EP2717737B1 - Application device and method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an application device for applying an active agent to material, in particular fibrous material, such as hair, a coat of an animal, a high-pile fabric or the like, comprising a housing, a depot volume disposed therein for storing the active agent and an applicator for applying the in one Application volume of active agent on the material, wherein the applicator the application volume, a number comb-like and hollow teeth with a top wall and a bottom wall, between which at least a portion of the application volume is arranged, wherein, viewed in a position in which the teeth after at the front, the top wall is at least partially over the hollow volume and the bottom wall at least partially below the hollow volume, and having gaps between the teeth for introducing the material into the application volume.

Such an application device is off US 2007/0079843 A1 known. Hair to be dyed is pulled through gaps through an inner volume of application containing a hair dye. The hair is drawn in the application volume along a moving roller that rotates safely through it, so that the hair dye is pressed by her to the hair.

A comb with gaps between the comb teeth is out of the US 4516591 B1 known. The teeth have cavities through which hair dye is pressed, which passes through a front opening between two teeth to the hair to be dyed.

A similar principle is in the DE 10117856 A1 described. Here too cavities run through comb teeth into which the center of hair dyeing is pressed. Through lateral openings in the teeth, the hair dye enters the gaps between the teeth and thereby to the hair to be dyed.

A streak dyer is from the US Pat. No. 5,060,679 B1 known. A strand of hair is passed between two hollow teeth through which hair dye reaches the strand of hair.

The invention is in particular the object of specifying an application device, with a manual application of active agent on the particular fibrous material is made possible easily and reliably.

To solve this problem, it is proposed that the gap widths be uniform and smaller over the length of the gaps between the upper walls than between the lower walls.

The fibrous material can be easily introduced through the gaps in the application volume and wetted by active agent. The gaps can also be referred to as application gaps, since they can be wetted by the running fiber with the application agent.

The directions above, below, front, back and side are exemplary in FIG. 6 Are defined. In general, it can be stated that the teeth are aligned in front and correspondingly have a top and bottom, between which the hollow volume of the teeth is arranged. At least partially above the hollow volume is the top wall and at least partially below the hollow volume, the bottom wall, always considered in a position in which the teeth point forward.

It should be avoided that active agent undesirably exits the applicator. For this purpose, the gaps in shape, dimensions and material are suitably matched to the active agent that an intended application density is achieved. In this case, it is very desirable if no active agent emerges upwards out of the applicator. According to the invention, the gaps in the top wall are narrower than in the bottom wall. Narrow refers to the gap width, ie the lateral extent of the gap between two teeth. The gap width may be the average gap width. It is expediently the widest gap width.

Hair color close to the roots can be facilitated if the lower wall has a uniform thickness in its longitudinal direction in a front region. The thickness is to be understood as a depth in a direction up / down, which refers to the direction front / back and is in particular perpendicular to it. The direction front / rear is not an absolute direction, but is based on a longitudinal extent of a gap, or in this invention detail on the longitudinal extent of the bottom wall.

Conveniently, the uniform thickness is less than 2 mm, in particular over a length of at least 5 mm, wherein the deviation from the constant thickness in this length is advantageously less than 20%, in particular less than 10%.

A good application tightness to the rear can be achieved if an upper side of the lower wall kinks after the uniformly thick distance upwards. The kink angle is expediently at least 15 °, in particular at least 20 °, more particularly at least 25 °, expediently over a distance of a maximum of 3 mm.

A good wetting of hair with active agent, it is conducive if the lower wall has an application volume limiting the inside, the course in the direction from the front rear has an angle to a lower support surface of the applicator, which increases up to at least 70 °.

On the inside an inner surface of the lower wall is arranged. The support surface is expediently an outer side of the lower wall.

The angle is expediently the angle in the view of a lateral section through the lower wall, that is parallel to the columns. It may be the angle between tangents on the inside and bearing surface parallel to columns.

In an alternative or additional definition, the angle of the inner surface to the support surface at a point of the inner surface can be defined as follows: A tangent to the inner surface at the point of interest aligned parallel to an adjacent gap closes with the tangent parallel to the gap on the support surface on the one Point the angle closest to the point of interest on the inside.

This point distance definition can be used below in the case of corresponding passages. Consider a starting point on a surface and search for a corresponding point on a corresponding surface, e.g. on an opposite surface. Or a tangent to a surface in a starting point is considered, and another tangent to a corresponding surface in a corresponding point is searched for. The corresponding point is the point on the corresponding surface closest to the origin.

Good wetting it is also beneficial if the inside to a hair that is tight and maximum depth of the application volume, forms an angle of at least 60 °, in particular at least 80 °. In particular, the angle is> 90 °, so that the rear wall is tilted further than perpendicular to the hair.

With the same advantage, the inside in the rear region of the application volume has a concave belly with a waist circumference of at least 70 ° in a range of maximum 10 mm.

A large application length combined with a compact design can be achieved if the inner side forms a tapering of the application volume in its rear section together with the top wall.

An undesired stripping of active agent from hair can be counteracted if at least one gap in the area of the lower wall has a rear gap exit which extends from a lower contact surface of the applicator into a recess in the contact surface. In particular, the course of the gap outputs from front to back takes an angle of at least 70 ° to the support surface. If the angle is even greater, in particular between 90 ° and 120 °, the advantage described above can be combined with the further advantage that fibers are drawn in particularly well in the applicator. Depending on the active agent, it is even advantageous to have the course of the gap outputs an angle between 120 ° and 150 °.

With the same advantage, the recess forms a lateral column widening, into which the gap expands laterally and laterally releases the fibers guided out of the gap. In particular, the recess increases toward the rear with increasing distance from the gap outlet in its width and in its depth.

A good bundling of wetted hair or fibers, it is beneficial if several columns open with their rear gap exit in a single designed as a recess chamber. In particular, several columns open into a single, summarizing gap.

With the same advantage, the chamber tapers laterally to the rear, so that the hair guided backwards through the chamber is bundled. Advantageously, the chamber becomes flatter towards the rear.

A good guidance bundled hair can be achieved if the chamber has lateral spacers, which keeps a lower support surface of the applicator in the gap exits always spaced by at least 0.5 mm from a fiber substrate, in particular a scalp.

In particular, for coloring streaks, the gaps are advantageously arranged in at least two splitting groups, between which a gap-free bypass is arranged, the extent of which is at least twice the gap distance of the opposite, outermost column of one of the splitting groups.

It is further proposed that the lower wall has an application volume bounding the inside, which runs in the direction from front to back, initially parallel to a lower support surface of the applicator and further back - as well as the course of gap outputs from front to back - an angle to the support surface of at least 70 °, where the gaps in the area of the lower wall are wider than in the upper wall and they open with their rear gap exit into a single chamber designed as a recess.

The invention is also directed to a system of a plurality of application devices configured as described above.

They are designed so that in a first application device with gaps in an area of a lower wall with a gap width between 0.45 mm and 0.8 mm and a gap depth between 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm active agent with a viscosity of 120 ± 35 Pa * s is stored and in a second application device with gaps in an area of a sub-wall with a gap width between 0.05 mm and 0.45 mm and a gap depth between 0.1 mm and 0.9 mm active agent with a viscosity of 50 ± 35 Pa * s is stored.

In addition, it is expedient if in a first application device with teeth, which have a mean width between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, active agents with a viscosity between 5 Pa * s and 30 Pa * s, stored in a second and Application device with teeth, which have a mean width between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm, active agent with a viscosity between 30 Pa * s and 120 Pa * s, is stored.

A leak and an undesired return of the active agent from the application volume can be counteracted if, in a first application device, which has a wedge angle which has an angle between 7 ° and 20 ° at the front tip of the application volume, active agents with a viscosity <45 Pa * s, is stored and in a second application device, which has a wedge angle, which at the front tip of the application volume has an angle between 20 ° and 40 °, active agents with a viscosity> 45 Pa * s, stored in stock.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to an application method for applying an active agent to fibrous material, in particular hair, in which an applicator of an application device according to one of claims 1 to 13, at least with a partial area is moved through the fibrous material such that active agent through the applicator is applied to the fibrous material.

A rapid and reliable application of active agent on the fibrous material can be achieved when the applicator encloses an application volume through which the fibrous material is pulled.

The invention is applicable to a variety of differently designed application devices. Some examples of such application devices are shown in the figures. In addition, a variety of invention details are described below, which can be combined with each other in a variety of ways. For better understanding, these invention details are described with reference to the figures, but without being bound to the specific figure described or the feature combination reproduced therein.

The embodiments serve insofar not only the representation of some concrete embodiments of the invention, but in particular the explanation of general and not only on the examples related invention details in order to make them better understood. Although the described details of the invention are therefore possible in connection with the specific embodiment, but to see basically independent of the specific embodiment. For this purpose, suitable features of each embodiment can also be considered explicitly isolated, removed from an exemplary embodiment and introduced into another exemplary embodiment for its supplementation, combined with one another and / or with an independent claim. It is important that the invention details can be combined from different modules or assemblies, so that the combination of their particular advantages of the invention, as defined in the independent claims arise.

FIG 1

Eine schematische Seitendarstellung einer Applikationsvorrichtung, eingeteilt in ein Depotvolumen und ein Applikationsvolumen,

FIG 2

eine andere Applikationsvorrichtung mit analoger Einteilung,

FIG 3

eine weitere Applikationsvorrichtung mit einer solchen Einteilung,

FIG 4

einen Kamm einer Applikationsvorrichtung in einer Draufsicht,

FIG 5

den Kamm in einer perspektivischen Ansicht schräg von vorne,

FIG 6

eine Schnittdarstellung durch den Applikator einer Applikationsvorrichtung,

FIG 7

einen Applikator mit einem nach oben offenen Applikationsvolumen,

FIG 8

eine Applikationsvorrichtung mit einem allseitig geschlossenen Applikationsvolumen,

FIG 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer tropfenförmigen Applikationsvorrichtung,

FIG 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht schräg von oben auf die Applikationsvorrichtung mit einer Einfüllöffnung zum Einbringen von Wirkmittel in das Depotvolumen,

FIG 11

ein äußeres Gehäuseelement einer Applikationsvorrichtung mit einem transparenten Fenster,

FIG 12

ein inneres Gehäuseelement mit einer Vorrichtung zum Auspressen einen Wirkmittelbehälters,

FIG 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht in das Depotvolumen eines äußeren Gehäuseelements und von dort durch ein Übergangsvolumen in das Applikationsvolumen,

FIG 14

eine Seitenansicht auf eine Applikationsvorrichtung in einer Auslieferungsposition,

FIG 15

die gleiche Applikationsvorrichtung in einer seitlichen Schnittdarstellung,

FIG 16 und FIG 17

die Applikationsvorrichtung in einer Befüllungsstellung,

FIG 18 und FIG 19

die Applikationsvorrichtung in einer Mischposition,

FIG 20 und FIG 21

die Applikationsvorrichtung in einer Applikationsposition,

FIG 22

eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung in das Depotvolumen mit einem eingeführten Wirkmittelbehälter,

FIG 23

den Wirkmittelbehälter eingeklemmt zwischen dem inneren und äußeren Gehäuseelement,

FIG 24

ein Ausschnitt aus FIG 22 mit einem Befestigungselement zum Befestigen des Wirkmittelbehälters am äußeren Gehäuseelement,

FIG 25

eine weitere Vergrößerung aus FIG 22 auf ein Drückmittel des inneren Gehäuseelements,

FIG 26

einen Ausschnitt einer Applikationsvorrichtung mit einem einsteckbaren Applikator,

FIG 27

einen Ausschnitt einer Applikationsvorrichtung mit einem aufklappbaren Applikator,

FIG 28

verschiedene Kopflinien der Zahnspitzen eines Applikators,

FIG 29

einen Bewegungsvorgang eines Applikators über einen Fasergrund,

FIG 30

einen Einzugsvorgang eines Haares in den Applikator,

FIG 31

Winkelangaben an einem Applikator,

FIG 32

Längenangaben am Applikator,

FIG 33 bis FIG 35

verschiedene Zähne für Applikatoren,

FIG 36 bis FIG 38

Bereichseinteilungen an drei verschiedenen Applikatoren,

FIG 39

eine perspektivische Ansicht von außen auf einen Applikator,

FIG 40

eine perspektivische Ansicht von innen in das Applikationsvolumen des Applikators,

FIG 41

eine perspektivische Ansicht von innen in das Applikationsvolumen eines weiteren Applikators,

FIG 42

den Applikator in einer perspektivischen Ansicht schräg von unten,

FIG 43

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf einen weiteren Applikator,

FIG 44

eine Ansicht von schräg unten auf den Applikator,

FIG 45

eine Seitendarstellung des unteren Teils des Applikators,

FIG 46

eine schematische Darstellung eines Applikationsvolumens,

FIG 47 und FIG 48

schematische Schnitte von vorne durch Zähne eines Applikators,

FIG 49 bis FIG 51

Bereichseinteilungen an drei verschiedenen Applikatoren,

FIG 52 bis FIG 54

Schnittdarstellungen seitlich auf drei verschiedene Applikatoren,

FIG 55

einen abgerundeten Zahngrund,

FIG 56 und FIG 57

eine seitliche und eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Applikationsvolumens,

FIG 58

Rückflussbarrieren in einem Applikationsvolumen beziehungsweise Übergangsvolumen,

FIG 59

ein nach hinten ausgebauchtes Applikationsvolumen,

FIG 60

eine Applikationsvorrichtung mit zwei Kammern für unterschiedliche Wirkmittel,

FIG 61

eine perspektivische Ansicht schräg von unten auf fünf Austrittskammern eines Melierers,

FIG 62

einen Zeichnungsausschnitt aus FIG 61 in einer Ansicht von unten,

FIG 63

eine Ansicht von unten auf eine Strähnchenbildungskammer eines Strähnchenfärbers,

FIG 64 bis FIG 66

drei verschiedene Pumpen in unterschiedlichen Applikationsvorrichtungen,

FIG 67 bis FIG 69

Varianten von Anordnungen von Spalten in einem Applikatorkamm,

FIG 70 und FIG 71

Applikatoren mit einem externen Depotvolumen,

FIG 72 und FIG 73

unterschiedliche Bypassvarianten und

FIG 74 und FIG 75

schematisierte und nicht maßstabsgetreu wiedergegebene weitere Ausführungsbeispiele von erfindungsgemäßen Applikationsvorrichtungen.

Show it:

FIG. 1

A schematic side view of an application device, divided into a depot volume and an application volume,

FIG. 2

another application device with analog division,

FIG. 3

another application device with such a division,

FIG. 4

a comb of an application device in a plan view,

FIG. 5

the comb in a perspective view obliquely from the front,

FIG. 6

a sectional view through the applicator of an application device,

FIG. 7

an applicator with an upwardly open application volume,

FIG. 8

an application device with an application volume closed on all sides,

FIG. 9

a perspective view of a teardrop-shaped application device,

FIG. 10

a perspective view obliquely from above on the application device with a filling opening for introducing active agent in the depot volume,

FIG. 11

an outer housing element of an application device with a transparent window,

FIG. 12

an inner housing element with a device for pressing out an agent reservoir,

FIG. 13

a perspective view into the depot volume of an outer housing element and from there by a transition volume in the application volume,

FIG. 14

a side view of an application device in a delivery position,

FIG. 15

the same application device in a side sectional view,

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17

the application device in a filling position,

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19

the application device in a mixing position,

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21

the application device in an application position,

FIG. 22

a side sectional view into the depot volume with an inserted agent container,

FIG. 23

the active agent container clamped between the inner and outer housing element,

FIG. 24

a section from FIG. 22 with a fastening element for fastening the active agent container to the outer housing element,

FIG. 25

another enlargement FIG. 22 to a pushing means of the inner housing element,

FIG. 26

a detail of an application device with a plug-in applicator,

FIG. 27

a detail of an application device with a hinged applicator,

FIG. 28

different head lines of the tooth tips of an applicator,

FIG. 29

a movement process of an applicator over a fiber ground,

FIG. 30

a pulling-in process of a hair into the applicator,

FIG. 31

Angle information on an applicator,

FIG. 32

Length specifications on the applicator,

FIG. 33 to FIG. 35

different teeth for applicators,

FIG. 36 to FIG. 38

Area divisions on three different applicators,

FIG. 39

a perspective view from the outside on an applicator,

FIG. 40

a perspective view from the inside into the application volume of the applicator,

FIG. 41

a perspective view from the inside into the application volume of another applicator,

FIG. 42

the applicator in a perspective view obliquely from below,

FIG. 43

a perspective view of another applicator,

FIG. 44

a view obliquely from below onto the applicator,

FIG. 45

a side view of the lower part of the applicator,

FIG. 46

a schematic representation of an application volume,

FIG. 47 and FIG. 48

schematic sections from the front through teeth of an applicator,

FIG. 49 to FIG. 51

Area divisions on three different applicators,

FIG. 52 to FIG. 54

Side views of three different applicators,

FIG. 55

a rounded tooth base,

FIG. 56 and FIG. 57

a lateral and a schematic perspective view of an application volume,

FIG. 58

Reflux barriers in an application volume or transition volume,

FIG. 59

a back-bulged application volume,

FIG. 60

an application device with two chambers for different active agents,

FIG. 61

a perspective view obliquely from below on five outlet chambers of a miser,

FIG. 62

a drawing section FIG. 61 in a view from below,

FIG. 63

a view from below of a highlighting chamber of a Strähnchenfärbers,

FIG. 64 to FIG. 66

three different pumps in different application devices,

FIG. 67 to FIG. 69

Variants of arrays of columns in an applicator comb,

FIG. 70 and FIG. 71

Applicators with an external depot volume,

FIG. 72 and FIG. 73

different bypass variants and

FIG. 74 and FIG. 75

schematized and not to scale reproduced further embodiments of application devices according to the invention.

