The present invention relates to applicators for applying a composition to the
eyelashes or the eyebrows, in particular a cosmetic, makeup, or a care product, e.g.
mascara.
International application WO 01/05273 discloses a comb for applying mascara, the
comb comprising a support having a longitudinal axis and carrying teeth disposed in at
least two rows each comprising at least two teeth that are spaced apart by a distance that is
less that the distance between the two rows.
Patent application EP-A1-1 169 941 teaches an applicator comprising: a support
defining an opening that is situated between two opposite regions of the support; and
projecting elements that are connected to one of the regions and that are directed towards
the other region. In an embodiment shown in that application, the applicator includes
teeth that are situated on ramifications of the support and that extend perpendicularly to
the longitudinal axis of the support.
There exists a need to benefit from an applicator that is capable of being loaded
sufficiently with composition while being capable of applying the composition
conveniently to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, and of combing and of separating the
eyelashes or the eyebrows in satisfactory manner.
There also exists a need to benefit from an applicator that is capable of coming into
contact with a relatively large fraction of a set of eyelashes or of an eyebrow.
The invention seeks in particular to satisfy all or some of those needs, and, in non-
limiting embodiments, relates to an applicator having a relatively large surface area for
combing and impregnating the eyelashes or eyebrows with the composition.
In one of its aspects, the invention provides an applicator for applying a
composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator comprising a support
structure for supporting teeth that is elongate along a longitudinal axis, the support
structure comprising:
2

• at least one ramification that is within the support structure at least in part, the
support structure being an open-work structure; and/or
• at least one ramification having a free end;
the ramification extending, in each circumstance, at least in part, obliquely relative
to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and carrying teeth.
By means of this aspect of the invention, the user can have a relatively large zone
for combing and for loading composition, the eyelashes or the eyebrows possibly coming
into contact with teeth and with composition retained in any open-work cavities, for
example.
In addition, composition can pass through one or more open-work cavities of the
support structure when said support structure is an open-work structure. This makes it
easier to load the applicator with composition and/or can improve application.
The support structure comprising one or more ramifications makes it possible to
improve homogenization of the composition and mixing of said composition in a
receptacle in which it is contained.
The support structure may comprise:
• an elongate main support along the longitudinal axis; and
• a plurality of ramifications that are connected to the main support and that define,
at least in part, open-work cavities of the support structure.
By way of example, the main support may define the outline of the support
structure when said support structure is observed from above, the main support being in
the form of a frame, for example.
The applicator may comprise one row of at least three teeth extending from the
corresponding ramification of the support structure on one face thereof, or at least two
3

rows of teeth extending from the same ramification but on opposite faces, or from
different ramifications, or at least three rows, each having at least three teeth, with each
tooth extending from a ramification of the support structure on one face thereof.
The row(s) of teeth may extend, at least in part, obliquely relative to the
longitudinal axis of the support structure.
At least one open-work cavity of the support structure may extend, at least in part,
between two ramifications each carrying a row of teeth.
The teeth of at least one row may be disposed on the corresponding ramification
along an axis of the row extending, at least in part, obliquely relative to the longitudinal
axis of the main support.
The term "row" should be understood as a succession of teeth that are relatively
close to one another, and that are suitable for being carried by a single support element, in
particular a single ramification of the support structure.
Each ramification may carry at least one row of teeth, and, in use, teeth belonging
to two rows may be brought into contact with the eyelashes simultaneously.
The term "obliquely" should be understood as meaning that the axis of the
ramification or of the row extends in a manner that is neither completely parallel, nor
completely perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the main support. Such a definition
does not exclude the axis of the row or of the ramification from extending, over a fraction
of its length, parallel or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the support structure,
which, like the axis of the row, may be rectilinear or curved.
The orientation of the rows of teeth may be selected in such a manner as to enable
the applicator to improve penetration and thus combing of the eyelashes or eyebrows.
The support structure may present a generally flat shape. This may enable a
greater number of teeth to come into contact with the eyelashes or eyebrows.
4

The support structure may define at least two open-work cavities, or at least three
open-work cavities.
The at least three open-work cavities may occupy successive axial positions
relative to the longitudinal axis, i.e. the at least three open-work cavities are situated in
succession, parallel to the longitudinal axis.
The applicator may include open-work cavities and teeth in alternation along a
direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support structure. The open-work
cavities and teeth may alternate over more than half the length of the support structure.
The applicator may include open-work cavities and teeth in alternation along a
transverse direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main support
structure. The open-work cavities and teeth may alternate over more than half the width
of the support structure.
By way of example, the number of open-work cavities included in the applicator
may lie in the range 3 to 100, e.g. in the range 10 to 80.
At least one open-work cavity of the support structure, e.g. at least the three above-
mentioned open-work cavities, better most of the open-work cavities, or all of the open-
work cavities, may present a size that enables composition to be retained. When retained
in the open-work cavities, the composition may hide all or at least part of the open-work
cavity concerned when said cavity is observed along its axis, after loading the applicator
with composition.
At least one open-work cavity, better most of the open-work cavities, may present
a greatest dimension that is less than or equal to 3 millimeters (mm), better less than or
equal to 2 mm, still better less than or equal to 1.5 mm.
The open-work cavities may present substantially the same shape in some
embodiments. The open-work cavities may be of any shape. At least one open-work
cavity, or all or most of the open-work cavities, may be closed circumferentially when
observed from above.
5

For example, an open-work cavity may be defined entirely by a plurality of
ramifications when the applicator is observed from above along the axis of the open-work
cavity.
The applicator may also comprise a support structure comprising a central core.
By way of example, the core may extend in line with a stem of the applicator having the
main support fastened to one end thereof. The core may by rectilinear or curved.
The applicator may comprise a support structure comprising a closed frame that
may possibly define, in part, at least one open-work cavity. The ramifications may
optionally extend parallel to a plane, e.g. in a plane defined by the frame or outside such a
plane.
The outline of the applicator member, defined by the outline of the above-
mentioned frame, for example, may, in plan view, have a shape selected from the
following list: triangular, lenticular, kidney-shaped, rectangular, or peanut shaped, this list
not being limiting.
The applicator may comprise at least one ramification comprising two ends that are
connected to the remainder of the support structure, e.g. to the above-mentioned frame.
All or most of the ramifications may comprise two ends that are connected to the
remainder of the support structure.
Ramifications carrying teeth may be connected together other than at their ends,
e.g. being connected via other ramifications, the other ramifications optionally being
connected at their ends to the above-mentioned frame.
The applicator may comprise at least one ramification that is connected to the
remainder of the support structure via a single junction zone, in particular when the
support structure comprises a central core.
All or most of the ramifications may be connected to the remainder of the support
structure via a single junction zone.
6

