EP2575530A1

EP2575530A1 - Applicator for applying an application medium to hair

Info

Publication number: EP2575530A1
Application number: EP11729899.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Roth; Andreas MÜHLBERGER; Michael MÜHLBERGER; Anke Wagner; Daniel Eiche
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-02
Filing date: 2011-06-01
Publication date: 2013-04-10
Also published as: US20130206158A1; DE102010048446A1; CN103037732A; EP2575532A1; JP2013526991A; US20130199555A1; US9155371B2; DE102010048438A1; WO2011151068A1; RU2012156452A; DE102010048445A1; AU2011260593A1; AU2011260595A1; US20130255708A1; CN103281929A; EP2575531A1; EP2575531B1; WO2011151065A1; CN103037731A; WO2011151067A1

Abstract

The invention starts out from an applicator for applying at least one application medium (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c) to hair, with a separation unit (11a; 11Ib; 11c), which forms at least two application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) that are provided for receiving some of the hairs for application of the application medium (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c). It is proposed that at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an opening width that is smaller, at least by a factor of 10, than a distance between the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c).

Description

Applicator device for applying an application agent to hair

State of the art

The invention is based on an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention is in particular the object of providing a device with which one or more application agents, such as a dye, a tint, a glitter and other cosmetic or medical application means can be applied with a distribution in the manner of a mottling on hair to in particular an unnaturally uniform coloring of hair, in particular of whole strands of hair, advantageously to avoid, and which is advantageously easy to use. It is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and the independent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, with a separation unit which forms at least two application palettes which are provided for receiving part of the hair for application of the application agent.

It is proposed that at least one of the application gaps has an opening width which is at least a factor of 10 smaller than a distance of the application column. This allows a proportion of the hair on which the Anwendungsmiftel in a single implementation of the applicator

CONFIRMATION COPY is applied, greatly reduced and in particular an unnaturally uniform coloring of hair, especially of whole hair strands, can be advantageously avoided. In particular, by a repeated application, a mottled coloring of hair can thus be achieved, whereby the hair is given a natural color image. With a device according to the invention, an embodiment can thus be achieved by means of which a particularly advantageous treatment of hair with an application agent is achieved. Advantageously, the opening width is at least a factor of 15 and particularly advantageously at least a factor of 20 smaller than the distance of the application column.

An application agent is to be understood as meaning a liquid, pasty or pulverulent composition which is intended for application to hair, in particular a hair dye, hair treatment agent, hairloss, dispersions, structural altering agents and / or pharmaceutical hair treatment compositions. The application agent may in principle be designed as a one-component agent or as a multi-component agent. A "one-component agent ^" is to be understood as meaning a means which is stored ready for use in the application agent container. A "multi-component agent ^" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a composition in which at least one component before an application changes to another in particular a means comprising two separately stored components intended to be mixed together for one application.

An "application gap" is to be understood in particular as meaning an intermediate space between two separating elements which is intended to receive hair on which the application agent is applied, and in particular an effective width of the application gap for capturing the hair is intended to mean an "opening width ^{" of} an application gap In particular, an opening width in the region of a head line of the application gap. In order to form the application gaps, the separation unit preferably has separating elements which each comprise at least one but preferably two tips which define prongs of the comb-like structure. A virtual connecting line, which in each case connects two adjacent tips, shall be referred to below as a "head line." A "distance" of the two application gaps is to be understood in particular to mean a distance between two outer flanks of the application column.

It is further proposed that the opening width of the at least one application gap is provided for a separation of hair. As a result, a particularly advantageous natural coloring can be achieved. A "separation of the hair ^" should be understood here in particular. that at least 10, preferably 20, untreated hairs come in a single application on a hair provided with application means. By a multiple application, in principle, a larger proportion of hair can be provided with the application means. Preferably, the separation unit comprises a comb-like structure with at least one bypass clearance, which is provided for passing a part of the hair on at least one of the application gaps. As a result, hair that should remain untreated, advantageously be passed past the application columns. A "bypass clearance ^" is to be understood in particular a free space between the two tips of a separating element, in which the separating element has a recess with respect to the head line.

It is further proposed that at least one of the application gaps has an application variable which is smaller by at least a factor of 2 than a bypass size of the at least one bypass clearance. As a result, a number of the hairs as a whole, which are provided with the application agent, can advantageously be kept low, as a result of which the mottled coloring can be achieved particularly easily. In principle, it is conceivable that not all introduced into the application gap hair are provided with the application means. The term "application variable" should therefore be understood to mean a size measure for the number of hairs to which the application agent is applied, Preferably, the application variable is designed as a cross-sectional area intended for contact of hair with the application agent a "Bypassgröße" a cross-sectional area are understood, which is intended to pass hair on the at least one application gap. The cross-sectional area, which forms the application size or the bypass size, is preferably spanned by the head line and the separating elements of the separation unit, i. through the virtual head line and a material of the separation unit that forms the adjacent peaks.

