Patent Publication Number: US-11653741-B2

Title: Applicator device for cosmetic product with flexible applicator element

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This Application is a 35 USC § 371 US National Stage filing of International Application No. PCT/FR2021/0053748 filed on Dec. 20, 2017, and claims priority under the Paris Convention to French Patent Application No. 16 63088 filed on Dec. 21, 2016. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates to an applicator device and to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to keratinous materials, in particular keratinous fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows. The cosmetic product is in particular a mascara. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Patent application EP-A-1 935 279 describes an example of an applicator device for applying a product to keratinous fibers. This applicator device comprises a rod, an applicator member fixed to one end of the rod, and a rigid core extending in the extension of the rod. The core is attached to the rod or is created as one piece with the rod. The applicator device also comprises an outer shell with an attachment area and an application area. The outer shell defines an interior cavity into which the core is inserted. The outer shell is attached at one end of the rod by the attachment area and is free relative to the core, at least over a portion of the application area. The attachment area of the outer shell is fixed to the rod and to the core so as to be sandwiched between the rod and the core. The core may be flexible so as to provide flexibility when applying the product. 
     The arrangement proposed in this application EP-A-1 935 279 is complex and not very robust, however. 
     Patent application U.S. Pat. No. 2,008,107 470 describes an applicator device with an applicator element, a rigid rod, and a flexible part between the applicator element and the rigid rod. The applicator element has a rigid twisted core and transversely extending bristles. The rigid twisted core of the applicator element is fixed in a housing of the flexible part, which in turn is fixed in a housing formed at one end of the rod. The flexible part is elastically deformable. This assembly is also complex and not very robust. 
     International patent application WO-A-2013/034 638 describes a device substantially identical to the applicator device of application US-A-2008 107 470, intended to ensure the attachment of the rigid core of the applicator element. For this purpose, according to a first example, the core of the applicator element is fixed in a housing of the flexible part and held in position by a holding element surrounding a portion of the flexible part. In a second example, the core of the applicator element is fixed in a housing of the holding element, a portion of the flexible part being overmolded around the holding element. 
     The assembly proposed in this last application is complex, however, and therefore results in a high manufacturing cost. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An object of the invention is to provide an applicator device not having at least some of the disadvantages indicated above. In particular, the invention aims to provide an applicator device comprising a flexible applicator element, which is of simple and robust design. Advantageously, the applicator device according to the invention can be used to apply any type of cosmetic product. 
     To this end, the invention provides an applicator device for applying a cosmetic product onto keratinous materials, in particular keratinous fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising:
         a rod, the rod having a first and a second end, the rod extending in a longitudinal direction of the rod between the first and second ends of the rod,   a gripping member, the gripping member being located at the first end of the rod,   an applicator element near the second end of the rod, the applicator element defining a longitudinal direction of the applicator element at rest, the applicator element having an application portion suitable for applying the cosmetic product,   a flexible, elastically deformable core, the core connecting the applicator element to the rod,       

     wherein:
         the core comprises a free portion extending freely between the rod and the application portion of the applicator element, the free portion of the core having a length of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, the core allowing maximum bending of the applicator element relative to the rod such that a maximum bending angle between the longitudinal direction of the bent applicator element and the longitudinal direction of the applicator element at rest is at least 1°, or even at least 2°, preferably at least 5°, more preferably at least 10°.       

     Thus, advantageously, the applicator device according to the invention has a flexible applicator element improving comfort during use, with no loss of precision in such application. 
     In addition, the applicator device according to the invention is of simpler design. The applicator device may in particular have dimensions substantially identical to those of known applicator devices. It is therefore not necessary to provide a cosmetic product container of specially adapted shape; a known container can be used. The applicator device therefore does not result in any additional costs in packaging and/or in its assembly process. 
     The proposed solution also eliminates any constraints on the choice of materials of the applicator element, depending on the product to be applied. 