The junction zone may be situated other .than at an end of the ramification, e.g.
being situated at its middle, on or in the longitudinal vicinity of the support structure. In a
variant, the junction zone may be situated at an end of the ramification.
By way of example, the total number of teeth comprised in the applicator may lie
in the range 20 to 800, e.g. in the range 20 to 300 per face, e.g. in the range 40 to 200 per
face. The total number of teeth included in the applicator may lie in the range 120 to 360,
for example.
Where appropriate, the number of teeth per face of the applicator may be different,
in order to produce different makeup results.
The applicator member may present three faces or more, each comprising teeth.
Each face of the support structure may optionally extend generally parallel to a
plan.
In some embodiments, the number of teeth comprised on one face of the applicator
may lie in the range 10 to 100 per square centimeter (cm2) or in the range 20 to 80 per
cm2, the teeth being evenly distributed in both directions, for example.
By way of example, the number of ramifications comprised in the applicator may
lie in the range 5 to 50, e.g. in the range 7 to 40, e.g. in the range 9 to 30, the ramifications
possibly being at least in part within the support structure, or even completely within the
support structure.
The distance between the ramifications may be constant or it may vary.
At least one ramification, or all or most of the ramifications, may be rectilinear.
At least one ramification, or all or most of the ramifications, may be non-
rectilinear, e.g. may be curved in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the support
7

structure, or, in a variant, may be curved in a plane that does not contain the longitudinal
axis of the support structure.
At least one ramification may be convex when observed along the longitudinal axis
of the support structure, with a thickness passing through a maximum, for example.
The applicator may comprise two adjacent ramifications that are spaced apart by a
distance lying in the range 0.01 mm to 2 mm, or in the range 0.1 mm to 1 mm, e.g. in the
range 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm, the distance being measured between the adjacent edges of the
ramifications.
At least one ramification, or all or most of the ramifications, may extend on either
side of the longitudinal axis of the support structure when the applicator is observed from
above.
When observed from above, the applicator member may present a face that carries
a plurality of rows of teeth, each crossing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member
and extending over a distance that is substantially equal on either side of a mid-plane.
The ramifications may extend in a certain manner on one side of the support
structure, e.g. in rectilinear manner, and in another manner on the opposite side of the
support structure, e.g. in undulating manner.
In some embodiments, the ramifications extend in rectilinear manner over one face
of the support structure, and also in rectilinear manner over the opposite face.
In other embodiments, the ramifications extend in undulating manner over one face
of the support structure, and also in undulating manner over the opposite face of the
support structure.
The applicator may comprise a support structure that is gridded, thereby making it
easier to load with composition, to apply the composition, and to comb the eyelashes or
eyebrows.
8

In some embodiments in which the support structure is an open-work structure, in
particular is a gridded structure, the support structure act as a mixer in a receptacle, so as
to homogenize the composition before application, for example.
The teeth extending outwards from a first face of the support structure may extend
from a first set of ramifications, and the teeth extending outwards from a second face of
the support structure, opposite from the first, may extend from a second set of
ramifications.
The applicator may comprise ramifications that intersect when observed from
above. The ramifications may optionally intersect in regular manner.
The ramifications of the first set and the ramifications of the second set may be
disposed at different heights relative to a geometrical mid-surface of the support structure.
The ramifications of the first set may extend on a first side of the support structure,
and the ramifications of the second set may extend on another side of the support structure
that is opposite from the first side, for example.
Some or all of the ramifications of the first set may extend parallel to one another.
Some or all of the ramifications of the second set may also extend parallel to one
another.
The ramifications of the first set may also extend at the same level, relative to a
geometrical mid-surface of the support structure, as the ramifications of the second set.
Some or all of the ramifications of the first set may form a non-zero angle with
some or all of the ramifications of the second set. The angle may lie in the range 10° to
170°, or in the range 20° to 160°, better in the range 30° to 150°, for example.
Free ends of the teeth may define an envelope surface, the envelope surface having,
at at least one point along its length, a cross-section that is convex at least in part, for
9

example. In a variant or in addition, a cross section of the envelope surface may also be
concave or plane at least in part.
The free ends of the teeth may define an envelope surface that is adapted to engage
the eyelashes in satisfactory manner, and that makes it easier to comb and separate the
eyelashes or eyebrows.
In particular, the eyelashes may be engaged between a plurality of teeth of a
plurality of rows while the composition is being applied.
As a function of the length of the teeth and of the disposition of the rows, the shape
of the envelope surface may vary, thereby making it possible, where appropriate, to create
portions in relief that enable the eyelashes to be combed with a plurality of rows in a
slanting movement.
The free ends of the teeth of two different ramifications, in particular of two
adjacent ramifications, may define respective curved lines for each of the ramifications,
the two curved lines each having a high point that is furthest away from a geometrical
mid-surface of the support structure, where said geometrical mid-surface intersects said
support structure mid-way through its thickness, the two high points being situated
differently from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
The free ends of the teeth of three different ramifications, in particular of three
consecutive ramifications, may define respective curved lines for each of the
ramifications, the three curved lines each having a high point that is furthest away from a
geometrical mid-surface of the support structure, the three high points not being in
alignment.
At least one row, better at least the three above-mentioned rows, still better most of
the rows or all of the rows of one face, may comprise at least four teeth, with the number
of teeth lying in the range 4 to 25, for example. Teeth may have a height that lies in the
range 1 mm to 12 mm, or in the range 2 mm to 8 mm, better in the range 3 mm to 6 mm.
The distance between two teeth of one row may be shorter than the distance between the
axes of two adjacent rows.
10

The height of the teeth may decrease at the ends of at least one row of teeth, or at
the ends of each row. This makes application more progressive and/or makes it easier to
pass through a wiper member.
The height of the teeth may decrease at the proximal and distal ends of the support
structure when the applicator is observed from the side.
The envelope surface of the applicator may present a convex longitudinal section
when the applicator is observed from the side.
At least one open-work cavity, e.g. at least every other open-work cavity, need not
have teeth extending over said open-work cavity.
At least one tooth may extend, from the corresponding ramification, in a direction
that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
When the support structure presents a shape that is flat in a plane, a plurality of
teeth may extend perpendicularly to said plane.
At least one tooth may extend, from the corresponding ramification, in a direction
that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support structure. At least one
tooth may form an angle with the corresponding ramification that is less than 90°.
The applicator may comprise teeth that are disposed in parallel rows, and the axis
along which at least one row of teeth extends may optionally be rectilinear, in particular
curvilinear, e.g. outwardly concave or convex.
The axis of at least one row of teeth may be sinuous. The axis of a row of teeth is
thus defined by the line that passes through the centers of the bases of the teeth.
The applicator may comprise at least two teeth of different shapes that extend from
a single ramification or from two different ramifications, for example.
11

The applicator may include teeth that extend from a main support of the support
structure, from which the ramification(s) extend.
At least a plurality of consecutive teeth of a row may be disposed in a staggered
configuration, or in some other configuration, on the corresponding ramification.
A plurality of consecutive teeth of a row may extend, at least in part, in alternation
on either side of a geometrical dividing surface, being offset on either side of said surface.
At least two teeth of a row may present touching or spaced-apart bases. At least
two consecutive teeth of a row may form between them a V-shaped groove when the
applicator is observed along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the
row, or, in a variant, that is substantially parallel to the axis of the row.
The configuration of the teeth could be selected as a function of the makeup effect
to be achieved, e.g. made up to a heavier or lighter extent.
At least three teeth of a row may optionally be evenly spaced along the axis of said
row.
The applicator may comprise at least a first row of teeth, and a second row of teeth,
the first row comprising at least three teeth following one another at a first spacing, and
the second row comprising at least three teeth following one another at a second spacing.
The first spacing may be equal to the second spacing, or it may be different
therefrom. The first and second rows may be carried by the same ramification or by two
different ramifications.
The teeth may present various shapes, in particular they may be elongate in shape,
e.g. a peg shape that is cylindrical of optionally-circular cross section, conical,
frustoconical, or pyramidal, of optionally rectilinear longitudinal axis. Teeth may present
rounded free ends. Teeth may be generally flat in shape, with an elongate cross-section
along a long axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
ramification that carries the teeth under consideration, for example.
12

