EP2012614B1 - Application instrument of simplified construction, and associated manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general technical field of devices for applying products, in particular cosmetic products, to an area of the human body, preferably consisting of superficial body growths, and in particular filiform and keratinized integers such as eyelashes.

The present invention relates more particularly to an instrument for applying a product to integuments comprising means for applying said product to the integuments.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product to integuments comprising a step of producing a means for applying said product to the integuments.

PRIOR ART

Already known mascara applicators in the form of brushes, see for example US 3,998,235,235 and WO 01/58309 . Such brushes conventionally comprise a gripping member, which can act as a stopper for a container containing the mascara to be applied, and a rod extending from the gripping member between a proximal end and a distal end.

A multitude of bristles extend radially from the stem, at the distal end thereof, thereby forming a means for applying the mascara to the eyelashes.

These brushes of the prior art are intended to be used in the following manner. The user soaks the brush in a container containing mascara, which has the effect of coating the mascara hair.

The user then performs an action of brushing the eyelashes using the brush, which has the effect of transferring mascara hairs to and on the eyelashes, while painting the passage.

Most of these mascara brushes of the prior art are obtained by arranging, between the two arms of a U-shaped metal pin, a series of independent fibers arranged substantially side by side on each other along the length of the wire. interstitial space separating the two branches of the pin. A twisting force is then applied to the pin which leads to its twisting. The twisting of the pin itself entrains the entrapment of the fibers between the branches and a helical expansion of the fibers, which adopt a distribution in helical layers. An application head is thus obtained which is fitted on the rod extending from the gripping member, in the continuity of said rod.

These brushes of the prior art have a number of disadvantages.

In the first place, their manufacturing process is relatively difficult to implement, since it relies on the combination of a multitude of independent elements, namely the plurality of fibers and the U-shaped pin, which are moreover very small sizes, and therefore difficult to handle.

In addition, the design of the brushes of the prior art and the constraining nature of their manufacturing process do not make it possible, from a given industrial tool, to vary significantly the shape and the properties of the manufactured brushes, in particular from the point of view of the mechanical properties and the conformation of the bristles.

Finally, given the industrial constraints and design recalled in the foregoing, these brushes of the prior art certainly provide an acceptable makeup result, but is far from remarkable.

The object of the invention is therefore to remedy the various disadvantages listed above, and to propose a new instrument for applying a product to superficial body growths, of particularly simple and inexpensive construction and which makes it possible to obtain an interesting makeup result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Another object of the invention is to propose a new instrument for applying a product on superficial integuments to ensure effective combing.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new instrument for applying a product to superficial dander of particularly simplified construction.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new instrument for applying a product to integuments whose construction is based in particular on a general principle known and tested as such.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new instrument for applying a product to superficial integuments whose construction implements, in particular, standard parts of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new instrument for applying a product to integuments which, while being of particularly simple and economical construction, makes it possible to obtain an optimized makeup result, in particular with the use of a pleasant " touch " for the user.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product on superficial integuments which is particularly simple, fast and inexpensive.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product on superficial body growths which relies on the implementation of a reduced number of very simple and quick steps to perform.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product to superficial integuments based on a well-known and proven general principle.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product to superficial body growths, which makes it possible to obtain an instrument allowing optimized makeup, and this, in particular from standard parts known in the art. prior art.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a mascara applicator for the eyelashes as defined in the appended claims. Objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by a method of manufacturing a mascara applicator for eyelashes as defined in the appended claims.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 illustre, selon une vue générale de côté, un instrument conforme à l'invention, destiné à l'application de mascara sur les cils.
• La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue en perpette, un détail de réalisation de l'instrument illustré à la figure 1.
• La figure 3 illustre, selon une vue schématique de face, une épingle en U formant l'âme de l'instrument illustrée aux figures 1 et 2, avant que ladite épingle ne soit torsadée.
• La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue de face, la plaque, non encore torsadée, mise en oeuvre dans la construction de l'instrument illustré aux figures 1 à 3.
• La figure 5 illustre, selon une vue en perspective, la coopération de la plaque illustrée à la figure 4 et de l'âme illustrée à la figure 3, avant que lesdites plaque et âme ne soient torsadées.
• La figure 6 illustre, selon une vue de face, un second mode de réalisation d'une plaque susceptible d'être mise en oeuvre dans la construction d'un instrument conforme à l'invention, avant que ladite plaque ne soit torsadée.

