EP2172127A1 - Instrument for applying a product to skin appendages and associated production method - Google Patents

Abstract

The instrument has a longilineal core formed as a single piece, and extended longitudinally along a mean longitudinal extension axis (Y-Y'), and a cosmetic product application unit (4) including application protrusions (4A) for applying a cosmetic product on fibrous keratinous or filiform appendages. The protrusions are carried by the core, and are helically expanded along the core by twisting the core. The protrusions are arranged on the core, before twisting the core, along three separate radial directions around the axis. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for fabricating a product applying instrument (2) a machine for fabricating a product applying instrument, comprising a core providing or fabricating station.

Description

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 on the one hand an integral core extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension and on the other hand application growths of said produced on the integuments.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product to integuments comprising a step (a) of manufacturing or supplying an integral core extending longitudinally along an average axis of longitudinal extension and a step (b) of manufacturing or supplying growths of application of said product on the integuments.

• un poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'un noyau d'un seul tenant s'étendant longitudinalement selon un axe moyen d'extension longitudinale,
• et un poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'excroissances d'application (4A) dudit produit sur les phanères.

The present invention finally relates to a machine for manufacturing an instrument for applying a product to integuments comprising:

• a station for manufacturing or supplying an integral core extending longitudinally along an axis of longitudinal extension,
• and a station for manufacturing or supplying application growths (4A) of said product on the superficial body growths.

• l'utilisateur trempe la brosse dans un récipient contenant du mascara, ce qui a pour effet d'enduire les poils de mascara,
• l'utilisateur extrait ensuite la brosse hors du récipient, en l'essorant au passage grâce à un embout d'essorage de section réduite disposé sur le col du récipient,
• l'utilisateur effectue enfin une action de brossage des cils à l'aide de la brosse, ce qui a pour effet de transférer du mascara des poils vers et sur les cils, tout en peignant au passage ces derniers.

Mascara applicators are already known in the form of brushes. 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, thus forming a means of application of the mascara on the eyelashes. These brushes of the prior art are intended to be used in the following way:

• the user soaks the brush in a container containing mascara, which has the effect of coating the mascara hairs,
• the user then extracts the brush from the container, by squeezing it in the passageway by means of a reduced section wiping nozzle arranged on the neck of the container,
• the user finally 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 an industrial process in which there is arranged, between the two arms of a U-shaped metal pin, a series of independent fibers arranged substantially side by side. others over the length of the interstitial space separating the two branches of the hairpin. 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. The assembly thus obtained forms the mascara brush.

These brushes of the prior art are generally satisfactory, because they are cheap (the industrial equipment for their manufacture is indeed now classic and widely used) while having an honorable makeup efficiency, resulting in particular the helicoidal expansion of the hairs, which thanks to the multiplicity of orientation of the hairs that it induces favors the loading of the mascara brush and allows effective combing of the eyelashes. The loading of the mascara brush and the combing efficiency are also favored by the high density of bristles that these brushes have.

These brushes nonetheless have a number of disadvantages.

In the first place, their manufacturing process, although widely known and widespread, remains relatively difficult to implement, since it relies on the combination of a multitude of independent elements, namely the plurality of fibers and the pin in U, which are extremely light and very small, so difficult to handle. In addition, the design of these brushes of the prior art and the binding nature of their manufacturing process do not allow, from a given industrial tool, to significantly vary the shape and 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.

In order to overcome these drawbacks, it has been proposed a mascara brush using a laser cut and twisted plate. Such a brush provides a satisfactory answer to most of the drawbacks mentioned in the foregoing, but this response is not optimal especially with regard to the efficiency and comfort of make-up, which are not greater for certain aspects than those obtained with the conventional twisted brushes mentioned in the foregoing.

It has also been proposed in the prior art mascara brushes whose application head (thus including the bristles) is integrally performed by an injection-molding operation of a plastic material. The implementation of such an injection-molding operation makes it possible to obtain extremely comfortable use brushes, since the fibrous bristles of the conventional twisted brushes are here replaced by molded bristles with a more pleasant contact. The use of a molding operation also allows easy industrialization of the brush manufacturing process, while allowing a wide variety of design of the application heads, particularly with regard to shape, consistency (flexibility) , the length and the implantation of the hairs. These molded mascara brushes thus provide a solution to some of the problems associated with conventional twisted bristle brushes, but they do not, however, have the advantages associated with these conventional brushes, benefits that are essentially related to spiral swirling and hair density such as explained in the foregoing. Indeed, the use of a molding operation to manufacture the Application head does not allow to obtain a distribution of hairs in helical sheet, such a distribution being indeed impossible to demold under acceptable industrial conditions. Similarly, molding techniques known to date do not achieve a hair density comparable to that presented by twisted brushes.

In addition, the manufacture by molding can lead to brushes exhibiting unsuitable spinning behavior, with the risk of deterioration, by plastic deformation, of the bristles of the brush.

It has also been proposed in the prior art to twist a molded part at the time of demolding, or even directly into the mold, by rotating the end piece. Such a procedure can, however, be technically constraining, because it requires in particular to deform the part at a specific moment (at the time of demolding or in the mold), to benefit from a favorable rheological state of the room. Such "hot" deformation can be moreover difficult to produce industrially and requires specific tools.

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, and in particular a mascara applicator for eyelashes, which is of particularly simple and inexpensive construction. , whose construction and manufacture are based on simple and proven general technical principles, and which can be adapted to a multitude of variants, while allowing to obtain an improved makeup result.

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 on superficial body growths which, while being of particularly simple and economical construction, makes it possible to obtain excellent comfort of use.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product to superficial body growths, and in particular a mascara applicator for eyelashes, which, while resting on general technical principles well known and proven, or implementation particularly simple, fast and cheap and allows to obtain a declinable instrument in a multitude of variants and likely to provide an improved makeup result.

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 body growths.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new manufacturing machine capable of manufacturing the instrument according to the invention.