By way of example, in cross-section, the teeth present a long transverse dimension
that is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, better greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, being
different from flocking bristles. For example, when the teeth are cylindrical pegs, their
diameter may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.
The applicator may comprise teeth that are made of the same material as the
support structure, in particular of the same material as the ramifications and/or of the main
support.
The main support, the ramifications, and the teeth may be made as a single piece
by molding, by injection molding, or in some other way.
The applicator may comprise at least one tooth that is made of a material that is
different from the material of the support structure.
By way of example, the teeth may be made by injection molding onto the support
structure a material that is different from the material of the support structure, e.g. a
material of different flexibility.
The main support and/or at least one ramification and/or the teeth may be made
entirely out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide
(PA), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE), this list not being
limiting.
The main support and/or at least one ramification and/or the teeth may be made
entirely of a flexible or elastomer material, in particular a silicone rubber, or a nitrile
rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), latex, or butyl rubber; or a thermoplastic
elastomer, SANTOPRENE®, in particular with copolymers of terephthalate, butene, and
stratified polytetramethyleneoxide glycol; Hytrel®, with block amide polyethers; Pebax®;
this list not being limiting.
13

The support structure and/or the teeth may include magnetic or magnetizable
particles.
The main support and the ramifications may be made as a single piece by molding
thermoplastic material.
The applicator may comprise a stem to which there is fastened the support
structure, in particular the main support.
The support structure may be fitted onto the stem, or, in a variant, it may be made
integrally with the stem. It may be molded with the stem or overmolded onto the stem in a
different material.
A thickness of the support structure, measured in side view, may be less than or
equal to a greatest transverse dimension of the stem.
The stem may be connected, at its end remote from the support structure, to a
closure cap for closing, in leaktight manner, a receptacle containing the composition for
application. The stem may comprise at least one elastically-deformable flexible portion,
thereby making it possible to modify the orientation of the applicator member relative to
the closure cap, for example.
The stem may present a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis
of the support structure. In a variant, the support structure may present a longitudinal axis
that is parallel to, but offset from, the axis of the stem, or that forms a non-zero angle
therewith.
The stem may comprise a narrowing, e.g. a narrowing that comes to be positioned
at the wiper member when the applicator is in place on the associated receptacle.
In another of its aspects, and independently or in combination with the above, the
invention also provides an applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the
eyebrows, the applicator comprising:
14

• an open-work support structure of shape that is generally flat and elongate along a
longitudinal axis, and that defines first and second opposite main faces;
• at least three rows of teeth extending from the first main face, with each row
comprising at least three teeth, the rows extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal
axis and being spaced apart along the longitudinal axis; and
• at least three rows of teeth extending from the second main face, with each row
comprising at least three teeth, the rows being spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.
The rows of the first face may be superposed on the rows of the second face when
the support structure is observed from above, in a direction that is perpendicular to the
main faces.
In a variant, the axes of the rows of the first face cross over the axes of rows of the
second face when the support structure is observed from above.
In another of its aspects, and independently or in combination with the above, the
invention also provides an applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the
eyebrows, the applicator comprising:
• an applicator member that is elongate along a longitudinal axis, and that presents
a generally flat cross-section; and
• at least five teeth, better at least 100 teeth, disposed on at least one face of the
applicator member, preferably with the teeth at a density that is greater than or equal to ten
teeth per cm2, better greater than or equal to 20 teeth per cm2, still better greater than or
equal to any integer lying in the range 10 to 100 teeth per cm2.
The applicator member may comprise a support structure, carrying the teeth, that
optionally has open-work cavities passing therethough, the open-work cavities possibly
being distributed substantially uniformly over the applicator, e.g. with the number of open-
work cavities and/or the density of open-work cavities being as mentioned above. The
open-work cavities may be distributed regularly.
15

The applicator member may comprise teeth that extend from a single face or from
two opposite faces.
The teeth may be disposed in rows, e.g. in rows that are parallel to one another, and
that preferably extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member
that they may pass through when the applicator is observed from above. The number of
rows is as indicated above, for example.
The height of the teeth may decrease at the ends of at least one row of teeth, or of
each row of teeth.
The height of the teeth may decrease at the proximal and distal ends of the
applicator member when said applicator is observed from the side.
An envelope surface of the applicator member may present a convex longitudinal
section, at least for the portion of the envelope surface defined by the free ends of the
teeth, when the applicator is observed from the side.
An envelope surface of the applicator member may be generally symmetrical about
a mid-plane that contains the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, and that
intersects said applicator member mid-way through its thickness, for example.
In another of its aspects, and independently or in combination with the above, the
invention also provides an applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the
eyebrows, the applicator comprising:
• a stem; and
• an applicator member at one end of the stem, the applicator member comprising a
plurality of rows of teeth extending substantially parallel to one another and obliquely
relative to a longitudinal axis of the applicator member, the rows extending from top to
bottom and from left to right when the applicator member is observed from above with the
stem situated on the right-hand side.
16

The rows of teeth extend from a support structure that is generally flat.
Most of the rows preferably comprise at least three teeth, better at least four teeth.
In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a packaging and applicator
device for a composition comprising makeup or a care product for application to the
eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, the device comprising:
• one of the applicators as defined above; and
• the composition for application to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.
The device may further comprise a receptacle containing said composition.
The receptacle may comprise a wiper member.
The receptacle may be arranged so as to force the composition to flow through
open-work cavities of the applicator member when a manipulator member is actuated.
In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of applying a
composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the method comprising:
• loading one of the applicators as defined above with composition; and
• applying the composition to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.
The applicator member may be loaded with composition in such a manner that its
open-work cavities, if any, are optionally completely filled with composition.
While loading the applicator with composition, said composition may be forced to
flow through the open-work cavities. The composition may also be mixed by means of
the applicator member, where appropriate.
The stem may be subjected to vibration by means of a vibrator, where appropriate.
17

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed
description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying
drawings, which form an integral part of the description, and in which:
• Figure 1 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary longitudinal section of an example of
a packaging and applicator device made in accordance with the invention;
• Figure 2 is a plan view of the applicator member of the Figure 1 device shown in
isolation;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the applicator member;
• Figure 4 is a side view of the applicator member;
• Figure 5 is another perspective view of the applicator member;
• Figure 5a is an end view along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member;
• Figure 6 shows an embodiment detail of the applicator member in Figures 2 to 5a;
• Figure 6a is a perspective view of a variant embodiment;
• Figure 6b is a plan view of the Figure 6a applicator member;
• Figure 7 shows the use of the applicator member in Figures 1 to 6 for making up
the eyelashes;
• Figures 8 to 11 show various shapes, amongst others, for the main support;
• Figures 12 to 17 are cross-sections of various shapes for the envelope surfaces;
• Figure 18 is a diagram showing the possibility of having teeth of height that
varies within a row;
18