Other advantages and objects of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings provided for purely explanatory and non-limiting purposes, in which:

• the figure 1 illustrates, in a general side view, an instrument according to the invention for the application of mascara on the eyelashes.
• The figure 2 illustrates, according to a view in perpetuity, a detail of the embodiment of the instrument illustrated in figure 1 .
• The figure 3 illustrates, in a schematic front view, a U-shaped pin forming the core of the instrument illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , before said pin is twisted.
• The figure 4 illustrates, in a front view, the plate, not yet twisted, used in the construction of the instrument illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3 .
• The figure 5 illustrates, in a perspective view, the cooperation of the illustrated plate with the figure 4 and from the soul illustrated to the figure 3 , before said plate and core are twisted.
• The figure 6 illustrates, in a front view, a second embodiment of a plate that can be implemented in the construction of an instrument according to the invention, before said plate is twisted.

BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an instrument 1 for applying a product, preferably liquid, semi-liquid (for example pasty) or powder, on superficial body growths, and in particular on fibrous keratinous superficial body growths such as hair (for example: eyelashes, eyebrows). , beard, mustache) or the hair, it being understood that the claimed invention only concerns a mascara applicator for the eyelashes.

The product to be applied is a cosmetic product, so that the instrument 1 constitutes a cosmetic instrument.

The product to be applied is mascara for the eyelashes, the instrument 1 constituting a mascara applicator for the eyelashes.

It will be exclusively referred in the following to such a mascara applicator.

In a manner known per se, the instrument 1 comprises a gripping member 2 designed to be grasped and manipulated manually by a user, for example between two or three fingers. The instrument 1 therefore presents, in a conventional manner, a portable character and is intended for a manual use. Preferably, the gripping member 2 may also be shaped to serve as a cap for a container (not shown) containing a product stock to be applied, which is mascara for the eyelashes. Such an arrangement is conventional, and will not be described in detail further.

Preferably, the instrument 1 comprises a rod 3 extending substantially rectilinear, in an axial direction X-X ', from the gripping member 2 between a proximal end 3A and a distal end 3B.

According to the invention, the instrument 1 comprises an application means 4 of the product to be applied to the integuments, it being understood that the appendages in question are constituted by the eyelashes in accordance with the claimed invention. The means of application 4 is preferably designed to collect the product to be applied (mascara) and apply it to the integuments (eyelashes).

In the example illustrated in the figures, the application means 4 is preferably and specifically designed to take the product to be applied, for example by being immersed in a reserve of the latter, and to retain and contain this amount of product taken up to at its release on the integuments (eyelashes according to the claimed invention), preferably carried out by contacting and rubbing the application means 4 with and against the integuments (eyelashes in accordance with the claimed invention).

In the preferred examples illustrated in the figures in which the instrument 1 constitutes a mascara applicator for the eyelashes, and more specifically a mascara brush, the application means 4 also makes it possible, simultaneously with the coating of the eyelashes with mascara, to provide a function of combing and separating the eyelashes. To this end, the application means 4 preferably comprises a plurality of protuberances 4A which thus advantageously form combing teeth, that is to say brush bristles. which make it possible to coat the eyelashes with mascara while concomitantly painting said eyelashes. Obviously, the invention is not limited to a particular structure of the (or) means (s) of application 4, the latter being essentially dictated by the consistency of the product to be applied, the nature of the receiving medium (eyelashes) , and the quality of the makeup sought.

According to the invention, the instrument 1 comprises a twisted plate 5 carrying the application means 4. The term " plate " conventionally means a sheet of flexible or rigid material, whose thickness is relatively small compared to its area. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the plate 5 has for example a thickness substantially between 0.05 and 2 mm, said thickness preferably being between 0.1 and 1 mm, and still more preferably substantially equal to 0.2. mm.