By "at least a factor of 2 smaller" should be understood that a number of passed through the separation unit hair, which are provided in a single application of the application device with the application means, at least by a factor of 2 is smaller than the number of hair, the This means that at least 2 untreated hairs are present on a hair provided with an application agent. "Hairs passed through the separation unit" should be understood to mean in particular hairs which are arranged in a free space between the material of the separation unit and the head line, ie the hair placed in the application gap or the bypass clearance are introduced. Preferably, the application size is at least a factor of 3 smaller than the bypass size and more preferably at least a factor of 4.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the opening width of the at least one application gap is smaller by at least a factor of 10 than an opening width of the at least one bypass clearance. As a result, the separation of the hair can be achieved particularly effectively. Preferably, the at least one application gap has an opening width which is at least a factor of 15 smaller than the opening width of the at least one bypass clearance. More preferably, the opening width of the at least one application gap is smaller by a factor of 20 than the opening width of the at least one bypass clearance

It is further proposed that at least one of the application gaps in at least one subregion has a gap width which is smaller than a barrier width beyond which the emergence of the application agent is prevented. Thereby, a continuous, unwanted leakage of application agent can be prevented, whereby the applicator device is particularly easy to use. In particular, this can be prevented that excess application agent is applied to a scalp, whereby a burden on the scalp can advantageously be reduced and in particular reduced to almost zero. , A "gap ^width", in particular, a distance of the tips, which define the corresponding application nip, and particularly preferably an average gap width verstan- be the. By "an average gap ^width" is intended in particular an average of values at which a width of the application gap parallel to the headline was understood. Analogously, a distance of the tips which define the corresponding bypass clearance is to be understood as being a "width of the bypass clearance ^" , wherein a medium width is particularly advantageous here as well can have a maximum maximum gap width, without the application agent at a pressure corresponding to a liquid column of the application means of 5 centimeters, the application agent exits through the gap. The barrier width thus depends in particular on properties of the application agent, such as, for example, an adhesion force, cohesive force, frictional forces, capillary forces and / or a flow resistance. It is therefore adapted from a width to the application medium used. The application gap can therefore have different gap widths depending on the application agent used. In principle, it is also conceivable to provide the separation device with an adjustment unit for setting the gap width and / or the opening width of the application gap. In addition, it is conceivable to modify a surface of the separating elements, in particular flanks of the separating elements, which form the application gap, for example by coating, steaming and / or roughening. As a result, a molecular bond between the application agent and the housing unit can be changed, as a result of which the barrier width, ie, the gap width from which the emergence of application agent is prevented, can also be changed.

Particularly preferably, the gap width is less than 1, 0 millimeters, with a gap width of less than 0.7 millimeters advantageous and a gap width smaller than 0.5 millimeters is particularly advantageous.

Furthermore, an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, with a separation unit having at least two separating elements, which form at least one application gap, which is provided for receiving hair for applying the application agent, and at least one of at least one of the separating elements at least partially enclosed application volume, which is intended to at least partially absorb introduced into the application gap hair. As a result, the application agent can be applied particularly simply and reliably to the hair, in particular if the application gaps of the separation unit have a gap width which is very small. By means of such a configuration, the applicator device can be provided particularly advantageously for applying the application agent to individual hairs, whereby in particular an unnaturally uniform coloring of a large number of hairs, in particular of entire hair strands, can advantageously be avoided.

An "application gap arranged between two separating elements ^" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a free space between two adjacently disposed separating elements spaced apart from one another. "An" application volume ^" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a volume for receiving and storing the application means. A "separating element" should be understood to mean, in particular, an element of the separation unit which is intended to introduce the hair introduced into the separation unit into the at least one application gap or past the application gap under "an application volume at least partially enclosed by at least one of the separating elements "should be understood in particular that at least one of the separating elements has an inner contour which forms a wall for the application volume. Preferably, the separating elements partially clamp the application volume, as a result of which the hair is introduced into the application volume when it is introduced into the application gap, in which the application medium is applied. stocked, penetrated and wetted. The application volume preferably has a size of at least one milliliter. In particular, the application volume and the at least one application gap merge into each other at least in one subregion, thereby allowing a particularly advantageous embodiment for applying the application agent to the hair. In particular, it should be understood that at least part of the volume encompassed by the separating elements can be assigned both to the application gap and to the application volume.

It is further proposed that the applicator device has at least one further separating element and at least one further application gap, which merges into the application volume in at least one subregion. As a result, a particularly advantageous single-hair treatment can be realized, whereby an expenditure of time for application of the application agent can be reduced without producing an unnatural color image.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the applicator device comprises a depot volume which is connected to the application volume. As a result, a particularly advantageous amount of the application agent can be introduced into the applicator device, wherein a particularly secure supply of the application gap with the application agent can be achieved and at the same time it can be avoided that the application agent escapes unintentionally.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the applicator device has an essentially dimensionally stable housing unit which is provided to prevent overpressure of the application agent at least during use. As a result, too much application agent can be prevented from escaping by an overpressure in the handling, whereby a uniform wetting of the hair can be achieved, while at the same time it can be avoided that the application agent is applied to a scalp. By "prevent" is to be understood in particular that with a normal handling of the applicator device, ie when a housing of the housing unit by an operator, the housing unit is at least as dimensionally stable that leakage of the application agent from the application columns is prevented The term "rigid ^" should in particular be understood to mean that a force exerted on the housing unit, which is intended for this purpose, encompasses the application volume enclosed by the housing unit or depot volume to reduce at least 10 percent, leads to destruction of the housing unit.

