MXPA00007115A - Device for storing and applying a product to eyelashes or eyebrows - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator has a casing (11) containing a cosmetic reservoir (P) and an applicator brush. The brush head has a row of teeth (15a,b) positioned alternatingly on two opposite sides of the brush rod (16). Gaps can be formed between the teeth.

Description

APPLICATOR SYSTEM DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to applicators, and methods for using such applicators, to apply a product. In particular, the present invention is directed to an applicator for the application of a product, such as a cosmetic product for example, to eyelashes or eyebrows. The invention also relates to an applicator system that includes the applicator and the container for containing the product to be applied. The applicators include a comb that has a single row of teeth aligned along a straight line and have been used to apply "a makeup product." In order to form product deposits which allow a conventional applicator to be used without Having to reload the makeup product in the applicator too frequently, the teeth are typically very widely separated from each other.The separation between two consecutive teeth is generally significantly greater than the diameter of a flange.This configuration has the drawback of not allowing that the eyelashes are held very well by the comb.Therefore, these conventional applicators are not able to adequately standardize the REF.121819 product deposited on the surface of the eyelashes and are not able to lengthen and curl the lashes satisfactorily. In addition, these conventional comb-like applicators are often not suitable for applying pasty or relatively low viscosity products. DE-A-25 59 273 describes a brush comprising rows of bristles connected to a support. The bristles of each row have separate portions very widely connected to the support and located alternately on each side of a central line. The application EP-AO 474 934 describes a brush including several rows of radially oriented elements, the rows are offset axially with respect to each other. In one aspect of the present invention, an applicator is provided for applying a product, for example a make-up product to the eyelashes, which is capable of satisfactorily holding the eyelashes and at the same time maintaining very large deposits of product in the applicator. Preferably, this is obtained by providing an applicator having an application element that includes at least one row of teeth alternately arranged on opposite sides of a central core. The central core that is provided in the applicator of the present invention tends to act as a frame and, in some embodiments, can hold the teeth in the application element. The application element according to the invention can make it possible to form product deposits between the teeth and at the same time allow the product deposited on the tabs to be uniform and the tabs to be held, lengthened and / or separated by the teeth. By altering the geometric configuration of the teeth, such as the separation of the teeth for example, it is possible to modify the amount of product retained by the application element and thereby alter the application effects of the application element in terms of uniformity of the product and separate and lengthen the lashes. The geometrical configuration of the teeth, and especially the spacing between consecutive teeth, also allows fibers that may be contained in the product to be substantially aligned so that they are substantially parallel with the flanges when the product is applied. A further aspect of the invention includes an applicator as defined herein to apply makeup to the eyelashes which obtains the advantages of holding, curling, lengthening, separating and / or loading the eyelashes. In an embodiment according to the invention, two consecutive teeth form an interstice between them which allows the tabs to reach the core. As an alternative, two consecutive teeth have roots that are substantially contiguous or that overlap, therefore avoids that the eyelashes move freely between the roots or reach the r-core. In this last mode, the upper porcior.es of the customers form a substantially substantial interstice in the form of a notch, where the notch is formed at a distance from the core. The foi s of the notches may be, for example, at a distance greater than or equal to about 0.2 rrm of the core. This notch is capable of holding the eyelashes to promote the lengthening or curling of the eyelashes during the application of the product. The term "substantially contiguous roots" coo is used throughout this application, it should be understood that it means that the roots of the consecutive teeth do not necessarily overlap when viewed from one side of the application element, but are sufficiently close to avoid them. the free movement of the tabs between the roots when the flange is inserted between consecutive teeth in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the application element. In other words, it is prevented that the flange moves freely between substantially contiguous roots by leaving the application element contacting the flanges substantially transversely. One could also prevent the flange from passing substantially between the contiguous portions of the consecutive teeth. In another aspect of the invention, the teeth extend over substantially the entire height of the core of the application element. This is made possible by the fact that the teeth are on substantially opposite sides of a central core.

In a preferred embodiment, the envelope, ie, the outer peripheral surface of the application element essentially forms a substantially cylindrical surface, whose directrix is a curve formed, for example, by the coincidence of a semicircle in the bottom and an inverted V in the upper part (that is, a teardrop shape). The cross section of the core may represent less than half the total cross section of the applicator element. Two teeth located on the same side of the core can be disposed between them, and their lower parts, with a groove configured to maintain a product deposit in which the flange comes into contact during the application. Therefore, not only the upper portion of the teeth but also their lower portions or roots, which are connected to the core, can be used to maintain and apply the product. In a preferred embodiment, the slot extends at least partially in the core of the application element. By diverting the teeth, the teeth can be placed on each of the opposite sides of the core with a relatively wide spacing between adjacent teeth on the same side, without the application element losing its ability to hold or retain the eyelashes.

To the extent that it is removed from the container, and through a brush or cleaner which can be placed in the container, the product is contained in the cavities, that is, they form volumes between the teeth. The quantity of product with the. which the application element is loaded therefore can be very constant from one application to the next. According to another aspect of the invention, the teeth are deeper than wide, and the depth is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and the width parallel to the axis of the core. This allows the teeth "show good mechanical strength to resist the forces exerted by the tabs during application, therefore, it is possible to use the application element to apply a product that probably dries relatively quickly." Preferably, the ratio b / e where b is the depth of the root of a tooth and is the width of the tooth, is greater than or equal to about 1.2, and more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.4.The teeth may have a variable depth according to the position The teeth can have a depth which increases, decreases, increases and then decreases, or vice versa, from one end of the application element to the other.