An application device advantageously has a depot with a depot volume and an applicator with an application volume. This is in FIG. 1 by way of example in an overview diagram which shows an application device 2 with a housing 4, a depot 6 with a depot volume 10 and an applicator 8 with an application volume 12.

A demarcation between depot and applicator as well as between depot volume and application volume does not have to be strictly spatially functional, there may be a transition region, as exemplified in US Pat FIG. 1 is shown by the dashed circles around the depot 6 and the applicator 8 and an intermediate volume 14. A transition region may be designed as a taper between depot volume 10 and application volume 12, such as in FIG FIG. 1 is hinted at, or as a steady transition between the two volumes. The transition region between the depot volume 8 and the application volume 12 may be formed as an intermediate volume 14, for example as a pumping volume that is in FIG. 1 how the depot volume 10 and the application volume 12 is shown in thin dashed lines.

Advantageously, the application volume in the applicator is designed so that fibers or hair that traverse the applicator from one to the opposite side while traversing the application volume, in particular from bottom to top, so enter the bottom and exit again above. This is on the overview scheme FIG. 1 shown. A hair 16 extends from the bottom of the applicator 8 therethrough to the top and traverses it the application volume 12, in which an active agent may be present, through which the hair 16 is pulled through and thus wetted by the latter.

Advantageously, the housing surrounds the depot volume. The depot may be bounded by the housing to the outside. It is possible that the housing also encompasses the application volume and also forms the outer housing of the applicator.

Preferably, the size of the application volume is smaller than the 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.

Regardless of the types of different application devices, it is always possible to maintain a functional division into depot and applicator. This is illustrated by way of example with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 by the dashed lines around depot 6 and applicator 8. It is important that there is always an application volume through which hair or the fiber-like material can be pulled through for wetting with the active agent. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, without being limited thereto, there is always talk of hair instead of the general fiber-like material.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the application device comprises a comb with at least one row of teeth. Such combs 20 with teeth 22 and gaps 24 therebetween are shown schematically in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 4 to 6.

In the description of the figures, the letters behind reference numbers indicate different exemplary embodiments in the reference numbers. The mention of reference characters without letters is to be understood as meaning that several embodiments are described together. If no reference symbols are mentioned, general and non-example-related explanations are made.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary comb 20c in a plan view from above, FIG. 5 another exemplary comb 20d in a perspective view obliquely from below and FIG. 6 another exemplary comb 20e in a side sectional view.

Generally, a comb may have one or more rows of teeth. The teeth of a row can all be the same or different, for example divided into different groups of teeth. Two teeth form a gap between them, that of the two adjacent ones Teeth is limited. If a tooth is surrounded on both sides by a gap, the tooth can serve as a separating element between two gaps.

As is shown by way of example in FIGS. 4 to 6, the teeth 22 have a tooth tip 26 at the front, by means of which a head line 30 can be defined which runs from tip 26 to tip 26. In the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6, the head line 30 is straight, with generally also different shaped head lines are conceivable, for example, swinging backwards or forwards and / or up or down.

The following directional definitions are used hereinafter: A width 32 of the comb 20 is transverse to the orientation of the teeth 22, as in FIG FIG. 4 is indicated. Accordingly, a direction indication is to be seen "laterally", ie in the direction of a width. The direction forward is determined by the orientation of the tips of the teeth 26, the direction and the rear runs counter to their orientation, as in FIG. 6 is exemplified by the horizontal double arrow. Accordingly, lengths 34 are defined. The directions towards the front and back, and in particular a length, for example of a tooth, can with an orientation of a lower bearing surface of the applicator, in FIG. 6 shown by way of example with 36, as in FIG. 6 indicated by the long dashed double arrow.

Transverse to the front and rear and the width are arranged above and below and a depth 38 defined. Also, this depth 38 can rotate with the support surface 36 or an upper concave surface of a top 40 of the applicator 8, as in FIG. 6 is indicated by the short dashed double arrow.

Different designs

The type of teeth of a comb can be very different. For illustrative illustration and to delineate the invention, FIGS. 7 and 8 are used. The embodiment of FIG. 7 does not show the invention and is only illustrative of general details, whereas the embodiment of FIG. 8 the invention shows. FIG. 7 shows an application device 2f with a housing 4f, a depot 6f and an applicator 8f. The applicator 8f comprises a series of teeth 22f which are in FIG. 7 are shown cut laterally, analogous to the representation of FIG. 6 , The teeth 22f - except for the outermost teeth 22f - so in pairs form a gap between them 24f.

The teeth 22f are curved to form an internal cavity serving as the application volume 12f. In this can be introduced from the depot volume 10f active agent 18 by an unrepresented intermediate volume in the application volume 12f, as in FIG. 7 is indicated. The active agent 18 is now the cavity or application volume 12f on the teeth 22f. The teeth 22f and the gaps 24f formed between them and formed by the teeth 22f are now dimensioned such that the active agent 18 remains on them and does not run out through the gaps 24f and thus leak or drip out of the applicator 8f. The corresponding dimensions are matched to the flow properties of the active agent 18, as reproduced below in the description of a barrier width.

In general, the gaps are such that the active agent remains on or in the teeth of the comb for at least 30 seconds without passing down through the gaps. This time applies to a load on the comb of the active agent of up to 5 cm active agent column.

In general, a comb of an applicator for wetting hair with the active agent can be guided through the hair, that they are combed by the comb. Accordingly, the hair runs through the comb, as in FIG. 7 is indicated by way of example. In this case, they traverse the application volume of the applicator in which the active agent is located. The applicator can be guided with its support surface over a base surface, for example the scalp, which is indicated in FIGS. 7 and 8, so that the hairs are guided successively through the application volume and thus through the active agent. To prepare for this wetting, the active agent can be brought from the depot volume into the application volume. For this purpose, the active agent is passed through a transition, for example an intermediate volume, which is formed by the housing or another component of the application device.

This application of active agent to hair can be performed with the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 as well as with all other embodiments, so that the described principle of action is always the same. The introduction or introduction of the active agent can take place differently from or into the comb.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 the passage is formed in such a way that effluent 18 exiting therefrom flows out onto the comb 20f, g. This movement of the active agent 18 can be assisted by an increase in the pressure in the depot volume 10f, g, for example by the housing 4f, g being elastic around the depot volume 10b and, for example, being compressed manually.

In most cases, the comb 20 forms an internal volume, so that the active agent 18 flowing out on the comb 20 actually flows into the comb 20. The inner volume surrounded by a comb 20 may form or be the application volume 12. The application volume 12 is always open to the outside through the gaps 24, so that the hair 16 from the outside into the application volume 12 can be performed. In the example off FIG. 7 For example, in order to laterally close the inner volume or application volume 12f, it is possible to arrange lateral closure elements 42 on the comb 20f, as in FIG FIG. 7 is indicated by the dashed line.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of an application device 2g, in which the application volume 12g is closed at the top or on all sides, of course, except for the openings formed by the column 24g. The active principle is the same, namely that the active agent 18 is brought from the depot volume 10g in the application volume 12g, and is disposed there on or within the comb 20g, so that the hair 16, which are drawn through the application volume 12, also by the active agent 16 are performed.

Generally, the teeth 22 as in 7 and FIG. 8 be shown curved, be led angularly or straight, so in a plane to be aligned. It is important that the active agent 18 can be placed on or in the comb 20, so that hair 16 can be guided through the active agent 18 by being pulled through the application volume 12.

• ein Haaransatzfärber zum Färben von Haaransätzen - z.B. ab einer Entfernung von 1 mm von der Kopfhaut, insbesondere oberhalb 0,5 mm von der Kopfhaut,
• ein Strähnchenfärber zum Färben von Strähnchen und Ungefärbtlassen von Haaren zwischen den Strähnchen und/oder
• ein Haarmelierer zum Melieren von Haaren in der Weise, dass nur weniger als 1/4 der vom Kamm des Applikators durchkämmten Haare gefärbt werden und die anderen durchkämmten Haare ungefärbt bleiben.

The application device according to the invention is particularly advantageously a hair treatment device, eg hair dyeing device, hair bleaching device and / or hair structuring device. Advantageously, the application device

• a Haaransatzfärber for coloring hair extensions - eg from a distance of 1 mm from the scalp, especially above 0.5 mm from the scalp,
• a streak dyer for coloring streaks and staining hair between the streaks and / or
• a hair styler for mottling hair so that only less than 1/4 of the hair combed by the comb of the applicator is dyed and the other combed hairs remain undyed.

Accordingly, an active agent, which may also be referred to as an application means for application to hair, be a liquid, pasty or powdery agent, which is intended for application to hair, such as in particular a hair dye, hair treatment agent, hairloss, dispersions, structural altering agents and / or pharmaceutical hair treatment agent. The active agent may in principle be formed as a one-component agent or as a multi-component agent. A "one-component agent" is to be understood as a means that is stored in ready-to-use depot volume. By a "multi-component agent" is meant, in particular, a means in which at least one component is added to another prior to application, in particular an agent having two separately stored components intended to be mixed together for use become.

casing

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the application device has a teardrop-shaped profile, in which a housing part around the depot volume substantially drip round and the applicator is designed as a drop tip. Such a configuration is exemplary in FIG. 9 which shows an application device 2h in a perspective view from the outside.

In order to facilitate manufacturability of the application device, the drop shape of the teardrop-shaped profile is expediently made two-dimensional, so that the drip-round part is substantially cylindrical or cylindrical segment-shaped and also the droplet tip is designed with a laterally at least substantially uniform profile.

The cylindrical part is advantageously formed by the depot 6. He conveniently houses the depot volume. Advantageously, the applicator 8 is formed by the drop tip. It conveniently houses the application volume. This is off FIG. 9 recognizable, in particular in connection with FIG. 6 showing the same embodiment. The cylindrical part with the depot volume 10e ( FIG. 6 ) is indicated by the dashed line. Radially outside and in the region of the drop tip, the application volume 12e is arranged. Conveniently, the housing part is formed around the depot volume so that it has a circular outer profile in a section over at least 180 °, in particular at least 270 °.

A particularly reliable protection against leakage of the active agent through the gap can be achieved if the internal pressure of the application volume with respect to the external pressure outside the applicator does not rise above a predetermined pressure value. If the housing is flexible, the internal pressure can be increased by pressing on the housing, so that there is a certain risk of leakage. On the other hand, if the housing part is hard around the depot volume in such a way that it is deformed to a maximum extent at any point upon compression with an opposing compressive force on both sides 5 N-distributed to at least 1 mm ² , in particular 10 N to at least 1 mm ² on both sides in that the depot volume decreases by less than 5%, expediently less than 2% and in particular less than 0.5%, it is possible to prevent the active agent from being forced out of the application volume into the environment. The% figures are percent by volume.

Before active agent is introduced from the depot volume into the application volume, it will generally be necessary to remove the active agent from a closed container and make it freely available in the depot volume, for example by filling in the depot volume or by opening a container in the depot volume. In order to facilitate and monitor such a process, it is advantageous if the housing part is transparent to the depot volume to the extent that the acting agent in the depot volume is visible as such from the outside, for example, in normal reading lighting.

For dyeing or treating hair, the application device is held in one hand and passed through the hair. This can be done particularly simply by having the applicator a comb with a row of teeth and the housing is shaped so that it is durable with a tweezer grip between the thumb and forefinger in such a way that the row of teeth parallel to a line between the tips of the thumb and index finger is aligned. Deviations of up to 15 ° can be seen in the context of this parallelism.

In order to stably position the housing held in the tweezer handle in the hand, it is advantageous if the housing is shaped so that it can be supported from below in the held state with a side surface of the middle finger. It is advantageous for an ergonomic treatment of the hair when the side surface is arranged opposite the applicator.

When holding the application device in the hand, it is pleasant if this does not seek to cause a rotation in the hand by its own weight. Therefore, it is advantageous if the housing is shaped so that the line between thumb and forefinger passes through the center of gravity of the depot volume. For the same reason, it is advantageous if the housing is shaped so that a center of gravity of the depot volume is arranged centrally between the thumb and forefinger. The center of gravity can refer to the housing without filled active agent.

A comfortable hold of the application device in the hand can be achieved when a rear portion of the housing is rounded in a circular arc around the line between thumb and forefinger.

In order to achieve a good staining result or application result, it is important that the hand on the one hand unrestrained on the other hand remains flexible in a wide range of angles with normal application of the application device, ie with normal pulling the comb of the applicator through the hair. This can be achieved if the line between the thumb and forefinger is oriented in an angular range of 90 ° ± 20 ° to a longitudinal orientation of the tips of the teeth of the comb. The longitudinal alignment is exemplary in FIG. 6 illustrated by the double arrow with the reference numeral 34.

With equal advantage, the line between the thumb and forefinger is aligned in an angle range of 0 ° ± 20 ° to a head line of the comb.

Good guidance of the application device in the hand can be achieved if the line between the thumb and forefinger is spaced at a distance range of 70 mm ± 20 mm from a head line of the comb.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing part to the depot volume on two opposite recessed grips. The recessed grips are suitably laterally opposite, the direction being laterally analogous to that in FIG. 7 given definition. The recessed grips 43 are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

When thumb and forefinger are in the recessed grips, the above location details regarding the thumb and forefinger in relation to the application device are advantageously given. Advantageously, the recessed grips are so arranged around the depot volume that the line between the thumb and forefinger - when placed in the thumb in a recessed grip and the index finger in the opposite recessed grip, at least one detail, especially several, suitably all the details described above fulfilled this line.

It is particularly advantageous if the recessed grips extend into the depot volume as inwardly directed internal formations. In this way, a radially outer region can be created around the recessed grips, which is laterally wider than the central region of the recessed grips. The further area is particularly well suited for the storage of an agent container, which can be positioned stable in the depot volume by the lateral taper in the grip recesses.

Good holding of the application device in the hand can be further promoted if the longest dimension of the application device is less than 12 cm.

With equal advantage, the housing is dimensioned such that the housing can be gripped from the side opposite the applicator to the average hand of an adult human over a range of at least 80% of the circumference of the applicator.

In order to bring the application device into a ready-to-use state, it is necessary for liquid, viscous or pasty active agent to be present in the depot volume in such a way that it can penetrate into the application volume and be traversed by hair there. An easy way to bring the active agent in this form in the depot volume, is to provide a filling opening in the application device. Conveniently, For this purpose, a housing part around the depot volume comprises a filling opening for filling active agent from outside into the depot volume. Such a filling opening 44 is exemplified in FIG FIG. 10 shown, the application device 2h off FIG. 9 from the other side shows.

