EP2575531A1

EP2575531A1 - Applicator device for applying at least one application agent to fibrous material

Info

Publication number: EP2575531A1
Application number: EP11733784.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas MÜHLBERGER; Daniel Eiche; Michael MÜHLBERGER; Peter Roth; Anke Wagner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-02
Filing date: 2011-06-01
Publication date: 2013-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-01
Also published as: US9155371B2; JP2013526991A; CN103281929A; US20130255708A1; EP2575532A1; WO2011151068A1; US20130206158A1; CN103037732B; US20130199555A1; RU2012156452A; AU2011260593A1; DE102010048438A1; EP2575530A1; CN103037731A; CN103037732A; AU2011260595A1; DE102010048445A1; WO2011151067A1; DE102010048446A1; RU2012156929A

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator device for applying at least one application agent (10a) to fibrous material, in particular an applicator device for applying an application agent (10a) to hair. Said device comprises a housing unit (11a) that contains at least one depot volume (12a) for storing the application agent(s) (10a) and at least one application volume (13a) that is connected to the depot volume (12a).

Description

Applicator device for applying at least one application agent to fiber-like materials

State of the art

The invention is based on an applicator device for applying at least one application agent to fiber-like materials.

The invention is in particular the object of providing an applicator, which provides easy handling and high protection against accidental leakage of the application agent. It is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and the independent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention, an applicator device for applying at least one application agent to fiber-like materials, in particular an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, with a housing unit is proposed which has at least one depot volume for storing the at least one application agent and at least one application volume connected to the depot volume encloses.

By dividing a total volume into the depot volume and into the application volume, an applicator device can be provided by means of which, in particular, a liquid application agent can be securely applied to fiber-like materials. Due to the division, the application

CONFIRMATION COPY Honsvolumen be made advantageously small, which in particular a position dependence of a supply of application sites where the application agent is applied to the materials can be reduced. In this context, a "volume of deposits" should be understood as meaning, in particular, a volume enclosed by the housing unit, which is intended to receive and store the application medium. "Application volume" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a volume adjacent to at least one application site, preferably at least two application sites become. The application volume is preferably downstream of the depot volume and provided for storing the application agent immediately prior to application to the fiber-like materials, in particular hair. An "application ^volume" is intended in particular not a channel to be understood, that a free space, which is excellent in flow direction and which is intended to guide the delivery device from a depot volume to an application site. By ^"provided" is intended in particular, specially equipped and / or interpreted understood.

An "application agent" is to be understood in particular as meaning a liquid, pasty or pulverulent agent intended for application to hair, in particular a hair dye, hair treatment agent, hairloss, dispersions, structural altering agents and / or pharmaceutical hair treatment agents The term "one-component agent ^" is to be understood as meaning an agent which is stored ready for use in the application agent container. By a "multi-component agent" is meant in particular a means comprising two separately stored components intended to be mixed together for one application.

It is further proposed that the application volume has a size which is smaller than a size of the depot volume. As a result, a particularly reliable filling of the application volume can be realized. Preferably, the application volume is at most half as large as the depot volume.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the applicator device has a pump unit which is provided to at least to fill the application volume with the at least one application agent support. As a result, a particularly advantageous filling of the application volume can be achieved. Preferably, the pump unit is provided to stimulate the application agent to a turbulent flow within the depot volume, whereby on the one hand an advantageous mixing of the application agent can be achieved, especially if the application means is designed as a multi-component means, and on the other can by the turbulent flow simply a pumping action to fill the application volume can be achieved. 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 only intended to stimulate the housing unit to a vibration or vibration. ', A "pump ^unit' here understood to be a unit which is intended to cause a turbulence, a laminar flow and / or a pressure change in the delivery device. Preferably, the pumping unit comprises at least one pumping element arranged in the depot volume and / or the application volume, which is intended to achieve a pumping action. As a result, advantageously a flow can be generated in the depot volume, by which the application agent can be advantageously mixed and advantageously conveyed from the depot volume into the application volume. In this case, a pump element is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a movable element relative to the housing unit, which is intended to excite the application agent to form a flow, such as, for example, a pendulum, a pump wheel, or another element. The pumping element can in principle be provided for a guided movement, such as, for example, a pump element rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, or for free movement.