The objects assigned to the invention are attained by means of an instrument for applying a product to integuments comprising on the one hand an integral core extending longitudinally along an average axis of longitudinal extension and on the other hand, growths of application of said product to the integuments, said application protuberances being carried by the core and abounding helically along the latter, said helicoidal enlargement of the excrescences being obtained by twisting the core, said protuberances being arranged on the core, prior to the twisting thereof, in at least three distinct radial directions about said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension, said instrument being characterized in that it comprises a twisting means to which said core is attached so that the character twisted core is imparted by said twisting means.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of manufacturing an instrument for applying a product to integuments comprising a step of manufacturing or supplying an integral nucleus. extending longitudinally along an axis of longitudinal extension, a step of manufacturing or supplying growths of application of said product on the appendages, a step of combining the application excrescences with the core, so that said application protuberances are carried by the core and are arranged on the latter in at least three distinct radial directions around said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension, and a step of twisting the core to generate a helical expansion of the growths along the core, said method being characterized in that it further comprises a step of manufacturing or providing a twisting means, and a step associating said twisting means with said core so that twisting of the twisting means generates twisting of the core.

• un poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'un noyau d'un seul tenant s'étendant longitudinalement selon un axe moyen d'extension longitudinale,
• un poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'excroissances d'application dudit produit sur les phanères,
• un poste d'association des excroissances d'application au noyau, de façon que lesdites excroissances d'application soient portées par le noyau et soient disposées sur ce dernier selon au moins trois directions radiales distinctes autour dudit axe moyen d'extension longitudinale,
• un poste de torsadage du noyau pour générer un foisonnement hélicoïdal des excroissances le long du noyau,

le poste de torsadage comprenant :

• un sous-poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'un moyen de torsadage,
• un sous-poste d'association dudit moyen de torsadage audit noyau de telle sorte qu'un torsadage du moyen de torsadage génère un torsadage du noyau,
• et un sous-poste de torsadage du moyen de torsadage pour torsader le noyau et ainsi générer ledit foisonnement hélicoïdal.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of an instrument manufacturing machine for applying a product to integuments comprising:

• a station for manufacturing or supplying an integral core extending longitudinally along an axis of longitudinal extension,
• a station for manufacturing or supplying growths for applying said product to the integuments,
• an association station of the application excrescences to the core, so that said application protuberances are carried by the core and are arranged on the latter in at least three distinct radial directions around said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension,
• a station for twisting the core to generate a helical bulge of the growths along the core,

the twisting station comprising:

• a sub-station for manufacturing or supplying a twisting means,
• an association sub-station of said twisting means to said core such that a twisting of the twisting means generates a twisting of the core,
• and a twisting sub-station of the twisting means for twisting the core and thereby generating said helical expansion.

• la figure 1 illustre, selon une vue schématique en perspective, un instrument conforme à une première variante de réalisation de l'invention, destiné à l'application de mascara sur les cils.
• La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue en perspective, un détail de réalisation de l'instrument illustré à la figure 1.
• La figure 3 illustre, selon une vue de face, le noyau, non encore torsadé, mise en oeuvre dans la construction de l'instrument illustré aux figures 1 et 2.
• La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue de dessus, le noyau illustré à la figure 3.
• La figure 5 illustre, selon une vue schématique en perspective, une épingle en U formant le moyen de torsadage de l'instrument des figures précédentes, avant que ladite épingle ne soit torsadée.
• Les figures 6 à 9 illustrent, selon respectivement une vue de dessus, une vue en perspective arrière, une vue en perspective avant et une vue de face, la coopération du noyau illustré aux figures 3 et 4 et du moyen de torsadage de la figure 5, avant que lesdits épingle et noyau ne soient torsadés.
• La figure 10 illustre, selon une vue de face, un second mode de réalisation d'un noyau susceptible d'être mise en oeuvre dans la construction d'un instrument conforme à l'invention, avant que ledit noyau ne soit torsadé.
• La figure 11 illustre, selon une vue de face, un troisième mode de réalisation d'un noyau susceptible d'être mise en oeuvre dans la construction d'un instrument conforme à l'invention, avant que ledit noyau ne soit torsadé.
• La figure 12 illustre, selon une vue schématique en perspective, un quatrième mode de réalisation d'un noyau susceptible d'être mise en oeuvre dans la construction d'un instrument conforme à l'invention, avant que ledit noyau ne soit torsadé.

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 schematic perspective view, an instrument according to a first embodiment of the invention, for the application of mascara on the eyelashes.
• The figure 2 illustrates, in a perspective view, a detail of embodiment of the instrument illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .
• The figure 3 illustrates, in a front view, the core, not yet twisted, used in the construction of the instrument illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 .
• The figure 4 illustrates, in a view from above, the core illustrated in FIG. figure 3 .
• The figure 5 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a U-shaped pin forming the twisting means of the instrument of the preceding figures, before said pin is twisted.
• The Figures 6 to 9 illustrate, respectively in a top view, a rear perspective view, a front perspective view and a front view, the cooperation of the core shown in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 and means for twisting the figure 5 , before said pin and core are twisted.
• The figure 10 illustrates, in a front view, a second embodiment of a core that can be implemented in the construction of an instrument according to the invention, before said core is twisted.
• The figure 11 illustrates, in a front view, a third embodiment of a core that can be implemented in the construction of an instrument according to the invention, before said core is twisted.
• The figure 12 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a fourth embodiment of a core capable of being implemented in the construction of an instrument according to the invention, before said core is twisted.

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 hair. Advantageously, the product to be applied is a cosmetic product, so that the instrument 1 constitutes in this case a cosmetic instrument. Preferably, the product to be applied is mascara for the eyelashes, the instrument 1 then constituting a mascara applicator for the eyelashes.

For the sake of simplicity of description, reference will be made hereinafter exclusively to such a mascara applicator. The invention is however not limited to the application of a product having a necessarily cosmetic nature, nor the application of a product necessarily having a consistency identical to that of a mascara. The instrument 1 can thus possibly be used to apply any product, whatever its consistency, said product can for example be very fluid, have conversely a very viscous and / or pasty, or be in the form a powder.