The filling opening expediently has a closure means with which it can be closed, so that the filling opening is closed off to the outside in an active agent-tight manner. An exemplary closure means 46 is shown in FIG FIG. 10 shown, which is part of a further housing part, which is movably mounted relative to the housing part, which has the filling opening 44. In this way, the filling opening 44 can be opened and closed again by a relative movement of the two housing parts to each other. Expediently, the closure means, both in the open and in the closed state, forms part of the housing which surrounds the depot volume.

It is also possible that the closure means may also be a separate element to the housing, for example an elastic or solid bottle attachable to the housing. Also conceivable is a stopper-like closure means.

Further, it is advantageous if the application device can be safely parked on a flat surface. This can be achieved in a particularly simple manner if the application device has a comb with a row of teeth, and the application device has a stable standing position on a flat base in which it is supported on the substrate via the row of teeth, expediently over the entire length of the teeth teeth.

This too is in FIG. 10 exemplified. The solid ground is indicated by a lower flat line on which the applicator 8h is located along its head line 30. Also, in particular line-shaped, the applicator 2h with the depot 6h is on the flat ground, so that two line-shaped supports of the application device 2h are achieved on the level ground. Of course, it is alternatively possible to provide only point-like pads instead of the linear pads, for example, in a concave inwardly curved head line.

A particularly simple filling possibility of the active agent in the depot volume can be achieved if the filling opening points upward in a standing position. This too is exemplary in FIG. 10 shown. The application device 2h is firmly on the ground and the filling opening 44 faces upward, so that the active agent can be filled from top to bottom in the depot volume 10h.

When using the application device, the filling opening should be tightly closed in order to reliably rule out any undesired escape of the active agent from the depot volume during use of the application device. This can be achieved in an advantageous embodiment of the invention in that the application device has a closure means with a closure element for closing the filling opening and for closing an application volume enclosed by the applicator against the depot volume.

The closure element is expediently designed so that it has a recess which is positioned so that the filling opening is closed when the recess allows a passage from the depot volume to the application volume. This can be realized by the closure element each having a recess for the passage and for the filling opening, wherein the two recesses are positioned to each other so that either the passage or the filling opening are opened. In another embodiment, the closure element has only one recess, which can be placed in front of the passage or the filling opening, so that it releases either the filling opening or the passage from the depot volume to the application volume for a passage of the active agent. The closure means thus forcibly closes either the filling opening or the passage from the depot volume to the application volume. Conveniently, there is also a position in which the closure means closes both openings, ie both the filling opening and the passage.

This invention detail is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Shown are two housing elements 52h, 54i of the application device 2, wherein the housing element 52h is an outer housing element and the housing element 54i is an inner housing element. Both housing elements 52h, 54i can be inserted into one another in such a way that the depot volume 10h is enclosed by the two housing elements 52h, 54i in an agent-tight manner to the outside. Both housing elements 52h, 54i can be used in an application device 2h or in two different application devices 2h, i.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 has the lowercase i in the reference numerals, whereas the embodiment of FIG. 11 carries the letter h. In principle, these are two different embodiments, but this is irrelevant to the following description, since the inner housing elements 54i can also be used together with the outer housing element 52h. In this respect, basically all housing inner elements can be combined with all external housing elements.

In FIG. 11 Both the filling opening 44 and the passage 48 from the depot volume 10h to the application volume within the applicator 8h are shown. Both housing elements 52h, 54i are expediently mutually joined in the active agent-tight state to each other, in particular against each other rotatable.

It is also advantageous if one of the housing elements, in particular the inner housing element, has a recess which is movable relative to the other housing element within the state of the two housing elements joined together in an active agent-tight manner. This is exemplary in FIG. 12 shown. The recess 50i in the inner housing member 54i is designed as a slot which can be brought in the assembled state of the two housing elements 52h, 54i into coincidence with the passage 48 in the outer housing member 52h. In this state, active agent from the depot volume 10h, i can flow through the recess 50i and the passage 48 in the application volume.

Out FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 It can be seen that the inner housing element 54i closes the filling opening 44 in this case. However, the inner housing element 54i in the outer housing element 52h can be rotated so that the recess 50i covers the filling opening 44 so that active agent can be filled from the outside through the filling opening 44 and the recess 50i into the depot volume 10h, i. In this position of the two housing elements 52h, 54i, however, the passage 48 is closed by the inner housing element 54i, so that the active agent can not flow from the depot volume 10h, i into the application volume.

housing elements

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a housing part to the depot volume. This housing part advantageously comprises at least two mutually movable housing elements, which jointly enclose the depot volume and expediently form. Advantageously, the two housing elements are inserted into one another, so that they are initially separated from each other, then can be inserted into each other and engage in one another in the inserted state. These details are shown by way of example in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Conveniently, the housing elements are rotatable relative to one another, in particular about a common cylinder axis. In this case, both housing elements advantageously at least partially have a cylindrical or partially cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the outer housing element is equipped with an outer surface of rotation element which engages around an inner surface of rotation of the inner housing element.

Such rotation surface elements 56h, 58i are exemplary in FIG FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12 shown. The rotation surface elements 56h, 58i are cylindrical in shape and inserted into one another State of the two housing elements 52h, 54i aligned parallel to each other. When the two housing elements 52h, 54i are rotated, the rotational surface elements 56h, 58i move parallel to one another.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the rotation surface elements on ribs, which are aligned with the other surface rotation element. The ribs are advantageously aligned perpendicular to a direction of rotation. This is in FIG. 12 by way of example, showing the inner housing element 54i which carries a plurality of ribs 60i on its rotational surface element 58i.

The ribs can perform one or more of the following functions:
For a first function, the ribs in the direction of rotation are expediently made asymmetrical and form latching elements for latching with an opposing latching element, which is thus arranged on the other housing element. This is exemplary in FIG. 13 shown in which the latching element 62i is arranged on the outer housing element 2i.

The housing elements 2h, 2i are different embodiments with, for example, a different applicator 8h, 8i. However, the two applicators 8h, 8i and also all other applicators 8 shown can be exchanged as desired. Another difference is the locking element 62i, which, however, can also be arranged on the application device 2h or its housing element 52h.

Generally allow ribs 60 on a housing member 52, 54 in conjunction with a locking element 62 on the other housing member 54, 52 relative rotational movement of the two housing elements 52, 54 to each other in one direction and block a rotational movement relative to each other in the other direction. As a result, the two housing elements 52, 54 can be brought to one another only in a correct direction in a plurality of functional positions.

Advantageously, the ribs are inclined tooth-shaped with an orientation against a relative direction of rotation of the two housing elements configured. As a result, a locking function can be reliably designed.

Another function of the ribs may be to assume a sealing function of the two housing elements 52, 54 relative to one another. This is exemplary in the case of FIG. 12 shown embodiment shown. One or more ribs 64i - in FIG. 12 if there are two parallel ribs 64ih, they are designed to abut the opposite housing member 52, 54, in this example 52h, i. Through the recess 50i from the depot volume 10h, i in the Application volume 12h, i escaping agent is prevented by the ribs 64h from entering between the two housing elements 52h, 54h.

Advantageously, at least two ribs are arranged parallel to each other and in particular spaced apart by a distance of less than 5 mm, in particular over their entire length. By means of such a double rib, a capillary coherence of an active agent film can be torn so that the sealing effect between the two housing elements is increased.

A third function is a distance function. For this purpose, the ribs are expediently arranged on the inner of the two housing elements. As will be described below, an agent container, in particular made of an elastic film, can be drawn in between the two surface elements of rotation of the two housing elements. Here, the agent container is moved relative to at least one of the two housing elements, in particular relative to the inner of the two housing elements. So he slides along this housing element. Since it may be that the agent container is also wetted from the outside something with active agent, the agent container on the inner housing member to which he is guided around, sticking. Thus, high frictional forces between the agent container and the housing element sliding along it can arise. These frictional forces can be reduced by the ribs as spacers because the agent reservoir is spaced from at least a portion of the surface of the housing member. The two housing elements are thus easier to rotate against each other.

The ribs are expediently arranged regularly relative to one another over at least one region of the rotational surface element, expediently over at least a quarter of the circumference of the rotational element, ie at least over 90 ° along the rotational surface element. This regularity does not have to refer to each rib, as the ribs may also be grouped in pairs or otherwise multiple-wise, so that the groups are regularly spaced from each other. In particular, at least four ribs or four rib groups are regularly spaced from one another, in particular with a spacing in the direction of rotation of the two housing elements relative to one another. An exemplary arrangement for this is in FIG. 12 shown. The ribs 60i are disposed over the entire outer surface of the rotational surface member 58i at a distance of 1 cm relative to each other.

In particular, to achieve a reduction in the friction of the two housing elements relative to one another during a movement of the two housing elements relative to one another, it is advantageous if these ribs are dimensioned in height such that a gap remains between the ribs and the opposite housing element. At the in FIG. 12 shown embodiment For example, the gap is about 0.5 mm thick so that the ribs are spaced from outer housing member 52h, i by this distance.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that at least one of the housing elements is transparent at least in areas or zones, for example in such a way that a writing arranged behind the transparent area, e.g. a newspaper clipping, through which area is readable. As a result, fonts can be read from the outside, for example, conditional instructions that facilitate a condition of the application device.

Expediently, the transparency is limited to one or more transparent zones of the housing element, in particular of the outer housing element, so that upon movement of the two housing elements relative to one another different character information moved with the inner housing element is released and covered. In this way, for example, instructions can be displayed and hidden again depending on the relative position of the two housing elements.

Such an embodiment is in FIG. 11 shown by way of example. The outer housing member 52h includes a transparent zone 66 surrounded by non-transparent material so that the zone 66 forms a window in the housing member 52h. Upon rotation of the housing elements 52h, 54i relative to one another, it is possible to look at different areas of the inner housing element 54i or - in the case of an agent reservoir between the two housing elements 52h, 54i - to this agent reservoir on which, for example, instructions for action can be printed.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two housing elements are inserted into each other and locked together. The locking expediently blocks a pulling apart of the two housing elements in such a way that the two housing elements are separated from each other again. For this purpose, the locking must be solved again. The latching is done expediently by the elastic deformation of at least one of the two housing elements, wherein the elastic snap creates a positive connection of the two housing elements in the direction of the relaxed starting position, which blocks a disassembly of the two housing elements.

The latching is expediently designed so that the inner housing element is pressed elastically inwards and snaps radially outward into the latching. This can be explained with reference to the embodiment of FIGS 11 and 12. The outer housing member 52h has a groove 68 in which a front edge 70 of the inner housing part 54i is inserted. The radial inside of the groove 68 in this case has a slight undercut and the Leading edge 70 has a small, inwardly facing bead-like shape, which engages behind the undercut in the assembled state. When inserting the inner housing member 54i, the leading edge 70 is first slightly pushed apart and thereby elastically deformed, which is readily possible through the recess 50i. If the inner formation at the front edge 70, the inner undercut completely engages behind the groove 68, so the front edge 70 snaps back inwards and forms the latching closure with the groove 68 and the outer housing part 52i.

Advantageously, the latching forms a connection of the two housing elements with each other, which is insoluble from the outside without an element destruction. As a result, an unintentional falling apart or even an undesired recycling of the application device can be avoided.

Further, it is advantageous if the housing elements are connected together in the latched state via a seal which closes the depot volume liquid-tight to the outside. In the embodiment of FIGS 11 and 12, which can be used as an example of this invention detail, the inner of the two housing elements 54i has a groove 72 in which engages an annular formation 74 of the outer housing member. Groove 72 and molding 74 form a tongue and groove closure, which forms a seal of the depot volume 10h, i by an annular frictional connection to the outside.

Conveniently, the seal is designed so that it is closed by the process of Verrastens.

It is also proposed that the two housing parts - as already shown above - are cylindrical against each other rotatable. Expediently, the two housing parts comprise latching elements which restrict the rotation of the two housing parts relative to each other in one direction of rotation. This is described by way of example with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 with reference to the ribs 60i and the latching element 62i.

functional positions

Further, it is advantageous if at least one of the two housing elements has a blocking element which blocks further rotation of the two housing elements after rotation in one direction of rotation. Conveniently, the blocking element blocks the two housing elements in one or more successive functional positions. The blocking element can be arranged on one of the two housing elements, wherein the other housing element advantageously has a counter element which abuts against the blocking element, if the two Housing elements reach the functional position to each other. Such a functional position may be a delivery position, a filling position, a mixing position and / or an application position.

A blocking element 76 is exemplified in FIG FIG. 11 shown. It is arranged on the outer housing element 52h and executed in this embodiment as a triangular shape. A counter element or another blocking element on the other housing element is shown by way of example in FIGS. 14 to 19.

FIGS. 14 to 21 show an application device 2j in four different functional positions, in each case from the front side and from the rear side. The functional positions are a delivery position (FIGS. 14 and 15), a fill position (FIGS. 16 and 17), a blend position (FIGS. 18 and 19), and an application position (FIGS. 20 and 21). FIGS. 14, 16, 18 and 20 show the application device 2j with an external view of the inner housing element 54j. FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 21 show the application device 2j from the other side in a sectional view, so that the inner case member 54j, the outer case member 52j, and the applicator 8j formed on the outer case member 52j are visible.

Advantageously, the inner housing element has a handle element which is adapted in its shape to the profile of the applicator. The adaptation takes place insofar as that the grip element is arranged at a corresponding position of the housing elements to each other laterally next to the applicator that the grip element forms a lateral continuation of the profile of the applicator and thus in its profile from a lateral viewing direction at least substantially identical to the applicator is.

This is shown for example in FIGS. 20 and 21. The handle member 78 hidden from the side view of FIG. 20 seen the applicator 8j, wherein the applicator 8j from the opposite side view, the handle member 78 hidden, as in FIG. 21 is shown.

In the delivery position shown by way of example in FIGS. 14 and 15, the two housing elements are advantageously prevented from rotating relative to a direction of rotation or application direction by a latching element and blocked in the direction of rotation by a blocking element, so that the delivery position is fixed. This can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 14 shows three blocking elements 80, 82, 84, which are integrally formed on a housing element advantageously cohesively. In this embodiment, on the inner housing member 54j. The blocking elements 80, 82, 84 each have predetermined breaking points, which in a powerful twisting of the two housing elements 52j, 54j against each other breaks, so that the corresponding blocking element 80, 82, 84 is interrupted by the housing member 54j. The direction of rotation 86 is marked in FIGS. 14 and 15 by an arrow. This direction of rotation 86 is an application direction of rotation intended for use with the application device. The direction of rotation 86 refers to one of the housing elements, in the exemplary embodiment, the inner housing elements 54j, which is to be rotated in the direction of rotation 86 relative to the other housing element 52j from a functional position to any other functional position.

In order to bring the application device from the delivery position to the next functional position, for example the filling position, the two housing elements must be rotated relative to each other. If this is performed powerfully, the blocking element breaks and releases a rotation in the direction of rotation 86. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, this is the blocking element 80, which abuts the opposite blocking element 76 in the delivery position and breaks off from the inner housing element 54j when the two housing elements 52j, 54j are rotated. The rotation of the housing elements is now released in the direction of rotation 86, expediently until a subsequent blocking element 82 strikes an opposing blocking element 80. This is shown by way of example in FIGS. 16 and 17. The subsequent blocking element 82 abuts against the stationary blocking element 76, whereby the further rotation in the direction of rotation 86 is again blocked. The first blocking element 80 is broken off.

If the application device is to be used, it is advantageously brought from a first functional position, for example a delivery position, into an adjacent functional position, for example a filling position. This will be in the transition from the functional position FIG. 14 in the functional position FIG. 16 shown by way of example.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show the application device 2j in a filling position. In this embodiment, not only the outer casing member 52j has a filling hole 44j, but also the inner casing member 56j has a filling hole 88j. The filling opening 88j is separate from the recess 50j of the inner housing element 54j and is adapted in its dimensions to the outer filling opening 44j, in particular the same as the latter.

The two filling openings 44, 88 - or in another embodiment the filling opening 44 and the recess 50 - are in the filling position in coverage, so that a passage from the outside into the depot volume 10j is present. Through this passage, active agent can be filled from the outside into the depot volume 10j.

In the filling position, the passage from the depot volume to the application volume is always closed in a liquid-tight manner so that the active agent filled into the depot volume can not get into the application volume.

