Patent Publication Number: US-2021169208-A1

Title: Device for application of a fluid product

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product onto keratinous fibers or onto the skin. Notably, the invention relates to an applicator device for applying a cosmetic product, make-up product or care product to the hair, the eyelashes, the eyebrows, the skin or the lips. 
     STATE OF THE PRIOR ART 
     There are currently applicator devices for applying a product of fluid or pasty type onto keratinous fibers, such as mascara brushes for example, that comprise a central core of elongate form extending along a longitudinal axis, at least one row of elongate spikes comprising a first end embedded in the core and a free second end. Usually, spikes and the core are formed in a single piece by molding, made of a piece with one another. For example, the document FR 2 937 514 describes such applicator devices. One drawback with this type of production is that the spikes are monolithic and their end embedded in the core has a greater section than a section of the spike at its free end, in particular for technical molding reasons. Because of this, the spike, regardless of the material used, is relatively inflexible. Indeed, the spike will, upon a use of the applicator device, offer a certain resistance when the latter enters into frontal or lateral contact with a keratinous fiber (or skin). Consequently, the spike will poke, for example, the eyelid when making up the eyelashes, or else the skin in an eyebrow treatment, or else the lips or the scalp, etc. 
     A first solution to this issue of comfort is provided by the document US2012/0170965 which describes a spike comprising a conical anchoring end of section that is still as great as previously, and a very flexible free end which can be bent back so that the point does not poke the skin. However, this solution presents two drawbacks. The first is that the flexibility of the free end and the fact that it is bent back no longer allow the keratinous fibers to be disentangled during an application. The other drawback is that, the base of spike being rigid, the product present between the rigid bases of the spike cannot rise to the free end of the spikes to be applied to the keratinous fibers or the skin. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aim of the invention is to provide an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product that allows for an optimal application of the product while obtaining a feeling of enhanced comfort for its user. 
     To this end, there is provided, according to the invention, an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers or to the skin (epidermis), comprising an elongate core extending along a longitudinal axis X and of longitudinal cylindrical form, a plurality of spikes distributed on said core, each spike extending from an anchoring end in the core to a free end and being made of a piece with said core, characterized in that each spike comprises, from the anchoring end to the free end, a proximal stage, a bridge and a distal stage, at least one out of the proximal stage and the bridge forming a flexible link. 
     Thus, such a structure of the spike makes it possible to retain a distal stage that is sufficiently rigid to allow the keratinous fibers to be disentangled while guiding them, the flexible link formed by the proximal stage and/or the bridge serving as damper making it possible to erase the poking sensation when the free end of the spike comes into contact with the underlying skin. The deformation thus obtained in use at the base of the spike allows the product present at this point to rise to the free end of the spike. 
     Advantageously, but optionally, the applicator device according to the invention has at least one of the following technical features:
         the proximal stage forms the flexible link between the anchoring end and the bridge;   the bridge forms the flexible link between the proximal and distal stages;   the proximal stage has an incurved form, notably a circular arc;   the spike comprises a flexible foot extending between the bridge and the core and supporting the distal stage;   the proximal stage comprises a flexible arch comprising two feet, the bridge being situated in a middle of the arch;   two adjacent spikes each comprising a flexible arch, the two adjacent flexible arches comprise a foot common to one another;   the common foot extends at a distance from an outer surface of the arch;   the distal stage comprises a main extension and at least one secondary extension;   the secondary extension extends protruding from the main extension;   the secondary extension extends protruding from the bridge;   the distal stage comprises two to four secondary extensions;   each of the secondary extensions extends protruding from a flexible link-forming independent associated bridge;   the core is hollow;   the core comprises a longitudinal slit parallel to the longitudinal axis X;   the applicator device comprising a support, the core can be developed so as to be received on the support;   the support comprises a duct for bringing product to an end of the support or through the hollow core;   the device further comprises means for implementing a flow for the product P in the duct;   the spikes are distributed on the core in adjacent rows, the spikes of one and the same row being oriented in the same way and the spikes of an adjacent row being oriented differently; and   the spikes of the adjacent row are oriented at 90° or at 180°.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention. In the attached drawings: 