The application element can be produced at a relatively low cost by molding, preferably using plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the teeth are produced by molding plastic as a single piece with the core. The application element may include a part attached to one end of an applicator rod and with a sealing member designed to seal the closed container when it is not used. This sealing member preferably has a shaped surface to be sealed in the neck of the container. Alternatively, a sealing member may be provided on a stage which is placed at one end of the rod opposite the application element. The lid is therefore configured to seal sealable and open the container. The teeth are preferably arranged alternately on each side of a geometric separation surface which may be a plane, such as a middle plane, of the core for example. These geometric separation surfaces preferably form a dividing line for molding the application element. The geometric separation surface alternatively can be a cylindrical surface, whose directrix is a curve or broken line. The geometric separation surface can also be non-planar, for example crooked. The geometric separation surface can therefore be a helical surface, for example. The teeth may have a top extending without contact with the adjacent teeth over a relatively short height from their free end for example over a height which is less than half their total height. The ratio b / c, where b represents the depth of the root of a tooth and c represents the separation or space between two teeth placed on the same side of the geometric separation surface, preferably is greater than or equal to about 1.2, and even more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.4. A separation relationship between the adjacent teeth on the same side of the core and the width of the teeth, both measured in portions of the teeth above the upper surface of the core (preferably in a middle portion of the teeth), is found approximately between 0.2 and 2, for example. The application element can be made of a more flexible plastic than one used to manufacture the applicator rod. For example, an elastomer may be used to make the application element, thereby providing greater comfort in use. Alternatively, the rod can be made of a plastic which is more flexible than the material used to make the application element. Therefore, it is possible for manufacturing reasons, to use a relatively inflexible material to make the application element and to compensate for the inflexibility of the application element, at the time of application, with the flexibility of the rod. The application element can include two parts joined by a film joint. The teeth may have front and / or rear faces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, ie, oriented to the ends of the core, placed at an angle that is acute to, obtuse a, or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. The application element may include a first series of teeth, the front and / or rear faces of which are inclined with respect to the axis of the core, and a second series of teeth, the front and / or rear faces of which are inclined in a different manner to the front teeth. teeth of the first series with respect to the axis of the core, the teeth of the first series and those of the second series are arranged alternately, at least partially on each side of the geometric separation surface. The teeth may include an upper portion that extends from the roots and that has substantially the same axis as its roots. Alternatively, the upper portion need not have substantially the same axis as the root. The upper portions, such as the free ends, can be directed, respectively, forward and backward. Alternatively, the teeth may include upper portions, such as free ends directed outward (i.e., away from one another when viewed along the teeth of the application element), when the application element is viewed from the front of. The teeth may also include upper portions, such as the free ends of the teeth (i.e., one toward the other when viewed along the length of the application element), directed inward when the application element is viewed from the front part. In still another embodiment of the invention, when the application element is viewed from the front along its longitudinal axis, two consecutive teeth have free ends diverging away from each other. As an alternative, when the application element is observed along its longitudinal axis, two consecutive teeth have their free ends converging towards each other. In another additional alternative, when the application element is observed along its longitudinal axis, two consecutive teeth have free ends that cross each other or that are substantially parallel. Therefore, the free ends of the teeth can point in the same direction. When the application element is observed along its axis, at least three consecutive teeth may have free ends aligned with each other. In addition, the application element may include a plurality of consecutive teeth with a combination of consecutive teeth having diverging, converging, intersecting or substantially intersecting free ends. Two consecutive teeth can be superimposed on each other, especially at their roots, when the application element is observed from one side. The application element may include a first series of teeth located on one side of a geometric separation surface and a second series of teeth located on the other side of this geometric separation surface, alternating with the teeth of the first series, the teeth of the first series have their face concave or convex, front or rear, that is, the faces oriented towards the opposite ends of the application element, oriented either forward or backward, and the teeth of the second series having a face concave or convex front or rear, facing forward or backward. Alternatively, the application element may include a first series of teeth located on one side of the geometric separation surface and a second series of teeth located on an opposite side of this geometric separation surface, alternating with the teeth in the first series. The teeth in the first series have concave or convex front or rear faces either forward or backward, and the teeth of the second series have a flat back or front face. Each of the teeth preferably has a height ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm, and more preferably ranging from about 7 mm to about 13 mm. The height of the teeth may differ from each other. For example, the height of the teeth may vary with the axial position. Therefore, the height of the teeth can be increased, decreased, increased and then decreased or decreased and then increased, or any combination thereof, from one end of the application element to the other. The application element can have only one row of teeth, essentially forming a comb. Alternatively, the application element may include several rows of teeth, essentially forming a brush. A corresponding core is associated with each row of teeth in such a brush configuration. The teeth can be produced by molding plastic with a base having a polygonal or non-polygonal cross section and the application element can include at least one row of teeth and a corresponding core extending substantially in the continuation of one side of the tooth. base in the case of a polygonal section of the roots of which are connected to the base in a substantially tangential manner in the case of a section that is not a polygon, for example elliptical or circular. An application element having such a configuration may allow the base to be used to apply the product and create a gradual contact between the flanges and the teeth. This application element can improve the curling of the eyelashes. The core may have a height or thickness that varies according to the axial position along the comb or brush. Another aspect of the invention includes an applicator for applying a product to the flanges comprising a rod and an application element positioned on one end of the rod. The application element includes a core having oriented or substantially opposite sides, a plurality of teeth alternately positioned on substantially opposite oriented sides of the core, and at least one slot located between two adjacent teeth placed on the same side of the core. At least a portion of the slot extends into the core. A portion of the slot can also be defined by the adjacent teeth. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of slots are provided on one or both opposed facing sides.

