EP1477083A1 - Applicator and container comprising such an applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The rod (6) has a deformable section (12) extending around the brush (10) (or other applicator). It deforms in sympathy with the brush, during application. An independent claim is included for the method of making the corresponding applicator.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for the application of a product cosmetic, including care, and more particularly but not exclusively, those intended for the application of a nail polish or an eyeliner.

The nail polish bottles on the market have a variety of contents, most often between 7 and 14 ml. Associated applicators comprise a rod with an applicator member, in particular a brush, at a end.

For bottles with a relatively large capacity, for example 12 ml or Moreover, the height of the body of the bottle makes it possible to use a relatively long rod. By cons, for bottles of smaller capacity, the height of the body of the bottle is usually less and the stem should be shorter if you want to keep the hair brush long enough not to lose flexibility and quality of application. A short stem can affect comfort during application and aesthetics.

The length of the bristles of the brush can not be shortened except to make the brush stiffer and risk forming streaks on the nail at the time of application.

There is a need to benefit from an applicator for an application product, while having a pleasant aesthetic, and which is simple to manufacture and use, even when associated with a low capacity container, the case applicable.

The invention aims in particular to meet this need.

• une tige,
• un organe d'application porté par la tige,

la tige comportant une première portion déformable qui s'étend autour de l'organe d'application, cette première portion étant agencée pour pouvoir se déformer au moins partiellement en réponse à une déformation de l'organe d'application lors de l'application.It achieves this through an applicator for applying a product to a keratinous surface, comprising:

• a rod,
• an application member carried by the stem,

the rod comprising a first deformable portion which extends around the applicator member, this first portion being arranged to be able to deform at least partially in response to a deformation of the applicator member during the application.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to benefit from a relatively flexible while giving the impression of having a relatively large rod length, this which is advantageous from an aesthetic point of view.

The aforesaid first portion being capable of deforming substantially in response to bending of the applicator member, the apparent length thereof may be less without losing flexibility or comfort or accuracy of application.

This first portion may be made in a distal portion of the stem which may be connected to a proximal portion, which may be substantially not deformable to the application.

In the case of an applicator member constituted by a brush, the bristles can for example have an apparent length of 10 mm while offering the performance and comfort with the application of a conventional applicator whose length Apparent hair is larger, for example from 10% to 300%, for example equal to 17 mm.

In addition, the first portion can help to impose the way in which the application device is deformed at the application, so that the user can gain in precision, for example to follow the outline of the nails.

The distal part can still be reported on the proximal part, the parts proximal and distal, which can be assembled in particular by snap-fitting, insertion into strength, bonding or welding.

The proximal and distal portions may be made of the same material, or at least partially in two different respective materials.

The first portion, as well as the distal portion, can be performed at least partially in an elastomeric material.

The first portion can be performed at least partially in one of the following materials: silicone, EPDM, PU, SIS, SEBS, SBS, EVA, polyether block, polyester, this list is not limiting.

The stem may comprise a second portion, the first and second portions that can form the rod, this second portion can be made at least partially in one of the following materials: HDPE, LDPE, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT, this list is not limiting.

The rod may comprise at least one slot extending over at least a portion the length of the first portion. Such a slot can promote the deformability of the first portion, and allow for example the use of a less flexible material.

The first portion may extend around the application member so continuous or discontinuous, and in particular circumferentially encircle partially the application organ.

The first portion may or may not be in contact with the application member.

The rod may comprise two opposite openings extending over at least one part of the length of the first portion, from the free end thereof. These openings can improve the deformability of the first portion and / or the implementing body to deform in a certain way to the application, in particular when the application member is a brush.

The application member extends at least partially out of the first portion, and may for example extend mainly or not outside the first portion. The length of the part of the application member engaged inside the first portion may, for example, correspond to at least a quarter or even a third of the total length of the application member, especially when the application member is a hair bundle.

The applicator member may be attached to the proximal portion or the distal portion.

The first portion may be more easily deformable according to at least one direction of preferential deformation.

The first portion may have, in the absence of application, a section external cross-section, for example defined by a wall tapering in approach of the free end of the rod. Inner cross-section or outer portion of the first portion may have a shape selected from the following: circular, non-circular, in particular oblong, oval, elliptical, polygonal, in particular square, rectangular, kidney shaped, crenellated, star-shaped, with one or more grooves, where appropriate.

