EP1066771A1 - Applicateur et ensemble d'application - Google Patents

Applicateur et ensemble d'application Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1066771A1
EP1066771A1 EP00305609A EP00305609A EP1066771A1 EP 1066771 A1 EP1066771 A1 EP 1066771A1 EP 00305609 A EP00305609 A EP 00305609A EP 00305609 A EP00305609 A EP 00305609A EP 1066771 A1 EP1066771 A1 EP 1066771A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rod
applicator
constriction
cross
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP00305609A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1066771B1 (fr
Inventor
John Fraser Wood Fordham
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Geka Brush GmbH
Original Assignee
Geka Brush GmbH
Geka Manufacturing Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9915947.7A external-priority patent/GB9915947D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0005503A external-priority patent/GB0005503D0/en
Application filed by Geka Brush GmbH, Geka Manufacturing Ltd filed Critical Geka Brush GmbH
Publication of EP1066771A1 publication Critical patent/EP1066771A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1066771B1 publication Critical patent/EP1066771B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D40/26—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
    • A45D40/262—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like
    • A45D40/265—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container
    • A45D40/267—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container comprising a wiper
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
    • A46B3/18—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier the bristles being fixed on or between belts or wires
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/021—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups arranged like in cosmetics brushes, e.g. mascara, nail polish, eye shadow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1046—Brush used for applying cosmetics
    • A46B2200/1053—Cosmetics applicator specifically for mascara

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a material applicator and rod, more especially to an applicator and rod for a cosmetics material, for example, mascara or hair dye, and to an assembly comprising the applicator.
  • the assembly comprising the applicator normally comprises a container for the cosmetic, a closure cap attached by the rod to the applicator and located within the container a wiper plug or stripper having an orifice which, as the rod and applicator are withdrawn from the container, wipes the cosmetic from the rod and removes excess material from the applicator, leaving a desired quantity of material on the applicator.
  • the wiper is required to remove material from the rod and excess material from the edge of the applicator and also desirably to remove any drop or thread of material from the free end of the applicator.
  • the wiper may also control the quantity of material within the applicator when, for example, as is frequently the case with a mascara applicator, the applicator is a brush in which the mascara lies on, between and sometimes within the fibres of the bristles.
  • Those wipers may comprise resilient fingers of a plastics or rubber material which extend inward from the material defining the orifice of the wiper. As the rod and applicator are withdrawn from the container the orifice of the wiper and/or the fingers, usually both, wipe material from the rod and then the applicator and finally the fingers close in and remove the drop or thread of material that is present at the end of the applicator.
  • wiper devices used are at least partially effective, they are still less than satisfactory.
  • One problem they have is that they do not consistently remove the drop or thread of material from the free end of the applicator.
  • a second problem that they have is that they tend to lose effectiveness over time and/or as a result of use.
  • the relaxed diameter of the material defining the orifice is itself designed to be slightly less than the diameter of the rod, and the fingers extend inward from there.
  • the material of the fingers is substantially deformed from its equilibrium configuration by the rod. The fingers have a tendency to set in the deformed position.
  • Shorter fingers as described in EP-A-900534, do appear to provide improved effectiveness over a longer period. They do not, however, eliminate the problem.
  • an applicator assembly which includes an applicator rod having a groove, in which the fingers of a wiper device, formed from a rubber type material, rest when the assembly is closed.
  • the groove or stepped portion is formed by a narrowing of the rod via a sloping face to a straight sided narrow portion and then a broadening via a sloping face to its original width.
  • the rubber fingers rest with their tips in the groove.
  • the applicator rod is drawn through the wiper, the rubber fingers move against the broadening sloping side and their tips are turned inwards. The turned in tips of the fingers exert a greater wiping force on the rod and applicator.
  • the assembly does, however, have the disadvantage that the turning in of the fingers may cause the material of the wiper to split as the rod is drawn through.
  • a wiper made of a natural or synthetic rubber material may withstand the extra tension caused but the wiper fails if made from a thermoplastics type material.
  • the present invention provides an applicator and rod suitable for use in an applicator assembly for applying a viscous material, the assembly comprising the applicator, the rod and a container, a closure means and a wiper device located within the container through which, in use, the rod and applicator may be drawn, the rod and the applicator each having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the rod carrying the applicator by the latter's proximal end, and wherein (a) the rod has a constriction, the cross-sectional area of the rod between the part of the constriction having the smallest cross-sectional area and the distal end being less than that of the rod the proximal side of the constriction and the cross-sectional area of that part of the rod forming the distal side of the constriction being greater than the smallest cross-sectional area of the constriction or (b) the distal end of the rod tapers toward the applicator, there being positioned on the
  • the invention provides a material applicator assembly comprising an applicator and rod according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the invention provides a material applicator assembly comprising a container for a viscous material, a closure member, an applicator and rod according to the first aspect of the invention, the applicator being attached to the closure member by the rod, and, located within the container, a wiper device comprising a plurality of resilient fingers, advantageously positioned about the rod.