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 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 preferably mascara for the eyelashes. Such an arrangement is conventional, and will not be described 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. The means of application 4 is preferentially designed to collect the product to be applied (for example mascara) and apply it to the integuments (for example the 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, preferably carried out by contacting and rubbing the application means 4 with and against the integuments. 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. For this purpose, the instrument 1, and more particularly its means of application 4, comprises application protrusions 4A of the product on the superficial body growths, which thus advantageously form coating and combing hairs, that is, to say brush hairs that make it possible to coat the lashes with mascara while concomitantly painting said lashes. Of course, the invention is not limited to a particular structure of the (or) application excrescences 4, said structure being essentially dictated by the consistency of the product to be applied, the nature of the receiving medium (for example: nails), and the desired makeup characteristics.

According to the invention, the instrument 1 comprises a core 5 carrying the application means 4, that is to say that said application excrescences 4A are carried by the core 5. This means that the core 5 serves 4A, the latter being thus attached, preferably directly, to the core 5. As illustrated in the figures, the core 5 is an integral core, that is to say that it is monoblock, or in other words that it presents a unitary character. This implies that the core 5 is not formed by the union of a plurality of distinct and independent elementary parts, but in itself constitutes a unitary entity. This unitary character, monobloc, contributes to simplify the manufacture and construction of the instrument 1 according to the invention, which is invaluable for the industrialization of the manufacture of the instrument 1 and the mechanical strength of the latter

Advantageously, the core 5 is substantially elongate, that is to say that it has a slender character and extends in this respect mainly in a single direction of space, materialized in this case by the Y-Y 'axis, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension of the core 5. The core 5 therefore extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension YY 'which is preferably coincident with the axis X-X'. The core 5 is advantageously made of a flexible, deformable material. For example, the core 5 is made of a plastic or elastomeric material, for example polymer. Advantageously, the application protuberances 4A come from material with the core 5, that is to say that they form with the latter a unitary piece and monobloc, in one piece. Preferably, the core 5 and the application protuberances 4A form an integral piece 6 obtained by a molding operation, and preferably by an injection-molding operation of a plastic and / or elastomeric material. . The implementation of such a piece 6 monobloc is particularly interesting because it greatly simplifies the manufacture of the instrument 1, while allowing a wide variety of shapes and materials for growths 4A. The use of a molding process for producing the protuberances 4A makes it possible in particular to produce protrusions 4A in contact which is particularly gentle and pleasant for the user. Alternatively, the application protuberances 4A may be distinct and independent of the core 5 and be fixed thereto by any appropriate means, and for example by gluing, flocking, heat sealing, crimping or mechanical assembly, without the fact that the we leave the scope of the invention. As this is particularly visible on the figure 2 , the application protuberances 4A abound helically along the core 5, that is to say that they are distributed in a helical layer around the core 5. In other words, the application protuberances 4A are distributed in spiral around the middle extension axis YY 'of the core 5.

This helical expansion of the application protuberances 4A promotes the loading of the application means 4 into product (mascara) and allows effective combing of the eyelashes, thanks to the multiplicity of orientations of the application protrusions 4A that it induces. Such swirling helix also allows to create, between the propellers, "channels " spiral to accommodate and retain the product to be applied, which again promotes the loading of the application means 4 product. According to the invention, the helical expansion of the protuberances 4A is obtained by twisting the core 5. In other words, the core 5 is twisted, that is to say it is twisted, spirally twisted permanent, along its mean axis of longitudinal extension Y-Y '. Given that the core 5 carries the application growths 4A, the twisted character of the core 5 allows to generate a proliferation of growths 4A, that is to say a locally random distribution but generally helical (spiral) growths 4A around the Y-Y 'axis.

In order to obtain an application means 4 which is particularly effective, both from the point of view of the loading of mascara and the combing effect, the protuberances 4A are disposed on the core 5, prior to the twisting of the latter (i.e., when said core 5 is in an intermediate state not yet twisted as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3, 4 and 6 at 12 ), in at least three distinct radial directions about said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension YY ', and preferably in at least four radial directions D1, D2, D3, D4 distinct around said axis YY'. In other words, the application protuberances 4A are implanted in at least three different angular positions around the longitudinal axis Y-Y ', so that they adopt a three-dimensional arrangement on the core 5 which is not yet twisted ( illustrated at Figures 3, 4 and 6 at 12 ).

Thus, some of these protuberances 4A extend, from the untwisted core 5, in a first radial direction D1, while other protuberances extend from the core 5 in a second radial direction D2 distinct from the first radial direction D1, while still other growths 4A respectively extend in a third and fourth radial direction D3, D4 distinct. In other words, the application protuberances 4A are attached to the core 5 at attachment points which are arranged on the core 5 so that when the core 5 is in the non-twisted state, said attachment points belong to at least three distinct rays relative to the longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension Y-Y '. Such a three-dimensional distribution of the application means 4A on and around the core 5 provides an optimized makeup effect, which combines the advantages of conventional twisted mascara brushes and those associated with molded brushes. It is furthermore found that the instrument 1 according to the invention has an excellent spin-drying behavior, so that it is possible to implement a standard wiper (for example an elastomer) without the risk of seeing the brush be deteriorated under the effect of the mechanical stresses generated by the spinning operation. Advantageously, the protuberances 4A are arranged on the core 5, beforehand at twisting of the latter, according to at least four distinct radial directions D1, D2, D3, D4 about said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension YY '. It has indeed been demonstrated by the applicant that such a configuration allowed to obtain an excellent compromise between loading capacity mascara and combing efficiency.

In what follows, we will attempt to describe in more detail the specific examples of embodiments illustrated in the figures.

