Applicator for cosmetic products and applicator assembly comprising said applicator

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (10), particularly for mascara, extending along a principal longitudinal direction, referred to as the principal direction (X), between a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14) opposite said proximal end (12). The applicator (10) comprises a structural support element, referred to as the support (20), and at least one arm (30). The support (20) and the arm (30) are connected to each other by means of a joint (40), the joint (40) being integral with the support (20). The support (20) and the arm (30) extend along said principal direction (X), and the support (20), the arm (30), and the joint (40) are designed to allow flexibility of the arm (30) in more than one direction of an orthonormal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) attached to the applicator (10). The invention also relates to an applicator assembly comprising such an applicator (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product and an applicator assembly comprising such an applicator.

[0002] It is known to provide molded applicators for cosmetic products, particularly made of plastic. These applicators are commonly called "plastic brushes."

[0003] The molding constraints for obtaining such plastic brushes lead to the provision of brushes having relatively rigid cores and carrying substantially flexible protuberances; the aim of this combination lies in obtaining good makeup effects.

[0004] FR3018436A1 discloses an applicator for a cosmetic product comprising a core having a flexing zone between its distal end and its proximal end.

[0005] One of the objectives of the invention is to propose an alternative solution, in particular to known molded applicators, making it possible to obtain equally satisfactory makeup effects.

[0006] As indicated in claim 1, the invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, extending along a main longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction, between a proximal end and a distal end opposite said proximal end along said main direction, said applicator comprising a structural support element, called the support, and a plurality of branches, said support and Z said branches being linked together by means of an articulation, said articulation being integral with said support.According to the invention, the support and said branches extend along said main direction and the support, the branches and the articulation are designed so as to allow flexibility of the branch in more than one direction of an orthonormal reference frame attached to said applicator, said applicator further comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from said branch.

[0007] The applicator of the invention comprises branches having flexibility in more than one direction of an orthonormal reference frame attached to the applicator. These branches serve as support for a plurality of protrusions. Thus, the flexibility of the applicator is no longer to be sought in the design of the protrusions. This flexibility is obtained using the flexibility given to the branches carrying the protrusions.

[0008] The applicator of the invention therefore offers an alternative solution, in particular to known molded applicators, making it possible to obtain equally satisfactory makeup effects.

[0009] Optionally, according to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: said articulation is made from the material of the support, said articulation is located, along said main direction between the proximal and distal ends of said applicator, the proximal and distal ends of said applicator are separated by a length , said joint being distant by a length relative to the proximal end of said applicator, said lengths And being measured along said main direction, said lengths respecting the following ratio: 0.25 ≤ l L ≤ 0.75 , the support is made in the form of a hollow arch formed by a plurality of arms which connect the proximal and distal ends of said applicator, said arms being connecting arms, the articulation being carried by said connecting arms, the applicator of the invention comprises three connecting arms alternating around the main direction with a plurality of branches, in particular three, said branches all being connected to said articulation, the applicator of the invention further comprises a plurality of protuberances which project from each of the connecting arms and from each of the branches, in the form of rows of protuberances arranged along said main direction, said branches are connected to each other by means of reinforcing elements, called plates, oriented substantially transversely to the main direction, said plates being two in number,each positioned in the vicinity of one of the proximal and distal ends of said applicator, said plates being designed so as not to strike the connecting arms when the flexibility of at least one of said branches is actuated by an element external to said applicator, the support is made in the form of a solid core, the applicator of the invention comprises a number of branches which is between 4 and 10, said branches each extending between the proximal and distal ends of said applicator, the applicator of the invention comprises a number of branches which is between 8 and 20, said branches each extending along the main direction, between the joint and one or other of said proximal or distal ends, the applicator of the invention further comprises a plurality of protrusions which project from each of the branches, in the form of rows of protrusions arranged along said direction main. ,

[0010] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly comprising an applicator as described above. Said assembly further comprises a bottle intended to receive a cosmetic product, said assembly being intended to occupy two positions, a first position, called the use position, in which a user can apply makeup with said applicator and a second position, called the rest position, in which said applicator is positioned inside the bottle, said assembly further comprising a wiper intended to be assembled with said bottle so as to wipe said applicator when it passes from the rest position to the use position.

