Title: Brush for applying a cosmetic product

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of brushes for applying a cosmetic product.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a brush particularly suitable for picking up and/or applying makeup products, such as foundations, face powders or eyeshadows, which are in the form of a compact or loose powder, or in the form of a liquid, cream or gel.

[0003] Known in this field are brushes, for example of the “Kabuki” type, which are particularly suitable for applying a cosmetic product over large body surfaces, such as a cheek or forehead, comprising a handle which is generally relatively flat and compact so that it can be held in the palm of the hand, and implementing a large tuft of bristles extending from the handle. In such brushes, the large tuft of bristles is generally formed of particularly fine bristles and has a high bristle density.

[0004] Although they have a certain ease of use by virtue in particular of the density and fineness of the bristles implemented therein, such brushes comprising a single tuft of bristles do not allow the creation of a wide variety of makeup effects.

[0005] To overcome this drawback, the document KR20120040321 proposes a brush for applying a cosmetic product that implements a plurality of tufts of bristles that have different heights and/or different kinds of bristles and together form a substantially continuous tuft of bristles. The brush according to that document comprises a cylindrical handle provided with a tuft holder that defines a plurality of spaces for receiving a respective tuft of bristles. Thus, different makeup effects can be conferred on the brush according to that document by acting on the height and/or the kind and the characteristics of the different tufts of bristles implemented therein.

[0006] The document FR2976463 furthermore discloses a brush for applying a cosmetic product in the form of a powder that implements two or three tufts of bristles that are rectilinear and parallel and kept in contact with one another in one and the same housing in a substantially parallelepipedal handle and have different heights and different kinds of bristles within each tuft, in order to achieve a good compromise between the product loading capacity of the brush and uniformity of application.

[0007] However, none of the abovementioned brushes is entirely satisfactory, in particular in terms of ease of cleaning after use and rapidity of drying after cleaning.

[0008] This is because such brushes that implement tufts of bristles that are relatively dense to promote ease of application prove to be particularly difficult and tedious to clean after being used, and have a long drying time.

[0009] Correct cleaning of such brushes after use is essential in order in particular to avoid the agglomeration of cosmetic product within them, this being likely to have a negative effect on a subsequent application of cosmetic product, to bring about the fouling of a container in which the brush is stored between two uses or of other brushes stored within the same container, and ultimately to result in a premature end of life of the brush.

[0010] Furthermore, the correct drying of such brushes after they have been washed is extremely important in order to avoid any bacterial growth within the tuft(s) of bristles, this possibly taking place in particular between two uses, in particular when the brush is stored in a closed container, such as a makeup bag, but also in order to limit the risk of any remainder of moisture having a negative effect on a subsequent application of cosmetic product and/or “contaminating” the reserve of cosmetic product during a subsequent operation of picking up product from a product container.

[0011] Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to propose a brush for applying a cosmetic product which exhibits high ease of use and a good compromise between loading capacity and uniformity of application, and which makes it possible to create a wide variety of makeup effects, while having an improved cleaning capacity after use and improved ease of drying after cleaning.

[0012] To this end, the present invention proposes a brush for applying a cosmetic product, comprising:

- a handle extending along an elevation axis between a first end surface and a second end surface that is opposite the first end surface and connected to the latter by way of a lateral surface, said handle having at least two adjacent housings that are elongate in a plane orthogonal to the elevation axis, each of the housings extending, preferably substantially parallel to the elevation axis, between an end wall and an opening that opens onto the second end surface, and being designed to accommodate a respective tuft of bristles; and

- at least two tufts of bristles, each of said tufts of bristles being received and fixed in a respective housing in the handle and extending between a first end situated next to the end wall of said housing and a second, free end, wherein the openings of the housings each have a width measured in a transverse direction perpendicular to the elevation axis, and are separated by a separation distance, or spacing, in said transverse direction, and wherein the separation distance is greater than or equal to 40% of the smallest width of the openings of the adjacent housings.

[0013] Thus, the tufts of bristles of the brush according to the invention have an elongate shape in the plane orthogonal to the elevation axis, or transverse plane, by being received in their respective elongate housing and each defining a concealed portion that is received in a housing in the handle and extends between the first end of the tuft of bristles and the opening of the housing, and an exposed portion that protrudes from the opening of the housing to the free end of the tuft of bristles.

[0014] An “element that is elongate in a plane” is understood here as meaning an element that has, in this plane, a first dimension measured along a first axis defining the plane that is much greater, for example at least three times greater than a second dimension measured along the second axis defining the plane.