The core may include a series of peaks and valleys and the groove may correspond essentially to a valley. Preferably, the groove is a substantially V-shaped groove that opens toward an upper surface of the core. Alternatively, the V-shaped groove can be opened towards a lower surface of the core. The slot is preferably configured to hold the product to be applied. In a preferred embodiment, three consecutive teeth define at least part of a volume configured to maintain the product to be applied. The slot is in fluid communication with the volume. The volume can also be defined by a portion of the core. Root portions of adjacent teeth can be connected together or separated from one another. In still another aspect of the invention, an applicator for applying a product to the flanges includes a rod and an application element positioned on one end of the rod. The application element includes a core having substantially opposite facing sides, a plurality of teeth alternately positioned on substantially opposite facing sides, and at least one volume defined by three consecutive teeth and a portion of the core. The volume is configured to maintain the product to be applied with the application element and at least a portion of the volume is opened to allow the tabs to have access to the product contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, there is a plurality of consecutive volumes and volumes oriented alternately in opposite directions. The application element may further include a groove formed in one side of the core and the groove may be in fluid communication with the volume defined by three consecutive teeth. The three consecutive teeth include two teeth on a first side of the nucleus, and a tooth on a second side of the nucleus. The volume is defined by a space between the teeth on the first side of the core. The tooth on the second side of the core can be placed along the length of the core at a position between the positions of the two teeth on the first side of the core so that the volume extends in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the core. core between the two teeth on the first side, and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis between the tooth on the second side, and the two teeth on the first side. In another aspect, the invention includes an applicator comprising a rod and an application element placed on the end of the rod. The application element includes a core having substantially opposite facing side surface portions that extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. The application element further includes a plurality of teeth alternately disposed on substantially opposed facing side surface portions of the core so that at least a portion of each of the teeth on one side of the core is placed between at least a portion of a pair of respective teeth on the opposite side of the core when the application element is viewed from one side. The upper face of the core is preferably positioned intermediate the lower end and a free end of each of the teeth, and the teeth cover at least part of the opposite facing side surface portions of the core. The core may have a curved longitudinal axis.

The core may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length, or a cross-sectional shape that varies along its length. The teeth are placed in a row having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. Preferably, three consecutive teeth define a volume to contain the product to be applied. Another aspect of the invention includes an applicator for applying a product to the flanges comprising a rod and an application element positioned on one end of the rod. The application element includes a core having facing sides substantially opposite in a plurality of consecutive teeth alternately positioned on substantially opposite sides of the core at substantially different positions along a length of the core. Preferably, at least a portion of each of the teeth positioned on one side of the core are placed between at least a portion of a pair of respective teeth placed on the opposite side of the core when the application element is viewed from the side. The width of each tooth is less than a separation between two adjacent teeth on the same side of the core, where the width and the space are measured in a portion of the length of the teeth extending above the core, preferably in a middle portion of the teeth. A gap can be formed between consecutive teeth when the. Application element is observed from the side. The gap can be configured so that the tabs entering the gap are able to reach the core or avoid reaching the core. In addition, three consecutive teeth can define a volume configured to contain the product. A portion of volume can be opened to allow the tabs to make contact with the product contained in volume. A portion of the volume preferably opens substantially on one side of the core where two of the three consecutive teeth are placed and closed substantially on one side of the core where one of the three consecutive teeth, located intermediate to the two teeth, is placed. The teeth of the application element can have various configurations such as, for example, curved or flat faces, oriented towards each other (when the application element is observed along its length), and oriented away from each other ( when the application element is observed along its length), or a tapered configuration from a root portion to the free end. Other configurations for the teeth are also contemplated and considered within the scope of the invention. Another aspect of the invention includes providing a system comprising any of the applicators described above and a package containing the product. The package may also include a brush, preferably a deformable brush chosen from an open cell foam block and an elastomeric lip. Other aspects of the invention include a method for applying a product to the eyelashes, comprising providing the systems or applicators described above, loading a product onto at least part of the applicator teeth, and placing at least one of the teeth in contact with the eyelashes so that the product covers the eyelashes. Loading may include inserting the applicator into a container containing the product and removing the applicator from the container and cleaning the excess product from the teeth. Alternatively, loading may include delivering the product from the container onto the teeth or contacting the teeth with a solid product cake. Preferably, this latter type of filler also includes moistening the solid cake of product. Wetting may include moistening the teeth. The method also includes holding the eyelashes between adjacent teeth. Another aspect of the method according to the invention includes connecting an application element to a rod, the teeth are placed on the application element. Before connecting the application element, one or a plurality of application elements having teeth with various configurations can be selected to connect them to the rod. The application element of the various applicators described above may further include a base portion on which the core and the teeth are placed. Preferably, the applicators, systems and methods of the present invention are used to apply a cosmetic product, eg, mascara, to the eyelashes, however, other products can also be used and applied to other surfaces. In addition to the structural and procedural arrangements established above, the invention may include numbers other arrangements, such as those explained in the following. It should be understood that both the foregoing description and the following description are exemplary and are intended to provide a further explanation of the invention as claimed. The appended drawings are included to provide a broader understanding of the invention and are incorporated herein and are a part of this specification. The drawings illustrating embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of an applicator inserted in a package containing product to be applied, in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of an applicator system wherein the brush is in the form of an elastomeric lip according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a partial side view of the applicator element of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of an applicator according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 4 is a top view of the applicator of Figure 3, showing grooves and volume; Figure 5 is a partial side view of an applicator according to another additional aspect of the invention; Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of an applicator according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a brush applicator according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a brush applicator according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of two consecutive teeth, according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of two consecutive teeth, according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of two consecutive teeth according to another additional aspect of the invention; Figure 12 is a top perspective view of an applicator according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 13 is a side perspective view of an applicator according to a further aspect of the invention; Figure 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an applicator system according to the present invention, wherein the product to be applied is supplied on the application member from a flexible tubular container; Figure 15 is a perspective view of another additional embodiment of an applicator system according to the present invention, wherein the product to be applied is in the form of a cake or powder; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an applicator according to another aspect of the invention, wherein the distal end of the application member includes a substantially pointed end; Figure 17 is a perspective view of an applicator having an application element having a longitudinal axis directed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the applicator rod, wherein the application element is insertable into a housing formed in a portion of the distal end of the applicator rod; Figure 17A is a partially close perspective view showing the application element before insertion into the housing of the applicator rod; Figure 18 is a perspective view of an applicator wherein the applicator element removably engages with the distal end portion of the stem, according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of an applicator device similar to that shown in Figure 17, except that in which the application element is formed as a single piece of construction with the rod; Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having a core and teeth positioned on a base portion of an application element, in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 21 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device similar to that shown in Figure 20, wherein the teeth are coated with small fibers; Fig. 22 is a partial perspective view of an application element, wherein the teeth are positioned so as to cover only a portion of the height of the core, in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Fig. 23 is a partial perspective view of an application element where the teeth are positioned so as to cover the entire height of the core, according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of an application element, wherein the teeth are positioned so that the end of the teeth are in the same plane with the lower part of the core, according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 25 is a partial perspective view of an application element where the teeth are placed on opposite sides of a T-shaped core, according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 26 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device according to the invention, wherein the teeth and the core are placed on a base of the application element, and the teeth have a conical shape; Figure 27 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device similar to the applicator device shown in Figure 26, wherein the teeth have hollow portions; Figure 28 is a perspective view of three consecutive teeth of Figure 24 showing the access of a flange to the product contained in a volume formed between the teeth in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Fig. 29 is a partial perspective view of an applicator according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 30 is a partial perspective view of an applicator according to another additional aspect of the invention; Figure 31 is a partial perspective view of an applicator according to another additional aspect of the invention; Figure 32 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device having a flexible application element, in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 33 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device according to an aspect of the invention; and Figure 34 is a partial perspective view of an applicator device according to a further aspect of the invention. The applicator system 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a container 11 containing a product reservoir P, for example a mask of fluid or pasty consistency, and an applicator 12 comprising a rod 13 of a longitudinal axis X equipped at one end with an application element 14 and at the other end with a handle 12a for fastening. As shown, the handle 12a may also be in the form of a lid for closing and opening the package 11. Preferably, the sealing member 9 is attached to either the lid 12a or the stem 13 to seal the package sealable. If the sealing member 9 is attached to the rod, it can be molded as one piece with the rod.