[0011] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: said applicator further comprises, in the vicinity of its distal end, a protective zone made of a single material with the support, said protective zone being designed so as to prevent any tearing of said at least one branch when the applicator assembly passes from the use position to the rest position, said branches of the applicator are designed so as to converge towards the main direction in the event of contact with the wiper, so as to prevent any tearing of said branches when the applicator assembly passes from the use position to the rest position and / or from the rest position to the use position.

[0012] The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the detailed explanatory description which follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings: there figure 1 is an isometric representation, slightly inclined, of a first example of an embodiment of an applicator according to the invention, the figure 2 is an isometric representation of the same example as shown in figure 1 , inclined and cut so as to show in particular the proximal end of the applicator, the figure 3 is a sectional view of the same embodiment as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , there figure 4 is an isometric representation, slightly inclined, of a second exemplary embodiment of an applicator according to the invention, the Figure 5is an isometric representation of the same example as shown in figure 4 , inclined and cut so as to show in particular the proximal end of the applicator, the figure 6 is a sectional view of the same embodiment as that illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 , there figure 7 is an isometric representation of a third exemplary embodiment of an applicator according to the invention, the figure 8 is an isometric representation of the same example as shown in figure 7 , inclined and viewed so as to show in particular the proximal end of the applicator, the figure 9 is a top view of the same example of realization as that illustrated in figures 7 and 8 , THE Figures 10 and 11 are sectional views of the same example of embodiment as that illustrated in figures 7 to 9 , there figure 11 being a sectional view of the figure 10 , according to the AA axis which is identified there, the figures 12, 13 and 14illustrate variations of the third embodiment.

[0013] The invention relates to an applicator 10 for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, extending along a main longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction and marked X in the figures.

[0014] The applicator of the invention extends between a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14 opposite said proximal end 12 along said main direction X.

[0015] Said applicator advantageously comprises a structural support element, called support 20, and at least one branch 30, said support 20 and said branch 30 being linked together by means of an articulation 40, said articulation being integral with said support 20.

[0016] According to the invention, the support 20 and said branch 30 extend along said main direction X and the support 20, the branch 30 and the articulation 40 are designed so as to allow flexibility of the branch 30 in more than one direction of an orthonormal reference frame (X, Y, Z) attached to said applicator 10, said applicator 10 further comprising a plurality of protrusions 31 projecting from said branch 30.

[0017] By "the support 20 and said branch 30 extend along said main direction X", we mean that the support 20 and said branch 30 are collinear, extending around, or along said main direction X. Thus, the support 20 and the branch 30 will extend in directions which are all parallel to the main direction X.

[0018] Advantageously, the branch 30 projects from the joint following a slope which forms a substantially zero angle relative to the main direction X.

[0019] By "flexibility of the branch 30 in more than one direction of an orthonormal reference frame (X, Y, Z) attached to said applicator 10" is meant a potential movement of the branch 30 when it is touched by an external element, for example by a user's finger, or even a fringe of eyelashes of a user. The orthonormal reference frame (X, Y, Z) is illustrated on the figures 1 , 4 And 7 , in connection with each of the three embodiments which will be detailed later. This characteristic also means a possibility for the branch 30 to move in several directions in space by performing a particularly visible movement at the end of the branch 30, that is to say in the vicinity of the proximal 12 and / or distal 14 ends of said applicator 10.

[0020] Said articulation 40 will advantageously be made from the material of the support 20.

[0021] Said articulation 40 here has a solid ball shape. It is a connecting zone, or intermediate zone, between the support 20 and the branches 30.

[0022] On the other hand, said articulation 40 will be located, along said main direction X, between the proximal 12 and distal 14 ends of said applicator 10, which are separated by a length L (see figures 3 , 6 , 7 , 10 and 11 ) along said main direction X. For example, the length L will be between 25 and 35mm; it will preferably be of the order of 28mm.

[0023] Said articulation 40 will advantageously be distant by a length relative to the proximal end 12 of said applicator 10, along said main direction X.