  • the part of the rod with the taper is enclosed by the fingers of the wiper when the container is closed by the closure member.
  • the invention provides in a fourth aspect the use in a material applicator assembly comprising a wiper device comprising a plurality of resilient fingers and a rod carrying an applicator, of (a) a constriction in the rod to cause the resilient fingers of the wiper device to turn inward toward the rod as the rod is drawn through the wiper device and a cross-sectional area of the rod between the part of the constriction having the smallest cross-sectional area and the applicator of less than that of the rod before the constriction to inhibit or reduce failure of the material of the wiper device or of (b) tapering the rod carrying the applicator in the direction of the applicator and a stop member positioned on the proximal end of the applicator to cause the resilient fingers of the wiper device to turn inward toward the rod as the rod and applicator are drawn through the wiper device, the cross-sectional area of the stop member being less than that of the rod before the taper, to inhibit or reduce failure of the material of the wiper device.
  • the proximal end of the rod will normally be suitable for attachment to the closure device. Attachment may be by any suitable means, for example, by use of adhesives, or the rod and closure device may be integral.
  • the wiper device has an orifice which, as the rod and applicator are drawn through wipes the rod of excess material and also removes excess material from the applicator.
  • the wiper usually comprises a resilient portion with an orifice that is a close fit around the rod.
  • the material which defines the orifice acts as the wiping surface.
  • the wiper may also comprise a plurality of resilient members or fingers extending inward from the material defining the orifice, on pillars which extend substantially parallel with the axis of the orifice or, preferably, directly from the orifice. A part of each finger then provides a wiping surface. This is usually in addition to the wiping surface provided by the material defining the orifice. It is wipers with resilient fingers that are used with the rod and applicator of the invention.
  • the applicator and applicator rod extend within the container from the closure cap.
  • the wiper is in position about the applicator rod.
  • the wiper comprises resilient fingers, in use, as the applicator rod is withdrawn from the container the wiping surfaces of the orifice and of the fingers bear resiliently against the rod and remove the viscous material from the rod until the fingers approach the constriction or the tapered end of the rod.
  • the ends of the fingers are turned inward to an extent that they are turned back on themselves. As any remaining portion of the rod is drawn through and then as the applicator is drawn through the wiper the fingers remain turned inward and remove excess material from the applicator. When the end of the applicator is reached the fingers "flip" or "snap" back to their rest or equilibrium position. As this occurs the drop or thread of material at the tip of the applicator is removed.
  • the construction of the rod and applicator of the present invention at least partially alleviates the problem of material failure associated with that disclosed in DE-A-19744181.
  • the portion of the rod or the stop member that must be wiped after the wiper parts have been turned in is narrower than the widest part of the rod and so there is less tension in the wiper material as the rod or stop member passes through the device. Accordingly, there is a much lower risk of material failure, for example, splitting, especially where the wiper device is formed from a thermoplastic material or a blend comprising a thermoplastic material.
  • the constriction comprises a narrowing of the applicator rod and then, toward the distal end of the rod, a widening of the rod out to give a portion with a cross-sectional area which is still less than the cross-sectional area of the rod before the narrowing. Between the narrowing section and the widening section there may be a narrow section of substantially constant cross-sectional area.
  • the cross-sectional area of the rod from the narrowing of the constriction to the point at which it is joined to the applicator is less than that of the cross-sectional area of the rod before the constriction and preferably less than the cross-sectional area of the 360( orifice, in its equilibrium state, of the wiper with which it is to be used. If the rod were to be of greater cross-sectional area after the constriction then the stress exerted on the wiper once the fingers have been turned inward would be high and in many cases would cause it to fail, for example, by splitting.
  • the tapering of the rod performs the function of the narrowing of the constriction of the rod of construction (a) and the stop member performs the function of the distal side of the constriction, the broadening of the rod.
  • the stop member is positioned, more especially supported, on the proximal end of the applicator. It may be fixed firmly in place or may be loosely supported.
  • the stop member may be a separate body supported on the applicator or it may be integral with the applicator or the rod, i.e., formed as part of the applicator or rod.
  • the narrowing or tapering of the rod may be rapid or more gradual.
  • the rod narrows down relatively gradually to allow the fingers to relax back towards their equilibrium position before they impinge on the shoulder as described below.
  • narrowing from a diameter in the range of from 2.5 to 5 mm to a diameter in the range of from 1.5 to 3 mm over a length of from 0.5 to 4.0 mm could be used.
  • the constriction comprises a narrowing of the rod and then a widening to form a shoulder or collar.
  • the shoulder is provided by the stop member. As the rod is drawn through the wiper the fingers impinge on the shoulder and are forced inwards so that they are drawn backwards as the rod continues to be pulled through the wiper.
  • the shoulder need not be exactly perpendicular to the axis of the rod but must be of steep enough incline to cause the required turning of the wiper parts.