         FIG. 1  presents three-dimensional, front, profile and plan views of a first embodiment of a spike of an applicator device according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 2 to 14  are views illustrating variant embodiments of the spike of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention comprising a plurality of spikes of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  presents three-dimensional, front, profile and plan views of a second embodiment of a spike of an applicator device according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  are views illustrating variant embodiments of the spike of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  are three-dimensional and front views of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention comprising a plurality of spikes of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIGS. 21 and 22  are side views of variant embodiments of the applicator device of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  are three-dimensional and front views of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention comprising a plurality of spikes of  FIGS. 25 and 26 ; 
         FIG. 25  presents three-dimensional and plan views of a third embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 26 to 36  are views illustrating variant embodiments of the spike of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIGS. 37 and 38  are three-dimensional and front views of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention comprising a plurality of spikes of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention comprising a plurality of spikes of  FIGS. 27 and 34 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention comprising a plurality of spikes of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention comprising a plurality of spikes of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 42  presents three-dimensional views of a first embodiment of a developable hollow core; 
         FIG. 43  presents three-dimensional front views of a mounting of the core of  FIG. 42  on a first embodiment of an associated support of an applicator device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 44  presents three-dimensional, front and side views of a second embodiment of a developable hollow core; 
         FIG. 45  presents three-dimensional views of a mounting of the core of  FIG. 44  on a second embodiment of an associated support of an applicator device according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 46 to 49  are views illustrating variant embodiments of the second embodiment of the support associated with the core of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIGS. 50 and 51  are a plan view and a view in cross section along LI-LI of a variant embodiment of the support associated with the core of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a three-dimensional view of the support associated with the core of  FIG. 50  on which is mounted the hollow core of  FIG. 44 , with a flow for the cosmetic product; 
         FIGS. 53 and 54  are a plan view and a view in cross section along LIV-LIV of a variant embodiment of the support associated with the core of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIGS. 55 and 56  are three-dimensional views of the support associated with the core of  FIG. 53  on which is mounted a hollow core, with a flow for the cosmetic product; and 
         FIGS. 57 and 58  are side views of two variant embodiments of an applicator device according to the invention comprising the support associated with the core of  FIGS. 53 to 56 . 
     
    
    
     For greater clarity, the elements that are identical or similar are identified by identical reference symbols throughout the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a first embodiment of an applicator device  1  according to the invention will now be described. The applicator device  1  according to the invention is, here, a mascara brush. Here it comprises a core  2  which extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis X. The core  2  can have a cross section that is constant or not over a length. In the most common embodiments, either the cross section is constant, or the cross section decreases from a proximal end engaged with a tube and/or a gripping shaft to a distal free end. Generally, the core  2  is of overall cylindrical form, preferably of revolution of axis the longitudinal axis X. Thus, the cross section of the core  2  can have a circular, polygonal, oval or other form. It can be axisymmetrical. The core  2  can be solid or hollow. The person skilled in the art will choose the most appropriate core according to economic and/or technical constraints. 
