DE202007014474U1 - Sprayed applicators - Google Patents

Abstract

Applicator (100; 200; 300; 400; 500), with:
a hard component (101; 301; 401; 501) and a soft component (102; 202; 302; 402; 502) molded onto the hard component for forming an application surface (W), wherein both the hard component and the soft component are at least partially made of plastic and the plastic of the hard component is harder than the plastic of the soft component,
wherein a connecting portion (104; 204; 304; 404) disposed substantially inside the hard component is formed between the hard component and the soft component having at least one part of the soft component disposed inside the hard component as at least one anchoring element (102 *; 202 *; 302 *; 402 *; 502 *).

Description

Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to an applicator consisting of at least two components with an improved connection between the components.

A preferred application of the applicator is in the field of cosmetic application systems, wherein the applicator loaded by immersion in a cosmetic substance is then applied to skin, semi-mucous membrane, Apply mucous membrane, hair or hair and there to to distribute.

Background of the invention

applicators are in the cosmetics industry, for example in the form of mascara brushes, Brushes, paint brushes, foam sponges or sponge rubber applicators, for example, to apply eyelash or hair mascara, liquid Lipstick high viscosity or the like. Sufficient known. As to be applied cosmetic substances come in principle all types of liquid, pasty, gelatinous or powdered substances in question. A more attuned to this Applicator should be suitable for a uniform and targeted application and distribution if possible simultaneously over a larger area to achieve the skin or multiple lashes of the eyelashes.

For example, the WO 00/54623 is an applicator brush for applying mascara known. The applicator brush is produced by means of a two-component injection molding process (so-called 2K process). In this case, on a rigid plastic core as a hard component radially projecting bristles molded from a softer plastic as a soft component.

at the known applicators, d. H. Applicators, will the serving as a job area or element part of the Soft component by means of conventional bonding techniques with a handle or stem from the hard component of the applicator connected. Common bonding techniques include bonding, Clamp, for example in a clamp, snapping by means of latches and similar.

in the Essentially, in applicators using two-component injection molding, So in 2K technology, made a connection between the hard component and the soft component by simple overmolding achieved the hard component with the soft component. To a detachment the as application area for the to be applied Substance-protecting soft component to be prevented in the Interface between the two components connecting or holding structures provided. These are usually around simple ring grooves or annular beads. Nevertheless, the connection seems the two components (hard component and soft component) is not optimal to be, for example, at one at the opening of a Cosmetic container provided scraper of one Detachment of the soft component reported by the hard component has been.

Known 2K applicators, especially known compounds between soft and hard component, for example, the EP 0 038 524 . EP 1 384 417 A2 and US 2004/0047676 A1 refer to.

Summary of the invention

It It is an object of the invention to provide the connection between the hard component and the soft component, in particular the risk of Detachment of the soft component from the hard component to reduce or eliminate.

These Task is performed by an applicator according to the Claim 1 solved.

Of the For this purpose, the applicator according to the invention has at least a novel form-fitting connection area, which enables effective anchoring of the hard component with the soft component. The applicator according to the invention consists at least a hard component and at least one at one end of the applicator, d. H. in the longitudinal direction of the applicator on the hard component molded soft component to form a Application area, where both the hard component as also the soft component at least in parts made of plastic and the plastic of the hard component is harder than the plastic the soft component. A substantially inside the hard component arranged connection area is between the hard component and the soft component, wherein there at least one in the Inside the hard component arranged part of the soft component as at least one connecting element is provided.

In addition, at least one part of the hard component disposed inside the soft component may be provided as a stabilizer for the soft component as well as for a further improvement in the connection between the soft and hard components. By means of the length of the stabilizer, the flexibility of longer soft component embodiments can be set particularly advantageously. Therefore, the novel connection has proven especially in applicators in which the soft component clearly on the Hartkompo stands out.

Of the decisive difference to the known applicators in relation on the stabilizer is that this length due the particularly effective anchoring of the invention Soft component in the hard component alone at the functional Properties of the applicator can be adjusted oriented because he no longer primarily has a connection function. Therefore in this description is meant the term "stabilizer" too emphasize the primary function of this element. To the subject of the "adjustable" stabilizer, it should be noted that adjusting to the manufacturing process and the design relates to the applicator properties in the production.

