GB2415128A

GB2415128A - Mascara brush

Info

Publication number: GB2415128A
Application number: GB0512213A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fabrice Dieudonat
Original assignee: Techpack International SA
Current assignee: Albea Services SAS
Priority date: 2004-06-17
Filing date: 2005-06-15
Publication date: 2005-12-21
Also published as: FR2871666A1; GB0512213D0; FR2871666B1; DE102005026954A1

Abstract

A mascara brush 1 comprises a core 2 formed from a helical twist 21 and a plurality of bristles fixed to said core 2 between the twisted strands over a portion extending over an axial length L of said helical twist 21 and comprising a succession of n turns. Said plurality of bristles comprises a first plurality 3 of radial bristles 30, and said core 2 has an upper portion 28 for fixing to a wand (5, fig.7) of a mascara applicator. The brush is characterized in that said plurality of bristles further comprises at least one second plurality 4 of axial bristles 40 which extend in the axial direction parallel to the axis of the core 2. Advantages: the presence of axial bristles 4, 40 in the brush can broaden mascara formulation possibilities. A method for manufacturing such a mascara brush 1 is also disclosed.

Description

MASCARA BRUSH

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of applicators for cosmetic products, typically mascara applicators, provided with a brush.

PRIOR ART

A large number of mascara applicators are known.

Said applicators, which are intended to cooperate with a receptacle forming a reservoir for the mascara, typically comprise: a) a cap for closing said receptacle and acting as a means for gripping said applicator; b) an axial wand; c) and a brush; said wand being fixed to said cap at one of its ends, and said brush being fixed to said wand at the other end; said brush comprising twisted metal fixing a plurality of bristles.

Regarding such a brush, many types of brushes are already known.

The brushes described in the following French patents are known: FR-A-2 505 633, FR-A-2 605 505, FR-A-2 607 372, FR-A-2 607 373, FR-A-2 627 068, FR-A- 2 627 363, FR-A-2 637 471, FR-A-2 637 472, FR-A-2 650 162, FR-A-2 663 826, FR-A-2 668 905, FR-A-2 675 355, FR-A-2 685 859, FR-A-2 690 318, FR-A-2 701 198, FR-A-2 706 749, FR-A-2 715 038, FR-A-2 745 481, FR-A-2 748 913, FR-A- 2 749 489, FR-A-2 749 490, FR-A-2 753 614, FR-A-2 755 693, FR-A-2 774 269, FR-A-2 796 531, FR-A-2 796 532, FR-A-2 800 586.

The brushes described in the following United States patents are also known: US-A-4 733 425, US-A-4 861 179, US-A-5 357 987, US-A-5 595 198, USA-6 241 411, US-A-6 427 700.

PROBLF,MS POSED Constant changes in mascara formulations mean that there is a need to develop novel brushes to allow application of such formulations, typically in a form suitable for each novel formulation.

Further, users also need to have access to a wide range of brushes to obtain different effects, for example different levels of loading of the brush with product to be applied and/or different eyelash combing effects.

Finally, in the field of cosmetic products, there is a constant demand for novel products, in particular to personalize them whether having regard to formulations, applicators or packaging in general, since reinventing products has become an absolute commercial necessity in order to retain market share.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a mascara brush comprises a core having an axis formed from a helical twist formed by two twisted strands of a metal wire folded upon itself, and a plurality of bristles fixed to said core between said twisted strands over a portion extending over an axial length L of said helical twist and comprising a succession of n turns, said plurality of bristles comprising a first plurality of bristles termed radial bristles extending radially with respect to said core, said core, with a length Lo > L, having a lower end typically formed by a hairpin fold straddling said metal wire and an upper portion, typically with a length Lo-L, for fixing to a wand of a mascara applicator, wherein said plurality of bristles comprises, in addition to said first plurality of bristles termed radial bristles, at least one second plurality of bristles termed axial bristles since they extend parallel to said axial direction.

