EP2329741A1 - Cosmetic applicator, in particular mascara applicator, pigment cake for the same and cosmetic product - Google Patents

Abstract

The mascara applicator (1) has a handle piece (2) and a housing section (3) for retaining a pigment mass supply. The applicator is designed in such a manner that eye lashes are provided in contact with a pigment mass lead (4). The eye lashes are provided in contact with a pigment mass lead such that it is loaded with pigment mass.

Description

The invention relates to an applicator, in particular a mascara applicator according to the preamble of claim 1 and a pigment mass for this purpose according to the preamble of claim 14 and a mascara product comprising the mascara applicator and / or at least one pigment mass.

From the DE 10 2008 016 213 A1 an applicator device for applying a cosmetic is known, which should be in particular mascara.

This mascara is kept as a mine of solid mascara mass and pressed by a spring from the applicator handle in the heater in the applicator head. By means of this heater, the tip of the mine is completely melted, which is perfectly acceptable per se.

The resulting melt is passed over the molten zone, fine channels (the patent application calls them "passages 17") in the foot area of a series of teeth. As the spring preload of the unmelted mascaramines pressurizes the mascara melt, the mascara melt continuously exits the fine channels in the foot area of the teeth and wets the teeth. Accordingly In practice, the diameter of the fine channels must be small, since otherwise too much mascara melt would be pressed into the area of the teeth which here form a comb and quite obviously replace the bristles otherwise found in such an applicator. Accordingly, in the DE 10 2008 016 213 A1 in fact there is talk of the mascara melt "diffusing through" through the passages 17. This underscores the very small diameter of the passageways 17 downstream of the melt zone and the mascara melt from the reflowed mine to the teeth.

A disadvantage in this applicator device is that, due to uneven heating / heating of the solid mascara mass, the applicator is wetted only unevenly along the outside along its longitudinal extent. Thus, the order result may not be satisfactory.

In addition, the narrow passages, the small diameters of which apparently help to control the flow of the mascara melt, present difficulties - they settle slightly.

Furthermore, it is not always ensured that the mascara melt is completely stripped during the application of the spaces between the teeth and thus also from the outlet openings. This may also lead to a clogging of individual passages, if necessary, in the case of renewed heating and during a renewed pressing of mascara melt, so that even in this case there is an optionally non-uniform wetting result of the teeth or of the interdental spaces.

The incomplete stripping of once melted and in the outer region of the applicator head befindlicher Mascara mass thus always remains Remainder of mascara mass in the area of the applicator head, which may possibly lead to undesired contamination of other objects, for example if an unintentional slipping off of a covering cap. Prolonged disuse can lead to unavoidable encrustations, which are very difficult to remove.

As a marginal note, the drawback is that the applicator described in case of failure of the heater, e.g. in an empty or faulty battery, due to the design no longer usable, since no mascara melt can escape from its narrow passages as soon as the melt falls below a certain temperature.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a mascara applicator, which is easy and reliable to use and also allows an improved application of the mascara on the eyelashes.

Unwanted dirt or encrustations should preferably be avoided.

Preferably, the applicator should be easily adapted to user requirements, e.g. be individually tuned to eyelash types / eyelash types and by the user / user desired order types of cosmetics on the eyelashes.

Preferably, the application should also be possible without the presence or functioning of a heating device.

The above object is achieved with a mascara applicator having the features of claim 1 and with a pigment mass with the features of claim 13. advantageous Embodiments are given in the respective dependent of the independent claims subclaims.

The applicator according to the main claim of the invention has a handle and a wegerstreckenden from the handle housing portion, wherein the handle may optionally be an integral part of the housing. The housing section serves to receive a pigment mass supply.

The pigment composition supply is designed as a pigment mass masses that are movable relative to the housing section. The pigment mass consists entirely or substantially of at least in the stored state of solid pigment mass, details of which are readily available.