Particularly advantageously, the pumping element is arranged to be freely movable in the depot volume enclosed by the housing unit. As a result, the pump unit can be configured particularly simply, in particular a simple, manual pumping unit can thereby be realized. Is intended to "move freely in the depot volume" here mean in particular that the pumping member is not fixed to the ^'housing unit, which surrounds the depot volume. Preferably, a movement of the pump element is limited to the depot volume. Advantageously, the at least one pumping element is spherical. As a result, a particularly simple pumping element can be realized.

It is further proposed that the applicator device has a mixing unit which has at least one mixing element introduced into the depot volume and / or the application volume and which is intended to mix the application agent. As a result, a high degree of homogeneity of the application agent can be achieved, in particular if the application agent is designed as a multi-component agent. Preferably, the pump unit and the mixing unit are at least partially made in one piece. As a result, a number of components can be advantageously reduced. Particularly preferably, the pumping element and the mixing element are made in one piece. In principle, it is additionally or alternatively also possible that the mixing unit comprises a valve disposed in the mixing volume administered ^¬ element.

In one development of the invention, it is proposed that the applicator device has a separation unit which is provided to at least partially decouple the application volume from the depot volume in terms of flow technology. In this context, the term "decoupling fluidically ^" is understood to mean, in particular, that a volume exchange between the application volume and the depot volume is at least partially hindered

Flow of the application agent in the depot volume, in particular a turbulent flow, at most partially transferred to the application agent in the application volume.

In particular, when the separation unit is provided to at least partially prevent a backflow of the application agent of the application volume in the depot volume, the device is particularly easy to handle. By means of such a configuration, it is possible, for example, 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 applicator device can be used at least largely independent of orientation, ie, even after a partial consumption of the application agent, the applicator device can also be used in a tilted state. The separating unit preferably comprises rigid separating elements, which particularly preferably form a labyrinth structure. Basically However, it is also conceivable to form the separation unit as a valve unit, for example in the form of a diaphragm valve, which forms a check valve.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the housing unit is substantially dimensionally stable in order 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 in a normal handling of the applicator, ie in an En embrace the housing unit by an operator, the housing unit is at least so 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 an application of force to the housing unit, which is intended to reduce the volume of application or depot volume enclosed by the housing unit by at least 10 percent, leads to a destruction of the housing unit.

Furthermore, an applicator device for applying at least one application agent to fiber-like materials, in particular 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 for receiving hair for applying the application agent is provided, and proposed with at least one of at least one of the separating elements at least partially enclosed application volume. As a result, the application agent can be applied particularly simply and safely 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 be avoided.

An "application gap arranged between two separating elements ^" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a free space between two adjacently arranged separating elements which are spaced apart from each other. "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 be inserted into the separation unit. introduced hair introduced into the at least one application gap or pass past the application gap. "An application volume which is at least partially enclosed by at least one of the separating elements ^" should be understood in particular to mean 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 tension the application volume, as a result of which the hair penetrates and wets when it is introduced into the application gap into the application volume in which the application agent is stored. The application volume preferably has a size of at least one milliliter. Particularly preferably, the application volume is intended to at least partially accommodate hairs introduced into the at least one application gap. As a result, hair can be passed through the application agent stored in the application volume, whereby the hair can be provided with the application means in a particularly simple manner. The application gap preferably has a constant gap width along at least part of its main extension direction. Particularly advantageously, a part of the at least one application gap has a gap width that changes along at least one direction. Preferably, an opening width in the region of a head line may be greater than the gap width, whereby the gap width may also decrease starting from the head line in the direction of a base line. In principle, the at least one application gap can also have a conical, an oblique or a wedge-shaped structure.

Preferably, the application volume and the at least one application gap merge into one another, at least in one subarea. As a result, a particularly advantageous embodiment for applying the application agent to the hair can be achieved. In this context, "passing over" should be understood in particular to mean 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.

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. It is further proposed that the Appllkatorvorrichtung comprises a porous material which is at least partially introduced into the at least one application volume. As a result, a further simple embodiment can be realized. In particular, the application sites can be easily formed thereby, whereby an advantageous embodiment can be found. In this case, a porous material should be understood as meaning, in particular, a material which forms cavities which are provided for conducting the application agent, in particular a sintered material

Sponge material or a wick material, such as a fiber material. Furthermore, an applicator device for applying at least one application agent to fiber-like materials, in particular an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, with a separation unit having a comb-like structure with at least two separating elements and at least one application gap arranged between the separating elements, with a housing unit, which encloses at least one depot volume into which the application agent is introduced, and with at least one application site which is arranged in the region of the at least one application gap, the application gap having a gap width at least in the region of the application site which is smaller than a barrier width, proposed. Thereby, a continuous, unwanted leakage of application agent can be prevented, whereby the Appllkatorvorrichtung is particularly easy to use and can be used in particular for private use. In this context, a "barrier width" is to be understood in particular to mean a width that a gap with a constant gap width can maximally have, without the application agent exiting through the gap at a pressure corresponding to a liquid column of the application agent of 5 centimeters The application gap can therefore be adapted to the application medium used, depending on the application medium used, and different gap widths, depending on the application medium used exhibit.