[0024] The said lengths will advantageously respect the following ratio: 0.25 ≤ l L ≤ 0.75 , and preferably the report l = L 2 .

[0025] In other words, said articulation will be distant from at least one of the proximal 12 or distal 14 ends of said applicator 10, or even from both the proximal 12 and distal 14 ends of said applicator 10.

[0026] According to a first and a second embodiment, illustrated by the figures 1 to 6 , the support 20 will advantageously be produced in the form of a hollow arch formed of a plurality of arms 22 which connect the proximal 12 and distal 14 ends of said applicator 10, said arms 22 being connecting arms, the articulation 40 then being carried by said connecting arms 22.

[0027] The term “hollow arch” means a support 20 which is presented as a hollow core, or even as a structure supported by support beams - the connecting arms 22 - between the proximal 12 and distal 14 ends.

[0028] In the context of the first and second embodiments illustrated here, the applicator 10 of the invention comprises three connecting arms 22 alternating around the main direction X with a plurality of branches 30, in particular three, said branches 30 all being linked to said articulation 40. The connecting arms 22 have a length, along the main direction X, which is greater than that of the branches 30, also measured along the main direction X.

[0029] In other words, the connecting arms 22 and the branches 30 each extend in a direction specific to them and which is collinear with the main direction X. In other words, the connecting arms 22 and the branches 30 each extend in a direction distinct from the connecting arm 22 which is directly adjacent to it and / or from the branch 30 which is directly adjacent to it.

[0030] On the other hand, the applicator 10 of the invention comprises a plurality of protrusions 21, 31 which project, respectively, from each of the connecting arms 22 and from each of the branches 30, in the form of rows of protrusions 21, 31 arranged along said main direction X (see figures 1, 2 , 4 and 5). These protuberances 21, 31 will advantageously project on either side of a plane substantially orthogonal to the main direction X. These protuberances 21, 31 will form on each of the connecting arms 22, and on each of the branches 30, a row of teeth distributed in a staggered pattern, on either side of this plane substantially orthogonal to the main direction X.

[0031] According to the first example of realization illustrated by the figures 1 to 3 , said branches 30 are linked together by means of reinforcing elements, called plates 32, 34, which are oriented substantially transversely to the main direction X. Here said plates 32, 34 are two in number, each positioned in the vicinity of one of the proximal 12 and distal 14 ends of said applicator.

[0032] It is interesting to note that said plates 32, 34 are designed so as not to strike the connecting arms 22 when the flexibility of at least one of said branches 30 is actuated by an element external to said applicator 10. To do this, these plates 32, 34 have a cross shape.

[0033] According to the second example of realization illustrated by the figures 4 to 6 , said branches 30 are free of any reinforcing element. In other words, the branches 30 are linked only to the articulation 40; they are not linked to each other.

[0034] This has the advantage of freeing each of them a little more, particularly in comparison with the first embodiment in which they are united in their flexibility.

[0035] According to a third embodiment, illustrated by the figures 7 to 14, the support 20 will advantageously be produced in the form of a solid core. The articulation 40 is, in the context of this third embodiment, an outgrowth of material carried at the end of the support 20. In other words, the articulation 40 forms one end of the support 20, along the main direction X (see also the Figures 10 and 11 ).

[0036] In the context of this third exemplary embodiment, the applicator 10 of the invention further comprises a plurality of branches 30 all linked to said articulation 40. In other words, these branches 30 are not linked to each other.

[0037] More precisely, in the context of this embodiment, it is the branches 30 which form the applicator 10 of the invention by extending, each, between the proximal 12 and distal 14 ends of said applicator 10, over the major part of the length L.

[0038] In other words, the support 20 and the branches 30 each extend in a direction specific to it and which is collinear with the main direction X. In other words, the branches 30 each extend in a direction distinct from the support 20 and from the branch 30 which is directly adjacent to it.

[0039] In a first variant of this third embodiment, the applicator 10 of the invention comprises a number of branches 30 which is between 4 and 10, said branches 30 each extending between the proximal 12 and distal 14 ends of said applicator 10. This first variant is illustrated by the figures 7 to 11 , and here presents 6 branches 30.