  • the acute angle, shown as ⁇ in Figures 1 and 11, subtended between the line of the shoulder and the axis of the rod is preferably greater than 70°, more preferably greater than 80° and most preferably approximately 90°, that is the shoulder is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the rod.
  • the angle may differ for use with different wipers. For example, if the material of the wiper is formed from a thermoplastic then the angle ⁇ may need to be greater than if the wiper is formed from a rubber type material.
  • the shoulder or collar may be provided by any suitable shaping of the rod or stop member.
  • the constriction may comprise a narrowing of the rod followed by a small hemispherical portion or the stop member may be a small solid hemisphere.
  • the flat circular face forms the shoulder and the cross-sectional area of the circular face is less than that of the rod before the constriction or tapering.
  • the shoulder may be formed by the larger circular face of a frustum of a cone or of a solid cup shape (a frustum of a cone but with a bulbous curved surface rather than a truly conical surface)
  • the constriction may be situated at any position on the rod between the rest position of the wiper device's fingers, i.e., the position where the fingers contact the rod when the applicator assembly comprising the rod is in the closed position, and the distal end of the rod.
  • the constriction is further towards the distal end of the rod than the rest position and most preferably the constriction is near or at the distal end of the rod.
  • the wiping of the rod thereafter may not be clean.
  • the wiper comprises fingers attached directly to the orifice of the wiper then as the fingers are turned inward and back on themselves they may come between the wiping surface of the orifice and the rod so that the wiping surface of the orifice is no longer in direct contact with the rod. Hence from that point on wiping of the rod only occurs in those places where the fingers touch the rod and so some parts will not be wiped. Hence, in such a case it is extremely advantageous for the constriction, i.e., the narrowing of the rod and the shoulder or collar, to be close to, or at, the distal end of the rod.
  • the cross-sectional area of the shoulder and the remaining part of the rod or of the stop member is governed by two requirements. The first is that it be large enough for the fingers to impinge upon even if the material of which they are made has lost some memory and they do not relax back to the full extent allowed by the narrowing of the constriction or the tapering of the rod. The second is that the fingers must be allowed to turn back on themselves without causing significant enlargement of the orifice of the wiper as such enlargement could lead to splitting of the material of the wiper.
  • the cross-sectional area of the rod or stop member that is to be considered is the area of the cross-section at the relevant part perpendicular to the long axis of the rod (that axis is shown in Figures 1 and 11 by a broken line).
  • the diameter of the shoulder is preferably approximately the diameter of the wiper orifice minus twice the thickness of one of the resilient fingers. Typically the diameter of the shoulder will be at least 0.6 to 1.0 mm less than that of the wiper orifice.
  • the rods are of circular cross section with a diameter of 4.3 mm or 3.5 mm.
  • the resilient fingers of a thermoplastic wiper may typically be of maximum thickness of 0.4 to 0.5 mm tapering down to about 0.25 mm at the tips.
  • the wiper has a circular orifice of diameter 4.2 mm hence the shoulder should preferably have a circular cross-sectional area with a diameter of about 3.2 to 3.4 mm, especially 3.3 mm. If a 3.5 mm rod is used then the wiper has a 3.4 mm diameter orifice and the shoulder should have a diameter of about 2.6 mm.
  • the narrowest part of the constriction or of the tapered rod must obviously be of a lesser diameter than that of the shoulder and is preferably substantially narrower, for example, it may have a circular cross-section with a diameter of from 1.5 to 3 mm.
  • the wider and narrower portion of the rod may advantageously have diameters of 4.8 and 3.0 mm respectively, while the stop has a diameter of 4.0 mm.
  • the rod according to the invention may comprise a groove at the rest position of the wiper fingers, as described in WO95/26147, to reduce the deformation of the wiper during storage. If desired the groove and the constriction can be combined as one and the same but this is not preferred.
  • the rod may be formed from any suitable material, for example, it may be formed of a thermoplastic material.
  • the applicator will preferably be a brush, especially a brush consisting of a helix of bristles around a core or support, often formed from a twisted steel wire, but may be of a different type, for example, a foam applicator.
  • the cross-section of the support is advantageously less, and preferably considerably less, than that of the distal end of the rod in embodiment (a) and of the stop in embodiments (b) and (c).
  • the cross-section is advantageously substantially uniform, subject of course to the irregularities inherent in a twisted wire support.
  • the diameter of the orifice of the wiper device is generally smaller than the maximum diameter of the applicator. If the applicator is a brush then the diameter is measured from the tips of the bristles.
  • the wiper device may be formed of a thermoplastic, elastomeric, or thermoplastic elastomeric material, for example, a synthetic or natural rubber, a polyurethane, an olefinic homo- or co-polymer, e.g., polyethylene, especially low density polyethylene, or an ethylene-unsaturated ester copolymer, for example, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.
  • the device may be formed of a laminate or blend of two or more such materials. If a thermoplastic material is used then it may include a cross-linking agent.