In addition, an applicator device for applying at least one application agent to fiber-like materials, in particular an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, with a housing unit, which encloses at least one depot volume into which the application agent is introduced, with at least one application site, which in the region Application gap is arranged, wherein the Appllkatorvorrichtung comprises at least one porous material which in Area of at least one application site is arranged proposed. As a result, a ^further advantageous applicator device can be realized, which offers easy handling and high protection against undesired leakage of the application agent.

drawing

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, various embodiments of the invention are shown. The description and 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 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator device according to the invention,

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

Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of an applicator and

4 shows the applicator device from FIG. 3 in a side view.

Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 schematically shows an applicator device according to the invention for applying an application agent 10a to hair. The applicator device is intended for private use and professional use. By means of the applicator device, a multiplicity of different application agents 10a, such as, for example, hair dyes, hair treatment agents, hair gels, dispersions, structural altering agents and / or pharmaceutical hair treatment agents, can be applied to the hair. 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 or a hair tinting agent.

The applicator device is designed in particular as a hair dye applicator device, which is intended to produce a mottled color image. By means of the applicator device If the application agent 10a is applied randomly distributed on the hair, ie hair wholly or partially provided with the application means 10a are arranged side by side or next to hair not provided with the appli ^¬ cation. The applicator device has an application direction 34a, 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 when the applicator device is passed through the hair once, the applicator device comprises a comb-like separation unit 17a. The separation unit 17a is provided to divide the hair which is introduced into the applicator device and passed through the applicator device into a first part, to which the application ^agent 10a is applied, and a second part, which is to remain untreated.

The separation unit 17a comprises a plurality of separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a. The separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a form a comb-like structure. The separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a have a main extension direction which is substantially parallel to the ^direction of application 34a is oriented. The separating elements 18a, 1a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a are arranged next to one another along a transverse extension direction 35a, which is oriented perpendicular to the application direction 34a. The two separating elements 18a, 23a are arranged on the outside. The two outer separating elements 1 8a, 23a each have an adjacently arranged separating element 19a, 22a. The remaining separating elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a are arranged centrally. They each comprise two adjacently arranged separating elements 18a, 1a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a. The middle separating elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a each have two rounded tips. The outer dividing elements 18a, 23a each have a tip. The two respective tips of the separating elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a are arranged at a distance from one another. The tips of all the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a are arranged along the transverse extension direction 35a in a line. Starting from one of the tips of one of the separating elements 1 8a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a, the tips of adjacent separating elements 1 8a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a are arranged at a distance. The middle separating elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a each comprise two flanks. The flanks make an acute angle with the application direction 34a. The flanks run almost parallel to the application direction 34a. The flanks end in each case at one of the two tips of the corresponding separating element 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a. The outer separating elements 18a, 23a each include a flank, which is formed analogously.

In the arrangement of the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a along the Quererstreckungsrich- direction 34a, the flanks of the separating elements 18a, 1 a, 20a, 21 a, 22a, 23a in each case in pairs opposite, i. the flank of one of the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a is the edge of the adjacently disposed separating element 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a opposite.

The respective opposite flanks of the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a each span a gap. The intermediate spaces, which are spanned by the respectively mutually opposite flanks, form application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a of all application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, which are separated by the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a. 21a, 22a, 23a start at a common head line 36a and terminate at a common base line 37a. The baseline 37a and the head line 36a are perpendicular to the direction of application 34a. Furthermore, the middle separating elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a each form a bypass clearance 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a. The tips of the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a form part of the separation unit 17a, which has the greatest distance from the baseline 37a with respect to the application direction 34a. The bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a are formed as an area between the tips, in which the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a proceed from the top line 36a on which the tips are arranged , have a directed towards the baseline 37a recess. The bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a are rounded in at least one cross-sectional plane. They have a semicircle-like shape.