     Also, the applicator device  1  according to the invention comprises a plurality of spikes  10  distributed on the core  2 . The spikes  10  extend protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the core  2 . The spikes  10  are, for example, made of a piece with the core  2 . Notably, the spikes  10  are obtained from molding with the core  2 . Here, as illustrated, the spikes  10  are distributed in adjacent rows pairwise extending longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The spikes  10  of one and the same row extend in the same way according to a same orientation, parallel to one another, from the core  2 . Here, in considering two adjacent rows, the spikes  10  of one of the adjacent rows are oriented differently from the spikes  10  of the other of the adjacent rows, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , at 180°. As a variant, the orientation is 90°. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there now follows a more detailed description of a first embodiment of a spike  10  for an applicator device  1  according to the invention. The spike  10  comprises an anchoring end  14  and a free end  12 . The anchoring end  14  is linked to the core  2  of the applicator device  1  according to the invention. The spike  10  therefore extends from the anchoring end  14  to the free end  12 , here in a plane P of symmetry. From the anchoring end  14 , the spike  10  comprises a proximal stage  13  followed by a bridge  15  then a distal stage  11  terminated by the free end  12 . The bridge  15  serves as a junction between the proximal  13  and distal  11  stages. The distal stage  11  here comprises a main extension of tapered form. The proximal stage  13  is, here, of incurved form like a cross, an apex of which is, here, situated at a distance from the bridge  15  which is then located at a height lower than that of the apex. As a variant, the bridge  15  is situated at the level of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  13 . This incurved form of the proximal stage  13  makes it possible to give the proximal stage  13  a certain flexibility. Thus, the proximal stage  13  forms a flexible link between the anchoring end  14  (and therefore the core  2  of the applicator device  1  according to the invention) and the bridge  15 . 
     According to different variant embodiments, the bridge  15  being positioned on a free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  13 , this free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  13  forms an apron in a direction which can be parallel to the axis X (that is to say that the bridge  15  is situated at the level of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  13 ), or else in a direction which brings it closer to the axis X (the bridge  15  is situated at a lower height than that of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  13 ), or else, on the contrary, in a direction which moves it away from the axis X. 
     According a variant embodiment of the spike  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the proximal stage  113  of the spike  110  is in the form of a circular arc of the order of a quarter circular arc. 
     According to a second variant embodiment of the spike  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the proximal stage  213  of the spike  210  is made thinner and has a flat face  201  contained in the plane P of symmetry. This flat face  201  is continued in the bridge  215  providing the latter with a certain flexibility that is added to that of the proximal stage  213 . Once again, as for the bridge  15 , according to different variant embodiments, the bridge  215  being positioned on a free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  213 , this free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  213  forms an apron in a direction which can be parallel to the axis X (that is to say that the bridge  215  is situated at the level of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  213 ), or else in a direction which brings it closer to the axis X (the bridge  215  is situated at a lower height than that of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  213 ), or else, on the contrary, in a direction which moves it away from the axis X. 
     According to a third variant embodiment of the spike  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the proximal stage  313  of the spike  310  is made thinner as previously and has a flat face  301  contained in the plane P of symmetry. Also, the distal stage  311  is, for its part, made thinner and has a flat face  302  also contained in the plane P of symmetry. The arrangement is such that the proximal stage  313  extends on one side of the plane P of symmetry whereas the distal stage  311  extends on the other side of the plane P of symmetry. Also, the flat face  302  is continued in the bridge  315  providing the latter with a certain flexibility that is added to that of the proximal stage  313 . Once again, as for the bridge  15 , 215 , according to different variant embodiments, the bridge  315  being positioned on a free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  313 , this free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  313  forms an apron in a direction which can be parallel to the axis X (that is to say that the bridge  315  is situated at the level of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  313 ), or else in a direction which brings it closer to the axis X (the bridge  315  is situated at a lower height than that of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  313 ), or else, on the contrary, in a direction which moves it away from the axis X. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a fourth variant embodiment of the spike  10 . The spike  410  is differentiated from the spike  10  in that it comprises a distal stage  11  of which the main extension is oriented so as to form an angle α with the plane P of symmetry. In a variant  411  illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the main extension is in the plane P of symmetry but at an angle with a vertical. More generally, in this variant embodiment, the main extension has an orientation contained within a cone of angle α at the summit  2 , a summit that is situated here at the level of the bridge  15 . 