Of the Applicator according to the invention can be used together with a container, for example a vial, be used, in which a cosmetic substance is stored. To apply the substance, the applicator can be placed in the vial and the substance contained therein are immersed. It will load the surface of the applicator with the substance. Such systems are commonly known as dip systems. The applicator can be coupled to a handle, which at the same time forms the closure of the container. In alternative versions can the applicators of the invention also stored in a case or other container and / or with a cap or a schooner and / or another Functional element, such as a sharpener for example a kohl pen or lip liner, be provided and a Cosmetic product, such as an eye shadow or powder, attached become.

The Production of an Applicator According to the Invention takes place by means of at least one injection molding machine for molding a Soft component of the applicator to a hard component, wherein the following Steps are possible: injection molding of the soft component at least one injection point by at least one lateral, for example, in the region of the circumference, opening in the hard component, wherein the soft component over at least one in the interior of the hard component of the at least one lateral opening molded onto one end of the hard component, so that at least one connecting element between the hard component and the soft component for a compound of the two Components essentially by the inside of at least a channel lying part of the soft component as positive Anchoring is formed.

With In other words, at least one connecting element between the hard component and the soft component for the connection of the two components essentially by the inside of the at least one channel lying part of the soft component for a positive Anchoring made.

Of the Injection point can be so particularly beneficial in an area outside the effective area of the applicator, d. H. Application surface, are arranged, in particular with respect to the application end the applicator in the rear area, d. H. a non-visible area of the applicator. This will be the aforementioned task with respect to the manufacturing process by the embodiment of the connection area according to the invention, d. H. the anchorage or connection, between the hard and the Soft component solved. Particularly noteworthy is the Process of molding the soft component to the hard component from within the hard component.

By the embodiment of the connection area according to the invention, in particular that formed in the interior of the hard component, at least one Connecting element, and the manufacturing method according to the invention is in addition to the usual merger of the two components in a marginal zone of their mutual interfaces one achieved particularly effective positive anchoring. In addition, this design allows an extremely great degree of freedom of design the applicators, since the same hard component part by simple Changing the mold for the soft component one Variety - in terms of shape and surface structure - different Applicators can be molded. Likewise, the reverse case, d. H. different hard component components with the same applicator, can be easily realized when the location of the Injection point or the injection points and the arrangement of the im Interior of the hard component lying connection area, d. H. the connecting or anchoring element, with respect to the applicator not changed. As a result, so too the hard component parts given maximum variability.

In a particular embodiment is in the hard component at least one opening for molding the soft component and / or Venting when spraying near the inside the hard component lying end of the anchoring element. To the molding of the soft component is also the at least one opening filled with the soft component, so that the soft component a rod-shaped additional anchoring, in this description also referred to as connecting rods, forms.

In a particular embodiment, at least one opening in the hard component for at least one web-shaped anchoring formed by the soft component, also referred to as anchoring web in this description, is provided. The at least one anchoring web establishes a connection between the part of the soft component lying inside the hard component and a part of the soft component arranged on the outer surface of the hard component. Thus, the essential difference to an anchoring rod of the above-mentioned embodiments is that an anchoring webs formed by the soft component, similar to the links of a chain, penetrate through the aperture in the hard component, ie, form an anchoring web formed between the soft component and the hard component a releasable only by means of destruction positive connection forth. A particular advantage of one or more such anchoring webs z. B. directly in the outer transition region between the soft component and the hard component is that so that a partial detachment of the soft component of the hard component can be selectively prevented.

A advantageous development of the invention provides, the anchorage the soft component in the hard component by further improving a part of the hard component protrudes into the soft component, d. H. extends into the soft component.

In Another advantageous development are additional Functional elements for the end user, such as the aforementioned sharpener for a Kajal or Khol pen or lipliner, in the back of the applicator, d. H. the the Application area facing away, provided.