Furthermore, the applicator is designed in such a way that the eyelashes to be subjected to the pigment application are, as intended, directly contactable with the pigment masses, namely in such a way that they are thereby loaded with pigment mass. The applicator according to the invention is thus distinguished by the fact that the mascara mass, which adds the eyelashes, lingers on the surface of the pigment masses until it passes over to the eyelashes and then, in the course of the removal of the respective eyelash, is drawn off directly from the surface of the pigment mass minerals. Any passages with exceptionally small diameters, which serve for metering and forwarding the mascara mass to its actual application location, are therefore eliminated. The fact that part of the surface of the pigment masses from which the eyelashes pull off their cargo may be covered by eyelids, which still leave enough space between them so that the eyelashes are split and combed, but still directly to the surface can penetrate the pigment mass minerals (By passing through the said free spaces) is not contrary to the invention.

The term "solid pigment mass" means at least that the pigment masses is at least up to a temperature of 30 ° C better up to a temperature of 37 ° C substantially inherently stable, d. H. under the influence of gravity does not independently diverge more than insignificantly and - at least thanks to its associated or associated with her support element - forms a substantially self-supporting mien, after removal from their sales, protection or transport packaging without further Tools can be used in the applicator and can be moved in this as a whole in the direction of the application zone. In some cases, a pigment composition adjusted in this way may already be able to coat eyelashes drawn over its surface without any further supply of heat.

Preferably, the melting point of the pigment masses is above 40 ° C, ideally at about 50 ° C. With appropriate formulation, a pigment masses preferably to be used is produced whose pigment mass is still solid at about 25 ° C. so that the pigment mass media as a whole can be pushed back out of the housing and back into the housing and endure considerable forces - such as shearing and bending forces. which occur in the course of the application and which will often be caused by the fact that the Pigmentmassestift forms the actual applicator and thus replaced, so to speak, an otherwise common mascara brush.

The basic recipe for a pigment mass from which it is possible to produce pigmented mass mines which roughly correspond to the pigmented mass mininenes according to the invention and the essential adjusting parameters of such a pigment mass are known the cited patent application known. On this basis, the expert can produce a solid pigment masses with the help of professional experiments without particular difficulty, which correspond exactly to the individual requirements of the present invention.

For the purposes of the invention, pigment mass is understood to mean any mass which has the consistency described above and which is capable of coloring eyelashes and / or of giving volume or shape, irrespective of whether or not it contains pigments in the narrower sense. Preferred compositions contain pigments in the narrower sense.

A significant advantage of the applicator according to the invention is that the mascara mass provided for loading the eyelashes remains on the pigment mass until it is actually used. Unlike the above-mentioned prior art, no problems arise even when the user is disturbed in the preparation for the application and then breaks off the application process before the mascara mass provided for application could be applied to the eyelashes. Because the mascara mass is provided according to the invention directly to the Pigmentmassemine for application and not in a remote location, where it causes difficulties if it is not spent in a timely manner.

In addition, the applicator according to the invention in the region of its actual application zone is extremely simple, therefore correspondingly reliable and has, above all, no significant tendency to clog.

The fact that the eyelashes are coated in intimate contact with the pigment masses opens up the possibility make the applicator so that it can be applied to the eyelash sheet in quite different ways compared to the prior art discussed above, so that a high user flexibility in use is given.

Preferably, the applicator is designed so that its pigment masses at least a piece of the housing is displaced out. Preferably, the pigment masses can be moved back into the housing after application in the opposite direction.

In this case, the applicator is preferably designed so that the eyelashes for the purpose of Pigmentmassauftrags directly (at least) with a peripheral surface, i. the peripheral surface of the pigment masses circulating around the longitudinal axis of the mine can be brought into contact. In this case, the surface which can be brought into direct contact with the eyelashes is preferably contoured, at least locally, in such a way that it has raised regions and / or depressions.

The pigment mass of such a designed applicator occurs under application aspects essentially in place of the mascara brush commonly used for applying the mascara and can therefore be handled in the usual way - generally speaking, it is therefore usually so that the pigment masses at the same time Applicator or applicator body acts.

The at least partially contouring of the pigment masses achieved that the Pigmentmassemiene as such achieves a combing and / or separating effect. Ideally, the pigment mass is thereby contoured in the manner of a disk applicator, ie essentially corresponds to one of the known Applicators whose bristle field is replaced by a number in the longitudinal direction one behind the other arranged complete or indicated disc profiles.