A depth of the bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a is substantially smaller than a depth of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The depth of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, ie an extent of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a starting from the head line 36a along the direction of application 34a in the direction of the base line 37a, is greater than a corresponding extension of the bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a. Furthermore, the separation unit 17a comprises a lower side 42a and a upper side 43a. The bottom 42a and the top 43a converge at the head line 36a at an acute angle. The bottom 42a is intended to be placed on a scalp. The top 43a faces away from the scalp in one application. The separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a form a part of the lower side 42a and the upper side 43a.

The bottom 42a and the top 43a are curved at least in some areas. The bottom 42a is convexly curved. The top 43a is concavely curved. The lower side 42a has a flatter curvature than the upper side 43a. In use, the bottom 42a is placed on the scalp. The applicator device is guided along the scalp by means of the underside 42a. Thus, the bottom 42a extends in at least a portion along the direction of application 34a. The preferred application direction 34a is defined by a first, directly adjacent to the head line 36a portion of the bottom 42a. Preferably, a user thereby moves the applicator device along any directions tangent to the bottom 42a in a roll-and-push motion, similar to a crochet hook, i. first along the preferred direction of application 34a and then along the other, tangential to the bottom 42a directions, whereby the tips of the separation unit 17a are lifted during the movement of a scalp.

When passing hair through the separation unit 17a, the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a receive the first part of the hair to which the application agent 10a is to be applied. The bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a take on the passage of hair through the separation unit 17a on the second part of the hair, which should remain untreated. The part of the hair which is thereby taken up by the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is at least a factor of 5 larger than the part of the hair which is received by the bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a.

For applying the application agent 10a to the hair, the applicator device comprises an application volume 1 3a. The application volume 1 3a is partially enclosed by the separating elements 1 8a, 1 a, 20 a, 21 a, 22 a, 23 a, ie, the separating elements 1 8 a, 19 a, 20 a, 21 a, 22 a, 23 a form part of a wall, the the application volume 1 3a limited. Further, the applicator comprises a housing unit 1 1 a, the other parts of a wall of the application volume 1 3a formed. The housing unit 1 1 a, which forms the top 43 a and the bottom 42 a, and the separating elements 18 a, 1 a, 20 a, 21 a, 22 a, 23 a are made in one piece. The housing unit 1 la is made of a plastic. A material from which the housing unit 1 1 a is made, is transparent. In principle, however, the housing unit 1 la can also be made of other materials, in particular also of non-transparent materials.

In a cross-sectional plane which runs perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 35a, the housing unit 11a has an inner contour 44a, which in particular in the region of the separating elements 18a, 1a, 21a, 22a, 23a of an outer contour 45a of the housing unit 1a follows. A wall thickness of the housing unit 1 l a in the region of the separating elements 1 8a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a is less than the depth of the separating elements 1 8a, 1 a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a.

Starting from the baseline 37a in the direction of the head line 36a, the housing unit 1 l a on different wall thicknesses. The wall thickness is greatest in the region of the baseline 37a and decreases continuously in the direction of the head line 36a. 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 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is thus greater in the region of the baseline 37a than at an outer end of the subregion facing the head line 36a the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a pass into the application volume 1 3a. As a result of the increased wall thickness compared to the head line 36a, the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a oppose the application means 10a in the region of the base line 37a in comparison with the outer end of the subregion.

The inner contour 44a is curved in the portion in which it limits the application volume 1 3a. A part of the inner contour 44a, which together with the lower side 42a forms a lower part of the housing unit 1a, is concavely curved. A part of the inner contour 44a, which forms an upper part of the housing unit 11a 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 1 3a has a cross section which has a continuously decreasing height starting from the baseline 37a in the direction of the head line 36a. A width of the cross section is approximately constant. The application volume 1 3a has a wedge-shaped basic shape. This basic shape is curved by the course of the inner contour 44a. The application volume 1 3a extends through all central separating elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a. The outer separating elements 1 8a, 23a form a lateral wall of the application volume 1 3a. The flanks of the separating elements 1 a, 20 a, 21 a, 22 a 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 42a. The upper side 43a and the lower side 42a thus form part of the wall of the application volume 1 3a. A hair introduced into one of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a thus penetrates into the part of the separating elements 1 8a, 19a, 20a, 21a , 22a, 23a partially enclosed application volume 1 3a. The application volume 1 3a and the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a merge into one another in a partial region 55a.