[0040] In a second and a third variant, illustrated by the figures 12 to 14, the applicator 10 of the invention comprises a number of branches 30a, 30b which is between 8 and 20, said branches 30a, 30b each extending along the main direction X, between the articulation 40, on the one hand, and one or other of said proximal 12 or distal 14 ends, on the other hand. In other words, the applicator 10 comprises branches 30a, 30b which originate at the level of the articulation 40 and which are oriented towards the proximal end 12, on the one hand (referenced 30a on the figures 12 to 14 ) or towards the distal end 14, on the other hand (referenced 30b in the same figures).

[0041] In the context of this third embodiment, regardless of the variant chosen, the applicator 10 of the invention will advantageously comprise a plurality of protrusions 31 which project from each of the branches 30, 30a, 30b, in the form of rows of protrusions arranged along said main direction X. These protrusions 31 will advantageously project on either side of a plane substantially orthogonal to the main direction X. These protrusions 31 will form on each of the branches 30, 30a, 30b, a row of teeth distributed in a staggered pattern, on either side of this plane substantially orthogonal to the main direction X.

[0042] It is interesting to note that, in the context of the second and third variants, the articulation 40 itself may comprise protuberances 41; said protuberances will be oriented in the form of rows as just described. They may also be isolated, in particular in a plane orthogonal to the main direction X (see figures 12, 13 and 14 ).

[0043] Whatever the embodiment described, the connection zone between the branches 30, 30a, 30b and the articulation 40 will advantageously be a discrete contact zone between the outer periphery of the articulation 40 and the branches 30.

[0044] Whatever the embodiment example described, the branches 30 extend along a specific direction which is collinear with the main direction X and which is distinct from the main direction X.

[0045] Whatever the embodiment example described, the main direction X passes through the articulation 40; said articulation 40 being located at a distance from at least one of the two proximal / distal ends of the branch 30 / branches 30 which originate above it.

[0046] Whatever the embodiment example described, the branch 30 / branches 30 which are in contact with the articulation 40 protrude from said articulation 40 forming a substantially zero angle with the main direction X.

[0047] Thus, the contact between the branches 30 and the articulation allows any flexibility to the branches 30, 30a, 30b of the applicator according to the invention 10, in particular in more than one direction of the orthonormal reference frame (X, Y, Z).

[0048] As mentioned above, this means flexibility of the branches 30, 30a, 30b when an external element disturbs the balance of these branches 30, 30a, 30b, in particular by brushing against said branches 30, 30a, 30b. Unexpected makeup effects are thus obtained with the applicator 10 of the invention, in particular when the latter is loaded with cosmetic product and brushes against the eyelashes of a user. Indeed, the branches 30, 30a, 30b, flexible in a plurality of directions, come into contact with the eyelashes, as close as possible to them.

[0049] On the other hand, the advantage associated with an applicator 10 such as that of the invention, whatever the embodiment, also lies in the possibility of providing it with protrusions 21, 31 whose radial extensions are relatively short. By "radial extension" is meant the height of a protrusion 21, 31 measured from the branches 30, 30a, 30b of the connecting arm 22 / of the branch 30 from which it projects, this in the direction of its free end.

[0050] The relatively short protrusions 21, 31 have a recognized charging power. Here, they also have a significant flexibility, therefore an advantageous painting power.

[0051] For example, the protuberances 21, 31 will have a radial extension of between 1.5 and 3 mm, preferably of the order of 2 mm. The applicator 10 will form a brush whose outer envelope, drawn by the free ends of said protuberances 21, 31, will be inscribed in a cylinder whose height coincides with the main direction X and whose diameter will be, for example, between 7 and 9 mm, preferably between 7.5 and 8.5 mm. Thus, the applicator 10 of the invention comprises protuberances 21, 31 whose radial extension is less than what is usually done, for a brush formed by the free ends of said protuberances 21, 31 which, itself, is within the dimensional standards usually encountered in the context of such a brush.

[0052] It should be noted that the arrangement of said protuberances 21, 31, in staggered rows and in longitudinal rows, as mentioned above, has the advantage of correctly retaining the cosmetic product between them, to then restore it to the eyelashes of a user.

