one opening located between two opposite regions of the support, at least one row of projecting elements being able to connect to at least one of said regions and extend in the direction of the other region. The support may for example be closed around the opening. It can be flat or not.

A row may comprise projecting elements consisting of tufts of bristles reported on a support, the latter being different from a core constituted by two branches of a twisted wire. The latter may comprise at least one hole in which is fixed a tuft of hair.

At least one of the projecting elements may be made of a plastic material. All the projecting elements of at least one row of projecting elements can be made in one piece by molding plastic material with all or part of the support. The plastic material may comprise a filler, for example a filler of a material making it possible to improve the sliding properties of the keratinous fibers in contact with the projecting elements, in particular a material chosen from the following list: polytetrafluoroethylene, graphite, silicones, disulphide molybdenum and their derivatives. The filler may further comprise magnetic particles and / or a biocidal agent, for example a metal salt.

The device may comprise a rod provided at one end with a gripping element and at the other end the support on which is connected said at least one row of projecting elements. The support can be made for example by molding with the rod, in an elastomeric material or not, or be attached to the rod.

The device may include a reserve of product to be applied to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows. This reserve of product may for example be contained in a container which may comprise a wiper member. The latter may comprise an elastomeric lip, for example. The plastic in which the projecting elements are made may be more rigid than that in which the lip is made.

The wiper member may be configured to leave a cluster of product at least in the aforementioned space. The wiper member may for example be configured not to engage substantially in this space, being prevented by the presence of the projecting elements.

The support, to which the projecting elements are connected, may comprise end portions configured to facilitate its passage through the wiper member.

The reserve of product may also be in the form of a product bread, for example able to disintegrate in contact with a liquid.

• appliquer du mascara sur les cils et/ou les sourcils,
• peigner les cils et/ou les sourcils au moyen d'un dispositif tel que défini plus haut, de manière à former des groupes de cils non séparés.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a process for making eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising the following steps:

• apply mascara to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows,
• comb the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows by means of a device as defined above, so as to form groups of eyelashes not separated.

• charger de produit les éléments en saillie d'un dispositif tel que défini plus haut, du produit étant présent dans ledit espace,
• amener ledit espace chargé en produit au contact des cils et/ou des sourcils de façon à former un ensemble d'au moins deux cils et/ou sourcils non séparés.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a process for making eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising the following steps:

• to charge product the projecting elements of a device as defined above, the product being present in said space,
• bringing said product-laden space into contact with the eyelashes and / or eyebrows so as to form an assembly of at least two non-separated eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

In particular, the product present in said space can be deposited on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows that are desired to join together, by engaging these eyelashes and / or eyebrows in this space.

In an exemplary implementation, the device comprises at least one succession of projecting elements widely spaced, their number being for example between 6 and 15, close to 10 for example. The spacing between two projecting elements may for example be greater than or equal to 2.5 mm, being close to 3 mm for example.

A face of the support on which projecting elements are connected may be substantially flat or concave or convex, when the device is observed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support.

• appliquer du mascara sur les cils et/ou les sourcils,
• peigner les cils et/ou les sourcils au moyen d'un dispositif tel que défini plus haut, de manière à former des groupes de cils non séparés.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a process for making eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising the following steps:

• apply mascara to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows,
• comb the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows by means of a device as defined above, so as to form groups of eyelashes not separated.