In the examples of Figures 1 to 11 , the core 5 is in the form of a rod of longitudinal axis longitudinal extension YY 'and whose cross section substantially affects the shape of a cross with four branches arranged at 90 ° relative to each other ( see especially the figure 4 ). However, it is quite possible that in cross-section the core 5 has a different shape, with a number of branches greater than four, as is the case for the variant of FIG. figure 12 for example (five branches). It is also conceivable that the core 5 has, in cross section, a simple convex shape, such as a rounded or polygonal shape. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the core 5 comprises on the one hand a core 5A (visible more particularly on the figure 4 ) and on the other hand at least three wings, and in this case four wings 7, 8, 9, 10 for variants of Figures 1 to 11 or five wings 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 for the variant of the figure 12 said wings extending radially from and along said core 5A, said protuberances 4A being carried by said wings 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Advantageously, and as illustrated in the figures, the wings 7, 8, 9 , 10, 11 extend over the entire length of the core 5A. In the examples of Figures 1 to 11 the core 5A comprises a central axis, the core 5 comprising four flanges 7, 8, 9, 10 arranged at 90 ° from each other about the axis YY ', said flanges 7, 8, 9, 10 preferably being of substantially rectangular shape, said wings 7, 8, 9, 10 extending radially from said central axis between a first edge attached to the axis and a second opposite free edge, the application protuberances 4A being attached to this second free edge, and coming preferably material with this second free edge. As illustrated in the figures, the protuberances 4A are preferably formed of a plurality of lamellae which advantageously extend in the extension and continuity of each of the wings 7, 8, 9, 10, in the manner of the teeth of a comb.

More specifically, the application protuberances 4A comprise in the examples considered four rectilinear slats arranged respectively at the free end of the four wings 7, 8, 9, 10, in the same plane as the latter.

The unitary piece 6 forming both the core 5 and the application protuberances 4A is thus advantageously in the form of an axis from which extend at 90 ° from each other four wings 7, 8, 9, 10 substantially parallelepipedal, said wings each being fringed at their free end so that the fringes in question form the application protrusions 4A. In the examples of Figures 1 to 9 , the lamellae forming the application protuberances 4A are all identical and extend substantially perpendicularly to the axis Y-Y ', It is however quite possible, as illustrated in FIG. figure 10 that the slats forming the application protuberances 4A are not all identical, in particular as regards their size, so as to obtain specific brush profiles. So, in the example of the figure 10 the instrument 1 has an application means 4 of pointed form at its free end, to facilitate the makeup of the corner of the eye. In the embodiment of the figure 10 the application means 4 thus advantageously has a longitudinal profile in the form of an ogive. In the example of the figure 11 , the protuberances carried by one of the wings extend in a general direction of extension which is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis YY 'of the core 5, while the growth protrusions carried by another wing s 'extend, they, in a direction perpendicular to said axis Y-Y'. The invention is therefore absolutely not limited to a particular orientation and / or dimensioning of the protuberances 4A, which can adopt any shape desired by those skilled in the art. It is furthermore quite possible not to resort to wings, and that the protuberances 4A extend directly from the axis forming the core 5A, without however leaving the scope of the invention.

It is also quite conceivable, particularly in the case of a molding process, that the core 5 is made of a plurality of different materials. For example, each of the wings 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 may be made of a different polymeric material, in order to benefit from different mechanical properties within the same application means 4.

So, in the example of Figures 1 to 9 , the core 5 and the application protuberances 4A are, prior to the twisting of the core 5, in the form of a single piece 6 in cross section, the application protuberances 4A extending from the free end of each branch of the cross in question. In order to obtain the twisted core 5 and thus the expansion according to the invention, the instrument 1 comprises a twisting means 12 to which the core 5 is attached so that the twisted character of the core 5 is imparted by said twisting means 12. In other words, the twisted character of the core 5 is obtained by subjecting the latter to a permanent torsional force exerted by the twisting means 12, which is advantageously separate from the core 5, that is to say independent of the last. Under the effect of the action of the twisting means 12, the core 5 adopts its twisted form in a stable and permanent manner. In an embodiment not claimed, the use of a twisting means 12 distinct from the core 5 is however not strictly necessary, and it is for example quite possible to use appropriate materials for the realization of the core 5, so that after exerting a twisting force sufficient to impart a stable plastic deformation to the core 5, the latter adopts a twisted form in a stable and permanent manner, without the need to maintain this twisted form with the aid of external means.

The use of a twisting means 12 mechanically coupled to the core 5 to impart to the latter a twisted character greatly simplifies the manufacture of the instrument 1, allowing in particular to work " cold ", with a minimum of technical constraints , using tools whose general design is based on conventional and cheap principles.

Advantageously, the twisting means 12 is itself twisted, and it is precisely the twisted nature of the twisting means 12 which causes and maintains the twisting of the core 5, twisting which leads to the helical expansion of the application protuberances 4A. For this purpose and preferably, the twisting means 12 comprises at least two branches 12A, 12B delimiting between them an interstitial space 12C in which the core 5 is inserted in its non-twisted state, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 6 to 9 . In the examples illustrated in the figures, the branches 12A, 12B are initially substantially straight, rectilinear and parallel to each other, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , while the core 5 is initially untwisted when slid between said branches 12A, 12B. A twisting force is then exerted on the twisting means 12, along its axis of longitudinal extension Z-Z ', which is parallel to the branches 12A, 12B and passes through the middle of the interstitial space 12C. This torsion force is preferably exerted simultaneously on the two branches 12A, 12B, resulting in twisting of the twisting means 12 in a double helix around the ZZ 'axis, each helix corresponding to one of the branches 12A , 128. The twisting of the twisting means 12 simultaneously causes the capture of the core 5 between the branches 12A, 12B and the twisting of the core 5 about its axis of longitudinal extension YY ', which is preferably merged with the Z-Z 'axis. The core 5 and the protuberances 4A thus go from the illustrated configuration to Figures 6 to 9 to the configuration illustrated at Figures 1 and 2 .

Advantageously, the twisting means 12 comprises a U-shaped pin, the arms of the U being twisted and forming the two branches 12A, 12B, said arms of the U being connected by a cross-member 13 of curved shape extending in the extension of said branches 12A , 12B. Preferably, the U-shaped pin is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, so that the twisting of the pin causes a permanent plastic deformation, according to a spiral profile around the axis. Z-Z ', branches 12A, 12B. Such an embodiment implementing, as twisting means 12, a pin with several branches, is particularly interesting from an industrial point of view because it is based on a simple and proven general principle, since implemented for the manufacture of conventional twisted brushes.

