EP1799070B1 - Application device - Google Patents

Abstract

An applicator device for a liquid, gel-like, pasty or powder product, in particular for a cosmetic product, comprising a container (B) in which a product to be applied is accommodated and which includes at least one outlet opening ( 20 ) for the stored product, an applicator unit ( 30 ) and a closure element (V) to which the applicator unit ( 30 ) is mounted and which is reversibly connected to the container (B) such that when the closure element (V) is connected to the container (B) the closure element closes the outlet opening ( 20 ) for the product, wherein the container (B) provides for actively conveying the product disposed therein. The applicator device further involves a storage sleeve ( 24 ) which projects into the interior of the container (B) and which is open outwardly and which is completely closed off in relation to the product, for receiving the applicator unit ( 30 ) when the closure element (V) is connected to the container (B), the storage sleeve being arranged substantially coaxially with respect to the longitudinal center line (M) of the container (B), and that the outlet opening ( 20 ) for the product is arranged decentrally in relation to the center line (M) of the container (B).

Description

The invention relates to an application device for a liquid, gelatinous, pasty or powdery product, in particular a cosmetic product according to the preamble of claim 1. Such an application device is for example made GB 1 349 659 A known. Further relevant prior art is in EP 1 273 526 A1 disclosed. The device according to the invention can be used to apply care products or decorative cosmetics. The cosmetic product can be, for example, make-up, cheek rouge, lip rouge, lip balm, mascara, hair mascara, eyeshadow, lipliner, eyeliner, care products, sun products or spot-applied products such as anti-wrinkle products, anti-acne products or pharmaceutical or dermatological Specialties act.

Generic applicators usually consist of a usually elongated container, which can accommodate the cosmetic product and which is equipped with a threaded neck. The container can be closed by screwing a removable cap sealing element as a closure element on the neck of the container.

An applicator unit is attached to the closure element. This can for example be designed in such a way that with the removable cap, a stem is permanently connected, which carries an applicator at its free end. In the neck of the container usually means for stripping the application element and the stem are attached to an excess to remove the product to be applied. Such an application device is for example off DE 37 30 838 A1 known.

A disadvantage of application devices of the type mentioned is that the applicator element as intended and repeatedly comes into contact with the surface of the human body, so with skin, Semi-mucous membranes, mucous membranes and hair and then again with the cosmetic product. The surface of the human body is never sterile, but always has a more or less pronounced germ flora, which can also have pathogenic microbes in addition to ubiquitous, in itself harmless microorganisms. The repeated contact of the applicator element with the surface of the human skin on the one hand and the product to be applied on the other hand thus represents a serious hygienic problem, which can not be controlled by the use of preservatives in such products. Although preservatives are used for product protection, they do not serve for preventive hygiene in the sense of disinfecting the applicator element. It should also be mentioned that cosmetic products, especially if they are in emulsion form, are an excellent breeding ground for microorganisms.

For this reason, for example, were in EP 0 860 124 B1 or DE 199 49 675 A1 proposed technical solutions in which in a resealable application device, the applicator element is kept separate from the cosmetic product when it is not in use. However, these proposals solve the technical problem presented only apparently, as always remains on the applicator a residual amount of cosmetic product that has come into contact with a relatively large amount of skin germs. The applicator element also has a comparatively large surface area and thus offers the microorganisms even better living conditions. During the next use, the applicator element, on which an extensive germ flora may now have developed, again comes into contact with the cosmetic product in the container, and it can thus develop a thoroughly disastrous cycle.

Another disadvantage is the fact that the design options for the applicator are limited by the principle of stripping on the one hand and on the other hand, the applicator is subject to a not inconsiderable wear. An applicator element must be made of a relatively soft and flexible material to give it pleasant application properties. On the other hand, the wiping elements must likewise be made of a flexible material, but they must be considerably harder to fulfill their intended purpose. In addition to brushes, therefore, spatula-like shapes or beveled cylindrical elements, so-called "Deerfoot applicators", are commonly used for the applicator elements. Classic brushes in conjunction with the illustrated systems could not establish themselves in the market, since initially closed hair bundles are spread when passing through a scraper, whereby it is no longer possible to draw with such a modified brush still fine contours. In cosmetic preparations such as lipliners or eyeliners but the drawing of fine lines is absolutely necessary, as well as the tracing of the eyebrows.

