DE202014102875U1 - Foldable applicator with hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator (1) with a core carrying the application organs in the form of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth, the core comprising a central body (2) which itself has a large number of bristles (6) and / or Comb teeth is occupied, characterized in that the core also consists of at least one wing (3a, 3b, ... 3n) protruding outward from the central body (2), which in turn is provided with a plurality of bristles (6) and / or Comb teeth is occupied, and which is movable relative to the central body (2), the wing (3a, 3b, ... 3n) having a plurality of hinges spaced from one another, by means of which it is only locally articulated to the central body.

Description

The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator and more particularly to a mascara applicator according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the prior art, the most diverse cosmetic applicators have become known. In principle, with increasing core diameter of the applicator, the diameter of the scraper and the diameter of the opening in the neck of the bottle must increase. This is especially true in applicators in which the core and the bristles carried by it are made of injection-molded plastic. For just injection-molded bristles, which often have only a limited Bend recovery assets, threaten to take damage after a short time, if the core from which they stand, when pulling out the applicator from the cosmetics reservoir by one for its diameter actually too narrow Wiper and / or bottleneck is forced.

For an applicator with a particularly large core diameter therefore usually a separate scraper and a reservoir with a specially adapted to the large core diameter bottleneck must be created. For this purpose, appropriate tools must be built or kept, which causes costs.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a cosmetic applicator which is to a greater extent than hitherto independent of which clear diameter has the available wipers and / or which diameter has the neck of the available cosmetic storage container.

The solution of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1.

Demensprechend a cosmetic applicator is provided with the application organs in the form of bristles and / or comb teeth core, wherein the core comprises a central body, which may optionally be occupied even with a number of directly projecting outwardly from him application organs, characterized in that the core moreover consists of at least one outwardly projecting from the central body wings, which in turn is occupied by a plurality of application organs, and which, as such, not only in the form of its bristles, is movable relative to the central body, wherein the wing a plurality of each other Having spaced hinges, by means of which he is articulated only locally to the central body. The hinges are configured to allow the wing to pivot relative to the central body. The hinges thus define a pivot axis together.

Preferably, the hinges and the wings associated therewith are arranged relative to one another such that the wing extends outwardly from the central body such that it encloses a V-shaped gap with the central body. Such an arrangement usually results in that the wing automatically performs a pivoting movement relative to the central body to which it is hinged, as soon as it acts on a remote from the hinge points in the circumferential direction and / or in the radial direction, from the outside applied force attacks. The benefit of such an arrangement is usually that one obtains such an applicator, which curls when pulling through the container neck or the scraper by itself, whereby applicators are created with an unusually large diameter, but with the already existing, relatively narrow Container necks and scrapers can be combined.

Alternatively, and preferred for other applications, the hinges and their associated wings relative to each other and on the preferably circular central body of the applicator may be arranged so that they are aligned in the radial direction. This results in an applicator, which does not curl up by itself when passing through the container neck or the scraper, but which shows a very unusual, previously unknown application behavior. Namely, it can be created with application organs staffed strips that "move along" with proper dimensioning of their hinges in the application, so for example, in a pulled away from the eyelash sheet applicator perform a "pitching motion" towards the eyelash. That this leads to a novel order or separation result or curling is evident.

Preferably, the applicator according to the invention is designed so that the at least one wing is hinged to the central body with more than two, preferably three hinges.

Ideally, the hinges are the hinges.

The hinges are preferably formed as hinges of two sections each having a triangular cross-section, the tips of which are opposite each other. In doing so, the tips merge into each other so that they form the film hinge in the area of the transition. The broad sides facing away from the tips are then respectively connected to the central body or to the wing, usually in one piece. It has proved to be particularly favorable if a hinge with the distal end face of the Just finished wing and preferably another hinge with the proximal end face of the wing just finished. In this way it is prevented that between the wing and the central body a slot-like, open to a front side gap is formed, which possibly hooked when pulling out of the applicator through the scraper and / or later reinsertion of the applicator with the wiper lip and then leads to unintentional damage.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that each hinge in the direction of the pivot axis defined by it has a length (L1, L2, Ln ...) and along the pivot axis between two adjacent hinges a free length, which is a multiple, preferred at least three times, better yet at least five times the length of each of the hinges.

It is favorable if the hinges keep "their" wing at a distance from the central body, so that the wing forms a bridge between two hinges, the bridge being spaced at least by the dimension A from the central body, for which 0.2 mm applies ≤ A ≤ 0.9 mm.