[0015] By virtue of these provisions, the invention provides a brush for applying a cosmetic product that exhibits great ease of application by affording large application surfaces formed by the elongate tufts of bristles received in their respective elongate housing, making it possible to create a wide variety of makeup effects by implementing at least two different tufts of bristles, and maintaining a good compromise between loading capacity and uniformity of application, while facilitating and improving the cleaning capacity after use and the drying capacity after cleaning the brush.

[0016] Specifically, by virtue of the provisions of the present invention, the spacing of the openings of the adjacent housings of the handle of at least 40% of the width of the least wide housing in the transverse direction makes it possible to define circulation channels for water for cleaning and for air for drying between the adjacent elongate tufts of bristles received in the housings of the handle. These circulation channels, formed at least at the base or even along the entire length of the exposed portions of the tufts of bristles, define preferential paths for the intake, the circulation within the bristles and the discharging of water during cleaning of the brush and of air during the drying of the brush. Thus the “washability” and the rapidity of drying of the brush according to the invention are improved without there being a negative effect on the performance and ease of application thereof.

[0017] The tufts of bristles implemented for the brush according to the invention thus form strips of bristles that are elongate in the transverse plane, extending preferably along the elevation axis and spaced apart from one another at least at their bases in the transverse plane.

[0018] According to one particularly advantageous provision, the separation distance, or spacing, in the transverse direction between the openings of the adjacent housings is between 40% and 100%, preferably between 50% and 90%, and in particular around 80% of the smallest width in the transverse direction of the openings of the adjacent housings. By providing a spacing between the openings of the adjacent housings that lies within these ranges, an optimal compromise is achieved between the improvement in “washability” and rapidity of drying of the brush and application performance. Limiting this spacing to the smallest width of the openings of the adjacent housings makes it possible in particular to provide, on the brush, tufts of bristles, the free ends of which are relatively close together, so as to form a surface for retaining the cosmetic product at the surface of the tufts of bristles and therefore to avoid a significant fraction of cosmetic product passing too deeply between the bristles, making this fraction of product unusable and causing the fouling of the brush.

[0019] Advantageously, each tuft of bristles has a constant width in its elongation direction in the transverse plane.

[0020] Preferably, the tufts of bristles have the same length measured in the transverse direction.

[0021] Advantageously, the separation distance in the transverse direction between the openings of the housings is constant in the transverse plane. In other words, the elongate housings extend substantially parallel to one another in the transverse plane.

[0022] In particular, the tufts of bristles have a bristle density greater than or equal to 5 bristles/mm ² , preferably greater than or equal to 10 bristles/mm ² , and in particular greater than or equal to 20 bristles/mm ² . The brush according to the present invention, and in particular the implementation of circulation channels between the tufts of bristles, is particularly advantageous when the tufts of bristles have a relatively high density. Specifically, as a result of a high density of bristles, a high level of comfort and gentleness of application are intended to be achieved, this being particularly desirable in the scope of an application of cosmetic product to a sensitive body surface, such as the face; however, on the other hand, a high density of bristles brings about a certain difficulty when it comes to correct cleaning and rapid drying of the tufts of bristles. Thus, the implementation on the handle of housings as defined in the context of the present invention, making it possible to create circulation channels promoting the cleaning and drying of the tufts of bristles of the brush, finds a particularly advantageous application when the density of bristles in the tufts of bristles is relatively high and in particular when it is in accordance with the abovementioned conditions.

[0023] Advantageously, the tufts of bristles each comprise straight bristles and/or wavy bristles. The straight bristles, which are preferably finer than the wavy bristles, promote in particular the uniform distribution of the cosmetic product on the target body surface. The wavy bristles, which are preferably thicker than the straight bristles, promote in particular the loading capacity of the tuft of bristles with cosmetic product distribution and confer responsiveness, in other words a certain stiffness on the tuft of bristles, making it more reactive to the movements of the handle by the user and limiting the crushing of said tuft during the application of the cosmetic product to the target body surface. Thus, it may be conceivable to implement, on the brush, a first tuft of bristles comprising only straight bristles and a second tuft of bristles comprising only wavy bristles, or vice versa, or for one or both tufts of bristles to comprise a mixture of straight bristles and wavy bristles.