• charger de produit les éléments en saillie d'un dispositif tel que défini plus haut, du produit étant présent dans au moins un espace formé entre les éléments en saillie,
• amener cet espace chargé en produit au contact des cils et/ou des sourcils de façon à former un ensemble d'au moins deux cils et/ou sourcils non séparés.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a process for making eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising the following steps:

• loading the projecting elements of a device as defined above, product being present in at least one space formed between the projecting elements,
• bringing this product-laden space into contact with the eyelashes and / or eyebrows so as to form an assembly of at least two non-separated eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'un peigne conforme à un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• les figures 2, 3, 5 et6 sont des vues illustrant, de manière très schématique, des exemples parmi d'autres de répartition des éléments en saillie,
• la figure 7 est une coupe axiale schématique d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application,
• la figure 7A représente, partiellement et schématiquement, le peigne lors de l'essorage,
• les figures 8, 10, 11 et 13 à 19 représentent d'autres exemples de peignes,
• la figure 20 représente une variante de réalisation d'éléments en saillie,
• les figures 21 à 29 et 33 à 39 représentent de manière schématique d'autres exemples de peignes,
• la figure 40 est une coupe schématique, axiale, d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application,
• les figures 41 à 45 représentent, de manière très schématique, des exemples de maquillage pouvant être obtenus grâce à des dispositifs conformes à l'invention,
• la figure 50 illustre un exemple de maquillage pouvant être obtenu avec l'un des dispositifs des figures 46 à 49,
• les figures 51 à 53 représentent des exemples de maquillage, parmi d'autres, pouvant être obtenus.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic view of a comb according to an exemplary implementation of the invention,
• the Figures 2, 3, 5 and6 are views illustrating, very schematically, examples among others of distribution of the projecting elements,
• the figure 7 is a schematic axial section of a packaging and application device,
• the Figure 7A represents, partially and schematically, the comb during the spin,
• the Figures 8, 10, 11 and 13 to 19 represent other examples of combs,
• the figure 20 represents an alternative embodiment of projecting elements,
• the Figures 21 to 29 and 33 to 39 schematically represent other examples of combs,
• the figure 40 is a schematic, axial section of a packaging and application device,
• the Figures 41 to 45 represent, very schematically, examples of makeup obtainable by means of devices according to the invention,
• the figure 50 illustrates an example of makeup obtainable with one of the devices of FIGS. 46 to 49,
• the Figures 51 to 53 represent examples of makeup, among others, that can be obtained.

combs

Partially represented on the figure 1 , in side view, a device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprising a comb 10 having a support 11 on which are connected projecting elements 12a, 12b, which may be identical or not.

The comb 10 is connected to a rod 13 partially shown, connected to a not shown gripping member, the latter may also constitute a closure cap, as will be described later.

The comb 10 may be used to comb the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows after the application of a cosmetic product thereon, for example mascara, by means of another applicator, for example a brush. Alternatively, the comb 10 may be used to apply product to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows by being pre-loaded with product, for example by immersion in a container containing the product or otherwise.

In the example of the figure 1 the protruding elements 12a and 12b have been shown in the form of teeth, having for example a generally triangular shape when the comb is viewed from the side, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the projecting elements have a notch. other form or consist of tufts of bristles reported on the support, as will be detailed below.

The projecting elements 12a and 12b can be arranged in various ways on the comb, so as to form for example at least one row of projecting elements extending along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the support.

This row can include, as we see on the figure 1 at least three successive protruding elements arranged with a first spacing value e substantially constant between them. These projecting elements belong to or form a group 15 and the row comprises, in the example considered, at least a fourth projecting element 12a outside said group. Reference numeral 12a is used to denote the extreme projecting elements of a group or insulated projecting element and reference numeral 12b of the projecting element or members of the group located between the projecting end elements 12a of this group. The fourth protruding element belongs to a second group 15 'of protruding elements and is separated from the nearest of the protruding elements of the group 15 by a second spacing value d greater than the first value e .

The group 15 comprises protruding elements 12a, 12b relatively close to each other and configured to be able to separate the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows. Eyelashes and / or eyebrows may pass between groups 15 and 15 'without being separated.

We have illustrated very schematically on Figures 2, 3, 5 and6, different examples of distribution of protruding elements, among others.

In these figures, it has materialized by crosses the position of the projecting elements, for example the position of their top or their base.

The projecting elements are arranged, in these figures, in rows along a line X which has been shown rectilinear to simplify explanations but which could be curved in the same plane or not, or even be broken, without one kind of the scope of the present invention.