It is further proposed that the applicator device comprises a separation unit which is provided for at least partially decoupling the application volume from the depot volume in terms of flow technology. As a result, it is possible to prevent the application agent stored in the application volume from flowing back into the depot volume, as a result of which sufficient filling of the application volume can at least largely be ensured. As a result, the Appiikatorvorrichtung is at least largely orientation independent usable, i. even after a partial consumption of the application agent, the applicator device can also be used in a tilted state.

In an advantageous development, the applicator device furthermore comprises a pumping unit with at least one pumping element which is freely movable within the depot volume and which is provided to at least support a filling of the application volume with the application means. As a result, a particularly advantageous filling of the application volume can be achieved. In principle, however, the pump unit can also be provided to excite the application agent to vibrate, wherein, in particular, an embodiment with a head surface, which is intended to set the housing unit into oscillation, is advantageous.

Preferably, the pump unit is provided to excite the application agent to a turbulent flow and / or vibration within the depot volume, whereby on the one hand an advantageous mixing of the application agent can be achieved, in particular if the application agent is designed as a multi-component means, and on the other hand, a pumping action for filling the application agent can be achieved simply by the turbulent flow. The pumping element of the pumping unit is preferably spherical. In principle, however, other pumping units are conceivable. In particular, it is conceivable to connect the pumping element movably to the housing unit, for example in the form of a pendulum, which is intended to oscillate within the depot volume. In a further embodiment, it is conceivable that the pump unit is merely provided to stimulate the housing unit to a vibration or vibration. A "pumping unit" should be understood to mean an applicator device which is intended to produce a turbulence, a laminar flow and / or a pressure change of the application agent in the depot volume. If the pump unit is actuated manually, it is advantageously possible to dispense with a complex energy supply, as a result of which a particularly cost-effective applicator device can be realized. Alternatively, however, an active pump unit, such as an electric pump unit, conceivable.

In addition, it is proposed that the applicator device has a refill opening and a closure element which is provided to close the refill opening. As a result, the applicator device can be used at least partially several times, whereby costs for a user can be reduced and thus customer acceptance can be increased.

Furthermore, an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, having a separation unit which has at least two separating elements which form at least one application gap, which is provided for receiving hair for applying the application agent, wherein the application gap in at least a partial region has a gap width which is smaller than 1, 0 millimeters, whereby a proportion of the hair to which the application agent is applied in a single application of the applicator device, greatly reduced, and thus an unnaturally uniform coloration of hair, especially whole hair strands, can be advantageously avoided , Preferably, the average gap width is less than 0.7 millimeters, and more preferably less than 0.5 millimeters.

In addition, a method for applying an application agent to hair, in which by applying the hair through a separation unit, an application agent is applied to a part of the hair and in which a part of the hair is guided past the application gap, in particular a method with an inventive Applicator device, proposed, wherein the application means is applied to at most one of five hairs.

In addition, a method for applying an application agent to hair, in which by applying the hair through at least one application gap of a separation unit, an application agent is applied to a part of the hair, in particular with an applicator according to the invention, proposed in which the hair when passing through the application gap at least partially penetrate into an application volume. drawing

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, various embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. Show it:

1 shows a cross section of an applicator device according to the invention,

2 shows the applicator device of FIG. 1 in a plan view,

3 shows an alternative embodiment of an applicator device,

4 shows an applicator device according to the invention for the simultaneous application of different application agents and

5 shows the applicator device from FIG. 5 in a cross section.

Description of the embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show schematically an applicator device according to the invention for applying an application agent 10a on hair. The applicator device is intended for private use and professional use. By means of the applicator device, a plurality of different application agents 10a, such as, for example, hair dyes, hair treatment agents,

Hair-mix, dispersions, structural altering agents and / or pharmaceutical hair-treatment agents to which hair is applied. The applicator device is provided in particular for use on human hair. In the present application, the application agent is formed as a hair dye, wherein a hair colorant to be understood to mean all means intended to change a color of hair, in particular hair coloring. The applicator device is designed in particular as a Haärbärbernittelplikikatorvorrichtung which is intended to produce a mottled color image. By means of the applicator device, the application agent 10a is applied randomly distributed on the hair, ie hair completely or partially provided with the application means 10a are arranged in addition to wholly or partially provided with the application medium hair.

The applicator device has an application direction 38a, along which it is passed through the hair during application of the application agent 10a. In order for only a part of the hair to be provided with the application means 10a during a single passage of the applicator device through the hair, the applicator device comprises a comb-like separation unit 11a. The separation unit 11a is intended to divide the hair which is introduced into the applicator device and passed through the applicator device into a first part, on which the application means 10a is applied, and a second part, which should remain untreated.

The separation unit 1 l a comprises a plurality of separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form the comb-like structure. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have a main extension direction, which is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of application 38a. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are arranged side by side along a transverse extension direction 39a, which is oriented perpendicular to the application direction 38a.

