DE202018101427U1 - Applicator with all around ribbed filament - Google Patents

Abstract

Eyebrow applicator (1) with bristle-forming filaments (5) held clamped between at least two wires (3, 4), characterized in that at least part of the bristle-forming filaments (5) has a cross-section (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) consisting of a solid core (7), of which at least 8, more preferably at least 10 ribs (8) and ideally 12 ribs (8) radially project on all sides, the outer diameter of these filaments (5) is at least 0.25 mm, the length of these Filaments (5) formed bristles (6) a maximum of 3 mm, and the material of these filaments (5) has a hardness of <60 Shore D.

Description

The invention relates to an applicator according to the preamble of the respective main claim.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

For a long time there is a far-reaching need for applicators for applying mascara, from cosmetics to the eyebrows or cosmetics on the main hair, which have the largest possible mass storage capacity, d. h., Which are loaded as possible after a single immersion in and pulling out of the supply with the cosmetic to be applied so that the entire application process can be performed without re-immersion.

In order to remedy this, it has been proposed in the most varied variants to incorporate more or less narrow grooves in the finished bristle lining of a wire core applicator, ie areas in which deeper lying short bristles are present, which are surrounded by higher rising bristles. The basic idea here is that can hold in the thus formed grooves cosmetic, which is not stripped when pulling out of the applicator by the scraper in full. As a result, the storage capacity can be significantly improved.

Due to the relatively large and noticeable grooves, however, the haptic behavior of the applicator is impaired for the perception of many users.

Then, very different variants of applicators with molded bristles have been proposed which are designed to have improved mass storage capacity. However, injected bristles still offer only a weaker performance in terms of bend recovery assets and are therefore not the only solution.

THE TASK OF THE EFFICIENCY

The invention has for its object, on the one hand to provide an applicator, which is characterized by a particularly good mass storage capacity and on the other hand, but also allows an exceptionally gentle application experience.

THE INVENTION SOLUTION

To solve this problem, it is proposed to build an applicator consisting of clamped filaments held between at least two wires twisted together. A filament usually forms two bristles. The bristle is in each case the part of a filament which extends from the nip between the wires twisted together to the radially outer free end. According to the invention, a TPE is used for the bristle-forming filaments. The elastomers from the group of TPE are characterized by their particular conformability. It is ensured that within the TPE a particularly soft material is used, namely a material having a hardness of less than 60 Shore D and ideally of ≤ 55 Shore D, ideally with max. 1% tolerance. The smallest Shore hardness still possible within the scope of the invention is 40 Shore D and, in exceptional cases, 35 Shore D.

As such, such a material would be of only limited use for the production of bristle-forming filaments because it is actually too soft to produce bristle-forming filaments which subsequently result in bristles of sufficient flexural resistance. To compensate for this, not only the outer diameter of the filaments is increased, but it also ribs are provided, which protrude on all sides radially outward from the solid core cross-section of the bristle-forming filament. Grooves are formed between the ribs, which are characterized by a particularly high mass storage capacity.

Due to the ribs in connection with the enlarged diameter and the other hand quite soft material results in not only a bristle that is very cuddly, but still does not buckle prematurely.

Surprisingly, adhering to these specifications also results in an unexpectedly usable memory effect. This is because the grooves between the ribs not only very well absorb material, but due to the very soft plastic, which is used here for the bristle-forming filaments used, particularly easily collapse locally, when the later bristles in contact with the treated surface or . come into contact with the hair to be treated and bend. By collapsing the stored material is also very good again. As a result, this type of filament leads to bristles that exhibit exceptionally good mass storage and redistribution capability with a special hitherto unprecedented skin contact haptic experience.

The bristles according to the invention must, as far as the specific dimensioning, each be tuned quite precisely to the individual application, as with the inventive material choice and geometric design in a Range is gone, which is no longer arbitrarily tolerant in relation to the closely related length and thickness parameters.