From the pre-published US Application 2003/0063945 , which forms the closest prior art, from which the present invention proceeds, an applicator device of the type mentioned is removable. In this known application device, the applicator above the actual, the product to be applied receiving container is arranged in a storage device which is telescopically in the actual container verge displaced. Between the applicator unit and the storage device and the product to be applied there is provided a piston which can likewise be moved reversibly into the container and which is movable together with the storage device for the applicator unit. In order to bring the product to be applied to the applicator, the piston is provided with a centrally arranged passage opening, which is reversibly closed by an elastic closure element. If the storage device and the piston are moved together into the container, the product to be applied passes via the passage opening to the applicator unit, soaks it and thus enables the application of the material to be applied Product. It has proved to be disadvantageous that despite the closure element, the applicator unit and the product located in the container are not separated from each other, but via the closure element a constant product exchange between the supply in the container to the product to be applied to the applicator is possible. As a result, the disadvantages described above can occur.

On this basis, the invention has the object, an applicator device of the aforementioned type such that on the one hand in the closed state no interaction between applicator and cosmetic product can occur and that on the other hand in the removal of a product to be applied from the container prior to the application of Product also can not interact between the applicator unit and the product.

The above object is solved by the features of claim 1. In the subsequent claims 2 to 10 are advantageous embodiments of this.

By providing the means for actively conveying the product in the container to the container, there is the possibility that, unlike the prior art discussed above, the applicator unit or its applicator element will not be within the same when receiving the product in the container the container comes into contact, but outside of the container only receives only the directly applied product. Even if the applicator unit already carries germs, they are not transferred to the product still in the container. This ensures that contamination of the product still in the container is reliably prevented.

The means for actively conveying the product can be designed in very different ways. Thus, on the one hand there is the possibility that the means for actively conveying by an at least partially elastic design of the container are formed. In this case, for example, the container having a rigid outer frame, in the interior of a plastic bag or plastic tube is inserted, which can be acted upon by openings in the rigid outer frame by hand or otherwise suitable manner with pressure, so that the product in the container, in particular the desired amount thereof, at the outlet opening emerges to the outside and can be transferred to the applicator unit. It is particularly preferred that the container is formed throughout by a tube of flexible plastic material.

Another possibility for the design of the means for actively conveying the product located in the container is that they are formed by a standing with the container interior in operative connection pumping means. The pumping device can be formed, for example, by a piston / cylinder unit or else by a membrane which can be moved by suitable means. In principle, there is the possibility that the pumping device can be mounted at any point so that it is in operative connection with the container interior in order to be able to apply a corresponding delivery pressure to the product located there. An arrangement which is particularly favorable both from a spatial and aesthetic point of view results from the fact that the pumping device is arranged on the container in an orientation at least approximately opposite the outlet opening for the product.

It should also be noted that the means for actively conveying can also be formed by a pressurized gas, which can act on the product in the container and which can be released by suitable control means.

The storage sleeve can be arranged in the interior of the container in various ways. Thus, on the one hand there is the possibility that the storage sleeve is connected to at least one container wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the container. But there is also the possibility that the storage sleeve is completely spaced from the container walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the container, wherein it is particularly preferred that the storage sleeve is arranged substantially coaxially to the central longitudinal axis of the container. In this case, it is advantageous if the outlet opening for the product, which is preferably located on the same side, is arranged decentrally to the central longitudinal axis of the container. Alternatively, the outlet opening may be arranged on the opposite side of the container.

In order to ensure unintentional contact of the applicator unit with the product in the container, it has furthermore proven to be advantageous if the opening width of the outlet opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the applicator unit. The opening width should be dimensioned so that it is smaller than the smallest outer diameter portion of the applicator unit. It is particularly significant that the applicator, for example, at its free end can carry an applicator, which may be conical, so that the outlet opening should have an opening, since by the tip of the applicator just a few units of length in the interior of the outlet opening can dive, but can not penetrate into the container interior and thus up to the product there protruding.