     According to some preferred embodiments, the applicator device according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics, alone or in combination:
         the rod is rigid;   the maximum bending angle is at most 30°, preferably at most 20°;   the core has a cross-section, the cross-section of the core has a diameter, the rod has a cross-section, the cross-section of the rod has a diameter, the diameter of the cross-section of the core being less than or equal to, preferably strictly less than, the diameter of the cross-section of the rod;   the rod has a housing extending in the longitudinal direction of the rod between a bottom of the housing and an outlet of the housing at the second end of the rod, the application portion of the applicator element protruding from the housing, the core extending into the housing with transverse clearance;   the core is fixed in a hole that opens at the bottom of the housing, the core preferably being gripped in the hole;   the housing is tubular, the housing having a length measured between the bottom of the housing and the outlet of the housing, and a diameter measured in a plane transverse to the length, the length of the housing preferably being between 2 and 10 mm and/or the diameter of the housing preferably being between 1 and 5 mm;   the housing is frustoconical, the housing having a length and a maximum diameter, measured in a plane transverse to the length, at the end of the rod, the length of the housing preferably being between 2 and 10 mm and/or the maximum diameter of the housing preferably being between 1 and 5 mm;   the core comprises, preferably consists of, a twisted wire, the application portion being formed by tufts of bristles gripped by the twisted wire;   the core extends in a longitudinal direction of the applicator element at rest and the tufts of bristles extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the applicator element at rest;   the tufts of bristles have a longitudinal position on the core and a length measured transversely to the longitudinal direction of the applicator element, the length of the tufts of bristles being a function of the longitudinal position on the core, the length of the tufts of bristles being in particular a decreasing function on at least a portion of the core, located outside the housing and the hole, when there are such;   the core has a short-bristled portion, preferably received in the housing, said short-bristled portion being distinct from the application portion of the applicator element, said short-bristled portion in particular having tufts of bristles shorter than the tufts of bristles of the application portion, more preferably of a length such that clearance is maintained between the tufts of bristles of the short-bristled portion and the wall or walls of the housing in the rod;   the wire has a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 mm, preferably greater than or equal to (14 mm, and/or less than or equal to 0.7 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 mm;   the applicator element has an application portion provided with spikes and/or flocked;   the applicator element has a base portion contiguous with the application portion, preferably one piece with the application portion, the base portion preferably being received in the housing, more preferably with transverse clearance;   the applicator element, in particular the application portion, is of flexible material, in particular plastic material;   the core is one piece with the rod;   the core is one piece with the applicator element;   the core is distinct from the rod and from the applicator element;   the core has a diameter greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.4 mm; and   the core has a diameter less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.7 mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.6 mm.       

     The invention also relates to a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product to be applied onto keratinous materials, in particular keratinous fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising an applicator device as described above in all its combinations, and a container for containing the product to be applied, the applicator device being suitable for fixing to the container such that the applicator element is received inside the container, in contact with the cosmetic product. 
     Preferably, the container has an opening and the gripping member is suitable be fixed on the container in order to close the opening of the container. 
     Preferably, the gripping member has a threaded skirt, the container has a threaded neck, the threaded skirt of the gripping member being suitable for screwing onto the threaded neck of the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood from the description which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: 
         FIG.  1    is a view with partial cutaway of a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product with a mascara applicator device; 
         FIG.  2    schematically represents a longitudinal section view of an end of a first example of a cosmetic product applicator device that can be implemented in the packaging and application device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a view similar to  FIG.  2   , showing the bending of the applicator element relative to the rod; 
         FIGS.  4  and  5    are views similar to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , of a second example of a cosmetic product applicator device that can be implemented in the packaging and application device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  6  and  7    are views similar to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , of a third example of a cosmetic product applicator device that can be implemented in the packaging and application device of  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  8    shows a partial longitudinal section view of a fourth example of a cosmetic product applicator device that can be implemented in the packaging and application device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  9  and  10    show, in partial longitudinal section views, a fifth example of a cosmetic product applicator device that can be implemented in the packaging and application device of  FIG.  1   , respectively at rest and in the position for applying a cosmetic product; 
         FIGS.  11  and  12    show, in partial longitudinal section views, a sixth example of a cosmetic product applicator device that can be implemented in the packaging and application device of  FIG.  1   , respectively at rest and in the position for applying a cosmetic product; 
         FIGS.  13  and  14    are views similar to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , of a variant of the third example of a cosmetic product applicator device that can be implemented in the packaging and application device of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     In the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or of identical function bear the same reference. For brevity in the present description, these elements are not described in the context of each embodiment. On the contrary, only the differences between the embodiments are described. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a device  10  for packaging and applying a cosmetic product  12  to be applied to keratinous fibers, in particular eyelashes or eyebrows. The cosmetic product  12  is mascara, for example. 