     In  FIGS. 7 to 9 , a fifth variant of the spike  10 , and declinations are illustrated. The spike  101  comprises a distal stage comprising a main extension  11   a  and a secondary extension  11   b  extending protruding from the bridge  15  and forming an angle with one another. The spike  102  comprises a distal stage comprising a main extension  11   a  and a secondary extension  17  extending protruding from a lateral wall of the main extension  11   a . The spike  103  comprises a distal stage comprising a main extension  11   a  and a secondary extension  18  extending protruding from the proximal stage  13 . 
     A sixth variant embodiment of the spike  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The spike  104  further comprises, at its proximal stage  13 , a flexible foot  16  extending between the bridge  15  and the core  2  and supporting the distal stage  11 . The flexibility of the flexible foot  16  is such that the proximal stage  13  still forms a flexible link between the bridge  15  and the anchoring end  14  upon pressure on the free end  12  of the spike  104 . However, the flexible foot  16  holds the spike  104  while preventing the latter from being elongated or tilting backward when, upon use, the spike  104  comes into contact at its free end  12  with a lip of a squeegee of a tube containing the fluid product and in which the applicator device  1  according to the invention is stored.  FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate variant embodiments  105  and  106  of the spikes  102  and  101  respectively comprising the flexible foot  16 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a seventh variant embodiment of the spike  10 . The spike  510  of this variant comprises, from the anchoring end  14  to the free end  12 , the proximal stage  513 , the bridge  515  and the distal stage  511 . Furthermore, the spike  510  comprise a lateral face  514  extending over the entire height of the spike  510  and bearing on a circle C. The circle C is in a plane which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis X, a point of intersection of the longitudinal axis X with the plane of the circle C and on the circle C. Such a configuration of the circle C supporting a face of the spike is described in detail in the document FR 2 937 514 to which reference can be made for more comprehensive information. 
     Once again, as for the bridge  15 , 215 , 315 , according to different variant embodiments, the bridge  515  being positioned on a free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  513 , this free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  513  forms an apron in a direction which can be parallel to the axis X (that is to say that the bridge  515  is situated at the level of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  513 ), or else in a direction which brings it closer to the axis X (the bridge  515  is situated at a lower height than that of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  513 ), or else, on the contrary, in a direction which moves it away from the axis X. 
     An eighth variant embodiment of the spike  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The spike  610  of this variant embodiment comprises, from the anchoring end  14  to the end free  12 , the proximal stage  613 , the bridge  615  and the distal stage  611 . The main difference lies in the fact that the anchoring end  14  is, here, situated substantially vertical to the bridge  615  giving the spike  610  a form similar to a distorted “S” when seen from the side ( FIG. 14 a   ). When seen from the front ( FIG. 14 b   ) the spike  610  is contained in the plane P of symmetry. 
       FIGS. 37 and 38  illustrate a layout of a plurality of spikes  610  in an embodiment of an applicator device  5  according to the invention. As indicated previously, the spikes  610  of one and the same row extend in the same way in the same orientation, parallel to one another, from the core  2 : here the plane P of symmetry of the spikes  610  is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis X. Once again, in considering two adjacent rows, the spikes  610  of one of the adjacent rows are oriented differently from the spikes  610  of the other of the adjacent rows, at 180°, while being offset longitudinally from one adjacent row to another. Thus, in the front view illustrated in  FIG. 38 , the applicator device  5  according to the invention presents a series of lobes (here five of them) uniformly distributed over a circumference of the core  2 . 
       FIG. 40  illustrates another layout of a plurality of spikes  610  in an embodiment of an applicator device  7  according to the invention. As indicated previously, the spikes  610  of one and the same row extend in the same way according to the same orientation, parallel to one another, from the core  2 : here the plane P of symmetry of the spikes  610  passes substantially through the longitudinal axis X. Once again, in considering two adjacent rows, the spikes  610  of one of the adjacent rows are oriented differently from the spikes  610  of the other of the adjacent rows, at 180°. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates a similar layout of a plurality of spikes  110  in an embodiment of an applicator device  8  according to the invention. 