The characteristic element of the brushes of the invention may be introduced or applied to the majority of known brushes. Regardless of the type of said first plurality of bristles, when applying makeup, the eyelashes are no longer combed along an axis constituted by two parallel fibers or bristles, but along two parallel fibres or bristles and a fibre or bristle perpendicular to the preceding two. This results in an enhanced volume effect, which is particularly advantageous.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

10Figures lb, 2a and 2b relate to the prior art; the other figures relate to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Figures la to lb illustrate an initial step in the method for manufacturing brushes (1), respectively in accordance with the invention and in accordance with the prior art. They are perspective views showing a metal pin (29) formed by folding a 15portion of the metal wire on itself to produce two metal strands (290) of said pin (29), typically parallel, with a lap of fibres (8) introduced into said pin (29).

In Figure I a, said lap (8) comprises a first lap (80) of fibres termed short fibres (800) to form said first plurality (3) of radial bristles, and a second lap (81) of fibres termed long fibres (810) intended to form said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41).

In Figure lb, said lap (8) comprises only one lap (80) of fibres termed short fibres (800) intended to form a plurality (3) of radial bristles (30), using the traditional manufacturing method.

Figures 2a and 2b, which relate to the prior art, are partial perspective views.

Figure 2a shows the brush blank (la') obtained after twisting the metal pin of Figure lb. It comprises a core (2) and a plurality (3') of axial bristles (30') before trimming the axial bristles to length.

Figure 2b shows the brush (la) obtained after trimming the blank (la') of 5Figure 2a to the final dimensions by trimming or shaping and trimming the axial bristles (30') to form a plurality (3) of axial bristles (30).

Figures 3a and 3b, which refer to the invention, should be compared with Figures 2a and 2b.

Figure 3a shows the brush blank (1') obtained after twisting the metal pin of 10Figure la, the blank (1') being shown in rotation, the long fibres (810) forming a corona (44) which is perpendicular to said axial direction (10) , while the short fibres form a plurality (3') of axial bristles (30') before trimming.

Figure 3b shows the blank (1") obtained after having trimmed to the desired length said first plurality (3) of short fibres (800) to the dimensions required to have a 15plurality (3) of axial bristles (30), with a cutting tool, the blank (1") being shown in rotation, the long fibres (810) forming a corona (44) which is perpendicular to said axial direction (10), as shown in Figure 3a.

Figures 4a to 4c show the method for manufacturing the brush (1) of the invention.

20Said brush (1) corresponds to the configuration of the laps of Figure la, and to the brush (1) of Figure 6a.

Figure 4a is a diagrammatic sectional view of a device (7) comprising a means (70) for rotating the blank (1") of Figure 3b, which rotates it at a speed Q and its introduction into a tube (71) with a diameter 2.R, rotating at a rate Q' typically equal to Q. In Figure 4a, about 50% of the length L of said blank (1") has been introduced into said tube (71). The curved arrows represent the means for rotation, typically of the lathe (70), said blank (1") and said tube (7] ).

Figure 4b is a perspective view of the blank (1 ") obtained after said long fibres have been folded into said short fibres, at the end of the step shown in Figure 4a, to Corns the second plurality (43) of axial bristles (41).

Figure 4c is a perspective view analogous to Figure 4b after application of a binding (60) to the top end (42) of the axial bundle (40) forming the second plurality (43) of axial bristles (41).

Figure 5 is a partial, greatly enlarged view of a portion of the brush (1) illustrating the interlacing of radial bristles (30) and an axial bristle (41), typically at right angles, said axial bristle (41) being parallel to said axial direction (10) and to said core (2).

Figures 6a to 6f are diagrammatic views in axial cross section, of brush blanks (1"') of the invention, to show different configurations of long and short fibres, said long fibres (810) forming an axial bundle (40) of axial bristles (41). These brush blanks (1"') correspond to an intermediate state in which the top (42) or bottom (43) ends of the axial bundle (40) are free of connection means (6).

The core (2) has been shown in the same orientation as in Figures la to 4b, with the lower end (22) of the twist (21) of the core (2) on the right and on the left, the end of the twisted metal bristles (210) comprising said upper portion (28) intended to be fixed to an applicator wand (5). Said lower end (22) has been shown longer than actual size; said first plurality (3) of radial short (30) bristles has been diagrammatically shown by a plurality of vertical lines while said second plurality (4) of axial long bristles (41) has been shown by four horizontal lines, two portions of long fibres (810) forming four axial bristles (41).