It has been associated with dip systems, i. H. cosmetic products in which the cosmetics to be applied in a container in which the applicator is immersed and in which the applicator in the closed state inside the container is found to be advantageous, the soft component is not for a gas-tight limiting function during closure of the container. In particular, it is advantageous ensure that in the closed state no pressure gradient between the application surface inside the container and the outside world occurs. So a migration of Components of the cosmetic substance in the material of the applicator into or over the connection area from the container be avoided out.

at Application systems, such as the above-mentioned dip systems, the applicator according to the invention may be a part a closure for liquid and / or gas-tight Forming the system. So no volatile components can escape from the store of cosmetic substance, Can the required sealing function by selecting a suitable material for the hard component can be achieved. In other words, the soft component does not become the sealing function used. Especially the material of the soft component can be so alone are selected under application considerations, such as For example, in terms of hardness, elasticity, certain surface properties in relation to the Applying substance or the type of skin or hair applied to the should be, etc. The material of the hard component can turn so be chosen that the required sealing function can be achieved by the contact surface between the container and the hard component when closed Container produces an adequate seal of the gas space.

When Surface structure of the soft component varies depending on the application different geometrical arrangements and dimensions of nubs, Bristles, lamellae, lines, grooves, strips, waves, honeycombs, cups, Cams, crowns, eroding, knurled or cord structures, or the like, as well as any combinations of these structural elements possible. These structures can be regular or irregular. It can be like that from those with a closed surface all the way up to those with an open-pored surface, as for example a sponge applicator has a variety of application areas be generated.

Also the geometric design of the soft component itself can in many ways, for example wedge-shaped, crowned, cylindrical, with or without (even) application surfaces (Flattening), with spherical segment, in bullet form or as a cone for Tip rejuvenated, or in other designs ever designed according to ergonomic and design aspects.

The Production of an Applicator According to the Invention provides that using the two-component injection molding technique or the 2K technique by means of the soft component to the hard component sprayed at least one spraying machine, or this whole or is partially overmolded. By choosing the plastic of the Soft component can be the degree of flexibility of the soft component be adjusted freely, without the manufacturing process in principle to complicate. Furthermore, the disadvantages of the complex occur Production and a microbiological burden, as the Injection of the plastic of the soft component in for Microorganisms hostile to the environment or conditions he follows.

there It is not critical that the hard component is complete exclusively in the previous spraying process Plastic is produced. Likewise, before spraying the hard component at least one insert, for example made of metal, wood or Duroplast or a prefabricated latching or coupling element for a later coupling with a pin, handle or serving as a handle closure part of a Container or the like. Inserted in the spraying machine so that during the injection process, d. H. while the encapsulation with the plastic of the hard component, a composite molding arises. A sterility of the applicator can be ensured be, because u. U. introduced with the insert in the spraying machine Microorganisms during encapsulation with the plastic of the hard component be killed. The same applies to the molding the soft component.

One Another advantage of the embodiment of the invention the connection between hard and soft component is that by the positive anchoring of the soft component in Inside the hard component additionally the contact surface between the two components over the known ones Versions is enlarged.

Between the soft component and the hard component may be suitable Material combinations when molding a bonding layer in Form of a mixing layer consisting of the two materials form. Then next to the positive anchoring additionally a material connection generated between the hard component and the soft component. This Blending layer further causes the soft component not more non-destructive or extremely heavy can be detached from the hard component.

Of the this mixing effect can material dependent thereby be reinforced, that the spraying after the injection process for the preparation of the hard component of its complete Cool down to ambient or room temperature. A favorable processing temperature of the material of the hard component is between 30 ° C and 80 ° C and preferably between 60 ° C and 80 ° C. This corresponds to a preferred one Cooling time after spraying the hard component as a function of the material thickness of the hard component and the ambient temperature from about 10 s to about 25 s. For other materials, the molding can but also at a lower processing temperature (5 ° C or less). In any case, by choosing the material-dependent suitable processing temperature, the hard component during injection molding the soft component optionally more or less melted and to adjust the thickness of the mixing layer. An advantageous mixing layer thickness between 1/100 mm up to some 1/10 mm exposed. Optionally the hard component also preheated prior to injection of the soft component become. The formation of the mixing layer can thus be independent controlled by the production of the hard component and leaves Basically also on inserts made of thermoplastic Transfer plastic or the like.