As stated above, the plate 5 carries the application means 4, that is to say that it serves as a support for the means of application 4. In other words, the means of application is attached to the plate 5, that is to say it is mounted on the plate 5. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the application means 4 is made of material with the plate 5, that is to say that it forms with the latter a unitary and monoblock piece, in one piece. However, the application means 4 may be distinct and independent of the plate 5 and be fixed thereto by any appropriate means, and for example by gluing, flocking, heat-sealing, crimping or mechanical assembly, without, for all that sort of the scope of the invention.

As mentioned above, the plate 5 is twisted, that is to say that it is twisted helically, spirally, preferably along the axis corresponding to its length. The plate 5 is thus twisted, that is to say twisted, rolled up on itself. Since the plate 5 carries the application means 4, the twisted nature of said plate 5 makes it possible to generate " expansion " of the application means 4, that is to say in this case a helical distribution, in a spiral around the X-X 'axis of said application means 4.

The general principle underlying the invention is therefore based on the idea of using a plate to control the spatial distribution of the application means, whereas in the prior art it acts directly on the application means. which was a source of difficulties, particularly technical and industrial ones.

In what follows, we will focus on describing in more detail the examples of achievements illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 .

In these examples, the plate 5 has an elongated character, slender, that is to say that it extends mainly in a single direction of space, in this case the axial direction X-X '. In the illustrated examples, the plate 5 is advantageously twisted along its major extension axis, namely the X-X 'axis.

Advantageously, as is apparent in particular from Figures 4 to 6 , the plate 5 comprises a central panel 6 extending firstly in the longitudinal direction, corresponding to the direction of the axis X-X ', between a first and a second end 6A, 6B, and secondly in the transverse direction, which in this case is perpendicular to the X-X 'axis, between first and second edges 6C, 6D. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the panel 6 initially has a non-twisted character, as can be seen in FIGS. Figures 4 to 6 . Advantageously, the central panel 6 has in this initial non-twisted state the shape of a rectangular flat strip with two large straight sides parallel to the axis XX 'corresponding to the first and second edges 6C, 6D and two small sides parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axial direction XX 'respectively corresponding to the first and second ends 6A, 6B. Advantageously, a first and a second series 7, 8 of protuberances 4A protrude respectively from the first and second edges 6C, 6D of the central panel 6.

When the central panel 6 is in its initial untwisted state illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4 to 6 , the protuberances 4A extend in the plane of the central panel 6 not yet twisted perpendicularly to the axis X-X ', that is to say in the transverse direction. The protuberances 4A, which are preferably, as illustrated, in the form of elongated rectangular parallelepipedal lamellae are arranged in a regular manner along the entire length of the first and second edges 6C, 6D, perpendicular thereto. The first and second series 7, 8 protrusion 4A are thus advantageously symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the central panel 6 parallel to the axis X-X '.

In the example shown in figure 4 the strips forming the protuberances 4A are all identical, whereas in the example illustrated in FIG. figure 6 the length of the lamellae gradually decreases near the second end 6B of the central panel 6, in the direction of the first end 6A towards the second end 6B. This oblique profile makes it possible to obtain a " tip " brush profile facilitating the makeup of the corner of the eye.

The first and second series 7, 8 of protuberances 4A contribute, as explained above, to form the application means 4. More precisely, in the examples illustrated in the figures, the application means 4 is formed by the two series 7, 8 of excrescences 4A.

Thus, prior to twisting of the central panel 6, the plate 5 and the application means 6 are in the form of a single unitary plane piece with a core formed of a flat strip formed by the central panel 6 and excrescences extending laterally, in the transverse direction perpendicular to the axis X-X ', from each edge 6C, 6D, in the plane of the central panel 6.

In order to obtain the twisted plate carrying the application means according to the invention, the central panel 6 is twisted in the longitudinal direction defined by the X-X 'axis, which causes the formation of helical layers of growths. 4A, as is visible at Figures 1 and 2 .

The twisting of the central panel 6 thus generates a spiral spiral distribution of the protuberances 4A around and along the axis X-X '. This twisting is advantageously obtained by subjecting the central panel 6 initially not twisted to a twisting force, made for example by printing at one of its parts a rotational movement about the axis XX '(for example in a clockwise direction ) while the other parts remain fixed, or are subjected to a movement in opposite direction (for example counter-clockwise).