The two separating elements 23a, 28a are arranged on the outside. The two outer separating elements 23a, 28a each have an adjacently arranged separating element 24a, 27a. The remaining separating elements 24a, 25, 26a, 27a are arranged centrally. They each comprise two adjacently arranged separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

The middle dividing elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a each have two rounded tips. The two tips of one of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are arranged at a distance from one another. The tips of all the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are arranged along the transverse direction of extension in a line. Starting from one of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, the tips of adjacent separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are arranged at a distance. The middle separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a each comprise two flanks. The flanks make an acute angle with the application direction 38a. The flanks run almost parallel to the application direction 38a. The flanks end at a respective one of the two tips of the corresponding separating element

In the arrangement of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a along the transverse extension direction 39a, the flanks of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a face each other in pairs, i. the flank of one of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a lies opposite the flank of the adjacently arranged separating element 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a.

The mutually opposite flanks of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a each span a gap. The intermediate spaces, which are spanned by the pairwise opposite flanks, form application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a. All application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, which are formed by the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, begin at a common head line 40a and terminate at a common base line 41a. The baseline 41 a and the head line 40 a are perpendicular to the direction of application 38 a. In principle, the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a can also start at different head lines and / or end at different head lines. Further, the middle separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a each form a bypass clearance 17a, 18a, 1 a, 20a. The tips of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form a part of the separation unit 1a, which has the greatest distance from the baseline 41a with respect to the direction of application 38a. The bypass clearances 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a are formed as an area between the tips in which the separators 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a extend from the head line 40a on which the tips are arranged, one in the direction the baseline 41 a directed recess. The bypass clearances 17a, 1 8a, 1 a, 20 a are rounded in at least one cross-sectional plane. They have a semicircle-like shape. In principle, however, they can also have a different shape. A depth of the bypass intermediate spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a is substantially smaller than a depth of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a. The depth of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, ie an extension of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a starting from the head line 40a along the direction of application 38a in the direction of the base line 41a is greater than a corresponding extent of the bypass clearances 17a, 1 8a, 19a, 20a.

Furthermore, the separation unit 1 1a comprises a lower side 42a and an upper side 43a. The bottom 42a and the top 43a converge at the head line 40a at an acute angle. The lower side 42a is intended to be placed on a scalp. The top 43a is the

Scalp in an application averted. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form part of the underside and the upper side.

The bottom 42a and the top 43a are curved in this embodiment, at least in some areas. The bottom 42a is convexly curved. The top 43a is concavely curved. In principle, however, other embodiments, in particular the bottom 42a, conceivable.

The bottom 42a has a flatter curvature than the top 43a. In use, the bottom 42a is placed on the scalp. The application device is guided along the scalp by means of the underside 42a. Thus, the bottom 42a extends in at least a portion along the application direction 38a. The preferred application direction 38a is defined by a first, directly adjacent to the tips portion of the bottom 42a. In principle, a user may guide the applicator device along any directions that are tangent to the bottom 42a.

When passing hair through the separation unit 1 l a, the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a receive the first part of the hair on which the application agent 10a is to be applied. The bypass clearances 17a, 1 8a, 19a, 20a take on a passage of hair through the separation unit 1 1 a the second part of the hair, which should be untreated. The part of the hair, which is thereby absorbed by the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, is at least a factor of 5 larger than the part of the hair taken from the bypass clearances 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a becomes.

For applying the application agent 10a to the hair, the applicator device comprises an application volume 29a. The application volume 29a is partially enclosed by the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, ie the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form part of a wall which bounds the application volume 29a. Furthermore, the applicator device comprises a housing unit 32a, which further parts of a wall of the application volume 29a formed. The housing unit 32a, which forms the upper side 43a and the lower side 42a, and the partitioning elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are made in one piece. The housing unit 32a is made of a plastic. A material from which the housing unit 32a is made is transparent. In principle, however, a multi-part design is conceivable.

In a cross-sectional plane which runs perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 39a, the housing unit 32a has an inner contour 44a, which follows an outer contour 45a, in particular in the region of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. A wall thickness of the housing unit 32a in the region of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is less than the depth of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

Starting from the baseline 41a in the direction of the head line 40a, the housing unit 32a has different wall thicknesses. The wall thickness is in the region of the baseline 41 a largest and decreases in the direction of the head line 40 a continuously. A creepage distance, i. a distance which the application means 10a has to cover in order to be able to emerge from the corresponding application gap 1a 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a is thus greater in the region of the base line 41a than at an outer end of the partial region facing the head line 40a 30a. Due to the increased wall thickness compared to the head line 40a, the application gaps 1a, 1a, 1a, 4a, 15a, 16a oppose the application means 10a in the region of the base line 41a in comparison with the outer end of the portion 30a, an increased exit resistance.

The inner contour 44a is curved in the region of the application volume 29a. A part of the inner contour 44a, which defines together with the lower side 42a a lower part of the housing unit 32a, is concavely curved. A part of the inner contour 44a, which defines an upper part of the housing unit together with the upper side 43a, is convexly curved. The convexly curved part of the inner contour 44a has a greater curvature than the concavely curved part of the inner contour 44a. The application volume 29a has a cross section which, starting from the base line 41a in the direction of the head line 40a, has a continuously decreasing height.