The portion 55a extends from the baseline 37a in the direction of the head line 36a. In the region in which the application volume 1 3a and the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a merge into one another, the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form application sites 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a. Only at the application sites 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a is the application agent 10a applied to the hair.

The application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have an application size which is provided for singulating the hair. The by-pass spaces 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a, which are intended to guide hairs that are not to be treated past the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, have a bypass size which is at least a factor of 20 greater than the application size the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The number of hairs to which the application agent 10a is applied in a single pass through the separation unit 17a 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 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have an opening width which is at least a factor of 10 greater than an opening width of the bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a.

The application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have a gap width which is constant over an entire depth of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The opening width of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a in the region of the head line 36a is greater than the gap width which the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have, in particular in the region of the base line 37a. The opposite flanks of adjacent separating elements 1 8a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a run in a partial area parallel to each other. In the area of the head line, the flanks split apart. In principle, however, the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a can also have other shapes. The opening width of the bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a is greatest in the area of the head line 36a. At the head line 36a, the opening width of the bypass chambers 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a is at least a factor of 10 greater than the opening width of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. A distance which the two tips of one of the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a have, therefore, is greater by a factor of 5 or more than the distance which the opposing tips of adjacent separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a have 21 a, 22a, 23a. In the direction of the baseline 37a, a width of the bypass spaces 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a becomes successively smaller.

At least in the region of the application points 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, the gap width of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is smaller than a barrier width, from which the application agent 10a exits through adhesion forces and / or cohesive forces is prevented. The application agent 10a has a surface tension due to the cohesive forces. The gap width of the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is so small, at least in the region of the application volume 1 3a, that adhesion forces in particular, but also other forces such as cohesive forces, prevent the application means 10a from being used when not in use, i. in particular during storage, from the application volume 1 3a emerges.

The application volume 1 3a occupies only part of the volume encompassed by the housing unit 11a. In addition to the application volume 13a, the applicator device comprises a depot volume 1 2a, which is connected to the application volume 1 3a. The depot volume 1 2a occupies a part of the housing unit 1 1 a, which is spaced from the separation unit 17 a.

The part of the housing unit 1 la, which forms the deposit volume 1 2a, is designed as a handle. The applicator device is intended for one-handed operation. A user who wants to pass the applicator device through hair, engages the housing unit 1 la in the area in which the depot volume 1 2a is arranged. The depot volume 1 2a has a substantially cylindrical basic shape. The housing unit 1 la is formed from a dimensionally stable plastic. The dimensionally stable housing unit 11a prevents the application means 10a from being pressed out over the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a during use, in particular when the housing unit 11a is gripped by the operator. The housing unit 1 1 a is rigid.

The depot volume 1 2a and the application volume 1 3a are fluidically at least partially decoupled from each other. Between the depot volume 1 2a and the application volume 13a, a separation unit 16a is arranged. In an area in which the depot volume 1 2 a adjoins the application volume 1 3 a, the inner contour 44 a of the housing unit 1 1 a has a constriction through which the application agent 10a can flow only to a limited extent independently due to its adhesion forces. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner contour 44 a of the housing unit 1 l a two opposite paragraphs 46 a, 47 a, which form the constriction. The two paragraphs 46a, 47a have in this embodiment, a distance of about 4 millimeters. A passage opening 48a formed by the separation unit 16a, through which the application means

10a of the depot volume 1 2a in the application volume 1 3a can flow, has a slot-shaped shape. Perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 35a, the passage opening 48a has an extension corresponding to the distance between the two shoulders 46a, 47a. Parallel to the transverse extension direction 35a, the passage opening 48a has an extension which is substantially greater than the extension perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 35a. The extent of the passage opening 48a parallel to the Quererstreckungsrichfung 35a is greater than 1 centimeter. In the illustrated embodiment, it is about 2.5 centimeters.

Furthermore, the applicator device comprises a mixing unit 56a, which has a mixing element 57a introduced into the depot volume 1 2a. The mixing unit 56a is provided to generate a turbulent flow for mixing the application agent 10a in the application cartridge 10a. The mixing unit 56a is manually operated. A user who moves the housing unit 11a with a shaking motion excites the mixing element 57a to move within the depot volume 1a 2a. A mixing process, in particular of a multi-component agent, can thereby be carried out within the housing unit 11a.