     This packaging and application device  10  essentially comprises a container  14  containing the cosmetic product  12  to be applied, and an applicator device  16 . The applicator device  16  comprises a rod  18  having a first  18   a  and a second  18   b  end. The rod  18  extends in a longitudinal direction X 0  between the first end  18   a  and the second end  18   b  of the rod  18 . In  FIG.  1   , the longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod is the same as the longitudinal direction X of the container  14 , of a gripping member  20  of the applicator device  16 , and the longitudinal direction X 1  of an applicator element  22  of the applicator device  16  in the position in which this applicator element  22  is shown. The position of the applicator element  22  shown in  FIG.  1    is called the “at rest” position, in which the applicator element is not being used to apply a cosmetic product to a keratinous material. The gripping member  20  is fixed at the first end  18   a  of the rod  18 . The applicator element  22  is mounted at the second end  18   b  of the rod  18 , in other words near this second end  18   b  of the rod  18 . Here, the gripping member  20  is substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the gripping member  20  may in particular be oval, round, or polygonal, for example triangular, square, or rectangular. In addition to enabling the applicator device  16  to be gripped, the gripping member  20  enables the attachment of this applicator device  16  to the container  14 , To do this, the container  14 , for example of tubular shape having an axis X, has a threaded neck  26  at a mouth  24  adapted to allow the passage of the applicator element  22  and the rod  18 . The gripping member  20  is provided with a threaded skirt  27 , suitable for screwing onto the threaded neck  26 . This attachment thus also allows closing the mouth  24 . In this position of the gripping member  20  on the container  14 , the rod  18  allows the applicator element  22  to be received in the cosmetic product  12 , thus enabling extraction of a portion of the product when the applicator device  16  is withdrawn. 
     In the example illustrated, the container  14  also comprises wiping ring  28  in the mouth  24 , here mounted tightly in the mouth  24 . This wiping ring  28  is intended to come into contact with the applicator element  22  when the latter is withdrawn from inside the container  14 , in order to eliminate the surplus cosmetic product  12  which could be covering or saturating the applicator element  22 . 
     This wiping ring  28  is optional, however. Similarly, the method of attaching the applicator device  16  by screwing the gripping member  20  onto a threaded neck  26  of the container  14  is only one example among other embodiments that are conceivable to those skilled in the art. 
     However,  FIGS.  2  and  3    illustrate longitudinal section view showing details of the second end  18   h  of the rod  18 , where the applicator element  22  is fixed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the applicator element  22  is a molded applicator and has an application portion  30 , intended to enable the application of cosmetic product  12  onto keratinous fibers. The applicator element  22  is for example of plastic or any other material that allows obtaining an applicator element  22  that is more flexible or more rigid than the rod  18 . 
     The application portion  30  can have any desired shape that allows satisfactory application of cosmetic product, particularly mascara. Here, for example, the application portion  30  defines three contiguous areas:
         a first area  30   a , closest to the first end  18   a  of the rod  18 , of frustoconical shape with the smaller base facing towards this first end  18   a  of the rod  18 , the diameter of this smaller base being denoted d 30 ;   a second area  30   b , furthest from the first end  18   a  of the rod  18 , of frustoconical shape, substantially identical to that of the first area  30   a  but with the smaller base facing away from the first end  18   a  of the rod  18 , in other words towards the free end  22   e  of the applicator element  22 ; and   a third area  30   c , extending between the first and second areas  30   a ,  30   b , the third area  30   c  here being substantially cylindrical, of diameter D 30 .       