The package 11 preferably includes a wired member or brush 19 which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, includes an open cell foam block. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1A, the brush 19A may be in the form of a flexible lip, made of an elastomeric material for example, which may or may not be coated with small fibers. In any case, the brush must be deformable so that it substantially adapts to the shape of the application element as the application element passes through the brush when it is removed from the package. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the application element 14 is essentially in the form of a comb 14 and is essentially placed in continuation with the applicator rod 13. That is, one end of the application element 14 is connected to the distal end portion of the applicator rod 13 and the opposite end of the application element 14 is a free end. On part of its length, preferably the rod 13 has a diameter smaller than the application element 14, so that it does not compress the brush 19 when the applicator device 12 is inserted into the container. The application element 14 can include an element that allows it to be connected removably to a housing formed in the rod 13 or can be fixed with the rod 13, for example by molding. The application element 14 is shown in isolated form in figure 2. This application element includes a row 15 of teeth comprising a first series of teeth 15a and a second series of teeth 15b arranged alternately on opposite sides of a surface S of geometric separation perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1. As shown, the teeth 15a and 15b are alternately placed on opposite sides of a central core 16 of the Z axis. The axis Z of the core may be parallel to the axis X of the stem 13 , or it can be at an angle with respect to the X axis. In fact, the Z axis of the core can even be perpendicular to the axis X of the rod, as will be explained. The teeth are connected to the core 16, so that the upper portions 27 of the teeth are free. The geometric separation surface S (shown in FIG. 1) is, in the embodiment shown, in a median plane parallel to the plane of FIG. 2. Preferably the geometric separation surface S is also a dividing line for molding the application element 14. At the front or distal end, the application element 14 has a rounded end 17 to make it easier to insert it into the container 11. Additionally, at the rear or proximal end, the application element 14 has a projection to constitute the passage through of brush 19 easier as the applicator is removed from the package. In the example described, the upper portions 27 of two consecutive teeth form a gap 20 between them when the comb is observed from one side, in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis, as shown in Figure 2. Approximately half the height of the teeth, the gap 20 has a substantially constant width when the application element 14 is viewed from one side. The gap 20 preferably extends as far as possible from the core 26, and its width is large enough to allow the tabs to reach the core 16. The spacing between two adjacent teeth located on the same side of the core 16 can be, as shown in Figure 2, greater than the width of a tooth, measured approximately at the average height of the application element 14, parallel to the axis Z. Each tooth 15a on one side of the core is preferably placed approximately in the middle part between two adjacent teeth 15b positioned on opposite sides of the core 16, and vice versa, when the application element 14 is viewed from one side. This configuration allows three consecutive teeth, together with the core, to "define a volume configured to hold the product to be applied." This volume is substantially open between the adjacent teeth on the same side of the core and substantially closed by the placed teeth. on the opposite side of the core, and positioned intermediate, and preferably in the middle part between the adjacent teeth on the same side The upper portions 27 of the teeth point substantially in the same direction The lower portions 22 of the two teeth successive, located on the same side of the core 16, preferably form between them and with the core 16, a groove 26 designed to retain part of the product to deposit it on the flanges.The application element 14 is thus essentially hollow in its part lower, between two teeth 15a or 15b The interstices 20 between consecutive teeth can be sufficiently p equeños to be able to hold the lashes, separate them, comb them and smooth the product deposited on the lashes. It will be understood that altering the length of the teeth or the separation between adjacent teeth on the same side, it is possible to alter the amount of product with which the comb is loaded. The spacing between the adjacent teeth on the same side, for example, either of the series 15a or 15b, can therefore be relatively large in order to increase the amount of product with which the application element is loaded, without that the application element loses its ability to hold the eyelashes with the proviso that the interstices 20 formed by the upper portions of the teeth remain sufficiently narrow, for example narrower than the average width of the upper portion 27 of a tooth . [Consider including a ratio of the interstitial gap at the midpoint of the teeth to the gap between adjacent teeth on the same side, measured at the midpoint]. It will be noted from the examination of Figure 2 that in the example described, the root portions 31 of the teeth 15a or 15b are enlarged to coincide with the root portions of the adjacent teeth at the lower end 30 of the element 14 of application. Therefore, grooves 26 are formed between adjacent teeth on the same side of the core. These slots are configured to retain product and can be opened within the volume defined by three consecutive teeth and the core, which allows the tabs to access a significantly greater amount of product placed on the application element. In general, the consecutive teeth can be placed alternately on each side of the central core and can have upper portions with various configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the upper portions of the teeth can be alternately tilted back and forth, as shown in Figure 9. The upper portions of the teeth can alternately be directed towards each other when an application element is observed along the length of the tooth. longitudinal axis, as illustrated in figure 10. The upper portions can also cross each other. Alternatively, the upper portions may diverge from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The upper portions may include a substantial length of the teeth extending from the roots or they may only be free ends of the teeth, as shown in FIGS. a 11. Therefore, the teeth can, when the application element is observed along the longitudinal axis, diverge gradually in a direction away from the central core, on which they are placed. The configuration of the teeth can be chosen according to the type of makeup effect desired and the kind of product to be applied to the eyelashes. The application element 40 shown in Figures 3 and 4 includes a row of teeth 41a, 41b positioned respectively on substantially opposite oriented sides of the central core 42. As with the application element discussed with reference to Figure 2, the application element 40 is essentially in the form of a comb. When this comb 14 is observed from one side, the teeth 41a alternate with the teeth 41b along the axis Z of the core 42. That is, the teeth of the series 41a are placed substantially between the teeth of the series 41b and vice versa, when the application element 14 is observed from one side. As shown in Figure 4, the slots 46 with a profile V when the comb 40 is viewed from the top, is formed in the core 42 between adjacent teeth 41a or 41b positioned on the same side of the core. Like the slots in Figure 2, the slots 46 essentially add volume formed by the core and three consecutive teeth, thereby allowing the tabs to have greater access to the product in the application element. The teeth 41a, 41b are preferably deeper than wide in this embodiment, and the width is measured parallel to the axis Z and the depth b perpendicular to the latter in the plane of the figure. The spacing c between two successive teeth 41a or 41b is also preferably greater than the width e. By virtue of their relatively deep roots the teeth 41a, 41b are able to withstand the stresses exerted transversely to the Z axis, which means that the flanges can be separated and the product is deposited on their surfaces in a uniform manner even when the product used is It has partially dried or is relatively viscous. In these embodiments, the root portions of the teeth 41a or 41b do not contact, unlike the case of the embodiment of Figure 2. Figure 5 shows an application element 50 essentially in the form of a comb including a row of consecutive teeth 51a, 51b, produced alternately on each side of a central core 52. The grooves 53 are produced between the teeth 51a, 51b located on the same side of the core 52. However, unlike the application elements shown in figures 2 and 3, the teeth 51a and 51b overlap when the application element It is observed from the side. Only the upper portions of the tapered teeth do not overlap, which generates interstices 54 between consecutive teeth 51a and 51b. These interstices 54 are essentially in the form of V-shaped notches capable of holding and retaining the flanges. The bottom of these notches are spaced apart from the core 52, therefore the tabs are prevented from reaching the core 52. Preferably, the bottom of the notches is spaced a distance of at least about 0.2 mm above a top surface of the core. core 52. The free upper portions of the teeth in this embodiment preferably represent only about one third of the total height of the application element. A substantial amount of product can be accumulated between the consecutive teeth in each of the teeth series 51a or 51b, and the tabs can be easily contacted with the product reservoirs formed in this way during use to be loaded with product, the product is deposited on the tabs and must be uniformed by the fastening of the tabs between the notches 54. teeth connected to the core may have different geometries. By way of example, Figure 6 shows an application element 60, again in the form of a comb, comprising a first series of teeth 61a and a second series of teeth 61b alternating with the first ones. The teeth 61a have forwardly facing concave faces 62, and convex rear faces 63 rearwardly, while the teeth 61b have forwardly facing convex faces 64 and substantially flat rear faces 65 facing rearwardly. The upper portions of two consecutive teeth constitute the notches 66 in which the flanges can be attached when applying product, the edges of these notches converging towards the core so that they support the teeth so that the flanges can be held by the comb . In alternative forms, not shown in the figures, the front faces 62 of the teeth 61a can be convex, facing forward and the back faces 63a of the teeth 61a can be concave oriented rearward, while the front faces 64 of the teeth 61b may be concave forwardly oriented, or even planar, and the rear faces 65 may be concave or convex oriented rearwardly. Other combinations of geometric configuration are also contemplated and considered within the scope of the invention. In fact, the series of consecutive teeth that have different configurations can constitute a row. The nucleus to which the teeth connect is not necessarily straight and may have a longitudinal axis that extends in a curved or discontinuous line. For example, Figure 12 shows an alternative form of the application element of Figure 4, in which the longitudinal axis of the core extends essentially in an arc of a circle. In Figure 12, the geometric separation surface on each side of which the digests extend is a cylindrical surface with a directrix coinciding with the axis of the core and a generatrix perpendicular to the plane of Figure 12. As an alternative, the core may be curved about an axis oriented at right angles to the geometric separation surface, such as the Y axis in Figure 1. In Figure 13 an application element with a core thus curved is shown. The application element may include a single row of teeth and form a comb, as in the case of the embodiments just described, or alternatively may include several rows of teeth and essentially form a brush. An example of such a brush is shown in Figure 7, where an application element 80 forms a brush with a central core 81 having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane of Figure 7. In this core, three rows of teeth are placed 82, 83 and 84. Each row 82, 83 or 84 includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth respectively produced on each side of a core associated with the row. Therefore, the row 82 includes teeth 82a, 82b which alternately occur on each side of the core which is integral with the middle core 81. The teeth 82a and 82b are located alternately on each side of the geometric separation surface S formed by a radial plane. The same is true for the other rows of teeth 83 and 84. The teeth obtained in this manner are substantially radial from the core. However, the teeth may have different orientations to the radial orientation. By way of example, Figure 8 shows an element 90 of application having three rows of teeth 91, 92 and 93, wherein each row of teeth is connected to a base 94 having a substantially triangular cross section. The teeth of each row 91, 92 or 93 are produced alternately on each side of a respective central core associated with each row. The row of teeth 91 includes a first series of teeth 91a and a second series of teeth 91b located alternately on each side of a geometric separation surface S, the teeth 91a and 91b are molded as one piece with the base 94. The geometric separation surface S for the row of teeth 91 is a plane which extends substantially parallel to a side 95 of the base 94. The same is valid for the rows of teeth 92 and 93 which in turn extend each one substantially in a continuation of one side. The three rows in this way are oriented in the same direction of rotation around the axis of the base 94. In figures 14 and 15 are shown alternatives to the applicator system presented with respect to figure 1. Figure 14 illustrates an applicator system in which product is stored in a tube 140 similar to tube. The tube is preferably made of a flexible material which, when depressed, can deliver product into the application member of the applicator device. Other dispensers that can be used to supply the product in the application element, such as a pump type jet, for example, are considered within the scope of the invention. The applicator system shown in Figure 15 includes a container 150 that maintains a solid cake of product 155. To load the application, the application element is run through this product 155. This solid cake preferably can be moistened and the application element runs through the moistened part of the product to load the product onto the applicator device. Alternatively, the application element may be moistened and run through a non-moistened product. For the embodiments shown in figures 14 and 15, it is not necessary to equip the proximal end of the applicator device with a handle or a lid, since the applicator device is not stored in the container containing the product and therefore does not close container. In addition, in these modalities, the rod itself can be used as a handle. Figure 16 shows another additional aspect of the applicator device of the present invention. The applicator device shown in Figure 16 includes a tip end 165 extending from the distal end of the application element 161. By loading the application element 161 with product, tipped tip 165 is also loaded with product and can serve as a tool for delineating the eyes or as a pickup device for capturing through individual tabs. Figure 17, 17A and 18 show embodiments of an applicator in which the application element is configured to removably reconnect to the rod. The application element 170 shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A includes a base portion 173 on which a core and a row of teeth placed alternately on opposite sides of the core are placed. The base portion 173 is configured to be inserted into a connector 171 in the form of a housing or enclosure formed in a distal end portion of the applicator rod 175. Figure 17A illustrates the insertion of the base portion 173 of the applicator member into the connector 171. The housing 171 may define a slot 172 in the front or distal end portion of the rod to allow passage of the roots and a portion of the root portion. core of the application element. Preferably the width of this slot is such that the. Roots of the application teeth are clamped between opposite edges of the groove. This assembly allows the application element to be made of an elastomeric plastic and the rod 175 of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. As shown in Figure 17 and 17A, a longitudinal axis of the application element 170 is placed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 175. The application member 170 is attached to the distal end portion of the rod 175 at a portion located between two ends of the application element.

Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the applicator, wherein the base portion 183 of the applicator member 180 can be removably connected to the connector housing 181 formed in the distal end portion of a rod 185. Again, the housing 181 essentially defines a groove. 182 with which the base portion of the application element can be coupled. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 17 and 17A, one end of the application element 180, when inserted into the connector 181, is connected to a distal end portion of the rod 185. In Fig. 18, the longitudinal axis of the application element 183, once inserted into the connector 181, extends substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the rod 175. The application element can also extend at an angle to the rod, with one end of the application element that is still connected to the distal end portion of the rod. Figure 19 shows an applicator similar in configuration to the applicator of Figure 17. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the base portion 173 is formed essentially as a single piece of structure molded with the rod 175. Similarly, the teeth 176 can be molded as a single piece with the base portion 173 and the stem 175. - 4? - Figure 20 illustrates another additional embodiment of an applicator according to the present invention. The applicator includes an application element 201 attached to a distal end of a rod 205. The application element 201 includes a base portion 202 in which a core 203 and a row of consecutive teeth 204 are placed. The consecutive teeth 204 are alternately placed on opposite sides of the core. The core 203 varies in height with an axial position along the longitudinal axis to form a series of peaks 203a and valleys 203b along the length of the core. The teeth 204 are positioned in axial positions along the core 203 which substantially correspond to the peaks 203a. The valleys 203b essentially form grooves located between adjacent teeth located on the same side of the core 203. These grooves are capable of retaining the product to be applied. Figure 21 illustrates applicators similar to those shown in Figure 20, except that the teeth 204 'are coated with small fibers. This coating with small fibers can be applied to the teeth essentially in the form of a coating or can be mixed with the material used to form the teeth. Although not shown in Figure 21, the core and the base portion of the applicator may also be coated with small fibers. In both figures, 20 and 21, the base portion on which the teeth and core are placed are relatively wide and extend laterally outward for a relatively large amount past the outer surfaces of the teeth and the core. Figures 29 to 31 show other application elements 291, 301, 311 in which the height of the core 293, 303 and 313 varies along with their length. Again, these variations in height tend to form valleys and peaks along the core, these valleys essentially form grooves placed between adjacent teeth on the same side of the core. In Figures 29 to 31, the base portion on which the core and teeth are placed is relatively narrow and not much larger than the distance measured through the core from one consecutive tooth to the other. The consecutive teeth 294 and 314 in figures 29 and 31 have upper portions extending from the roots diverging away from each other when the application element is observed along its longitudinal axis. In Figure 30, the upper portions of the teeth 304 extend substantially straight. Although not shown, consecutive teeth alternately have upper portions that diverge and extend straight, which is also contemplated by the invention. In fact, any combination of converging free ends, diverging free ends, substantially straight free ends and crossed free ends, when the application element is observed along the longitudinal axis, are considered within the scope of the invention. Figures 22 to 25 show various configurations for the placement of the teeth in relation to the core. In each of the configurations shown in Figures 22 to 25, the teeth (24, 234, 244 and 254, and the cores 223, 233, 243 and 253 are placed one in relation to the other so that the surface T The upper end of the core is between the lower end B and a free end F of the teeth.The teeth are alternately positioned on opposing opposite sides of the core Figures 26 and 27 show embodiments of an applicator in which the teeth 264, 274 have portions relatively broad roots and are tapered toward their free ends.When the application element 261, 271 is observed from the side, the roots of the consecutive teeth are substantially contiguous while the free ends of the consecutive teeth are relatively spaced apart The teeth 272 have hollow portions H that extend along a portion of their lengths, the openings O on each side of the teeth. s lead towards the hollow portion. Although the openings in Figure 27 are located on both sides of the teeth, an opening just on one side of the teeth is also contemplated by the invention. The openings and hollow portions in the teeth allow the application element to retain an even greater amount of product. Figure 28 illustrates the manner in which three consecutive teeth placed alternately on opposite sides of the core can be configured to form a volume V to retain the product P. In the configuration of the teeth and core shown in Figure 28, the portions of the consecutive teeth extending above the core form a gap therebetween, configured so that the flanges E entering the gap are capable of reaching the core. However, the gap I is also configured to essentially hold the flange E to obtain elongation and curling of the flanges. As mentioned before, the application element can have a curved longitudinal Z axis, as shown in Figure 32, or it can have a straight longitudinal Z axis, as shown in Figure 33. In addition, the application element can be manufactured of a flexible material so that it is capable of bending during the application. Such a flexible application element is also illustrated in Figure 32. The application element 321 in Figure 32, which includes a base portion 323, has a curved longitudinal axis with a "convex surface on which teeth 322 are placed. This convex surface configuration causes the teeth to diverge away from each other, thereby allowing a relatively large amount of product to be retained between the adjacent teeth and the consecutive teeth.In addition, the applicator shown in Figure 32 can obtain a Improved loading of the teeth with the product to the extent that the application element is extracted through a brush This is because the force of the brush on the application element will tend to straighten the axes of the application element and cause the teeth to move toward each other, particularly toward a midportion (along the length) of the application element. When the teeth move toward each other, the product can be forced between the teeth through the roots of the teeth and the base portion, again allowing the application element to retain a relatively large amount of product. As is evident from the various figures that are shown and described, the teeth and the core can have a variety of geometric configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the teeth may be relatively narrow with spiky free ends, as shown in Figure 34, or they may have more rounded free ends, such as those shown in Figures 32 and 33. They have been shown in the drawings and described other geometries.