In order to transport the application agent 10a from the depot volume 1 2a into the application volume 1 3a or to at least support an independent filling of the application volume 1 3a, um- the applicator device includes a pump unit 1 4a. The pumping unit 1 4a comprises a movable pumping element 15a, which is intended to effect a flow at least in the region of the separating unit 16a. The pumping element 15a is freely movable in the depot volume 1 2a attached. The pumping element 15a is designed as a ball. The pumping element 15a has a diameter which is greater than the extent of the passage opening 48a perpendicular to the outer extension direction 35a. The pumping element 15a can thus not pass through the passage opening 48a from the depot volume 1 2a into the application volume 1 3a.

In the region of the application volume, the flow generated by the pump unit 1 4a is greater than in the area of the head line. Due to the wall thickness which is greater in the region of the base line 37a than in the area of the head line 36a make the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a in the area of Grundli ^¬ never 37a the delivery device 10a has a higher resistance to as the region of the head line 36a.

The mixing unit 56a is formed integrally with the pump unit 1 4a. The pumping element 15a simultaneously forms the mixing element 57a. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the mixing unit 56a has an additional mixing element, preferably with a dimension through which it can be introduced both into the application volume 1 3a and into the depot volume 1 2a.

For filling, the housing unit 1 1a has a refill opening 49a and the applicator device has a closure element 50a closing the refill opening 49a. The entire applicator device is recyclable. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to design the applicator device partially or completely as a disposable product.

The refilling opening 49a has a diameter that is greater than an extension of the pumping element 15a. When the applicator device is manufactured, therefore, the pumping element 15a can be introduced into the housing unit 1a through the refill opening 49a, after the housing unit IIa has been completely formed. The housing unit 1 la is preferably produced in a single manufacturing step by thermoplastic deformation of a blank. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to first design the housing unit 1 la in several parts and then to connect it by a suitable Join the connection method to a component. Preferably, individual parts are materially connected to each other, whereby the housing unit 1 1 a is integrally formed.

For applying the application agent 10a, the applicator device is passed through the hair. As a result of the design of the separation unit 17a, 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 18a, 1a, 21a, 21a, 22a, 23a share the hair. The first part of the hair is passed through the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The second part comes in the bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41 a to lie. If the applicator device is passed through more hair than the bypass clearances 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a and the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a can receive, some of the hair passes under the applicator device or over the applicator device.

A portion of the hair, which is introduced into the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, penetrates into the application volume 1 3a and is thus in the region of the application sites 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a. Thus, the application agent 10a is not applied to all the hairs that are arranged in the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. Applicant 10a is applied only to sporadic hair, i. After use of the applicator device, only individual hairs of a strand of several hairs are provided with the application means 10a. The hairs are not necessarily provided over their entire length with application means 10a, but may optionally also be only partially colored.

For transport or storage, the application device comprises a cover unit 51 a. The cover unit 51 a is provided for attachment to the separation unit 17 a. The lid unit 51a which is plugged onto the separation unit 17a encloses the separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a. The cover unit 51 a in this case has a width which is smaller, at least in partial regions, than a width of the separation unit 17a oriented along the outer extension direction 35a. In a plugged state, the cover unit 51a exerts a force on the outer separating elements 18a, 23a, which is directed in the direction of the central separating elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a.

The separating elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a are partially flexible. By the attached lid unit 51 a, the outer partition members 1 8a, 23a and the adjacent central partition elements 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a are bent inwards. The application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27α, 28α thereby have a gap width when plugged lid unit 51 a, which is almost zero. The cover unit 51a prevents on the one hand by the compression of the separating elements 1 8a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a and on the other hand by enclosing the separation unit 17a, a leakage of the application agent 10a.

The dividing elements 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a have a flexibility, by which they are provided, solely by a force which, when passing the applicator device through the hair on the separating elements 1 8a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a acts to be deformed. In one imple ^¬ ren of the applicator through the hair, therefore, the individual application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have a different gap width.

In the illustrated embodiment, the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have a substantially constant gap width. In principle, it is conceivable that the separating elements 18a, 1a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a also have a gap width which varies along the direction of application 34a. In particular, it may be advantageous if the application gaps 24a, 25a, 26a,

27a, 28a have a greater gap width in the area of the head line 36a than in the area of the base line 37a.

In Figures 3 and 4, a further embodiment of the invention is shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, with regard to components, features and functions remaining the same. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 is replaced. With regard to identically designated components, in particular with regard to components having the same reference numerals, reference may in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention. The applicator device is provided for applying an application agent 10b to hair.