[0024] Preferably, at least one tuft of bristles comprises a mixture of straight bristles and wavy bristles, the straight bristles advantageously being in a proportion greater than or equal to the wavy bristles. In particular, the straight bristles represent between 50% and 70% of the bristles in a tuft of bristles and the wavy bristles represent between 30% and 50% of the bristles in a tuft of bristles. Thus, for the tuft of bristles, a good compromise is achieved between loading capacity with product and uniformity of product application. [0025] According to particular embodiments, the free ends of the tufts of bristles together form an application surface that is generally flat, angular, concave or convex, or stepped, in other words tiered. The normal to this application surface extends advantageously along the elevation axis. In a variant, the normal to this application surface forms a non-zero angle with the elevation axis. The implementation of an application surface that is generally flat, angular, concave or convex, or stepped will depend on the main function intended to be conferred on the brush and on the tufts of bristles with which it is equipped, in particular among the loading capacity, the concavity or concavities or the discontinuities between the steps of the application surface constituting reserves, zones for retaining cosmetic product at the surface of the brush, coverage capacity, a flat surface allowing application to a large body area in a smaller number of passes, or precision, a convex or stepped surface defining end zones with small dimensions promoting precision of application.

[0026] Advantageously, the free ends of the tufts of bristles each have a flat, convex or concave shape in longitudinal section in a plane containing the elevation axis. Thus, each tuft of bristles defines, at its free end, a product application surface that is flat, convex or concave. The tufts of bristles implemented within the brush according to the invention can thus have free ends that all have a flat, convex or concave shape in longitudinal section. In a variant, provision may be made for certain tufts of bristles implemented within the brush to have free ends with a flat shape, promoting the coverage capacity of the brush, and for other tufts of bristles implemented within the brush to have free ends with a convex or concave shape, respectively promoting the precision of application or the loading capacity of the brush. Thus, the strips of bristles formed by the tufts of bristles implemented on the brush according to the invention can each have a free end with a flat, convex or concave shape.

[0027] In one embodiment, each tuft of bristles extends recti I inearly from the opening of the housing in longitudinal section in a plane containing the elevation axis. By virtue of these provisions, the circulation channels for water and air that are formed at the base of the tufts of bristles on account of the spacing of the housings extend over the entire height of the tufts of bristles along the elevation axis. The washability and the rapid drying capacity of the brush are thus particularly improved.

[0028] In an advantageous variant, each tuft of bristles flares from the opening of the housing in longitudinal section in a plane containing the elevation axis. By virtue of these provisions, the circulation channels for water and air that are formed at the base of the tufts of bristles on account of the spacing of the housings extend substantially at the base of the tufts of bristles, in order to promote the washability and the rapid drying capacity of the brush, and the free ends of the tufts of bristles of the brush together form a product application surface that is substantially continuous, making it possible in particular to keep the product loaded on the brush at the surface of the tufts and thus limiting the fouling of the brush by infiltration of the cosmetic product between the tufts.

[0029] Thus, the strips of bristles formed by the tufts of bristles implemented on the brush according to the invention flare to a greater or lesser extent in longitudinal section from the openings of the respective housings that receive the tufts of bristles.

[0030] According to another variant, certain tufts of bristles implemented within the brush extend rectilinearly from the openings of the housings that receive them and other tufts of bristles implemented within the brush flare from the openings of the housings that receive them. Thus, a compromise between improved washability and rapid drying capacity of the brush and keeping of the cosmetic product at the surface of the brush, limiting in particular the fouling thereof, can be targeted.

[0031] Preferably, the first ends of the tufts of bristles are fixed to the end walls of the housings in the handle by a layer of adhesive. In a variant, or in addition, the bristles of the tufts of bristles may be secured together at the first ends of the tufts, for example by heating and/or welding, with or without the addition of a filler, before the tufts of bristles are fixed in the housings in the handle by a layer of adhesive.

[0032] According to one advantageous provision, the bristles implemented within the tufts of bristles of the brush all have the same length. More specifically, the tufts of bristles advantageously have a substantially identical length measured along the elevation axis between the first end and the second end. The implementation of bristles with a constant length within the tufts of the brush makes it easier to produce it industrially.

[0033] According to one advantageous embodiment, the tufts of bristles have a substantially identical length measured along the elevation axis between the first end and the second end and the end walls of the housings are situated at different heights measured along the elevation axis from the first end surface of the handle, such that the exposed portions of the tufts of bristles received in their respective housing have different lengths measured along the elevation axis. By virtue of these provisions, given constant bristle characteristics between the tufts of bristles, it is possible to confer different levels of flexibility on the exposed portions of the tufts of bristles by varying the length thereof. Specifically, a relatively long exposed portion will be more flexible than a relatively short exposed portion. Furthermore, a brush is thus provided that has an application surface that is not flat, such as convex, concave, or stepped, the production of which does not require a step of cutting the bristles of the tufts of bristles, thereby making it easier to produce the brush industrially.

[0034] Thus, the strips of bristles formed by the tufts of bristles implemented on the brush according to the invention can advantageously have different heights along the elevation axis.