Where these bristles are used to construct an eyebrow applicator, the outer diameter of the filaments should be at least 0.25 mm at undisturbed location. Smaller diameters lead to a disturbance of the desired memory function of the grooves. The length of the bristles formed by these filaments should be a maximum of 3 mm for an eyebrow applicator, measured from the clamping wire core to the radially outward free end. Ideally, the bristles are at least 1.5 mm long.

Where these bristles are used to construct a Macara Applicator, the outer diameter of the filaments should be at least 0.35 mm at undisturbed location. Smaller diameters lead to a disturbance of the memory function of the grooves which is desired for the application of the typically very high-viscosity mascara mass. The length of the bristles formed by these filaments should be a maximum of 6 mm for an eyebrow applicator, measured from the clamping wire core to the radially outward free end. Ideally, the bristles are at least 2 mm long.

Where these bristles are used to construct a main hair applicator, the outer diameter of the filaments should be at least 0.7 mm in undisturbed place. In many cases, it is not favorable if the outer diameter of the filaments is more than 0.9 mm. Smaller diameters are unsuitable for the treatment of the principal hair, which is usually somewhat resistive, as they make the bristles sensitive to kinking. The length of the bristles formed by these filaments should be at most 12 mm in an eyebrow applicator, measured from the clamping wire core to the radially outward free end. Ideally, the bristles are at least 5 mm long.

PARTICULARLY PREFERRED DESIGN FEATURES

A particularly advantageous development possibility is to produce the filaments of the invention from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Despite its low shore hardness D according to the invention, this material permits the extrusion of fine structures, such as the filaments required here. Surprisingly, even with the very soft setting chosen here, a TPE is clearly superior with regard to the bend recovery capability, while at the same time ensuring the required relative movement behavior of the ribs relative to the solid core, if the later bristle is in later contact with the surface or surface to be treated is bent to the hair to be treated.

Further advantageous embodiment possibilities emerge from the subclaims.

Also from the following description of various preferred embodiments with reference to the figures, there are further design options, modes of action and advantages.

list of figures

• The 1 shows an applicator according to the invention in the form of a mascara brush in general overview.
• The 2 shows a cross section (perpendicular to the filament longitudinal axis) of a filament, as shown in FIG. 1 is used.
• The 3 shows the same thing as 3 but in more detail with reference.
• The 4 shows an enlarged section 3 , cut out at 11 o'clock position.
• The 5 shows a filament according to the invention with a straight end and a cross section (perpendicular to the filament longitudinal axis FL ), as of the 2 and 3 shown.
• The 6 shows a filament according to the invention with pent roof-like end and a cross section (perpendicular to the filament longitudinal axis FL ), as of the 2 and 3 shown.
• The 7 shows a filament according to the invention with pitched roof-like end and a cross section (perpendicular to the filament longitudinal axis FL ), as of the 2 and 3 shown.
• The 8th shows a filament according to the invention with pyramidal end and a cross section (perpendicular to the filament longitudinal axis FL ), as of the 2 and 3 shown.
• The 9 shows a section of a cross section of a filament with shallow grooves.
• The 10 shows a section of a cross section of a filament with medium-deep grooves.
• The 11 shows a section of a cross section of a filament with deep grooves.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

mascara

A first overview of an applicator according to the invention 1 in the form of one Mascara applicator gives the 1 , This mascara applicator consists of a core 2 which in turn has been made from at least two wires twisted together in a spiral. The core 2 gives an applicator longitudinal axis L in front. Before twisting are between the two wires 3 and 4 a number of bristle-forming filaments 5 (see. 5 ). These are then twisted between the two wires 3 and 4 kept clamped. Every filament 5 forms two bristles 6 moving in different directions from the core 2 protrude. The basis of the 1 The garment of the mascara applicator, which is not closer to anyone else, consists (predominantly, essentially or completely) of bristles in the form of the filaments according to the invention.

The said, specially shaped bristle-forming filaments have a filament longitudinal axis FL , They are as such - in different variants - in the context of 5 . 6 . 7 and 8th illustrated by drawings. However, the respective image of the filament is in the direction of its filament longitudinal axis FL strongly "compressed".

