EP1796506B1 - Applicator and method for production of an applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for producing an applicator (12) with a holding section (18) and an applicator section (30), comprises injection moulding the applicator onto the holding section using an injection moulding machine. The applicator consists of plastic while the holder consists of a harder material. A mixed layer (32) is formed between the applicator and the holder. The moulding takes place at 60-80oC. The applicator consists of silicone rubber while the holder consists of a thermoplastic, eg polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polyacetate, polyacetal, polystyrol or polyamide.

Description

The invention relates to an applicator with a holding part and an applicator part for distributing a cosmetic preparation on the skin, semi-mucous membrane or mucosa and a method for producing such an applicator.

Applicators of this type are in the cosmetics industry in a separate execution or on various cosmetic products, especially on wood or plastic covered cosmetic pencils at one end as a means for distributing or blending the skin, semi-mucous membrane or mucous membrane (eyelids, lips or the like.) found cosmetic preparation. As a cosmetic preparation, all types of liquid, pasty, gelatinous or powdery substances come into question. The applicator should help, for example, a uniform coverage by the cosmetic preparation on the skin, to achieve an order on a precisely demarcated area of the skin, to sharpen contours, to create (streak-free) transitions, to produce shades and the like.

Such applicators are known to consist of a holding part made of metal or plastic (holding clamp), in which the applicator part of any, usually soft plastic material, such as foam, Soft rubber, sponge rubber, a plastic molding or the like. By clamping and / or gluing is attached.

So it is an element of two - in some cases even more - different materials that are produced at different production sites and - not infrequently - mounted in a different location. A metalware manufacturer supplies, for example, a metal molding as a holding clamp, a plastics processor a corresponding plastic molding as an applicator and in a separate operation then the applicator is possibly composed of these individual components of a third manufacturer.

Since the applicator is wetted in use by the end user with the cosmetic preparation, it is usually provided with a cap, a so-called. "Schooner", which - originating from whatever source - at least in a further operation on the mounted applicator is plugged , The manufacturer of the final cosmetic product then attaches the applicator with cap in a final operation on the cosmetic product made by him or other handle.

The manufacturing and processing process of an applicator and thus of the cosmetic end product thus goes through many stations and is therefore expensive. This results in the further disadvantage that the dependency on several manufacturers results in a fault-prone production and delivery situation, since the risk increases that not all involved manufacturer's employees can always provide the required quantity and / or quality of produced individual components.

Furthermore, the applicator parts usually have a very large surface area, in particular if they are made from an open-pored plastic material (foamed) or flocked. This very large surface provides improper processing in conjunction with changing humidity almost ideal living conditions for microorganisms. The applicator parts must therefore be very manufactured and packaged carefully in compliance with specified hygiene guidelines and assembled, further processed, packed and / or stored in the following (assembly) stages up to the processing to the end product with equal care. To prevent microbial loads, the manufactured applicators can also be sterilized after assembly in a manner known to those skilled in the art. It is also possible to admix additives with microbicidal or growth-inhibiting action to the plastics, in particular the applicator part. For example, silver ion donors are suitable for this purpose.

From the DE 202 04 111 For example, a flocked applicator is known from the same Applicant. Flocking is achieved by adhering electrostatically deposited flakes to the surface of the applicator. In this manufacturing process, for example, the above-mentioned microbial load as well as a relatively long depending on the drying time of the adhesive manufacturing time proved to be problematic. Furthermore, it has been found that due to the statistical distribution of the flakes on the surface of the order or the distribution of the cosmetic preparation is not always uniform. This problem even worsens with increasing service life, because the flakes have a tendency to stick depending on the type of cosmetic preparation.

From the US 6,616,366 For example, an applicator brush for applying mascara is known, which can be produced by means of a two-component injection molding process (2K process). In this case, radially protruding bristles are molded from a softer plastic on a rigid plastic core. This molding process is carried out at elevated temperatures, usually in the range of 200 ° C or above. Such a temperature is hostile to life for microorganisms and the applicator thus produced leaves the spraying machine germ-free. If the applicator is completely manufactured in this way in several successive spraying processes in one machine, some of the disadvantages mentioned, such as logistics problems or microbial loads, can be overcome.

While this type of applicator, while for example excellent for applying mascara on the eyelashes and simultaneous separation of the eyelashes, it is not suitable for distributing or blending of cosmetic preparation on the skin, semi-mucous membrane or mucosa due to its surface texture and inherent stability.

US 6,050,271 shows a hair color applicator system with a bottle in which a sponge is provided which is mounted in a recess in a cap of the bottle. Through a hollow tube having a first end disposed within the bottle, hair color may be dispensed from the bottle into the sponge for application to the sponge.