In order to prevent inadvertent release of the closure element from the container, the closure element may be connected to the container via a Schaubverbindung, snap connection, etc. Depending on the pitch of the thread used, however, inadvertent release of the closure element from the container can also occur in the case of a screw connection. Therefore, it has proven to be advantageous if in the interior of the storage sleeve fixing means are provided for reversibly fixing the applicator unit. Here, the fixing means may be formed by at least one provided on the applicator or the inner wall of the storage sleeve locking means, preferably at least one elevation, with at least one provided on the inner wall of the storage sleeve or the applicator counter-locking means, preferably a recess cooperates.

As has already been explained above in connection with the discussion of the prior art, the actual applicator element of the applicator unit can be shaped quite differently. Depending on the material chosen, the applicator element can be dimensionally stable or not dimensionally stable. If, for example, a brush having a frusto-conical shape is used for the applicator element, then this shape can be changed in the course of use by the pressure arising during application. The same applies to an applicator element which consists of a soft foam material. Thus, if the applicator unit is provided with an applicator element at its free end, then it has proved to be advantageous if a shaping section or shaping section is provided in the interior of the storage sleeve which, with the applicator unit arranged in the storage tube, the applicator element for maintaining its shape and / or for the restoration, whose form encloses form.

For the design of the applicator, it is up to the skilled person to choose the appropriate form for his purposes. Thus, the applicator unit can have an applicator element at least at its free end, which is preferably fixedly connected to the closure element via a connecting element of the applicator unit, preferably a rod. If the container and the amount of the product chosen so that it can be used over a longer period of use, the connecting element of the applicator can be detachably connected to the closure element. Finally, there is the possibility that the applicator unit is detachably latched to the closure element attachable.

In order to avoid entry of air via the outlet opening for the product when the container is closed with the closure element, it is furthermore advantageous if the closure element has at least one sealing surface which when closed with the container closure element, the outlet opening for the product seals tight.

Finally, it has proved to be advantageous if the applicator unit is provided, at least at its free end, with an applicator element whose material contains an antimicrobial active substance. This may be, for example, a silver ion donor.

Fig. 1 a

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Auftragvorrichtung im geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 1 b

eine zu Fig. 1a ähnliche perspektivische Seitenansicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Auftragvorrichtung jedoch im geöffneten Zustand;

Fig. 2a-2f

verschiedene Applikatoreinheiten der erfindungsgemäßen Auftragvorrichtung mitunterschiedlichen Applikatorelementen; und

Fig. 3

eine im vergrößerten Maßstab wiedergegebene Längsschnittansicht durch die in Fig. 1a gezeigte erfindungsgemäße Auftragvorrichtung im geschlossenen Zustand.

Further advantageous embodiments and an embodiment will be explained below in conjunction with the attached drawing figures. It should be noted that the terms "left,""right,""bottom," and "top" used throughout the specification refer to the drawing figures in an alignment with normally readable figure names and reference numerals. Here is:

Fig. 1 a

a perspective side view of an applicator device according to the invention in the closed state;

Fig. 1 b

one too Fig. 1a similar perspective side view of an applicator according to the invention, however, in the open state;

Fig. 2a-2f

various applicator units of the applicator device according to the invention with different applicator elements; and

Fig. 3

a reproduced on an enlarged scale longitudinal sectional view through the in Fig. 1a shown applicator device according to the invention in the closed state.

Like from the FIGS. 1a and 1b shows, the application device according to the invention from the two main groups "container B" and "closure element V". A product to be applied by the application device, for example a cosmetic product, such as make-up, cheek rouge, lip rouge, lip balm, mascara, hair mascara, eyeshadow, lipliner, can be carried in container B. Eyeliner, care products and sun products or a selectively applied product such as an anti-wrinkle product, anti-acne product or pharmaceutical or dermatological specialties are stored. As can be seen from a comparison of Fig. 1a with the Fig. 1b results, the closure element V reversibly cooperates with the container B in such a way that it in the in Fig. 1a shown closed position is connected to the container B and in the in Fig. 1b shown opening or Abgabestellung completely from the container B is removable.