Advantageously, the degree of twisting of the twisting means 12 varies over the length of the latter, that is to say that the twisting means 12 has a number of turns which is not constant over its entire length. Thus, the twisting means 12 preferably comprises a first portion 14 which is in contact with the core 5, and preferably which extends over the entire length (for example substantially equal to 30 mm) of the latter (according to the invention). Y-Y 'axis) from the first end 16 of the twisting means 12, and a second portion 15 which is not in contact with the core 5, and which extends in the extension of the first portion 14 until at the second end 17 of the twisting means 12. As is visible on the figure 2 , the degree of twisting of the second portion 15 is advantageously greater than the degree For example, the first portion 14 has five or six turns, while the second portion 15 has seven or eight turns.

• La mise en oeuvre d'un noyau 5 destiné à être torsadé pour assurer un foisonnement des excroissances 4A permet de mettre en oeuvre, pour obtenir un résultat satisfaisant, un degré de torsadage qui est inférieur à celui nécessité par les brosses classiques mettant en oeuvre des rangées de poils indépendants. L'invention permet ainsi, pour ce qui concerne la première partie 14, de mettre en oeuvre un nombre de spires inférieur à celui qui était nécessaire pour les brosses torsadées classiques.
• La deuxième partie 15 est utilisée pour fixer à la tige 3 le sous-ensemble formé par le noyau torsadé 5 et le moyen de torsadage 12 torsadé. Plus précisément, la deuxième partie 15 est préférentiellement vissée à chaud dans l'extrémité distale 3B de la tige 3, laquelle est réalisée en une matière plastique. Afin de réaliser un assemblage suffisamment stable et robuste, il est nécessaire que la deuxième partie 15 présente une rigidité suffisante, Cette rigidité suffisante est obtenue grâce à un torsadage suffisant de la deuxième partie 15, selon un degré de torsadage qui correspond à celui mis en oeuvre dans les brosses torsadées classiques de l'art antérieur.

The use of such a twisting gradient along the length of the twisting means 12 follows from the following considerations:

• The implementation of a core 5 intended to be twisted to ensure an expansion of the protuberances 4A makes it possible to implement, to obtain a satisfactory result, a degree of twisting which is less than that required by conventional brushes implementing rows of independent hairs. The invention thus makes it possible, with regard to the first part 14, to implement a number of turns less than that which was necessary for conventional twisted brushes.
• The second part 15 is used to attach to the rod 3 the subassembly formed by the twisted core 5 and the twisted twist means 12. More specifically, the second portion 15 is preferably screwed hot into the distal end 3B of the rod 3, which is made of a plastic material. In order to achieve a sufficiently stable and robust assembly, it is necessary for the second part 15 to have sufficient rigidity. This sufficient rigidity is obtained by virtue of a sufficient twisting of the second part 15, according to a degree of twisting which corresponds to that set in FIG. used in conventional twisted brushes of the prior art.

• la longueur axiale du noyau 5 une fois torsadé est avantageusement comprise entre sensiblement 10 et 40 mm, de préférence entre 20 et 30 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, la longueur du noyau 5 une fois torsadé est d'environ 28,5 mm ;
• la longueur axiale de la deuxième partie 15 du moyen de torsadage 12 une fois torsadé est avantageusement comprise entre sensiblement 2 et 20 mm, de préférence entre 5 et 10 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, la longueur de la deuxième partie 15 une fois torsadée est d'environ 8 mm ;
• la deuxième partie 15 du moyen de torsadage 12 une fois torsadé est avantageusement inscrite dans un cylindre fictif d'axe Z-Z' et dont le rayon est sensiblement compris entre 0,5 et 2 mm, de préférence entre sensiblement 5 et 10 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, le rayon en question est égal à environ 0,96 mm ;
• les excroissances 4A s'inscrivent, une fois le noyau 5 torsadé, sensiblement dans un cylindre fictif d'axe Z-Z' et dont le rayon, correspondant à la distance séparant l'extrémité libre des excroissances 4A de l'axe Z-Z' est avantageusement compris entre sensiblement 2 et 20 mm, de préférence entre sensiblement 5 et 10 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, le rayon en question est égal à environ 7 mm ;
• la hauteur E1 des excroissances 4A (considérée perpendiculairement à l`axe Y-Y`) est avantageusement comprise entre sensiblement 1 et 5 mm, de préférence entre sensiblement 2 et 4 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, la hauteur E1 est égale à environ 2,35 mm ;
• la largeur E2 des excroissances 4A à la base de ces dernière est avantageusement comprise entre sensiblement 0,2 et 3 mm, de préférence entre sensiblement 0,3 et 1 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, la largeur E2 est égale à environ 0,35 mm selon un mode de réalisation ci-après dénommé « variante A »; selon un autre mode de réalisation ci-après dénommé « variante B », la largeur E2 est égale à environ 0,5 mm ;
• la largeur E3 des excroissances 4A à l'extrémité libre de ces dernière est avantageusement comprise entre sensiblement 0,1 et 3 mm, de préférence entre sensiblement 0,1 et 1 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, la largeur E3 est égale à environ 0,2 mm, cette valeur étant retenue pour la variante A comme pour la variante B;
• l'espace interstitiel E4 entre les excroissances 4A à la base de ces dernière est avantageusement compris entre sensiblement 0,02 et 3 mm, de préférence entre sensiblement 0,05 et 1 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, l'espace interstitiel E4 est égal à environ 0,1 mm selon la variante A, et à environ 0,2 mm selon la variante B;
• l'espace interstitiel E5 entre les excroissances 4A à l'extrémité libre de ces dernière est avantageusement compris entre sensiblement 0,1 et 3 mm, de préférence entre sensiblement 0,2 et 1 mm ; de façon particulièrement préférentielle, l'espace interstitiel E5 est égal à environ 0,25 mm selon la variante A, et à environ 0,5 mm selon la variante B ;
• le moyen de torsadage 12 est formé d'une épingle en U réalisé à partir d'un fil d'acier inoxydable, par exemple de type AISA 316L (acier inox molybdène, X2CrNiMo17-12-2), le fil en question présentant de préférence un diamètre compris entre 0,1 et 1 mm, de façon plus préférentielle égale à sensiblement 0,5 mm ;
• le noyau 5 est réalisée en gomme Hytrel ® d'une dureté de 40 Shore ;
• le moyen de torsadage effectue douze tours, de telle sorte que l'on observe une hélice présentant six spires.