In order to facilitate a filling of the application device, this is advantageously designed so that it has a stable state on a flat surface and the filling opening facing upwards in this stable state. This is shown by way of example in FIGS. 16 and 17. The application device 2j rests with its applicator 8j, in this embodiment with the head line, that is, the tooth tips of the applicator 2j, on the flat support surface indicated by the horizontal line. This is analogous to the embodiment FIG. 10 , wherein in the embodiment of FIGS 16 and 17, a further advantage is realized.

Generally speaking, a grip element in the filling position is positioned relative to the applicator such that the grip element counteracts tilting of the opening or filling opening. In particular, the applicator and gripping element are positioned so that the applicator prevents tilting in one direction and the gripping element prevents tilting of the application device in the other direction or at least counteracts this tilting.

This is in FIG. 17 to see. The filling opening 44j faces upward and the applicator 8j prevents counterclockwise tilting and the gripping element 78 tilting the filling opening 44j or the entire applicator 2j in the clockwise direction. As a result, a very secure state of the application device 2j is achieved on a level surface.

Another functional position is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. This function position is a mixed position. To bring the two housing elements from a filling position in the mixing position, a blocking element is again overcome. This is shown in FIGS. 16 and 18. If the inner grip element 54j is rotated further out of the mixing position in the direction of rotation 86, the blocking element 82 breaks away from the blocking element 76 and releases the rotation in the direction of rotation 86. The two housing elements 52j, 54j can be brought into the adjacent mixing position, which in FIG. 18 is shown. In the mixing position is again a blocking element, in the embodiment shown, the blocking element 84, rotationally locking on the blocking elements 76, so that an unintentional further rotation through the mixing position is prevented in the subsequent application position.

In the mixing position, the depot volume is completely closed to the outside, so that active agent can not penetrate to the outside even with a violent shaking of the depot volume and also can not get into the application volume. Any existing filling opening is closed and also a passage from the depot volume to the application volume. The Agent in the depot volume can now be mixed by shaking the application device, so as to be made ready for an application or application.

The subsequent application position is expediently a position for applying the active agent to the hair. Also in the transition to the application position, a blocking element is overcome, in the embodiment shown, the blocking element 84, which is in the application position, which is exemplified in Figures 20 and 21, broken off. In the application position, the passage from the depot volume to the application volume is released so that active agent can flow from the depot volume into the application volume.

At the in FIG. 21 In the embodiment shown, a pump element 90 in the form of a metal ball is arranged in the passage 48, through which active agent can be pumped from the depot volume 10j into the application volume 12j.

Advantageously, the two housing elements in the rotational direction in several different positions locked to each other. In particular, they can be locked in the functional positions. Upon rotation of the housing elements in the direction of rotation relative to one another, the housing elements thus engage with one another in the various functional positions. A reverse rotation, ie a rotation of the housing elements against the direction of rotation is blocked by the catch.

A delivery position can be characterized by a detent position of the two housing elements to each other, in which the depot volume of both housing elements Wirkmitteldicht is closed to the outside and the application volume. An application position can be characterized by a detent position in which the depot volume is closed by the two housing elements in an active agent-tight manner to the outside and is opened to the application volume.

seals

As already mentioned, it is advantageous if the inwardly-engaging housing element has an opening or a recess which, in the case of a corresponding position of the housing elements relative to one another, connects the depot volume to the application volume enclosed by the applicator. In order to prevent unwanted transfer of active agent from the depot volume in the application volume, it is also advantageous if between the two housing elements, a seal is arranged, the recess - in a position of the two housing elements to each other, in which the depot volume is closed to the application volume - so it seals against the application volume so that it does not enter the application volume into the opening. This seal was in the embodiment out FIG. 12 realized as a rib, but other seal shapes are possible and advantageous. Also shown in FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 21 is such a seal 64j.

Further, it is advantageous if a sealing element of the seal is a latching element for the reverse rotation blockage of the two housing elements. In this way, a double function of the sealing element can be achieved. This is exemplary in FIG. 19 shown. The latching element 62j engages behind the seal or the rib 64j, so that a reverse rotation of the inner housing element 54j against the direction of rotation 68 is prevented.

The seal 64j has in this embodiment, two sealing elements in the form of ribs or lips, which serve both as a locking element and counterpart to the locking element 62j. By the system of the seal on the locking element 62j also the further advantage is achieved that in the sensitive mixing position in which the active agent is violently moved in the depot volume back and forth, a large contact surface of the seal 64j is achieved on the locking element 62j and thus a high sealing effect. This happens because the seal rests not only radially outward on the outer housing element 52j, but also counter to the direction of rotation of the latching element 62j.

Conveniently, the seal comprises at least one lip-shaped formation on the outside of the inner housing element, such as in FIG. 19 is shown. Here, the seal 64j is analogous to the seal 64i as a rib, as the rib 60i executed.

A particularly high sealing effect can be achieved if the seal has at least two lip-shaped formations with an intermediate depression on the outside of the inner housing element. In this way, a capillary continuous layer can be interrupted, so that even small active agent streams are prevented. This is also visible in FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 21.

Active agent container

In most cases, it is expedient not to store the active agent directly in the depot volume, but rather in an agent container which is adapted to the active agent. In this way, a particularly leak-proof storage of the active agent can be achieved within the application device during transport or during a retail storage. It is advantageous if the agent container is already stored within the housing, so that can be avoided by the introduction of the agent container into the housing by, for example, a buyer. Expediently, active agent is held in the active agent container without the active agent wetting the walls of the depot volume. The agent container thus represents a container which is present within the depot volume and in addition to the housing.

Particularly advantageously, the agent container is a flexible bag, in particular a foil bag. Depending on the type of active agent and the amount of active agent, it is also possible for a plurality of active agent containers to be arranged in the depot volume or for the active agent container to have a plurality of chambers.

Advantageously, the application device comprises a fastening means with which the active agent container is fastened to a housing element within the depot volume. This is exemplary in FIG. 22 shown. The agent container 92 is a foil bag, which is attached to a fastening element 94 of a fastening means 96, for example by gluing. The fastening element 94 can be positively inserted into one of the housing elements, for example the outer housing element 52k.

In the in FIG. 22 In the embodiment shown, the fastening element 94 is cylindrical, for example a small rod made of wood or plastic, and is inserted into a cylindrical recess 98 of the outer housing element 52k. The recess 98 and the fastening element 94 are part of the fastening means 96.

FIG. 24 shows a section of the outer housing member 52k to the fastener 94, which is designed as a cylindrical rod made of plastic. It is inserted into the likewise cylindrical recess 98. The agent container 92 is designed as a foil bag, wound around the fastening element 94 at one end, in FIG FIG. 24 counterclockwise, and attached to the fastener 94 by gluing. Only one edge 100 of the active agent container 92 is wound around the fastening element 94, wherein an interior of the active agent container 92 carrying an active agent is closed against the edge 100. The edge 100 is separated in this embodiment by a weld 100 from the interior region of the active agent container 92.

Further, it is advantageous if the housing has at least one reaching into the depot volume interior molding, is guided around the active agent container, and the volume of the depot reduced in its lateral dimensions so that the agent container can not sweep over the Innenausformung without kinking due to its dimensions. Such an internal formation 104 is shown by way of example in FIGS. 22 and 23. Conveniently, the internal molding is a recessed grip, for example as described above and in particular to FIGS. 9 and 10. By putting the internal shaping into the depot volume, it is possible to ensure that the agent container is located relatively evenly outside the inner contour the housing or the depot volume applies and does not buckle in, for example, zigzag folds. This is advantageous for a low-friction expressions of the agent container, as described below. The internal formations suitably extend at least 3 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, laterally into the depot volume.

Advantageously, the active agent container is wider than the width of the depot volume in the region of the internal formation. An undesired passing of the active agent container past the internal formations can be counteracted, so that the agent container remains rounded and positioned in the depot volume and attached to the inner housing element. Conveniently, the inner molding forms a guide for the agent container, in particular so that the agent container can pass through the internal formation transverse to the cylinder axis only by a buckling.

Appropriately, the active agent container comprises a desired opening point, which opens automatically at a predetermined internal pressure of the active agent in Wirkmittebehälter. The internal pressure is an overpressure relative to the environment of the active agent container. The opening may be a tearing of the wall of the active agent container, in particular at the desired opening point.

Appropriately, the active agent container comprises a desired opening point, which opens automatically at a predetermined internal pressure of the active agent in Wirkmittebehälter. The internal pressure is an overpressure relative to the environment of the active agent container.

Advantageously, the depot volume has a cylindrical shape, and the agent container is inserted into the depot volume. In the area of the depot volume, the housing, in particular in the region of the cylinder axis, has at least one recessed grip, which extends into the depot volume as an inward facing internal formation. The agent container is expediently guided around the recessed grip. Further, it is advantageous if the active agent container is wider than the width of the depot volume in the region of the inner molding and the inner molding forms a guide for the active agent container. Conveniently, the filled with active agent agent container is designed in its dimensions so that it can happen transversely to the cylinder axis, the internal formation only with a buckling.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the application device has at least two mutually movable actuating elements, one of which is positively, in particular fixed, connected to the agent container, and the other is arranged so that its movement the agent container, which expediently in the depot volume is arranged, forcibly shifts. As a result, the inaccessible from the outside Active agent container within the housing, in particular within the depot volume, are moved by an actuation of the actuators.

Ideally, the application device is designed so that an emptying of the active agent container takes place when a user facing inner housing element is rotated from the user's perspective relative to the outer housing in a clockwise direction. This ensures optimal handling for right-handed people.

Conveniently, at least one of the actuating elements comprises a fastening means for fastening the active agent container such that the active agent container follows a movement of the actuating elements relative to each other forcibly the actuating element with the fastening means. Conveniently, the agent container is wrapped a bit far around the fastener, in particular at least one revolution and / or at least 5 mm wide. Advantageously, the actuating elements are housing elements of the housing of the application device. This is exemplary in FIG. 22 shown. The agent container 92 is fastened to the fastening element 94 and in turn to the outer housing element 52k. If the two housing elements 52k, 54k are moved relative to one another, the agent reservoir 92 is forcibly moved along with the outer fastening element 52k.

Further, it is advantageous if the other actuating element is arranged so that its movement compresses the active agent container. This invention detail is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. If the inner housing member 54k - starting from its in FIG. 22 shown position - moves counterclockwise relative to the outer housing member 52k, it abuts against the agent tank 92 and moves it in the depot volume 10k. Upon further rotation, the front bead of the inner housing member 54k slides over the recess 98, so that the part of the agent tank 92 protruding directly from the recess 98 is compressed between the two housing members 52k, 54k. This part of the agent container 92 is emptied in this way by compression.

Upon further rotation of the inner housing member 54k relative to the outer housing member 52k, an ever larger portion of the agent reservoir 92 is pressed between the two housing members 52k, 54k, or put another way - starting from a static inner housing member 54k and a relatively moved outer housing member 52k the agent container 92 with increasing rotation of the two housing elements 52k, 54k to each other more or further drawn between the two housing elements 52k, 54k. As a result, the agent container 92 is compressed and thus reduces its internal volume, so that it is at least largely emptied.

Advantageously, the actuating elements are connected to the active agent container so that their movement relative to each other applies an opening force to the active agent container within the housing. This too can be seen in FIGS. 22 and 23. By compressing the agent container 92 and the associated internal pressure increase, in particular by the agent present in the active agent 92 active agent, an opening force is applied to the agent container, for example by the agent container 92 finally bursts.

This can be promoted by a predetermined breaking point present on the agent container 92, which is exemplified in FIG FIG. 22 is shown as predetermined breaking point 106. At this predetermined breaking point 106, the wall 108 of the active agent container is secured to each other so that around this attachment point - the predetermined breaking point 106 - active agent is arranged. This presses apart from all sides of the attachment point, so that the wall 108 finally ruptures at this predetermined breaking point 106. The predetermined breaking point 106 can also be designed so that the active agent is not arranged around it but only in an angular range of at least 270 ° about the predetermined breaking point 106.

Conveniently, the actuating elements are arranged to each other and at least one of the actuating elements is arranged to the agent container, that the agent container is moved in a relative movement, in particular a twist, the two actuators between the actuators, for example, is pulled. Conveniently, the active agent container is completely moved between the actuating elements, so that it is arranged in particular flat between the actuating elements.

This is exemplary in FIG. 23 shown. The agent container 92 is completely between the actuators, in this embodiment, the two housing elements 52k, 54k pulled. He is thus completely led out of the depot volume 10k.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that at least one of the actuation elements has a pressure means which is prepared to press the active substance container to one another when the two actuation elements move toward one another, for example a rotation of the two actuation elements relative to one another. This too is exemplary in FIG. 22 shown. The pressing means 110, which in this embodiment is designed as a bead on the edge of the recess 50k, presses the agent container 92 against the outer housing element 52k.

Advantageously, the pressing means is prepared to push out active agents from the active agent container, in particular at least the majority of the active agent, advantageously at least 90% of the active agent present in the active agent container. At the in FIG. 23 shown Embodiment, the pressing means 110 has the agent tank 92 almost completely emptied, so that the active agent is now available freely in the depot volume 10k and emptied the agent container and stored outside the depot volume, in this embodiment, between the two housing elements 52k, 54k rests.

Advantageously, the pressing means comprises a stiffening of the actuating element. This stiffening can be carried out for example in the form of a bead, which expediently extends at least over the length of the width of the active agent container. This embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The bead or the pressing means 110, the in FIGS. 22 and 23 is shown only in section, extends in a width which is aligned in the figures perpendicular to the paper plane, over a distance which is greater than the average width, in particular the largest width of the active agent container 92 in the depot volume 10k. In particular, the width of the pressing means 110 extends over the entire width of the depot volume 10k.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 14 to 21, it may take some operating steps until the application device is transferred from a delivery state to an application state. In order to facilitate the use of the application device for an operator, it is advantageous if it has optically visible instructions, for example of pictograms or writing, which instructs the operator to carry out the actuating steps. This can be done particularly advantageously with the aid of a transparent region or a transparent zone, such as zone 66 in FIG FIG. 11 , by which such references are visible.

This is particularly advantageous when the actuators are arranged to each other and to the agent container so that the agent container is pressed by a movement of the actuators against each other to a housing wall. He can now lie flat on the inside of the transparent zone from the inside, so that from the outside on hints that are conveniently printed on the agent container, can be looked. Advantageously, the housing wall is a wall of the housing around the depot volume. Appropriately, the agent container is pressed flat against the wall.

The indication may be an optical marking which is visible from outside the housing, in particular in the case of normal reading illumination, for example an actuation marking, an arrow, a line, writing or the like.

Further, it is advantageous if the agent container moves relative to the outer housing element during a movement of the actuating elements and this is guided on this from the inside along. As a result, different indication areas can be guided along the transparent zone, so that, depending on the position of the actuating elements or housing elements, different indications are visible through the transparent zone.

Further, it is advantageous if the pressed against the housing wall part of the active agent container is an expressed part of the agent container. This allows a particularly flat and smooth investment of the expressed agent container can be achieved on the housing wall.

As described above, it is advantageous if the housing part has around the depot volume two interlocking housing elements, which in particular jointly surround the depot volume, and the housing elements are the actuators. This is shown by way of example in FIGS. 11 to 24.

Conveniently, the two housing elements are latched to each other in several different positions, the agent reservoir is arranged so relative to the housing elements and shaped so that a detent position holds the agent reservoir outside pressure and lock the two housing elements in particular after a complete expression of the agent container in a subsequent detent position, in particular so that a relative movement is blocked backwards to Ausdrückbewegungsrichtung.

Further, it is advantageous if the housing elements are designed so that the agent container is expressed in a rotation of the housing elements relative to each other from a delivery position to a mixing position.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the application device has a pressure means for expressing the active agent container on a wall. The expressions are expediently carried out by the pushing means running along the wall and expediently also moved relative to the active agent container and slides along it. When sliding along the pushing means presses the agent container to the wall, so that it is at least partially expressed.

Advantageously, the pressing means comprises a squeezing element and an increase in volume arranged behind it so that a region of the active agent container to be pressed out is pressed when squeezing through a constriction on the squeezing element and then relaxes in the increase in volume.