The object of the invention is to provide an applicator which is suitable for distributing or blending of cosmetic preparations on the skin or mucous membrane and overcomes the above drawbacks of a high logistical and production engineering effort and microbial loads.

The object is achieved by an applicator for distributing a cosmetic preparation on the skin, semi-mucous membrane or mucosa with the features of claim 1. It is further achieved by a method for producing such an applicator with the features of claim 43.

In such an applicator having a holding part and an applicator part molded onto the holding part in the longitudinal direction of the applicator, both of which are at least partially made of plastic, wherein the plastic of the holding part is harder than the plastic of the applicator part and wherein the holding part is not in the longitudinal direction of the applicator in forms the Applikatorteil inside extending core, it is possible by the holding part on the one hand to achieve the necessary inherent stability of the applicator and set by the choice of a softer Applikatorteilkunststoffes on the other hand, the desired haptic, entrainment and distribution properties for the particular application. Thus, the applicator part and the Applikatorteilkunststoff can be chosen so that it is tailored to the cosmetic preparation, the specific area of the skin and the preferred contours.

Since the inventive method for producing such an applicator provides that molded in the two-component injection molding process, the applicator in the longitudinal direction of the applicator to the holding part by means of a spraying machine - instead of as in the case of the known mascara brushes - is, the holding part does not form a hard core. For the applicator or more precisely the applicator part is a much higher degree of flexibility than in the known mascara brushes or the example flocked applicators available. Furthermore, the disadvantages of the complex production and the microbial load compared to the last-mentioned applicators are solved in a simple manner, since the injection molding of the Applikatorteilkunststoffs, as mentioned, takes place in hostile conditions for microorganisms.

Particularly preferably, the holding part is at least partially made of plastic in the same injection molding machine in an injection molding preceding the injection molding of the applicator.

It is not crucial that the holding part is completely generated in the preceding injection molding of the holding part plastic or consists exclusively of plastic. Likewise, at least one insert, for example made of metal, wood or thermosetting plastic in the form of a clamp or as a latching element for subsequent connection with the cosmetic pencil or the like. In the injection machine are inserted before the injection of the holding part, so that during the injection process, d. H. during the encapsulation with the holding part plastic, a composite molded part is formed. The sterility is thus ensured even in this case, as may be killed with the insert in the injection molding machine bacteria or microorganisms already during the encapsulation with the holding part plastic.

It is advantageous if the spraying of the applicator part takes place such that a mixing layer is formed between the applicator part and the holding part. In this way, a material-secure connection between the holding part and the applicator is generated and at the same time niches between holding part and applicator are avoided, in which microorganisms accumulate preferentially, as the materials merge smoothly into each other. The mixing also has the effect that the applicator part can no longer be detached from the holding part in a non-destructive manner. It takes place in a transition region of the holding part to the applicator, where by the injection molding of the hot applicator material Surface of the holding part is melted. The mixing layer is formed by mixing the Applikatorteilkunststoffes and the holding part plastic when molding the Applikatorteils to the holding part.

Depending on the material, this effect is intensified by the fact that injection molding takes place after the injection process for the production of the holding part before its complete cooling down to ambient or room temperature. A favorable processing temperature of the holding part material is between 30 ° C and 80 ° C and preferably between 60 ° C and 80 ° C. This corresponds to a preferred cooling time after spraying the holding part depending on the material thickness of the holding part and the ambient temperature of 10 to 25 seconds , In the case of other materials, however, the injection molding can also take place at a lower processing temperature (5 ° C. or less). In any case, by selectively selecting the processing temperature which is suitable for the material, the holding part can be melted more or less strongly when the applicator part is sprayed on, and thus the thickness of the mixing layer can be adjusted. An advantageous mixing layer thickness is between 1/100 mm to a few 1/10 mm. Optionally, the holding part can also be preheated prior to injection of the applicator. The formation of a mixing layer can in this way also be controlled independently of the production of the holding part and, in principle, can also be transferred to inserts made of thermoplastic material or the like.

Alternatively or in addition to the material-mixing layer, the connecting layer has a positive connection between the applicator part and the holding part.

To further increase the hygiene conditions, a cap / schooner is made in the same or a second injection molding machine located near the spraying machine for the applicator, preferably at the same time, with the injection molding of the applicator part. The cap or the schooner is particularly preferably placed in a further process step in the same spraying machine after the injection of the applicator on the applicator, so as the safest way to avoid contact with germs. Alternatively, the cap is placed on a mounting device between the spraying machine for the applicator and the second spraying machine for the cap on the applicator.