     There now follows a description of a second embodiment of a spike  710  for an applicator device according to the invention with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 22 . The spike  710  is differentiated from the spike  10  previously described in that the proximal stage comprises an arch produced by two symmetrically incurved forms  713  mirroring one another. Here, each of the incurved forms  713  is similar to the proximal stage  13  of the spike  10  previously described. The bridge  715  is situated at a junction of the two incurved forms  713  each forming an anchoring foot extending from the anchoring end  14 . The distal stage  11  extends from the bridge  715  to the free end  12 . 
     In a first variant embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the spike  720  comprises a thinner arch  723  which has a flat face  726  contained in the plane P of symmetry. This flat face  726  is continued in the bridge  725  providing the latter with a certain flexibility which is added to that of the proximal stage. 
     In a second variant embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the spike  730  comprises an arch formed by two thinner incurved forms  733  and  734  each of which has a flat face  726  and  736  respectively contained in the plane P of symmetry. The arrangement is such that one  733  of the incurved forms extends on one side of the plane P of symmetry whereas the other  734  of the incurved forms extends on the other side of the plane P of symmetry. 
     Once again, as for the bridge  15 , 215 , 315 , according to different variant embodiments, the bridge  715 , 725  being positioned on a free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  713 , 723 , 733 , 734 , this free end of the incurved form of the proximal stage  713 , 723 , 733 , 734  forms an apron in a direction which can be parallel to the axis X (that is to say that the bridge  715 , 725  is situated at the level of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  713 , 723 , 733 , 734 ), or else in a direction which brings it closer to the axis X (the bridge  715 , 725  is situated at a lower height than that of the apex of the incurved form of the proximal stage  713 , 723 , 733 , 734 ), or else, on the contrary, in a direction which moves it away from the axis X. 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show a layout of a plurality of spikes  710  on an applicator device  3  according to the invention. As indicated previously, the spikes  710  of one and the same row extend in the same way according to the same orientation, parallel to one another, from the core  2 . For example, the rows from top to bottom comprise spikes  710  in which the plane P of symmetry is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis X, whereas the spikes  710  of the rows adjacent to these two rows from top to bottom are oriented at 90°, their plane P of symmetry passing substantially through the longitudinal axis X of the core  2 . Also, the spikes  710  are arranged such that three adjacent spikes  710 , one from the top row and two from one of the adjacent rows, have a common anchoring foot  713   a . In a variant embodiment, this common anchoring foot  713   b  is shortened so that, at rest, it extends at a distance from and facing a peripheral surface of the core as illustrated in  FIG. 21  on an applicator device  3   a  according to the invention. In this case, the anchoring foot  713   b  serves as bearing abutment making it possible to modify the flexibility of the spikes  716  that have this common anchoring foot  713   b  in the course of use of the applicator device  3   a  according to the invention. In another variant embodiment of the applicator device  3   b  according to the invention illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the common anchoring foot  713   c  is reduced to a simple junction between the spikes  718 . It is possible to mix the common anchoring feet  713   a ,  713   b  and  713   c  with the spikes  710 ,  716 ,  717  and  718  in one and the same layout. That makes it possible to modulate the flexibility of the spikes of the applicator device according to the invention. 
     There now follows a description of a third embodiment of a spike for an applicator device  4  according to the invention, with reference to  FIGS. 23 to 26 . The spike  1010  comprises, from the anchoring end  14 , a proximal stage  1013 , a bridge  1015  and a distal stage  11 , 1011  extending to the end free  12 . The distal end here comprises a main extension  11  extending from the bridge  1015  and a secondary extension  1011  extending from the bridge  1015  along and at a distance from the main extension  11 . Here, it is the bridge  1015  which forms the flexible link between the proximal  1013  and distal  11 , 1011  stages. The secondary extension  1011  forms an angle in the plane P of symmetry with the main extension  11 . In a variant of the spike  1010   b , illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the secondary extension  1011   b  also forms an angle with the plane P of symmetry. 