In Figures 6a, 6c and 6d, said long fibres (810) have been folded over to the left, while the opposite is true for Figures 6b, be and 6f in which said long fibres (810) have been folded over to the right, i.e. towards the lower end (22) of the core (2).

In Figure 6a, said second plurality (4) of long fibres (810) has been fixed to a said second axial zone (25) of the core (2), towards the lower end (22) of the core, said first plurality (3) of short fibres (800) being fixed to a said first axial zone (24) of the core (2).

In Figure 6b, said second plurality (4) of long fibres (810) has been fixed to said second axial zone (25) of the core (2), towards the upper portion (28) of the core (2) In Figure 6c, analogous to Figure 6a, said second axial zone (25) of the core comprises two portions, a portion termed the top portion (250) located in a median portion of the core, and a portion termed the bottom portion (251) located towards the lower end (22) of the core (2). Similarly, said first axial zone (24) comprises two portions: a portion termed an upper portion (240) and a portion termed the lower portion (241).

In Figure 6d, said axial zone (25) of the core (2) corresponds to a median portion (27) of the core (2), said first axial zone (24) comprising two portions either side of said median portion: said upper portion (240) and said lower portion (241).

Figure be is analogous to Figure 6d, but with said plurality of long fibres (810) oriented to the right towards said lower end (22) instead of being orientated towards the left in Figure 6d.

In Figure 6f, analogous to Figures 6b and 6d, said second axial zone (25) of the core (2) comprises two portions: said top portion (250) located at the upper end of the portion of the core carrying said pluralities of short fibers or radial bristles (30), and said lower portion (251) located in a median portion of the core. Similarly, said first axial zone (24) comprises two portions: said upper portion (240) intercalated between the top (250) and bottom (251) portions and said lower portion (241), all of said portions (240, 241, 250, 251) being juxtaposed.

Figures 7a to 7f show axial cross sections of different means (6) for connecting the end (42, 43) of the bundle (40, 41) of long fibres (810), said end being a top end (42) in the case of Figures 7a to 7c, and a bottom end (43) in the case of Figures 7d to 7f.

In Figure 7a, the connection means (6) are constituted by moulding (61) over the wand of the applicator.

In Figures 7b, 7d and 7f, the connection means (6) is constituted by a binding (60).

In Figures 7c and 7e, the connection means (6) are constituted by a fixing ring (62).

In Figure 7f, the length of the long fibres (810) of said second plurality (4) forming a bundle (40, 41) of long fibres is increased, to form a miniature paintbrush (45) at the lower end of the brush (1).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF

THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, and as shown in Figures 4b, 4c, 5 and 6a to 7f, said second plurality (4) of bristles may penetrate into all or part of said first plurality (3) of bristles, to interlace radial bristles (30) and axial bristles (41), typically at right angles.

By interlacing with the radial bristles (30), the axial bristles (41) considerably modify both lifting of mascara and its application to the eyelashes, the lashes separating the radial bristles (30) and bearing against the axial bristles (41) when applying mascara with the brush of the invention.

As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, said first plurality (3) of radial bristles may be fixed to said core (2) over an axial length L' < L of said twist (21), and said second plurality (4) of axial bristles may be fixed to said core (2) over an axial length L" < L. Said axial lengths L' and L" may be such that L'+ L" = L, said first plurality (3) of radial bristles (30) and said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) being respectively fixed to a first and a second axial zone (24, 25) of the core (2), said first axial zone (24) and second axial zone (25) being distinct and typically adjoining. See Figure 6a.

As shown in Figure 6a, said second axial zone (25) may extend over a height H1 and said first axial zone (24) may extend from said height H1, typically equal to L", to said height H2 > H1, typically equal to L, said heights H1 and H2 being ordinates or axial distances taking said lower end (22) as the origin, said second axial zone (25) typically adjoining said lower end (22) of said core (2).

As shown in Figure 6b, said first axial zone (24) may extend over a height H'l, typically equal to L', said second axial zone (25) may extend from said height H'1 to a height H'2 > H'l, typically equal to L, said heights H'1 and H'2 being ordinates or axial distances taking said lower end (22) as the origin, said first axial zone (24) typically adjoining said lower end (22) of said core (2).