The applicator device comprises a separation unit 17b, which has a comb-like structure. The separation unit 17b comprises a plurality of application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b, which are provided for receiving part of the hair for application of the application agent 10b , and a plurality of bypass clearances 38b, 39b, 40b, 41b provided for passing a part of the hair to the application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b. The application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b have an application variable which is at least a factor of 5 smaller than a bypass size of the bypass clearances 38b, 39b, 40b, 41b.

The separation unit 17b comprises a plurality of separating elements 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b. In each case between two of the separating elements 1 8b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b, one of the application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b is arranged. Furthermore, the applicator device comprises a housing unit 1 l b. The housing unit 1 lb encloses two depot volumes 1 2b, 1 2b ^' , into which different application means 10b, 10b ^{' are} introduced, and two application volumes 1 3b, 1 3b ^' .

The housing unit 1 lb of the application device, which is formed integrally with the separation unit 17b, has an L-shaped form. The housing unit 1 lb comprises a short leg, which forms the separation unit 17b, and a long leg, in which the deposit volume 1b is arranged. The application volumes 1 3b, 1 3b ^' are arranged in the short leg.

The separation unit 17b comprises a plurality of application sites 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b. In order to apply the application agent 10b introduced into the depot volume 1b to the part of the hair which passes through the application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b, the applicator device comprises a guide unit 52b. The guide unit 52b is provided for directing the application agent 1 Ob from the depot volume 1 2b to the application sites 29b, 30b, 3 1 b, 32b, 33b.

The guide unit 52b includes a plurality of channels 53b, 54b. The channels 53b, 54b connect the depot volume 1 2b, 1 2b ^' with the application sites 29b, 30b, 3 1 b, 32b, 33b. The application points 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b are each arranged on a baseline 37b of the separating elements 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b of the separation unit 17b. The channels 53b, 54b have an average diameter that is greater than a barrier width. The application agent 1 thus independently flows from the depot volume 1b, 1b ^' to the application sites 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b. The application volumes 1 3b, 13b ^' form the application sites 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b. Each of the application volumes 1 3b, 1 3b ^' is assigned at least two of the application sites 29b, 30b, 3 1 b, 32b, 33b. The guide unit 52b passes the application agent 10b, 10b ^' from the corresponding depot volume 1b, 1b ^' to the associated application volume 13b, 1b 3b '. Since the application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b have a gap width which is less than the barrier width, the application agent 10b only fills the application volumes 1b 3b, 1 3b ^' . The application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b are thus provided with the application means only in the area of the application sites 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b.

In the application volume 1 3b, 1 3b ^' , a porous material is introduced in each case. The porous material has a sponge structure. As soon as the application agents 10b, 10b 'are brought into contact with the porous material via the channels 53b, 54b, the porous material, in particular due to capillary effects, sucks up completely with the application means 10b, 10b ^' . The porous material thus causes a suction effect, by which the application means 10b, 10b ^' of the depot volume 1 2b, 1 2b ^' in the application volume 1 3b, 1 3b ^'are promoted.

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 application sites 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b are also formed by means of the porous material.

The application sites 29b, 30b, 3 1 b, 32b, 33b are formed as contact points at which the hair can come into contact with the porous material. It is quite conceivable that a part of the application means 10b, 10b 'emerges from the porous material and penetrates into the application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b. The application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b are thereby partially filled with the application means 10b, 10b ^' . However, since the gap width of the application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b is smaller than the barrier width, leakage of the application agents 10b, 10b ^' from the application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b is prevented.

When passing hair through the applicator device, the hair is separated and introduced into the different application gaps 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b, in which the application agent 10b is then applied to the hair. The individualized hairs are guided past the porous material which fills the application volumes 1 3b, 1 3b '. The application agents 10b, 10b ^'are applied to the hair via the porous material. In a further embodiment, not shown, it is also conceivable in principle to fill the channels 53b, 54b of the guide unit with the porous material or to produce the separating elements 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b completely or partially from a capillary-capable material , The depot volume 1 2b of the application unit is refillable. The applicator device comprises a refill opening 49b and a closure element 50b for the refill opening 49b.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the applicator device is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 executed. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in these figures, the applicator device comprises an application volume which is filled with a porous material. Another embodiment is analogous to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2.