In the example of the figure 2 , the projecting elements form, along the support 11, at least two groups 15, 15 'each consisting of projecting elements sufficiently close to each other to be able to separate the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows on contact. The groups 15 and 15 'are separated from each other by a space 16 devoid of projecting elements and the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows can engage in this space without being separated. The presence of spaces 16, combined with that of groups of projecting elements capable of combing, allows the device to group some eyelashes and / or eyebrows while separating others and to obtain the desired makeup effects.

The shapes, numbers and arrangements of the projecting elements can be very diverse while allowing to obtain the desired result.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2 the projecting elements are arranged in each group 15 or 15 'with a constant spacing e , that is to say that all the projecting elements 12a and 12b of a group 15 or 15' are arranged along the line X with respective axial positions, with respect to a common origin coinciding for example with the position of the projecting element 12a located at one end of the row, which are all factors by an integer of the distance e . All the adjacent groups can be separated from the gap d , which is, in the example of the figure 2 , a multiple of the distance e , with for example d = 2 e .

The distance separating the adjacent protruding elements 12a belonging to respective neighboring groups may not be constant, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 . In this figure, there is shown spaces 16 having respective widths d ₁ and d ₂ different, greater than the spacing e .

The protruding elements may have, in particular within a group or for all of them, vertices or aligned bases, as illustrated on the Figures 2 to 3 but may also have at least portions shifted alternately from another of a geometric separation surface, this surface containing for example the line along which the projecting elements are arranged. To illustrate this possibility, we have shown on the figure 5 a row of projecting elements 12a and 12b, the arrangement of which could be obtained from a row which would comprise a succession of projecting elements arranged in a regular way alternately on either side of a geometrical surface of separation, and in which one would keep all the projecting elements located on the same side of the geometrical surface of separation, while one would remove a protruding element on n (integer), for example one out of two, in a regular way, on the other side of the geometric separation surface. We materialized by points on the figure 5 the location of the projecting elements removed, in a non-limiting example. The distances e and d are measured after projection on line X.

Of course, spaces 16 may be created other than by removing projecting elements always on the same side of the geometric separation surface. For example, there is shown on the figure 6 a projecting element arrangement in which protruding elements have been removed on each side of the geometrical separation surface, for example one on n (integer) on one side, one on m (integer) on the opposite side, with possibly n equal to m.

A comb such as for example that represented in figure 1 can be used to apply the product on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows and not only to comb the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows after the application of the product by means of another applicator.

In this case, the comb may be associated with a supply of product.

For example, there is shown on the figure 7 a device 20 comprising a container 21 containing the product P to be applied to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, and an applicator 30 comprising a rod 31 provided at one end with an applicator element, which is for example the comb 10 previously described, and at the other end of a gripping member 32 which can also serve as a sealing cap of the container 21, being for example adapted to be screwed on an externally threaded neck 22 of the container.

A wringing member 40 is fixed, in the example considered, in the neck 22 to wring the rod 31 and the applicator element 10 when the applicator is separated from the container. This wiper member allows the product to be left in the space (s) 16.

The protruding elements, for example the teeth of the comb 10, may be rigid enough not to lie down during the spin, which may contribute to the constituting product reserves in the spaces 16, the edge of the spin lip may not reach the bottom thereof. An inhomogeneous distribution of the product on the comb can be achieved with well-wrung combing parts and non-peeling parts containing a sufficient amount of product to aggregate the eyelashes.

Other examples of application elements made according to the invention will now be described.

We have shown on the figure 8 a comb whose teeth are arranged in a configuration similar to that described above with reference to the figure 5 , that is to say with a row of teeth extending along a support, the teeth of each group being arranged alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface. With respect to a row of teeth with all the consecutive teeth extending alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface, some teeth located on the same side of this surface have been removed, leaving voids visible. .