This torsion force is maintained so that the plate 5 adopts its twisted form in a stable and permanent manner. It is also conceivable, if the torsional stress is not maintained, that the latter is sufficient to impart a stable plastic deformation to the central panel 6, so that the latter adopts a twisted shape in a stable and definitive manner.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to obtain a plate 5 twisted by construction, without torsion step, for example by molding in a mold itself having a twisted shape.

It has been seen in the foregoing that the application means 4 advantageously comprises a plurality of protuberances 4A extending from the plate 5, and that preferably the application means 4 is made of material with the plate 5.

Particularly preferably, the application means 4 is cut in the plate 5. In other words, the application means 4 and the plate 5 are formed by a single piece, from which is shaped, by removal of material, the application means 4. Preferably, indentations 4B are formed in the plate 5 to form the protuberances 4A,

So, in the example shown in the figure 4 , the protuberances 4A of the first and second series 7, 8 and the central panel 6 are obtained by cutting a flat strip of material having a substantially rectangular shape, the long sides of said flat strip being cut transversely by regularly spaced indentations, in order to get the piece illustrated at the figure 4 which comprises a central panel 6 from which extend laterally two rows of opposing teeth constituted by the first and second series 7, 8 of excrescences 4A. The piece illustrated at figure 4 is then twisted along the X-X 'axis, as explained above.

This twisted plate 5 carrying the application means 4 is finally secured by any appropriate means (crimping or gluing for example) to the rod 3, to the distal end 3B of the latter, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 . The twisted plate 5 carrying an application means 4 thus forms an application head for the instrument 1 extending, from the distal end 3B, substantially in the extension of the rod 3, along the X axis -X '.

Advantageously, the instrument 1 according to the invention comprises a support core 9 to which the plate 5 is attached. The core 9 preferably extends in a rectilinear manner along the axis X-X 'between a first end 9A which is preferably connected to the distal end 3B of the rod 3, and a second free end 9B.

It is also conceivable that the core 9 does not extend in a strictly rectilinear manner, as is illustrated in the figures, but alternatively has a slightly curved shape (not shown), for example, conjugated to the average profile of implantation of lashes. In this case, as will be understood in the following, the axial direction X-X 'is not defined by a straight line, but by a curved line which follows the extension contour of the core 9.

In the examples illustrated in the figures, the core 9 is distinct from the rod 3 and is fixed thereto, for example by crimping. However, it is quite possible that the core 9 is directly formed by the rod 3 itself. It is also conceivable that the instrument 1 does not have a rod 3, the core 9 being directly connected to the gripping member 2. It is also possible that the core 9, and more particularly its first end 9A, is shaped to constitute directly by itself the gripping member 2, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As mentioned above, the plate 5 is secured to the support core 9, that is to say that the plate 5 and the support core 9 are mechanically linked.

Advantageously, the support core 9 is itself twisted, and even more preferably the plate 5 is flexible and the twisted character of the plate 5 is imparted by the core 9 itself twisted. In in other words, the core 9 is advantageously designed to maintain a torsional force permanently on the plate 5, said torsion force maintaining the plate 5 in a twisted, twisted state, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .

For this purpose and preferably, the core 9 comprises two elongated branches 10, 11, extending longitudinally in two substantially parallel directions of extension, and defining between them an interstitial space 12 in which the plate 5 is inserted, such as that this is illustrated in Figures 2 and 5 . In the example illustrated in the figures, the elongated branches 10, 11 are initially substantially straight, straight and parallel to each other, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 5 , while the plate 5 is initially not twisted, flat, when it is slid between the branches 10, 11 themselves not yet twisted. A torsion force is then exerted on the core 9, along the axis X-X ', which is parallel to the branches 10, 11 and passes through the middle of the interstitial space 12. This torsional force is exerted simultaneously on the two elongated branches 10, 11, which results in a twisting of the core 9 in a double helix around the axis X-X ', each helix corresponding to one of the branches 10, 11. Twisting the core 9 simultaneously drives the capture of the plate between the branches 10, 11 and the twisting of the plate, which goes from the illustrated configuration to the figure 5 to the configuration illustrated at Figures 1 and 2 .