     In  FIGS. 23 and 24 , a layout of a plurality of spikes  1010  and  1010   b  in an embodiment of an applicator device  4  according to the invention is represented. Here, the spikes  1010  form a first longitudinal row whereas the spikes  1010   b  form a second longitudinal row adjacent to the first. Here, the spikes  1010  are oriented in the same direction, their plane P of symmetry being at right angles to the longitudinal axis X, and the spikes  1010   b  are oriented at 90° with respect to the spikes  1010 , their plane P of symmetry passing through the longitudinal axis X. Other layouts are possible deriving from those already described previously in relation to other embodiments of the spikes. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate a variant  1110  of the spike  1010  and a variant  1110   b  of the spike  1010   b . These variants comprise a second secondary extension, respectively  1011  and  1011   b , symmetrical to the first secondary extension described previously. 
     In  FIG. 29 , the variant embodiment  1110   c  is differentiated from the preceding two, and in particular from the spike  1110 , by the fact that the main extension  1111  is not tapered, but is incurved. 
     In  FIG. 30 , the spike  1210  is a variant embodiment of the spikes  1110  and  1110   b  in which the secondary extensions  1011  and  1011   b  are at 90° to one another. In  FIG. 31 , the spike  1310  is a variant embodiment of the spike  1210  in which the secondary extensions  1011  and  1011   b  are located on the bridge  1015  offset heightwise: thus, each of the secondary extensions  1011 ,  1011   b  extends protruding from an associated independent flexible bridge  1015 . 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a version  1410 ,  1410   b  of the spike comprising three secondary extensions  1011 ,  1011   b .  FIG. 34 , for its part, illustrates a version  1510 ,  1510   b  of the spike comprising four secondary extensions  1011 ,  1011   b . The different secondary extensions can be distributed uniformly or not around the main extension  11 . 
       FIG. 32  represents another variant embodiment of the spike  1010 . The spike  1610  of this variant comprises, from the anchoring end  14  to the free end  12 , the proximal stage  1613 , the bridge  1615  and the distal stage  1611 ,  1617 . The distal stage comprises a main extension  1611  and a secondary extension  1617  extending from the bridge  1615  along and at a distance from the main extension  1611 . Furthermore, the spike  1610  comprises a first lateral face  1612  extending over the entire height of the spike  1610 , along the proximal stage  1613 , the bridge  1615  and the main extension  1611  and bearing on a circle C. The circle C is in a plane which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis X, a point of intersection of the longitudinal axis X with the plane of the circle C and on the circle C. Such a configuration of the circle C supporting a face of the spike is described in detail in the document FR 2 937 514 to which reference can be made for more comprehensive information. Also, the secondary extension  1617  comprises a second lateral face  1618  oriented in a direction opposite the first face  1612  and which bears on a circle D. 
     An applicator device  6  according to the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 39  comprising a layout of a plurality of spikes  1110  and  1510 . The layout comprises longitudinal rows of spikes  1510 , each of these rows being surrounded on either side with longitudinal adjacent rows comprising spikes  1110 . 
       FIG. 35  illustrates another variant embodiment of a spike  1710  for an applicator device according to the invention. The spike  1710  comprises, from the anchoring end  14 , a proximal stage  1713 , a bridge  1715  and a distal stage  1711 , 1717  extending to the free end  12 . The distal stage comprises a main extension  1717  extending in line with the proximal stage  1713  via the bridge  1715 . The main extension  1717  comprises an internal flat face  1717   a  situated in the plane P of the spike  1710 . The distal stage further comprises a secondary extension  1711  which extends along and at a distance from the main extension  1717 . The secondary extension  1711  comprises a flat internal face  1711   a  which is not concomitant with the plane P and extends facing and at a distance from the latter. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates yet another variant embodiment of a spike  1810  for an applicator device according to the invention. The spike  1810  comprises, from the anchoring end  14 , a proximal stage  1813 , a bridge  1815  and a distal stage  1711 , 1717  extending to the free end  12 . The distal stage comprises a main extension with two branches  1717 , mirrorwise symmetrical to one another, extending in line with the proximal stage  1813  via the bridge  1815 . The branches  1717  comprise an internal flat face  1717   a  situated in the plane P of the spike  1810 . The distal stage further comprises a secondary extension  1711  which extends along and at a distance from the main extension. The secondary extension  1711  comprises a flat internal face  1711   a  which is not concomitant with the plane P and extends facing and at a distance from the latter. 