We can see on the figure 8 that the projecting elements 12a, 12b may be, for example, in the form of teeth having a width, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator element, which decreases towards their free end, so that two adjacent projecting elements located respectively on either side of the geometric separation surface form, when the comb is viewed from the side, a groove 52 having a substantially V profile. The bases of the teeth may not extend. obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the support, as shown. The applicator member may comprise, as shown, distal and proximal portions 55 shaped to facilitate passage through the wiper 40. Such distal and proximal portions are not protruding members within the meaning of the invention. .

In the example of the figure 10 , the application element comprises a row of teeth whose bases are aligned. The arrangement of the free ends of the teeth is similar to the configuration shown in FIG. figure 6 that is to say that within each group of teeth, the ends of the teeth are arranged successively and substantially alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface.

The application element represented in figure 11 comprises a row of teeth whose bases and free ends are located substantially in the same plane. The arrangement of the bases of the teeth may be similar, for example, to the configuration represented on the figure 3 . We also see on the figure 11 that the elements in protrusion may have, within the same group, different heights.

The protruding elements may have reliefs or angular areas to promote the attachment of eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

The application element may comprise, in addition to the projecting elements which serve to separate the eyelashes, at least one point 65 which may allow for example to draw a line on the eyelids, as shown in FIG. figure 13 . It is also seen in this figure that a space 16 may be formed between a group 15 of protruding elements and an insulated projecting element 12a.

The space 16 between two adjacent projecting elements 12a belonging to different groups 15 and 15 'may be devoid of any relief or comprise at least one relief 70 adapted for example to retain the product, as illustrated in FIG. figure 14 . This or these reliefs 70 may have various shapes, being different from a projecting element of an adjacent group, and in particular have the shape of one or more teeth of low height, as illustrated in FIG. figure 15 , this or these reliefs 70 may be poorly adapted to separate the eyelashes passing between the adjacent projecting elements 12a.

Within the same group of projecting elements, the protruding elements may have different shapes, as illustrated on the figure 15 . In the example of this figure, the projecting elements of at least one group are composed of wide teeth and narrower teeth, all of these teeth being able to define between them, in pairs, grooves 71 that are substantially V-shaped. see also on the figure 15 that a space 16 may include reliefs 70 on only part of its extent, along the support.

The applicator element may comprise more than one row of projecting elements, and in particular two successions of projecting elements, as illustrated in FIG. figure 16 . In this figure, it can be seen that the applicator element comprises a first succession 80 of protruding elements and a second succession 90 of protruding elements, substantially opposite to the first. When the applicator element is viewed from the side, at least a plurality of projecting elements of the first succession 80 may have free ends located substantially along a first generally convex line A, and at least a plurality of elements projecting the second succession 90 may have free ends located substantially along a second line B, generally concave. The projecting elements of the first succession 80 can serve for example to make up the eyebrows and / or eyelashes, while the projecting elements of the second Estate 90 can be used to make up the eyelashes.

In the example of the figure 16 , the projecting elements of the first succession 80 comprise at least two groups 15 and 15 'separated by a space 16 devoid of projecting elements.

The application element represented in Figures 17 and 18 differs from that of the figure 16 in that the projecting elements situated on the side of the concave line B comprise at least two groups 15 and 15 'separated by a space 16.

The protruding elements, whatever their shape, can be coated by a flocking 91, as shown in FIG. figure 19 .

The projecting elements may also comprise, for example, a curved free end 92, for hanging eyelashes and / or eyebrows, as shown in FIG. figure 20 .

The application element may comprise several rows of projecting elements which extend, when the applicator element is viewed from the front, in the same direction of gyration, as illustrated in FIG. figure 21 . The projecting elements may for example be connected to the support in the extension of an adjacent face. For more details on application elements of this type, reference may be made to the European patent application EP-A-1,070,468 .

It is very schematically represented in the figure 22 an application element comprising several rows of projecting elements, for example four. Each row comprises at least two groups 15 and 15 'of projecting elements separated by a space 16, the latter being formed for example in the form of a notch.