As shown in Figure 6d, said second axial zone (25) may be comprised between two portions (240, 241) of said first axial zone (24), between a portion termed the upper portion (240) with length Ls and a portion termed the lower portion (241) with length Lo, where L' = Ls + L,. Said first axial zone (24) may thus comprise two portions, a portion termed the upper portion (240) with length Ls and a portion termed the lower portion (241) with length LI, where L' = Ls + LI, as shown in Figures 6c and 6f.

As shown in Figures 6c and 6f, said second axial zone (25) may comprise at least two pluralities of axial bristles (41), forming two distinct portions (250, 251), a portion termed the top portion (250) with length LI! and a portion termed the bottom portion (251) with length LB, where L" = LH + LB.

In one embodiment of the brush of the invention, and as shown in Figures 6a, 6cand6d: a) all or part of said first axial zone (24) may adjoin said upper portion (28); b) said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) may be orientated towards said upper portion (28), said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) having an axial length sufficient to axially traverse said first axial zone (24) and so that the second plurality (4) of axial bristles forms an axial bundle (40) having an end termed the top end (42) reaching said upper portion; c) a connection means (6) may fix said upper end (42) of said axial bundle (40) typically to said upper portion (28), so that said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) cannot separate from said core (2) particularly during use of said brush (1).

In a further embodiment of the brush of the invention, and as shown in Figures 6b, be and 6f: a) all or part of said first axial zone (24) may adjoin said upper portion (28); b) said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) may be orientated towards said lower end (28), said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) having an axial length sufficient to axially traverse said first axial zone (24) and so that the second plurality (4) of axial bristles forms an axial bundle (40) having an end termed the bottom end (43) at said lower end (22) or below said lower end (22); c) a connection means (6) may fix said bottom end (43) of said axial bundle (40) typically at said lower end (22) or below said lower end (22), so that said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) cannot separate from said lower end (22) or from said axis (10) particularly during use of said brush (1).

As shown in Figures 4c and 7a to 7f, said connection means (6) may comprise bonding, a binding (60) or a fixing ring or clip (62) surrounding and binding said bundle (40) at its end (42, 43).

Said connection means may comprise soldering said end (42, 43) or self sealing said end (42, 43). Said end (42, 43) may form a corona of axial bristles (41), the ends of the bristles (41) being rendered integral and soldered to each other by localized heating to form said connection means.

As shown in Figures 4c and 7a to 7c, said connection means (6) may ensure fixing of said top end (42) of said axial bundle (40) to said upper portion (28) or to said wand (5).

17Owcver, as shown in Figures 7d to 7f, said connection means (6) may fix said bottom end (43) of said axial bundle (40) to a lower portion (28') of said core (2) which is free of bristles.

As shown in Figure 7f, with long fibres (810) of a sufficient length, it is then possible to form a small paintbrush (45) at the lower end of said brush (1).

According to the invention, the total number of turns n of the portion (26) of the core (2) carrying said pluralities of bristles (3, 4) may be from 10 to 24, the number of turns n' corresponding to said first plurality of bristles (3) and the number of turns n" corresponding to said second plurality of bristles (4) being such that n = n' + n" and that n'/n" = L'/L".

According to the invention, the ratio L'/L" may be from 0.5 to 30, preferably from 5 to 20, and L may be from 3 mm to 50 mm.

Said first plurality of bristles (3) may be formed by radial bristles (30) , typically formed from a polymeric plastics material, the number N' per turn being 5 to 80, with a radial length 1' of 2 mm to 20 mm, and with a diameter which is typically from 0.05 mm (2 mile) to 0.375 mm (15 mile), said plurality of bristles being formed by bristles which are identical or different as regards their diameter, cross section, chemical nature or mechanical characteristics.

Said second plurality of bristles (4) may be formed by axial bristles (41) , the number N" being 4 to 100, with an axial length 1" of 5 mm to 60 mm, and with a diameter of 0.05 mm to 0.375 mm. ]2

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, said second plurality of bristles (4) may include or be replaced by metal wires.

In this case, said metal wires, taken alone or in groups of several wires, may carry a plurality of beads with a typical diameter of less than I mm.