From a synopsis of FIGS. 1a . 1b and 3 shows that the container B has the shape of a tube having a central longitudinal axis M, which is also the central longitudinal axis M of the closure element V in case of the closure element V connected to the container B. The tube is formed from a tube having the desired outer diameter for the finished tube 10 made of flexible plastic material, whose one end face 12 is closed medium-tight by means of a transverse weld 12a. At the front end 14 opposite the closed end 12, the tube tube 10 is provided with a neck 16 which has an at least approximately circular cross-section and which is provided with an external thread 18 on its outer peripheral surface. The thread 18 is for a screw engagement with the closure element V when it is connected to the container B in the closed position.

It should be noted that, how this is Fig. 3 is reduced, the outer diameter of the neck 16 relative to the outer diameter of the container B is reduced so that when screwed onto the container B closure element V, the outer peripheral wall of the closure element V, which adjoins the container B, with the outer peripheral wall of the container B in the region of the neck 16 is aligned with the rest of the body of the container B.

Like from the Figures 1b and 3 can be seen, the container B has at its end closed by the weld 12 a 12 opposite end 14 an outlet opening 20 for discharging the product located in the container B. The outlet opening 20 is decentralized, but aligned in parallel to the central longitudinal axis M of the container B arranged. How out Fig. 1b can be removed, the outlet opening 20 is arranged on a substantially wedge-shaped or fin-like channel 22 which is integrally connected to the container B. Out Fig. 3 It can be seen that the channel 22 tapers in the direction of the outlet opening 20 in its cross section in the interior. As a result, a nozzle effect is achieved, which allows an accurate adjustment of the amount to be discharged from the container B of the product.

The discharge of the product takes place in that on the outer peripheral surface of the container B, for example, by hand, a pressure is exerted. As a result, the existing of a flexible plastic material container wall is displaced inwards, so that the product located in the container B is pushed out of the container B. Once the container B is relieved of the pressure, the container wall returns to its original position, so that no further product is conveyed to the outside.

Out Fig. 3 is also apparent that coaxially to the central longitudinal axis M of the container B and the closure element V in the interior of the container B, a storage sleeve 24 is provided for the applicator unit 30 explained in more detail below. The storage sleeve 24 essentially has a rotationally symmetrical cross-section and is closed at its end 24 a lying in the container interior with a base running essentially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M of the container B and the closure element V. At the end 24b opposite this base 24a, the storage sleeve 24 is connected in one piece with a wall of the channel 22 and otherwise with the cover wall 26 of the container B, which is also substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M except for the opening for the channel 22 , With this configuration, the applicator unit 30, which can be inserted into the storage sleeve 24, at no point comes into contact with the product located inside the container B.

The closure element V has, as already mentioned above, the applicator unit 30 and a grip element explained in more detail below 40. The applicator unit 30 consists essentially of the actual applicator element 32, which is located at the free end of the applicator unit 30, ie with inserted into the storage sleeve 24 applicator unit 30 in the vicinity of the bottom 24a of the storage sleeve 24, as shown Fig. 3 is removable. In addition, the applicator unit 30 has a connecting element 34 in the form of a rod 34, which widens slightly conically from the applicator element 32 to the grip element 40 and is made of plastic. This rod 34 serves to connect the applicator element 32 with the grip element 40. The rod 34 is provided for this purpose at its end opposite the applicator element 32 with an annular connecting surface 34a extending over a substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M stage 34b of the rod 34 coaxial with the central longitudinal axis M to the outside and the outer diameter of the inner diameter of the handle element 40 corresponds. The rod 34 can then be connected to the grip element 40 by means of gluing, ultrasonic welding, etc. However, the rod 34 or the applicator unit 30 can also be firmly but detachably latched to the grip element 40 of the closure element V, for example for the purpose of subsequent replacement.