This detail is exemplary in FIG. 25 shown, the enlarged section of the application device 2k from FIG. 22 shows. The inner housing element 54k with the pressing means 110 can be seen at the edge of the recess 50k. The pressing means 110 has on its radial Outside a Ausdrückelement 112, which is spaced in a relaxed state of the pressing means 110 expediently with a small distance of at least 1 mm from the outer housing member 52k. Behind the expression element 112, front and rear are to be understood as the direction of movement of the pushing means 110 forward for expressing the agent container 92, there is an increase in volume 114, in which area the pressing means 110 is not as far radially outward as the Ausdrückelemente 112. Will the Agent 92 pressed through the constriction on the expression 112, so he can relax in the increase in volume 114 again. This has the advantage that the frictional forces between the agent container 92 and the pressing means 110 are reduced, so that an actuation of the housing elements or actuating elements is facilitated.

Advantageously, the increase in volume behind the ejection element begins by an undercut on a Ausdrückseite of the pressing means. This undercut 116 is also in FIG. 25 shown. It is a recess behind the expression element 112 radially inward, so that thereby the volume increase 114 begins. Starting is to be seen here as the direction from the front to the rear, so that the increase in volume is formed behind the undercut 116 and thus extends from the undercut 116 to the rear.

Further, it is advantageous if the undercut forms a recess into which a latching element engages. As a result, an anti-rotation of the two actuators or housing elements can be achieved. The latching element is expediently provided to elastically deform the pressure means for snapping into a latching position.

An embodiment showing this invention detail is in FIG. 25 to see. The latching element 62k engages from behind on the undercut 116, so that a reverse rotation of the inner housing element 54k against the direction of rotation 86 is prevented. When rotating in the direction of rotation 86, the pressing means 110 and the inner housing member 54k is deformed inwardly when the expressing element 112 - in the in FIG. 25 shown counterclockwise - is guided past the locking element 62k. The same applies if further latching elements 60k, which may be, for example, ribs, are guided past the latching element 62k.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating elements are designed so that they bring the agent container during their operation between them. This embodiment of the invention is in FIG. 23 shown.

The radially inner actuating element expediently comprises spacers on which the active agent container rests. These spacers are already in conjunction with FIG. 12 described, wherein in the embodiment of FIG. 12 Ribs are. But there are others too not rib-shaped embodiments conceivable, including spacers in the direction of rotation and not transverse to the direction of rotation as in FIG. 12 is shown. Advantageously, the active agent container rests on the spacers which hold the agent container at a radial distance to the majority of the outer surface of the inner actuating element. As a result, a frictional resistance of the agent container to the actuator can be kept low.

Advantageously, the ejection element protrudes radially outward than at least the majority of the spacers. This is in FIG. 25 shown by way of example. The expression member 112 projects radially outward than the spacer 60k. Farther back and in FIG. 25 not shown spacers protrude as far radially outward as the spacer 60k shown.

With regard to opening the active agent container, the following embodiments of the invention are advantageous: Expediently, the active agent container comprises a closure and at least one of the actuating elements an opening means which is formed so that it opens the closure against each other during a movement of the actuating elements. This can for example be done so that the agent container is pulled apart during a movement of the actuating elements relative to each other in such a way that it tears. In this case, the opening means would be an attachment of the active agent container to the actuating element, so that the active agent container is firmly fastened, for example, to both actuating elements. The closure would then be the point at which the active agent container ruptures, expediently a predetermined breaking point. Other closures are possible, for example a valve, an opening which is closed by the closure and is opened when opened or another embodiment. For example, the closure may comprise a tear-open element for rupturing an opening made thereunder. It is also advantageous if the closure comprises a film on a tear-off layer.

It is also possible and advantageous that a plurality of active agent containers are mounted in the housing, which are opened in different ways. Thus, for example, an agent container can be opened with liquid, as described for FIGS. 22 and 23. An existing granule container can be opened, for example, by tearing open as described above. Both processes can be triggered by the same actuators.

It is clear from what has been described above that the idea of opening the active agent container by compressing an agent container within a housing is also applicable to applications other than an application device. By means of this invention, an agent container can be opened without having to be touched.

Therefore, the invention is also directed to an opening device for opening an agent container. The opening device comprises two relatively movable elements, wherein the agent container is attached to at least one of the elements, so that it is moved relative to the other element in a movement of the two elements to each other.

Conveniently, at least one of the elements is a housing element, in particular both elements are housing elements.

The relative movement is advantageously a rotation of the two elements to each other.

Further advantageous is one or several to all of the features described above and below to the agent container and to open the agent container with this idea individually and in any combination compatible. In particular, a device such as the application device should be protected, which, although having the two elements, but need not be created for applying an active agent on fibrous material, nor must contain an applicator for applying the active agent contained in an application volume on the fibrous material.

The device is particularly suitable for use with an agent container for and in particular with a hair treatment agent, e.g. Dyeing, bleaching, hair care, hair strengthening, hair removal, in particular by application of a surface-active agent, e.g. Hair removal agent penetrating the root via the capillary or for mechanical hair removal, e.g. Wax or glue, its.

The device is particularly suitable for use with an agent container for and in particular with an active agent, which may be a pharmaceutical product, a medical product and / or a cosmetic product.

Furthermore, the device is particularly suitable for use with an agent container for and in particular with an active agent of a plurality of separately stored active component components to be mixed or processed before use, such as paints, foam-forming substances, e.g. Foam and / or musk paints, synthetic resin, sealant, e.g. Acrylic, silicone, spatula, adhesive, spray, e.g. for weed killing or pest control, etc.

The active agent may also be a detergent, a cleaning agent, a cosmetic product, for example cream, milk, lotion, a care agent, and the like, for example for skin, floors, cars, etc. Equally good are foods such as soups, sauces, dressing, or dietary supplements, such as vitamin supplements, possible or drinks, eg mixed drinks, carbonated drinks, or active ingredients, fresh substances and the like.

An advantageous embodiment of the device comprises an applicator for applying the active agent to an article, e.g. Fibers, hair, a flat surface and the like. The applicator can be designed as described for the application device, or have a roller, a brush or a fabric or mesh for applying the active agent, e.g. a cloth, such as a moisturizing, care and / or cleaning cloth; also a washing tile is possible and advantageous.

applicator

With regard to the application device, a further advantageous embodiment variant of the invention provides that the applicator encloses the application volume and has a delivery means for introducing fibers of the fibrous material or hair into the application volume. Advantageously, the introduction means is provided with gaps through which the hair is passed, and expediently in such a manner that the hairs located in the gaps run through the application volume.

The introduction of the hair into the application volume can be facilitated if the applicator has a lower support surface for surface contact with a fiber base, in particular a scalp. Such a bearing surface 36 is shown by way of example in FIGS. 5 and 10.

The applicator can be made in several different ways and connected to the depot. Thus, the introduction means or even the entire applicator can be integrally connected to the depot or the housing of the application device. Such a one-piece connection is exemplary in FIG. 9 shown, in which the introduction means 118, the applicator 8h and the depot 6h are made in one piece from plastic.

Another possibility is to connect the introduction means or the applicator with a housing element surrounding the depot volume. For this purpose, the applicator or the introduction means can be manufactured separately from this housing part. A possible embodiment of this is in FIG. 26 shown. The introduction means 118l is made completely separate from the housing part 120l, that surrounds the depot volume 10l. For connecting Einbringmittel 118l and the housing part 120l connecting means are provided, with which the Einbringmittel 118l and the housing part 120l are connected to each other so that no agent escapes in the connection point. At the in FIG. 26 In the embodiment shown, the connecting means 122 has latching elements 124, each in a recess 126 of the housing part Engage 120l and lock there and thereby firmly connect the Einbringmittel 118l with the housing part 120l.

A further embodiment provides that the applicator is connected via a movable element to a housing part surrounding the depot volume. A movable element may be a hinge, eg a film hinge. An embodiment of this embodiment of the invention is in FIG. 27 shown. An introduction means 118m is connected to the other housing part 120m via a movable element 128, in this embodiment a film hinge. In general, the movable element is to be understood such that the introduction means is movable in the state fastened to the housing part relative thereto, as exemplified in FIG FIG. 27 is shown. By means of a latching means 122m, the two elements 118m, 120m can be interconnected.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that the applicator has a comb with a number of teeth and an upper side and a lower side, wherein the lower side forms a support surface for surface support on a fiber base, in particular the scalp.

Advantageously, the tooth tips of the comb form a straight line, which may also be referred to as a head line. Alternatively, the tooth tips of the comb, or the head line can form a curved line which is in particular at least partially downwards, in particular concavely curved. Additionally or alternatively, an at least partially forward concave curvature is advantageous. Such details are exemplary in FIG. 28 shown. As an alternative to the straight head line 30i, a concave head line 30ii with a concave opening upwards or a head line 30iii with a concave opening downwards is possible. Also possible is a concave opening to the front (head line 30iv) or with a convex curvature to the front (head line 30v). The alignment of the vault is in FIG. 28 indicated by the double arrows up and down or front and back. Of course, it is also possible to combine two or more of the shown curved variants and to provide multiple turns within the head line 30.

With regard to the outer shape of the applicator, it is advantageous if its bearing surface or underside is convexly curved, in particular in the pulling direction through the fibers or hair. Further, it is advantageous if the top is concavely curved upward. The curvature is expediently in each case a curvature in a view from the side. An advantageous embodiment for this purpose is shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. Both the underside or support surface 36n and the top 40n are curved convex or concave.

The two curved surfaces are advantageously arranged relative to one another such that a fiber arranged in the longitudinal direction of the teeth and drawn through the teeth is drawn in deeper into the teeth and into the application volume for reasons of reducing friction. The embodiment of FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 shows how a hair 16 is received with the comb-like tooth tips 26n and guided into a gap 24n between the teeth 22n.

At the in FIG. 29 As shown, the hair 16 just reaches the front end of the application volume 12n. Since the hair 16 is attached to the scalp 128 only on one side and the hair is otherwise freely movable, the hair 16 tends to fall down out of the gap 24n, so that it is not or hardly guided by application volume 12n. However, the outer shape of the applicator 8n causes the hair 16, as indicated by the curved arrow in FIG FIG. 29 is indicated, is drawn into the gap 24n and thus in the application volume 12b. This is done by guiding the hair 16 through the applicator 8n for a shorter length as it straightens in the applicator 8n. The frictional forces of the hair 16 in the applicator are thus the lower the more upright the hair 16 passes through the applicator 8n. Due to the physical principle that the fiber or hair seeks the path of least resistance through the applicator 8n causes the hair 16 to straighten up and thus be further pulled into the applicator 8n or application volume 12n.

This process takes place independently of the fact that the applicator 8n moves forward, and thus the hair 16 is first moved backwards relative to the applicator 8n. Since the hair 16 is free to move forward, the hair would simply follow the applicator motion and not penetrate deeper into the gap 24n without the effect described above. Only the two curvatures of the top and bottom leads to this described effect, in particular in connection with the crest angle, which is described below.

In order to draw the hair as far as possible into the applicator, it is advantageous if the gap between two teeth with increasing penetration depth of the hair into the gap is shortened in its length. This is exemplary in FIG. 30 shown. By a recess 130 of the lower gap end, for example relative to the support surface 36 n, the depth of the gap 24 n becomes shorter with increasing penetration depth of the hair 16.

Advantageously, the applicator forms a comb angle between the upper side and the lower side, which increases continuously to the rear over at least 15 mm, in particular at least 20 mm. To understand the crest angle is FIG. 31 helpful. Shown is the example ridge angle 132 at the front tip of the comb 20n and the ridge angle 132 a little more than 1 cm behind. At the front, the ridge angle 132 is about 12 °, wherein generally an angle between 7 ° and 20 °, in particular between 10 ° and 15 °, is advantageous. It is advantageous if the crest angle in the first 5 mm behind the crest peak does not exceed 20 °. Further, it is advantageous if the crest angle in the first 10 mm behind the crest peak does not exceed 45 °. By configuring such a comb angle, it can be achieved that a hair, as it moves through the gap, automatically straightens so far that it is counteracted to a great extent when the hair falls out of the gap.

The crest angle 132 increases toward the rear continuously, as in FIG. 31 is shown by way of example. So it is at the rear point shown about 35 ° and rises to the back on. At the in FIG. 31 shown embodiment, the crest angle 132 increases steadily and falls nowhere. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

It is advantageous if the ridge angle increases steadily, at least in the region of the gap. When defining the gap angle, it depends on where the lines describing the gap angle are applied to the top and bottom of the applicator. The contact points can be defined by the smallest distance between the contact points. This is in FIG. 31 represented by the double arrow 134. For example, if an upper attachment point is specified - in FIG. 31 the point which lies at the upper end of the double arrow 134 - so the one point on the support surface is sought, which has the smallest distance to the upper bearing point. At this lower point, the second imaginary line is created, so that now the ridge angle results.

Further, it is advantageous if the ridge angle at the applicator reaches at least 60 °, in particular in the region of the application volume. As a result, a fairly well-defined penetration length of a hair can be predetermined in the gap, because with a large comb angle, the hair tends to move in the direction of a smaller ridge angle.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the applicator 5 mm behind the front tip of an application volume a height perpendicular to the support surface of a maximum of 8 mm, in particular a maximum of 6 mm. To explain this invention details is on FIG. 32 directed. The position of the front tip of the application volume 12n is marked by the lower and foremost arrow. A distance of 5 mm behind is indicated by the lower double arrow. The overall height 136 perpendicular to the bearing surface 36n is approximately 5.5 mm in this exemplary embodiment.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the applicator has an applicator thickness of not more than 9 mm, in particular not more than 7 mm, 10 mm behind the front tip of the application volume. Also in this regard, be on FIG. 32 directed. The Applikatordicke 138 refers - as in FIG. 31 indicated by the double arrow 134 - to the smallest thickness of the applicator, starting from a fixed point on the lower support surface. The specified point in this invention detail is 10 mm behind the front tip of the application volume 12n. This location is indicated by the rightmost up arrow. At this point, the applicator thickness 138 is indicated by the two dashed arrows. It is 7 mm in this embodiment.

With an applicator with dimensions in the specified ranges can be achieved that hair can be well pulled into a gap without being pushed out down.

teeth

As described above, the applicator advantageously has a comb with teeth for a comb-like pulling through the fibrous material or the hair. In this case, the teeth advantageously form at least partially an underside or contact surface of the applicator. Advantageously, the teeth are made of plastic, whereby a particularly simple and inexpensive production can be achieved. On the other hand, particularly accurate gap dimensions and, in particular, very narrow gaps can be created better if the teeth are metallic teeth. These are advantageously used in a rear part of the applicator, which is expediently at least predominantly made of plastic.

An advantageous development of the invention proposes that the teeth are formed from plates which form a plate stack. This is exemplified FIG. 33 shown. A plurality of plates 140 are stacked in a stack of plates and fastened by fasteners 142 in FIG FIG. 33 are only indicated and rivet-like, helical or otherwise formed, held together.

In FIG. 33 Two different types of plates 140, 144 are shown. The different types are shown only for the sake of clarity, wherein a stack is usually formed only by one type of plates 140 or 144. The upper plates have a front cutout, through each of which a gap 24o is formed. The lower plates do not have a cutout, the gap 24o being created by a spacer 146 located in the rear area between two plates 144. With the thickness of the spacers 146, the width of the gap 24o can be adjusted. Each spacer element 146 in each case forms a tooth base of a gap 24o. The plates form between them the application volume 12o by forming part of a top wall 148o and a bottom wall 150o, respectively. The application volume 12o is so bounded above by the top wall 148o and down through the bottom wall 150o. Each tooth 24o forms a part of the top wall 148o and the bottom wall 150o.

If teeth are formed from a stack of plates, these can be joined together via a film hinge. To be able to make thicker wall thicknesses of the injection molding tool, the plates are fanned out against each other so that adjacent plates each spatially release the side of their neighboring plate for tool elements. After the injection process, the fanned plates are rotated against each other so that a uniform stack, as in FIG. 33 represented arises. The film hinge is preferably provided on the tooth tip 26 and can be removed as soon as the stack is securely held.

The plate elements can be made to produce pulled concertina-like exploded and then assembled pushed together for assembly.