[0035] In one embodiment, the handle is in one piece; in other words, the handle is produced integrally, for example from a piece of wood, or metal or of plastics material, shaped by machining and/or by moulding. In this case, the housings for the tufts of bristles are preferably in the form of blind holes, in other words in the form of orifices that do not pass all the way through the handle or in the form of holes that open only onto the second end surface of the handle.

[0036] In this embodiment in which the handle is formed integrally, the bristles of the tufts of bristles are advantageously secured together at the first ends of the tufts, before the tufts of bristles are fixed in the housings of the handle by a layer of adhesive.

[0037] In a variant the handle is made in several parts assembled together. Thus, in this variant, the handle comprises a gripping element that defines the first end surface and the lateral surface of the handle and has a cavity, and a tuft holder that is fixed inside the cavity of the gripping element and defines the second end surface of the handle, the housings being formed in the tuft holder. Preferably, the housings are formed in the tuft holder in the form of through-holes that each comprise, in longitudinal section in a plane containing the elevation axis, a receiving portion extending from the opening and having the width, a fixing portion of smaller width, and a shoulder that transversely connects the receiving portion to the fixing portion, the end wall of each housing being defined by the shoulder.

[0038] In this embodiment in which the handle is made in two parts, the tufts of bristles are inserted into the housings of the tuft holder until their first ends are substantially next to the shoulders; the first ends of the tufts of bristles are then fixed in the tuft holder, preferably by a layer of adhesive, extending in particular in the fixing portions of the housings. The tuft holder carrying the tufts of bristles is then fixed in the cavity in the gripping element.

[0039] Advantageously, the tuft holder is fixed to the gripping element by a layer of adhesive and/or by the tuft holder being fitted tightly in the cavity in the gripping element.

[0040] The production of a handle in several and in particular two parts makes it possible in particular to simplify the industrial production of the brush. Furthermore, such a two-part design also makes it possible to reduce the cost price of the brush, for example by providing for the use of a precious material to produce the gripping element, which constitutes a visible part of the brush, and the use of a less precious, and less expensive, material for the tuft holder, which is hidden inside the gripping element.

[0041] In embodiments, the lateral surface of the handle has, in the orthogonal plane, in other words as seen along the elevation axis, a polygonal contour, such as a square, rectangular or hexagonal contour, or preferably a curved contour, in particular an ovoid, ellipsoidal or advantageously circular contour.

[0042] In embodiments, the housings extend in the orthogonal plane along a polygonal path, such as a square, rectangular or hexagonal path, or preferably along a curved path, in particular an ovoid, ellipsoidal or advantageously circular path, said path being continuous or preferably discontinuous. In the case in which the extension path of the housings in the orthogonal plane is discontinuous, the adjacent housings along this path in the circumferential direction are separated by a separation distance advantageously greater than or equal to 40% of the smallest width of the openings of the adjacent housings. By virtue of these provisions, additional circulation channels for cleaning water and for drying air are advantageously formed in the brush at the base, or over the entire height of the tufts of bristles.

[0043] The path of the housings in the handle may thus be continuous, that is to say closed on itself, or preferably discontinuous, that is to say having interruptions formed between two adjacent housings along this path. [0044] Advantageously, the path of the housings in the handle in the orthogonal plane has a shape corresponding to that of the contour of the lateral surface of the handle and extends preferably parallel to the lateral surface of the handle.

[0045] According to an advantageous provision, the handle also has a central housing that is centred on the elevation axis and extends along the latter between an end wall and an opening that opens onto the second end surface of the handle and is designed to accommodate a central tuft of bristles.

[0046] The invention may be understood better from reading the following description, accompanied by non-limiting implementation examples thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0047] [Fig. 1] illustrates a perspective view of a brush according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0048] [Fig. 2] illustrates a top view of just the handle of the brush in Figure 1 ;

[0049] [Fig. 3] is a cross-sectional view on the line Ill-Ill of the brush in Figure 1 ;

[0050] [Fig. 4] is a cross-sectional view on the line IV-IV of the brush in Figure 1 ;

[0051] [Fig. 5] illustrates a perspective view of a brush according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0052] [Fig. 6] is a cross-sectional view similar to the one in Figure 3 of the brush in Figure 5;

[0053] [Fig. 7] illustrates a perspective view of a brush according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0054] [Fig. 8] is a cross-sectional view similar to the one in Figure 3 of the brush in Figure 7;

[0055] [Fig. 9] is a view similar to the one in Figure 2, illustrating an embodiment variant of the handle of the brush;

[0056] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view similar to the one in Figure 3 of a first embodiment variant in which the handle of the brush is made in two parts;

[0057] [Fig. 11 ] is a cross-sectional view similar to the one in Figure 3 of a second embodiment variant in which the handle of the brush is made in two parts. [0058] Figures 1 to 11 show different embodiments and embodiment variants of a brush 1 according to the invention, comprising a handle 2 in the overall shape of a cylinder of revolution about an elevation axis Z and a plurality of tufts of bristles 3 extending from one face of the handle and each following a path, the shape of which corresponds at least partially to that followed by the generatrix of the overall shape of a cylinder of revolution about the elevation axis Z of the handle 2.