The first portion may comprise a wall whose thickness may be between 0.3 and 0.8 mm, for example. Whatever its value, the thickness can be constant or variable, especially in the longitudinal direction, in particular decreasing in approach of the free end of the first portion.

The length of the first portion may be for example between 1 and 12 mm, especially between 2 and 8 mm.

The rod may comprise, over at least part of its length, at least one groove, in particular two grooves located opposite one another. At least one groove may extend over most of the length of the first portion of the stem, especially over substantially its entire length.

The apparent length of the applicator member may be between 2 and 7 mm for example, and in particular may be of the order of about 5 mm.

The application member may comprise at least one of the following elements: a bundle of bristles, a felt, a flocking coating, a foam. The organ application may comprise a bundle of bristles forming a brush, the section of which transverse can be flat or round. The application member may comprise at least one tip, possibly flocked.

The application member may comprise natural or synthetic bristles, hollow or solid, with a capillary groove, of polygonal or non-circular section, circular or not, or a mixture of hairs of different natures and / or forms.

The proximal part may be connected, on a side opposite to the distal part, to a grasping organ. The latter may comprise fixing means on a container, especially a thread.

• un applicateur tel que défini plus haut, et
• un récipient contenant le produit.

The invention further relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product to a keratinous surface, comprising:

• an applicator as defined above, and
• a container containing the product.

The applicator can be arranged in such a way that it can be fixed removable on the container.

The container may include a wiper.

The product may be a product to be applied to the nails, in particular a varnish nail.

The capacity of the container may be between 2 and 12 ml, in particular between 5 and 9 ml, or even about 7 ml.

The invention is not limited to a nail polish applicator, and can especially apply to an eyeliner applicator. In this case, the application can be for example a brush or something other than a brush, including a tip felt, a flocked plastic tip or a foam tip. The presence of the first deformable portion can reduce the sensation of hardness to the application on the eye.

• fournir une tige comportant un manchon coulissant, ce manchon étant dans une position d'attente libérant l'accès à une extrémité de la tige,
• fixer sur la tige à son extrémité un organe d'application,
• faire coulisser sur la tige en direction de l'extrémité de celle-ci le manchon de manière à ce que celui-ci vienne recouvrir au moins partiellement l'organe d'application.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an applicator for applying a product to a keratinous surface, comprising the following steps:

• supplying a rod comprising a sliding sleeve, this sleeve being in a waiting position releasing access to one end of the rod,
• fix on the rod at its end an application member,
• sliding on the rod towards the end thereof the sleeve so that it comes to cover at least partially the applicator member.

At least a portion of the sleeve may be arranged to be deformable at least partially in response to deformation of the applicator member during the application.

The sleeve can be arranged to come to rest on the rod by snapping or friction at the end of its sliding towards the end of the rod.

• une tige, et
• un organe d'application associé à une extrémité distale de la tige,

dans lequel la tige comporte une portion s'étendant autour d'une partie au moins de l'organe d'application,
dans lequel cette portion a une extrémité proximale et s'étend depuis l'extrémité proximale vers l'extrémité distale de la tige,
dans lequel l'extrémité proximale de ladite portion est distale relativement à une extrémité proximale de l'organe d'application ou est située sensiblement au même niveau que l'extrémité proximale de l'organe d'application, et
dans lequel ladite portion est configurée de manière à pouvoir se déformer au moins partiellement en réponse à une déformation de l'organe d'application lors de l'application.The invention also relates to an applicator for applying a product to a keratinous surface, the applicator comprising:

• a stem, and
• an application member associated with a distal end of the stem,

wherein the stem has a portion extending around at least a portion of the applicator member,
wherein said portion has a proximal end and extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft,
wherein the proximal end of said portion is distal relative to a proximal end of the applicator member or is located substantially at the same level as the proximal end of the applicator member, and
wherein said portion is configured to be deformable at least partially in response to deformation of the applicator member upon application.