A further embodiment of the production of the stacking package is possible via a helical spiral, which is expediently produced pulled apart, then brought into tooth form and is mounted pushed together.

Alternatively, it is advantageous if the teeth are at least partially formed by a bent sheet that is cut at the bending edge. This detail is exemplary in FIG. 34 shown. A plate 152 is bent so that a front bending edge is formed. Since plate 152 is sawed in from the front bending edge to the rear, so that the column 24p arise. The sheet 152 is suitably connected to a rear part of the applicator, for example glued, latched, clamped or the like. The sheet 152 is in FIG. 34 represented very thin, and in reality it can assume a thickness of several millimeters. It is advantageous if the sheet has a larger sheet thickness at the tooth base than at the reversing edge or bending edge. In this way, an advantageous exit behavior of the active agent from the application volume into the column can be achieved. Conveniently, the sheet is thicker both at the top and bottom of the tooth base than in the vicinity of the reversing edge 154th

A further advantageous possibility of forming the teeth consists in that the teeth are formed by two applicator legs, which are connected to one another at the front and open to the rear. This is exemplary in FIG. 35 shown. Two applicator legs 156 converge towards the front and are connected at the front. The upper applicator leg 156 forms a top wall and the bottom a bottom wall so that they form the application volume 12q between them. A tooth root 158q of the teeth 22q is indicated by two dashed lines in FIG FIG. 35 indicated. Also indicated is an intermediate volume 14q that connects the application volume 12q forms a depot volume, not shown. The two applicator legs 156 may be made in one or more pieces and are expediently firmly connected at the rear. The connection in front is in FIG. 35 by way of example by inserting, for example, the upper applicator limb 156 into the lower applicator limb 156. However, it is also another form-fitting and in particular a fabric protection, for example by gluing, conceivable and advantageous. At least part of the sub-wall can be replaced by tensioned parallel-aligned fibers.

A good combing and separation of the hair with the applicator can be achieved if the teeth 1 mm, in particular 1.5 mm, more particularly 2 mm, behind their tooth tips have a tooth height of less than 1 mm. With the same advantage, the teeth have a front cross section of less than 0.5 mm ² 0.5 mm behind their tooth tips. These details are shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, in particular in connection with FIG FIG. 5 ,

Further, it is advantageous if the tooth tips of the teeth are rounded. A pleasant and precise guidance of the application devices on a scalp, it is conducive if the teeth form a support surface with its underside, which merges into a convex outer surface of the housing part, which swings and without offset that surrounds the depot volume. This is for example in FIG. 10 shown.

A good handling of the application device, it is conducive if the comb has a maximum comb width of 50 mm, in particular a maximum of 40 mm. The comb width is expediently the width from the first to the last tip of the comb.

The description of the further details of the invention is based essentially on some embodiments, which are shown in an overview in FIGS. 36 to 44. These three embodiments were selected from a variety of different application devices to make the number of embodiments considered manageable and to understand the descriptions. However, the invention is of course not limited to these embodiments and nor to the preceding embodiments. Nor are the details described compulsory only associated with the embodiment, in addition they are described. In particular, the invention details described without reference numerals are generalized and to see each other interchangeable.

FIGS. 36 to 38 each show a sectional side view of the applicator 8r, 8s, 8t, so that the application volume 12r, 12s, 12t is visible within the comb 20r, 20s, 20t. The applicator 8 and the application volume 12 can be thought of as being divided into different regions. All three embodiments have a tip region 160 in common, the Application volume free is executed. This tip region 160 thus extends forwardly from the front tip of the application volume and is indicated in FIGS. 36 to 38 by the region in front of the dashed line (1).

Starting from the front tip of the application volume 12 extends to the rear, a front application area 162, and this is followed by a main application region 164 to the rear. A boundary between the front application area 162 and the main application area 164 of the applicators 8 is indicated by the broken line (2) in FIGS. 36 to 38. In the front application area, the upper side of the lower wall 150 is guided parallel to the support surface 36. The boundary line between the front application region 162 and the main application region 164 can be drawn through the point where the top side is removed from the underside of the bottom wall, eg in a bend in the top of the bottom wall 150. From this point, the boundary line to the top 40 be guided, wherein the direction is characterized by the shortest connection to the top, such as for FIG. 31 described. At the in FIG. 38 In the embodiment shown, the boundary is defined by another continuity in the upper surface of the lower wall, in this case a convex kink.

In the advantageous embodiment shown, the application volume bends towards the front, parallel to the support-oriented underside - the underside of the application volume is the top of the lower wall - upwards. The inner surface of the lower wall thus initially runs parallel to the support surface and then bends upwards.

The front application area 162 and the main application area 164 form the application area of the applicator 8. The rear end of the application area determines the tooth base 158, which is also the gap floor. Gap floor and tooth base 158 are thus parallel to one another in the lateral direction.

In FIGS. 36 and 37, a rear application region 166 adjoins the main application region 164 to the rear. This is characterized in that its rear gap exit 168 lies in a depression of the support surface 36. The gap exit 168 thus moves backwards away from the support surface 36 into the interior of the applicator 8. The rear application region 166 is also part of the entire application region.

The in FIG. 36 shown applicator 8r is shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 in a perspective view. FIG. 39 shows the applicator 8r from the front and diagonally down and FIG. 39 shows a view into the outer housing element 52r from inside into the applicator 8r or its application volume 12r inside. It can be seen that the gaps 24r extend parallel to one another and in a plane perpendicular to the bearing surface 36. All columns are equidistant and the same width. The tips of the teeth are rounded at the front so that they form a funnel-shaped gap entrance. This embodiment is particularly suitable for dyeing hair extensions and can therefore also be referred to as a hairline dye.

The second embodiment with the applicator 8s is shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 in a perspective view. While the view in FIG. 41 analogous to the view FIG. 40 is, shows FIG. 42 the applicator 8s obliquely from below, so obliquely on the support surface 36s. The applicator 8s differs from the applicator 8r in that between individual columns 24s bypass gaps 170s are arranged, which do not reach the application volume 12s.

The bypass gap 170s serve to comb the hair. Since hair is usually criss-cross a little bit over each other, the hair directly in front of the columns 24s are also slightly tangled with the hair in front of the bypass splitters 170s. Without the bypass gap 170s, the hair would now be pressed down under the applicator 8s, so that these hairs also push down the entangled hair lying in front of the gap 24s. This makes it difficult to insert these hairs into the gaps 24s.

By the bypass splitter 170s, however, the hair is combed and also pass from bottom to top through the applicator. In this way, the hair in front of the gaps 24s are held upwards, so that they can easily enter the gap 24s and are thus guided through the application volume 12s. An embodiment with at least one bypass is particularly suitable for mottling hair, since only relatively few of the hair combed through are introduced into the application volume 12s and brought into contact there with active agent, in this case hair dye.

Another special feature of this embodiment of the invention lies in the rear application region 166s or in the recesses 172s in the support surface 36s, into which the gap exit 168s opens. The result of these recesses 172s or the introduction of the gap exit 168s into the interior of the applicator 8s is that the gap depth does not increase further with increasing gap length or at most in a ratio of maximally 1 mm of increasing gap depth per 3 mm of increasing gap length. This is in FIG. 37 to see. The gap depth along the dashed line (3) only increases slightly in the direction of the tooth root 158s and only in the vicinity of the tooth root 158s, because the traversal length becomes oblique and thus longer due to the application volume 12s. This shaping of the applicator 8s has the advantage that the hairs located in the gap 24s easily slip all the way back towards the gap bottom 158s and thus remain stable in the gap 24s. In this way, individual hair or very small bundles with very few hairs can be reliably dyed uniformly over a long length, as is advantageous for nourishing.

The third embodiment shown in FIGS. 38 and 42 to 44 is particularly good for dyeing highlights. Similar to the mulching dyer 2s, the stain dyer 2t has by-pass gaps 170t disposed between staining gaps 24t. Again, not all combed hairs are dyed but only smaller areas, in this case highlights. The coloring columns 24t are grouped into two groups of a plurality of columns 24t-in this embodiment, four columns 24t each-between which a group of bypass gaps 170t are arranged. In general, bypass gaps 170 do not extend into the application volume 12. Hair combed by bypass gaps 170 is therefore not associated with the active agent.

Another characteristic of the applicator 8t is the rear application region 166t or the gap exits 168t which enter the applicator 8t. Expediently, several, in particular all, dyeing gaps 24t of a group of highlights lead into the recesses 172t, so that the hairs from these gaps 24t can be brought together in the recess 172t. Outwardly from the support surface 36t protruding guide surfaces 174 bundle in cooperation with the outer surfaces of the recess expediently more, preferably all, emerging from a split group hair into a single strand. Since the dyeing of highlights is usually a bleaching or whitening in which the active agent has to act on the hair for a while, forming the strand of hair from several columns 24t causes the hair wetted by the active agent to be compressed, and one form single strand. This strand is surrounded by active agent and penetrated, so that inadvertent stripping of the active agent is counteracted. The active ingredient stays on the hair for a long time and can last a long time.

The guide surfaces 174 are in FIG. 44 shown from the side, so that their protrusion from the support surface to the outside or down well visible.

Particularly preferred is a width of the hair outlet opening, or the hair fissure, measured parallel to the head line less than 3 mm, with a width of less than 2 mm is advantageous. It is also conceivable that the hair exit opening or the hair exit slit be formed as a V-shaped recess, wherein the angle of the surfaces to each other is less than 90 °, with an angle smaller than 60 ° is particularly advantageous. Also conceivable are other shapes and dimensions, which form at least a part of the detected hair of a separation unit into a strand, which is smaller with its cross-sectional area than a circle with a diameter of 3 mm.

Embodiments with a plurality of separation units are also conceivable in which different application means are provided, for example, with different colors. there The different application means are provided in separate depot volumes and application volumes.

The hair-removal opening means the area beyond which lateral guidance of the recess 172 and / or guide surfaces 174 is no longer effective in the case of taut hair.

In order to achieve a good wetting of the hair while maintaining good management of hair not to be wetted, at least one bypass gap of a bypass can be made particularly long. An example of this is in FIG. 72 shown. Suitable lengths 240 of a bypass gap 170 are in the range of 0.15 times to 1.2 times the maximum gap length of a Anwendungssspalts 24, particularly good is the range between 0.3 times and 1.2 times, in particular between 0.5 times and 1.1 times. The length of an application gap 24 refers to the distance from the head line 30 to the upper gap bottom 186. The considered by-pass depth 240 refers to the distance between the head line 30 and the rear end of a bypass gap.

In order to achieve an advantageous piercing and pull-through behavior in or through the hair, one or more bypass gaps 170 can be designed with a greater depth and greater gap width than an application gap 24. This ensures that the hairs not to be dyed equally penetrate into the applicator, as in the application gap 24 introduced hair.

In the case of a large bypass gap length, in particular if it is greater than the length of an adjacent application gap, the application volume at the front will no longer be designed to be continuous on the side since the bypass gaps are not intended to reach the application volume. The application volume may therefore have forward pockets to an application gap or groups of application columns. These bags should be filled reliably when using the application device. A variable influencing variables are, in particular, the wedge angle 194 of the application volume and the channel width 242 (FIGS. 72 and 73) of the pockets or of the application volume. The entire channel width of the entire application volume is subdivided by a deep cutting bypass. The size of the pockets of the application volume and the required filling pressure can be controlled via the channel width. The wider the channel, the larger the application volume and the lower the required filling pressure.

In FIG. 72 and FIG. 73 For example, the channel width defined by the channel width angle 244 of the outer teeth 22 of the bypass is shown. A suitable angle 244 is between 5 ° and 45 °, an angle between 10 ° and 45 ° is well suited and an angle between 15 ° and 45 ° is particularly well suited. Angles between 10 ° and 35 ° have also been shown to be well suited. The application volume in the region of the tooth space volume is designed so that the pockets make both an inflow of active agent in the pockets with low delivery pressures possible, as well as a return flow of the active agent when turning the applicator in overhead positions at least in the front 6 mm, better 8 mm , preferably 12 mm of the application volume prevented.

In the FIG. 72 and FIG. 73 shown Applikatorvarianten 8 include exactly one bypass gap 170 between exactly one or more application columns 24. Variants with multiple bypass teeth, such as in FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 represented are also conceivable. The bypass teeth may extend beyond the head line or be shorter.

The applicator has a number of comb-like and hollow teeth with gaps therebetween. The teeth form a top wall, a bottom wall and a tooth cavity arranged between the top wall and the bottom wall. The tooth cavity volumes are part of the application volume. The application volume comprises the tooth cavity volume of the teeth and in particular at least part of the volume of the gaps between the teeth. In particular, the application volume consists of the tooth cavity volumes of the teeth and the volume of the gaps between the teeth.

This is in FIG. 46 by way of example, which shows a perspective view of a number of teeth 22r. The teeth have a cavity between the top wall 148r and the bottom wall 150r which has the width of the tooth 22r and is referred to as a tooth cavity volume. This hollow volume of the tooth is a part of the application volume 12r.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the wall thickness of the top wall is at least 1.1 times thicker than the wall thickness of the bottom wall, in particular 1.3 times thicker, in each case measured at the same distances from the front tip of the application volume. This is exemplary in FIG. 47 shown a section through the applicator 8r along the dash-dotted line FIG. 36 represents. Corresponding to the dot-dash line, the distance of the cut through the top wall 148r and the bottom wall 150r is equidistant from the front tip of the application volume 12r. The wall thickness 176 of the top wall 148r is 1.2 mm at this point. The wall thickness is measured in the direction of the depth of the gap 24r. The corresponding wall thickness of the bottom wall 150r is 0.8 mm at this point, so that the wall thickness of the top wall 148r is 1.5 times thicker than the wall thickness of the bottom wall 150r.

This embodiment has the advantage that the applicator is significantly denser upwards against the escape of active agent through the gaps than downwards, so that the active agent after easier to exit at the bottom. This has the advantage that the active agent can be carried more easily by the downwards or rearward emerging hairs. The measure leading to the same goal that the gap is wider at the bottom and rear than at the top and the front, respectively, will be discussed later. The thickness of the top wall or bottom wall means an effective wall thickness. For columns opening over the wall thickness, the wall thickness can be measured from the plane at which the gaps are narrowest to the plane at which the gap width is 1.5 times that narrow.

Further, it is advantageous if the quotient of wall depth divided by narrowest gap width of the top wall is at least 1.1 times, in particular at least 1.5 times, the value of the bottom wall. In the embodiment of FIG. 46 is the quotient of wall depth divided by the narrowest gap width of the top wall 1.2 mm divided by 0.6 mm gap width, = 2. For the bottom wall, the quotient is 0.8 mm wall depth divided 0.6 mm gap width = 1.33. The quotient of the upper wall is thus 1.5 times as large as the quotient of the lower wall. Also in this calculation, the effective wall thicknesses are expediently used.

In a further embodiment, it is proposed that the sub-wall gaps between the teeth open in a funnel-shaped manner relative to the application volume. In this way, an undesired stripping of the active agent can be counteracted by the hair emerging through the sub-wall gaps from the application volume.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the tooth edge of the lower wall facing the application volume is convexly rounded off in the lateral direction with respect to the application volume. Here, a radius of curvature of at least 0.3 mm, in particular at least 0.5 mm is particularly advantageous. An embodiment of these details is in FIG. 48 shown. Both the bottom wall 150r 'of each tooth 22r' is rounded off on both sides relative to the application volume, and the top wall 148r 'is rounded off on both sides, ie towards the outside, on both sides. The rounding radius is 0.5 mm. As a result, the lower wall gaps between the teeth 22r 'to the application volume 12r' open in a funnel shape.