[0053] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly comprising an applicator 10 as described above. Said assembly further comprises a bottle intended to receive a cosmetic product, said assembly being intended to occupy two positions, a first position, called the use position, in which a user can apply makeup with said applicator 10 and a second position, called the rest position, in which said applicator 10 is positioned inside the bottle, said assembly further comprising a wiper intended to be assembled with said bottle so as to wipe said applicator when it passes from the rest position to the use position.

[0054] The bottle and wringer are not pictured here.

[0055] In the context of the first and second embodiments, the applicator 10 of the invention will further comprise, in the vicinity of its distal end 14, a protection zone 50 made of the same material as the support 20 (see figures 1 , 3 , 4 And 6 ). Said protection zone 50 is advantageously designed so as to prevent any tearing of the branches 30 when the applicator assembly moves from the use position to the rest position.

[0056] In other words, when the applicator assembly moves from the use position to the rest position, said protection zone 50, provided here in the form of a half-ball, will serve as a bumper and will absorb the forces which could cause an unwanted tilting of said branches 30. Said protection zone 50 may also be provided in another form, for example in the form of a truncated pyramid, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057] In the context of the third embodiment, the protection of said branches 30 will be obtained by their intrinsic design. Indeed, said branches 30 will advantageously be designed so as to converge towards the main direction X in the event of contact with the wiper, so as to avoid any tearing of said branches 30 when the applicator assembly passes from the use position to the rest position and / or from the rest position to the use position.

[0058] Indeed, said branches will each have two zones Z12, Z14, in the vicinity of the proximal end 12 and the distal end 14 respectively. It is these two zones Z12, Z14 which make it possible to make said branches 30 converge towards the main direction X when coming into contact with a wiper (see figures 8 And 11 ).

[0059] In zone Z12, in the vicinity of the proximal end 12, the branches have a technical shape which is sloping and whose deflection decreases towards the proximal end of the applicator 10, which makes it possible to ensure the convergence of said branches 30 towards the main direction X when these branches 30 come into contact with a wiper, in particular when the applicator assembly passes from the rest position to the use position.

[0060] On the other hand, each of said branches 30 also has, in zone Z14, a technical shape which is sloping and whose arrow decreases towards the distal end 14 of the applicator 10, which makes it possible to ensure their convergence towards the main direction X when the applicator assembly passes from the use position to the rest position.

[0061] It is interesting to note that the details of the embodiments and variants described above may be combined, without departing from the scope of the invention, in particular to obtain complementary effects for the makeup of a user's eyelashes.

[0062] It should also be noted that the support 20, the branches 30 and said articulation 40 will advantageously be molded from the same material, therefore made from material, for example from a plastic based on LDPE (low density polyethylene). Other materials may also be used, namely the “EXACT” material from ExxonMobil or the “HYTREL” material from Dupont, or a mixture of these materials.

[0063] Thus, the applicator 10 of the invention may be obtained by a known molding operation, for example by plastic injection.

[0064] In other words, the original design of the applicator 10 of the invention makes it possible, with a conventional molding method, to obtain particularly precise makeup of a user's eyelashes. Indeed, the protuberances 31 carried by a movable branch 31 come into contact with a fringe of eyelashes of the user, while adapting to his morphology. The applicator 10 of the invention therefore proposes a design suitable for a wide range of users, in particular thanks to the mobility of the branches 30 on the articulation 40.

[0065] It should also be noted that the applicator of the invention comprises a portion which extends from the proximal end 12 of the applicator 10, along the main direction X, in the form of a sleeve intended to be fixed in / on a holding rod. Said holding rod, not illustrated here, is usually integral with a cap serving as a cover for the bottle introduced upstream of the present description.

[0066] It should also be noted that alternative embodiments are of course possible. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment not illustrated here, the articulation 40 may be provided in the vicinity of the proximal end 12, with branches 30 made from the same material, which extend along the main direction X, towards the distal end 14, said branches being independent of each other.