Said second plurality of wires (4) may form a cylindrical axial bundle (40) or a helical bundle.

As will be seen below with respect to the manufacturing method, the method used is the same for producing a cylindrical axial bundle (40) or a helical bundle, and there is no particular difficulty in obtaining one or the other of these embodiments.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for manufacturing a mascara brush (1) ofthe invention.

In said method: a) a metal pin (29) is formed by folding a portion of metal wire upon itself to produce two metal strands (290) of said pin, typically parallel; b) a lap (8) of fibres is prepared; c) said lap (8) is introduced between the strands (290) of said pin, over an axial length L, so that typically, said pin (29) forms a mediator for said lap of fibres (8); d) said pin (29) is then twisted to form a brush blank (l') comprising said core (2) forming said helical twist (21) fixing said lap of fibres (8) by n turns over said length L, and a plurality (3') of radial bristles (30'); e) all or part of said plurality (3') of radial bristles (30'), after rotating said brush blank (1') around said axis (10) , is trimmed, generally using a trimming tool, to trim all or part of said fibres to the desired radial length and to obtain said brush comprising a plurality (3) of radial bristles (30).

The method is characterized in that: I) in said step h), said lap of fibres (8) comprises at least one first lap (80) of fibres tended short fibres (800) intended to form said first plurality of bristles (3), and a second lap (81) of fibres termed long fibres (810) intended to form said second plurality of bristles (4); 2) said method may comprise a complementary step of orientating said plurality of long fibres (810) of said second lap (81) in said axial direction (10) to form said axial bundle (40); 3) said complementary step may be followed by a fixing step in which a connection means (6) is applied to the end (42, 43) of said axial bundle (40) to form said brush (1) and so that said long fibres (810) cannot separate from said axis (10) during use of said brush (1).

Said complementary step, which is carried out after step d) for forming the twist (21), may be carried out either before or after step e) when the latter is carried out, which is usually the case.

In said complementary step of the method: said blank (1') may be rotated about said axis, typically using a lathe (70), at a rotation rate Q sufficient so that said second plurality of long fibres (810) which is subjected to the centrifugal force resulting from said rotation extends perpendicular to said axis (10) and typically forms a corona (44) perpendicular to said axis (10); a tube (71) with an internal radius R. disposed along said axis (10), may be rotated at a rate of rotation Q' that is typically equal to the rate of rotation Q of said blank; then said blank (1') may be introduced into said tube (71) to fold over said corona (44) of long fibres (810) in the axial direction, and to obtain said axial bundle (40), said axial bundle (40) comprising or forming said second plurality (4) of fibres disposed at a distance R from said axial direction, with R typically being from 1 mm to 4 mm.

To obtain a cylindrical axial bundle (40), it is sufficient for Q' to be equal to Q. To obtain a helical bundle, it is sufficient for Q' to be slightly different from Q. Depending on whether Q' > Q or Q' < Q. a helix which turns in one direction or the other (right or left handed) is obtained.

It is possible and advantageous to exploit the rotation of the blank (1') to simultaneously carry out step e) of the method.

In effect, with said blank (1') being rotated and said long fibres (810) forming said corona (44), a trimming tool may be brought near to the plurality (3) of radial bristles (30) to simultaneously carry out step e) of said method.

As shown in Figures 4c, 7b and 7f, said fixing step may comprise Coining a binding (60) at the end (42, 43) of the bundle (40, 41) of long fibres forming said second plurality of bristles (4).

As shown in Figure 7a, said fixing step may be carried out during fixing of said upper portion (28) of said brush (1) to said applicator wand (5), typically by moulding said wand (5) over said upper portion (28) which is flush with the end (42, 43) of the bundle (40, 41) of long fibres forming said second plurality of bristles (4) has been plated.

As shown in Figure I a, said first lap (80) of short fibres (800) and said second lap (81) of fibres termed long fibres (81()) may be disposed side by side in said pin (29)

EXAMPLES

All of the figures apart from Figures lb, 2a and 2b are illustrations of embodiments of the invention.

In particular, Figures la, 3a, 3b, 4b pertain to the manufacture of the same brush (I) of Figure 4c, an enlarged portion of which is shown in Figure 5.