     The first, second, and third areas  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  may in particular be provided with spikes—not visible in  FIGS.  2  and  3   —to allow satisfactory application of cosmetic product. 
     It is noteworthy that the applicator element  22  here is fixed at the second end  18   b  of the rod  18  by means of a flexible core  34 , elastically deformable to allow the applicator element  22  to bend relative to the rod  18 . More specifically, here the applicator element  22  is overmolded onto the core  34 . 
     In the example of  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the core  34  is integral with the rod  18 . In other words, the core  34  and the rod  18  form a single piece. However, the diameter dis of the rod  18  is chosen to be greater than the diameter d 34  of the core  34  so that the core  34  is flexible relative to the rigid rod  18 . Specifically, the flexible core  34  has a cross-section, the cross-section of the flexible core has a diameter d 34 ; the rod  18  has a cross-section, the cross-section of the rod  18  has a diameter dig; and the diameter d 34  of the cross-section of the flexible core  34  is less than or equal to, preferably strictly less than, the diameter d 18  of the cross-section of the rod  18 . In particular, the diameter d 18  of the rod  18  may be at least two times greater than the diameter d 34  of the core  34 , preferably at least five times greater. The rod  18  thus has a shoulder  19  from which the core  34  extends. 
     The rod  18  and the core  34  are, for example and without limitation, made of copolyester, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyoxymethylene (POM). 
     The diameter d 3  of the flexible core  34  is for example greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.4 mm. This diameter d 34  may additionally or alternatively be less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.7 mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.6 mm. In particular, the diameter d 3  of the core  34  is equal to 0.5 mm. 
     The core  34  extends from the shoulder  19  of the rod  18  to the second end  18   b  of the same rod  18 . In addition, the core  34  extends freely for a length L measured between the shoulder  19  of the rod  18  and the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22 . 
     The length L for which the core  34  freely extends is at least 2 mm, or even at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm. In addition, the core  34  is shaped to allow maximum bending of the applicator element  22  relative to the rod  18 , by elastic deformation of the core  34 , such that a maximum bending angle α between the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element at rest and the longitudinal direction X 2  of the bent applicator element  22 , measured in a longitudinal plane of the applicator device  16  including the longitudinal direction X 1  of the rod  18  and the longitudinal direction X 2  of the applicator element  22 , is at least 1°, even at least 2°, even at least 5°, or indeed even at least 10°. Here, in the rest position, the applicator element  22  is subjected only to its weight and to the reaction of the core  34 . In the flexed position, an additional external force is applied to the applicator element, for example by the keratinous material onto which the cosmetic product is applied. 
     Thus, the core  34  allows a relative displacement of the applicator element  22  with respect to the rod  18 . It should be noted here that because the core  34  is more flexible than the rigid rod  18 , it is the core  34  which deforms and not the rod  18  if a force is applied on the applicator element  22 . This deformation enables compensating for excessive pressure on the applicator element  22 , as such pressure could be painful without this deformation. This deformation thus results in greater comfort during application. In addition, this deformation also allows using an applicator element  22  whose spikes are more rigid, the stiffness of the spikes being particularly advantageous for combing the eyelashes or eyebrows onto which the cosmetic product is applied. 
     The maximum bending between the applicator element  22  and the rod  18 , obtained by elastic deformation of the core  34 , is preferably limited. For example, the maximum bending angle α of the applicator element  22 , obtained by elastic deformation of the core  34 , is at most 30°, preferably at most 20°. Too large of a maximum bending angle α can affect accuracy when applying makeup. Too large of a maximum bending angle α can also result in requiring significant pressure during application, rendering the application of makeup a delicate operation. 
     The second example  50  of the applicator device shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5    differs from the first example  16  in three main points. 
     First, in this second example  50 , the core  34  is not one piece with the rod  18 , but with the applicator element  22 . The mounting of the applicator device  50  can then be carried out in two stages: first the applicator element  22  is created with the core  34 , then the whole is fixed to the rod  18 . 