     The extensions  1717  and/or  1711  extend vertically in the figures either rectilinearly, or in an incurved manner along a single curve or along several curves. 
     Hitherto, applicator devices according to the invention have been described in a primarily mascara brush or the like version. Other forms are necessary for applications directed toward the epidermis (skin, lips). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 42 and 43 , there now follows a description of another embodiment of an applicator device  2020  according to the invention. This applicator device  2020  according to the invention comprise a core  2000  which is hollow comprising a tube  2001  comprising a longitudinal slit  2002 . An outer surface of the tube  2001  comprises a layout of spikes  2010  which can have the structure of one of the spikes described previously. Such a structure of the core  2000  allows it to be made developable so as to become flat as illustrated in  FIG. 42 b   . That makes it possible to mold such a core comprising complex spikes in its substantially cylindrical tube form allowing for a mold-stripping of said complex spikes, like those described previously, or others, which is very difficult to do, even impossible, directly in a flat and/or developed form of said core. 
     The applicator device  2020  according to the invention further comprises a support  2021  comprising a receiving housing  2023  bordered on either side by runners  2022 . The core  2000 , once developed, is introduced into the housing  2023  by sliding it along the runners  2022 . Ultimately, the applicator device  2020  according to the invention forms a spatula for the application of a fluid or pasty product on an epidermis. 
     Referring to  FIG. 44 , there now follows a description of a second embodiment of a developable hollow core  3000 . In this variant embodiment, the core  3000  comprises a tube  3001  comprising a longitudinal slit  3002 . An outer surface of the tube  3001  comprises a layout of spikes  10  which can have the structure of one of the spikes described previously. At one end, the core  3000  comprises a nose cone  3003  of essentially tapered form. At the end where the nose cone  3003  is placed, the tube  3001  comprise a slanted cut  3004 . This cut will allow the tube  3001  to be able to be developed without being hampered by the nose cone  3003 . Also, the core  3000  comprises, as illustrated here, longitudinal orifices  3005  passing through a thickness of the tube  3001  and situated between the longitudinal rows of spikes  10 . In a variant embodiment, the core  3000  does not include longitudinal orifices. 
     Referring to  FIG. 45 , the applicator device  3020  according to the invention comprises a support  3021  intended to receive the core  3000  by sliding. The support comprises a body  3023  in epee form comprising two longitudinal reservoirs  3022  that are open on the top and intended to receive the liquid or pasty product to be applied. The body  3023  is terminated by a guard  3024 . As illustrated in  FIG. 45 , the developable hollow core  3000  is slidingly threaded onto the body  3023  of the support  3021 , the form of the body  3023  being arranged so as to progressively develop the tube  3001  until the core  3000  comes into bearing contact against the guard  3024 , the nose cone  3003  receiving a point of the body of the support  3021 . Once in place, the longitudinal orifices  3005  allow the product stored in the reservoirs  3022  to arrive at the spikes  10 . 
       FIG. 46  illustrates a first variant of the support  3120  in which the body  3123  is solid and has no reservoirs. 
       FIG. 47  illustrates a second variant of the support  3220  in which the body  3223  comprises a recess  3222  which serves as product reservoir, once the core  3000  is put in place on the support  3220 . 