Within the scope of a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the pigment masses have integrated means for combing and / or separating the eyelashes, which are preferably designed either as at least partially circumferential grooves in the manner of a thread or preferably parallel, at least partially circumferential grooves which ideally are incorporated in the lateral surface on the outer periphery of the pigment mass.

The grooves preferably have depressions which taper towards the groove bottom and / or raised regions which taper conically radially outwards in cross-section.

Within the scope of a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the pigment mass is associated with a support structure that moves relative to the housing (3) when advancing the pigment masses toward the application zone or when pushing out the pigment mass minerals from the housing together with the pigment mass mines.

According to a further embodiment, the applicator has a heating device which, at least in regions, causes the pigment masses to locally melt prior to the use of the applicator. In this way, a zone is created in which the mass of the pigmented mass is converted to a state in which it is able to wet well the eyelashes in direct contact with it, although the pigment mass is otherwise solid. Preferably, the pigment mass of the melted surface is heated only so far that it has a substantially still creamy consistency, ie under the influence of gravity at least during the duration of the application (180 seconds are scheduled) does not expire. Otherwise, the surface is at most heated to a radial depth of substantially at most 5/10 mm - better substantially less than or equal to 3/10 mm - so far that the pigment mass liquefies.

In this case, an exclusively superficial melting is preferred, so that the pigment mass also retains a supportive core of still solid pigment mass in its heat-affected area under the already fused surface. This core may be the sole support core or cooperate with an actual support core of other material. The latter is preferred.

The heating device is preferably arranged outside surrounding the pigment masses in a commissioning position.

In the context of one of various preferred embodiments it can be provided that a support core of the pigment masses is designed as a heating element or that the support structure is part of the heating device. The latter is particularly advantageous in the case of an outer or relatively dense (0.5 to about 2 mm) underlying the outer surface of the Pigmentmassemine support structure, since this targeted the surface available for the application process is melted.

Preferably, the pigment mass is formed replaceable, so that an applicator with a high-quality feed mechanism and / or heating of the pigment masses can be realized without a priori the market success of the product to affect.

Preferably, the applicator has a built-in - the best part of the housing (3) forming - means by which the outer contour of the pigment masses is first malleable or an existing outer contour can be reformed. In this way, as the consumption progresses, the pigment mass does not lose its ability to comb and / or separate.

In a preferred applicator, the heating device is arranged in the region of the distal end of the housing. The effective heater length of the heater is less than the length of the pigment mass lead. In such an embodiment, the vast majority of the mine stock remains "fresh" for a long time, so is not subjected to various unnecessary heating cycles before it is used.

Preferably, the heater is electrically operated. Ideally, there is an activation sensor that activates the heating element when a protective cap of the applicator is removed.

In addition, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a pigment mass of solid pigment mass, which is intended for use in an applicator according to the invention, wherein the pigment mass has a range that after incorporation of the pigment masses in the applicator intended directly with the the pigment application lashes to be subjected to being brought into contact, such that the eyelashes are loaded by this direct contact with pigment mass.

Preferably, the pigment masses according to the invention are designed so that they have one or more of the features that are determined by the claims directed to the applicator for a such pigment mass mines are described or disclosed in connection with the description of the applicator for the built-in pigment mass.

Figuren 1a - 1d:

eine erste Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators in der Ausführung als Mascara-Applikator;

Figuren 2a, 2b:

eine erste Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Pigmentmassemine zur Verwendung in einem erfindungsgemäßen Applikator;

Figuren 3a, 3b:

eine zweite Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators mit einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Pigmentmassemine;

Figuren 4a - 4d:

eine dritte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Applikators in der Ausführung als Mascaraapplikator mit einer dritten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Pigmentmassemine;

Figuren 5a, 5b:

einen erfindungsgemäßen Applikator mit einer Betätigungsmechanik nach Art einer Drehmechanik;

Figuren 6a, 6b:

einen erfindungsgemäßen Applikator mit einer Betätigungsmechanik nach Art einer Push-Push-Mechanik;

Figuren 7a, 7b:

einen erfindungsgemäßen Applikator mit einer Betätigungsmechanik nach Art einer Schiebemechanik;

Figuren 8a ― 8c:

eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Kosmetik-Applikators aufweisend Formvorrichtungen/Nachformvorrichtungen für eine Pigmentmassemine;

Figuren 9a ― 9h:

eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Kosmetikapplikators mit einer alternativ ausgestatteten Formvorrichtung für die Pigmentmassemine.