     In addition, as illustrated in the figures, the applicator element  22  comprises a base  32  in addition to the application portion  30 . This base  32 , as illustrated, has a substantially cylindrical shape. The base  32  may in particular have a round cross-section of a diameter d 32  that is smaller than the diameter d 30  of the smallest base of the first area  30   a  of the application portion  30 . Thus, the cylindrical surface of the base  32  is recessed relative to the surface of the application portion  30 , so that the base  32  cannot be in contact with the keratinous material onto which the cosmetic product is to be applied. This prevents the base  32  from being used for applying the cosmetic product, which would affect accuracy when applying the cosmetic product. The base  32  is thus distinct from the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22 . 
     According to the example of  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the diameter d 32  of the base  32  is for example at least two times smaller than the diameter d 30  of the smallest base of the first area  30   a . The maximum diameter D 30  of the application portion  30  is for example greater than or equal to the diameter d 32  of the base  32 , for example at least two or even three times larger than the diameter d 32  of the base  32 . In addition, the length of the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22  is greater than or equal to the length l 32  of the base  32 , preferably at least two times greater, more preferably at least five times greater than the length of the base  32 , these lengths being measured along the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator member  22  at rest. 
     Finally, the rod  18  forms a housing  52 . The housing  52  is substantially tubular. The housing  52  extends in the longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18  between a bottom  54  of the housing  52  and an outlet  56  of the housing  52  at the second end  18  of the rod  18 . The housing  52  has a length, measured between the bottom  54  of the housing  52  and the outlet  56  of the housing  52 . The length of the housing  52  is for example between 2 and 10 mm, preferably equal to 4 mm. The housing  52  also has a diameter d 52 , measured in a plane transverse to the length of the housing  52 . The diameter d 52  of the housing  52  is preferably between 1 and 3 mm, more preferably equal to 2.5 mm. In the illustrated example, the base  32  of the applicator element is completely received in the housing  52 , making the base  32  inaccessible from outside the housing  52 . The base  32  therefore cannot be used to apply cosmetic product onto keratinous material of a user, such that the base  32  is distinct from the application portion  30  of the applicator element. 
     A hole  58  is made in the rod  18 , coaxial with the rod  18 . The hole  58  outlet is at the bottom  54  of the housing  52 . In accordance with the knowledge of those skilled in the art, the diameter of the hole  58  is equal to or substantially less than the diameter of the core  34 , in order to be able to mount the core  34  tightly in the hole  58 . It is thus possible to fix the core  34 , and therefore the applicator element  22 , onto the rod  18  in a simple and effective manner. Of course, other assembly techniques known to those skilled in the art can also be implemented. 
     The length of the hole is for example between 4 and 10 mm, and preferably equal to 6 mm. Because the core  34  is received tightly in the hole  58 , the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22  projects out of the housing  52 . In addition, transverse clearance is maintained between the core  34  and the side wall  60  of the housing  52 . Transverse clearance is also maintained between the base  32  of the applicator element, received in the housing  52 , and the side wall  60  of housing  52 . Thus, the applicator element  22  is able to bend with respect to the rod  18 . 
     It should be noted here that the portion of the core  34  received tightly in the hole  58  is not considered as extending freely. The length L of the core  34  extending freely in this second example  50  thus comprises the length of the core  34  passing through the housing  52  from the bottom  54  thereof to the base  32  of the applicator element, and the length l 32  of the base  32 , which in this case can be considered as a portion of the core  34 , since it is not part of the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22 . This length L is again at least 2 mm, or even at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 min. 
     In addition, the core  34  is shaped to allow a maximum bending angle α obtained by elastic deformation of the core  34 , identical to that of the first example  16 , Here, this maximum bending angle α can be defined using the side wall  60  of the housing  52  and the base  32  of the applicator element  22 . Advantageously, in fact, the base  32  of the applicator element  22  is deformed, by abutting against the side wall  60 , to the desired maximum bending angle α. The base  32  comprises for example spikes capable of deforming in order to damp the bending of the core  34 , to further improve comfort during use of the applicator element  22 . 