The variations of brush (1) shown in Figures 6a to 6f were manufactured.

Further, the different connection means (6) shown in Figures 7a to 7f were tested.

For all of the brushes (1) which were manufactured, the method of the invention was used, comprising initially positioning the laps of fibres (8, 80, 81) in a manner analogous to that of Figure la.

The positioning of the laps of fibres (8, 80, 81) of Figure I a corresponds to the brush configuration shown in Figure 6a.

The position of the laps of fibres corresponding to each of the brush configurations in the other Figures 6b to 6f is simple to define.

In all cases, the method shown diagrammatically in Figure 4a was used.

All sorts of commercially available fibres were used, and mixtures thereof, in particular polyamide fibres with a diameter of about 0.075 mm (3 mile), about 0.15 mm (6 mile), about 0.22 mm (9 mils) and about 0.3 mm (12 mile).

Brushes (1) were manufactured in which short fibres (800) with diameter Dl and long fibres (810) with diameter D2 were used, with D2 > Dl, and typically with D2 in the range 1.5* Dl to 5*DI.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Firstly, the invention allows the manufacture of a new generation of brushes which are radically different from conventional brushes in that, compared with a conventional brush formed from radial bristles, the brush of the invention forms a three-dimensional network by interlacing radial and axial bristles, which simultaneously modifies the flexibility of the radial bristles, contact of the eyelashes with the brush, loading with mascara, etc. Further, the invention may use the usual types of fibres, so that it is possible to obtain a wide variety of brushes from existing fibres.

Further, the brushes of the invention can broaden the range of special effects which users could obtain when applying makeup to the eyes.

Further, the brushes of the invention can broaden the range of possible mascara formulations, in particular to allow the possibility of using a mascara that is more fluid than traditional mascaras.

Finally, the brushes of the invention may be manufactured cheaply using the method of the invention, which method may be employed with minimum adaptation or transformation of traditional brush manufacturing machinery.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

Mascara brush I Blank of I 1' 1" 1"'

Prior art mascara brush I a

Blank of I a I a' Axial direction 10 Core of 1 2 Turn of 2 2 Helical twist 21 Twisted strands of 21 210 Lower end of 2 and 26 22 Upper end of 26 23 First axial zone of 2 for 3 24 Upper portion 240 Lower portion 241 Second axial zone of 2 for 4 25 Top portion 250 Bottom portion 251 Portion of 2 carrying 3 and 4 26 Median portion of 26 27 Upper portion of 2 free of 3 or 4 28 Lower portion of 2 free of 3 or 4 28' Pin 29 Metal strands of 29 290 First plurality of radial bristles of 1 3 Plurality of radial bristles before trimming 3' Radial bristle 30 Radial bristles after trimming 30' Second plurality of axial bristles of 1 4 Axial bundle 40 Axial bristle of 4, 40 41 Top end 42 Bottom end 43 Corona of 810 perpendicular to 10 44 Miniature paintbrush 45 Applicator wand 5 Connection means for 40 or 41 6 Binding 60 Overrnoulding or adhesive 61 - . . . lxmg rmg 62 Machine for manufacture of 1 7 Lathe for shaping or rotating I' 70 Tube 71 Lap of fibres 8 First lap 80 Short fibre of 80 800 Second lap 81 Long fibre of 81 810

Claims

1. A mascara brush (1) comprising a core (2) having an axis (10) formed from a helical twist (21) formed by two twisted strands (210) typically of metal wire folded upon itself, and a phrality of bristles fixed to said core (2) between said twisted strands (210) over a portion (26) extending over an axial length L of said helical twist (21) and comprising a succession of n turns (20), said plurality of bristles comprising a first plurality (3) of bristles termed radial bristles (30) extending radially with respect to said core (2), said core (2), with a length Lo > L, having a lower end (22) typically formed by a hairpin fold straddling said metal wire and an upper portion (28), typically with a length Lo-L, for fixing to a wand (5) of a mascara applicator, wherein said plurality of bristles comprises, in addition to said first plurality (3) of bristles termed radial bristles (30), at least one second plurality (4) of bristles termed axial bristles (41) since they extend parallel to said axis (10), and in that said second plurality (4) of bristles penetrates into all or part of said first plurality (3) of bristles (30) to interlace the radial bristles (30) and axial bristles (41).