The haptic properties of the applicator part can preferably be further developed in that the applicator part is formed by a sheath which at least partially encloses a cavity. Depending on the wall thickness of the jacket, such a large range of variability in the deformability of the applicator part, i. with respect to the increase of the contact area between the applicator part and the skin in dependence on the pressure applied during application. In this way, the flexibility of the applicator depending on the viscosity of the mass to be applied can be adjusted so that in coordination with the respective cosmetic preparation and the application area optimal handling in terms of distribution and veneering is achieved.

Such an applicator can be produced by a method in which an injection mold is used when the applicator part is injection-molded onto the holding part, which has a core to be encapsulated which is removed from the applicator to form the cavity of the applicator part after solidification of the applicator part plastic.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the Applikatorteilkunststoff is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). On the one hand, this may be a block copolymer which consists of blocks of different monomers. Due to the variation possibilities of the chemical composition and "architecture" of the molecular chains, it is possible to produce plastics with different properties. Due to the insolubility of the individual sequences of the chains, agglomerates or physical networks of the individual building blocks are formed in the plastic. This category includes, for example, styrene block copolymers, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, soft polyolefin thermoplastics or thermoplastic polyamide. On the other hand, a TPE blend consisting of a thermoplastic matrix and elastic particles can be used. By melting the matrix, the material can be processed like a thermoplastic, the elastic particles give the plastic its elastic usability. It is important to have good mixing and adhesion of the matrix to the particles. This type of material includes PP-EPDM, PP-NR, PP-IIR blends or Polyolifinthermoplaste as PP-EPM blend.

By using a suitable TPE material, a wide range of mechanical, haptic, optical or dynamic properties can be achieved, such as a wide range of hardness, temperature resistance, deformation resistance, oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance, weatherability, processability, adhesion to the holding part plastics, dyeability , Damping, strength, abrasion and the like.

In particular, with regard to the haptic properties, it proves to be advantageous to use a thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness of 2 to 45 Shore A. And with a material hardness of 5 to 12 Shore A and a wall thickness of 0.8 to 1.3 mm of the sheath of the applicator part can be at a length of the applicator of 3 to 7 mm and more preferably 5 mm very good mechanical and haptic at the same time Achieve properties. Another preferred embodiment provides a wall thickness of 0.5 to 1 mm and an extension of the applicator in the longitudinal direction of the applicator (head length) of 5 mm to 14 mm and more preferably from 5 mm to 10 mm at a hardness of 10 to 45 Shore A. in front. In particular, a thermoplastic silicone elastomer has been found to be the preferred applicator plastic in this field.

In particular, by the use of thermoplastic elastomer as a blend with silicone content, an excellent release effect of the material at a set hardness of 10 to 40 Shore A can be achieved. For this purpose, in particular a thermoplastic silicone elastomer is suitable.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the haptic properties can be improved in that the applicator part has a surface structure with a multiplicity of structural elements whose extent perpendicular to the applicator part surface is less than 1.2 mm. Depending on the ergonomics of the entire applicator and after the application application and the cosmetic preparation to be applied, the surface structure may have a preferred direction. As a result, various effects, such as a velor effect, and different entrainment properties for the cosmetic preparation can be adjusted. This ensures an improved distribution and / or blending of the cosmetic preparation with at the same time more pleasant feeling during the skin contact.

In the method according to the invention for producing such an applicator, an injection mold with a laser-sintered negative of the surface profile of the applicator part is preferably used when the applicator part plastic is injected onto the holding part. As a result, a desired regularity of the surface structure with desired profile depth of the structural elements can be produced in a simple and reproducible manner, as is not the case with the known methods. Depending on the elasticity of the applicator part or hardness of the Applikatorteilkunststoffs on the one hand any feeling (eg velvety, rough, smooth, rubbery, etc.) and on the other hand depending on the properties of the cosmetic preparation (viscosity, surface adhesion, etc. ) achieve a desired depot and / or entrainment effect and / or a (pressure-dependent) release behavior.

Depending on the application, different geometric arrangements and dimensions of nubs, lines, grooves, strips, waves, honeycombs, cups, cams or the like may be preferred as surface structures of the applicator part. These can be regular or irregular. It can be so from those with a closed surface to those with an open-pored surface, as z. B. has a sponge applicator, a plurality of applicators are simulated.