[0059] More specifically, in the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 , the handle 2 has a cross section in a plane X, Y orthogonal to the elevation axis Z, or transverse plane X, Y, with a circular contour and the tufts of bristles 3 extend in the transverse plane X, Y along paths forming circular arcs, centred on the elevation axis Z.

[0060] However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and extends to all other overall shapes of the handle and tufts of bristles, the overall shape of the latter corresponding or not corresponding to that of the handle.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention extends to any number of tufts of bristles implemented on the brush greater than or equal to 2.

[0062] Thus, the present invention also applies for example to a brush in which the handle has a parallelepipedal overall shape provided with at least two rectilinear tufts of bristles extending parallel to one another from one face of the handle.

[0063] In the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, 10 and 11 , the brush 1 has six tufts of bristles 3 that each extend in the transverse plane X, Y along a circular arc centred on the elevation axis Z and extend over an angular range slightly less than 180°, these tufts of bristles 3 being symmetric in pairs with respect to a first median plane Y, Z of the brush 1 containing the elevation axis Z.

[0064] In the embodiment variant illustrated in Figure 9, the brush 1 has twelve tufts of bristles 3 that each extend in the transverse plane X, Y along a circular arc centred on the elevation axis Z and extend over an angular range slightly less than 90°, these tufts of bristles 3 being symmetric in pairs with respect to the first median plane Y, Z and with respect to a second median plane X, Z of the brush 1 containing the elevation axis Z. [0065] In the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 , the six or twelve tufts of bristles 3 all extend in the transverse plane X, Y about the elevation axis Z along three discontinuous and concentric circular paths.

[0066] Furthermore, in all of the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 , the brush 1 is furthermore provided with a central tuft of bristles 4 that is centred on the elevation axis Z and in this case has a cross section with a circular contour, corresponding to the shape of the handle. In a variant, provision could be made for the central tuft of bristles 4 to have a cross section with a polygonal, ovoid or other contour.

[0067] In the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated, the tufts of bristles 3 are spaced apart from one another at their bases in a transverse direction, in this case a radial direction R, perpendicular to the elevation axis Z and contained in the transverse plane X, Y.

[0068] Furthermore, in the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, 10 and 11 , the tufts of bristles 3 symmetric in pairs with respect to the median plane Y, Z of the brush 1 are also spaced apart from one another at their bases along a first transverse axis X perpendicular to the first median plane Y, Z. In the embodiment variant illustrated in Figure 9, the tufts of bristles 3 symmetric in pairs with respect to the first median plane Y, Z of the brush 1 are likewise spaced apart from one another at their bases along the first transverse axis X perpendicular to the first median plane Y, Z and the tufts of bristles 3 symmetric in pairs with respect to the second median plane X, Z of the brush 1 are likewise spaced apart from one another at their bases along a second transverse axis Y perpendicular to the second median plane X, Z.

[0069] Thus, in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the tufts of bristles are spaced apart in pairs at their bases in the radial direction R and along a first transverse axis X perpendicular to the first median plane Y, Z and along a second transverse axis Y perpendicular to the second median plane X, Z in the embodiment variant in Figure 9.

[0070] In order to arrive at such arrangements of tufts of bristles, the handle 2 of the brush 1 according to the invention implements suitable housings 23, each housing 23 being intended to receive a respective tuft of bristles 3. [0071] The handle 2 of the brush 1 according to the invention extends along the elevation axis Z between a first end surface 20 and second, opposite end surface 21 , the first and second end surfaces 20, 21 , which are substantially flat here, being connected together by way of a lateral surface 22.

[0072] In the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated, the handle 2 has the overall shape of a cylinder of revolution, which is relatively compact along the elevation axis Z, the size of the handle 2 measured along the elevation axis Z, in this case the height of the handle 2 between its first and second end surfaces 20, 21 , being less, for example around two times less, than the dimensions of the handle 2 measured along the first or the second transverse axis X, Y, in this case the diameter defined by the lateral surface 22 of the handle 2.

[0073] The first end surface 20 is in particular intended to be placed against the palm of the hand of a user grasping the brush 1 at its peripheral surface 22.

[0074] In a variant, provision could be made for the handle 2 to have an elongate shape along the elevation axis Z.