  • the wiper device is formed of a thermoplastic material or of a blend comprising a thermoplastic material.
  • Wiper devices formed from thermoplastics materials or blends comprising a substantial proportion of thermoplastics materials have advantages, for example, relatively low cost compared with rubber materials. They do, however, have disadvantages, such as loss of resilience and the possibility of material failure as discussed above.
  • the applicator and rod of the present invention are especially advantageous when used with a wiper device formed from thermoplastic material or a blend comprising thermoplastic material as those problems are at least partially alleviated.
  • Preferred materials are 100% low density polyethylene and 100% thermoplastic elastomeric material (TPE), for example, a thermoplastic elastomeric material having a shore hardness in the range of from D40 to D60. Thermoplastic elastomeric materials are more resilient than materials such as polyethylene.
  • a preferred wiper device suitable for use with the rod and applicator of the invention and in the cosmetics applicator assembly of the invention comprises an elongate hollow resilient body having a substantially circular orifice, and positioned around and extending directly from the periphery of the orifice a plurality of elongate resilient members (the resilient fingers), each having a free, distal, end portion, each member extending inward toward the axis of the orifice and away from the body, each member being at an angle within the range of from 90° to 120° to the axis and tapering toward the distal end, the members being radially spaced apart at least at their distal ends, and preferably occupying at most 55%, most preferably 50%, of the area of the orifice as viewed axially.
  • the wiper is one having four elongate resilient members, at an angle of at least about 100° to the axis, the distance between a pair of opposed distal ends being at most 10% of the diameter of the orifice.
  • Wiper devices of that type are described in EP-A-900 534. It will be appreciated that when the rod is of narrow diameter, for example 3.5 mm, engineering considerations may not allow such a close approach, the minimum practical spacing being about 0.4 mm. Accordingly this spacing may then represent up to 15 or 20% of the orifice diameter.
  • the orientation of the members defined above is that adopted when the wiper device is in its relaxed or equilibrium configuration, i.e., in the absence of deformation by, for example, the rod of a cosmetics material applicator.
  • the members When the wiper is in position about a rod not having a groove at the rest position, the members will extend along the rod, bearing resiliently against it.
  • the edge or face of the wiper orifice will remove viscous material from the rod and control the quantity of material remaining on the applicator, the elongate members bearing resiliently against the rod as it passes by until the constriction or stop member is reached, whereupon the ends of the elongate members are turned back on themselves to an inward position.
  • the applicator begins to pass the members the ends remain turned inward and the members may also be drawn backward into the brush by the action of the fibres.
  • the members spring out, removing at least part of the drop of material from the end of the applicator.
  • the applicator is a brush
  • the elongate members will recover toward their equilibrium configuration by intermingling with the brush fibres to a greater or lesser extent as the brush passes them, the extent depending on the flexibility of the members and the nature of the brush, which advantageously is one having radially extending bristles.
  • the tips of the resilient fingers of the wiper should penetrate into the brush as far as possible. Their tips should be as close to the central core of the brush, usually a twisted wire, as possible. Fingers that are turned inward as they meet the brush, as in the present case, penetrate the brush better and get closer to the wire than wiper fingers that have not been turned back on themselves. As the brush is drawn through the wiper the bristles do not usually exert enough pressure on the fingers to keep them turned completely turned back on themselves so the ends do unfold. There is sufficient pressure, however to stop the fingers from returning to their equilibrium positions. They are generally allowed to unfold until the fingers are approximately perpendicular to the core of the brush. The force exerted by the passing bristles is then sufficient to maintain them in that position and it is that position that achieves the desired wiping of the brush.
  • a typical twisted wire brush for use with mascara or similar viscous cosmetic material has from 40 to 400, more usually 170 to 300, bristles or fibres per cm, with bristles or fibre thickness being in the range 0.06 to 0.25 mm, the number of twists in the wire typically being from 4 to 7 per cm. (The fibre count is half the number of bristle ends.)
  • the brush has from 160 to 200 fibres per cm, the fibres being of diameter in the range 0.125 to 0.2 mm.
  • the relatively low fibre count, in combination with a relatively stiff fibre, allows easy combing of the brush through eyelashes.
  • the fibres for the first 3 to 6 mm length of brush at the proximal end are about 0.25 mm diameter, while the remainder of the brush, typically 20 to 25 mm in length, beyond the first two to four twists, uses more flexible fibres, for example of about half that, e.g., about 0.125 mm, to allow easy combing in use. More preferably, the fibre density is from 160 to 200 per cm.
  • the resilient fingers of the wiper are reliably turned inward even if there has been some set during storage, despite the provision of a groove in the rod.
  • Brush manufacturing equipment may be adjusted as required to pick up the desired density of fibres from the supply.
  • the number of fibres per unit length may be varied by adjusting, for example, the spacing of the transfer means, usually teeth.
  • the number of fibres in the strand or rope feed may be varied.