Advantageously, the core 9 comprises a U-shaped pin, the arms of the U being twisted and forming the two elongate branches 10, 11, said arms of the U being connected by a crossbar 13 which advantageously has a curved shape and extends into the extension of the branches 10, 11.

Preferably, the U-shaped pin is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, so that the twist of the pin causes a permanent plastic deformation, according to a spiral profile around the axis X-X ', elongate branches 10, 11.

The plate 5 is in turn preferably made of a flexible, deformable material, and for example based on an elastomeric material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The use of such a material improves the contact properties of the instrument, promoting a " touch " soft.

In the foregoing, there have been described embodiments implementing a single plate, it being understood that it is quite possible, that the instrument 1 comprises a plurality of separate twisted plates 5 independent of each other, said plates that can be different from the point of view of the material as geometry, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the foregoing, the use of a separate and independent plate 5 and core 9 has been described, it being understood that it is quite possible for the core 9 to be made of material with the plate 5, so that the plate 5 and the core 9 form a single piece in one piece.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an instrument 1 for applying a product (consisting of mascara according to the claimed invention) on superficial body growths (eyelashes according to the claimed invention), said instrument 1 constituting a mascara applicator for eyelashes, and in particular
an instrument 1 according to that just described in the foregoing.

Thus, the method according to the invention is a method of manufacturing a mascara applicator for eyelashes.

The method according to the invention comprises a step (a) of producing a means of application 4 of said product to be applied (consisting of mascara according to the invention claimed) on superficial body growths (eyelashes according to the claimed invention) .

• une étape (b) de fabrication ou de fourniture d'une plaque 5,
• une étape (c) de torsadage de la plaque 5 pour obtenir une plaque torsadée,
• et une étape (d) d'association du moyen d'application 4 à la plaque 5, pour que la plaque 5 torsadée porte ledit moyen d'application 4,

le caractère torsadé de la plaque 5 permettant de générer une distribution hélicoïdale dudit moyen d'application.The process according to the invention also comprises:

• a step (b) of manufacturing or supplying a plate 5,
• a step (c) of twisting the plate 5 to obtain a twisted plate,
• and a step (d) of associating the application means 4 with the plate 5, so that the twisted plate 5 carries said application means 4,

the twisted character of the plate 5 for generating a helical distribution of said application means.

As has been seen previously, step (c) is advantageously posterior to step (d), that is to say that one proceeds to the twisting of the plate after having secured the means of application 4 to the plate 5 not yet twisted, so that the twisting of the plate 5 generates the expansion of the application means,

Advantageously, step (c) is subsequent to step (b), that is to say that the plate resulting from step (b) is not already twisted by construction, the manufacture of the plate 5 and its twisting being made by separate operations, independent and offset in time.

Advantageously, as described in the foregoing, steps (a) and (d) are simultaneous, that is to say that the realization of the application means 4 is concomitant, and even preferentially confused, with the combination of said application means 4 to the plate 5. In other words, the embodiment of the application means 4 simultaneously generates the association of the application means 4 to the plate 5, and vice versa.

This simultaneity can obviously be obtained when the application means 4 comes from material with the plate 5, as described in what above. In this case, and advantageously, steps (a) and (d) comprise a cutting operation (d ') of the application means 4 in the plate 5 obtained at the end of step (b). For example, the plate obtained at the end of step (b) is in the form of a flat sheet and solid, substantially parallelepipedic.

Preferably, during the cutting operation (d '), a series of indentations is made in this plate so as to form at the periphery of said plate a plurality of excrescences, said protuberances forming the means of In other words, the plate obtained at the end of step (b), which was initially uniform and continuous, is now fringed at the end of step (d '), the said fringes corresponding to series 7, 8 protruding 4A.

At the end of the cutting operation (d '), a substantially flat piece is obtained, similar to that illustrated in FIGS. figures 4 and 6 .