All the rows of teeth may be identical, that is to say that each row may be the image of an adjacent row by a rotation about the axis of the support, which corresponds to the case of the figure 22 . Alternatively, at least two rows may be different, as shown in FIG. figure 23 so that at least one space 16 of one row is not superimposed exactly with a space 16 of another row, after rotation of the support about its axis, for example a quarter of a turn in the example considered. In these examples, the projecting elements comprise oblong bases elongated in a direction parallel to the axis of the row.

The projecting elements can still be connected differently to the support, for example substantially perpendicular to a face thereof, as shown in FIG. figure 24 .

The projecting elements may comprise a substantially cylindrical portion, as illustrated in FIG. figure 25 , forming somehow pimples.

We have shown on the figure 26 an applicator element comprising a perforated support 100, comprising two opposite regions 101 on which projecting elements are connected, for example in a manner similar to the application elements described in the European patent application EP-A-1,169,941 . The application element of the figure 26 is shown very schematically in side view on the figure 27 , according to the arrow XXVII.

The protruding elements may be further defined, for example, by a serrated edge of a wall 110, as shown in FIG. figure 28 , this wall connecting to a support over at least a part of its length, as illustrated in FIG. figure 28 , or only connecting to the proximal and distal portions of the support, as shown in figure 29 . An aperture 111 may be provided between the wall 110 and the support, to allow the constitution of a stock of product, for example. Application elements having protruding elements defined by the edge of a wall connecting over all or part of its length to a support are described in the European patent applications EP-A-1,157,629 and EP-A-1,157,632 , to which we can refer.

It is possible to use as projecting elements teeth of different size and shape.

In particular, it is possible to use teeth with a triangular profile of different slopes, as illustrated in the examples of the Figures 33 and 34 .

Partially represented at the figure 33 a comb whose consecutive teeth 12a, 12b are joined at their base, not overlapping when the comb is viewed from the side. Sloping teeth forming an angle α ₁ with their longitudinal axis L form a group 15 of projecting elements whose vertices are separated from one another by a distance e . A tooth 12a of slope forming an angle α ₂ greater than α ₁ , with its longitudinal axis, releases a space 16 with this group 15. The distance d between the top of the tooth 12a and the adjacent tooth of the group 15 is greater than the distance e .

In the example illustrated, the tooth 12a of slope α ₂ has been represented with a shape symmetrical with respect to a median plane passing through its vertex and perpendicular to the plane of the figure 33 , but this tooth could have an asymmetrical shape.

Some teeth of the row may thus comprise, for example, a relatively high slope side and a relatively low slope side.

We have shown figure 34 an example of a comb in which an end tooth 12a of a group 15 has a slope of angle α ₃ on the side of a tooth 12b inside said group different from the slope of the outside of said group, angle α ₄ .

A space 16 can be formed between two teeth 12a of asymmetric profile, as can be seen on the figure 34 .

The projecting elements may also have several free ends in the upper part, which is the case in particular when the projecting elements have a Y shape, as shown in FIG. figure 35 . The spacings e between the protruding elements of a group are measured between the centers of their base.

Two elements 12a of two groups 15 and 15 'form a space 16 which extends over a distance d greater than the distance e between two projecting elements of the group 15.

The space 16 may comprise, as illustrated, a relief 70 whose shape is for example that of the lower part of a projecting element 12a or 12b, such relief being shorter than one of the adjacent projecting elements.

Can be used as projecting elements not only teeth but also tufts of bristles reported on a support different from a twisted core, as shown in the drawings. Figures 36 to 39 .

Tufts of bristles can be introduced into holes of the support and be fixed in the latter by stamping the support for example, as described in the European patent application EP-A-1 155 637 . Other fastening means may be used, and the tufts of bristles may for example be glued or stapled.

The spaces 16 formed between the groups of projecting elements capable of separating the eyelashes may be due to the total absence of bristles or to a smaller height of the bristles.