     Variants of this example may of course be considered. 
     For example, the applicator element  22  may be made of one or more thermoplastic materials, in particular one or more elastomeric thermoplastic materials. 
     Furthermore, other shapes for the cross-section of the base  32  may be envisaged, in particular an oval shape, so that the bending is different depending on the orientation of the applicator element. Also, according to another variant, the base  32  may be in the extension of the application portion  30 , the base  32  and the application portion  30  being for example cylindrical, of the same cross-section, and contiguous or non-contiguous. In this case as well, the base  32  is distinct from the application portion in that this base  32  cannot be used to apply the cosmetic product, unlike the application portion  30 . In this case, where the base  32  and the application portion  30  are cylindrical with the same cross-section, the base  32  is then formed by the portion of the applicator element  22  which is not accessible to the keratinous material on which the cosmetic product is to be applied. This portion of the applicator element  22  may for example correspond to the portion of the applicator element  22  received in the housing  52 . 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    illustrate a third example  70  of an application device that can be implemented in the device  10  for packaging and applying a cosmetic product of  FIG.  1   . 
     In this third example  70 , the core  34  is not integral with either the rod  18  or the applicator element  22 . The core  34  here is a piece separate from the rod  18  and separate from the applicator element  22 . The applicator element  22  is overmolded on the core  34 . Other modes for fixing the applicator element  22  on the core  34  are possible, however. 
     The core  34  may be made of thermoplastic material or of metal. 
     The core  34  is fixed to the rod  18  as described with reference to the second example  50  of  FIGS.  4  and  5   . The length L of the core  34  which extends freely therefore also comprises the length of the core  34  passing through the housing  52 , outside the applicator element  22 , and the portion of the core  34  passing through the base  32  of the applicator element  22 . 
     One should note that the geometry of the applicator element  22  is different here from that of the first two examples. Here the application portion  30  comprises only the frustoconical portion  30   c  of the first examples, in which the largest base, of diameter D 30 , faces towards the second end  18   b  of the rod  18 . Other shapes of the element applicator and other cross-sections of this applicator element are conceivable. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a variant  80  of applicator device  70 , in which the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22  is formed by tufts of bristles  82  gripped by one or more twisted wires  84 , the twisted wire or wires  84  forming the core  34 . The twisted wire or wires are for example of stainless steel. The tufts of bristles  82  extend transversely to the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element  22 , at rest. Advantageously, the tufts of bristles  82  have a longitudinal position on the core  34  and a length l 82  measured transversely to the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element  22 , the length l 82  of the tufts of bristles  82  being a function of their longitudinal position on the core  34 . The length l S2  of the tufts of bristles  82  may in particular be a decreasing function on at least a portion of the core  34 , located externally to the housing  52  and the hole  58 , when there are such. 
     In the illustrated example, the cross-section of the applicator element  22  is centered relative to the core  34 . As a variant, the core  34  may also be off-centered relative to the cross-section of the shell surface on at least one point of the application portion. The cross-section of the application portion  30  may in particular be square, rectangular, or oblong. Whatever its shape, the cross-section of the application portion  30  may be centered or off-centered with respect to the core  34 . 
     The diameter of the wire—in other words the diameter of the strand or strands twisted to form the twisted wire—is for example greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.4 mm. This diameter of the wire may additionally or alternatively be less than 0.7 him, preferably less than 0.6 mm. In particular, the diameter of the wire is equal to 0.5 mm. 