In an advantageous embodiment is at the material for the soft component to a plastic from the group of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). in this connection can it be z. B. a different from blocks Monomeric existing block copolymer act. Due to the variations of chemical composition and "architecture" of the molecular chains In this way, plastics with different properties can be produced. Due to the insolubility of the individual sequences of the Chains are formed in plastic agglomerates or physical Networks of the individual components. Belong to this category for example styrene block copolymers, styrene elastomers (PTE-S), vulcanized polyolefin elastomers (PTE-V), polyolefin elastomers (PTE-O), polyamide elastomers (PTE-A), polyurethane elastomers (PTE-U) and polyester elastomers (PTE-E). Also suitable are plastics the group of true elastomers, such as. For example, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber.

alternative can also be a TPE blend consisting of a thermoplastic matrix and elastic particles are used. By melting the matrix allows the material to be like a thermoplastic process, the elastic particles give the plastic its elastic utility. Important is a good mixing and adhesion of the matrix to the particles. For this kind of material include PP-EPDM, PP-NR, PP-IIR blends or polyolefin thermoplastics as PP-EPM blend.

By Use of a suitable TPE material is possible a wide range of mechanical, haptic, optical, achieve dynamic or wetting properties, such as. B. a big one Range of hardness, temperature resistance, deformation resistance, oil resistance, Hydrolysis resistance, weather resistance, Processability, adhesion to the plastics of the hard component, Dyeability, cushioning, strength, abrasion and the like.

Concerning. The materials for the hard component should be noted, this basically any material that has sufficient hardness, ie mechanical Sta bilität, for the function as a carrier of the soft component offers, is suitable. In connection with the preferred here 2K method are suitable as a material for the hard component especially plastics from the group of thermoplastics. This category includes, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), polyoxymethylene copolymers (POM-C), polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyphenylene ether (PPE), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Of course, other materials that have equivalent properties may also be used.

in principle It should be noted that the hard component in principle can also consist of any other "hard" material, to the in the preparation of the applicator described here the Soft component as an application element according to the invention Process molded and a connection between soft component and hard component according to the basic idea of the invention becomes.

Further advantageous developments of the invention are in the respective Subclaims specified.

Brief description of the drawings

Further Objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent below based on embodiments with reference to the attached drawing figures explained in more detail. Show it:

1a - 1d a first embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

2a . 2 B A second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with a sharpener as an additional functional element;

2c . 2d a development of the second embodiment with a schooner for the application surface;

3a . 3b a third embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with a hard component in the shape of a stem and a shortened stabilizer;

4a . 4b A fourth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with nubs on the soft component and a hard component in the shape of a stem and an extended stabilizer; and

5a . 5b an advantageous development as a fifth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with a further or alternative anchoring form in the vicinity of the transition region between the soft and hard component.

Detailed description the embodiments

It follows a more detailed description of the embodiments based on the drawing figures.

In 1a and 1b show about 5: 1 scale an applicator according to the invention 100 according to a first embodiment. 1b is a representation of the cutting plane AA of the applicator 100 out 1a , Without the essential task of improving the connection between hard component 101 and soft component 102 is the injection point of the soft component 102 in an area outside the effective area of the applicator 100 , ie the application area W, laid. This region may in particular be the rear region, preferably a region of the applicator which is not visible on the end product 100 be.

The displacement of the injection point to at least one lateral opening 108 away from the surface of the soft component becomes due to the special embodiment of the molding of the soft component 102 as it is in 1a . 1b shown is achieved. Particularly advantageously, the injection point with respect to the application surface W to the rear, ie to the soft component opposite end of the hard component 101 , be provided. At this end is usually the coupling region of the applicator with, for example, a handle or closure for a container.

In the in the 1a to 1d As shown embodiment, the injection molding was carried out by the at least one lateral opening 108 in the range of the circumference of the hard component 101 , The outer shape of the periphery of the hard component 101 in the figures is circular. However, the peripheral shape does not necessarily have to be circular, in principle the circumference can be configured as desired, for example oval, but also as a polygon.