The invention is not restricted to the examples and modalities which have just been described. Rather, it is possible that at least part of the characteristics of these examples and modalities are combined in a single applicator. In general, the particular characteristics of each of the described modalities can be combined according to the type of product to be applied and the desired application effect. The invention is not restricted to the modalities that have just been described. For example, the teeth may have shapes other than those just described and the teeth in a particular application element or in a particular row need not have the same shape as in another. For example, the application element may include an association of consecutive teeth including a first and second series of teeth which alternate, the teeth of the first series have a different shape than the teeth of the second series. In addition, the teeth of the same series can also be made up of teeth with different shapes or with different heights. For example, the teeth may have a height which varies according to the axial position along the application element, for example a height which increases, decreases, decreases and then increases or increases and then decreases from one end of the application element to the other. The application element may have a surface condition to increase the amount of product with which the application element is loaded. For example, the teeth, the base portion and / or the core may include capillary grooves or lining with small fibers, over all or part of its surface. An example of such a coating with small fibers in the teeth is shown in Figure 21. The teeth may undergo a surface treatment by abrasion so that they form hairpins at the ends of the teeth, for example, or they may undergo heat treatment to, for example, round their ends to form a bubble at their free end. Therefore, the teeth become less aggressive towards the eyelashes. The teeth, the core and / or the base portion can be coated with a slip agent, such as a lacquer or Teflon, for example, to make slipping enhancement along the lashes or, alternatively, to provide them roughness. Such slip agents can alternatively, or in addition, be added to the material used to form the teeth.