• la figure 1 est une coupe longitudinale, schématique et partielle, d'un exemple de dispositif de conditionnement et d'application réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente isolément en coupe axiale, schématique et partielle, la tige de l'applicateur de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 illustre une déformation de la première portion de la tige au moment de l'application,
• les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues analogues à la figure 2, représentant des variantes de réalisation de l'applicateur,
• la figure 6 est une section transversale selon VI-VI de la figure 2,
• les figures 7 à 12 sont des vues analogues à la figure 6, représentant des variantes de réalisation de l'applicateur,
• la figure 13 illustre la possibilité de réaliser la tige avec au moins une rainure longitudinale,
• la figure 14 est une section transversale selon XIV-XIV de la figure 13,
• la figure 15 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, un applicateur conforme à une autre variante de réalisation,
• la figure 16 est une section transversale selon XVI-XVI de la figure 15,
• la figure 17 est une vue analogue à la figure 15, d'une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 18 est une vue partielle, de côté, d'une tige comportant une portion en forme de soufflet,
• la figure 19 représente isolément, en coupe axiale, de manière schématique, un récipient pourvu d'un organe d'essorage,
• les figures 20 et 21 représentent de manière schématique et partielle, en coupe longitudinale, des exemples d'applicateurs destinés à l'application d'un produit sur les paupières,
• la figure 22 illustre la possibilité de réaliser la tige d'un seul tenant avec l'organe de préhension,
• les figures 23 à 29 représentent différents exemples parmi d'autres de sections transversales de poils,
• la figure 30 illustre, de manière schématique et partielle, un applicateur conforme à une autre variante de réalisation,
• les figures 31 et 32 représentent en coupe axiale, schématique et partielle, une variante de réalisation de l'invention, et
• la figure 33 représente, en section longitudinale, de manière schématique et partielle, une variante de réalisation de l'organe d'essorage.

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

• FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic and partial longitudinal section of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordance with the invention,
• FIG. 2 represents, in axial section, schematically and partially, the rod of the applicator of FIG.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a deformation of the first portion of the rod at the time of application,
• FIGS. 4 and 5 are views similar to FIG. 2, representing alternative embodiments of the applicator,
• FIG. 6 is a cross-section along VI-VI of FIG. 2,
• FIGS. 7 to 12 are views similar to FIG. 6, representing alternative embodiments of the applicator,
• FIG. 13 illustrates the possibility of producing the rod with at least one longitudinal groove,
• FIG. 14 is a cross-section along XIV-XIV of FIG. 13,
• FIG. 15 schematically and partially, in perspective, an applicator according to another variant embodiment,
• FIG. 16 is a cross-section along XVI-XVI of FIG. 15,
• FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 15 of an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 18 is a partial view, from the side, of a rod comprising a portion in the form of a bellows,
• FIG. 19 represents in isolation, in axial section, schematically a container provided with a wiper member,
• Figures 20 and 21 show schematically and partially, in longitudinal section, examples of applicators for the application of a product on the eyelids,
• FIG. 22 illustrates the possibility of producing the rod in one piece with the gripping member,
• Figures 23 to 29 show various examples among others of cross sections of bristles,
• FIG. 30 schematically and partially illustrates an applicator according to another variant embodiment,
• Figures 31 and 32 show in axial section, schematic and partial, an alternative embodiment of the invention, and
• Figure 33 shows, in longitudinal section, schematically and partially, an alternative embodiment of the wiper member.

The packaging and application device 1 shown in FIG. comprises a container 2 and an applicator 3 removably attached to the container 2.

In the example under consideration, the container 2 comprises in the upper part a neck 4 threaded externally, on which can be screwed a closure cap 5 which serves also of a gripping member for the applicator 3.

The container 2 contains a nail polish V in the example described, but no outside the scope of the present invention when the product contained in the container is other.

The applicator 3 comprises a rod 6 which has been shown in isolation in FIG. 2 and which comprises at one end an end piece 8 intended for its attachment in the capsule of closure 5 and at the opposite end a bundle 10 of bristles 11, so as to constitute a brush.

More particularly, in the example under consideration, the rod 6 has a part distal 6a and a proximal portion 6b made of different materials, the part proximal 6b having a cylindrical portion of revolution about the X axis, this cylindrical part connecting to the end piece 8 by a frustoconical portion 14.