[0075] As can be seen in particular in Figure 2 or in Figure 9, the handle 2 has at least two adjacent housings 23, and in this particular instance six housings 23 in the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, 10 and 11 and twelve housings 23 in the embodiment variant in Figure 9, that are elongate in the transverse plane X, Z.

[0076] Each housing 23 extends, in this case parallel to the elevation axis Z, between an end wall 230 and an opening 231 that opens onto the second end surface 21 of the handle 2.

[0077] Each tuft of bristles 3 of the brush 1 is received and fixed inside a respective housing 23 in the handle 2 and extends between a first end 30 situated next to the end wall 230 of the housing 23 that receives it and a second, free end 31 .

[0078] Thus, the tufts of bristles 3 of the brush 1 have an elongate shape in the plane X, Y orthogonal to the elevation axis Z, or transverse plane, by being received in their respective elongate housing 23 and each defining a concealed portion that is received in a housing 23 in the handle 2 and extends between the first end 30 of the tuft of bristles 3 and the opening 231 of the housing 23, and an exposed portion that protrudes from the opening 231 of the housing 23 to the free end 31 of the tuft of bristles 3. [0079] In the embodiments and variant embodiments illustrated, the handle 2 also has a central housing 24 that is centred on the elevation axis Z and extends along the latter between an end wall 240 and an opening 241 that opens onto the second end surface 21 of the handle 2 and is designed to accommodate a central tuft of bristles 4. This central tuft of bristles 4 has a first end 40 situated next to the end wall 240 of the central housing 24 and a second, free end 41 , and defines a concealed portion extending along the elevation axis between the end wall 240 and the opening 241 of the central housing 24 and an exposed portion protruding from the opening 241 of the central housing 24 to the free end 41 of the central tuft of bristles 4.

[0080] As can be seen in particular in Figure 2 or Figure 9, the openings 231 of the housings 23 in the handle 2 form, in the transverse plane X, Y, six or twelve concentric crown portions about the elevation axis Z that are arranged along three concentric circular paths about the elevation axis Z.

[0081] Furthermore, the openings 231 of the housings 23 each have a width I measured in the radial direction R that is constant in the elongation direction in the transverse plane X, Y of the housings 23.

[0082] Advantageously, and as illustrated, the openings 231 of each housing 23 have the same width I measured in the radial direction R.

[0083] As can be seen in particular in Figure 2 or in Figure 9, the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the radial direction R are separated by a separation distance d in the radial direction.

[0084] Advantageously, the separation distance d in the radial direction R between the openings of the housings is constant in the transverse plane X, Y. In other words, the openings 231 of elongate housings 23 extend substantially parallel to one another in the transverse plane X, Y.

[0085] According to the invention, the separation distance d in the radial direction R between the openings 231 of the housings is dimensioned so as to be greater than or equal to 40% of the width I of the openings of the housings that are adjacent in the radial direction R.

[0086] Particularly advantageously, the separation distance d in the radial direction R between the openings 231 of the housings is dimensioned so as to be between 40% and 100%, preferably between 50% and 90% of the width I of the openings of the housings that are adjacent in the radial direction R. In particular, and as illustrated in the figures, the separation distance d in the radial direction R between the openings 231 of the housings is around 80% of the width I of the openings of the housings that are adjacent in the radial direction R.

[0087] Thus, the embodiments and embodiment variants illustrated, the openings 231 of the housings 23 have a width I of around 3.2 mm. These openings 231 of the housings are spaced apart in the radial direction by a distance d of around 2.5 mm, or around 80% of the width I.

[0088] Furthermore, and as can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 4, the openings 231 of the housings 32 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction are likewise separated from one another by a separation distance d measured along the first transverse axis X. Advantageously, the separation distance d between the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction is dimensioned so as to be greater than or equal to 40%, in particular between 40% and 100%, preferably between 50% and 90% and in particular around 80% of the width I of the openings of the housings that are adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0089] In the embodiment variant illustrated in Figure 9, the openings 231 of the housings 32 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction are also separated from one another by a separation distance d measured along the second transverse axis Y. Advantageously, the separation distance d between the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction is dimensioned so as to be greater than or equal to 40%, in particular between 40% and 100%, preferably between 50% and 90% and in particular around 80% of the width I of the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0090] As can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 9, the housings 23 for the tufts of bristles 3 are in the form of recesses, of constant depth along the elongation axis Z, that are formed in the second surface 21 of the handle 2 and define the openings 231 therein.

[0091] These housings or recesses 23 each extend between a first end and a second end in the circumferential direction.

[0092] Preferably and as illustrated, the first ends of the housings that are adjacent in the radial direction R are aligned with one another along an axis parallel to the second transverse axis Y and the second ends of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the radial direction R are aligned with one another along this same axis parallel to the second transverse axis Y.