The application volume 29a extends through all middle dividing elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a. The outer separating elements form a lateral wall of the application volume 29a. The flanks of the separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a have a triangular structure. Starting from the tips, the flanks each have an upper leg and a lower leg. The upper leg of the flank forms the upper side 43a. The lower leg forms the bottom 42α. The upper side 43α and the lower side 42a thus form part of the wall of the application volume 29a. A hair introduced into the application nip 1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a thereby penetrates into the application volume 29a partially enclosed by the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The application volume 29a and the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a merge into one another in a subregion 30a. The portion 30a extends from the baseline 41a in the direction of the head line 40a.

The application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a have an application variable which is provided for singulating the hair. The bypass free spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a, which are intended to lead the hair to be treated on the application columns 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, have a bypass size, at least by a factor of 4 larger is as the application size of the application column 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a. The number of hairs to which the application agent is applied when passing through the separation unit 11a is thus at least a factor of 20 greater than the number of hairs left untreated, i. on a treated hair come at least 20 untreated hair. The application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a have an opening width 21 a, which is at least a factor of 5 larger than an opening width 22a of the bypass clearances 17a, 1 8a, 1 a, 20a. In Figure 2, only the opening width 21 a of the application gap 1 3a and the opening width 22a of the bypass clearance 16a are provided with a reference numeral.

A gap width 62a of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a is constant over the entire depth of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a. The opening width 21 a, which have the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a on the head line 40a, is greater than the gap width 62a. In the area of the head line 40a, the opening width 21a continuously merges into the gap width 62a. In this case, the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a have the gap width 62a, in particular in the region of the base line 41a. The opposite flanks of adjacent separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a run parallel to one another. The gap width 62a of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a is between 0.4 millimeters and 0.7 millimeters. In principle, however, the gap width can also be less than 0.4 millimeters.

The opening width 22a of the bypass clearances 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a is greatest in the area of the head line 40a. In the direction of the baseline 41a, the opening width 22a of the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a becomes successively smaller. In particular in the area of the head line 40a, the opening width 22a is the Bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a thereby about a factor of 20 larger than the opening width 21a of the application column 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a. A distance which the two peaks of one of the separators 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have, therefore, is greater by a factor of 5 or more than the distance which the opposing tips of adjacent separators 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a have , 27a, 28a.

The gap width 62a of the application gap 1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a is smaller than a barrier width, from which leakage of the application agent 10a is prevented by adhesion forces. The application agent 10a has a surface tension caused by the adhesion forces. The gap width 62a of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a is so small in the subregion 30a in which the application gaps 1a, 1a, 4a, 15a, 16a and the application volume 29a merge into one another. that properties of the application means 10a, such as surface tension, adhesion or adhesion, prevent the application agent 10a from being in use, ie in particular during storage, emerges from the application volume 29a.

The application volume 29a occupies only a part of the volume encompassed by the housing unit 32a. In addition to the application volume 29a, the applicator device comprises a depot volume 31a, which is connected to the application volume 29a. The depot volume 3 1 a takes part of the housing unit 32 a, which adjoins the separation unit 1 l a.

The part of the housing unit 32 a, which is formed as the depot volume 31 a, is designed as a handle. The applicator device is intended for one-handed operation. A user wishing to pass the applicator device through hair grips the housing unit 32a in the area where the depot volume 31a is located.

The housing unit 32a is formed from a dimensionally stable plastic. The dimensionally stable housing unit 32a prevents the application means 10a from being pushed out beyond the application gaps 1a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a during use, in particular when the housing unit 32a is gripped by the operator. The housing unit 32a is rigid. The depot volume 31 a and the application volume 29 a are at least partially decoupled from each other in terms of flow. Between the depot volume 31 a and the application volume 29 a, a separation unit 33 a is arranged. In an area in which the depot volume 31 a adjoins the application volume 29 a, the inner contour 44 a of the housing unit 32 a has a constriction, through which the application agent 10a can only partially flow independently due to its adhesive forces. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner contour 44a of the housing unit 32a has two opposite shoulders 46a, 47a forming the constriction. The two paragraphs 46a, 47a have in this embodiment, a distance of about 4 millimeters.

The constriction forms a passage opening 48a. Through the passage opening 48a, the application agent 10a can flow from the depot volume 31a into the application volume 29a. The passage opening 48a has a slot-shaped form in this exemplary embodiment. Perpendicular to the Ouererstreckungsrichtung 39a, the passage opening 48a has an extension which corresponds to the distance between the two paragraphs 46a, 47a. Parallel to the Ouererstreckungsrichtung 39a, the passage opening 48a has an extension which is substantially greater than the extension perpendicular to the Ouererstreckungsrichtung 39a. The extent of the passage opening 48a parallel to the Ouererstreckungsrichtung 39a is greater than 1 centimeter. In the illustrated embodiment, it is about 2.5 centimeters. In principle, the passage opening 48a may also have other shapes. In particular, an embodiment with a plurality of adjacent passage openings, for example in the form of holes, conceivable.