• Figure 19 is a plan view of an applicator member constituting a variant
embodiment of the invention;
• Figures 20 to 41 show various configurations for the support structure;
• Figures 42 and 43 show examples of how the teeth can be positioned relative to
the support structure;
• Figure 44 is a side view of an example of a shape for a ramification;
• Figure 45 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary perspective view of a variant
embodiment;
• Figures 46 and 47 are plan views showing variant embodiments of the applicator
member;
• Figure 48 shows how the longitudinal axis of the applicator member can form an
angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem;
• Figure 49 is a side view of a variant embodiment;
• Figure 50 is a plan view of a variant embodiment of an applicator member;
• Figures 51 to 55 show examples of shapes for the teeth;
• Figure 56 shows an example of a device having a variable wiper member;
• Figure 57 is a diagram in axial section showing an example of a wiper member;
and
• Figure 58 shows a variant embodiment of the invention.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
19

The packaging and applicator device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a receptacle 2
containing a composition P for application to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, in
particular makeup, e.g. mascara or a care product, and an applicator 3 for taking the
composition P and for applying it.
In the embodiment under consideration, the receptacle 2 comprises a body 4
provided with a neck 5 in which there is housed a wiper member 6.
The applicator 3 includes a single stem 8 that is connected at one end to a handle 9
that also constitutes a closure cap for closing the receptacle 2 in leaktight manner.
In the embodiment shown, the stem is cylindrical, of constant diameter, but it is not
beyond the ambit of the invention for the stem 8 to include a narrowing, e.g. situated at the
wiper member 6, and in particular at a lip thereof, so as not to deform it during storage
when the receptacle 2 is closed.
The other end of the stem 8 carries an applicator member 10 that is shown in
isolation in Figures 2 to 6 and that is described below.
By way of example, the wiper member 6 is adapted to wipe the stem 8 and the
applicator member 10.
Depending on the shape of the applicator member 10, and on the material from
which it is made, as well as the shape and the kind of wiper member 6, the applicator
member 10 can optionally deform on passing through the wiper member 6.
By way of example, it is possible to select the wiper member 6 as a function of the
quantity of composition that it is desired to keep on the applicator member 10 after it has
been withdrawn from the receptacle 2.
By way of example, both the applicator member 10 and the wiper member 6 can
deform while the applicator 3 is being withdrawn.
20

With reference to Figures 2 to 6, it can be seen that the applicator member 10
includes a support structure comprising a main support 11 and ramifications 20 that are
situated within the main support 11 when the applicator member is observed from above
as in Figure 2.
The main support 11 presents a generally elongate shape along a longitudinal axis
X, which, in the embodiment under consideration, coincides with the longitudinal axis Y
of the stem 8.
In the embodiment under consideration, the main support 11 is in the form of a
frame that presents two lateral sides 11a and 11b that are parallel to the longitudinal axis
X, for example.
The distal portion 15 of the main support preferably tapers, as shown, so as to
make it easier for the applicator member 10 to be returned into the receptacle.
In the embodiment under consideration, the proximal portion 16 of the main
support 11 is connected to an endpiece 17 for fastening to the stem 8 by being inserted into
a housing of said stem, for example. Fastening can be performed by heat-sealing, by snap-
fastening, by force-fitting, by crimping, and/or by adhesive, for example.
The proximal portion 16 of the main support 11 preferably tapers towards the
endpiece 17, so as to make it easier for the applicator member to pass through the wiper
member 6. The endpiece 17 for fastening the support to the stem can be connected to the
flat portion of the support structure via rounded fillets 17a, as can be seen in particular in
Figure 4.
In a variant, the main support 11 is made integrally with the stem 8, e.g. by
molding a plastics material.
By way of example and as shown, the main support 11 presents a generally flat
shape having a maximum thickness e that can be substantially constant over more than
half the length of the support, e.g. over substantially the entire visible length of the
support, as shown.
21

By way of example, the visible length L of the applicator member 10 lies in the
range 10 mm to 40 mm.
In the embodiment under consideration, the ramifications 20 form an open-work
structure.
By way of example, the ramifications 20 comprise a first set of ramifications 21,
and a second set of ramifications 22.
In the embodiment under consideration, each of the ramifications 21 of the first set
extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis X when the applicator member is
observed from above, as in Figure 2, being oriented from right to left and from bottom to
top, for example.
By way of example, the ramifications 22 of the second set are oriented obliquely
relative to the longitudinal axis X in such a manner as to cross over the ramifications 21
when the applicator member 10 is observed from above, the ramifications 21 and 22
forming a grid structure that defines open-work cavities 30 passing through the support
structure.
In the embodiment under consideration, the ramifications 21 are parallel to one
another, forming an angle a that lies in the range 30° to 60° with the axis X, for example,
and they are spaced apart from one another at substantially regular pitch of length n.
By way of example, the ramifications 22 are parallel to one another and are
oriented with an angle (3 relative to the axis X that is equal to the angle a, for example, and
close to 40°, for example.
The above angle values a and β can also apply to the longitudinal axes of the
corresponding rows.
The distance m between two adjacent ramifications 22 is equal to the above-
mentioned distance n.
22

The number of ramifications 21 and 22 and their disposition are such that the open-
work density 30 cm2 lies in the range 2 to 120, for example.
When the applicator member 10 is observed in plan view, as in Figure 2, the width
k of a ramification 21 or 22 lies in the range 0.5 mm to 2 mm, for example.
In the embodiment under consideration, the ramifications 21 extend over the
ramifications 22, as can be seen in Figure 6, thereby making it easier to mold the grid
structure formed in this way and to create cavities that are suitable for retaining the
composition.
By way of example, the ramifications 21 and 22 have a thickness, measured
perpendicularly to the plane in Figure 2, that corresponds substantially to half the
thickness e of the main support 11, the total sum of the respective thicknesses of the
ramifications 21 and 22 not needing to exceed the maximum thickness of the support
structure.
The width w of the main support 11 lies in the range 3 mm to 15 mm, for example.
By way of example, the thickness e is less than a greatest transverse dimension d of
the stem 8, in particular its diameter for a stem of circular section.
At least one of the ramifications 21 and 22 includes a row of teeth 40, the teeth 40
following one another along the longitudinal axis of the ramification in question at a
regular pitch, for example. The distance p measured between the tips of the teeth along
the row lies in the range 0.5 mm to 3 mm, for example.
The axis of a row extending along a ramification 21 or 22 preferably coincides
with the axis of said ramification, but, in a variant, it is possible to have a row extending
along an axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the corresponding
ramification, the angle being less than 30° for example, still better less than 20°, or less
than 10°.
23

In the embodiment shown, all of the ramifications 21 carry a row of teeth and the
same applies for all of the ramifications 22. This is not necessarily so. For example, teeth
could be carried by the ramifications 21 only, with the ramifications 22 not carrying any
teeth.
Still in a variant, the applicator could include only ramifications 21 that are not
connected together other than at their ends.
By way of example, Figures 6a and 6b show a variant embodiment that differs
from the applicator in Figures 1 to 6 by the fact that it does not have ramifications 22
crossing over the ramifications 21.
Teeth 40 extend outwards from the ramifications 21 on a single main face 10a of
the support structure.
The open-work cavities 30 formed between the ramifications 21 have an elongate
shape in this embodiment.
The applicator member 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 includes a first set and a second
set of teeth that extend from opposite main faces 10a and 10b respectively of the support
structure, as can be seen Figure 4.
The distance p between the tips of two consecutive teeth is the same for all of the
rows of teeth of one face, or of both faces, but, in variants not shown, the distance can
vary.
Where appropriate, the teeth of one row can present optionally touching bases.
In the embodiment under consideration, all of the teeth extending from one face of
the support structure extend in a single direction that is perpendicular to a mid-plane of the
support structure, the mid-plane being parallel to the plane in Figure 2.
The height of the teeth 40 can vary as a function of the location of each tooth on
the applicator member.
24