Advantageously, the instrument 1 according to the invention is dimensioned and designed with the following parameters and properties:

• the axial length of the core 5 once twisted is advantageously between substantially 10 and 40 mm, preferably between 20 and 30 mm; particularly preferably, the length of the core 5 once twisted is about 28.5 mm;
• the axial length of the second portion 15 of the twisting means 12 once twisted is advantageously between substantially 2 and 20 mm, preferably between 5 and 10 mm; particularly preferably, the length of the second portion once twisted is about 8 mm;
• the second portion 15 of the twisting means 12 once twisted is advantageously inscribed in a dummy cylinder ZZ 'axis and whose radius is substantially between 0.5 and 2 mm, preferably between substantially 5 and 10 mm; in a particularly preferred manner, the radius in question is equal to about 0.96 mm;
• the protuberances 4A are inscribed, once the core 5 is twisted, substantially in a notional cylinder axis ZZ 'and whose radius, corresponding to the distance separating the free end of the protuberances 4A of the axis ZZ' is advantageously understood between substantially 2 and 20 mm, preferably between substantially 5 and 10 mm; in a particularly preferred manner, the radius in question is equal to about 7 mm;
• the height E1 of the protuberances 4A (considered perpendicular to the axis YY`) is advantageously between substantially 1 and 5 mm, preferably between substantially 2 and 4 mm; in a particularly preferred manner, the height E1 is equal to approximately 2.35 mm;
• the width E2 of the protuberances 4A at the base of the latter is advantageously between substantially 0.2 and 3 mm, preferably between substantially 0.3 and 1 mm; particularly preferably, the width E2 is equal to about 0.35 mm according to an embodiment hereinafter referred to as "variant A "; according to another embodiment hereinafter called "variant B ", the width E2 is equal to about 0.5 mm;
• the width E3 of the protuberances 4A at the free end of the latter is advantageously between substantially 0.1 and 3 mm, preferably between substantially 0.1 and 1 mm; in a particularly preferred manner, the width E3 is equal to approximately 0.2 mm, this value being retained for variant A as for variant B;
• the interstitial space E4 between the protuberances 4A at the base of the latter is advantageously between substantially 0.02 and 3 mm, preferably between substantially 0.05 and 1 mm; in a particularly preferred manner, the interstitial space E4 is equal to approximately 0.1 mm according to variant A, and approximately 0.2 mm according to variant B;
• the interstitial space E5 between the protuberances 4A at the free end of the latter is advantageously between substantially 0.1 and 3 mm, preferably between substantially 0.2 and 1 mm; in a particularly preferred manner, the interstitial space E5 is equal to approximately 0.25 mm according to variant A, and approximately 0.5 mm according to variant B;
• the twisting means 12 is formed of a U-shaped pin made from a stainless steel wire, for example of the AISA 316L type (stainless steel molybdenum, X2CrNiMo17-12-2), the wire in question preferably having a diameter of between 0.1 and 1 mm, more preferably equal to substantially 0.5 mm;
• the core 5 is made of Hytrel ® gum with a hardness of 40 Shore;
• the twisting means performs twelve turns, so that a helix with six turns is observed.

• une étape (c) d'association des excroissances d'application 4A au noyau 5, de façon que lesdites excroissances d'application 4A soient portées par le noyau 5 et soient disposées sur ce dernier selon au moins trois, et de préférence quatre, directions radiales distinctes D1, D2, D3, D4 autour dudit axe moyen d'extension longitudinale Y-Y'
• et une étape (d) de torsadage du noyau 5 pour générer un foisonnement hélicoïdal des excroissances 4A le long du noyau 5.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an instrument 1 for applying a product to superficial body growths, and in particular an instrument 1 according to the one just described in the foregoing. Preferably, the method according to the invention constitutes a method of manufacturing a mascara applicator for the eyelashes. The method according to the invention comprises a step (a) of manufacturing or supplying a core 5 in one piece extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension YY '. The method according to the invention also comprises a step (b) of manufacturing or supplying application growths 4 of said product on the integuments. The method further comprises:

• a step (c) of association of the application protuberances 4A to the core 5, so that said application protuberances 4A are carried by the core 5 and are arranged on the latter in at least three, and preferably four, directions distinct radials D1, D2, D3, D4 about said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension YY '
• and a step (d) of twisting the core 5 to generate a helical expansion of the protuberances 4A along the core 5.

Thus, the method according to the invention is based in particular on the idea of twisting a three-dimensional core carrying the application growths, to make these growths abound in a generally helical profile. Advantageously, as described in the foregoing, the steps (a), (b) and (c) are simultaneous and confounded, that is to say that the realization of the application excrescences 4A is concomitant and confused with the combination of said application growths 4A to the core 5. In other words, the realization of the application growths 4A simultaneously generates the association of said growths 4A to the core 5, and vice versa. This simultaneity can obviously be obtained when the application protuberances 4A come from material with the core 5, as described in the foregoing. In this case, the steps (a), (b) and (c) are advantageously combined into a single molding operation of a piece 6 in one piece forming both said core 5 and protrusion 4A.

The method according to the invention comprises a step (e) of manufacturing and supplying a twisting means 12, as well as a step (f) of associating said twisting means 12 with said core 5 so that twisting the twisting means 12 generates a twist of the core 5, and thus a helical expansion of the protuberances 4A along the core 5.