In order to convey the application agent 10a from the depot volume 3 1 a into the application volume 29 a, or at least to support an independent filling of the application volume 29 a, the applicator device comprises a pumping unit 34 a. The pumping unit 34a includes a movable one

Pumping element 35a, which is intended to cause a turbulent flow or vibrations at least in the region of the separation unit 33a.

The pumping element 35a is freely movable in the depot volume 31 a attached. The pumping element 35a is designed as a ball. The pumping element 35a has a diameter which is larger than the extent of the passage opening 48a perpendicular to the outer extension direction. The pumping element 35a can thus not pass through the passage opening 48a from the depot volume 31a into the application volume 29a. In addition, an additional pumping element can be arranged in the application volume 29a. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the pumping element 35a has an extension, due to which it can migrate through the passage opening 48a into the application volume. The pumping element 35a forms a mixing element by a movement of the pumping element 35a in the depot volume 31a, a turbulent flow is excited in the depot volume 31a, through which the application agent 10a is mixed. The pumping element 35a is thereby moved by a user who moves the housing unit 32a with a shaking motion. A mixing operation, in particular of a multi-component agent, can thereby be carried out within the housing unit 32a.

For filling, the housing unit 32a has a refill opening 36a and the applicator device has a closure element 37a closing the refill opening 36a. The entire applicator device is recyclable, i. in particular, the closure element 37a can be used several times. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to design the applicator device partially or completely as a disposable product.

The refill opening 36a has a diameter that is greater than an extension of the pumping element 35a. When the applicator device is manufactured, therefore, the pumping element 35a can be introduced into the housing unit 32a through the refill opening 36a after the housing unit 32a has been completely formed. The housing unit 32a is preferably made in a single manufacturing step by thermoforming a blank. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to first design the housing unit 32a in several parts and then to assemble it into a component by means of a suitable connection method. Preferably, individual parts are materially connected to each other, whereby the housing unit 32a is integrally formed.

For applying the application agent 10a, the applicator device is passed through the hair. Due to the design of the separation unit 11a, the application means 10a is applied at most to one of 20 hairs. During the passage of the applicator device through the hair, the dividing elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a share the hair. The first part of the hair is passed through the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a. The second part comes in the bypass clearances 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a to lie. If the applicator device is passed through more hair than the bypass clearances 17 a, 18 a, 1 a, 20 a and the application column 1 2 a, 1 3 a, 1 a, 15 a, 16 a can absorb, a part of the hair passes under the applicator device or across the applicator device. A portion of the hair, which are introduced into the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, penetrates into the application volume 29a. Thus, the application agent 10a is not applied to all the hairs that are arranged in the application gaps 1a, 1a, 14a, 15a, 16a. The application agent 10a is applied only to isolated hair, ie after the use of the applicator device only individual hairs of a hair strand of several hairs are provided with the application means 10a.

For transport or storage, the application device comprises a cover unit 49a. The cover unit 49a is provided for attachment to the separation unit 11a. The cover unit 49a plugged onto the separation unit 11a encloses and / or closes the separating elements 23a,

24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The cover unit 49a in this case has a width which is smaller, at least in partial regions, than a width of the separation unit 11a oriented along the direction of the extension 39a of the outer. In a plugged state, the cover unit 49a exerts a force on the outer dividing elements 23a, 28a, which is directed in the direction of the central dividing elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a.

The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are designed to be partially flexible. By the attached lid unit 49a, the outer partition members 23a, 28a and the adjacent partition members 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a are bent inwardly. The application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a thereby have a gap width when the lid unit 49a is plugged on, which is almost zero. The cover unit 49a prevents on the one hand by the compression of the separating elements 23a, 24a,

25a, 26a, 27a, 28a and on the other hand by enclosing the separation unit 1 l a leakage of the application agent 10a.

The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a in this case have a flexibility on the basis of which they are intended, solely by a force which, when the applicator device is passed through the hair, onto the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a appears to be deformed. When the applicator device is passed through the hair, the individual application gaps can therefore have a different gap width. In principle, the gap width of the application gaps 1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a can also be changed from the outside, for example by a force exerted externally on the flexible separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show two further exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the play, with respect to the same components, features and functions on the description of the other embodiments, in particular the figures 1 and 2, can be referenced. To distinguish the embodiments of the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 is replaced by the letters b and c in the reference numerals of the Ausführungsbei- games of Figures 3 to 5. With regard to identically named components, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference may in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of an applicator device for applying an application agent 10b to hair. The applicator device comprises a separation unit 1 1b, which has a comb-like structure with a plurality of application gaps 1 3b only partially shown, which are provided for receiving part of the hair for applying the application agent 10b, with a plurality of bypass clearances leading to the passage of a part of the hair on the application gap 1 3b are provided has. The application gap 1 3b has, analogous to those not shown, an application variable which is larger by at least a factor of 5 than a bypass size of the bypass clearances.