As 1b shown is in the connection area 104 between the hard component 101 and the soft component 102 at least one channel 105 that looks great on the soft component in itself 1d can be seen, is tubular. For the compound is so in the hard component 101 the channel 105 as a tubular first connecting element 101 * in the form of a tubular recess. The channel 105 is after the injection molding of the soft component with a corresponding second connecting element 102 * from the material of the soft component 102 filled, which then inevitably has a tubular shape. The connection is made of egg ner telescopic, positive connection of the two components 101 . 102 , The quasi-nested fasteners 101 * . 102 * give a highly resilient connection.

As will become apparent from the following description of further embodiments, the connection according to the invention enables an application-related adjustment of the length of a stabilizer 109 , The anchoring of the soft component in the interior of the hard component is achieved by the material in the at least one lateral opening 108 even further secured against detachment. The in the known 2K applicators for a secure connection necessarily particularly large area running transition region between hard and the soft component 101 . 102 can be performed almost arbitrarily small in the applicator of the invention. This minimal annular transition area is in the 1b With 103 characterized.

Of course, instead of one, two or more openings 108 for injection, ie injection points, are provided. In an advantageous development, further openings are connected as a connection from the channel 105 provided to the outside to spray the channel during injection molding 105 to enable. The ventilation openings ensure that air present in the hard component can be completely displaced during injection molding of the soft component and thus inside the applicator 100 lying channel 105 with the soft component 102 is completed completely. This also avoids that the air in the channel 105 as a result of compaction does not lead to deformation of the surrounding material.

1b shows a cross section of the embodiment of the applicator 100 of the 1a , Clearly, there are two diametrically opposed openings 108 the hard component 101 to recognize. These openings 108 serve as injection points for the soft component 102 in the manufacture of the applicator 100 , The openings 108 for molding the soft component 102 In addition to their primary function, they also serve to simultaneously improve the anchoring of the soft component 102 in the hard component 101 , as after solidification or solidification of the soft component 102 in the openings chopsticks 107 form, which have an additional positive anchoring effect. In further developments, others can also be obtained by the soft component for such additional anchors 102 trained structural elements are generated, such as claws or claws. The basic idea of these anchoring elements consists in the radial engagement of the hard component 101 by the solidified soft component 102 relative to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

In a development of the present invention, the anchoring of the soft component 102 in the hard component 101 be further improved if, in addition to those in the 1a to 1d shown chopsticks 107 , additional parts of the hard component 101 in the form of, for example, claws or the stabilizer 109 into the soft component 102 protrude.

The arrangement of the stabilizer 109 can be centric or eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the applicator 100 be. Also conceivable here are several claws, rods or other structural elements on the hard component 101 provide a permanent connection of the hard component 101 with the soft component 102 support. In addition, it is also conceivable that in the soft component 102 extending parts of the hard component, such as the stabilizer 109 , in turn, additional additional structural elements, such as claws, rods 107 , nipple-shaped extensions or a combination thereof, to further support the anchoring of the two components or the interface and thus the adhesion between the hard component 101 and the soft component 102 to enlarge.

1c and 1d show the solidified soft component 102 in isolation. Here are in 1c very clearly the anchors serving as anchors 107 and in 1c and 1d the very small running on the applicator outer transition region in the form of an annular circumferential lip 112 to recognize. In 1d is at the soft component 102 still an eruption shown (dotted tear line with 111 in). Here is still on the good in the 1c and 1d to be recognized second connecting element 102 * pointed.

The inventive, compared to known embodiments substantially into the interior of the hard component 101 in the connection area 104 displaced connection, allows a great deal of freedom for the design of the applicator 100 , Thus, the same hard component part by simply changing the mold for the soft component 102 a variety of different applicators are molded so that the applicators can differ in shape and surface design of the soft component. It is also possible to realize different versions of the hard components with the same design of the soft component. Of course, this also includes variations of both the soft and hard components. Only the position of the injection points should not be changed.