In the following the invention will be explained by way of example with reference to the drawing. Show it:

FIGS. 1a-1d:

a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in the embodiment as a mascara applicator;

FIGS. 2a, 2b:

a first embodiment of the pigment mass of the invention for use in an applicator according to the invention;

FIGS. 3a, 3b:

a second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention with a second embodiment of the invention Pigmentmassemine;

FIGS. 4a-4d:

a third embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in the form of a mascara applicator with a third embodiment of a pigment mass of the invention;

FIGS. 5a, 5b:

an applicator according to the invention with an actuating mechanism in the manner of a rotary mechanism;

FIGS. 6a, 6b:

an applicator according to the invention with an actuating mechanism in the manner of a push-push mechanism;

FIGS. 7a, 7b:

an applicator according to the invention with an actuating mechanism in the manner of a sliding mechanism;

FIGS. 8a-8c:

a further embodiment of the cosmetic applicator according to the invention comprising molding devices / Nachformvorrichtungen for a Pigmentmassemine;

FIGS. 9a-9h:

a further embodiment of the cosmetic applicator according to the invention with an alternatively equipped molding device for the pigmented mass.

An inventive applicator 1 ( FIGS. 1a to 1d ) has a handle 2 and a housing section 3 extending away from the handle 2 in a longitudinal direction 100 for receiving pigment mass, eg mascara pigment. In the present case, the housing section 3 is formed jointly by the feed helical sleeve 8 and the heating element 10 (here lined on the outside). The pigment mass is formed as a pigment mass lead 4 and has a solid at ordinary ambient temperature pigment mass. Common ambient temperatures, for example, a range between 20 ° C and 35 ° C to understand. Under "solid" in this embodiment is to be understood that the Pigmentmassemine is custom form stable under normal conditions of use of the Mascaraapplikators, so that a eigenformstabiles, elongated structure is present in the manner of a mine, which is preferably sufficiently self-supporting or with the aid of a support structure. The housing section 3 has a distal end 5 facing away from the grip region 2 and a handle-side end 6. At least in sections, there is a section in the housing section Guide sleeve 3a, which is mounted rotatably relative to the housing portion 3. This has over almost its entire longitudinal extent a guide slot 7, which is open in the region of the distal end 5 of the housing. Arranged around the guide sleeve 3a is a feed helical sleeve 8, which has a helical feed helical groove 9 on its inside, facing the guide sleeve 3a. In the region of the distal end 5 of the housing section, in particular in the longitudinal direction 100 axially following the guide sleeve 3a, a heating element 10 is arranged, which surrounds the pigment mass lead 4 on the outside over a heating length 1. The heating length 1 is expediently smaller than the total length of the Pigmentmassemine 4 and chosen so that a conventional length section, which is necessary for the application of the mascara, is heated. Preferably, a radial gap is provided between the heating element 10 of a heating device and the pigment mass lead 4, which is approximately in the range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. This is intended to avoid direct contact of the pigment masses 4 on the heating element 10. Preferably, the fact is taken into account that the pigment masses are rather "sweated" than actually melted by the heating element in the majority of cases.

The heating element 10 is electrically operable and is connected to a control circuit 12 and a power source 13, e.g. a button cell electrically connected. The heating element 10, the control circuit 12 and the power source 13 form a heater. The control circuit 12 and the energy source 13 embodied here in the form of a button cell are preferably arranged in the grip piece 2.