The ends of the bristles may extend along a substantially flat surface, which corresponds to the figure 36 , generally concave towards the outside as it is the case of the figure 37 , or sawtooth, as illustrated on the figure 38 , or convex as depicted on the figure 39 .

The holes in the support may or may not be through, and bundles of U-folded bristles inserted into them may form loops on one side of the support, as seen in FIG. figure 38 . These loops can be optionally cut for form tufts of bristles on both sides of the support, as shown in figure 39 .

We can see on Figures 36 to 39 that the distance e between three tufts of consecutive hairs, measured at the base of the latter, is constant, and each tuft of hair can be likened to a protruding element of Figures 2 to 6 , for example.

An applicator according to the invention may be used with a container provided with a wiper other than an elastomeric lip, for example a wiper comprising a perforated foam block 130, as illustrated in FIG. figure 40 .

The product P may comprise, as can be seen in this figure, fibers 132 intended to be deposited on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows.

It is possible to make a makeup in which the eyelashes and / or eyebrows are bundled together, as illustrated in the Figures 41 to 45 .

The grouping of the eyelashes can come from the fact that the space or spaces 16 of the applicator element are relatively heavily loaded with product, which is then deposited in places on the eyelashes without separation of the eyelashes. lack of projecting elements capable of separating the eyelashes in this or these spaces 16. The grouping of the eyelashes can also come from the fact, when the space or spaces 16 are not loaded with product, that the eyelashes or the eyebrows engaging therein are brought into contact with each other and to regroup if the product applied previously on them allows it. Once the eyelashes are grouped, they become difficult to separate with the comb parts of the comb.

The eyelashes and / or eyebrows may have between the packets of gathered hairs well separated hairs, as illustrated on the figure 42 .

The amount of product deposited on each package of eyelashes may be uneven, so some packets may appear longer than others. The packets of eyelashes may also have different numbers of hairs, some packages may thus appear wider or longer than others, as illustrated on the figure 43 .

Separate eyelashes and unseparated bundles of hair can alternate regularly or not, as can be seen in Figures 43 and 44 .

Both eyelashes and eyebrows can be made up to form bundles of gathered hairs, as illustrated in figure 45 .

We see on the figure 51 that some eyelashes and / or groups of eyelashes, may be more loaded in product than others.

The makeup obtained may comprise packets of eyelashes with separated eyelashes, relatively regularly, as illustrated on the drawing. figure 52 , or irregular, as shown on the figure 53 .

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.

Throughout the description, the phrase "having one" should be considered synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (44)

1. A device for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows and/or for applying makeup thereto, characterized in that it includes a support that is not constituted by a core made up of two twisted-together branches, and at least one row of projecting elements extending along an axis (X), said row comprising at least four consecutive projecting elements forming:

   - at least a first group (15) of at least three consecutive projecting elements (12a, 12b) at substantially constant mutual spacing (corresponding to the spacing pitch e between two successive elements in the group),