As in FIG. 46 it is also generally advantageous if the top wall gaps between the teeth open in a funnel shape towards the top, in particular with a rounding as described above. This facilitates insertion of the hair from above into the column. Conveniently, the funnel width is at least 10% of the gap width on both sides, in particular at least 20%. In FIG. 48 it is about 40%.

bypass

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that a gap directly adjacent teeth splitting teeth tips, lying in a bypass teeth bypass teeth tips and / or each lying between a gap and a bypass teeth transition peaks have. This can be explained by way of example with reference to FIGS. 41 and 43. Both embodiments have one or two bypasses 178, which are each equipped with bypass teeth 180 and bypass gaps 170. Between staining columns 24 and bypass 178 transition teeth 182 are arranged in each case, which are designed differently than the bypass teeth 180 and the splitting teeth 22, wherein the embodiment of FIG. 41 has no splitting teeth 22 which are arranged between two columns 24. Due to the different configuration of the different teeth 22, 180, 182, the hair can be advantageously performed according to the desired application, so for example, in a dyeing gap 22 or in a bypass gap 170 are introduced.

Advantageously, the bypass teeth tips are the same length as the splitting teeth tips and the transition teeth tips. In this way, a straight head line can be achieved, which is advantageous for combing and for easy handling of the application device.

Further, it is advantageous if the bypass teeth tips are wider, so the splitting teeth tips and / or the transition teeth tips. This is in FIG. 41 illustrated and facilitates combing through curly hair. In addition, it is advantageous if multiple bypass teeth are in a bypass. As a result, the bypass can be made wide and the hair can be combed thoroughly, so that slipping out of the hair from the Därbespalten can be counteracted by a connection of several hair.

A good staining result for a mottling can be achieved if a bypass is always arranged between two staining columns. The dyeing column are therefore arranged individually. In this way, a particularly uniform mottling result can be achieved, since only a relatively small number of hairs pass through the application volume during each passage of the applicator through the hair and are thereby dyed.

In contrast, for staining highlights, a particularly good result can be achieved if a plurality of immediately adjacent staining gaps form a splitting group and a bypass is arranged between two such splitting groups. Since, in contrast to a mottling a strand is to emerge as such, hair must be dyed when Strähnchenfärben in larger groups, so when mottling. Therefore, the provision of dyeing nip groups makes sense, which consist of a number of dyeing columns, which are arranged in particular immediately adjacent to each other. Between two splitting groups a bypass is arranged in each case, which leaves the hair undyed between the highlights but still combs.

In particular, when Strähnchenfärben it is advantageous if at least 0.6 column per millimeter, in particular 0.8 column per millimeter, are arranged in the splitting group. The millimeter here refers to the width. In order to achieve a suitable wetting of the hair with an especially high-viscosity, ie stiff, application agent, in particular to achieve a good bleaching, the hair strand to be dyed should be fanned out. Therefore, a relatively wide gap is less suitable than a group of closely spaced narrow columns. Due to the multiple individual splitters of a group and the fanning of the hair on the single column is achieved in total significantly more contact surface of the hair to the application means than a single and thicker strand. As a result, a better dyeing or bleaching result is achieved.

In addition, it is advantageous if the application width of a gap group is a maximum of 15 mm in order to achieve a fashionable appearance. Particularly preferably, the application width is less than 10 mm, with an application width of less than 6 mm being particularly advantageous. The application device has at least one split group on which individual strands can be dyed into the hair.

In application devices with several splitting groups, the individual splitting groups are separated by a respective bypass. This ensures that several strands can be generated simultaneously in one pass of the application. The sum of the widths of the bypasses may be smaller than the sum of the splitting group, but is preferably larger, more preferably the sum of the bypasses is at least twice as large.

A gap group is expediently formed from at least three dyeing columns, of which in each case adjacent dyeing gaps are at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm apart.

For better differentiation of bypass gaps, the term staining gap is generally used for such a gap, which extends into the application volume, which thus guides a hair drawn through it through the application volume. The term dyeing can be understood as any color-changed process on a fiber or on a hair.

column

The introduction means or the applicator has gaps between comb-like teeth which merge into the application volume.

Advantageously, a plurality of gaps form a gap group with outer and inner columns, wherein the gap length over which a hair is at maximum penetration into the gap in the gap is smaller in the outer columns than in an inner gap.

In order to achieve a good treatment of the hair with the application device, it is necessary that the active agent does not unintentionally run out of the application volume and through the gap to the outside. The applicator should therefore be made so that the active agent is kept in the application volume without leaking in an unintentional manner, and yet the hair from the outside through the gap and through the application volume for wetting with the active agent can be performed. In this case, it is not necessary that the gaps ensure a perfect tightness of the application volume to the outside. Slow leakage, for example, down when the applicator is on a table for a while, is acceptable. However, it should be avoided that the active agent drips down undesirably during an application treatment of the hair. Such a relative tightness, in which the active agent, for example, remains in the application volume over a predetermined period of time and, if appropriate, the gap volume and does not unintentionally leak out of the applicator, will be referred to below as application tightness.

1. 1. Die Viskosität und die Oberflächenspannung des Wirkmittels
2. 2. Die Fließgrenze des Wirkmittels
3. 3. Die Breite der Spalte des Applikators, durch die eine Verbindung vom Applikationsvolumen nach außen geschaffen wird
4. 4. Die Tiefe eines Spalts beziehungsweise der Spalte vom Applikationsvolumen nach außen
5. 5. Der Druck, mit dem das Wirkmittel vom Applikationsvolumen in die Spalte eindrückt
6. 6. Die Oberflächenbeschaffenheit der Zähne im Bereich der Spalte

Various parameters influence the application density:

1. 1. The viscosity and the surface tension of the active agent
2. 2. The yield strength of the active agent
3. 3. The width of the column of the applicator, creating a connection from the application volume to the outside
4. 4. The depth of a gap or the column of the application volume to the outside
5. 5. The pressure with which the active agent presses from the application volume into the column
6. 6. The surface texture of the teeth in the area of the column

It is clear that the application density depends both on the design, in particular the design, of the applicator and on the properties of the active agent. In this respect, it is advantageous if the applicator is adapted in its design to the active agent used. Or vice versa: When using different active agents, it is advantageous to use different applicators or an applicator with a plurality of separate application volumes and different applicator properties.

According to the different physical properties of the active agents and the different types of applicators different definitions of the application density can be used. A particularly simple possibility is the application tightness only to be assumed if the active agent also does not pass out of the filled application volume through the gap over a longer period of time, eg 1 hour. However, this requires a yield point, that is to say that the active agent has the property of flowing only when there is a certain minimum shear stress in order to trigger a flow. Below the minimum shear stress no flow takes place, so that the active agent remains in the application volume on the gaps and does not pass through them.

If there is no or only a low yield point, the active agent can escape from the application volume after a certain period of time and pass through the column downwards. The active agent will therefore flow through the column, collect below the column on the support surface and finally drain. An application density sufficient for the purpose of hair treatment would also be present in this case if the active agent has passed through the fully filled application volume through at least one point of a gap only after more than a predetermined period of time and reaches the lower side, ie the contact surface. A reasonable predetermined time is 20 seconds, especially 30 seconds, particularly advantageous is 1 minute.

A somewhat weaker definition of the application density can be seen analogously to the preceding, wherein the active agent is allowed to pass through the gaps faster, but within the given time of the free-floating applicator must not drip down. The active agent thus collects already before the expiry of the predetermined period of time at the support surface, so it has already leaked earlier by at least one gap, where it forms a drop over time.

Instead of the parameter of the application volume filled up completely with active agent, a pressure of the active agent on the column can be assumed, for example an agent column of 5 cm, in particular 10 cm. With regard to a conventional use of an application device, the following definition makes sense, starting from an application volume filled to the full with active agent and an additional predetermined pressure in a transition volume into the application volume. As meaningful pressure 5 millibars, in particular 10 millibars and 20 millibars can be estimated under special stress.

This definition takes into account the design of the application volume, and in particular the fact that the active agent causes in its path from back to front within the application volume a frictional resistance, which counteracts the pressure forces. The greater these frictional forces, that is, for example, the tighter the application volume is carried forward, the greater the pressure can be from the back to still ensure the application tightness.

When defining the application density, a distinction should be made between the application tightness at rest and the application tightness during use, ie when applying the active agent to hair. In the following, it is always assumed that there is a leak tightness in the application unless otherwise stated or indicated.

Which of the mentioned definitions of the application density is finally used depends essentially on the intended application of the application device. If in the following application density is mentioned, all of the aforementioned definitions can be used or a meaningful definition can be selected that is expediently best adapted to the intended application of the application device and in particular to the active agent.

In order to achieve a good wetting of the hair with active agent, it is advantageous if the volume of the application volume is relatively large, so that the active agent is not scarce in a continuous pulling hair through the application volume. In addition, the application volume should be relatively easy to fill with active agent, so that it does not run unintentionally empty. All of this can be achieved easily if at least the major part of the application volume is formed by the hollow tooth volumes. The application volume can thus form a continuous space, which is easy to fill and has a sufficient volume. For this purpose, the gaps have a top wall and a bottom wall, between which at least the largest part of the application volume is arranged.

In order to achieve an application tightness, it is furthermore advantageous if the gaps, in particular in an area of a lower wall, have a gap width of at least between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, and preferably between 0.05 and 0.2 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.05 and 0.15 mm, in particular connected with a gap depth at least between 0.05 mm and 4 mm. These measures are particularly advantageous for the use of an active substance stored in the depot volume and introduced into the application volume with a viscosity of 0.4 to 4 Pa * s.

With the same advantage, the gaps, in particular in a region of a lower wall, have a gap width of at least between 0.05 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 1.0 mm and particularly preferably between 0.1 and 0.7 mm, in particular connected with a gap depth at least between 0.05 mm and 4 mm. These measures are particularly advantageous for the use of a stored in the depot volume and introduced into the application volume active agent having a viscosity of 40 to 100 Pa * s.

In particular, when using an active agent having a viscosity of 4 to 40 Pa * s, it is advantageous if the gap, in particular in an area of a lower wall, a gap width at least between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0 , 7mm and more preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, in particular connected with a gap depth at least between 0.05 mm and 4 mm.

The above dimensions are not shown explicitly in the figures. However, FIGS. 47 and 48 may be readily modified to conform to the corresponding dimensions.

As is shown by way of example in FIGS. 36 to 38, the applicator 8 and with it the application volume 12 can be divided into a front application area 162, a main application area 164 and possibly a rear application area 166. Accordingly, the bottom wall may be divided into a front part of the bottom wall and a rear part of the bottom wall, the rear part comprising the main application area 164 and possibly also the rear application area 166. The same can also be defined for a front and a back part of the top wall.

Advantageously, the front part of the bottom wall measures at least 30% of the length of the application volume.

In order to achieve a wetting of the hair with active agent even in a lowermost region, so very close to the hair root, it is advantageous if the depth of the bottom wall is at least in a portion of its front part 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The application volume is thus brought very close to the support surface, so that the agent - can be brought very close to the hair root - with a support of the support surface on the scalp. Conveniently, the bottom wall in the front region on a uniform thickness. This greatly facilitates the reliable approach of the active agent close to the hair root. In particular, the thickness is between 0.35 mm and 0.95 mm and more particularly between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm. The uniform thickness of the bottom wall expediently runs uniformly over the entire front region. The gap depth of the sub-wall can also be continuously changing or discontinuous.

Hair root near application of the active agent is additionally improved by resilient teeth 22, which can adapt to the fiber surface. Feathering in this context are such teeth 22, which adapt at a pressure of the applicator 8 of 0.5 kg down and perpendicular to the straight head line on a rigid imaginary football-sized ball to the convex curve of the ball, so that all teeth on the Ball abut.

Further, it is advantageous if the lower wall in a front region over a length of at least 5 mm and suitably has a maximum thickness of 12 mm. In particular, the thickness of the sub-wall subsequently to the front area increases continuously to a maximum thickness of between 3 mm and 10 mm. In this way, a high degree of application tightness can be achieved in conjunction with near-surface coloring.

Advantageously, the depth of the lower wall in its rear region grows to at least 4 mm, in particular to at least 5 mm, more particularly to at least 6 mm. It is particularly advantageous if the rear area increases to at least 4 mm and the depth of the front part between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm, especially the depth in the rear increases to at least 5 mm when the depth of the lower wall in the front range between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, and more particularly in the rear part to at least 6 mm increases when the depth of the front part between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm.

A particularly good wetting of hair with active agent can be achieved when the teeth have a rear application area by the gap exit extends into a recess of the support surface. Conveniently, the rear gap outlet extends at an angle of at least 30 °, in particular at least 60 ° and further in particular at least 80 ° to the respective next region of the support surface upwards or into the depression in the support surface.

The good wetting is achieved when the hair 16, due to a depression in the support surface in the gap outlet, can penetrate deeper into the application volume.

Expediently, the gap depth in the rear application region decreases with increasing distance to the comb tip or to the front end of the application volume. This allows a penetration of hair in the rear gap area can be reduced, so that the hair preferably dip in this area and can be kept stable there. Slipping out of the hair can be counteracted and it can be achieved a good coloring result. With equal advantage, the gap depth decreases with increasing distance of the gap exit from the support surface.

In particular when using a turbo stage, it is advantageous if, viewed from the front to the rear, the gap bottom wall first extends over a distance of at least 15 mm with a substantially constant gap depth. In a rear area, the lower wall can then extend upwards, ie away from the bearing surface, in particular with its lower gap outlet, at least 5 mm, in particular at least 8 mm, upwards, in particular at an angle their top and / or bottom between 65 ° and 90 ° to the support surface. This is exemplary in FIG. 38 shown, where the bottom wall in the rear application area with its top and bottom bent upwards and at an angle of about 90 ° to the support surface 36t runs.

Advantageously, the gap depth is also substantially constant in the bent part of the lower wall. This too is exemplary in FIG. 38 shown.

The dimensions of the gap widths given above are particularly advantageous in connection with an active agent stored in the depot volume and flowing into the application volume with a viscosity between 0.4 Pa * s and 120 Pa * s, in particular between 0.4 Pa * s and 60 Pa *. s.

In particular, with low-viscosity active agents, especially those which have no yield point, it may be difficult to produce a satisfactory application density. In order nevertheless to achieve this, it is advantageous if the teeth have a base material and carry a coating facing the gaps. This coating is expediently designed so that it inhibits a passage of the active agent through the column more than the base material. In particular, the coating material is more hydrophobic than the base material. The coating may be a material that reduces surface wetting by the active agent compared to the base material.

Such coatings can also be used in the range of the application volume to effect improved sliding or improved adhesion of the active agent depending on the design of the coating.

Also resistant to penetration of the active agent is a coating comprising fibers. The fibers may be disordered in the coating and protrude from the coating or projected out of the coating.

Another way to inhibit passage of the agent through the gaps is to cover the gaps at the bottom by closure fibers. The closure fibers may be anchored in the base material or in the coating. They can form a curtain, which is aligned transversely to a direction of flow of the active agent from the application volume through the gaps in the environment. The closure fibers are expediently positioned in the upper half of the lower wall, ie further to the application volume, ie to the contact surface or lower opening of the gap. A high tightness of the gap can be further achieved if the closure fibers are taken at both ends and in particular tensioned. They can thus extend across the gap and be anchored in both the teeth delimiting the gap. The closure fibers may be parallel to each other or designed as a network.

Active agent in the application device

The invention is also directed to an application device as described above, in whose housing an active agent is stored, in particular in the depot volume.

Advantageously, the active agent and the embodiment of the applicator are coordinated so that the application device is application-tight.

Further advantageously, the active agent and the gap dimensions are coordinated so that the active agent runs in fully filled with active agent application volume independently in the column, but the agent does not drip down from the columns even after a period of at least 1 minute after filling the application volume down.

For this purpose, the gap depths are particularly dimensioned as described above, and the barrier property of the applicator is adjusted by adjusting the gap widths so that the desired application density is achieved, for example, the active agent enters the column but does not drip down. In this case, it will be assumed in the case of most active agents that the suitable region of the gap width is a very narrow dimensional range, since the active agent does not enter the gap if the gap is too narrow and if the gap is too large breaks through the gap and drips down. The area between too thin a gap and too thick a gap can - depending on the active agent - be between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm. The higher the viscosity of the active agent, the larger the suitable range.

While setting the appropriate gap width to achieve the desired application density in the idle state of the application device is relatively easy, establishing the application density during an application is significantly more complex.

To achieve the application tightness, one or more of the geometric details of the applicator is expediently to be used, which - after use - individually or in combination are particularly effective for producing the application density.