The pigment mass lead 4 is held on the handle side in a guide bearing 11. The guide bearing 11 is seated in the guide sleeve 3a axially displaceable and has at least one engagement pin 11a, which passes through the guide slot 7 in the guide sleeve 3a and engages in the feed spiral groove 9. The feed helical sleeve 8 is rotatably mounted relative to the handle 2 about a longitudinal axis 101 of the applicator 1, whereas the guide sleeve 3a is rotatably connected relative to the handle 2. It is a protective cap 14 is provided, which can be inserted over the feed spiral sleeve 8 and can actuate a switch 15 of the control circuit 12 with a handle-side end. When attached protective cap 14, the heating element 10 is turned off, so that no energy is consumed when the protective cap 14 is attached. After removing the protective cap 14, the heating element 10 is activated via the control circuit 12, so that at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the pigment mass lead 4 is at least superficially melted - preferably only to such a small extent that the profiling of the pigment masses by the melting as such substantially undergoes no leveling, because the webs still to be explained in more detail, despite the heating in each case retain a supporting-acting core region of not substantially heated pigment mass. By rotating the handle 2 relative to the feed helical sleeve 8, the pigment mass mine 4 from its stowed position according to the FIGS. 1a to 1d along the longitudinal direction 100 of the guide sleeve 3a, the heating element 10 are penetrated penetrating, so that a intended with the eyelashes to be loaded brought into contact free distal end 16 of the Pigmentmassenmine 4 with at least superficially melted pigment mass for the application of pigment mass on the eyelashes available stands - in particular, the peripheral surface of this free end 16 for contacting with the eyelashes available. The Pigmentmassenmine 4 itself serves as an applicator for the pigment mass.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a to 1d For example, the pigment mass lead 4 has a multiplicity of grooves 17 running parallel to one another and running in full circumference, on which depressions form. This leaves a plurality of webs 18, which form raised areas of the pigment mass lead 4 and exert a combing or separating effect on the eyelashes.

As a profiling of the pigment mass mines 4 notches are advantageously conceivable instead of or together with circumferential grooves which only partially surround the lead. The notches may extend in the notch base (not shown) straight or coaxial with the central axis of the pigment mass lead 4

Furthermore, it is advantageous to form the depressions and elevations of the pigment masses 4 in the manner of a corrugation or knurling. With regard to the surface structure, i. the profiling of the pigment masses 4, it is particularly preferred to provide at least partially elongated depressions in which eyelash hair can be captured for applying pigment mass.

Furthermore, the pigment mass lead here has a support structure in the form of a support core 19, preferably of a rigid material. The support core 19 consists for example of plastic, metal or ceramic.

The guide bearing 11 is substantially cup-shaped, wherein the pigment mass lead is held in the guide bearing 11 with a cylindrical portion 20 provided on the handle-side end of the pigment mass lead 4 (cf. FIGS. 2a and 2b ).

A pigment mass lead 4 according to the invention, as used in an applicator 1 according to the invention according to FIGS FIGS. 1a to 1d is used in the FIGS. 2a, 2b shown in detail. In contrast to the above-described embodiment, the support core 19, as in FIG. 2b shown, also be designed as an internal heating element 10 and have at its, the handle 2 facing end Schleifkonktakte 21, by means of which via corresponding conductor tracks in the housing 3 or in the specific case in the guide sleeve 3a formed as a heating element 10 support core 19 electrical energy can be supplied , The sliding contacts 21 come in the assembled state of the Pigmentmassenmine 4, the guide bearing 11 and designed as a heating element 10 support core 19 in grooves 22 of the guide bearing 11 to lie in which the sliding contacts 21 are held in the circumferential direction relative to the guide bearing 11 positively.

A further embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention and the pigment mass lead 4 according to the invention show the FIGS. 3a and 3b , wherein the basic structure of the applicator 1 similar to the structure of the applicator 1, according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1a to 1d is. Thus, in connection with the FIGS. 3a and 3b In the following, only the essential differences of the embodiments are discussed, otherwise the same applies to the first embodiment as for this second exemplary embodiment, provided that the structural differences do not clearly oppose this.

The pigment mass lead 4 is massively formed of solid pigment mass without inner support core 19 and has as outer contour a spiral circumferential groove 17 in the manner of a thread. Thus, also in this embodiment, the pigment mass lead 4, more precisely, its lateral peripheral contour on a plurality of raised areas and depressions, so that the Pigment Mass Mine 4 itself can be used as a mascara applicator. The heating element 10 sits also in this embodiment along the longitudinal direction of the distal guide sleeve 3 following and has a passage opening for the pigment mass mine 4.