     As illustrated, a portion  86  of the core  34  has short bristles. This short-bristled portion  86  is preferably contiguous with the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22 . This short-bristled portion  86  is preferably received in the housing  52 . The tufts of bristles of this short-bristled portion  86  are preferably of a length less than or equal to the length l 82  of the tufts of bristles of the application portion. The length of the tufts of bristles of this short-bristled portion  86  is again, preferably, less than or equal to the diameter of the housing  52 , in order to maintain a transverse clearance between the tufts of bristles of the short-bristled portion  86  and the side wall  60  of the housing  52 . Indeed, the short-bristled portion is not intended to be used to apply cosmetic product. Thus, although contiguous with the application portion  30 , the short-bristled portion  86  of the core  34  is distinct from this application portion  30 , in that the short-bristled portion cannot be used to apply cosmetic product on keratinous material. Indeed, in this case the keratinous material is not accessible to the short-bristled portion  86 , because the latter is received in the housing  52 . 
     The short-bristled portion  86 , received in the housing  52 , defines the maximum bending angle α by contact with the side wall  60  of the housing. For this definition to be more precise, the tufts of bristles of the short-bristled portion  86  are preferably rigid, in other words more rigid than the tufts of bristles  82  of the application portion  30 . The maximum bending angle can thus be defined by the quality, in particular the stiffness, and/or the density of the tufts of bristles of the short-bristled area  86 . 
     Alternatively, the tufts of bristles of the short-bristled portion  86  are more flexible than the tufts of bristles  82  of the application portion  30 . 
     The short-bristled portion  86  thus makes it possible to define the maximum bending angle. In addition, this short-bristled portion  86  makes it possible to control the bending of the core, by the damping induced by the contact of the bristles of the short-bristled portion with the side wall  60  of the housing  52 . 
     As described above, the quality, in particular the stiffness, of the tufts of bristles  82  of the application portion  30  may be different from the quality of the tufts of bristles of the short-bristled area  86 . However, the stiffness of the tufts of bristles  82  may be chosen to be relatively high as well, for example to allow combing the eyelashes during the application of mascara, the comfort during application then being ensured by the possible bending of the applicator element  22 . 
     This last embodiment is of particularly simple design, the twisted wire required to fix the tufts of bristles being implemented as the core enabling the applicator element  22  to bend relative to the rod  18 . No other intermediate part is necessary. 
     In the example described, the core  34  is composed of a twisted metal wire  84  in which the bristles are held. The strands of the core  34  may be twisted to the left or to the right. The core  34  may be a double core, formed by two basic cores twisted together. Each basic core may comprise two strands twisted together and gripping the bristles. The two basic cores may each consist of an arm of a single twisted core folded into a U, the two arms being twisted together. 
     It is also possible to use all kinds of bristles in an applicator element according to the invention, and in particular bristles having a cross-section that is circular or other than circular. In particular a mixture of bristles of different types or a mixture of bristles of different lengths, possibly of the same type or not, may be used. 
     The bristles may have a diameter of between 6.5 hundredths of a millimeter and 40 hundredths of a millimeter. The cross section of the bristles may in particular be round, oval, polygonal, circular with a flattened side, star-shaped, cross-shaped, U-shaped, H-shaped, T-shaped, V-shaped. 
     The bristles retained between the twisted strands of the core may have, before placement between the strands of the core, a shape that is or is not rectilinear, for example a wavy shape. The bristles may undergo processing to form balls or forks at their ends. 
     The bristles may be flocked. The bristles may be made by extruding a plastic material loaded with particles, for example particles of a moisture-absorbing material, to give a microrelief to the surface of the bristles or to give them magnetic or other properties. 
     The bristles may be natural or synthetic, for example made of a material chosen among: PE, PA, in particular PA6, PA6/6, PA6/10, or PA6/12, HYTREL®, PEBAS®, silicone, PU, this list not being limiting. 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate a variant  90  of the embodiment of  FIG.  8   . As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element  22  at rest and the longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18  are not aligned nor parallel. On the contrary, the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element  22  here forms, even at rest, a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18 . This enables a particular use of the applicator element  22 , particularly by favoring one side of the application portion over another. To obtain a non-flat angle between the longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18  and the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element  22  at rest, the core  34  is bent. In other words, at rest, the core  34  has two substantially rectilinear segments extending in two directions to form a non-flat angle. Alternatively, the core  34  may be bent over at least a portion of its length. 