  • the wiper device is preferably provided with from three to five, preferably four, fingers.
  • the spacing between the fingers or members advantageously increases from their proximal to distal ends, i.e., the free end of each member will subtend a smaller angle viewed along the axis of the orifice than does the proximal end, and if desired the extremities of the proximal ends of the members may merge to be in contact.
  • the proximal ends are spaced apart, and may occupy at most 55%, more especially 50%, of the circumferential length of the orifice.
  • the distal ends of the members taper i.e., are roughly triangular.
  • the wider proximal portions provide an enhanced resistance to deformation set or twist while the tapering distal end portions are flexible so as to allow them to be turned inward and to enhance removal from the free end of the applicator (which is normally tapered) of any adherent blob of material as it is withdrawn past them but do not remove significant quantities of the material from the length of the applicator, for example, from the bristles if the applicator is a brush, as it is withdrawn.
  • the fingers or elongate members occupy at most 55%, preferably, 50%, more preferably from 40 to 50% and, most preferably about 45%, of the area of the wiper orifice.
  • the distance between a pair of opposed distal ends is at most 25% of the diameter of the orifice, preferably at most 20%, and more preferably at most 10%.
  • the distal ends of the members may be in contact but such a construction is not readily achieved by the presently preferred manufacturing process.
  • the lengths of the wiper members, relative to the size of the wiper orifice, and their rest angle are such that as they spring out they touch, maximizing the proportion of the drop that is removed.
  • Such a result is achieved, for example, with an angle of from 100° to 120° and a separation in the rest position of less than 10%.
  • each advantageously comprises a proximal portion that tapers toward the distal end either as seen along the axis of the aperture, or as seen transverse to the axis, or, preferably, as seen in both such directions.
  • the proximal portion of the member itself is of rectangular cross-section.
  • the distal portion of each member advantageously tapers toward the distal end as seen along the axis of the aperture, or as seen transverse to the axis or, preferably, as seen in both such directions.
  • the distal portion of the member is of rectangular cross-section, except for the distal end itself, which is advantageously triangular, as will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
  • the member advantageously tapers regularly from one end to the other.
  • Each member is advantageously generally straight in its undeformed configuration.
  • a wiper device also suitable for use with the present invention may comprise a resilient body having a substantially circular orifice, and spaced apart around the periphery of the orifice a plurality of elongate resilient members (the fingers), each having an end portion proximal to the body and a free, distal end portion, the proximal end portion extending from the body in a direction having at least a substantial component parallel to the axis of the circular orifice, the free distal end portions of the members extending inward toward the axis and the distal ends being at or close to the axis.
  • Such wiper devices are described in GB-A-2312617.
  • the applicator assembly is suitable for use for applying a viscous material, the assembly comprising a container for the viscous material, a closure member, an applicator and rod, and a wiper device located within the container through which, in use, the rod and applicator may be drawn, the wiper device comprising an elongate hollow resilient body having a substantially circular orifice, and positioned around and extending directly from the periphery of the orifice a plurality of elongate resilient members, each having a free, distal, end portion, each member extending inward toward the axis of the orifice and away from the body, each member being at an angle within the range of from 90° to 120° to the axis and tapering toward the distal end, the members being radially spaced apart at least at their distal ends, and occupying at most 55%, preferably at most 50%, of the area of the orifice as viewed axially, and the rod comprising a proximal end attached to
  • an applicator assembly in particular a mascara unit or hair dye unit, is shown.
  • the unit comprises a thermoplastics container indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 having a neck portion 3 with an external thread 4 joined to the body of the container by a shoulder 2.
  • a cap 8, the closure device, with an internal thread 9 is fitted onto the external thread 4 of the neck 3, an outside cover 10 being held in position over the cap 8 by a heat-setting adhesive layer 11, or simply by a force fit.
  • Extending from the cap 8 into the interior of the container 1 is a rod 12, to the lower end 13 of which is attached an applicator brush 14.
  • a wiper device indicated generally by the reference numeral 6 having a rim 15 is located in the neck 3, the rim 15 providing a seal 5 between the container 1 and the cap 8.
  • the wiper device 6, discussed in greater detail below, is located in the neck 3.
  • the rod 12 extends from the cap 8 through the wiper device 6 and the wiping surface 18 is in contact with the rod 12.
  • Fingers 22 of the wiper extend downwards into the container 1 and rest on the rod.
  • a groove 7 is provided in the rod 12 and the fingers 22 rest in the groove.
  • the sides of the groove slope relatively shallowly to allow the fingers to expand outwards gently as the rod 12 is removed from the container.
  • the rod narrows at the constriction 16 and then broadens sharply by means of a surface or shoulder 20 provided by the circular face of a solid cup shaped part 25 (a frustum of a cone but with a bulbous rather than a strictly conical surface).
  • the diameter of the shoulder and of the remaining portion of the rod is, however, less than the diameter of the rod at its widest part and is, preferably, less than the relaxed diameter of the orifice of the wiper 6.