The application element, and especially the teeth, may also include active ingredients such as preservatives, humectants, copper salts, magnetic particles and other similar suitable materials, to be released into the product when the product is loaded onto the application element. These active ingredients can be included in the material used to form the application element, or they can be coated on the application element, or both. In addition, the products can be used to form the teeth or the core or to coat the teeth or the core that modify the surface tension of the application element upon contact with moisture. The application element is preferably manufactured by plastic injection molding, but as an alternative, methods for forming material by compression, embossing or twisting can be used. The base portion may also include grooves or ridges configured to retain the product. Although numerous configurations for the teeth and core are contemplated by the invention, in each of the embodiments described, preferably the length of a row of consecutive teeth will vary from about 10 mm to about 45 mm, and more preferably about 15 mm at about 28 mm, and even more preferably from about 20 mm to about 26 mm. The individual lengths of each tooth will preferably vary from about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm, and more preferably from about 7 mm to about 13 mm. The number of teeth in a row of consecutive teeth will preferably vary from about 6 to about 50, and more preferably from about 10 to about 35, and even much more preferably from about 15 to about 32. It will be evident for those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the structure and methodology of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the modalities and examples discussed in the specification. Rather, it is intended that the present invention encompass modifications and variations of this invention, with the proviso that they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (64)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A system for applying a product to the eyelashes, characterized in that it comprises: a container configured to obtain a product; an applicator including: a rod, and an applicator element at one end of the rod, the applicator element includes a core having substantially opposite facing s, and at least one row of teeth alternately positioned on substantially opposite facing s of the core.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that an interstice is formed between the upper portions of at least two consecutive teeth.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the gap is configured so that the tabs entering the gap are capable of reaching the core.