The geometric design of the applicator itself can be in almost any way, z. B. wedge-shaped, convex, cylindrical, with or without (flat) application surfaces (flattening), as a spherical body, in projectile form, as a cone, plate, brush, or in other design forms depending on ergonomics and design aspects are designed.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kosmetikstifts mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Applikator;

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Schnittzeichnung des Applikators aus Fig. 1 mit Abdeckkappe;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des Applikatorteils einer ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer borstenartigen Oberflächenstruktur;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht des Applikatorteils einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer borstenartigen Oberflächenstruktur;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht des Applikatorteils einer dritten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer lammellenartigen Oberflächenstruktur;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht des Applikatorteils einer vierten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer kronenartigen Oberflächenstruktur;

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht des Applikatorteils einer fünften Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer noppenartigen Oberflächenstruktur;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht des Applikatorteils einer sechsten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer noppenartigen Oberflächenstruktur;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Applikatorteils einer siebten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer lamellenartigen Oberflächenstruktur;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Applikatorteils einer achten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer weiteren lamellenartigen Oberflächenstruktur; und

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht des Applikatorteils eines erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer weiteren borstenartigen Oberflächenstruktur.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment with the aid of the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a cosmetic pencil with an applicator according to the invention;

Fig. 2

an enlarged sectional drawing of the applicator Fig. 1 with cover cap;

Fig. 3

a side view of the applicator of a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a bristle-like surface structure;

Fig. 4

a side view of the applicator part of a second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a bristle-like surface structure;

Fig. 5

a side view of the applicator part of a third embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a lamellar surface structure;

Fig. 6

a side view of the applicator part of a fourth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a crown-like surface structure;

Fig. 7

a side view of the applicator of a fifth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a knob-like surface structure;

Fig. 8

a side view of the applicator of a sixth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a knob-like surface structure;

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the applicator of a seventh embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a lamellar surface structure;

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the Applikatorteils an eighth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a further lamellar surface structure; and

Fig. 11

a side view of the applicator part of an applicator according to the invention with a further bristle-like surface structure.

The cosmetic pencil according to Fig. 1 has an applicator 12 according to the invention at one end of its shaft 10. The cosmetic pencil shown may be both a wooden pin and a plastic pin, which has in its shaft 10 a memory of any kind or a refill for the preparation to be applied. For example, in the case of a cosmetic pencil having a lead, the cosmetic preparation may be applied as indicated by a pencil after sharpening the end 14 opposite to the applicator 12 and drawn with the aid of the applicator, sharpened or provided with transitions. Alternatively, the applicator 12 may also be configured in the form of a separate brush, brush or spatula-like application element as an addition to a cosmetic product or as part of a make-up set. These list of application examples of the applicator according to the invention are not to be understood as exhaustive.

The applicator 12 is closed with a cap or a schooner 16. Therefore, in Fig. 1 the applicator part is not visible. Only a portion of a holding part 18, with which the cap 16 in the in Fig. 2 shown in more detail form-fitting manner and connects the applicator with the shaft 10 of the cosmetic pencil is visible in the area between cap 16 and shaft 10.

In the detail enlargement according to Fig. 2 the applicator 12 is shown in cross-section. On the shaft 10 of the cosmetic pencil, the holding part 18 of the applicator is attached. In this case, the holding part and the shaft are in a located at the lower end of the holding part mounting portion 20 by clamping with additional elements 22 of a positive snap connection consisting of an annular projection on the inner circumference of the holding part 18 and a corresponding, circumferential annular groove in the shaft 10, connected to each other , If necessary, the durability of the compound can be enhanced by additional bonding (for example by hot glue). However, the joining between the applicator 12 and the shaft 10 of the cosmetic pencil takes place only in a final assembly process. The actual cosmetic pencil as well as the applicator are usually supplied by different manufacturers and assembled independently of the individual production. However, this can be done in the inventive applicator without risk of contamination, since it was initially made germ-free and sealed with a saver before it is put on the way and can not come to final assembly with microorganisms or other contaminants in contact.

The holding part 18 then has, on the mounting portion 20, a closure portion 24 tapered in cross-section for fastening and sealing the covering cap 16. The closure portion 24 in turn has elements 26 of a positive connection, consisting of an interrupted or continuous circumferential, annular projection on the inner circumference of the cap 16, which engages in a corresponding annular groove on the circumference of the holding part 18 by a so-called. (Releasable) click connection. The elements 26 The positive connection can also be designed so that a gas-tight closure between the cap and the holding part is achieved so that, for example, fluids in the cosmetic preparation do not volatilize, so the preparation does not "dry out". The gas-tight closure can of course also be achieved by separate sealing elements.