[0093] In other words, the housings 23 that are adjacent in the radial direction R are aligned angularly about the elevation axis Z.

[0094] In a variant, provision could be made for the housings 23 that are adjacent in the radial direction R to be offset angularly from one another about the elevation axis Z.

[0095] The housings or recesses 23 are separated from one another in the radial direction R by ribs in the form of tubular portions. These tubular portions define the spacing distance d in the radial direction R between the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the radial direction R.

[0096] Furthermore, the handle 2 has two transverse ribs, which are in the form of partitions extending along the second transverse axis Y, the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction being separated from one another by the transverse ribs. These transverse partitions or ribs define the spacing distance d in the circumferential direction measured along the first transverse axis X between the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0097] In the embodiment variant in Figure 9, the handle 2 also has two additional transverse ribs, which are in the form of partitions extending along the first transverse axis X, the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction being separated from one another by the transverse ribs. These transverse partitions or ribs define the spacing distance d in the circumferential direction measured along the second transverse axis X between the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction. Thus, in this embodiment variant, the handle 2 has four ribs that are perpendicular in pairs, in other words forming an angle of 90° with one another. In a variant, provision could be made for the handle to have more than four ribs, for example six ribs separating housings 23 for the tufts of bristles, these ribs being spaced apart regularly in the circumferential direction, for example forming an angle of 60° with one another. [0098] According to an advantageous provision, and as can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 9, the central housing 24 of the handle is separated from the housings 23 that are adjacent in the radial direction by a distance d measured in the radial direction R that is dimensioned so as to be greater than or equal to 40%, in particular between 40% and 100%, preferably between 50% and 90% and in particular around 80% of the width I of the openings 231 of the housings 23 that are adjacent in the radial direction.

[0099] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the tufts of bristles 3, and the central tuft of bristles 4, extend, in longitudinal section, rectilinearly in a plane containing the elevation axis Z. Thus, in this embodiment, the spacing at the base of the tufts of bristles 3, obtained by the spacing of the openings 231 of the housings 23 that receive them, is maintained over the entire height of the tufts of bristles 3 along the elevation axis Z.

[00100] Furthermore, in this embodiment in Figures 1 to 4, the free ends 31 of the tufts of bristles 3, and the free end 41 of the central tuft of bristles 4, each have a flat shape in longitudinal section in a plane containing the elevation axis Z.

[00101] Still in this embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 and as can be seen in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the free ends 31 of the tufts of bristles 3 together form a stepped, discontinuous and generally concave application surface.

[00102] As is more clearly apparent in Figures 3 and 4, the first ends 30 of the tufts of bristles 3 are fixed to the end wall 230 of the housings 23 in the handle 2 by a layer of adhesive 5. Similarly, the first end 40 of the central tuft of bristles 4 is fixed to the end wall 240 of the central housing 24 by a layer of adhesive 5.

[00103] Furthermore, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the tufts of bristles 3, and the central tuft of bristles 4, have a substantially identical length L measured along the elevation axis Z between the first end 30, 40 and the second end 31 , 41. In other words, the bristles implemented within the tufts of bristles 3 and within the central tuft of bristles 4 all have the same length L. The end walls 230, 240 of the housings 23 and of the central housing 24 are situated at different heights hi , h2, h3, h4 measured along the elevation axis Z from the first end surface 20 of the handle 2, such that the exposed portions of the tufts of bristles 3 and of the central tuft of bristles 4 received in their respective housing 23, 24 have different lengths Le1 , Le2, Le3, Le4 measured along the elevation axis Z.

[00104] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the heights hi , h2, h3, h4 decrease progressively towards the centre of the brush, i.e. the elevation axis Z. Thus, the lengths Le1 , Le2, Le3, Le4 measured along the elevation axis Z decrease progressively towards the centre of the brush, i.e. the elevation axis Z, and the free ends 31 , 41 of the tufts of bristles and of the central tuft of bristles 4 together define a generally concave application surface.

[00105] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 differs from the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 only by the shape of the free ends 31 of the tufts of bristles 3.

[00106] Specifically, in this embodiment in Figures 5 and 6, the tufts of bristles 3, and the central tuft of bristles 4, extend, in longitudinal section, rectilinearly in a plane containing the elevation axis Z. Thus, in this embodiment, the spacing at the base of the tufts of bristles 3, obtained by the spacing of the openings 231 of the housings 23 that receive them, is maintained over the entire height of the tufts of bristles 3 along the elevation axis Z.