The cross-section according to the invention of a bristle-forming filament to be used according to the invention 5 show the 2 ,

It can be seen immediately that this bristle-forming filament used according to the invention has a solid core in the cross section running perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, which is denoted by the reference number 7 is designated and the in 3 is marked by the dashed delimitation.

Of this bristle-forming core there are at least eight and in the present case ten ribs 8th in the radial direction to the outside. Ribs 8th are relative to the filament longitudinal axis, which usually forms the center FL on all sides to the outside. This means that preferably at each point of the outer shell of the core a rib 8th is present, which protrudes in the radial direction to the outside, as from 3 shown. The neighboring ribs 8th meet where the cross section in the said massive core 7 passes.

How best to use the 3 looks, it is preferable that each of the ribs 8th in the direction of the longitudinal axis FL of the respective bristle-forming filament 5 has continuous design, so has no or substantially no interruption.

It is noteworthy that the maximum diameter DKmax of the massive core 7 preferably more than 2 times the radial extent re a rib amounts to. That's on the basis of 3 clearly visible. The maximum outer diameter of the filament, this preferably at any height along its filament longitudinal axis FL owns, bears the reference number DAMAX , see. 3 ,

Augenbrauen:

DAmax kleiner 0,36 / DKmax kleiner 0,26

Mascara:

DAmax größer 0,30 / DKmax größer 0,20

Haupt-/Kopfhaar:

DAmax kleiner 0,90 und größer 0,50 / DKmax kleiner 0,70

To put it more succinctly, one can say that for the maximum outside diameter DAMAX and the maximum core diameter of the massive core DKmax ideally the following relations should be kept:

Eyebrows:

DAMAX less than 0.36 / DKmax less than 0.26

mascara:

DAMAX greater than 0.30 / DKmax greater than 0.20

Main / Hair:

DAMAX less than 0.90 and greater than 0.50 / DKmax less than 0.70

The bristle-forming filament according to the invention preferably consists of a thermoplastic elastomer, that is to say of an elastomer from the family of TPEs. Thermoplastic elastomers are characterized by being particularly soft and yielding. This gives the bristles 6 passing through between the wires 3 . 4 clamped bristle-forming filaments 5 be formed, a particularly good conformability. In order to still not let the bristles become too soft and yielding, the invention provides that a comparatively large bristle outer diameter is realized, as already stated numerically above for a mascara applicator and also later defined for eyebrow applicators and main hairbrushes.

In the light of this consideration, the function of the radially outwardly projecting ribs opens up 8th , They increase the effective outer diameter DAMAX the bristle-forming filament and thus the bending stiffness of the later bristle 6 , even if extremely soft material is used.

But this is also accompanied by a decidedly positive aspect. This lies in the fact that between two circumferentially immediately adjacent ribs 8th each a relatively deep groove 9 is trained. Ideally for all applicators - at least for mascara and / or main hair applicators - is the radial depth RT such a groove 9 between two circumferentially adjacent ribs 8th greater than 0.08 mm. For eyebrow applicators, this value optionally decreases from the aforementioned value to 0.05 mm

As a result, in these grooves 9 a not inconsiderable amount of each for application coming cosmetic can insert that is not stripped by the scraper when pulling out the applicator from the supply with the substance to be administered (in this embodiment mascara).

Instead, the in these grooves 9 stored substance only then - usually gradually - released when the bristle formed by the filament in question bends back and forth several times in contact with the surface to be treated or the hair to be treated and thereby the substance from the region of the grooves 9 is pushed out. Through this ideally gradually releasing the substance to be applied can work very persistently with the applicator, without having to "reload" in between.

The storage effect of the invention is further enhanced by the fact that the ribs 8th , seen in the circumferential direction, have a width that changes in the radial direction.

How best to use the 4 can recognize the ribs here each have a base section 10 and a top section 11 on. The base section 10 Here is that portion of a rib, seen in the radial direction closer to that of the filament longitudinal axis FL formed center of the cross section is located. Accordingly, the tip section 11 a rib that portion of a rib, which lies in the radial direction farther away from said center.