The end of the proximal portion 6b adjacent to the distal portion 6a comprises a housing 16 at the bottom of which is fixed, for example by stapling, the bundle 10 of bristles, the latter being for example folded in half and fixed at mid-length by a staple placed in place in the bottom of housing 16.

The distal portion 6a defines a housing 17 of axis X, open to both axial ends, which is crossed by the beam 10.

The first portion 12 is defined by the portion of the stem 6 that extends around of the applicator member 10 and which can deform at least partially in response to a deformation of the applicator member during the application. In the example shown, the first portion 12 extends over the entire length of the distal portion 6a. The rest of the stem defines the second portion 13.

This second portion 13 may be entirely non-deformable or partially not deformable. The bristles may be fixed in the second non-deformable portion 13, as is the case in the example considered.

In the example considered, the wall of the first portion 12 thins in direction of the free end 19 of the rod 6 and the first portion 12 has sections transverse inner and outer circumferences both, as can be seen on the Figure 6. Other forms of sections are possible, as will be illustrated later.

In the example considered, the distal portion 6a is made of a material a softer plastic than that in which the proximal portion 6b is made. The part 6a is for example made in an elastomer, which can be overmolded to the end of the proximal portion 6b, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer.

The applicator 3 may for example be manufactured in the following manner.

The rod 6 is molded by first molding the proximal portion 6b and then overmolding on the proximal portion 6b the distal portion 6a. We then fix the hair on the proximal portion 6b.

In use, as shown in FIG. 3, the beam 10 can flex in contact with the surface on which the product is to be applied, for example the nail, and the first portion 12 may accompany to a certain extent the deformation of the beam 10, thanks to its deformability, while the second portion 13 has a shape substantially unchanged.

The first portion 12 thus contributes to the comfort of the application and allows to have an apparent length of rod 6, extending out of the closure cap 5 when the applicator is viewed from the side, long enough to be pleasant on the aesthetic plan. This apparent length also facilitates the precise application of the produced by avoiding that the closure capsule interferes with the observation, during the application the surface on which the product is to be applied.

The first portion 12 also allows the beam 10 to behave as if it was longer than it appears, thanks to the fact that the first portion 12 may accompany to a certain extent the deformation of the part of the beam 10 which extends into the housing 17.

The first portion 12 can be deformed by bending, that is to say by deforming so that its longitudinal axis becomes curvilinear and no longer confused with the X axis. The first portion 12 can also be deformed by changing section, especially by taking a flattening section, which can promote the spreading of the hairs beam 10, including a fan spacing.

Once the application ceases, the first portion 12 can resume by shape memory, thanks to its own elasticity, its initial shape, and in particular to have its longitudinal axis again rectilinear and confused with the X axis.

Various modifications can be made to the applicator without kind of the scope of the present invention.

For example, beam 10 may be implanted entirely in the distal portion 6a, as seen in FIG. 4. In this example, the first portion 12 does not extend only part of the length of the distal portion 6a, which is entirely made of elastomeric material.

The second portion 13 then extends at least partially over the portion distal 6a made of elastomer.

The distal and proximal parts, when made of materials different, can be assembled in various other ways than by overmolding material, and in particular can be assembled by complementarity of form as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example by producing at one end of the distal portion 6a a male form 20 configured to engage in a housing 21 of complementary shape of the proximal portion 6b.

In the example of FIG. 2, the first portion 12 has a wall of circular cross section surrounding the beam 10. In the absence of application, this wall may alternatively have a non-circular cross-section, for example substantially oval as shown in Figure 7.

The first portion 12 may still have a cross sectional shape polygonal, for example square or rectangular as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, reniform as illustrated in Figure 10, starred as illustrated in Figure 11 or crenellated, as shown in Figure 12.

The rod 6 may be made with, for example, a longitudinal groove 23, which may extend over all or part of the length of the rod and in particular on a fraction of the length thereof from its free end 19. The groove 23 can especially extend only on the first portion 12, for example on a major part of it, or at least part of the distal portion 6a.

FIG. 14 shows that the rod 6, in particular its first portion 12, can have inner and outer cross sections that do not have the same shape.

More specifically, the rod 6 can be made, in particular on a certain part its length from its free end 19, with an external cross-section of oblong general shape and with two opposite grooves 23, as can be seen on FIG. 14. The internal cross-section may for example be rectangular, so that the wall of the first portion 12 has variations in thickness around the housing 17 crossed by the bundle 10 of bristles.