Continuing with the closure section 24, a holding section 28 for fastening the applicator section 30 adjoins the holding section 18. In the present case, the applicator part 30 is designed as a hollow body in the form of a projectile. The hollow body is produced according to the invention by injection molding onto the holding part 18 in a corresponding injection mold with a core to be encapsulated, which is removed from the applicator to form the cavity of the applicator part after the applicator part plastic solidifies. If the holding part 18 is preferably made of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate, polyacetal, polystyrene or its copolymers, or polyamide and the applicator 30 of thermoplastic elastomer, silicone rubber, NBR, plasticized PVC or the like. Immediately after Spraying the holding part 18 molded onto this, a connecting layer 32 is formed, in which the various plastics of the holding part 18 and of the applicator part 30 are mixed with one another (for example by diffusion). When cutting such an applicator, this mixing layer can be detected or analyzed with the naked eye or under the microscope. Depending on the temperature of the holding part, the bonding layer 32 will be thicker or less thick when the applicator part is sprayed on.

Regardless of the connection between the holding part 18 and the applicator 30 through the mixing layer 32, this compound layer has elements 34 of a positive connection, namely a circumferential annular groove on the outer circumference of the holding part 18 and a corresponding, circumferential annular projection on the inner circumference of the applicator 30 on.

These elements 34 may be provided, as shown, in addition to the connection by mixing to improve the strength of the connection between Holding member 18 and applicator 30 increase without deteriorating the hygiene properties, but are not mandatory.

In Fig. 3 the applicator part of the applicator according to the invention is shown according to a first embodiment, the surface structure having a plurality of structural elements in the form of bristles. The applicator part is rotationally symmetrical about its vertical axis in this representation, which coincides with the longitudinal direction of extension of the applicator (not shown). In the manner shown, the applicator with its wide (lower) end of the holding part, not shown in the in Fig. 1 molded manner illustrated. The applicator part tapers in the longitudinal direction with increasing distance from the holding part (not shown). The degree of rejuvenation increases towards the tip, resulting in a characteristic bullet shape. The bristles are in Fig. 3 - as in the following Fig. 4 to 11 Also - enlarged for illustrative purposes. In the case of the Fig. 3 an average diameter of about 0.3 mm at a length of 0.5 mm. The bristles are all substantially perpendicular to the applicator part surface.

In Fig. 4 Also shown is an applicator portion in the characteristic bullet shape having bristle-like features on its surface. The dimensions of the individual bristles are, however, compared to those of the embodiment Fig. 3 chosen differently. The diameter of the individual bristles is approximately 0.2 mm, while their length is approximately 0.8 mm. Also, in this embodiment, the bristles are not applied over the entire area of the applicator part surface. This configuration results in larger spaces between the individual bristles, which, together with the smaller cross-section and the greater length of the bristles, contribute to making the bristles more flexible overall, that is to say they are easier to deform when pressure is applied. On the other hand, the larger distances cause a larger volume to be accommodated for the cosmetic preparation (holding volume) to be distributed than in the applicator previously shown. On the other hand, the capillary force is reduced due to the larger bristle spacings. In this way, on the one hand, the entrainment capability and the dispensing behavior of the applicator depending on the viscosity and texture of the cosmetic preparation and on the other hand, the sensation on the skin during application of the preparation to the particular need to be adjusted. Further adjustments can be achieved beyond the hardness of the Applikatorteilkunststoffes used. Finally, it should be noted that the application properties can still be changed by an adjustable preferred direction of the structural elements. For example, in Fig. 4 to recognize that the bristles in the lower portion of the applicator have a slight inclination upwards - that is not perpendicular to the applicator part surface - whereby the applicator part in a direction when the applicator in its longitudinal direction (down) is passed over the skin, Slips easily over the skin.

At the in Fig. 5 As shown in the embodiment of the applicator part, the surface structure consists of annularly closed lamellae, which are arranged substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal extension direction of the applicator, which in turn coincides with the rotational symmetry axis of the applicator part shown. The height of the individual lamellae, ie their extension perpendicular to the applicator surface is in the illustrated embodiment at 0.2 mm. This comparatively low structure has only low deformability. For the entrainment properties in the longitudinal direction of the applicator are better. With this applicator, a particularly uniform veneering can be achieved in particular by tougher textures. In addition, due to the rotational symmetry, the orientation of the applicator about the axis of rotation irrelevant, which simplifies the handling of the applicator.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of an applicator with crowns as structural elements. The crowns are hexagonal and have circumferentially each arranged at the corners of prongs. The cross sections of the crowns are different. In the region of the applicator part with a larger cross section, the cross section of the crowns is also increased, while the cross section of the crowns in the region of the tapered applicator part tip is also smaller. The prongs of the crowns have a length of about 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm above the Base surface of the Applikatorteils, while the surface of the crowns is formed in the center of each cup-shaped. The peculiarity of the crown structure lies in the fact that, even with a tapered tip of the applicator part, an arrangement of prongs which is repeated in the same way and with almost uniform intervals between the crowns over the entire applicator part is established. Overall, such a good coverage of the applicator is guaranteed with structural elements, which ensures a uniform application of cosmetic preparations without banding.