It is noteworthy that the top section 11 the ribs according to the invention 8th - As soon as you move in the radial direction outward from the transition base section / tip section in the circumferential direction - far predominantly (more than 50%, better more than 75%) a larger extension EU1 has, as the transition between the base portion and the tip portion of the respective rib whose extension in the circumferential direction only EU2 is, cf. 4 ,

As a result, form two immediately adjacent ribs in the circumferential direction 8th a groove between them 9 from whose width progressively decreases progressively in the radial direction from the inside out. As a result, the holding effect is enhanced, the relevant groove 9 offers the substance to be administered.

As it has proven particularly favorable for the holding effect, when the transition between the base portion 10 and the top section 11 a rib 8th forms a kink, ie a geometry in which max. an imaginary circle of measurement 12 with a maximum diameter of 0.015 mm, cf. 4 ,

It should be said at this point that it has also proved to be very beneficial for the all-round wetting of a hair penetrated into the groove between two ribs, when the groove bottom narrows in a V-shape - ideally into a narrowest area, at the bottom of a Knick forms, ie a geometry shows, in which at most an imaginary measuring circle 12 with a maximum diameter of 0.015 mm, cf. 3 ,

As it has proven particularly favorable, the tip section 11 a rib in cross section predominantly circular (or alternatively multipolygonal approximated to execute). This preferably means that the cross-sectional profile, perpendicular to the filament longitudinal axis FL seen, over an angle beta of more than 220 ° has a circular profile, cf. 3 ,

Good to see from the 3 . 5 . 6 . 7 and 8th is that every groove 9 between two circumferentially immediately adjacent ribs 8th in the direction along the filament longitudinal axis FL preferably completely rectilinear.

In exceptional cases, however, it may make sense, the dogma of the straight rib 8th leave and the ribs 8th spiral, ie, so that they are in the manner of a helix about the filament longitudinal axis FL around squirm. This results in but usually a slightly lower material delivery of the filament concerned 5 formed bristle 6 on contact with the surface to be treated or the hair to be treated.

Only one can guess on the basis of 1 in that the applicators according to the invention are preferably characterized in that the number of filaments clamped per turn of its wire core is relatively small. It is predominantly or in all turns between 3 and 15 filaments per turn.

This results in a very special order behavior, because it is seen overall that although fewer bristles are available on the finished applicator that can store the mass to be applied. However, this is overcompensated by the extremely increased storage capacity of the individual bristles, which is imparted by their inventively structured surface.

It should also be noted that the filaments according to the invention, which are used here for bristle formation, are preferably continuous extruded filaments. This is very advantageous in that the filaments are strongly stretched when passing through the extruder die in the direction of their filament longitudinal axis. This means that extrusion is not just a manufacturing process, but at the same time a physically knocking-off product-by-process feature, because the molecular chains of the filament-forming plastics are aligned in the same direction and reinforced parallel to the filament longitudinal axis by extrusion, ie stretched in length. As a result, such filaments or the bristles formed therefrom have excellent recovery capability, also referred to as bend-recovery capability. They are physically different (namely, in terms of their sub-macroscopic structure) and therefore clearly superior to sprayed bristles.

It is particularly advantageous if the filaments used according to the invention for bristle formation consist of pure TPE. TPEs which are particularly preferably used are the subgroups TPE-A and TPE-S which, on the one hand, can be extruded particularly well with the dimensional stability required here and, on the other hand, have a superior bend-recovery capability, which is a material for the production of bristle-forming filaments an essential feature is.

Especially for applications where, however, no long-term stability is required, because the applicator is more of a disposable applicator, it may also be useful to provide the TPE, which forms said filaments, with fillers. A filler which has proven to be very suitable for use according to the invention is calcium carbonate. Added in small amounts, calcium carbonate almost does not change the application properties of the TPE. Used in slightly larger amounts, the elasticity decreases. This is well controllable process-wise, d. H. It is possible to adjust the desired bristle properties very quickly and efficiently using the teaching of the invention.