In the embodiment under consideration, the teeth of one row present a height that
decreases towards the ends of the corresponding ramification, as can be seen in Figure 5a.
The height of the teeth can also decrease towards the proximal and distal regions 16 and
15 of the main support 11, as can be seen in Figure 4, thereby making it easier for the
applicator member 10 to pass through the wiper member.
The envelope surface defined by the free ends of the teeth 40 extending along a
face of the support structure can generally be convex about two axes, one being parallel to
the longitudinal axis X, and the other being perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and
parallel to the flat face of the support structure.
The number of teeth 40 on either face of the applicator member can be relatively
high, e.g. lying in the range 40 to 200.
The applicator member 10 can be used after being withdrawn from the receptacle 2
by bringing the teeth 40 of one face into contact with the eyelashes C, as shown in
Figure 7. It can turn out to be advantageous for the orientation of the rows of teeth to be
oblique relative to the longitudinal axis X, and to go from right to left and from bottom to
top, as shown in Figure 7, on the face for coming into contact with the eyelashes, so as to
encourage penetration and combing of the eyelashes.
While the applicator member is in use, an eyelash C can come into contact
simultaneously with teeth belonging to a plurality of consecutive rows.
In an embodiment of the invention, the applicator member 10 includes, on the side
opposite from the face visible in Figure 7, rows of teeth carried by the ramifications 22
that cross over the rows carried by the ramifications 21, such that when the applicator
member is turned through half a turn, and regardless of whether the stem is on the left-
hand or right-hand side, an orientation is obtained for the visible rows that is the same
relative to the eyelashes as the orientation shown in Figure 7, thereby making it possible to
make up both eyes in the same way.
25

However, in a variant embodiment of the invention, the applicator member
includes, on its face opposite from the face visible in Figure 7, rows of teeth that are
superposed on the rows of teeth carried by the ramifications 21 or that have axes that are
parallel thereto.
In this event, when the applicator member 10, is turned over, the orientation of the
rows that come into contact with the eyelashes changes, going from left to right and from
bottom to top. This makes it possible to apply makeup in two different ways, depending
on which face of the applicator member is used.
The support structure, and in particular the main support 11, can be given shapes
other than the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 6, e.g. a shape with opposite sides 11a and 11b
that are not parallel.
By way of example, Figure 8 shows the outline of an applicator member 10 in plan
view, in which the support structure presents an outline that is generally triangular.
In Figure 9, the support structure 11 presents a peanut shape in plan view, with two
opposite concave sides 11a and 11b.
In the embodiment in Figure 10, the sides 11a and 11b are outwardly convex, and
in the embodiment in Figure 11, the support structure is generally kidney-shaped, the sides
11a and 11b being convex and concave respectively.
The main support 11 can also present shapes other than the shapes shown.
Figures 12 to 17 show various envelope surfaces for the applicator member when
observed in cross section in a plane that is transverse to its longitudinal axis.
The envelope surface is defined, at least in part, by the free ends of the teeth, and
where there are no teeth, by the outline of the support structure.
In the embodiment in Figure 12, the envelope surface presents, in cross-section, a
shape that is generally lenticular, in the embodiment in Figure 13 a shape that is generally
26

rectangular, in the embodiment in Figure 14 a shape that is generally peanut-shaped, and
in the embodiment in Figure 15 a shape having different profiles on either side of a mid-
plane M of the support structure. The envelope surface can optionally be symmetrical
about the mid-plane M. In the embodiment in Figure 16, the cross section of the envelope
surface is circular in shape. The applicator member can include an envelope surface that
is cylindrical, or that is spherical, at least in part.
In the embodiment in Figure 17, the applicator member presents teeth on only one
side of the support structure, and the envelope surface of the applicator member presents a
cross section in the shape of a half-moon.
Figure 18 shows the possibility of the rows of teeth presenting heights that vary
along the rows.
By way of example, the heights can vary in such a manner that the high points of
the curves joining the tips of the teeth in each row are situated alternately on opposite
sides of the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 10 when said applicator member
is observed from above.
In particular when the main support 11 is in the form of a frame, as shown in
Figure 19, the ramifications 20 can be connected to said main support at one end only,
with the other end of each ramification being free.
At least some of the ramifications 21 can be connected together, as can be seen in
this figure, by bridges of material that are constituted by other ramifications 22, for
example, which can optionally be connected to the main support 11.
Figure 20 is a diagram showing the possibility of the applicator member 10
including a plurality of ramifications 21 carrying teeth and having substantially the same
orientation relative to the longitudinal axis X, while other ramifications 22 that co-operates
with the ramifications 21 to form a gridded support structure do not have any teeth.
When the support structure presents a gridded shape when observed from above,
the teeth can be carried by a grid of substantially constant thickness.
27

Figure 21 shows ramifications 21 and 22 that present the same thickness and that
form such a grid, having longitudinal axes that intersect, and top and bottom faces at the
same height. The open-work cavities of such a grid can be of various shapes, e.g.
polygonal or circular.
Still in a variant, as shown in Figure 22, the ramifications 21 and 22 can be spaced
apart by a non-zero distance, e.g. a distance that is equal to the thickness of a main support
11 or of any other element of the support structure.
The support structure can carry teeth on one of its faces or on both of its faces. The
teeth can be disposed in parallel rows on one face. On the other face, the teeth can be
disposed along rows having axes that cross over the axes of the rows of the first face or
that are parallel thereto.
Figure 23 is a diagram showing the possibility of the ramifications 21 and the
ramifications 22 being oriented parallel to one another, and obliquely relative to the
longitudinal axis X, the ramifications 22 not necessarily carrying teeth.
Figure 24 shows the possibility of the applicator member including ramifications
20 that are not rectilinear, at least for some of them.
The applicator member can include ramifications 20 that are substantially parallel
to one another and not rectilinear.
All of the ramifications 20 need not be parallel.
Figure 25 shows the possibility of the applicator member including a first set of
ramifications 21 that are parallel to one another, for example, and a second set of
ramifications 22, said ramifications 22 co-operating with the ramifications 21 to form
intersections, the ramifications 21 and 22 not being rectilinear, but extending generally
transversally to the longitudinal axis X, for example, interconnecting the two lateral sides
of the main support 11.
28