Preferably, the cutting operation (d ') is performed by means of a laser beam, which allows to achieve quickly, accurately and economically the delicate architecture of the fringed piece illustrated in FIG. figures 4 and 6 . By way of example, the width E of each fringe forming protrusion 4A is substantially between 0.05 and 2 mm, and is preferably substantially between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, a width E substantially equal to 0, 2 mm being particularly preferred. The inter-fringe space, corresponding to the notches 4B, advantageously has a width L substantially between 0.01 and 2 mm, preferably substantially between 0.05 and 0.2 mm, a width L substantially equal to 0.1 mm being very particularly preferred.

Preferably, the plate obtained at the end of step (b) is itself derived from a cutting operation by means of a laser beam.

Of course, the use of a laser to perform the above-mentioned cutting operations is purely optional, these cutting operations can be performed by any other means, and in particular using mechanical means of the punch type.

Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, the steps (a), (b) and (d) are carried out using a single cutting operation, preferably performed by means of a laser beam, making it possible to perform by cutting in a panel of material the piece illustrated at the figure 4 or that of the figure 6 .

Advantageously, the method according to the invention comprises a step (e) of manufacturing or supplying a support core 9. For example, during step (e), a core 9 comprising two elongated branches 10, 11 delimiting between them an interstitial space 12 is manufactured or supplied. Preferably, during step (e), manufactures or provides a core 9 comprising a U-shaped pin, the arms of the U forming the two elongate branches 10, 11.

The U-shaped pin, which is preferably made by simple folding of a rectilinear and monobloc wire, is sometimes referred to in the technical field to which the invention relates by the term " stirrup ".

Advantageously, the method according to the invention comprises a step (f) during which the plate obtained at the end of step (b) is attached to the support core 9, so that a twisting of the core 9 generates a twisting of the plate 5. In other words, the mechanical connection between the core 9 and the plate 5 is chosen so that a torsion deformation of the core 9 (twist of the 9) causes a torsional deformation of the plate 5 (twisting of the plate 5) leading to a twisting of the latter along the axis X-X '.

Advantageously, during step (f), the plate 5 is inserted in the interstitial space 12 corresponding to the gap of the U-shaped pin forming the core 9.

Preferably, steps (e) and (f) are thus subsequent to step (b) and prior to step (c).

As has just been explained, during step (c), the core 9 is twisted to twist the plate 5.

Preferably, during step (c), the core 9 is twisted along an axis X-X 'parallel to the two elongate branches 10, 11, said axis being equidistant from the two branches 10, 11.

• insertion d'une plaque souple portant des poils dans l'entrefer d'un étrier,
• torsadage de l'étrier de façon à générer un torsadage de la plaque, de sorte que les poils, initialement distribués sous forme de rangées rectilignes, s'étendent désormais sous forme de rangées hélicoïdales tournant en colimaçon autour de l'axe X-X', tel que cela est illustré à la figure 2.

Thus, in its most advantageous embodiment, the invention makes it possible to obtain a mascara brush having a proliferation of hair-forming excrescences, in particular making it possible to optimize the combing and bending effect of the eyelashes, simply by implementation of the following steps:

• insertion of a flexible plate carrying bristles in the gap of a stirrup,
• twisting of the stirrup so as to generate a twist of the plate, so that the bristles, initially distributed in the form of rectilinear rows, now extend in the form of helical rows rotating in a spiral around the axis X-X ' , as illustrated in figure 2 .

It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, to insert, in the air gap of the U-shaped pin, free fibers in addition to the plate 5.

Thus, during the step of twisting the U-shaped pin, said fibers will also be subjected to a helical movement leading to their expansion. This gives a " mixed " application head comprising both excrescences 4A from the plate 5 and free fibers (not shown). It is also conceivable that after the step of twisting the plate 5, preferably made by twisting the core 9, the general profile of the application means 4, formed by the plurality of growths 4A , or modified by machining, that is to say by removal of material in the spiral layers formed by the protuberances 4A.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design and manufacture of an instrument for applying a product to superficial body growths, constituted by a mascara applicator for the eyelashes according to the claimed invention, in particular a mascara brush. .