Of course, it is in the embodiment according to the FIGS. 3a and 3b as well as in the embodiments described above, the heating element 10 with respect to its longitudinal extent in such a way that the pigment mass mine 4 is heated over almost its entire longitudinal extent. For this purpose, for example, it is advisable to make the guide sleeve 3a heatable at least in those areas along the longitudinal direction 100, in which the pigment paste lead 4 is arranged outside the guide bearing 11. In this way, it can be achieved, in particular, that a pigment mass lead 4, which has already become somewhat shorter due to wear, is also superficially melted from the guide sleeve 3a in the required areas without moving these areas into the area of the heating element 10.

The FIGS. 4a to 4d show schematically and simplified another embodiment of the applicator 1 of the invention and a pigment mass mine 4 according to the invention. The structure of this applicator largely corresponds to that of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1a to 1d , Thus, also in connection with the FIGS. 4a to 4d Only the essential differences of the embodiments are discussed, otherwise the same applies to the first embodiment for this third embodiment, provided that the constructive differences do not oppose that clearly. The actuating mechanism for displacing the pigment mass lead 4 relative to the housing 3 corresponds to the mechanism of the above-described embodiment.

In this embodiment, the pigment mass lead 4 according to the Figures 4c and 4d it has a core mine 22 of solid mascara pigment. The core mine 22 is formed substantially as a cylindrical rod and has a substantially smooth outer peripheral surface 23. The core mine 22 sits with its handle-side end in the guide bearing 11. Around the core mine 23 around an outside support structure 25 is arranged, which mechanically with the core mine 22nd connected and with this out of the guide sleeve 3a and out of the housing 3 and can be moved in again. The outside support structure 25 may be formed, for example, as a single or multi-start wire coil or helical spring, wherein adjacent turns 26 leave a free space between them, so that to be pigmented eyelashes between the windings 26 may touch the outside of the core mine 22.

In particular, in the case of a design as a double-flighted helix structure, it is expedient to connect ends of the wires which form the helical structure in the region of the distal end of the support structure and to connect them to the control circuit 12 in the area of the grip-side end of the support structure. In this case, it is particularly advantageous to make the support structure 25 heatable, that is to say in particular as a heating coil, in order to ensure at least superficial melting of the core lead 22 before the use of the applicator 1 through the outer support structure 25.

Other possible embodiments of the support structure may be, for example, a cladding having ducts, which surrounds the Pigmentmassemine 4. The openings may be, for example, slots or window-like openings.

In the FIGS. 5a and 5b is an inventive applicator 1 with retracted Pigmentmassenmine 4 ( FIG. 5a ) and with extended pigment paste mine 4 ( FIG. 5b ), wherein the retraction and extension of the Pigmentmassenmine 4 via a rotating mechanism, as has already been described in the context of the aforementioned embodiments.

A further embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention according to Figures 6a and 6b For actuation of the pigment mass lead 4, a push-push mechanism in the manner of a ballpoint pen mechanism is provided. For this purpose, an operating knob 30 is provided at the bottom of the handle 2, which causes by pressing the knob 30 in the direction of arrow 31, the extension of the pigment mass mine 4. By pressing the actuating button 30 again, the pigment mass lead 4 is withdrawn back into the applicator 1 via a spring mechanism.

Instead of the push-push mechanism according to the Figures 6a and 6b can also be provided a sliding mechanism (see. FIGS. 7a, 7b ), wherein on the outside of the applicator 1, a slide button is present, which is coupled to the Pigmentmassenmine 4, so that it can be moved in and out by pushing back and forth the slide button 32.

A further embodiment of the applicator 1 (FIG. FIGS. 8a to 8c The molding device 40 has two mold halves 42, 43 pivotable relative to one another about an axis 41. The axis 41 is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101 of the applicator 1. The mold halves 42, 43 have a negative mold 44 on the inside the outer contour of the pigment mass mine 4. By folding the two mold halves 42, 43 in an arrow direction 46, the negative mold 44 can be transferred to the pigment mass lead 4. After unfolding the mold halves 42, 43 in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow 46, the pigment mass lead 4 is freely movable in the longitudinal direction 100 and can be extended by means of the above-described actuating mechanisms.