The embodiment according to Fig. 7 shows an applicator, which is characterized on the one hand by a larger dimension in the longitudinal direction. As a result, with the same wall thickness of the envelope of the hollow applicator part and with the same hardness of the Applikatorteilkunststoffs a higher degree of deformability and thus Anschmiegung the Applikatorteils achieved on the skin. The structural elements on this applicator part surface are nubs. These differ from the bristles according to 3 and 4 through rounded ends. The bristles are not so high in their extension perpendicular to the Applikatorteiloberfläche. They have a height of about 0.35 mm with a diameter of about 0.2 mm. Due to the rounded tips of the nubs, these in turn trigger a different sensation when applied to the skin. The pimples glide over the skin softer than the bristles, even with greater hardness of the plastic. Because of the lack of sharp edges their driving characteristics are somewhat reduced. In the in Fig. 7 The embodiment shown, the density of the bristles is very high, which reduces the holding volume for the cosmetic preparation to be distributed but increases the holding force due to the capillary forces and thus the veneering properties of the applicator.

In Fig. 8 an embodiment of an applicator according to the invention is shown, which in turn has knobs as structural elements. These extend 0.25 mm perpendicular to the Applikatorteiloberfläche and have an overall less dense distribution on the applicator. Also, the distribution on the applicator part surface is more irregular. As a result, in total - similar to a coarse comb - a coarser distribution of the cosmetic preparation can be achieved, optionally with a targeted banding.

In the FIGS. 9 and 10 In each case applicator parts are shown, which have at their end facing the holding part a cylindrical connecting portion 910 and 1010. At this point, the applicator are molded onto the respective holding part, not shown. Furthermore, the applicator parts each have two opposite, substantially planar flattenings 912 and 914 or 1012 and 1014. The flattenings are inclined relative to one another so that the applicator part tapers off from the respective connection surface 910 or 1010 in a wedge-shaped manner. In the plane of the flattenings, the applicator part essentially maintains its dimensions over the entire length of the head. The applicator part also has a narrow, substantially flat flattening 916 or 1016 at its end-side end opposite the respective connection surface 910 or 1010. All three flattenings 912, 914, 916 and 1012, 1014, 1016 are provided with lamellar structural elements. These lamellar structural elements are partially closed annular, partially not. In particular, the lateral area-like flattenings 912 and 914 or 1012 and 1014 offer an enlarged contact surface of the applicator part for application to the skin. As a result, larger areas of the skin can be concealed simultaneously or distribute the cosmetic preparation located thereon. For finer contours, the narrower structures on the respective end flattenings 916, 1016 are suitable.

In Fig. 11 a further embodiment of an applicator with bristle-like structural elements is shown. The individual bristles have a diameter of 0.35 mm and a height above the applicator part surface of 0.8 mm. The applicator sub-surface is further subdivided into "macroscopic" structures, within which different numbers of bristles are arranged with uniform packing density. Between the individual macroscopic areas there are gaps in which no structural elements are provided. This applicator part furthermore has, on its front end opposite the connection section, an inclined surface to the longitudinal axis, which allows a particularly good ergonomic handling when distributing cosmetic compositions with obliquely employed applicator.

All embodiments of applicator parts shown have in common that they only have a small increase in surface area in comparison to, for example, flocked applicators. H. have a lower surface area in relation to the Applikatorteilgrundfläche, whereby the risk of microbial loads are reduced even after the first application.

The driving ability (the holding volume and the holding force) can be set much more targeted by the choice of suitable structural elements and thus to each application, d. H. individually to the specific area of the skin and the properties of the cosmetic preparation (viscosity, surface adhesion, coverage). This is facilitated by the injection molding method according to the invention, which is characterized by the use of an injection mold with a laser-sintered negative of the surface profile of the applicator.

The entrainment capability can also be adjusted to the particular application by suitably selecting the frictional resistance, for example, by making a suitable choice of the Applikatorteilkunststoffes and its hardness.