Claims (27)

1. Mascara applicator (1) for eyelashes comprising a means of application (4) of said mascara to the eyelashes, said applicator (1) being characterised in that it comprises a twisted plate (5) supporting said means of application (4), the twisted nature of the plate (5) enabling to generate a helical distribution of said means of application (4).
2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the means of application (4) comprises a plurality of protuberances (4A) extending from the plate (5).
3. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that the means of application (4) is one with said plate (5).
4. Applicator (1) according to claim 3 characterised in that the means of application (4) is cut in said plate (5).
5. Applicator (1) according to claims 2, 3 and 4, characterised in that notches (4B) are made in the plate (5) to form the protuberances (4A).
6. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the plate (5) comprises a central panel (6) extending both in the longitudinal direction, (X-X') between a first end and a second end (6A, 6B), and in the transverse direction, between a first edge and a second edge (6C, 6D), a first and second series (7, 8) of protuberances (4A) protruding from the first and second edges (6C, 6D) respectively, said first and second series (7, 8) of protuberances (4A) contributing to the forming of said means of application (4), said central panel (6) being twisted in the longitudinal direction (X-X')-
7. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that it comprises a supporting core (9) to which said plate (5) is attached.
8. Applicator (1) according to claim 7 characterised in that said supporting core (9) is twisted.
9. Applicator (1) according to claim 8 characterised in that said the plate (5) is flexible and in that the twisted nature of the plate (5) is imparted by the core (9).
10. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9 characterised in that the core (9) comprises two elongated branches (10, 11) delimiting between them an interstitial space (12) in which said plate (5) is inserted.
11. Applicator (1) according to claim 10 characterised in that the core (9) comprises a U-shaped pin, the arms of the U being twisted and forming the two elongated branches (10, 11).
12. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that the plate (5) is made from an elastomer material such as polytetrafluoroethylene.
13. Method of manufacturing (1) of a mascara applicator for eyelashes comprising a step (a) of production of a means of application (4) of said mascara to the eyelashes, characterised in that it comprises:

    - a step (b) of production or supply of a plate (5),

    - a step (c) of twisting of the plate (5) to obtain a twisted plate (5),

    - a step (d) of association of the means of application (4) with the plate (5), so that the twisted plate (5) supports said means of application (4),

    the twisted nature of the plate (5) enabling to generate a helical distribution of said means of application (4).
14. Method according to claim 13 characterised in that step (c) is subsequent to step (d).
15. Method according to claim 13 or 14 characterised in that step (c) is subsequent to step (b).
16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15 characterised in that steps (a) and (d) are simultaneous.
17. Method according to claim 16 characterised in that steps (a) and (d) comprise an operation of cutting (d') of the means of application (4) in the plate (5) obtained following step (b).
18. Method according to claim 17 characterised in that, in the course of the cutting operation (d'), a series of notches (4B) is made in this plate so as to form a plurality of protuberances (4A) on the outer edge of said plate, said protuberances (4A) forming the means of application (4).
19. Method according to one of claims 17 or 18 characterised in that the cutting operation (d') is performer by means of a laser beam.
20. Method according to one of claims 13 to 19 characterised in that it comprises a step (e) of manufacturing or supply of a supporting core (9) and a step (f) in the course of which the plate (5) obtained following step (b) is attached to the supporting core (9) with the result that a twisting of the core (9) generates a twisting of the plate (5).
21. Method according to claim 20 characterised in that steps (e) and (f) are subsequent to step (b) and prior to step (c).
22. Method according to claim 20 or 21 characterised in that in the course of step (c) twisting of the core (9) is carried out to twist the plate (5).
23. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22 characterised in that in the course of step (e), a core (9) comprising two elongated branches (10, 11) delimiting between them an interstitial space (12) is manufactured or supplied, and in that in the course of step (f) the plate (5) is inserted in said interstitial space (12).
24. Method according to claim 23 characterised in that in the course of step (e), a core (9) comprising a U-shaped pin, the arms of the U forming the two elongated branches (10, 11), is manufactured or supplied.
25. Method according to claim 23 or 24 characterised in that in the course of step (c) the core (9) is twisted along an axis (X-X') parallel to the two elongated branches (10, 11) and lying at an equal distance from said two branches (10, 11).
26. Method according to one of claims 13 to 25 characterised in that the means of application (4) is one with the plate (5).
27. Method according to one of claims 13 to 26 characterised in that the plate (5) is made from an elastomer material such as polytetrafluoraethylene.

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