By way of example, in the embodiment in Figure 26, ramifications 20 extend
around one another when the applicator member 10 is observed from above, e.g. being
connected together via a ramification 23 that extends substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis X of the applicator member, for example. The ramification 23 can
optionally carry teeth.
In this embodiment, the ramifications 20 carry teeth on one side only, or, in a
variant, on both sides.
In the embodiment in Figure 27, the support structure includes a first set of
ramifications 21 that generally extends along the applicator member, having an undulating
shape with teeth on one side, e.g. the side that is visible when the applicator member is
observed from above, as in Figure 27.
In this embodiment, the support structure can also include a second set of
ramifications 22 that also has an undulating shape and that extends under the ramifications
21, for example, so as to co-operate therewith to form a gridded structure.
The ramifications 22 can carry teeth beside the face of the support structure that is
opposite from the face that is visible in Figure 27.
The ramifications 21 and 22 can be connected at their ends to the proximal and
distal regions 16 and 15 of the main support 11.
The support structure can also include one or more rows of teeth on one face of the
support structure, carried by at least one ramification 21, the second face not necessarily
having any teeth, or possibly including a second row of teeth 40 opposite from the first.
The ramification(s) 21 can extend solely within the support structure, or they can project at
each of their ends out from the main support 11, as shown in Figure 28. In this figure,
only one ramification is shown, for the purpose of clarity of the drawing.
Still in a variant, the support structure can also include one or more central
longitudinal ramifications 25 that do not have any teeth, as shown in Figure 29, and one or
29

more oblique ramifications, with only one of them being shown for the purpose of clarity
of the drawing.
Still in a variant, the support structure can include at least one second ramification
22 on the opposite face, that can have at least one ramification 21 crossing over it, for
example, as shown in Figure 30.
Figure 31 shows an embodiment in which the support structure includes at least
two ramifications 21, each carrying a row of teeth, that do not extend parallel to each
other, and that project by their ends out from the main support 11 of the support structure.
The ramifications 21 can be oriented in opposite directions, as shown.
As shown in Figure 32, a support structure can include a plurality of ramifications
21 each having one end that projects beyond the main support 11, on one side of the
support structure.
As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the main support 11 of the support structure need
not be constituted by a closed frame, but may, for example, comprise two opposite
branches 111a, 111b that are not interconnected at one of their ends.
The support structure can include a single ramification as shown in Figure 33, or a
plurality of ramifications as shown in Figure 34. In Figure 34, the branches 11a and 11b
are curved towards each other at their free ends.
The ramifications 21 of the support structure can also form, within the support
structure, ramifications 21 that extend from a central ramification 25 towards opposite
edges 11a, 1 lb of the main support of the support structure, as shown in Figure 35.
Figure 36 shows another variant in which the support structure includes
ramifications 21 that are disposed in zig-zag on a first face of the support structure, and
opposite ramifications 22 that are also disposed in zig-zag so as to cross over the first
ramifications 21, the ramifications 21 and/or 22 carrying teeth 40.
In a variant, the ramifications 21 and 22 can extend in the same plane.
30

The ramifications 21 and/or 22 can also be curvilinear, as shown in Figure 37, for
example. Each of the ramifications can thus include a curvilinear row of teeth extending,
at least in part, obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis X of the support structure.
The main support 11 of the support structure can also include teeth 45 extending
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the support structure, as shown Figure 38.
At least one curvilinear ramification 21 can also be carried by a main support that
is in the form of a central core, said core being rectilinear as shown in Figure 39, or
curvilinear as shown in Figure 40.
The ramifications 21 and 22 can present similar shapes on each of the faces of the
applicator member, or different shapes.
For example, one of the ramifications 21 and 22 can present a rectilinear shape,
and the other of the ramifications 21 and 22 can present an undulating shape, as shown in
Figure 41. In such an embodiment, the applicator member can include teeth on a single
one of its faces, or, in a variant, on both of its faces.
Naturally, still other forms of ramifications could be envisaged without going
beyond the ambit of the present invention.
In particular, in a variant not shown, the ramifications are formed by the bridges of
material that exist between the holes of a perforated membrane carrying the teeth on at
least one of its faces.
In embodiments of the invention, teeth can be connected to the corresponding
ramification, substantially perpendicularly thereto, the teeth being oriented in a direction
that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a mid-plane for the support
structure, for example.
The teeth need not extend over the open-work cavities when the applicator member
is observed in plan view, as in the embodiment in Figure 2.
31

The teeth can also be made in such a manner as to extend, at least in part, over the
open-work cavities 30 when the applicator member is observed in plan view, as shown
diagrammatically in Figures 42 and 43.
In Figure 42, when the applicator member is observed in plan view, it can be seen
that the teeth 40 can be oriented towards the proximal end or towards the distal end of the
applicator member, for example.
The embodiment in Figure 43 shows the possibility of the teeth associated with
pairs of ramifications being oriented towards one another when the applicator member 10
is observed in plan view.
The teeth belonging to two adjacent ramifications and directed towards one another
need not be interleaved when the applicator member is observed in plan view.
The support structure can present a flat shape in cross-section.
The support structure can be completely flat or it can present a different shape, in
particular curved, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 44. In particular, the support
structure can present a main face 10b that is generally concave, e.g. of curve adapted to the
curve of a set of eyelashes.
Figure 45 shows the possibility of the ramifications 20 presenting a convex shape,
e.g. forming an arch between the opposite lateral sides of the main support 11.
The teeth 40 carried by a ramification that is convex in this way can be oriented
locally along the normal to the ramification.
The free ends of the teeth 40 can describe a curve that can optionally be parallel to
the axis of the ramification.
32

In a variant, the ramifications 22 can be convex with a concave side that is situated
on the same side as that of the ramifications 21, the ramifications 21 and 22 not
necessarily touching other than at the main support 11.
The main support 11 can be other than in the form of a frame, e.g. in the form of a
central core as shown in Figure 46, the ramifications 20 extending on either side of the
main support 11, for example, when the applicator member is observed from above.
In this embodiment of the invention, the ramifications 20 have at least one free
end. This figure does not show all of the teeth 40 that are carried by the ramifications 20,
for the purpose of clarity of the drawing.
Still in this embodiment, all of the ramifications 20 present substantially the same
orientation relative to the longitudinal axis X. By way of example, the applicator member
is made integrally with the stem 8 by molding.
In the variant shown in Figure 47, the main support 11 presents a curved shape
when the applicator member 10 is observed from above. Figure 48 shows the possibility
of the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 10 forming an angle with the
longitudinal axis Y of the stem 8, the angle lying in the range 5° to 50°, for example.
In the variant shown in Figure 49, the support structure includes a proximal portion
that forms an angle with the distal portion.
The proximal portion of the support structure is coaxial with the axis of the stem 8,
for example, and the distal portion forms an angle with the proximal portion, for example,
when the applicator member is observed from the side.
The main support can optionally carry teeth. The embodiment in Figure 2 shows
the possibility of the main support 11 carrying teeth, e.g. on one side, the teeth concerned
being oriented parallel to the other teeth carried by the ramifications.
The main support can also carry teeth over its entire periphery, e.g. teeth disposed
between the end teeth of the rows of teeth carried by the ramifications 21, 22.
33

The main support 11 can also carry teeth that present an orientation other than the
orientation of the teeth carried by the ramifications 20, as shown in Figure 38. For
example, on a lateral outside edge 11a or 11b of the main support, it is possible to provide
a set of teeth, stripes, or any other portion in relief that might be useful during application.
In the embodiment in Figure 50, the main support 11 does not have teeth, the teeth
extending solely on the ramifications.
A row of teeth carried by a ramification can comprise teeth that are optionally
identical. The teeth can be of the same length or of different lengths, and optionally of the
same cross-section, e.g. of the same diameter or of different diameters.
The teeth can present a shape that generally tapers towards their free ends, as
shown in Figure 51.
Over at least a fraction of their length, the teeth can also present a cross section that
is constant, with a rounded end, for example, as shown in Figure 52.
In a variant not shown, each tooth can also include one or more bulges, or indeed a
ball at its free end.
By way of example, the teeth can be deformed while hot.
The teeth can be connected perpendicularly to the ramification, or they can form an
angle γ with said ramification, as shown in Figure 53.
At least a fraction of the teeth can be curved with a curvilinear longitudinal axis, as
shown in Figure 54, the teeth optionally being connected perpendicularly to the
ramification in this event.
A ramification can include a succession of teeth that extend alternately in opposite
directions, as shown in Figure 55, the bases of the teeth being in alignment on the
ramification, for example.
34