Claims

1. Applicator (10) for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, extending in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the main direction (X), between a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14) opposite said proximal end (12) in said main direction (X), said applicator (10) comprising a structural support element, referred to as a support (20), and a plurality of branches (30), said support (20) and said branches (30) being interconnected by means of an articulation (40), said articulation (40) being integral with said support (20), said support (20) and said branches (30) extend in said main direction (X) and the support (20), the branches (30) and the articulation (40) are designed so as to allow a flexibility of the branches (30) in more than one direction from an orthonormal reference point (X, Y, Z) attached to said applicator (10), so as to allow a visible movement at the end of the branches (30) in the vicinity of the proximal (12) and distal (14) ends of said applicator 10, said applicator (10) further comprising a plurality of protrusions (31) projecting from said branches, the connection region between the branches (30, 30a, 30b) and the articulation (40) being a discrete contact region between the outer periphery of the articulation (40) and the branches (30).

2. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said articulation (40) is produced from material of the support.

3. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said articulation (40) is located in said main direction (X), between the proximal (12) and distal (14) ends of said applicator (10).

4. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the proximal (12) and distal (14) ends of said applicator (10) are remote by a length L, said articulation (40) being remote by a length I with respect to the proximal end (12) of said applicator (10), said lengths L and I being measured in said main direction (X), said lengths complying with the following ratio: 0.25 ≤ l L ≤ 0.75.

5. Applicator (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support (20) is produced in the form of a hollow arch formed by a plurality of arms (22) which connect the proximal (12) and distal (14) ends of said applicator (10), said arms (22) being link arms, the articulation (40) being supported by said link arms (22).

6. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising three link arms (22) which alternate around the main direction (X) with a plurality of branches (30), in particular three, said branches all being connected to said articulation (40).

7. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of protrusions (21, 31) which project from each of the link arms (22) and each of the branches (30) in the form of rows of protrusions (21, 31) arranged along said main direction (X).

8. Applicator (10) according to either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said branches (30) are interconnected by means of reinforcing elements, referred to as plates (32, 34), which are oriented substantially transversely to the main direction (X), said plates (32, 34) being two in number, each positioned in the vicinity of one of the proximal (12) and distal (14) ends of said applicator (10), said plates (32, 34) being designed so as not to hit the link arms (22) when the flexibility of at least one of said branches (30) is activated by an element outside said applicator (10).

9. Applicator (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support (20) is produced in the form of a solid core.

10. Applicator (10) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a number of branches (30) which is between 4 and 10, said branches (30) each extending between the proximal (12) and distal (14) ends of said applicator (10).

11. Applicator (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of protrusions (31) which project from each of the branches (30) in the form of rows of protrusions (31) arranged along said main direction (X).

12. Applicator assembly comprising an applicator (10) according to any of claims 1 to 11, said assembly further comprising a bottle which is intended to receive a cosmetic product, said assembly being intended to occupy two positions, a first position, referred to as the position of use, in which a user can apply make-up with said applicator (10), and a second position, referred to as the rest position, in which said applicator (10) is positioned inside the bottle, said assembly further comprising a wiper which is intended to be assembled with said bottle so as to wipe said applicator (10) during the passage thereof from the rest position to the position of use, said branches (30) of the applicator being designed so as to converge towards the main direction (X) when in contact with the wiper, so as to avoid any removal of said branches (30) during the passage of the applicator assembly from the position of use to the rest position and / or from the rest position to the position of use.

13. Applicator assembly comprising an applicator (10) according to any of claims 1 to 11, said assembly further comprising a bottle which is intended to receive a cosmetic product, said assembly being intended to occupy two positions, a first position, referred to as the position of use, in which a user can apply make-up with said applicator (10), and a second position, referred to as the rest position, in which said applicator (10) is positioned inside the bottle, said assembly further comprising a wiper which is intended to be assembled with said bottle so as to wipe said applicator (10) during the passage thereof from the rest position to the position of use, said applicator further comprising, in the vicinity of the distal end (14) thereof, a protection region (50) which is formed integrally with the support (20), said protection region (50) being designed so as to avoid any removal of the branches (30) during the passage of the applicator assembly from the position of use to the rest position.

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