The outer surface of the soft component 102 may be partially or completely provided with a surface structure having a plurality of structural elements. Such structural elements may, for example, knobs 420 ( 4b ), but also bristles, fins or other known structural elements and any combination thereof are possible.

In addition, even additional functional elements for the user, as in the case of the second embodiment of the present invention incorporated in the 2a - 2d is shown, in the rear area, ie the side facing away from the application area, are provided. For example, the in 2a and in the section plane AA in 2 B illustrated applicator 200 as an additional functional element a sharpener 240 for example, a Kajal or Khol pen or a lip liner.

In 2 B is also again the minimum external transition area 103 to recognize. For the compound is so in the hard component 201 the channel 105 as a tubular first connecting element 201 * in the form of a tubular recess, which after the injection molding of the soft component with a corresponding second connecting element 202 * from the material of the soft component 202 is completed.

In addition, the use of a protective cap or a schooner 245 for the applicator 200 , as in 2c and also in the cutting plane CC in 2d shown, particularly easy to implement. The schooner 245 primarily serves to prevent soiling of hand or make-up bags by already in use applicators. In applicators in use are usually residues of the cosmetic mass or substance on the application surface W of the applicator 200 , The schooner 245 protects the applicator but also from contamination and mechanical damage.

To improve the hygiene conditions, the cap or the schooner 245 in the same or a second near the first injection molding machine for the applicator 200 arranged spraying machine, preferably at the same time, with the injection molding of the soft component 101 getting produced. The cap or the schooner 245 is particularly preferred in a further process step in the same spraying machine after the injection of the soft component 102 on the soft component 102 so as to minimize the time in which contamination with germs would be possible. Alternatively, the cap or the schooner 245 on a mounting device between the applicator spraying machine 200 and the second spraying machine for the cap 245 on the soft component 102 placed.

A third and a fourth embodiment each of an applicator 300 . 400 is in the figures 3a . 3b and 4a . 4b shown. This shows the 3b respectively. 4b each a cross-sectional view of the sectional planes AA of 3a respectively. 4a , The respective ones of the hard component 301 respectively. 401 existing parts are in both embodiments in the form of a stem 325 respectively. 425 executed. For the compound is located in each case in the hard component 301 respectively. 401 the at least one channel 105 as the tubular first connecting element 301 * respectively. 401 * in the form of a tubular recess, which after the molding of the soft component with the corresponding second connecting element 302 * respectively. 402 * from the material of the soft component 302 respectively. 402 is completed.

For coupling the stem 325 respectively. 425 on a handle or closure (not shown) is in each case a detent coupling 330 respectively. 430 with a ring-shaped snap-nose 331 respectively. 431 at the soft component 302 respectively. 402 opposite end of the stem 325 respectively. 425 educated. As anti-rotation lock on the coupling of the handle 325 respectively. 425 with a handle or a closure for a container, not shown, are additional tame structures 333 respectively. 433 indicated for a positive engagement with the handle or closure, not shown.

In the execution of 3a . 3b that is as part of the hard component 301 executed stabilizer 309 shortened inside the hard component 301 , As a result, the application area W has the soft component 302 already short of the hard component 301 a high degree of flexibility.

4a . 4b show an embodiment of the applicator, in which serving as the application surface W outer surface of the soft component 402 burl 420 are formed. Of course, any other structures already mentioned and variations in the surface density of these elements are possible.

The as part of the hard component 401 realized stabilizer 409 excels in the execution of 4a . 4b far into the soft component 402 in, in particular in comparison to the previous embodiments. This serves to stabilize the soft component and is particularly advantageous for very long soft tissues.

5a . 5b show an advantageous development as a fifth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention 500 , where compared to the remarks of 1a to 4b a further or an alternative embodiment of the anchorage in the form of one or more anchoring webs directly in the transition region 103 between soft component 502 and hard component 501 is provided. For the compound is in the hard component 501 again the at least one channel 105 as the tubular first connecting element 501 * in the form of the tubular recess, wherein the channel 105 after injection of the soft component 502 with the corresponding second connecting element 502 * from the material of the soft component 502 is filled.