     Also in the case of  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the applicator element  22  can bend when used and the longitudinal direction X 2  of the bent applicator element  22  forms an angle with the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element  22  at rest, as previously described. The bending may occur locally at the bend formed at rest by the core  34  and/or over some or all of the core extending between the hole  58  and the bend and/or some or all of the core extending between the bend and the free end of the core  34 . 
     It should be noted that, in the case of the example  90  of  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the longitudinal direction X 2  of the bent applicator element  22  may possibly be aligned with the longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18  or, as illustrated in  FIG.  10   , form an angle with this longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18  that is greater than the angle formed by the longitudinal direction X 1  of the applicator element  22  at rest, relative to this longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18 . 
     Finally,  FIGS.  11  and  12    lustrate a variant  100  of the embodiment of  FIG.  8   . As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , and unlike the embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the core  34  here is without any short-bristled portion  86  received in the housing  52 . All the bristles gripped in the core  34  here are therefore part of the application portion  30  of the applicator element  22 . 
     In this case, as shown in  FIG.  12   , t maximum bending of the applicator element  22  relative to its rest position can be defined by the core  34  coming into abutment against the end of the side wall  60  of the housing  52 . 
     Finally, the example  110  of  FIGS.  13  and  14    differs from the example  70  of  FIGS.  6  and  7    essentially in that the housing  52  at the end of the rod  18  is frustoconical. Such a frustoconical shape facilitates assembly of the applicator element  30 . Indeed, such a frustoconical housing  52  guides the core  34  towards the hole  58  in the rod  18 . To do this, it is particularly advantageous that the diameter of the housing  52 , measured at its end where the hole  58  opens, is substantially equal to the diameter of the hole  58 . The length L of the frustoconical housing  52 , measured along the longitudinal direction X 0  of the rod  18 , corresponds to the length of the freely extending core  34 . This length L may be within the value ranges indicated above. In particular, the length of the frustoconical housing  52  may be 10 mm. Finally, the diameter d 52  of the housing  52 , which in the case of a frustoconical housing  52  corresponds to the maximum diameter of the housing  52  measured at the end of the rod  18 , may be between 1 and 3 mm, preferably equal to 2.5 mm. 
     Of course, the frustoconical shape of the housing  52  can be implemented in all the preceding examples where the rod  18  has a housing  52 , regardless of the nature of the applicator element  30  and/or the core  34 . 
     In addition, the diameter d 18  of the rod  18  is for example, in the example  110  of  FIGS.  13  and  14   , between 3 mm and 4 mm. This value of the diameter d 18  of the rod  18  can also be applied to the other examples described above. 
     The invention is not limited only to the embodiments described above with reference to the figures, but on the contrary is suitable for many variants accessible to those skilled in the art. 
     First, the features of each embodiment y be combined in embodiments that are not shown or described. 
     Furthermore, the applicator element may be of any suitable type and/or of any geometry suitable for applying cosmetic product to keratinous materials, in particular keratinous fibers such as eyelashes or eyebrows. The applicator may therefore be a flocked applicator. 
     Also, the rod  18  is substantially cylindrical in the examples described. In particular, the rod  18  is not flared at its second end  18   b  where the housing  52  opens. Such flaring does not appear necessary, as it may make the applicator device  50  more difficult to insert into its container  14 . However, such flaring may be provided in some embodiments (not illustrated). 
     The principle of bending the core  34  is applicable to any cross-section of this core  34 : oval, polygonal or other. The shape of the cross-section of the core can give preference to some bending planes of the core over others, which can contribute to a more accurate application of cosmetic product. 
     In the examples described, the housing  52  is tubular, of substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively, however, the cross-section of the housing  52  may take any other shape, including an ellipse, a polygon, in particular a square or rhombus shape. Depending on the shape of the cross-section of the housing  52 , it is possible to have a maximum bending of the applicator element  30  that differs according to the different orientations of the rod. 
     The invention may also be implemented for applicators other than mascara applicators, for example eye shadow applicators, blush applicators, eyebrow applicators, lip product applicators.