Ideally, especially when the respective wing and its hinges are aligned in the radial direction, the at least one wing forms a narrow strip. Their extent E in the circumferential direction corresponds to a maximum of six times, more preferably a maximum of three times the diameter of the bristle base. In this manner, individual bristle rows as a whole (including their bristle root) can be made pivotable in a bristle set consisting of a plurality of rows of bristles which are aligned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, which is already the case above mentioned, special application behavior even stronger.

For certain applications, it is particularly advantageous if only a single row of bristles and / or tines, which are arranged in alignment in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis, projects from the narrow strip.

It is preferred if the narrow strip carries one and preferably only one row of radially outwardly projecting bristles and / or prongs. It is particularly advantageous if at least some of these bristles and / or tines represent those bristles and or tines of the entire trimming, which protrude furthest in the radial direction to the outside. In this way, it is ensured that the strip occupied with bristles and / or tines actually moves in the course of the application (not only when pulling it out and into the container), as it is provided according to the invention.

It is favorable if the narrow strip has at least one, preferably two additional rows of bristles which do not protrude radially but obliquely from the narrow strip and which preferably end in the radial direction further inwards than the bristles extending radially away from the strip. Such additional rows of bristles may serve to better support the trim of the strip on the stripper. The additional rows of bristles then prevent the strip is transferred uncontrollably when passing through the scraper.

It is particularly advantageous if a plurality of, ideally three rows of bristles or tines each arranged in alignment along the longitudinal axis protrude from the narrow strip. Conveniently, the bristle or tine feet of at least two of these rows overlap in the direction seen parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Isolated protection, even without combination with the features of the first claim or other claims, is also claimed for a cosmetic applicator, which is characterized in that the at least one protruding from the rod-shaped central body wings is occupied with bristles and / or prongs and is so elastic in that it displaces reversibly in the direction of the central region of the core under the influence of the forces exerted by the wiper and / or the bottle neck of the cosmetic storage container.

Finally, protection is also claimed for a system which consists of an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, a cosmetic container and a scraper attached thereto, and which is characterized in that the scraper and the applicator are coordinated so that the applicator when pulling and / or pushing is folded by the scraper.

Further advantages, design options and modes of operation of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below with reference to the figures:

The 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention frontally from the front.

The 2 shows the first embodiment in perspective from the front.

The 3 shows the first embodiment in perspective from behind.

The 4 shows a view of the first embodiment seen from the side.

The 5 shows a second embodiment in perspective from the front.

The 6 shows a second embodiment in perspective from behind.

The 7 shows a view of the second embodiment seen from the side.

The 8th shows a view of the second embodiment seen from the front as seen from the front.

The first embodiment of the invention is best described for purposes of introduction with reference to 1 explain.

The core consists in this embodiment of a preferably substantially non-deformable central body 2 and a plurality, preferably three outwardly projecting wings 3a . 3b , ... 3n , The wings 3a . 3b , ... 3n extend in the direction of the Applikatorlängsachse L, preferably over the entire applicator, that is, over the entire area occupied with bristles, wherein the reference numeral 3n stands for the last wing of a plurality of wings. Each of the wings is only on or immediately in the vicinity of its one, long narrow side with the central body 2 in conjunction and thus is in the manner of a cantilevered cantilever from the central body. Preferably, each of the wings is not in a purely radial direction from the central body, but obliquely, so that a radially directed compressive force or here acting in a clockwise direction in the circumferential direction force on the wing causes the wing applies more tightly to the central body.

The wings themselves have no direct connection with the coupling section 5 because such a direct connection would hamper their mobility. The wings preferably form a V-shaped, acute-angled gap with the central portion 4 , can be stored in the cosmetic mass, which is partially expelled when pulling out of the applicator by the scraper and / or the bottleneck to the outside and is then available in the vicinity of the bristle trim.

Each of the thighs 3a . 3b , ... 3n carries on its outside a trimming, preferably of integrally molded and therefore seamlessly or without a gap attached to him bristles 6 consists. It is particularly favorable when the bristles and / or tines are all inclined together in a direction opposite to the surface carrying them obliquely, such as the 1 to 4 demonstrate.

Under a bristle in the context of the invention, a rod-shaped structure is understood, the maximum diameter is at least by a factor of 5 less than its length from the bristle root to the free end of the bristle. A bristle is typically so resilient that its free end can be deflected at least by an amount perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bristle in the unloaded state, which is 6 times the maximum bristle diameter.