The further anchoring is with the applicator 500 from two oval or in the form of a slot executed openings or openings 108 * in the hard component 501 in the transition area 103 formed in the final state of the molded soft component 502 be completed. The soft component forms anchoring bars 107 * from, wherein the term anchoring web is based on the connection function of a web, since on both sides of the opening 108 * Material of the soft component is located, so that such an anchoring web 107 * produces a closed connection between the soft component provided outside the hard component and the soft component arranged in the connection region.

The Terms "outside" and "inside" are used with respect to the shape of the hard component, i. H. "the soft component disposed outside the hard component means roughly "visible from outside", whereas "the within the hard component arranged soft component "substantially" of Outside not visible "means.

The essential difference to the anchoring sticks 107 , ie anchoring rods, the embodiments of the 1a to 4b is that the anchoring webs formed by the soft component 107 * in the embodiment of 5a and 5b similar to the links of a chain the handle-like openings 108 * in the hard component 501 reach through or embrace. In other words, the anchoring formed in the transition area as a connecting bridge 103 between the soft component 502 and the hard component 501 creates a releasable only by means of destruction form-locking connection. A particular advantage of such anchoring bars directly in the transition area 103 between the soft component 502 and the hard component 501 is that in addition to a partial detachment or a protrusion of the soft component of the hard component can be prevented, for. B. can thus the circumferential lip 112 additionally fixed or stabilized.

Of course, the anchoring bars 107 * be executed in any desired geometric shape, in particular cross-sectional configuration. That is, in addition to the oval version shown, round, rectangular, polygonal cross sections are possible. Also, multiple rows of anchoring bars may be provided at different distances from the applicator tip.

In comparison of all embodiments of 1b . 2 B . 2d . 3b and 4b can vary in length according to the needs of the stabilizer 109 . 309 respectively. 409 be set. So can the stabilizer 109 in its length with the edge of the hard component 101 to lock ( 1a to 2d ). But it is also possible that the stabilizer is shorter ( 3b . 309 ; 5b . 509 ) or longer ( 4b . 409 ) as the edge of the hard component 301 respectively. 401 is set.

Also the entrainment capability of the application surface regarding. the substance or mass to be administered, d. H. the holding capacity or the holding force, can be selected by the appropriate Set structure elements very targeted, and thus on the respective Use case, d. H. on the skin intended for application and the properties of the cosmetic substance, such as Viscosity, surface adhesion, coverage, etc., to vote individually. This is facilitated by the injection molding process. The entrainment ability can be adapted to the respective application further adjusted by a suitable choice of the frictional resistance For example, by making a suitable choice of the plastic the soft component and its hardness is hit.

It It should be noted that neither application examples of the invention mentioned here inventive applicator and the invention Method for producing the inventive Applicator with improved connection or anchoring of hard and soft component are to be understood in conclusion.

In principle, any type of surface structure may have one or more preferred directions, which need not necessarily be perpendicular to the surface of the soft component. The preferred direction of the structural elements can be adjusted depending on the ergonomic handling of the applicator depending on the intended application. The exemplified structures and materials can also be used in combination on the same soft component. For example, on opposite faces of the same soft component, different structures may be used for different applications, such as blending, twisting len, etc., be provided. It is also possible to mix the structural elements on an application surface or over the entire soft component.

Finally Let the core idea of the invention described above be summarized, a method for producing an applicator by means of a 2K technique and a corresponding applicator concerns. An inventive applicator can be particularly advantageous for distributing a cosmetic substance on the skin, semi-mucous membrane, mucous membrane, hair or Hair can be used. Other applications are conceivable. The invention proposes an improved anchoring of Soft component of the hard component, by substantially a connection region arranged in the hard component between the hard component and the soft component is formed, the a part of the soft component disposed inside the hard component having as a connecting element. In the production of the applicator the injection molding of the soft component takes place on the hard component at least one injection point through at least one opening in the range of the circumference of the hard component, so that the soft component over at least one inside the hard component of the at least a lateral opening at one end of the hard component extending channel can be injected and one inside the Hard component lying part of the soft component a form-fitting Anchoring made so that the applicator no visible Injection point in the region formed by the soft component Must have application area.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 00/54623 [0004]
• EP 0038524 [0007]
• - EP 1384417 A2 [0007]
• US 2004/0047676 A1 [0007]