Charcoal has proven to be equally suitable.

Whether with or without filler, the material of the bristle-forming filaments according to the invention is always chosen so that it has a hardness which is below 60 Shore D and ideally at ≤ 55 Shore D, plus any tolerance values, as already mentioned above.

In investigations made in the context of the invention, it has been found that the bristles according to the invention, which are provided with a fairly large diameter, have difficulties due to their design according to the invention in developing the desired separation effect.

To fix this problem, it has been found convenient to sharpen the bristles. The sharpening is typically done only after the filaments are installed and the wires twisting them are twisted, that is, at a stage where each filament already forms two bristles.

The bristles are usually fed for this purpose a grinding wheel. In the simplest case, all or a predominant part of the bristles receive a simple, one-dimensional bevel, which gives them at their free end a pent roof-like chamfer 13 that gives the 6 illustrated in more detail.

An even better separation effect can be achieved if the or at least the vast majority of the bristles are ground from two sides, so that they have a chisel-shaped tip or a pitched roof-like chamfer 14 receive. This constellation is made by 7 visualized. There, where meet the two sanded surfaces at the free end, forming a ridge-like top line 15 which can easily penetrate between two hairs, even if the bristle is actually quite soft and therefore easily kinks.

An even more favorable constellation shows the 8th , Here, the free end of each or at least the vast majority of the bristles was sanded from four sides. As a result, the relevant bristle has a pyramid-shaped chamfer 16 on. It is obvious that the tip 17 The pyramid can penetrate particularly well in a field with confused hair and unfold here a separation effect.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

The second embodiment is an eyebrow applicator. For him, all the above is identical, the figures also apply. The only difference is that the parameters of the filament or bristle outer diameter and the length of the bristle, which have already been specified and are required for eyebrow application, must be observed.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

The third embodiment is a main hair applicator. For him, all the above is identical, the figures also apply. The only difference is that the parameters of the filament or bristle outside diameter and the bristle length, which are already specified at the beginning, are required for the main hair application.

GENERAL, OVERALL CONSIDERATIONS

The tip section is preferred 11 each or most of the ribs 8th Circular in cross-section, as it also opens up with reference to the figures explained below.

It is particularly favorable - depending on the particular application of the applicator, certain depths for the grooves 9 observed.

If the applicator loaded with the fiber of the present invention is an eyebrow applicator, ie, an applicator designed or even specialized for applying a cosmetic to the eyebrows, then the depth of the groove should be 9 be sized so that the groove 9 maximum is carried out so deep that the circle with diameter DKmax , the shell of the massive core 2 forms and the top sections 11 inscribed circles with the radius r still affect, cf. 9 which shows a relatively small depth for this application, in which the said circles intersect and the 10 , which shows the maximum depth for this use case, since the said circles only affect each other. It should be noted that in the 9 to 11 the radius of the reference numeral DKmax provided is the radius that corresponds to the maximum diameter of the core 2 belongs.

If the applicator loaded with the fiber of the present invention is a mascara applicator, ie, an applicator intended or even specialized in applying a cosmetic to the eyelashes, then the depth of the groove should be 9 be sized so that the groove 9 running at least as deep that the circle forming the shell of the massive core 2 forms and the top sections 11 or the depth of the groove should be made larger, so that the said circles are no longer tangent (and certainly not cut), cf. 11 ,

If the applicator loaded with the fiber of the invention is an applicator for the main hair, ie an applicator intended or even specialized for the application of a cosmetic to the hair of the head, then the depth of the groove should be 9 be sized so that the groove 9 always running so deep that the circle forming the shell of the massive core 2 forms and the top sections 11 no longer affect enrolled circles (and certainly do not intersect), cf. again 11 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

applicator

2

core

3

wire

4

wire

5

bristle-forming filament

6

bristle

7

massive core of a filament

8th

radially outwardly projecting rib

9

groove

10

Base section of a rib

11

Top section of a rib

12

Measuring circle transition base section / tip section

13

pent roof-like bevel

14

pitched roof-like bevel

15

first-type top line

16

pyramidal bevel

17

top

L

Applikatorlängsachse

FL

longitudinal filament

DKmax

maximum diameter of the massive core

DAMAX

maximum outer diameter of the filament

re

radial extension of a rib

RT

radial depth of a groove

ALPA

Verrundungswinkel

beta

corner

EU1

Extension at the transition area

EU2

Extension of the base section

Claims (19)