Instead of or in part instead of the bristles, a comb-forming prongs may also be present, wherein the vast majority of the trimming elements are preferably bristles and not prongs. All this also applies to the other descriptions, even if it is not pointed out to this circumstance every time, but only from the preferred bristles is the speech. Tines are distinguished from the bristles in that they are less flexible at least by a factor of 3 or even behave rigidly under the forces that are intended to occur during application.

The wings 3a . 3b , ... 3n are as a whole in itself so elastic and / or so elastic on the central body 2 hinged that wings 3a . 3b , ... 3n in the direction of the arrows P, that is towards the central body 2 of the core, so that the diameter of the core and thus also the core area occupied by the cross-sectional area Q decreases overall. The cross-sectional area Q, which is stressed by a core, is understood as meaning the area which encloses the imaginary rope line of a rope which is wound around the core on the outside. According to the invention, the wall thickness, the material and / or the articulation of the wings 3a . 3b , ... 3n selected on the central body so that the displacement of the wings just described by itself under the influence of the forces exerted by the scraper and / or the neck of the reservoir to the core, as soon as the core properly pulled out by the scraper and the container neck is inserted or in the reverse direction in the reservoir.

In some cases, the wings become 3a . 3b , ... 3n have an at least substantially constant wall thickness throughout. However, it is particularly preferred if the large surface facing away from the core 7 Each blade is curved in the circumferential direction and has a smaller radius of curvature than the second, the core facing large surface 8th of the grand piano.

It is particularly favorable if the large surface facing the core 7 each wing is shaped complementary to its opposite outer peripheral surface of the central body, so that the wing can essentially completely rest against the outer circumference of the central body facing it. To achieve this, it may be useful to equip the central body with three blades, the central body 2 to give a triangular cross-sectional shape, as shown by the figures.

To deal separately with the hinges 9 , To send in advance is that the hinges 9 preferably designed so that they are the wings 3a . 3b , ... 3n hold in externally unloaded applicator in the unfolded position, ie in a position in which the long, free end of the wing by an amount H from the central body is at least 0.4 times the mean diameter of the central body 2 is, cf. 1 , In this way you get a unusually large in use scraper, but can be inserted through the usual, much smaller necks of the reservoir and their associated scraper, because it automatically merges when passing through the neck or scraper and then only still has a smaller cross-section.

How best to use the 3 see, are in this preferred embodiment, three spaced hinges 9 available. The three hinges define a pivot axis S for the wing, which preferably runs parallel to the applicator longitudinal axis L.

How to get in 3 Especially good, a hinge with the distal end face of the wing just close and the other hinge terminates with the proximal end face of the wing just off. With the term "proximal" is the the later Applikatorgriff or the coupling portion 5 facing side, with the term "distal" the correspondingly opposite side, see. the arrows in 2 , The third hinge is here centrally located between the other two hinges.

At the hinges 9 These may be classic hinges in the sense that one hinge part slides on or into another hinge part. In this case, the at least one wing is a subsequently mounted on the central body part, which has been manufactured separately as a rule. The wing and / or the central body then preferably comprise at least one spring element, for. B. in the form of at least one protruding plastic arm, which acts as a leaf spring and presses the at least one wing in its unfolded position, as long as no external forces acting to press the wing in the direction of the central body.

Preferably, the hinges are integral hinges z. B. from a flexible plastic cloth or even in the form of a film hinge. Such a plastic flap is integral on one side with the central body 2 connected and integral with the wing on its other side 3a . 3b , ... 3n , Ideally, such a plastic flap is formed by co-injection molding of the central body 2 and the grand piano. Such a plastic flap inherits a certain "shape memory", which causes it to return in relaxed state again and again in substantially the same position. This can be done with proper interpretation of the injection molding tool to use to design the plastic flap so that it pushes the wing in its unfolded position together with the other used as a hinge plastic flaps and holds there, as long as only the negligible forces act occur in the actual application.

Well based on the figures and in particular on the basis of 3 it can be seen that the hinges 9 Each wing is preferably designed so that they keep the side edge of the wing, which bind them to the central body, at a distance from the central body, ie, where no hinge is provided, the wing keeps a distance A of preferably at least 0.3 mm to the central body.

To dimension the individual hinges, the following should be said:
The width of a hinge, so in the embodiment discussed here, the extension of the hinge in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, is preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.

The maximum thickness Dmax of the plastic flap, which is located between the central body and the wing, is preferably at most 0.5 mm, better only a maximum of 0.3 mm.