2. A brush according to claim 1, in which said interlacing of radial bristles (30) and axial bristles (41) is at right angles.

3. A brush according to claim I or claim 2, in which said first plurality (3) of radial bristles (30) is fixed to said core (2) over an axial length L' < L of said twist (21), and in which said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) is fixed to said core (2) over an axia] length L7'< L.

4. A brush according to claim 3, in which said axial lengths L' and L" are such that L'+ L" = L, said first plurality (3) of radial bristles (30) and said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) being respectively fixed to a first and a second axial zone (24, 25) of the core (2), said first axial zone (24) and second axial zone (25) being distinct and typically adjoining.

5. A brush according to claim 4, in which said second axial zone (25) extends over a height H1 and said first axial zone (24) extends from said height H1, typically equal to L", to said height H2 > H1, typically equal to L, said heights Hl and H2 being ordinates or axial distances taking said lower end (22) as the origin, said second axial zone (25) typically adjoining said lower end (22) of said core (2).

6. A brush according to claim 4, in which said first axial zone (24) extends over a height H'1, typically equal to L', and said second axial zone (25) extends from said height H'1 to a height H'2 > H'1, typically equal to L, said heights H'1 and H'2 being ordinates or axial distances taking said lower end (22) as the origin, said first axial zone (24) typically adjoining said lower end (22) of said core (2).

7. A brush according to claim 4, in which said second axial zone (25) is comprised between two portions (240, 241) of said first axial zone (24), between a portion termed the upper portion (240) with length Ls and a portion termed the lower portion (241) with length Lo, where L' = Ls + L'.

8. A brush according to any one of claims 4 to 7, in which said second axial zone (25) comprises at least two pluralities of axial bristles (41), forming two distinct portions (250, 251), a portion termed the top portion (250) with length LH and a portion termed the bottom portion (251) with length LH, where L" = LF] + LB

9. A brush according to any one of claims 5, 7 and 8, in which: a) all or part of said first axial zone (24) adjoins said upper portion (28); b) said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) is orientated towards said upper portion (28), said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) having an axial length sufficient to axially traverse said first axial zone (24) and so that the second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) forms an axial bundle (40) having an end termed the top end (42) reaching said upper portion; c) a connection means (6) fixes said upper end (42) of said axial bundle (40) typically to said upper portion (28), so that said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) cannot separate from said core (2) particularly during use of said brush (1).

10. A brush according to any one of claims 6, 7 and 8, in which: a) all or part of said first axial zone (24) adjoins said upper portion (28); b) said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) is orientated towards said lower end (28), said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) having an axial length sufficient to axially traverse said first axial zone (24) and so that the second plurality (4) of axial bristles forms an axial bundle (40) having an end termed the bottom end (43) at said lower end (22) or below said lower end (22); a connection means (6) fixes said bottom end (43) of said axial bundle (40) typically at said lower end (22) or below said lower end (22), so that said second plurality (4) of axial bristles (41) cannot separate from said lower end (22) or from said axis (10) particularly during use of said brush (1).

11. A brush according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which said connection means (6) comprises bonding, a binding (60) or a fixing ring or clip (62) surrounding and binding said bundle (40) at its end (42, 43).

12. A brush according to claim 11, in which said connection means (6) ensures fixing of said top end (42) of said axial bundle (40) to said upper portion (28) or to said wand (5).

13. A brush according to any one of claims 3 to 12, in which the total number of turns n of the portion (26) of the core (2) carrying said pluralities of bristles (3, 4) is from 10 to 24, the number of turns n' corresponding to said first plurality of bristles (3) and the number of turns n" corresponding to said second plurality of bristles (4) being such that n = n' + n" and that n'/n" = L'/L".

14. A brush according to any one of claims 3 to 13, in which the ratio L'/L" is from 0.5 to 30, preferably from 5 to 20, and to which L is from 3 mm to 50 mm.