reference numeral

10 application means 34 application direction

1 1 housing unit 35 transverse extension direction

1 2 depot volume 36 head line

1 3 application volume 37 baseline

1 4 Pump unit 38 Bypass free space

15 Pump element 39 Bypass clearance

16 Separating unit 40 Bypassfreiraum

17 Separation unit 41 Bypass free space

1 8 separator 42 bottom

19 separating element 43 top side

20 separating element 44 inner contour

21 separating element 45 outer contour

22 separator 46 paragraph

23 separating element 47 paragraph

24 Application gap 48 Passage opening

25 Application gap 49 Refill opening

26 application gap 50 closure element

27 Application gap 51 Lid unit

28 Application gap 52 Guide unit

29 Application site 53 channel

30 application site 54 channel

31 Application site 55 Subarea

32 Application point 56 Mixing unit

33 Application site 57 Mixing element

Claims

claims

1. Applicator device for applying at least one application means (10a) for fiber-like materials, in particular an applicator for applying an application agent (10a) on hair, with a housing unit (1 la), the at least one depot volume (1 2a) for storing the at least one Applikationsmittels (10a) and at least one with the Depotvo- volume (1 2a) connected application volume (1 3a) encloses.

2. Applicator device according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the application volume (1 3a) has a size that is smaller than a size of the depot volume (1 2a).

3. Applicator device according to claim 1 or 2,

marked by

a pump unit (1 4a), which is provided to at least support a filling of the application volume (1 3a) with the at least one application means (10a).

4. Applicator device according to claim 3,

characterized in that

the pumping unit (1 4a) has at least one pumping element (15a) arranged in the depot volume (1a) and / or the application volume (1a), which is intended to achieve a pumping action.

5. Applicator device according to claim 4,

characterized in that

the pumping element (15a) is freely movable in the partition volume (1a) enclosed by the housing unit (IIa).

6. Applicator device according to claim 4 or 5,

characterized in that

the at least one pumping element (15a) is spherical.

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

marked by

a mixing unit (56a) which has at least one mixing element (57a) introduced into the deposit volume (1a) and / or the application volume (1a) and which is intended to mix the application agent (10a).

8. Applicator device at least according to claims 3 and 7,

characterized in that

the pump unit (1 4a) and the mixing unit (56a) are at least partially made in one piece.

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

marked by

a separation unit (16a) which is provided to at least partially decouple the application volume (1 3a) from the depot volume (1 2a) in terms of flow technology.

10. Applicator device according to claim 9,

characterized in that

the separation unit (16a) is provided to at least partially prevent backflow of the application agent from the application volume (1 3a) into the depot volume (1 2a).

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

characterized in that

the housing unit (1a) is substantially dimensionally stable in order to prevent overpressure of the application agent (10a) at least during use.

1 2. Applicator device for applying at least one application means (10 a) on fiber-like materials, in particular a Applikarorvorrichrung for applying an application agent (10 a) on hair, with a separation unit (17 a), the at least two separating elements (1 8 a, 19 a, 20 a, 21 a, 22a, 23a) which form at least one application gap (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a) which is provided for receiving hair for application of the application agent (10a), in particular an applicator device according to one of the preceding claims,

marked by

at least one of at least one of the separating elements (18a, 1 a, 20 a, 21 a, 22 a, 23 a) at least partially enclosed application volume (1 3a).

1 3. Applicator device according to claim 1 2,

characterized in that

the application volume (1 3a) and the at least one application gap (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a) merge into one another, at least in a partial area.

1 4. Applicator device according to claim 1 2 or 1 3,

marked by

at least one further separating element (18a, 1a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a) and at least one further application gap (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a), which merges into the application volume (1a 3a) in at least one subregion.

15. Applicator device at least according to claim 1 2,

marked by

a depot volume (1 2a), which is connected to the application volume (1 3a).

16. Applicator device at least according to claim 1 2,

marked by

a porous material that is at least partially introduced into the at least one application volume.

17. Applicator device for applying at least one application means (10a, 10b) to fiber-like materials, in particular an applicator device for applying an application agent (10a, 10b) to hair, with a separation unit (17a, 7b) having a comb-like structure with at least two separating elements (18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a, 18b, 1b, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b) and at least one between the separating elements (18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a, 18b , 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b) arranged application gap (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b), with a housing unit (II a, II b), at least in which the application agent (10a, 10b) is introduced, and with at least one application site (29a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b) ), which is arranged in the region of the at least one application gap (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b), in particular one An applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the application gap (24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b) at least in the region of the application site (29a, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b ) has a gap width smaller than a barrier width.