Claims (19)

Applicator ( 100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 400 ; 500 ), comprising: a hard component ( 101 ; 301 ; 401 ; 501 ) and a soft component molded onto the hard component ( 102 ; 202 ; 302 ; 402 ; 502 ) for forming an application surface (W), wherein both the hard component and the soft component are made of plastic at least in parts and the plastic of the hard component is harder than the plastic of the soft component, wherein a substantially inside the hard component arranged connecting region ( 104 ; 204 ; 304 ; 404 ) between the hard component and the soft component, which comprises at least one part of the soft component arranged inside the hard component as at least one anchoring element ( 102 * ; 202 * ; 302 * ; 402 * ; 502 * ) having. Applicator ( 100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 400 ; 500 ) according to claim 1, wherein additionally at least one part of the hard component arranged inside the soft component is used as a stabilizer ( 109 ; 309 ; 409 ; 509 ) is provided. Applicator ( 100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 400 ; 500 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the soft component is at least partially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of extension of the applicator. Applicator ( 400 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the soft component at least partially has a surface structure with a multiplicity of structural elements ( 420 ) having. Applicator ( 400 ) according to claim 4, wherein the structural elements are nubs ( 420 ), Bristles, fins or a combination thereof. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the hard component at least one opening ( 108 ) for injecting the soft component ( 102 ; 202 ; 302 ; 402 ; 502 ) and / or venting during injection molding in the vicinity of the inside of the hard component lying end of the anchoring element ( 102 * ; 202 * ; 302 * ; 402 * ; 502 * ) is provided. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the hard component ( 501 ) at least one opening ( 108 * ) for at least one through the soft component ( 502 ) anchoring bridge ( 107 * ) is provided, wherein the at least one anchoring web ( 107 * ) a connection between the inside of the hard component ( 501 ) lying part of the soft component ( 502 ) and one on the outer surface of the hard component ( 501 ) arranged part of the soft component ( 502 ). An applicator according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the outer shape of the periphery in the region of a lateral opening ( 108 ) and / or breakthrough ( 108 * ) of the hard component is circular, oval or formed as a polygon. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the soft component in the longitudinal direction over the anchoring element ( 102 * ; 202 * ; 302 * ; 402 * ; 502 * protrudes). Applicator according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein the stabilizer ( 109 ; 309 ; 409 ; 509 ) in the soft component centric or eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator ( 100 ) is arranged. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein as additional anchoring one or more claws, rods ( 107 ) or a combination of material of the soft component relative to the longitudinal axis extend substantially radially into the hard component. Applicator ( 200 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is attached to the soft component ( 202 ) opposite side a functional element, in particular a sharpener ( 240 ), having. Applicator ( 200 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the region of the soft component ( 202 ) of the applicator ( 200 ) a removable schooner ( 245 ) is provided. Applicator ( 300 ; 400 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hard component ( 301 ; 401 ; 501 ) as a stalk ( 325 ; 425 ) is trained. Applicator ( 300 ; 400 ) according to claim 14, wherein a coupling ( 330 ; 430 ) on the stem ( 325 ; 425 ) is designed for coupling the handle with a handle and / or with a closure for a container. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 15, wherein on the stabilizer with respect to the longitudinal direction of the applicator extending substantially radially into the soft component Claws, chopsticks or a combination of these are. Applicator ( 100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 400 ; 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, for immersion in a cosmetic substance and for applying and distributing the same to the skin, semi-mucous membrane, mucous membrane, hair or hair. Applicator ( 100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 400 ; 500 ) according to claim 1, wherein the soft component is injected at the injection point in a region outside the effective surface of the applicator. Applicator ( 100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 400 ; 500 ) according to claim 1, wherein the soft component in the rear region, in a non-visible region or on the application surface (W) of the applicator opposite end is molded.