Such a molding device 40 is suitable both for the first-time molding of a negative mold in a smooth cylindrical outer wall of a Pigmentmassenmine 4, as well as for reshaping an existing outer peripheral contour of the Pigmentmassenmine 4, which was blurred, for example, by wear during the application of the pigment mass in its peripheral contour.

Appropriately, the mold device 40 or its mold halves 42, 43 may be formed heatable. This makes it possible to transfer the negative mold 44 to the pigment mass lead 4 in a particularly simple manner with little effort. In addition, with little expenditure of energy, the heat energy can be uniformly and in a defined manner melted on the surface of the pigmented mass mine 4 by means of the mold halves 42, 43 at the pigment mass lead 4 over the entire surface area or almost over the entire surface. A pressing of the mold halves 42, 43 to the Pigmentmassenmine 4 can be done for example by an adapted to the outer contour of the mold halves 42, 43 inner contour of the cap 14, so that when placing the cap 14, the mold halves 42, 43 are pressed against the Pigmentmassenmine 4 and so the shaping takes place. In such an embodiment, pigment mass mines 4 having a smooth, substantially cylindrical outer peripheral surface may also be used expediently, since the shape of the pigment paste lead 4 or its outer contour with raised areas and depressions by the molding device 40, which is arranged in the applicator 1, even done.

Another embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention is characterized by the FIGS. 9a to 9h shown. Unless otherwise stated below, the structure of this applicator also corresponds to that of the previously described applicators, whereby the previously disclosed applies also to this applicator, as far as nothing else is described below. The molding device 40 of this applicator is designed so that it forms a kind of grid, through which the Pigmentmassemine 4 is pressed so that its grid imposes an outer contour with raised areas and depressions.

In the present case, the consistency of the pigment masses 4 is designed such that they can be forced through the grid by the forces that can be applied by means of the applicator's own (previously described) feed device, but also afterwards Re-emergence from the grid is still sufficiently self-stable, for example form spaced apart ribs 141 which extend kragträgerartig out of the grid, but without deforming under the influence of gravity more than insignificant, which requires at least from the heater, if any, that they plastic mass in the required areas deformable, but does not melt completely.

Instead, the ribs 141 are dimensionally stable such that they are preferably comb-like used as an applicator to coat the eyelashes in contact with them with color / cosmetic - usually by this color / cosmetic remove from the rib-like structure of the pigment mass.

Expediently, the advancing device or the consistency of the pigment masses 4 is designed such that the ribs 141 can be pulled back into the interior of the applicator 1 through the grating after application in order to be kept ready there for the next application.

In the ideal case, the elements forming the grid are heated, usually - but not exclusively - by the fact that a heating element is integrated in these elements themselves.

The molding device 40 works particularly effectively when it is angled beveled. This angular chamfer can be clearly seen in the figures. It means that the lattice, through which the pigment mass 4 is pressed, becomes narrower towards the distal end, as a rule triangular. Such an angular chamfer favoring the application properties positively and makes the applicator very variable, since the Pigmentmassemine 4 can be used in different far "pushed through" position, either in different far "fully extended position" or even in teilausgefahrener position in which they Distal end of the grid does not protrude distally, but only protrudes from the grid in the lateral area.

In addition, the angular chamfer usually favors the Pigmentmassemine 4 again cleanly drawn into the application housing, since any surpluses (deformations / Verquetschungen) of the Pigmentmassemine 4 stripped / sheared off at the slope and then can be wiped off there when the Pigmentmassemine 4 completely retracted has been.

All of the aforementioned embodiments are described as preferred embodiments with a heater 10. However, even in the absence or failure of an existing heater 10, for example because of an empty battery or a fault in the control circuit of the applicator 1 Although limited but still satisfactorily usable, as even in the absence of a heater, the pigment mass mine 4 off and retractable is and thus a, if somewhat difficult application of Mascara composition on eyelashes is possible.