In general manner, within any one row, the teeth can be disposed in any of the
ways disclosed in US patent applications Nos. 2002/0020424 A1, 2001/0047808 A1, and
2001/003785 Al, and in US patents Nos. 6 581 610, 6 546 937, 6 539 950, 6 446 637, and
6 412 496.
In order to use the device 1, the user withdraws the applicator 3 from the receptacle
2.
The open-work cavities 30 can optionally be completely filled with composition
depending on the rheology of the composition P, on the kind of wiper member 6, and on
the dimensions of the open-work cavities 30.
It can be advantageous for the open-work cavities 30 to be filled completely with
composition P, since that can enable the eyelashes to be well loaded, and can enable a
relatively large reserve of composition to be constituted, e.g. for making up both eyes.
By way of example, the composition could be applied as shown in Figure 7.
The wiper member 6 can be of any type, and can, for example, include a flexible
lip defining at its bottom end a circular orifice of diameter substantially equal to the
diameter of the stem 8. In a variant, the wiper orifice can present a different diameter
and/or a shape that is not circular.
The wiper member 6 can be made of a plastics material, e.g. of polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nitrile
rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), styrene-isoprene-
styrene (SIS), or styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); a thermoplastic polyester
elastomer such as that known under the trade name HYTREL®, for example; or a
thermoplastic elastomer such as that known under the trade name SANTOPRENE®, for
example; this list not being limiting.
The wiper member 6 also need not be fitted to the neck, but could be molded or
overmolded thereon.
35

Regardless of the applicator member used, the associated wiper member 6 can be
disposed in a receptacle having a body that can comprise two portions 4a and 4b that are
suitable for being displaced relative to each other in such a manner as to cause the
diameter of the opening 90 of the wiper member 6 to vary, as shown in Figure 56.
In the embodiment in Figure 56, the wiper member is deformed by means of an
extension 95 of the neck of the receptacle, but the invention is not limited to a particular
arrangement of the wiper member, nor to its deformability, nor to a particular way of
varying its section through which the applicator member passes.
Figure 57 shows the possibility of the wiper member 6 including an undulating
wiper lip that can be deployed when the applicator member passes therethrough. By way
of example, the undulations 97 are alternately hollow and bulging in the circumferential
direction.
The wiper member could also comprise an opening and at least one slit being
connected to the opening in a grazing manner, and extending over less than a complete
revolution around the axis of the opening.
The wiper member could also be different, and could be in the form of a block of
foam.
Figure 58 shows a variant packaging and applicator device.
The device 100 includes a receptacle comprising a first portion 110 and a second
portion 120 that is suitable for turning relative to the first about an axis of rotation X that
coincides with the longitudinal axis of the device 100 in the embodiment under
consideration, as described in patent application EP-A2-1 584 260, the content of which in
incorporated herein by reference.
The second portion 120 includes an outer portion 175 that includes an externally-
threaded neck 122 on which the closure cap 9 can be screwed.
36

The bottom of the neck 122 is connected to a shoulder 125.
The wiper member 6 rests on the top edge of the neck and presents an annular
holding lip 130 that comes to bear below the shoulder 125.
The wiper member 6 includes a wiper lip 131 that extends inwards, and that, in the
embodiment shown, in the closed position of the device, bears against the stem 8 of the
applicator 3.
The outer portion 175 comprises a generally cylindrical portion 132 that extends
downwards below the shoulder 125 and in register with the closure cap 9.
The cylindrical portion 132 can be internally fluted in such a manner as to make it
easier to hold an inner portion 176 stationary in the outer portion 175, e.g. by clamping in
the cylindrical portion 132.
The inner portion 176 carries a blade 123 in the example under consideration.
The characteristics of the various embodiments could be combined with one
another in embodiments not shown.
The applicator device in Figure 58 can be used with any applicator member made
in accordance with the invention, and in particular with any applicator member described
with reference to Figures 8 to 55.
Where appropriate, the main support can be made with the same thickness as at
least one ramification, and the limit between the main support and at least one ramification
need not be embodied by a sudden transition in the thickness of the support structure.
The applicator member can be made by molding a plastics material or it can be
made in some other way, e.g. by cutting and/or stamping a metal sheet.
Where appropriate, the applicator member can include a plurality of materials, the
teeth being made of a first material, for example, and the ramifications and/or the main
37

support being made of a second material that can be more or less rigid than the material
from which the teeth are formed.
Where appropriate, the applicator member can be subjected, after molding, to an
operation of mechanically treating the teeth, e.g. a grinding action, where appropriate in
contact with a hot or a cold surface, examples of methods of treating teeth being described
in patent applications FR 2 852 500 and FR 2 850 549.
In a variant, the composition could be in the form of a cake, or it could be
contained in a tube.
In all of the embodiments, the applicator could optionally be flocked at least in
part.
When the receptacle includes a wiper member through which the applicator
member is withdrawn, the applicator member can optionally be subjected to vibration
while passing through the wiper member, thereby making it possible to wipe the applicator
member in a way that is different than the way it is wiped when it is not vibrating. By way
of example, the user can thus choose between at least two degrees of wiping the applicator
member, depending on whether or not the applicator member is vibrating while passing
through the wiper member.
The composition can also be applied by means of a device that is used to apply the
composition, the device including: removable fastener means for fastening to at least one
finger, a hand, or a wrist, or being hand held; and a vibration source that makes it possible
to produce vibration.
For some aspects of the invention, the orientation of at least some rows is not
necessarily oblique relative to the longitudinal axis X, and can be perpendicular or parallel
to said axis.
The support structure can thus present teeth on one face or on two opposite faces,
and the support structure can optionally be an open-work structure.
38

The support structure can include teeth at a density that is relatively high, and
open-work cavities at a density that is also relatively high, in particular with the values
indicated above.
By way of example, the support structure includes teeth and open-work cavities in
alternation in at least one direction, this alternation comprising more than four or even
more than five rows, and more than three or even more than four open-work cavities
situated between the rows, for example.
In the embodiments shown in particular in Figures 19 to 41, the ramifications that
carry the teeth and that cross over can be situated at different heights, as in Figure 6 or in
Figure 22, for example, or they can be situated at the same height, as in Figure 21.
Still in a variant, the support structure can include ramifications that do not have
any teeth, having a curve that can follow the curve defined by the ends of the teeth of a
nearby row of teeth, for example. Such ramifications can hide the bases of the teeth of at
least one nearby row of teeth, to some extent.
In a variant not shown, the teeth can be made by cutting a metal sheet. The teeth
can be cut then folded substantially at right angles to the plane of the sheet.
The term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with
"comprising at least one" unless specified to the contrary.
39

WE CLAIM:
1. An applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the
applicator comprising a support structure that is elongate along a longitudinal axis, the
support structure comprising:
• at least one ramification that is within the support structure at least in part, the
support structure being an open-work structure; and/or
• at least one ramification having a free end;
the ramification extending, at least in part, obliquely relative to the longitudinal
axis of the support structure and carrying teeth.
2. An applicator according to claim 1, including at least two rows, each having at least
three teeth, with each tooth extending from a ramification of the support structure on one
face thereof.
3. An applicator according to claim 2, in which the rows of teeth extend obliquely relative
to the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
4. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one open-work cavity of the
support structure extends, at least in part, between two rows of teeth.
5. An applicator according to claim 1, comprising open-work cavities and teeth in
alternation along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
6. An applicator according to claim 5, the open-work cavities and teeth alternating over
more than half the length of the support structure.
7. An applicator according to claim 1, comprising open-work cavities and teeth in
alternation along a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
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8. An applicator according to claim 7, the open-work cavities and teeth alternating over
more than half the width of the support structure.
9. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the support structure defines at least two
open-work cavities.

10. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the support structure defines at least three
open-work cavities.
11. An applicator according to claim 1, the number of open-work cavities comprised in the
applicator in one face of the support structure lying in the range 3 to 100.
12. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one open-work cavity of the
support structure presents a size that enables composition to be retained.
13. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least most of the open-work cavities
present a size that enables composition to be retained.
14. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one open-work cavity presents a
greatest dimension that is less than or equal to 3 mm.
15. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least most of the open-work cavities
present a greatest dimension that is less than or equal to 3 mm.
16. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the support structure comprises a closed
frame that defines, at least in part, an open-work cavity.
17. An applicator according to claim 16, in which, in plan view, the frame has a shape
selected from the following list: triangular, lenticular, kidney-shaped, rectangular, or
peanut shaped.
18. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one ramification includes two
ends that are connected to the remainder of the support structure.
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19. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one ramification is connected to
the remainder of the support structure via a single junction zone.
20. An applicator according to claim 19, in which the junction zone is different from an
end of the ramification.
21. An applicator according to claim 19, in which the junction zone is situated at an end of
the ramification.
22. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the support structure comprises a central
core.
23. An applicator according to claim 1, the total number of teeth comprised in the
applicator lying in the range 40 to 800.
24. An applicator according to claim 1, the number of teeth per cm2 on one face of the
support structure lying in the range 10 to 100.
25. An applicator according to claim 1, the number of ramifications comprised in the
applicator lying in the range about 5 to 50.
26. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one ramification is rectilinear.
27. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one ramification is non-
rectilinear.
28. An applicator according to claim 27, in which at least one non-rectilinear ramification
is curved in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
29. An applicator according to claim 27, in which at least one non-rectilinear ramification
is curved in a plane that does not contain the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
30. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one ramification is convex when
observed along the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
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31. An applicator according to claim 1, in which two adjacent ramifications are spaced
apart at most by a distance lying in the range 0.01 mm to 2 mm.
32. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one ramification extends on either
side of the longitudinal axis of the main support when the applicator is observed from
above.
33. An applicator according to claim 1, the support structure having two opposite main
faces, with teeth extending outwards from a single main face.
34. An applicator according to claim 1, the support structure having two opposite main
faces, with teeth extending outwards from each of the two main faces.
35. An applicator according to claim 1, the support structure presenting a generally flat
shape.
36. An applicator according to claim 34, in which the teeth extending outwards from a first
face of the support structure extend from a first set of ramifications, and the teeth
extending outwards from a second face of the support structure, opposite from the first,
extend from a second set of ramifications.
37. An applicator according to claim 36, in which the ramifications of the first set and the
ramifications of the second set are disposed at different heights relative to the support
structure.
38. An applicator according to claim 36, in which some or all of the ramifications of the
first set and some or all of the ramifications of the second set extend parallel to one
another.
39. An applicator according to claim 36, in which some or all of the ramifications of the
first set and some or all of the ramifications of the second set form a non-zero angle
between them.
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40. An applicator according to claim 39, in which the non-zero angle lies in the range 10°
to 170.
41. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the free ends of the teeth define an
envelope surface, the envelope surface having, at at least one point along its length, a
cross-section that is convex at least in part.
42. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the free ends of the teeth of two different
ramifications define respective curved lines for each of the ramifications, the two curved
lines each having a high point that is furthest away from a geometrical mid-surface of the
support structure, the two high points being situated differently from each other relative to
the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
43. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the free ends of the teeth of three
different ramifications define respective curved lines for each of the ramifications, the
three curved lines each having a high point that is furthest away from a geometrical mid-
surface of the support structure, the three high points not being in alignment.
44. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one row comprises at least four
teeth.
45. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the teeth have a height that lies in the
range 1 mm to 12 mm.
46. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the height of the teeth decreases at the
ends of at least one row of teeth.
47. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the height of the teeth decreases at the
proximal and distal ends of the support structure when the applicator is observed from the
side.
48. An applicator according to claim 1, in which an envelope surface of the applicator
presents a convex longitudinal section when the applicator is observed from the side.
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49. An applicator according to claim 1, in which at least one open-work cavity does not
have teeth extending over said open-work cavity.
50. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the teeth are disposed in parallel rows.
51. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the axis along which at least one row of
teeth extends is rectilinear.
52. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the axis along which at least one row of
teeth extends is curvilinear.
53. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the teeth are made of the same material as
the support structure.
54. An applicator according to claim 1, in which the teeth are made by injection molding
onto the support structure a material that is different from the material of the support
structure.
55. An applicator according to claim 1, comprising a stem to which the support structure is
fastened.
56. An applicator according to claim 55, in which a thickness of the support structure,
measured in side view, is less than or equal to a greatest transverse dimension of the stem.
57. An applicator according to claim 55, in which the stem is connected, at its end remote
from the support structure, to a closure cap for closing, in leaktight manner, a receptacle
containing the composition for application.
58. An applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the
applicator comprising:
• an open-work support structure of shape that is generally flat and elongate along a
longitudinal axis, and that defines first and second opposite main faces;
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• at least three rows of teeth extending from the first main face, with each row
comprising at least three teeth, the rows extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal
axis and being spaced apart along the longitudinal axis; and
• at least three rows of teeth extending from the second main face, with each row
including at least three teeth, the rows being spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.

59. An applicator according to claim 58, said rows of the first face being superposed on
the rows of the second face when the support structure is observed from above, in a
direction that is perpendicular to the main faces.
60. An applicator according to claim 58, the axes of the rows of the first face crossing over
the axes of rows of the second face when the support structure is observed from above.
61. An applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the
applicator comprising:

• an applicator member that is elongate along a longitudinal axis, and that presents
a generally flat cross-section; and
• at least five teeth disposed on at least one face of the applicator member.
62. A packaging and applicator device for a composition comprising makeup or a care
product for application to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the device comprising:
• an applicator as defined in claim 1; and
• the composition for application to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.
63. A method of applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the method
comprising:
• loading the applicator as defined in claim 1 with composition; and
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• applying the composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.
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64. A method according to claim 63, in which the applicator is loaded with composition in
such a manner that its open-work cavities are completely filled with composition.
65. A method according to claim 63, in which, while loading the applicator with
composition, said composition is forced to flow through the open-work cavities.

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including a support structure that is elongate along a longitudinal axis, the support structure including: at least one ramification that is within the support structure at least in part, the support structure being an open-work structure; and/or at least one ramification having a free end; the ramification extending, at least in part, obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and carrying teeth.