       FIG. 48  illustrates a third variant of the support  3320  in which the body  3323  comprises a series of bosses  3322  extending protruding from a top face which is covered by the core  3000 , once in place on the support  3320 , the spacings between the bosses  3322  forming product reservoirs. It should be noted that, in addition, these spacings leave “voids” between the top face of the support  3320  and an internal face of the core  3000 . These “voids” thus allow the core  3000  to bend upon the application of the cosmetic product, rendering the application gesture softer and more tactile (sensation of comfort), the spikes then pushing the core  3000  which “collapses” slightly opposite the spacings of the support  3320 . 
       FIG. 49  illustrates a variant embodiment  3420  of one of the preceding supports in which the body  3423  comprises a layout of spikes  10  (which can have the structure of one of the spikes described previously) on a face opposite that covered by the core  3000  once the latter is in place. 
       FIGS. 50 to 52  illustrate a variant embodiment  3520  of one of the preceding supports, in particular the support  3021 . The support  3520  is similar to the support  3021  except that it also comprises a duct  3025  that passes coaxially through a handle  3026  of the guard  3024  so as to emerge in the top-open longitudinal reservoirs  3022  of the body  3023 . In a use illustrated in  FIG. 52 , the cosmetic or care product P follows a flow illustrated by the arrows FP by entering through the rear of the handle  3026  into the duct  3025  then flowing into the reservoirs  3022  to finish by exiting through the longitudinal orifices  3005  of the core  3000  put in place on the support  3520 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 53 to 56 , there now follows a description of a variant embodiment  3620  of one of the preceding supports, in particular, without being limiting, the support  3120 . The support  3620  is similar to the support  3120  except that it comprises a duct  3125  that passes longitudinally through the support  3620  from an end of the handle  3026  of the guard  3024  to an end  3126  of the body  3123 . In a use illustrated in  FIG. 55  or in  FIG. 56 , the cosmetic or care product P follows a flow illustrated by the arrows FP by entering through the rear of the handle  3026  into the duct  3125  then flowing along the duct  3125  to emerge through the end  3126 , in the manner of a lead of a mechanical pencil. 
     The support  3620  is mounted, here, with a hollow core  3009  which is a variant embodiment of the hollow core  3000  previously described, adapted for the support  3620  so as to leave the output end  3126  of the duct  3125  free. Also, the support  3620  comprises a face  3624 , generally opposite a face of the support  3620  on which the hollow core  3009  is mounted, which has a particular structure: a flock coating, or an additional layer of a softer material, of sponge type for example, having cells, or a microstructuring of said face  3624 , or even any layer of soft and microstructured material having the same effect as an area at an end of the fingers that a user would naturally use. 
     In variant embodiments of an applicator device according to the invention, illustrated in  FIGS. 57 and 58 , the latter comprises a shaft  3700  mounted on the handle  3026  of the support  3620  and comprises means  3701 ,  3710  for implementing the flow, illustrated by the arrow FP, for the product P. The implementing means  3701  is a pushbutton  3701  on which a thrust action  3702  provokes a flow of the product P. Also, the implementing means  3710  is a ring  3710  mounted to rotate and arranged so that a rotation  3712  of the ring  3710  provokes a flow of the product P. The pushbutton  3701  or the ring  3710  acts, for that, on a product P dosing system arranged within the shaft  3700 . This dosing system is a pump or a device of mechanical pencil type depending on the consistency of the product P used. 
     It emerges from the above that such a structure of the spike, as described previously, for an applicator device according to the invention makes it possible to retain a distal stage that is sufficiently rigid to allow the keratinous fibers to be disentangled while guiding them, the flexible link formed by the proximal stage and/or the bridge serving as damper making it possible to erase the poking sensation when the free end of the spike comes into contact with the underlying skin. Also, the deformation thus obtained in use at the base of the spike allows the product present at that point to rise to the free end of the spike. 
     Ultimately, the applicator device according to the invention makes it possible to improve the charge of cosmetic or care product and its application on keratinous fibers (while ensuring an optimal separation thereof) or the epidermis while providing a sensation of optimal comfort for its user. 
     Obviously, many modifications can be made to the invention without in any way departing from the scope thereof.