  • the shoulder 20 subtends an angle ⁇ , to the axis of the rod 12. In Figure 1 ⁇ is 90°.
  • the fingers 22 gently bear against the rod or rest on its surface until they reach the narrowing section 16. As they pass the narrowing section 16 they relax inwards towards their equilibrium state and then their ends are brought into contact with the surface 20 as in Fig. 2. The movement of the surface 20 against the end of the fingers 22 causes them to turn inwards so that they are turned back on themselves as shown in Fig. 3. The ends remain turned in as the rest of the rod 12 and applicator 14 are withdrawn.
  • the wiper device 6 is shown in more detail. As indicated above, it has at its upper end a rim 15 which, in addition to providing a seal, forms a stop to locate the device 6 in the neck 3, and a bead 17 on the outside wall of the body just below the rim 15 serves to engage with a corresponding recess in the inside wall of the neck 3 and assist in sealing and ensuring a secure fit.
  • the external and internal surfaces of the wall of the body of the device are angled inwards so that the device tapers toward its lower end wall 19, the internal wall surface terminating in a wiping surface 18 occupying 360° of arc.
  • each finger 22 tapers toward the free, distal, end 28.
  • the fingers 22 are of rectangular cross-section, all faces of the rectangle becoming smaller with approach to the free, distal, end 28.
  • the angle between the inner face 24 of each finger 22 and the wiping surface 18 (which is parallel to the axis of the device 6) is about 100°.
  • the outer face 30 and the inner face 32 of the terminal section of the distal end 28 are pointed, the faces 30 and 32 being offset to provide an edge 36 parallel to and slightly away from the axis of the device 6.
  • the four fingers occupy about 45% of the area of the orifice defined by the wiping surface, when viewed axially, as seen in Fig. 5.
  • the diameter of a mascara applicator rod is within the range of 2.5 to 4.5 mm.
  • the diameter of the wiping orifice may be about 4.2 mm, the length of the fingers measured along the inner face being 2.0 to 2.2 mm, the edges 36 of diametrically opposed fingers being about 0.25 mm apart.
  • materials from which the wiper may be constructed there may be mentioned a low density polyethylene, a low density polyethylene/thermoplastic elastomer blend, for example in proportions of about 1:2 by weight, a thermoplastic elastomer and wholly elastomeric materials, for example a nitrile rubber, for example an elastomeric material with a Shore hardness in the range of 70 to 80.
  • FIG. 7 A suitable wiper of similar construction but having longer elongate members is shown in Figures 7 and 8.
  • the upper part of the device is as described above and tapers at its lower end, the internal wall terminating in a wiping edge 18.
  • Extending parallel to the axis of the device from the lower end wall are four spaced apart elongate pillar members 21, from each of which a wiping finger 22 extends toward the axis.
  • the extremities 23 of the fingers 22 are rounded to enable them to approach the centre of the applicator brush 14 as closely as possible on withdrawal of the brush.
  • an annular groove 7 may be formed in the rod at the appropriate location.
  • the fingers 22 extend at an angle of about 100° to the pillar members 21.
  • the diameter of a mascara applicator rod is within the range of 2.5 to 4.5 mm.
  • the diameter of the wiping orifice may be about 4.2 mm and the length of the pillars about 3.6 mm, the fingers each extending about 2.0 mm from the internal wall of the pillars.
  • a third embodiment of a suitable wiper device is shown, in which the body portions are like those of Figs. 7 and 8.
  • Extending from the lower end wall 19 of the body of the wiper device 6 are six spaced apart members indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, the proximal portions 31 of each member extending parallel to the axis of the device and the distal end portions 32 extending inward at an angle of about 130° to the axis, intermediate portions 33 providing a smooth curve between the end portions.
  • the reference numeral 30 Extending from the lower end wall 19 of the body of the wiper device 6 are six spaced apart members indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, the proximal portions 31 of each member extending parallel to the axis of the device and the distal end portions 32 extending inward at an angle of about 130° to the axis, intermediate portions 33 providing a smooth curve between the end portions.
  • the members extend as close to the axis as is consistent with their being capable of being removed from a mould during manufacture.
  • the material of which the devices are constructed is resilient, and the proximal portions 21 and 31 of the members assist in inhibiting amnesia under deformation.
  • Fig. 11 shows an applicator assembly identical in construction to that of Figs. 1 to 3 in all but the construction of the rod and applicator. Features corresponding to those of Figs. 1 to 3 are given corresponding reference numerals.
  • the distal end 40 of the rod 12 tapers towards the applicator 14.
  • a stop member 44 which provides a shoulder 20.
  • the fingers 22 gently bear against the rod or rest on its surface until they reach the tapering end 40 of the rod 12 and the end portion 42 of the applicator where they relax towards their equilibrium state. Their ends are then brought into contact with surface 20 and the movement of surface 20 against their ends causes the fingers 22 to turn inwards so that they are turned back on themselves.