The distance AB, ie the free length between two immediately adjacent hinges is a multiple, preferably at least a triple, better still at least a five times the length of each of the involved in the limitation of this free length hinges, see. 3 ,

The second embodiment of the invention is best described with reference to 6 explain.

For the central body applies in this embodiment, what is said for the first embodiment, as well as for the number of hinges 9 , the principal type of hinge formation and the distance AB between the hinges.

In this embodiment, the hinges 9 preferably as substantially formed in the radial direction extending supports, which are spanned by the wing as a bridge. These supports here have an approximately central thin spot, which preferably forms a film hinge.

Unlike the previous embodiment, the wings are not hinged here on its narrow side, but on its the central body facing large surface 8th , Preferably, the hinges extend 9 and the wing assigned to them 3a . 3b , ... 3n in alignment in the radial direction.

Furthermore, it is immediately apparent that the wings in this embodiment each form a narrow strip whose extent E in the circumferential direction is preferably at most 4 times, better at most 2.5 times bristle base diameter, cf. 6 ,

Another striking feature is that, seen in the circumferential direction, on both sides of each bar is an enlarged, bristle-free area, each bristle over an arc length BL corresponding to an angle of at least 25 °, in the entire area next to the bar is free of tines, cf. those to be considered together 7 and 8th , This creates an attractive mass storage, in the area of which the swiveling wings can move in.

On its large surface facing away from the central body 7 each of the wings carries a trim of bristles.

Preferably, at least one row of bristles set up in alignment in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 * present, which projects substantially (except for tolerances) in a purely radial direction from the central body.

When looking at the figures for this embodiment, it immediately stands out that the wings 3a . 3b , ... 3n each not over the entire length of the central body 2 but only the majority of the length of the central body 2 or at least 1/3 of the length of the central body overlap.

Preferably, the central body 2 also directly (directly, not just over the wings) with bristles 10 and / or tines occupied. Preferably, these are at least partially positioned so that they form the beginning and possibly also the end of a row of along the longitudinal axis in alignment with one another established bristles.

Ideally, the at least one wing of this applicator joins in such a row, ie already the wing 3a . 3b , ... 3n as such, it is aligned with bristles 10 which are supported directly by the central body. The preceding to the wing in the direction in which the applicator is pulled out and / or pushed in by the scraper, directly from the central body 2 worn bristles 10 form a kind of deflector, which prevents the respective wing 3a . 3b , ... 3n directly on the scraper or the edge of the wiper lip meets and there possibly hooked or leads to a disturbing "jerking" when pulling out or pushing the applicator.

It is ideal if the wing itself a series of aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis in a flight bristles 6 * with which he bristles set up by the directly on the central body 10 completed series completed.

It may be useful if the wing (usually in addition) with bristles 6 is occupied, which do not project radially in relation to the central body of the wing, but obliquely. In this way, the wing of the relatively low forces that occur in the actual application, be moved, resulting in a novel and evaluated by the subjects as positive effect on the application.

Ideally, these are oblique bristles 6 designed as shown by the figures, namely such that they are circumferentially on both sides of the row of aligned in an alignment along the longitudinal axis L on the wing bristles 6 * protrude.

It is particularly favorable when, seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, always one of the aligned bristles in a row 6 * with a pair of circumferentially to the left and to the right over the wing protruding bristles 6 alternates. The described embodiment of the bristles prevents the occupied with the bristles bar, which forms the wing here, when passing through the stripping undefined laterally folded, because the obliquely projecting bristles are based on the inner circumference of the scraper, that prevents precisely this becomes.

It has been found that it is particularly favorable if the wings described by this embodiment at least partially carry bristles which are flat on one side, as it is z. B. is a bristle, which has been divided along its central longitudinal axis with a flat section in two parts.

Finally, the following is to be stated: The use of the cosmetic applicators described in this description and the associated claims as mascara applicators whose bristle field in the direction of the longitudinal axis L has a maximum extension of 30 mm and a maximum outer diameter of 15 mm, better of only 12 mm.