By forming a cavity in the interior of the applicator and the appropriate choice of the wall thickness and the Applikatorteilkunststoffes the deformation of the applicator and thus the surface enlargement can be adjusted very targeted by the pressure applied during application, which also achieves the respective desired application result depending on the product ,

In principle, any surface structure may have one or more preferential directions that are not necessarily perpendicular to the applicator sub-surface have to stand. The preferred direction of the structural elements can be adjusted depending on the ergonomic handling of the applicator depending on the intended application.

The exemplified structures can also be used in combination on the same applicator part. For example, different structures for different applications (blending, distributing, etc.) may be provided on opposite surfaces of the same applicator part. It is also possible to mix the structural elements on an application surface or over the entire applicator part.

Claims (54)

1. An applicator (12) for applying a cosmetic preparation on the skin, semimucous membranes or mucous membranes with
   a retainer part (18) and an applicator part (30) being injection-moulded on the retainer part (18) in longitudinal direction of the applicator (12)
   wherein both the retainer part (18) and the applicator part (30) consist at least partially of plastic, and the plastic of the retainer part (18) is harder than the plastic of the applicator part (30), and
   wherein the retainer part (18) does not form a core extending into the applicator part (30),
   characterized in
   that the retainer part (30) has a retainer portion (28), and
   that the applicator part (30) is injection-moulded in longitudinal direction of the applicator (12) by means of a connecting portion (910; 1010) on the retainer portion (28) by forming a connection layer (32).
2. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 1,
   characterized in that the connection layer (32) between the retainer portion (28) of the retainer part (18) and the connecting portion (910; 1010) of the applicator part (30) has a mixture layer consisting of the plastic of the applicator part and the plastic of the retainer part.
3. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 2,
   characterized in that the thickness of the mixture layer is between 1/100 mm and several 1/10 mm.
4. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 2 or 3,
   characterized in that the connection layer (32) has a form-fitting connection (34) between the connecting portion (910; 1010) of the applicator part (30) and the retainer portion (28) of the retainer part (18).
5. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
   characterized in that the applicator part (30) is formed by a sheath, at least partially enclosing a cavity.
6. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 5,
   characterized in that the applicator part (30) has an expansion in longitudinal direction of less than 14 mm.
7. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
   characterized in that the applicator part (30) extends at least in portions rotationally symmetric in the longitudinal direction of the applicator (12).
8. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
   characterized in that the applicator part (30) tapers in longitudinal direction of the applicator (12) away from the retainer part (18).
9. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
   characterized in that the applicator part (30) has at least one substantially plane flatness (916, 1016).
10. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
    characterized in that the plastic of the applicator part comprises silicone rubber.
11. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that the plastic of the applicator part comprises plasticized PVC.
12. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
    characterized in that the plastic of the applicator part is a thermoplastic elastomer.
13. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 12,
    characterized in that a block copolymer is used for the plastic of the applicator part.
14. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 12,
    characterized in that the thermoplastic elastomer is formed by a mixture of a thermoplastic substance with elastic particles (Blend).
15. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 12 to 14,
    characterized in that the thermoplastic elastomer has a hardness from 2 to 45 Shore A.
16. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 15,
    characterized in that the thermoplastic elastomer has a hardness from 5 Shore A to 12 Shore A.
17. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 5 to 16,
    characterized in that the sheath has a wall thickness from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm and an expansion in longitudinal direction from 3 mm to 7 mm.
18. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 17,
    characterized in that the sheath has a wall thickness from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm at a hardness from 5 Shore A to 12 Shore A, and an expansion in longitudinal direction of about 5 mm.
19. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 15,
    characterized in that the sheath has a wall thickness from 0.5 mm to 1 mm at a hardness from 10 Shore A to 45 Shore A, and an expansion in longitudinal direction from 5 mm to 10 mm.
20. The applicator (12) at least as claimed in claim 15,
    characterized in that a thermoplastic silicone elastomer with a hardness from 10 to 30 Shore A is used for the plastic of the applicator part.
21. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
    characterized in that the applicator part (30) has a surface structure with a variety of structural elements.
22. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 21,
    characterized in that the structural elements have an expansion perpendicular to the surface of the applicator part of less than 1.2 mm.
23. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 21 or 22, characterized in that the structural elements comprise burlings.
24. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 23,
    characterized in that the burlings have an expansion perpendicular to the surface of the applicator part between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm, and in particular of 0.2 mm.
25. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 24,
    characterized in that the burlings have a diameter between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, and in particular a diameter of 0.2 mm.
26. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 21 or 22,
    characterized in that the structural elements comprise crowns with respectively circumferentially arranged jags.
27. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 26,
    characterized in that the crowns are hexagonal, wherein at each corner a jag is arranged respectively.
28. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 26 or 27, characterized in that the crowns have different cross-sections.
29. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 26 to 28,
    characterized in that the jags have an expansion perpendicular to the surface of the applicator part between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, and in particular an expansion of 0.4 mm.
30. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 21 or 22,
    characterized in that the structural elements comprise fins.
31. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 30,
    characterized in that the fins have an expansion perpendicular to the surface of the applicator part between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, and in particular of 0.2 mm.
32. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 30 or 31,
    characterized in that the fins are orientated substantially laterally to the longitudinal direction of the applicator.
33. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 30 or 31,
    characterized in that the fins are closed in a ring shape.
34. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 33,
    characterized in that the fin rings are substantially rotationally symmetric around the longitudinal direction of the applicator.
35. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 33,
    characterized in that the fin rings are substantially arranged on the plane flatness (916, 1016).
36. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the claims 21 or 22,
    characterized in that the structural elements comprise bristles.
37. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 36,
    characterized in that the bristles have an extension perpendicular to the surface of the applicator part between 0.3 mm and 1 mm.
38. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 37,
    characterized in that the bristles have a diameter from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, by an expansion between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm perpendicular to the surface of the applicator part.
39. The applicator (12) as claimed in claim 37,
    characterized in that the bristles have a diameter from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, by an expansion between 0.7 mm and 1 mm perpendicular to the surface of the applicator part.
40. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
    characterized in that the plastic of the retainer part comprises a thermoplastic resin, preferably polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate, polyacetal, polystyrene or its copolymers, or polyamide.
41. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
    characterized in that the retainer part (18) at least partially consists of thermosetting plastic.
42. The applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims, characterized in that the retainer part (18) partially consists of metal.
43. A method for producing an applicator (12) as claimed in any one of the above claims,
    with the method step of injection-moulding the applicator part (30) in longitudinal direction of the applicator on the retainer part (18) by means of an injection-moulding machine,
    wherein the retainer part (18) is produced at least partially by plastic in the same injection-moulding machine in an injection-moulding operation prior to the injection-moulding of the applicator part (30), and
    wherein the injection-moulding is carried out such that a mixture layer (32) is generated between the applicator part (30) and the retainer part (30),
    wherein the applicator part (30) is injection-moulded in longitudinal direction of the applicator (12) by means of the connecting portion (910, 1010) at the retainer portion (28), by forming of a mixture layer (32), such that the retainer part (18) does not form a core extending in longitudinal direction into the applicator part (30).
44. The method as claimed in claim 43,
    characterized in that a form-fitting connection (34) is produced between the applicator part (30) and the retainer part (18) when injection-moulding.
45. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 or 44,
    characterized in that the injection-moulding is carried out after the injection-moulding operation for producing the retainer part (18) and before the complete cooling of the retainer part (18) to ambient temperature.
46. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 or 45,
    characterized in that the injection-moulding is carried out at a processing temperature for the retainer part material between 30°C and 80°C.
47. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 to 46,
    characterized in that during injection-moulding an injection-moulding die is used, which comprises a core injection-moulded around, which is separated from the applicator after the setting of the plastic of the applicator part, for forming a cavity of the applicator part.
48. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 to 47,
    characterized in that during injection-moulding an injection-moulding die with a laser sintered negative of the surface profile of the applicator part (30) is inserted.
49. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 to 48,
    characterized in that the retainer part (18) is produced by a thermoplastic resin, preferably polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate, polyacetal, polystyrene or its copolymers, or polyamide.
50. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 to 49,
    characterized in that the retainer part (18) comprises an insert made of thermosetting plastic, being inserted in the injection-moulding machine before the injection-moulding of the applicator part (30) and/or the insert-moulding with the plastic of the retainer part.
51. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 to 50,
    characterized in that the retainer part (18) comprises an insert made of metal, which is inserted in the injection-moulding machine before the injection-moulding of the applicator part (30) and/or the insert-moulding with the plastic of the retainer part.
52. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 43 to 51,
    characterized in that a cover cap (16) is produced in the same or in a second injection-moulding machine being arranged near by the injection-moulding machine for the applicator part (30), preferably simultaneously to the injection-moulding of the applicator part (30).
53. The method as claimed in claim 52,
    characterized in that the cover cap (16) is set onto the applicator part (30) after the injection-moulding of the applicator part (30) in the injection-moulding machine.
54. The method as claimed in claim 53,
    characterized in that the cover cap (16) is set onto the applicator part (30) on a mounting device between the injection-moulding machine for the applicator part (30) and the second injection-moulding machine for the cover cap.

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