Eyebrow applicator (1) with bristle-forming filaments (5) held clamped between at least two wires (3, 4), characterized in that at least part of the bristle-forming filaments (5) has a cross-section (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) consisting of a solid core (7), of which at least 8, more preferably at least 10 ribs (8) and ideally 12 ribs (8) radially project on all sides, the outer diameter of these filaments (5) is at least 0.25 mm, the length of these Filaments (5) formed bristles (6) a maximum of 3 mm, and the material of these filaments (5) has a hardness of <60 Shore D. A mascara applicator (1) having bristle-forming filaments (5) held clamped between at least two wires (3, 4) twisted together, characterized in that at least a part of the bristle-forming filaments (5) has a cross-section (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) consisting of a solid core (7), of which at least 8, more preferably at least 10 ribs (8) and ideally 12 ribs (8) protrude radially on all sides, the outer diameter of these filaments (5) is at least 0.35 mm, the length of these Filaments (5) formed bristles (6) is at most 6 mm, and the material of these filaments (5) has a hardness of <60 Shore D. Main hair applicator (1) with bristle-forming filaments (5) held clamped between at least two wires (3, 4), characterized in that at least part of the bristle-forming filaments (5) has a cross-section (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) consisting of a solid core (7), of which at least 8, more preferably at least 10 ribs (8) and ideally 12 ribs (8) protrude radially on all sides, the outside diameter of these filaments (5) (at undisturbed place) being at least 0.7 mm, the length of the bristles (6) formed by these filaments (5) is at most 12 mm, and the material of these filaments (5) has a hardness of <60 Shore D (tolerance 5%). Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said filaments (5) consist of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the TPE is either mixed with the filler calcium carbonate or Charcoal or is preferably used unfilled. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of said filaments (5) has a hardness of at least 55 Shore D. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum diameter (DKmax) of the solid core (7) is more than 2 times and preferably more than 2.5 times the radial extent (Re) of a rib (8). Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial depth (RT) of a groove (9) between two circumferentially adjacent ribs (8) is greater than 0.06 mm. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a groove (9) between two circumferentially adjacent ribs (8) - preferably only - in the region of its groove bottom has a V-shaped cross-section. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of elements clamped per turn is predominantly or preferably between 3 to 15 in all windings. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two wires (3, 4) twisted together are twisted together so much that a complete turn extends less than 2 mm in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis (L). Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, preferably all the ribs (8) have a base portion (10) and a tip portion (11), the tip portion (11) of a rib (8) forming the base portion (10 ) of the rib (8) on both sides in the circumferential direction, preferably by an amount which is at least 50% of the smallest circumferential extent of the base portion (10) of the rib (8). Applicator (1) according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that the base portion (10), viewed in the circumferential direction, tapers from its connection to the solid core (7) in a radially outward direction. Applicator (1) according to one of the two immediately preceding claims, characterized in that the tip section (11), viewed in the cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the applicator longitudinal axis (L), has a circular profile over more than 220 °. Applicator (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the radial extent of said base portion (10) is smaller in magnitude or at most equal to the radial extent of said tip portion (11). Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each groove (9) extends in a straight line between two circumferentially immediately adjacent ribs (8) in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis (L). Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part, better of all said filaments (5) form bristles (6), the free end of which has an end face bevelled over the entire surface. Applicator (1) according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that the free end of said bristles (6) has a saddle roof-like beveled end face (14). Applicator (1) according to the penultimate preceding claim, characterized in that the free end of said bristles (6) has a pyramid-like bevelled end face (16).

Images