The step 34b of the connecting rod 34 has on its mounted on the container B closure element V to the container B side facing a sealing surface 34c which extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M and by means of the outlet opening 20 placed on the container B closure element V medium sealed can be.

In order to securely connect the applicator unit 30 or the closure element V to the container B, the applicator unit 30 in the transition from the connecting element 34 to the applicator element 32 has a ring-bead-like thickening 34d, which can be released with a corresponding annular recess 24c in the storage sleeve 24 Lock intervention arrives.

The closing element V has, as already explained above, the grip element 40, which is essentially hollow-cylindrical and made of plastic is made. At its at 40 placed on the container B closure element V of the container B pioneering end 40a, the closure element 40 is closed with a ceiling wall, which can also serve as a base for the discharge. At the opposite end 40 b, the closure element is provided with an internal thread 42, which engages with the external thread 18 of the neck 16 of the container B.

The applicator element 32 of the applicator unit 30 can be shaped depending on the intended use and / or product to be applied. In Fig. 3 For example, the applicator element 32 has the shape of an obliquely cut-off cylinder. In the FIGS. 2a to 2f Various other embodiments for the applicator element 32, which are all designated by the same reference numerals, reproduced. In the Fig. 2a is one to the in Fig. 3 shown similarly shaped applicator element 32 which is flocked on its outside. In contrast, the shows Fig. 2b an applicator element in the form of a wedge-shaped bevelled brush at its tip. In Fig. 2c the applicator element 32 is formed as a spatula-shaped element. In contrast, shows Fig. 2d an applicator element 32 in the form of a sponge. Fig. 2e is an applicator element, which is also formed by a sponge flocked on its outside. Finally shows Fig. 2f an applicator element 32 which consists of a sponge but which is rotatable relative to the connecting rod 34. Except for the embodiment according to Fig. 2c All illustrated applicator units 30 are provided with the annular bead 34d.

Claims (10)

1. Applicator device for a liquid, gel, paste or powdered product, especially a cosmetic product, with a container (B), in which a product to be applied is stored, and which provides at least one outlet opening (20) for the stored product, with an applicator unit (30) and with a closure element (V), to which the applicator unit (30) is attached and which is reversibly connected to the container (B) in such a manner that, when the closure element (V) is connected to the container (B), the latter closes the outlet opening (20) for the product, wherein the container (B) provides means for the active conveyance of the product disposed therein,
   characterised in that
   a storage sleeve (24) for the storage of the applicator unit (30) projecting into the interior of the container (B), open to the outside and completely closed off relative to the product when the closure element (V) is connected to the container (B), which is disposed substantially coaxially to the central longitudinal axis (M) of the container (B), is provided, and that the outlet opening (20) for the product is disposed eccentrically relative to the central axis (M) of the container (B).
2. Applicator device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the means for the active conveyance is formed by an at least partially elastic design of the container (B).
3. Applicator device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the means for the active conveyance is formed by a pump device disposed in an active connection with the interior of the container.
4. Applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the aperture width of the outlet opening (20) is smaller than the external diameter of the applicator unit (30).
5. Applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that
   the storage sleeve (24) is disposed at a distance from the container walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the container (B).
6. Applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterised in that
   locking means (24c) for the reversible locking of the applicator unit (30) are provided in the interior of the storage sleeve (24).
7. Applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that
   the applicator unit (30) provides an applicator element (32) at least at its free end, and that a shaping portion is provided in the interior of the storage sleeve (24), which encloses the applicator element (32) when the applicator unit (30) is disposed in the storage sleeve (24), in order to maintain the shape of the applicator element (32) and/or to restore the shape of the applicator element (32).
8. Applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that
   the applicator unit (30) provides at least at its free end an applicator element (32), which is connected via a connecting element (34) of the applicator unit (30), preferably a rod, to the closure element (V).
9. Applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
   characterised in that
   the closure element (V) provides at least one sealing surface (34c), which tightly seals the outlet opening (20) for the product when the closure element (V) is connected to the container (B).
10. Applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    characterised in that
    the applicator unit (30) is provided at least at its free end with an applicator element (32), the material of which contains an antibacterially-active substance.

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