Advantageously, step (f) is subsequent to step (c), step (d) comprising twisting the twisting means 12 to twist the core 5 and thus generate said helical expansion. Advantageously, during step (e), a twisting means 12 comprising two branches 12A, 12B delimiting between them an interstitial space 12C is manufactured or supplied. Even more preferably, during step (e), a twisting means 12 comprising a U-shaped pin is made or provided, the arms of the U forming said two elongate branches 12A, 12B. In this case, during step (f), the core 5 is inserted into said interstitial space 12C. 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". This pin advantageously comprises two branches, it being understood that the use of a greater number of branches is not excluded in the context of the invention. Thus, it is quite possible to provide a pin with four branches, each of said branches being intended for to be inserted in one of the four angular sectors delimited by the four wings 7, 8, 9, 10 of the variant embodiment of the Figures 1 to 9 . Of course, the step (f) during which the twisting means 12 is attached to the core 5 is intended to provide a mechanical connection between the twisting means 12 and the core 5 designed so that a torsion deformation of the means of twisting 12 (twisting of the U-shaped pin) causes torsional deformation of the core 5 leading to a stable and permanent twisting of the latter along its longitudinal extension axis Y-Y '.

• un torsadage d'une première partie 14 du moyen de torsadage 12 qui est en contact avec le noyau 5, et qui de préférence s'étend sur toute la longueur du noyau 5, selon un premier degré de torsadage,
• et un torsadage d'une deuxième partie 15 du moyen de torsadage 12 qui n'est pas en contact avec le noyau 5, selon un deuxième degré de torsadage supérieur au premier degré de torsadage.

Advantageously, the twisting implemented in step (d) is performed so that the degree of twisting of the twisting means 12 varies over the length of the latter. In particular, said step (d) preferably comprises:

• twisting a first portion 14 of the twisting means 12 which is in contact with the core 5, and which preferably extends over the entire length of the core 5, according to a first degree of twisting,
• and twisting a second portion 15 of the twisting means 12 which is not in contact with the core 5 in a second degree of twisting greater than the first degree of twisting.

For example, the twisting of the first portion 14 is performed such that said first portion comprises five or six turns, while the twisting of the second portion 15 is performed so that said second portion 15 comprises seven or eight turns. The implementation of this particular twisting step, which is subdivided into two sub-steps differentiated by their degree of twisting, makes it possible to adapt the structure of the twisting means 12 to the function assigned to it. Thus, the first portion 14 of the twisting means 12 must both have a mechanical strength (rigidity in particular) correct and impart a sufficient expansion of growths 4A, while the second portion 15 must have excellent mechanical behavior (especially the point in view of the rigidity) to achieve a stable, robust and durable assembly with the rod 3. Advantageously, the method according to the invention comprises an assembly step in which the unitary subassembly (illustrated in FIG. figure 2 ) formed by the twisting means 12 and the core 5, is fixed to the rod 3 by heating the second portion 15 of the twisting means 12 and screwing, while the second portion 15 is still hot, said second portion 15 in the distal end 3B of the shaft 3, which is preferably made of plastic. The second part 15 is thus screwed into force and hot in the distal end 3B of the rod 3, which ensures, after cooling of the rod 3, a stable and stable subjection of the application head 4 on and to the end of the stem 3.

It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that are inserted into the air gap of the U-shaped pin, in addition to the core 5, free fibers. Thus, during the step of twisting the U-shaped hairpin 12, said free fibers will also be subjected to a helical movement leading to their expansion. In this case, a "mixed" application head comprising both the protuberances 4A from the core 5 and the free fibers (variants not shown) is obtained.

It is also conceivable that after the step of twisting the core 5, preferably made by twisting the twisting means 12, the general profile of the application means 4, formed by the plurality of excrescences 4A abounding helically, is modified by machining, that is to say by removal of material in the spiral layers formed by the protuberances 4A.

The twisted core 5 carrying the protuberances 4A is finally secured by any appropriate means (crimping or gluing for example) to the rod 3, towards the distal end 3B of the latter, as shown in FIG. figure 1 . The twisted core 5 carrying the protuberances 4A 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 axis X-X ' .

• un poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'un noyau 5 d'un seul tenant s'étendant longitudinalement selon un axe moyen d'extension longitudinale Y-Y',
• un poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'excroissances d'application 4A dudit produit sur les phanères,
• un poste d'association des excroissances d'application 4A au noyau 5, de façon que lesdites excroissances d'application 4A soient portées par le noyau 5 et soient disposées sur ce dernier selon au moins trois directions radiales distinctes D1, D2, D3, D4 autour dudit axe moyen d'extension longitudinale Y-Y',
• et un poste de torsadage du noyau 5 pour générer un foisonnement hélicoïdal des excroissances 4A le long du noyau 5.

Finally, the invention relates as such to a machine for manufacturing an instrument 1 for applying a product to integuments, and in particular to an instrument 1 according to the invention described above, said machine manufacturing comprising:

• a station for manufacturing or supplying an integral core 5 extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension Y-Y ',
• a station for manufacturing or supplying application growths 4A of said product on the integuments,
• a station of association of the application excrescences 4A to the core 5, so that said application protuberances 4A are carried by the core 5 and are arranged on the latter in at least three distinct radial directions D1, D2, D3, D4 around said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension Y-Y ',
• and a twisting station of the core 5 to generate a helical expansion of the protuberances 4A along the core 5.

• un sous-poste de fabrication ou de fourniture d'un moyen de torsadage 12,
• un sous-poste d'association dudit moyen de torsadage audit noyau 5 de telle sorte qu'un torsadage du moyen de torsadage 12 génère un torsadage du noyau 5,
• et un sous-poste de torsadage du moyen de torsadage 12 pour torsader le noyau 5 et ainsi générer ledit foisonnement hélicoïdal.

The machine according to the invention is thus capable of implementing the method according to the invention described in the foregoing. Advantageously, the station for manufacturing or supplying the core 5, the station for manufacturing or supplying the application protuberances 4A and the station for associating the application excrescences 4A with the core 5 are combined into one and the same station, which consists of a molding unit for obtaining in a single operation, by molding a plastic or elastomeric material, a single piece 6 forming the core 5 and the protuberances 4A. The twisting station further comprises itself:

• a sub-station for manufacturing or supplying a twisting means 12,
• an association sub-station of said twisting means to said core 5 so that twisting of the twisting means 12 generates a twisting of the core 5,
• and a twisting sub-station of the twisting means 12 for twisting the core 5 and thereby generating said helical expansion.