[00107] However, in this embodiment in Figures 5 and 6, the free ends 31 of the tufts of bristles each have a convex shape in longitudinal section in a plane containing the elevation axis Z. For its part, the free end 41 of the central tuft of bristles 4 has a flat shape in longitudinal section.

[00108] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 differs from the embodiment in Figures 5 to 6 only by the shape of the four tufts of bristles that are outermost in the radial direction R.

[00109] Specifically, in this embodiment in Figures 7 and 8, the four tufts of bristles 3 that are outermost in the radial direction R flare in longitudinal section from the opening 231 of the housings 23 that receive them. Thus, in this embodiment, the spacing d that exists between the openings 231 of the housings 23 of the tufts of bristles 3 that are outermost in the radial direction R makes it possible to space apart these tufts of bristles 3 at their bases, but not over their entire heights or exposed lengths Le4, Le3 along the elevation axis Z. In particular, the free ends 31 of the four tufts of bristles 3 that are outermost in the radial direction R are in contact with one another so as to form together a continuous application surface. [00110] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the handle 2 of the brush 1 is in one piece, meaning that the handle 2 is formed integrally. In this case, the housings 23 and the central housing 24 are made in the form of blind holes, and in this particular instance of blind grooves that are elongate in the transverse plane X, Y.

[00111] In a variant, and as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 , the handle 2 may also be made in two parts. Thus, the handle 2, according to the embodiment variants in Figures 10 and 11 , comprises a gripping element 2’ that defines the first end surface 20 and the lateral surface 22 of the handle 2 and has a cavity C. The handle also has a second part formed by a tuft holder 2” that is fixed inside the cavity C of the gripping element 2’ and defines the second end surface 21 of the handle 2. The housings 23 and the central housing 24 are formed in the tuft holder 2” in the form of through-holes. Each through-hole comprises, in longitudinal section in a plane containing the elevation axis Z, a receiving portion 200 extending from the opening 231 and having the width I, a fixing portion 202 of smaller width, and a shoulder 201 that transversely connects the receiving portion 200 to the fixing portion 202, the end wall of each housing 23, 24 being defined by the shoulder 201 .

[00112] In these embodiment variants illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 , in which the handle 2 is made in two parts 2’, 2”, the tuft holder 2” is fixed inside the cavity C of the gripping element 2’ by a layer of adhesive and in this particular instance a peripheral bead of adhesive 5’ around the elevation axis Z.

[00113] In a variant or in addition, provision could be made for the tuft holder 2” to be fixed inside the gripping element 2’ by the tuft holder 2” being tightly fitted in the cavity C in the gripping element 2’.

[00114] In the embodiment variants in Figures 10 and 11 , all of the tufts of bristles 3 and the central tuft of bristles 4 flare in longitudinal section from the openings 231 of the housings 23, 24 that receive them. The free ends 31 , 41 of the tufts of bristles 3 and of the central tuft of bristles 4 together form a substantially continuous application surface.

[00115] In the embodiment in Figure 10, the bristles of the different tufts of bristles 3, 4 have been shaved such that the application surface that they form together is flat. Thus, in this embodiment, the different tufts of bristles 3, 4 have the same exposed length Le along the elevation axis. [00116] In the embodiment in Figure 11 , the bristles of the different tufts of bristles 3, 4 have been shaved such that the application surface they form together is convex. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height of the shoulders 201 , 401 forming the end walls of the housings 23 and of the central housing 24, measured along the elevation axis Z from the first surface 20 of the handle, increases progressively toward the elevation axis Z in the radial direction R.

[00117] Regardless of the embodiment in question, the tufts of bristles 3, 4 advantageously have a bristle density greater than or equal to 5 bristles/mm ² , preferably greater than or equal to 10 bristles/mm ² , and in particular greater than or equal to 20 bristles/mm ² . By way of example, the tufts of bristles 3, and the central tuft of bristles 4 implemented within the brush all have a high bristle density, of around 25 bristles/mm ² . In a variant, provision could be made for the tufts of bristles 3 and/or the central tuft of bristles 4 to have different bristle densities, the lowest density of a tuft of bristles implemented within the brush being at least 5 bristles/mm ² , preferably at least 10 bristles/mm ² .

[00118] Furthermore, the tufts of bristles 3, 4 advantageously each comprise straight bristles, wavy bristles or a mixture of straight bristles and wavy bristles.

[00119] The bristles of the different tufts of bristles 3 and of the central tuft of bristles 4 are advantageously made of PBT.

[00120] Preferably, the bristles of the different tufts of bristles 3 and of the central tuft of bristles 4 have a circular cross section. These bristles, whether or not they are wavy, are relatively fine so as to confer softness on the tufts, and have for example a diameter of between 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm, for example around 0.07 mm.