The separation unit 1 l b comprises a plurality of likewise only partially shown separating elements 25b. In each case between two of the separating elements 25b one of the application gaps 1 3b is arranged. Furthermore, the applicator device comprises a housing unit 32b. The housing unit 32b and the separating elements 25b enclose an application volume 29b, into which the hair penetrates during insertion into the application gap 1 3b. The application gaps 1 3b, which are shown only partially, merge into the application volume 29b in a subregion 30b. In addition, the housing unit 32b encloses a depot volume 31b.

The housing unit 32b has a teardrop-shaped inner contour 44b, which is schematically represented by a circular part and a triangular part. The circular part forms the depot volume 31 b. The triangular part forms the application volume 29b. For partial decoupling of the application volume 29b from the depot volume 31b includes the

Applicator device a separation unit 33b. The separation unit 33b includes partition members 50b, 51b attached to the housing unit 32b. The separating elements 50b, 51b form a constriction. The separating elements in particular prevent the application agent 10b from flowing from the application volume 29b back into the depot volume 3 1 b.

The separating elements 50b, 51b form a labyrinth structure. The partition members 50b, 51b are formed as web-shaped structures which are fixed to the housing unit 32b. The two separating elements 50b, 51b are arranged opposite one another on the inner contour 44b of the housing unit 32b. They are designed in one piece with the housing unit 32b.

In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiment, a pump unit was dispensed with in the illustrated applicator device. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to introduce into the depot volume a pumping element which is preferably designed as a ball and which is freely movable in the depot volume 31b.

Figures 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention. The applicator device is provided for the simultaneous application of different application agents 10c, 52c on hair. The applicator device comprises a separation unit 1 1 c, which has a comb-like structure. The separation unit 1 lc comprises a plurality of application gaps 1 2c, 1 3c, 1 4c, 15c, 16c, which are provided for receiving part of the hair for application of the application means 10c, 52c, and a plurality of bypass clearances 17c, 1 8c , 19c, 20c, which are provided for the passage of a portion of the hair on the application columns 1 2c, 1 3c, 1 4c, 15c, 16c. The application gaps 12c, 1 3c, 1 4c, 15c, 16c have an application variable which is larger by at least a factor of 5 than a bypass size of the bypass clearances.

The separation unit 1 l c comprises a plurality of separating elements 23c, 24c, 25c, 26c, 27c, 28c. In each case between two of the separating elements 23c, 24c, 25c, 26c, 27c, 28c one of the application gaps 1 2c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c is arranged. Furthermore, the applicator device comprises a housing unit 32c. The housing unit 32c encloses several depot volumes 31c, 53c into which the different application means 10c, 52c are introduced. The different application means 10c, 52c are designed as different shades. In principle, however, a wide variety of application agents can be applied to the hair at the same time.

The housing unit 32 c of the application device, which is formed integrally with the separation unit 1 1 c, has an L-shaped form. The housing unit 32c comprises a short leg, which forms the separation unit 1 lc, and a long leg, in which the depot volume 3 1 c, 53 c are arranged. The depot volume 31 c, 53 c are thus spaced from the separation unit 1 lc, in which the application means 10 c, 52 c are applied to the hair arranged. In order to apply the application agents 10c, 52c introduced into the depot volumes 31c, 53c to the part of the hair which passes through the application gaps 1 2c, 1 3c, 1 4c, 15c, 16c, the applicator device comprises a guide unit 54c. The guide unit 54c is provided to guide the application means 10c, 52c from the depot volume 31c, 53c to the hairs arranged in the separation unit 11c. The guide unit 54c comprises a plurality of application points 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c and a plurality of channels 60c, 61c. The channels 60c, 61c each connect one of the depot volumes 31c, 53c to the corresponding depot volume 31c, 53c associated application sites 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c. The application points 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c are each arranged on a base line 41c of the separating elements 23c, 24c, 25c, 26c, 27c, 28c of the separation unit 1 lc. The channels 60c, 61c have a mean diameter greater than a barrier width. The different application means 10c, 52c thereby flow almost unhindered from the depot volumes 31c, 53c to the application sites 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c. Since the application gaps 1 2c, 1 3c, 1 4c, 15c, 16c have a gap width which is less than the barrier width, the application means 10c, 52c fill the application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c only in the area of the application site - len 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c. When performing the applicator device, a part of the hair is separated and placed in different application gaps 1 2c, 1 3c, 1 4c, 15c, 16c, in which the two application agents are then applied to the hair.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the channels are formed by means of a porous material, which is provided for conducting the different application means. As a porous material different wicking materials, such as fiber materials are conceivable. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to use a sintered material or another material which appears suitable to a person skilled in the art. The depot volume 31 c2, 53c of the application unit can be refilled. The applicator device comprises a refill opening 36c and a closure element 37c for the refill opening. reference numeral