• un premier outil de torsadage d'une première partie 14 du moyen de torsadage 12 qui est en contact avec le noyau 5, selon un premier degré de torsadage,
• et un deuxième outil de torsadage d'une deuxième partie 15 du moyen de torsadage 12 qui n'est pas en contact avec le noyau 5, selon un deuxième degré de torsadage supérieur au premier degré de torsadage.

Advantageously, the twisting sub-station of the twisting means 12 itself comprises:

• a first twisting tool of a first portion 14 of the twisting means 12 which is in contact with the core 5, according to a first degree of twisting,
• and a second twisting tool of a second portion 15 of the twisting means 12 which is not in contact with the core 5, in a second degree of twisting greater than the first degree of twisting.

The manufacturing machine according to the invention thus makes it possible to implement the method described in the foregoing, in order to obtain the instrument 1 according to the invention also described in the foregoing. Preferably, the first twisting tool of the first portion 14 of the twisting means 12 comprises a pair of clamps, one of which is intended to grip the first end 16 of the twisting means 12, while the other is intended to grip the twisting means 12 at the separation interface 18 between the first portion 14 and the second portion 15 of the twisting means 12. The clamps are then rotated relative to each other along the axis Z-Z ', so as to obtain a twisting of the first part 14, said twisting being preferentially carried out so that said first part 14 comprises, after this operation five or six turns, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 . Advantageously, the second twisting tool of the second portion 15 of the twisting means 12 comprises a pair of clamps, one of which is intended to grip the second end 17 of the twisting means 12 while the other is intended to to seize the twisting means 12 at the separation interface 18 between the first portion 14 and the second portion 15, said clamps being rotated relative to the axis ZZ 'to impart a twist of the second portion 15 , such that said second portion 15 advantageously has a greater number of turns than that of the first portion 14, and for example seven or eight turns.

Of course, it is absolutely not excluded that the manufacturing machine according to the invention can be used to manufacture other instruments than those in accordance with the invention.

The invention finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of instruments for applying products to superficial body growths, such as mascara brushes.

Claims (15)

An instrument (1) for applying a product to integuments comprising on the one hand an integrally extending core (5) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension (Y-Y ') and on the other hand application growths (4A) of said product on the integuments, said application protuberances (4A) being carried by the core (5) and abounding helically along the latter, said helicoidal expansion of the growths (4A) being obtained by twisting the core (5), said protuberances (4A) being disposed on the core (5), prior to twisting thereof, in at least three distinct radial directions (D1, D2, D3, D4) about said mean axis of extension longitudinal (Y-Y '), said instrument (1) being characterized in that it comprises a twisting means (12) to which said core (5) is attached so that the twisted character of the core is imparted by said means of twisting (12). Instrument (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that said application protuberances (4A) come from material with said core (5). Instrument (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the core (5) comprises on the one hand a core (5A) and on the other hand at least three wings (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) extending radially from and along said web (5A), said protuberances (4A) being carried by said wings (7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Instrument (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the core (5) and the protuberances (4A) form a piece (6) in one piece obtained by a molding operation. Instrument (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said twisting means (12) is itself twisted. Instrument (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that the twisting means (12) comprises at least two branches (12A, 12B) delimiting between them an interstitial space (12C) in which said core (5) is inserted. Instrument (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the twisting means (12) comprises a U-shaped pin, the arms of the U being twisted and forming said two branches (12A, 12B). Instrument (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7 characterized in that the degree of twisting of the twisting means (12) varies along the length thereof. Instrument (1) according to claim 8 characterized in that the twisting means (12) comprises a first portion (14) which is in contact with the core (5) and a second portion (15) which is not in contact with the core (5), the degree of twisting of the second portion (15) being greater than the degree of twisting of the first portion (14). Instrument (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it constitutes a mascara applicator for the eyelashes. A method of manufacturing an instrument (1) for applying a product to integuments comprising a step (a) of manufacturing or providing a single-piece core (5) extending longitudinally along an average axis of longitudinal extension (Y-Y '), a step (b) of manufacturing or supplying growths of application (4A) of said product on the integuments, a step (c) of association of the growths application (4A) to the core (5), so that said application protuberances (4A) are carried by the core (5) and are arranged on the latter in at least three distinct radial directions (D1, D2, D3 , D4) about said longitudinal mean axis of extension (Y-Y '), and a step (d) of twisting of the core (5) to generate a helical expansion of the protuberances (4A) along the core (5), said method being characterized in that it further comprises a step (e) of manufacturing or supplying a twisting means (12), and a step (f) of associating said twisting means (12) with said twisting means (12). core (5) such that twisting of the twisting means (12) generates a twisting of the core (5). A method according to claim 11 characterized in that step (f) is subsequent to step (c), step (d) comprising twisting the twisting means (12) to twist the core (5) and thus generate said helical expansion. A method according to claim 12 characterized in that said twisting implemented in step (d) is performed so that the degree of twisting of the twisting means (12) varies along the length thereof. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it constitutes a method of manufacturing a mascara applicator for the eyelashes. Machine for manufacturing an instrument (1) for applying a product to integuments comprising: a station for manufacturing or supplying a core (5) in one piece extending longitudinally along an axis of longitudinal extension (Y-Y '), a station for manufacturing or supplying application excrescences (4A) of said product on the integuments, a station for associating the application protuberances (4A) with the core (5), so that said application protuberances (4A) are carried by the core (5) and are arranged on the latter in at least three directions radials (D1, D2, D3, D4) about said longitudinal axis of longitudinal extension (Y-Y '), a station for twisting the core (5) to generate a helical expansion of the protuberances (4A) along the core (5),
the twisting station comprising: - a sub-station for manufacturing or supplying a twisting means (12), an association sub-station of said twisting means (12) to said core (5) such that a twisting of the twisting means (12) generates a twisting of the core (5), and a twisting sub-station of the twisting means (12) for twisting the core (5) and thus generating said helical expansion.

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