  • the applicator brush 14 may, for example, comprise a helix of bristles supported by a core comprising a twisted steel wire, in which case the end portion 42 may be formed by the twisted steel wire.
  • Fig. 12 shows a further applicator assembly similar in construction to that of Fig. 1.
  • the portion 50 of the rod 12 within the wiper device 6 when the container is closed is of a wider diameter, the remaining portion 52 being of a uniform smaller diameter, a tapered portion 54 linking the portions 50 and 52 lying under the fingers 22 of the wiper 6 when the closure device 8 is screwed onto the thread 4 on the neck 3 of the container 1.
  • the taper 54 is ogee shaped in this and the other embodiments and located so that the fingers 22 rest on the convex portion.
  • the fingers move to the concave portion with no tendency to invert at this stage.
  • the fingers 22 will be inverted by the shoulder 20 of the stop member 44.
EP20000305609 1999-07-07 2000-07-03 Applicateur et ensemble d'application Expired - Lifetime EP1066771B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9915947.7A GB9915947D0 (en) 1999-07-07 1999-07-07 Applicator and assembly
GB9915947 1999-07-07
GB0005503 2000-03-07
GB0005503A GB0005503D0 (en) 2000-03-07 2000-03-07 Applicator and assembly

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1066771A1 true EP1066771A1 (fr) 2001-01-10
EP1066771B1 EP1066771B1 (fr) 2005-09-28

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Family Applications (1)

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EP20000305609 Expired - Lifetime EP1066771B1 (fr) 1999-07-07 2000-07-03 Applicateur et ensemble d'application

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1066771B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP4722259B2 (fr)
DE (1) DE60022828T2 (fr)
GB (1) GB2352167A (fr)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1334673A2 (fr) * 2002-02-08 2003-08-13 Beiersdorf AG Essoreur pour applicateurs cosmétiques
FR2868268A1 (fr) * 2004-04-02 2005-10-07 Techpack Int Sa Essoreur ameliore et distributeur de produit comprenant ledit essoreur
EP1614367A1 (fr) * 2004-07-06 2006-01-11 L'oreal Dispositif de conditionnement et d'application d'un produit
US7452151B2 (en) 2004-07-06 2008-11-18 L'oreal Device for packaging and application of a product
EP1992251A1 (fr) * 2007-05-15 2008-11-19 Geka Brush Gmbh Petites brosses cosmétiques dotées de nombreuses soies destinées à l'application d'un produit cosmétique
WO2010094886A3 (fr) * 2009-02-17 2010-10-14 Cep Tubes Tube de mascara fabricable en grande serie, procede de fabrication et application
FR2951621A1 (fr) * 2009-10-27 2011-04-29 Oreal Dispositif comportant un applicateur de produit cosmetique ou de soin.
CN102413730A (zh) * 2009-04-30 2012-04-11 株式会社吉野工业所 带有涂敷器的容器
US9247801B2 (en) 2010-03-15 2016-02-02 Rpc Bramlage Gmbh Receptacle
WO2019129935A1 (fr) 2017-12-29 2019-07-04 Simp Dispositif d'essorage pour applicateur de produit cosmetique
CN110022716A (zh) * 2016-12-13 2019-07-16 莱雅公司 具有涂抹器和擦拭器的配方包装

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JP2003061740A (ja) * 2001-08-22 2003-03-04 Shinohara:Kk マスカラ容器における塗布用ブラシの絞り具
JP3332917B1 (ja) * 2001-09-28 2002-10-07 株式会社ノエビア 睫毛化粧料除去用品
FR2855380B1 (fr) † 2003-05-27 2006-09-15 Oreal Dispositif de conditionnement et d'application d'un produit, comportant un organe d'essorage
US7914220B2 (en) * 2005-03-01 2011-03-29 Elc Management Llc Vented mascara wiper
DE102008053905B4 (de) * 2008-10-30 2015-04-02 Schwan-Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh & Co. Kg Gerät zum Auftragen eines flüssigen, gelartigen, pastösen oder pulverförmigen Produkts
DE202008014451U1 (de) 2008-10-30 2010-03-18 Schwan-Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh & Co. Kg Gerät zum Auftragen eines flüssigen, gelartigen, pastösen oder pulverförmigen Produkts
FR3034296B1 (fr) 2015-04-01 2018-09-28 Parfums Christian Dior Dispositif d'essorage pour un applicateur de produit liquide ou pateux
US9845172B2 (en) * 2015-09-25 2017-12-19 Elc Management Llc Screw-type closure systems with magnetic feature