10 Application agent 37 Closure element

1 1 Separation unit 38 Application direction

1 2 Application gap 39 Outer extension direction

1 3 Application gap 40 Head line

1 4 Application gap 41 Baseline

15 application gap 42 underside

16 application gap 43 top

17 Bypass clearance 44 Inner contour

18 Bypass clearance 45 Outside contour

19 Bypass clearance 46 paragraph

20 Bypass clearance 47 paragraph

21 Opening width 48 Passage opening

22 opening width 49 cover unit

23 separating element 50 separating element

24 separating element 51 separating element

25 separating element 52 application means

26 separating element 53 depot volume

27 separating element 54 guiding unit

28 separating element 55 application point

29 Application volume 56 Application site

30 Subarea 57 Application site

31 Depot volume 58 Application site

32 Housing unit 59 Application site

33 separation unit 60 channel

34 pump unit 61 channel

35 pump element 62 gap width

36 refill opening

Claims

claims

An applicator device for applying at least one application agent (10a, 10b, 10c, 52c) to hair, comprising a separation unit (IIa, 11b, 11c), the at least two application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 13b, 12c , 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) provided for receiving part of the hair for application of the application means (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c), characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 13b, 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an opening width which is at least a factor of 10 smaller than a distance of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a , 15a, 16a, 13b, 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c).

2. Applicator device according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the opening width of the at least one application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 13b, 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) is provided for singling hair.

3. Applicator device according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the separation unit (I Ia; I Ib; 11c) has a comb-like structure with at least one bypass clearance (17a, 18a, 19a, 20a, 17c, 18c, 1c, 20c) for passing a portion of the hair past at least one of them the application column (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 13b, 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) is provided.

4. Applicator device according to claim 2,

characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 13b, 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an application variable that is at least a factor of 2 smaller than a bypass size of the at least one bypass chamber (17a, 18a, 19a, 20a, 17c, 18c, 19c, 20c).

5. Applicator device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the opening width of the at least one application gap (1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 1 3b; 12c, 1c, 1c, 15c, 16c) is at least a factor of 10 smaller than an opening width of the at least one bypass free space (17a , 18a, 19a, 20a, 17b, 17c, 18c, 19c, 20c).

6. Applicator device according to claim 3,

characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps in at least one subregion (30a) has a gap width (62a) which is smaller than a barrier width beyond which the emergence of the application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c) is prevented.

An applicator device for applying an application agent (10a, 10b) to hair, comprising a separation unit (IIa, 11b) which has at least two separating elements (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 25b) which at least an application gap (1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, 3b), which is provided for receiving hair for applying the application means (10a, 10b), in particular an applicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by

at least one application volume (29a, 29b) at least partially enclosed by at least one of the separating elements (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 25b), which is intended to be inserted into the at least one application gap (1a, 1a, 1, 4a, 15a, 16a; 1 3b) at least partially accommodate introduced hairs.

8. Applicator device according to claim 7,

characterized in that

the application volume (29a, 29b) and the at least one application gap (1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, 13b) merge into each other at least in a partial area (30a, 30b).

9. Applicator device according to claim 7 or 8,

marked by

at least one further separating element (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 25b) and at least one further application gap (1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 15a, 16a, 3b), which in at least one subregion (30a; 30b) merges into the application volume (29a, 29b).

10. Applicator device at least according to claim 7,

marked by

a depot volume (31 a, 31 b), which is connected to the application volume (29 a, 29 b).

1 1. Applicator device at least according to claim 7,

marked by

a substantially dimensionally stable housing unit (32a; 32b) which is provided to prevent overpressure of the application means (10a; 10b) at least during use.

1 2. Applicator device according to claim 10 or 1 1,

marked by

a separation unit (33a; 33b) which is provided to at least partially decouple the application volume (29a; 29b) from the depot volume (31a; 31b) in terms of flow technology.

1 3. Applicator device at least according to claim 10,

marked by

a pumping unit (34a) having at least one pump element (35a) which is freely movable within the depot volume (31a) and which is provided to at least support filling of the application volume (29a) with the application means (10a).

14. Applicator device at least according to claim 7,

marked by

a refill opening (36a; 36c) and a closure member (37a; 37c) arranged to close the refill opening.

15. Applicator device for applying an application agent (10a, 10b) to hair, with a separation unit (IIa, IIb), which has at least two separating elements (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 25b), which at least an application gap (12a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 3b), which is provided for receiving hair for the application of the application means (10a, 10b), in particular an applicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the application gap in at least one subregion (30a) has a gap width (62a) which is less than 1.0 mm.

16. A method for applying an application agent (10a, 10b, 10c, 52c) to hair, in which by passing the hair through a separation unit (II a, II b, 1 lc) an application means (10a, 10b, 10c, 52c) on a portion of the hair is applied and in which a portion of the hair on the application gap (1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 1 3b, 1 2c, 1 3c, 14c, 15c, -16c) is passed, in particular a Method with an applicator device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the application agent (10a; 1b; 52c) is applied to at most one of 10 hairs.

17. A method for applying an application agent (10) to hair, in which by passing the hair through at least one application gap (1 2a, 1 3a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 3b) of a separation unit (II a; 1 lb) an application agent (10a, 10b) is applied to a part of the hair, in particular a method according to claim 15, in particular with an applicator device according to one of claims 1 to 1 3,

characterized in that

the hair when passing through the application gap (1 2a, 1 3a, 1 4a, 1 a, 16a, 1 3) at least partially penetrate into an application volume (29a, 29b).