The grooves 23 can be used to channel the product that flows after withdrawal of the applicator of the container, on the rod 6 towards its free end 19 towards one or several predefined zones of the beam 10, in particular in a central region thereof, to improve comfort on application and in particular the precision of makeup.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the possibility for the rod 6 to comprise from its free end 19 two diametrically opposed lateral openings 25, which extend for example over a major part of the first portion 12. These openings 25 may allow the bristles 11 of the bundle 10 to fan away during the application, through the openings 25.

The shape of the cross-section of the first portion 12 may define at least a preferred direction in which the first portion 12 can deform. For example, a cross section of oblong shape may bend more easily around an axis that is parallel to the major axis of the oblong section.

A reniform transverse section can give the beam 10 a shape general tile and allow him to marry more easily the convex shape of the nail.

The rod 6 can be made with at least one slot intended to improve the deformability of at least a fraction of the length of the rod and in particular the deformability of its first portion 12.

In Figure 17, there is shown a rod 6 which has a plurality of slots longitudinals 27 with contiguous edges, which are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the first portion 12, and traverse the entire thickness of its wall in the example considered. As a variant, the slots 27 could only extend over a portion the thickness of the wall, especially from its outer surface. They could also do not have contiguous edges.

The rod 6 can be made, as seen in Figure 18, with at least a bellows-shaped portion 30 extending between regions 31 and 32, capable of example of flexing around at least one axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

The distal portion 6a of the rod 6 can still be shaped like a duckbill, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 30. The end of the game 6a which is connected to the proximal portion 6b of the rod 6 is of substantially circular and the free end 19 of the distal portion 6a is flattened.

In the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 31, the rod 6 comprises a distal portion 6a consisting of a sleeve 40 slidable along the portion proximal 6b of the stem.

FIG. 32 shows the sleeve 40 in a waiting position on the 6b proximal portion of the rod 6, allowing easy access to the housing 16 for the fixing the bundle 10 of bristles 11 therein.

After placement of the bundle 10 of bristles 11, the sleeve 40 is moved relative to the proximal portion 6b of the rod 6 to surround a portion of the beam 10. The sleeve 40 is held in its final position on the proximal portion 6b of the rod 6 for example by snapping, thanks to an annular bead 41 engaging in an annular groove 42 formed at the end of the proximal portion 6b of the rod 6.

In the case in particular of the examples of FIGS. 15, 17 and 18, the deformability of the first portion 12 can be obtained thanks to the presence of the openings 25, slots 27 or bellows 30, and the first portion 12 may have deformability without it being necessary to make the latter in an elastomeric material, the first portion 12 can be made, if necessary, in the same material as the rest of the stem. However, it is preferable, to benefit from more deformability again, to make the first portion 12 at least partially in a material elastomer.

The invention finds application not only in the field of the application of nail polish but more generally in the field of makeup and for example for the application of a product on the eyelids, including an eyeliner.

This product may be contained for example in a container provided with an organ of spin 33 as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 33, which allows the organ to be drained application at its output from the container.

The wiper member 33 may be formed of a pierced foam, as illustrated in Figure 19, or by an elastomeric sleeve, as shown in Figure 33.

In the case of an eyeliner, the applicator member can be constituted by a brush as shown in Figure 20 or any other application device, for example a tip 34 of felt, foam or other materials, for example a material solid plastic, optionally elastomeric. The application member may comprise a flocked tip 35, as seen in Figure 21.

The applicator can be made differently still and in particular the stem 6 can be made in one piece with the closure cap 5, as shown in Figure 22.

When the applicator member comprises a bundle 10 of bristles 11, these may have different cross-sections, for example one of those illustrated in Figures 24 to 29.

The bristles 11 may in particular be solid as illustrated in FIG. as seen in FIG. 24, of polygonal section as illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 27, in particular square, triangular or rectangular, or oval as represented in FIG. 28, and possibly comprise at least one capillary groove 36, as shown in Figure 29.

The bristles can be made of natural or synthetic materials. We can use a mixture of hairs having different shapes and / or made in different materials.