15. A brush according to any one of claims I to 14, in which said first plurality of bristles (3) is fonmed by radial bristles (30), typically formed from a polymeric plastics material, the number N' per tuna being 5 to 80, with a radial length 1' of 2 mm to 20 mm, and with a diameter which is typically from 0.05 mm (2 mils) to 0.375 mm (15 mile), said plurality of bristles being fonned by bristles which are identical or different as regards their diameter, cross section, chemical nature or mechanical characteristics.

16. A brush according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in which said second plurality of bristles (4) is fonmed by axial bristles (41), the number A" being 4 to 100, with an axial length 1" of 5 mm to 60 mm, and with a diameter of 0.05 mm to 0.375 mm.

17. A brush according to claim 16, in which said second plurality of bristles (4) comprises or is replaced by metal wires.

18. A brush according to claim 17, in which said metal wires, taken alone or in groups of several wires, canry a plurality of beads with a typical diameter of less than 1 mm.

19. A brush according to any one of claims I to 18, in which said second plurality of bristles (4) forms a cylindrical axial bundle (40) or a helical bundle.

20. A method for manufacturing a mascara brush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, in which: a) a metal pin (29) is formed by folding a portion of metal wire upon itself to produce two metal strands (290) of said pin, typically parallel; b) a lap (8) of fibres is prepared; c) said lap (8) is introduced between the strands (290) of said pin, over an axial length L so that typically, said pin (29) forms a mediator for said lap of fibres (8); d) said pin (29) is then twisted to form a brush blank (l') comprising said core (2) forming said helical twist (21) fixing said lap of fibres (8) by n turns over said length L; lO e) all or part of said brush blank (I '), after rotating it about said axis (10), is trimmed, generally using a trimming tool, to trim all or part of said fibres to the desired length and to obtain said brush comprising a plurality (3) of radial bristles (30); wherein: 1) in said step b), said lap of fibres (8) comprises at least one first lap (80) of fibres termed short fibres (800) intended to form said first plurality of bristles (3), and a second lap (81) of fibres termed long fibres (810) intended to form said second plurality of bristles (4); 2) said process comprises a complementary step of orientating said plurality of long fibres (810) of said second lap (81) in said axial direction (lo) to form said axial bundle (40); 3) said complementary step is followed by a fixing step in which a connection means (6) is applied to the end (42, 43) of said axial bundle (40) to form said brush (1) and so that said long fibres (810) cannot separate from said axis (l O) during use of said brush (] ).

21. A method according to claim 20, in which said complementary step, which is carried out after step d) for forming the twist (21), is carried out either before or after step e).

22. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21, in which, in said complementary step: 10. said blank (l') is rotated about said axis, typically using a lathe (70), at a rotation rate Q sufficient so that said second plurality of long fibres (810) which is subjected to the centrifugal force resulting from said rotation extends perpendicular to said axis (10) and typically forms a corona (44) perpendicular to said axis (10); a tube (71) with an internal radius R. disposed along said axis (10), is rotated at a rate of rotation Q' that is typically equal to the rate of rotation Q of said blank; then said blank (1') is introduced into said tube (71) to fold over said corona (44) of long fibres (810) in the axial direction, and to obtain said axial bundle (40), said axial bundle (40) comprising or forming said second plurality (4) of fibres disposed at a distance R from said axial direction, with R typically being from I mm to 4 mm.

23. A method according to claim 22 in which, with said blank (1') being rotated and said long fibres (810) forming said corona (44), a cutting tool is brought near to the plurality (3) of radial bristles (30) to simultaneously carry out step e) of said process.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, in which said fixing step comprises forming a binding (60) at the end (42, 43) of the bundle (40, 41) of long fibres forming said second plurality of bristles (4).

25. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, in which said fixing step is carried out during fixing of said upper portion (28) of said brush (1) to said applicator wand (5), typically by moulding said wand (5) over said upper portion (28) which is flush with the end (42, 43) of the bundle (40, 41) of long fibres forming said second plurality of bristles (4).

26. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, in which said first lap (80) of short fibres (800) and said second lap (81) of fibres termed long fibres (810) are disposed side by side in said pin (29).

27. A mascara brush substantially as herein described with reference to, or with reference to and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.

28. A method for manufacturing a mascara brush substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.