It should then be noted that, regardless of the claims made, protection is generally claimed for an applicator having a core and bristles projecting outwardly therefrom, the core being elastic at least in regions such that the cross-sectional area occupied by the core passes through the cross-section Scraper and / or the bottleneck of the Kosmetikapplikator associated Kosmetikvorratsbehälters reversibly reduced under the influence of the forces exerted by the scraper and / or the bottleneck forces.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 applicator

2

 central body

3 3a, 3b, ... 3n

 wing

4

 acute-angled gap

5

 coupling section

6

 Bristle of a grand piano

6 *

 Bristle of a wing aligned with bristles of the central body

7

 the central body facing away from the large surface of a wing

8th

 the central body facing large surface of a wing

9

 hinge

10

 Bristle of the central body

L

 Applikatorlängsachse

P

 Movement arrows indicating the displacement movement of the wings

Q

 Cross-sectional area of the core

H

 Amount by which the wing is at its distal end away from the central body

S

 Swivel axis of the wing

A

 by the hinges predetermined minimum distance of the wing from the central body

Dmax

 maximum thickness of a hinged plastic flap

FROM

 Distance between adjacent hinges of a wing

e

 Extension of a strip forming a wing in the circumferential direction

BL

 Arc length of a bristle-free space between two wings

Claims (18)

Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) with one of the application organs in the form of bristles ( 6 ) and / or comb-tooth-bearing core, wherein the core has a central body ( 2 ), even with a plurality of directly projecting bristles ( 6 ) and / or comb teeth is occupied, characterized in that the core moreover consists of at least one of the central body ( 2 ) outwardly projecting wings ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ), which in turn is provided with a plurality of bristles ( 6 ) and / or comb teeth is occupied, and the relative to the central body ( 2 ) is movable, the wing ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ) has a plurality of spaced-apart hinges, by means of which he is articulated only locally to the central body. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinges ( 9 ) and their associated wings are arranged relative to each other so that the wings extend away from the central body in such a way that they have a V-shaped gap ( 4 ) with the central body ( 2 ) lock in. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinges ( 9 ) and their associated wings ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ) relative to each other and on the preferably circular central body ( 2 ) of the applicator are arranged so that they are aligned in the radial direction. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one wing ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ) with more than two, preferably three hinges ( 9 ) on the central body ( 2 ) is articulated. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinges ( 9 ) Are film hinges. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the hinges ( 9 ) are formed of sections each having a triangular cross-section, the tips of which are opposite to each other, and merge into one another so that they in the region of the transition, the film hinge form and the broad sides are each connected to the central body or to the wing, usually in one piece. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hinge ( 9 ) terminates flush with the distal end surface of the wing and preferably another hinge ( 9 ) with the proximal end face of the wing just finished. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each hinge ( 9 ) in the direction of the pivot axis (S) defined by it has a length (L1, L2, Ln ...) and along the pivot axis (S) between two adjacent hinges ( 9 ) is a distance AB, which is a multiple, preferably at least a triple, better yet at least a five times the length of each of the hinges ( 9 ) is. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one hinge ( 9 ) the wing ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ) at a distance from the central body ( 2 ) holds, so that the wing between two hinges ( 9 ) forms a bridge, wherein the bridge is spaced at least by the dimension A from the central body, for which is 0.2 mm ≤ A ≤ 0.9 mm. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one wing ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ) forms a narrow strip whose extension (E) in the circumferential direction corresponds to a maximum of six times, more preferably a maximum of three times the bristle base diameter. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that of the narrow bar only one row of aligned in a direction parallel to the applicator longitudinal axis behind one another bristles ( 6 * ) and / or tines protrudes. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the narrow strip carries one and preferably only one row of radially outwardly projecting bristles and / or prongs and at least a part of these bristles ( 6 * ) and / or tines or all of these bristles ( 6 * ) and / or tines are the bristles and or tines of the entire trimming, which protrude furthest in the radial direction to the outside. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the narrow strip at least one, preferably two additional rows of bristles ( 6 ) and / or prongs, which protrude not radially but obliquely from the narrow bar. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that of the narrow strip several, ideally three rows of each arranged in alignment along the longitudinal axis bristles ( 6 . 6 * ) or tines, wherein the bristle or tine feet of at least two of these rows in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis overlap at least partially. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one wing ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ) is pivotable about an axis (S) which is parallel to the applicator longitudinal axis (L). Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) preferably, but not exclusively, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod-shaped, preferably solid central body ( 2 ) protruding wings ( 3a . 3b , ... 3n ) is filled with bristles and that it is elastic enough to reversibly move towards the central region of the central body under the influence of the forces exerted by the scraper and / or the bottle neck of the cosmetic reservoir. 2 ) relocated. Cosmetic applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central body ( 2 ) has a U-shaped, C-shaped, S-shaped or Z-shaped cross-section. System from an applicator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, a cosmetic container and a scraper attached thereto, characterized in that the scraper and the applicator ( 1 ) are coordinated so that the applicator ( 1 ) is folded when pulling and / or pushing.

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