The rod may comprise at least one rigid portion.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the expression "Comprising one" must be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least a ", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (38)

Applicator (3) for applying a product to a keratin surface, comprising: a rod (6), an application member (10) carried by the rod (6), characterized in that the rod (6) comprises a first deformable portion (12) which extends around the applicator member (10), this first portion (12) being arranged to be able to deform at least partially in response to a deformation of the applicator member (10) during application. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the first portion (12) is formed in a distal portion (6a) of the rod which is connected to a proximal portion (6b). Applicator according to Claim 2, characterized in that the proximal part (6b) is substantially non-deformable on application. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) is formed in a distal portion (6a) of the rod overmolded on an adjacent proximal portion (6b) of the rod. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first portion (12) is formed in a distal portion (6a) attached to an adjacent proximal portion (6b) of the stem, the distal portions (6a) ) and proximal (6b) being in particular assembled by snapping, insertion force, gluing or welding. Applicator according to one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the proximal (6b) and distal (6a) portions are made of the same material. Applicator according to one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the proximal (6b) and distal (6a) portions are made at least partially in two different respective materials. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) is made at least partially in an elastomeric material. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first portion (12) is made at least partially in one of the following materials: silicone, EPDM, PU, SIS, SEBS, SBS, EVA, polyether block , polyester. Applicator according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the rod (6) comprises a second portion (13) made at least partially in one of the following materials: HDPE, LDPE, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (6) comprises at least one slot (27) extending over at least a portion of the length of the first portion (12). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) extends around the applicator member (10) in a continuous manner. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first portion (12) extends around the applicator member (10) discontinuously. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first portion (12) has two openings (25) opposite. Applicator according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the applicator member (10) is attached to the proximal portion (6b). Applicator according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the applicator member (10) is fixed to the distal portion (6a). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) is more easily deformable in at least one direction of preferential deformation. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) has, in the absence of application, a non-constant outer cross section. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one inner or outer transverse section of the first portion (12) of the rod (6) has a shape chosen from the following: circular, non-circular, in particular oblong, oval, elliptic, polygonal, in particular square, rectangular, reniform, crenellated, star-shaped, with one or more grooves. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) comprises a wall at least partially surrounding the application member (10) and whose thickness is between 0.3 and 0. , 8 mm. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the first portion (12) comprises a wall at least partially surrounding the application element and whose thickness is variable, especially in the longitudinal direction, in particular decreasing closer to the free end (19) of the first portion. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the first portion (12) of the rod (6) is between 1 and 12 mm, in particular between 2 and 8 mm. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (6) has, on at least a part of its length, at least one groove (23), in particular two grooves (23) located opposite one from the other. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one groove (23) extends over a major part of the length of the first portion (12) of the rod (6), in particular over substantially its entire length. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparent length of the applicator member (10) is between 2 and 7 mm, in particular is of the order of about 5 mm. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator member (10) comprises at least one of the following elements: bundle (10) of bristles (11), felt, flocking coating, foam. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator member (10) comprises a bundle of bristles (11) forming a brush. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the applicator member (10) comprises at least one flocked tip (35). Applicator according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the proximal portion (6b) is connected, on a side opposite the distal portion (6a), to a gripping member (5). Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the gripping member (5) comprises fastening means on a container, in particular a thread. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product to a keratinous surface, characterized in that it comprises: an applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a container (2) containing the product (V). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the applicator (3) is arranged to be removably attached to the container (2). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the container (2) comprises a wiper (33). Device according to claim 31, characterized in that the product (V) is a product to be applied to the nails, especially a nail polish. Device according to claim 31, characterized in that the product is an eyeliner. Device according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the capacity of the container (2) is between 2 and 12 ml, in particular between 5 and 9 ml, or about 7 ml. A method of manufacturing an applicator as defined in claim 1, for applying a product to a keratin surface, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a rod (6) having a sleeve (40) sliding, the sleeve (40) being in a waiting position releasing access to one end of the rod (6), attaching on the rod (6) at its end an applicator member (10), sliding on the rod (6) towards the end thereof the sleeve (40) so that it comes to cover at least partially the applicator member (10). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sleeve (40) is arranged to stop on the rod (6) snap or friction at the end of its sliding towards the end of the rod (6).

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