Applicator Device for Applying a Liquid, and the Use of Such a Device

Abstract

An applicator device for applying a liquid, the device comprising a stem terminated by a liquid applicator head that is flexible and smooth, in the form of a loop.

1 . An applicator device for applying a liquid, the device comprising a stem terminated by an applicator head in the form of a loop and having a smooth surface, 
 wherein at least the applicator head is made of a flexible material presenting a modulus of elasticity less than or equal to 300 MPa at 20° C.    
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the stem is made of a material presenting a modulus of elasticity that is greater than or equal to 300 MPa at 20° C.  
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 2 , in which the stem is made of a material presenting a modulus of elasticity lying in the range 500 MPa to 1200 MPa, preferably in the range 900 MPa to 1100 MPa, at 20° C.  
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the stem is made of a material different from that of the applicator head.  
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the stem is made of the same material as the applicator head and is made integrally with said applicator head.  
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the applicator head comprises a ring of material surrounding an empty inside space, the ring of material presenting a thickness lying in the range 1 mm to 3 mm, and the empty inside space presenting dimensions lying in the range 3 mm to 6 mm parallel to the stem and perpendicular to said stem.  
   
   
       7 . A device according to  claim 6 , in which the ring of material presents a general shape that is substantially circular.  
   
   
       8 . A device according to  claim 6 , in which the ring of material presents a general shape that is elongate, in particular oval.  
   
   
       9 . A device according to  claim 6 , in which the ring of material is substantially plane.  
   
   
       10 . A device according to  claim 6 , in which the ring of material defines a curved surface.  
   
   
       11 . A device according to  claim 6 , in which the ring of material presents a circular section.  
   
   
       12 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the applicator head is made of a synthetic material based on silicone.  
   
   
       13 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the stem is made of a synthetic material based on polyethylene, or on polypropylene, or on polyoxymethylene, and mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       14 . A device according to  claim 1 , further including a reservoir containing the liquid for application and closed by a stopper, in an arrangement such that for the stem secured to the stopper, the applicator head dips in the liquid for application when said stopper closes the reservoir.  
   
   
       15 . The use of an applicator device according to  claim 1 , to apply a liquid cosmetic to the surface of the human body, in particular to the skin or to the mucous membrane of the lips.  
   
   
       16 . A use according to  claim 15 , for applying a liquid cosmetic having viscosity lying in the range 20 Pa.s to 10,000 Pa.s, and in particular in the range 20 Pa.s to 1000 Pa.s, at 25° C.  
   
   
       17 . A use according to  claim 16 , in which said cosmetic is a lipstick.  
   
   
       18 . A method of making up the lips, wherein a lipstick is applied to the surface of the lips, the lipstick having viscosity lying in the range 20 Pa.s to 10,000 Pa.s, and preferably in the range 20 Pa.s to 1000 Pa.s at 25° C., the lipstick being applied by using a device according to  claim 1.