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the gap is configured so that the tabs entering the gap are not able to reach the core.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the gap is essentially in the form of a notch formed by the upper portions of at least two consecutive teeth.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the notch has a V shape.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom or bottom of the notch is positioned at a distance of at least about 0.2 mm from the top of the core.

8. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the plurality of consecutive teeth have upper portions defining a plurality of notches therebetween.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two consecutive teeth have substantially contiguous roots.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the roots are substantially contiguous when the application element is observed from one .

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least consecutive teeth have roots that overlap.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the roots overlap when the application element is observed from one .

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first and second consecutive teeth have roots arranged so that part of the roots of the first consecutive tooth are at least in the same axial position along the application element. as part of the root of the second consecutive tooth.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that an upper surface of the core is located intermediate to a free end of each of the teeth, and a lower end of each of the teeth.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section of the core is less than about half the total cross section of the application element.

16. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the teeth has a depth that is greater than its width, the depth is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and the width is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

17. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth are molded as a single piece with the core.

.18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the teeth and the core are molded using plastic.

19. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element is removably attached to the rod.

20. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element is molded as one piece with the rod.

21. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a sealing member configured to seal the container sealable.

22. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that the sealing member is molded as one piece with the rod.

23. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that the sealing member includes a cover placed on the rod.

24. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element is more flexible than the rod.

25. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element is less flexible than the rod.

26. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the consecutive teeth are arranged alternately on opposite sides of a geometric separation surface.

27. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that the geometric separation surface is in a middle plane of the core.

28. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that the geometric separation surface is a dividing line for molding the application element.

29. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that the geometric separation surface is a cylindrical surface.

30. The system according to claim 28, characterized in that the directrix of the cylindrical surface is chosen from a curve and a broken line.

31. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that the geometric separation surface is not planar.

32. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that the geometrical separation surface is bent.

33. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the teeth has at least one surface facing one end of the application element, at least one tooth is placed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the core when the application element is observed from the side.

34. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that the angle is chosen from perpendicular to, acute to, and obtuse to the longitudinal axis of the core.

35. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that at least one face of the teeth on one side of the core are placed at an angle different from that of at least one face of the teeth on the opposite side of the core.

36. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth include a first and second consecutive teeth, the first consecutive tooth has a free end directed towards a first end of the application element, and the second consecutive tooth has a second end directed towards a second end of the application element.

37. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two consecutive teeth have free ends directed towards each other when they are observed along the length of the application element.

38. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two consecutive teeth have free ends directed away from each other when viewed along the length of the application element.

39. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two consecutive teeth have free ends substantially parallel to each other.

40. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the teeth has one of a convex face and a concave face facing one of the ends of the application element.

41. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that at least two consecutive teeth each have a convex face and a concave face facing one of the ends of the application element.

42. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that one of at least two consecutive teeth has at least one concave face and one convex face facing one end of the application element, and the other of at least two consecutive teeth has a flat face facing the end of the application element.

43. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the teeth varies from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 15 mm.

44. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the teeth varies from about 7 mm to about 13 mm.

45. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element includes a plurality of cores and a plurality of consecutive rows of teeth, the consecutive teeth in each row are alternately placed on opposite sides of a corresponding core.

46. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element further comprises a base portion on which the teeth and the core are placed.

47. The system according to claim 46, characterized in that the application element includes a plurality of cores and a plurality of consecutive rows of teeth, the consecutive teeth in each row are alternately placed on opposite sides of a corresponding core.

48. The system according to claim 46, characterized in that the rows of teeth of the corresponding cores are positioned so that they extend substantially in continuation of one side of the base when the base has a polygonal configuration.

49. The system according to claim 46, characterized in that the rows of teeth and the corresponding cores are positioned so that they extend substantially in a tangent with respect to the base when the base has a non-polygonal configuration.

50. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the teeth has a hollow portion.

51. The system according to claim 50, characterized in that the hollow portion extends along at least a portion of the length of at least one tooth.

52. The system according to claim 51, characterized in that at least one side of the tooth has an opening leading to the hollow portion.

53. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the teeth is coated with small fibers.

54. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element has two opposite ends with one of the ends connected to the distal end portion of the rod.

55. The system according to claim 54, characterized in that the application element has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

56. The system according to claim 55, characterized in that the application element has a longitudinal axis placed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

57. The system according to claim 54, characterized in that the rod includes a connector in the distal end portion, the connector is configured to connect the application element to the rod.

58. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element has two opposite ends and a portion located between the ends joined to a distal end portion of the rod.

59. The system according to claim 58, characterized in that the application element has a longitudinal axis placed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod.

60. The system according to claim 58, characterized in that the rod includes a connector in the distal end portion, the connector is configured to connect the application element to the rod.

61. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one groove located between at least two adjacent teeth placed on the same side of the core, the groove extends below a top surface of the core.

62. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface of the application element is essentially a cylindrical surface.

63. The system according to claim 62, characterized in that the directrix of the cylindrical surface is a curve formed by the coincidence of a semicircle in the lower part and an inverted V in the upper part.

64. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth extend over substantially the entire height of the application element.