A heating device can be dispensed with completely if the formulation of the pigment mass lead is chosen such that at usual ambient temperatures during the application of the applicator 1 a sufficiently large abrasion of pigment mass to the eyelashes takes place and nevertheless a sufficient inherent rigidity and dimensional stability of the pigment mass lead 4 is ensured.

For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that, for the time being, protection is also claimed for the subclaims as such, without the characteristics resulting from their dependency.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

applicator

2

grip

3

casing

3a

guide sleeve

4

Pigment mass Mine

5

Distal end of the housing

6

Handle-side end

7

guide slot

8th

Feeding spiral sleeve

9

Vorschubwendelnut

10

heating element

11

guide bearing

11a

engagement pin

12

control circuit

13

energy

14

protective cap

15

switch

16

Free distal end

17

groove

18

Stege

19

Support structure in the form of a support core

20

Cylindrical section

21

sliding contacts

22

core mine

23

Outer circumferential surface

25

Support structure in the form of an outside support structure

26

convolution

30

actuating button

31

arrow

32

sliding button

40

forming device

41

axis

42, 43

mold halves

44

negative form

100

longitudinal direction

101

longitudinal axis

141

ribs

1

Heating length

Claims (16)

A mascara applicator (1) for applying a pigment mass to eyelashes, comprising a grip piece (2) and a housing portion (3) extending from the grip piece (2) for receiving a pigment mass supply, the pigment mass deposit being a pigment mass mass that is movable relative to the housing portion (3). 4) is formed from at least in the stored state of solid pigment mass, characterized in that the applicator (1) is designed so that the lashes to be subjected to the pigment application are intended to be directly in contact with the Pigmentmassemine (4) in contact with that Be loaded pigment mass. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the pigment mass (4) at least a piece of the housing portion (3) is displaceable out, preferably such that the eyelashes to the tick of the pigment application directly with a peripheral surface (23) of a free end (16) the pigment masses (4) are brought into contact, wherein the directly in contact with the eyelash surface is preferably - at least locally - contoured so that it has raised areas and / or depressions. An applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that the peripheral surface (23) of the Pigmentmassemine integrated means for combing and / or separating the eyelashes, preferably either as spirally at least partially circumferential grooves (17) in the manner of a thread or ideally as a parallel at least partially circumferential grooves (17) are formed. An applicator according to claim 3, characterized in that the grooves (17) have recesses tapered to the groove bottom and / or the raised regions of the pigment masses (4) taper conically radially outwards in cross-section. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pigment mass is assigned a support structure (25) which, when advancing the pigment masses (4) towards the application zone or when pushing out the pigment mass mines (4) from the housing (3) together with the Pigmentmassemine relative to the housing (3) moves. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator has a heating device (10, 12, 13), which partially melts the pigment masses (4) at least superficially before use of the applicator (1), wherein exclusively superficial melting is preferred , Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (10, 12, 13) is arranged surrounding the pigment masses (4) in a commissioning position outside. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a support core (19) of the pigment mass (4) is designed as a heating element (10). Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (25) is part of the heating device (10, 12, 13). Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pigment mass (4) is formed replaceable. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator has a built-in preferably a part of the housing (3) forming a molding device (40) by means of which the outer contour of the Pigmentmassemine (4) is first malleable or an existing outer contour can be reformed. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (10, 12, 13) in the region of the distal end (5) of the housing (3) is arranged and its effective heating length (1) is smaller than the length of the pigment mass mine ( 4). Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (10, 12, 13) is electrically operated and an activation sensor is present, which activates the heating element (10) when removing a protective cap (14) of the applicator (1). Pigment mass minerals of at least room temperature (defined) solid pigment mass for use in an applicator according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pigment mass (4) has a region which, after the incorporation of the pigment masses into the applicator, is intended to be brought into direct contact with the eyelashes to be subjected to the pigment application such that the eyelashes are loaded by this direct contact with pigment mass. Pigment mass according to claim 14, characterized in that the Pigmentmassemiene (4) one or more of the claims 1 to 13 for the Pigmentmassemine described as such features. A mascara product comprising an applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and / or comprising at least one pigment mass (4) according to any one of claims 14 to 15.

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