KR101804095B1 (ko) 2017-05-26 2017-12-01 (주)더페이스샵 화장용 도구
EP4140913A4 (fr) * 2020-04-20 2023-11-08 Taisei Kako Co., Ltd. Bouchon intérieur d'un récipient d'application de solution médicamenteuse et récipient d'application de solution médicamenteuse équipé de celui-ci

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US4175574A (en) * 1977-05-16 1979-11-27 Zulberti Carlos A Cosmetics applicator device
GB2097662A (en) 1981-05-04 1982-11-10 Oreal Serrated wiper
EP0627182A1 (fr) * 1993-06-03 1994-12-07 L'oreal Ensemble applicateur pour un produit fluide, notamment un produit cosmétique
WO1995026147A1 (fr) 1994-03-25 1995-10-05 Georg Karl Geka-Brush Gmbh Tube de mascara pourvu d'un systeme de raclage
GB2312617A (en) 1996-05-03 1997-11-05 Geka Mfg Ltd Cosmetics applicator; brush wiper
EP0900534A1 (fr) 1997-09-08 1999-03-10 Geka Manufacturing Ltd. Elément et ensemble
DE19744181A1 (de) 1997-10-07 1999-04-08 Geka Brush Georg Karl Gmbh Kosmetik-Einheit

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US4527575A (en) * 1981-09-14 1985-07-09 The Bridgeport Metal Goods Manufacturing Co. Contoured flocked cosmetics brush flexers
US4802797A (en) * 1985-05-21 1989-02-07 Cole Rodney D Material applicator assembly and wiper therefor
FR2722381B1 (fr) * 1994-07-12 1997-02-28 Oreal Applicateur pour l'application d'un produit liquide et ensemble de maquillage muni d'un tel applicateur
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4175574A (en) * 1977-05-16 1979-11-27 Zulberti Carlos A Cosmetics applicator device
GB2097662A (en) 1981-05-04 1982-11-10 Oreal Serrated wiper
EP0627182A1 (fr) * 1993-06-03 1994-12-07 L'oreal Ensemble applicateur pour un produit fluide, notamment un produit cosmétique
WO1995026147A1 (fr) 1994-03-25 1995-10-05 Georg Karl Geka-Brush Gmbh Tube de mascara pourvu d'un systeme de raclage
GB2312617A (en) 1996-05-03 1997-11-05 Geka Mfg Ltd Cosmetics applicator; brush wiper
EP0900534A1 (fr) 1997-09-08 1999-03-10 Geka Manufacturing Ltd. Elément et ensemble
DE19744181A1 (de) 1997-10-07 1999-04-08 Geka Brush Georg Karl Gmbh Kosmetik-Einheit

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1334673A3 (fr) * 2002-02-08 2004-01-28 Beiersdorf AG Essoreur pour applicateurs cosmétiques
EP1334673A2 (fr) * 2002-02-08 2003-08-13 Beiersdorf AG Essoreur pour applicateurs cosmétiques
FR2868268A1 (fr) * 2004-04-02 2005-10-07 Techpack Int Sa Essoreur ameliore et distributeur de produit comprenant ledit essoreur
EP1614367A1 (fr) * 2004-07-06 2006-01-11 L'oreal Dispositif de conditionnement et d'application d'un produit
FR2872687A1 (fr) * 2004-07-06 2006-01-13 Oreal Dispositif de conditionnement et d'application d'un produit
US7452151B2 (en) 2004-07-06 2008-11-18 L'oreal Device for packaging and application of a product
US8201566B2 (en) 2007-05-15 2012-06-19 Geka Brush Gmbh Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product
EP1992251A1 (fr) * 2007-05-15 2008-11-19 Geka Brush Gmbh Petites brosses cosmétiques dotées de nombreuses soies destinées à l'application d'un produit cosmétique
WO2010094886A3 (fr) * 2009-02-17 2010-10-14 Cep Tubes Tube de mascara fabricable en grande serie, procede de fabrication et application
CN102413730B (zh) * 2009-04-30 2016-01-27 株式会社吉野工业所 带有涂敷器的容器
CN102413730A (zh) * 2009-04-30 2012-04-11 株式会社吉野工业所 带有涂敷器的容器
US8651760B2 (en) 2009-10-27 2014-02-18 L'oreal Device including an applicator for applying a cosmetic or care-product composition
FR2951621A1 (fr) * 2009-10-27 2011-04-29 Oreal Dispositif comportant un applicateur de produit cosmetique ou de soin.
US9247801B2 (en) 2010-03-15 2016-02-02 Rpc Bramlage Gmbh Receptacle
CN110022716A (zh) * 2016-12-13 2019-07-16 莱雅公司 具有涂抹器和擦拭器的配方包装
WO2019129935A1 (fr) 2017-12-29 2019-07-04 Simp Dispositif d'essorage pour applicateur de produit cosmetique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60022828D1 (de) 2005-11-03
JP4722259B2 (ja) 2011-07-13
GB0016320D0 (en) 2000-08-23
DE60022828T2 (de) 2006-07-06
EP1066771B1 (fr) 2005-09-28
JP2001061547A (ja) 2001-03-13
GB2352167A (en) 2001-01-24

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