   - a fourth projecting element (12a) outside the first group,

   the fourth projecting element being spaced apart from the first group (15) by a gap (16) with no projecting element identical to one of the three projecting elements of the first group extending along the axis of the row over a distance (d) greater than the spacing (e) between the three projecting elements of the first group.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth projecting element is spaced apart from the first group (15) by a gap (16) extending over a distance (d), measured along a longitudinal axis of the support, greater than the spacing (e) between the two successive protruding elements of the first group and shorter than the length, measured along said longitudinal axis, of the first group.
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (11) is elongated along a longitudinal axis and has a face situated on one side of the support, due to the fact that at least one row of projecting elements (12a, 12b) has bases connecting to said face and in that at least one of the bases does not extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support.
4. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each projecting element is elongated along a longitudinal axis and has a base with a non-oblong cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that each projecting element is elongated along a longitudinal axis and has a base of non-oblong cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and oblong cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, said oblong section extending in a direction that makes an angle substantially equal to zero with the axis of the row, or else being substantially perpendicular to said axis.
6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of the row is substantially parallel to the axis of the support to which the projecting elements are connected.
7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said projecting element outside the first group belongs to a second group (15') of projecting elements.
8. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said projecting element (12a) outside the first group is spaced apart from an adjacent projecting element (12b) of the second group (15') by a spacing that is smaller than the length of said gap (16).
9. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spacing between the projecting elements within the second group (15') is substantially equal to the spacing (e) between the projecting elements of the first group (15).
10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first group (15) of projecting elements extends over a distance that is greater than the length (d) of said gap (16).
11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two projecting elements of the first group and the projecting element outside the first group occupy respective positions along the axis of the row which are substantially multiples of a same pitch (e).
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of groups (15, 15') of projecting elements that are regularly spaced apart.
13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all of the projecting elements are identical in shape.
14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the row has at least two projecting elements of different shapes.
15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises projecting elements constituted by teeth that are substantially triangular in profile when the row is observed in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to its axis.
16. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least two teeth present different slopes.
17. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a row of teeth that are all of triangular profile when the row is observed in a direction substantially perpendicular to its axis, at least two teeth being of different heights and/or different widths at the bases of said teeth.
18. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two groups (15, 15') of projecting elements, and at least one portion in relief (70) between said groups.
19. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two projecting elements of a group of projecting elements together define a substantially V-shaped groove (52; 71) when the group is observed from the side.
20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two rows of projecting elements.
21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the projecting elements of at least one row and those of another row extend in different directions.
22. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of the projecting elements lies in the range 0.5 mm to 10 mm, and in particular in the range 1 mm to 3 mm.
23. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the row of projecting elements comprises at least one succession of projecting elements extending, at least in part, alternately on opposite sides of a geometrical separation surface.
24. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projecting elements of the row have bases that are substantially in alignment.
25. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that it comprises two portions (141, 142) carrying projecting elements that are movable relative to each other.
26. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the row extends along an axis that is not rectilinear.
27. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (100) is perforated, and defines at least one opening situated between two opposite regions (101) of said support, and in that said at least one row of projecting elements is connected to at least one of said regions, and the projecting elements of said row extend towards the other region.
28. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises projecting elements constituted by tufts of bristles fitted to the support, the support being other than a core constituted by two twisted-together branches of wire.
29. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support has at least one hole in which a tuft of bristles is fixed.
30. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one projecting element made of a plastics material.
31. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all of the projecting elements of said at least one row of projecting elements are made integrally by molding a plastics material.
32. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a rod provided at one end with a handle element, and at its other end with a support to which the projecting elements are connected.
33. The device according to claim 32, characterized in that the support is made by being molded together with the rod.
34. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support is made of an elastomer material.
35. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a supply of makeup (P) to be applied to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.
36. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the supply of makeup is contained in a receptacle (21).
37. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the receptacle includes a wiper member (40; 130).
38. The device according to claim 37, characterized in that the projecting elements are configured so as not to bend significantly when passing through the wiper member.
39. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wiper member comprises an elastomer lip (40).
40. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one row of projecting elements (201; 212; 222; 232), in particular teeth, the elements being connected to at least one face of a support, is configured so as to leave gaps enabling a plurality of eyelashes to pass between them so as to coat the eyelashes in makeup and form bunches of eyelashes that are not separated.
41. The device according to claim 40, characterized in that the row comprises 6 to 15 projecting elements.
42. The device according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that the spacing between two projecting elements is greater than or equal to 2.5 mm.
43. A method of making up the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

    - applying mascara to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows; and

    - combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows by means of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 42, so as to form groups of non-separated eyelashes and/or eyebrow hairs.
44. A method of making up the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

    - loading the projecting elements of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 42 with makeup, the makeup being present in at least one gap formed between the projecting elements; and

    - bringing said makeup-laden gap into contact with the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows so as to form a set of at least two non-separated eyelashes and/or eyebrow hairs.

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