With regard to an effective wetting of the hair with active agent, it is advantageous if the active agent and the gap widths of the column are coordinated so that the active agent in the idle state of the applicator a bit far, eg maximum 1 mm deep, enters the column, expediently within a predetermined time, for example 20 seconds, in particular at a predetermined pressure, for example a maximum of 10 cm active agent column.

Another way to achieve the desired application density, is to reduce the flowability and / or viscosity of the active agent to an appropriate level. With regard to the ability to penetrate through the gaps, it is particularly advantageous to add solid substances to the active agent, which in the following also includes elastically deformable materials, even elastomers.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the active agent includes rod-shaped particles. These are expediently dimensioned in their length so that they can lay across a gap across the width and in particular dimensioned so that they fit through the gap. A passage property of the active agent through the gaps can thereby be considerably reduced, so that a desired application density can be produced. In particular, the active agent may include fibers.

When using the application device for wetting hair with the active agent, it is often unavoidable that the application device is held in such a way that the opening of the application volume faces the depot volume or the intermediate volume. The geometry of the application volume is expediently to be set to the active agent such that the active agent remains in the application volume for at least one predetermined part in each position of the application device. The predetermined part is expediently at least 25%, in particular at least 50%. The application volume can be seen here as the hollow tooth area of the teeth together with the laterally adjacent gap volume in the profile of the hollow tooth area.

The retention of the active agent in the application volume can be achieved by the adhesion of the active agent to the inner wall of the application volume. For this purpose, the adhesion to the weight of the active agent must be adjusted in such a way that the liability holds the active agent at least for the predetermined proportion in the application volume. Another possibility is to provide a constriction between the depot volume and the application volume, which prevents the agent from escaping from the application volume in the predetermined manner. Expediently, the predetermined portion remains in the application volume over at least a predetermined period of time. The period is expediently 10 seconds, in particular 20 seconds.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the teeth have an average width between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, in particular between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm and more particularly between 0.9 mm and 1.2 mm. The more accurately the value range is adjusted in the direction of the latter numbers, the better the result of a uniform coloring of hair. In order to achieve the uniform coloring, it makes sense that the largest possible proportion of the combed hair can actually penetrate into the application volume. Since the width of the application column can not be increased arbitrarily, the width of the column and the width of the teeth should be coordinated. In conventional active ingredients, the above mean tooth widths are advantageous for a uniform full color.

In order to obtain a particularly uniform dyeing result, it makes sense to adapt the average tooth width to the viscosity of the active ingredient. Here, the following areas have proven to be particularly advantageous.

At a viscosity between 0.4 Pa * s and 4 Pa * s, an average tooth width is between 0.4 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 2.5 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 1 , 5 mm. At a viscosity between 4 Pa * s and 40 Pa * s, an average tooth width between 0.4 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm , With a viscosity of the active agent greater than 40 Pa * s, it is an average tooth width between 0.4 mm and 2.0 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm ,

A staining volume is the volume of the active agent that can be maximally applied through a single nip to the penetrating hair of 10 cm length in a staining pass. The volume is defined by the relevant gap width multiplied by the penetration area that the hair can cut through in the single gap. The relevant gap width may be the mean gap width plus 0.2 mm. This should take into account that active agent flows laterally. Dye volumes between 4 mm ³ and 100 mm ³ are suitable, dye volumes between 15 mm ³ and 75 mm ^{3 are} particularly suitable, and dye volumes between 20 mm ³ and 50 mm ³ are particularly suitable.

For uniform coloring, it is also advantageous if at least the largest part of the gap, in particular all the gaps of the comb, are arranged uniformly spaced from one another and the gap spacing is in particular between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.

In contrast to uniform solid dyeing, it is useful for a streak dyeing to position the gaps in splitting groups, between which at least one dyeing gap-free bypass zone is arranged is. As a result, part of the combed hair is wetted with active agent and another part is passed through the bypass zone and not wetted.

The size of the splitting groups depends on the desired dyeing result. However, it has been found that a good streak look is achieved when the gap-free bypass zone is an extension in width of at least three times a gap distance in a nip group.

With the same advantage, the lateral extent of the bypass zone is at least twice as large as the gap distance of the farthest column of a splitting group.

When the hair is guided through the application volume, the hair enters the application volume through the top wall and leaves the application volume through the bottom wall. It is advantageous if the hair leaves the application volume over the main application area or the rear application area. If the hair already comes out of the application volume in the front application area, on the one hand the crossing distance of the hair through the application volume is relatively low, so that there is the danger that they will not be sufficiently wetted. To make matters worse, that the front portion of the application volume is farthest from the depot volume, so that the refilling of spent agent in the front part of the application volume can be slowest. There, therefore, the active agent can go out and the hair is pulled through the front by the empty application volume.

To avoid all this as possible, the top and bottom wall in their geometry are designed so that the hair as far back into the applicator slip and leave the application volume on the main application area and preferably on the rear application area - if available. The traversing distance through the application volume is relatively high and these parts to the application volume are relatively close to the depot volume and can be refilled more easily.

Accordingly, the teeth in four different areas to four different tasks. Apart from the divisions of the column shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, the following classification is useful in connection with the following invention details. The first area comprises the tooth syringes, which are to comb the hair and feed it to the gaps. The second area consists of the top wall, with the top area generally left out of consideration. The third area consists of the front part of the lower wall, ie the lower wall in the front application area. And the fourth part consists of the rear and the middle and rear section of the lower wall, so the lower wall in the main application area and in the rear application area - so available.

These regions are shown in FIGS. 49 to 51 using the examples of FIGS. 36 to 38. For refinement, the fourth region is divided into regions 4a and 4b, since the hair is preferably to emerge from the application volume in region 4b and less in region 4a. As such, however, the splitting properties of the regions 4a and 4b are the same or at least very similar.

The first and second areas have the task of introducing the hair into the application volume. The third area has the task of guiding the active agent as close as possible to the base of the fiber, in particular the scalp. The fourth area has the task of removing the hair from the application volume. While it is advantageous that all areas in the dormant state have the application density, the stated tasks provide further and other requirements for the areas, which makes a corresponding adaptation of the geometry of the areas advantageous.

The same number of hairs are introduced through the second area into the application volume, which are led out through the fourth area. However, the hair in the second area are dry and wetted in the fourth area by the active agent that should surround the hair. As a result, the diameter of the wetted hair including active agent is greater than the unwetted hair. Therefore, it makes sense if the width of the column in the fourth area is greater than in the second area. With a gap width ratio of the ranges 4 and 2 of> 1 to 5.0 are suitable wetting results, from> 1 to 3.0 are advantageous wetting results and of> 1 to 1.5 particularly advantageous wetting results can be achieved.

Since the third area has the task of guiding the active agent very close to the scalp, its gap depth is correspondingly low.

In order to achieve an application tightness even during the pulling of the hair through the application volume, it is advantageous if the gaps in the fourth region have on average a greater depth than in the second region.

Due to the distribution of tasks, it is also advantageous if the average depth of the column in the second area is greater than the average depth of the columns in the third area. If there is a rear region 4b, that is to say that region in the lower wall which lies in the rear application region, then the goal is to lead as many as possible hairs out of the application volume into this region. Because in this area finds the most reliable wetting of the hair with the Active agent instead, since the application volume in this area is closest to the depot volume and in this area, the hair is directed into the depression in the support surface, and can be bundled, in particular at Strähnchenfärber, into a strand, the hair especially intensively with active agent surrounds and makes stable against stripping the agent from the hair.

The tasks of the four areas are not the same for all possible applicator forms. So it can be seen that the Strähnchenfärber, such as in FIG. 51 has no important task of rooting staining. Therefore, the third area is weak or can be omitted altogether.

As can be seen from FIGS. 49 to 51, a traversing length 167 of the hairs through the application volume is of different lengths for all three application devices 8r, 8s, 8t. The three application devices form a system of application devices that have different traversal lengths 167. The traversal length increases with the viscosity of the active agent used. While the application device 2r, e.g. a stainer to be used best with a low viscosity agent is the application device 2s, e.g. a nibbler, best to use with a medium viscosity agent and the application device 2t, e.g. a streak dyer, preferably with a high-viscosity agent. Advantageous traversal lengths 167 are 5 mm to 10 mm, 6 mm to 15 mm and> 15 mm.

The traversing length can be measured on the hairline at the back, that is, on a hair that is maximally far into the gap. It is also possible to have a hairline that is 2 mm ahead of the hairline at the back, as most of the hairs lie in the area of the last 5 mm of a gap with optimal wetting.

The number of hairs inserted into the nip can also be influenced by a trap at the tip of the tooth. This is particularly advantageous in the case of the separator, which has only individual gaps between bypasses. If only a few hairs are to be inserted into the gap, then it is advantageous that the gap runs in a line up to the tip, so that no catching funnel is present. However, a bevel is expediently present on the side of the tooth facing away from the staining gap, so that the tooth has a point per se.

Advantageously, at least some of the teeth of the comb have a thickening at their tooth tip, which makes the gap narrower in the tip region than in the regions behind the tip region.

Further, it is advantageous if an insert is placed on or in the tip region, which closes a number of parts of the existing gap at the front. With such an insert or attachment, the number of hairs dyed per comb can be changed so that the color image can be adjusted to a desired result.

The first area is the task to introduce the hair in the column and thus specify the number of hair per gap length and gap width in the columns. If the first area is too many hairs in the column, it may be that they are too narrow in the columns and not sufficiently wetted. Therefore, it is useful if only so many hairs are embedded in the column, that they can be wetted in the application area all around by means of action, so not too close to each other. This advantage can be achieved if the gaps in the first region, ie in the tip region, are narrower than in the application region. In particular, the gaps in the tip region have their smallest width.

The bottleneck in the first area can already be achieved during the production of the applicator by appropriate production of the teeth. However, the problem of too close contact of the hair in the application area and thus a poor wetting is also dependent on the physical parameters of the active agent. In principle, therefore, it is advantageous to provide a system of application devices having different constrictions in the first region, that is, different width narrowings in the first region. However, this is production-consuming consuming. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a possibility that the gap width can still be adjusted in the first area even after a production of the applicator. This can be achieved with an attachment to the teeth, with which the columns in the first region can be adjusted in width. The attachment can for example be applied to the tips by means of a suitable tool in such a way that a single attachment is placed on each tip, with which the tooth width is widened in the desired manner.

It is also possible, from the inside, so through the application volume, insert an insert in the first area, which reduces the gap widths to the desired level.

The second region, ie the upper wall of the teeth is at least sensitive to physical parameters of the active agent with respect to the application density, since the hairs are drawn from above through the top wall into the applicator and therefore push the active agent back into the application volume and the active agent more down from the columns exits as above. Nevertheless, the following gap widths have proven to be particularly advantageous with regard to various active ingredients:
Conveniently, at least in the top wall, the gaps have a width between 0.03 mm and 1.5 mm, in particular between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm, more particularly between 0.05 mm and 0.35 mm.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the gap width is uniform over the length of a gap. In terms of depth, the gaps in the top wall may vary in width. For example, a funnel that tapers from top to bottom is advantageous for inserting the hair particularly well into the gap. However, it is also possible that the gap width is uniform over the entire depth of a top wall.

Conveniently, the top wall has a suitable gap depth between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, well suited between 0.35 mm and 3 mm and particularly well suited between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

The gaps are wider at an exit section than at an entry section. The entry portion may be a portion of the top wall and the exit portion a portion of the bottom wall. The column should release no active agent above, as this leads to unwanted dyeing effects, since the hair then absorb regardless of the dyeing gap when combing these deposits color. Therefore, it is advantageous if the gaps of the top wall are made denser in their application tightness, as in the lower wall. The area 4 is expediently designed to be denser in terms of its application tightness than the area 3.

Advantageously, the gap width in the outlet section 1.2 to 2 times wider than in the inlet section, in particular at a gap width in the inlet section of more than 0.2 mm.

Further advantageously, the gap width in the outlet section 2 to 4 times wider than in the inlet section, in particular at a gap width in the inlet section below 0.2 mm.

In particular, the gap width in the outlet section is 4 to 7 times wider than in the inlet section, in particular at a gap width in the inlet section of up to 0.15 mm.

As stated above, the gap width of the columns of the applicator is expediently adapted to the task and in particular to the active agent. This can be done by different versions of an otherwise similar applicator. However, it is particularly advantageous if the applicator comprises an adjustment means for adjusting the gap widths, in particular manually, in such a way that at least the vast majority of the existing gaps are adjusted synchronously in their width by adjusting the adjustment means.

Such an adjustment can be simplified if the teeth are elastically connected to each other at their tooth root. The adjusting means may act in this embodiment so that the setting changes an orientation of the teeth to each other. For example, the tips of the teeth can be moved relative to one another and the gaps can thus be reduced or the tooth tips moved away from one another and the widths of the gaps can therefore be increased.

It is particularly expedient if the tooth root is elastic in such a way that the gap widths of all gaps are reduced the same amount for a lateral compression of the teeth. Also in this way a uniform adjustment of the gap widths is possible.

With regard to a good guidance of the hair within the applicator, the gap profile is decisive. The gap profile is shown in a side sectional view, as shown for example in the Fl gene 49 to 51. The profile is determined by the top of the top wall, the top of the tip area, the bottom of the tip area, and the bottom of the application area, the gap profile softening from the shape of the deck, or its profile, as the slot exit dips into a recess of the deck , This is shown by way of example in FIGS. 50 and 51.

A good retraction of the hair in the gap can be achieved if the gap profile on its upper side has a circular portion-shaped concave curvature whose deviation from the circular shape over a length of at least 80% of the gap top, in particular over a length of 100% of the gap top, maximum 20% of the circle radius, in particular a maximum of 10%.

Even an opening crest angle has positive properties on the hair guide in the columns. Advantageously, the ridge angle is increased to the rear in such a way that the gap profile on its underside over the frontmost 2 cm by a maximum of 5 mm, in particular a maximum of 3 mm, deviates from the straight line. If, therefore, a tangent is applied to the lower profile 2 cm behind the tip, then the tip lifts off from the straight tangent at most by the specified millimeter amounts.

In particular, in the rear application area, it is advantageous if the gap profile at the gap rear side has an at least 5 mm long section which extends with a deviation of at most 1 mm parallel to the rearmost portion of the top of the top wall.

In particular, with a streaker, it is advantageous if the gap profile is aligned at its lower rear end, that it tapers to the upper rear end. This is for example in FIG. 51 shown, in which the gap exit in the area 4b tapers towards the top in area 2.

In the embodiment of the applicator with a comb with a series of parallel aligned teeth and columns lying between them, the columns end advantageously towards the rear of a gap bottom, which limits the column in their length. Examples of these are shown in FIGS. 52 to 54. The gap bottom 184 extends in each case from the upper side 40 to the lower support surface 36 and can be subdivided by the application volume 12 into a front split bottom 186 and a rear split bottom 188.

Advantageously, the gap bottom is arranged in a straight line which forms an angle of between 10 ° and 30 ° with an alignment of the tooth tips. This is exemplary in FIG. 52 shown. The angle 190 is 17 ° in this embodiment. Here, both the front gap floor 186 and the rear gap floor 188 may include the same angle 190 with the alignment of the tooth tips, the two gap floors 186, 188 so parallel to each other, in particular aligned with each other, aligned.

However, it is particularly advantageous if the front gap floor is arranged at an angle to the rear gap floor. This is exemplary in FIG. 53 illustrated. The front gap floor 186 has an angle between 10 ° and 30 ° to align the tooth tips. Angled for this purpose, the rear gap floor 188s is arranged, which with the alignment of the tooth tip is also an angle, but on the other side or negative - depending on the definition of the angle - is arranged. Both gap floors 186s, 188s can each form a plane. By the angling of the front split bottom to the rear gap bottom can be achieved that hair that can be pulled along the entire gap bottom along, with a lower friction through the applicator are feasible.

With the same advantage, the gap bottom in the lower wall, that is to say the rear gap bottom, can be convexly rounded off in the direction of forwardly into the application volume.

In order to simplify the drawing of the hair in the columns, it is also advantageous if the gap bottom in the top wall, so the front gap floor, is convex rounded in the lateral profile. It is particularly advantageous if it runs without kinking in an upper side of the applicator. These invention details are in FIG. 54 shown. The rear gap bottom 188u is rounded upwards into the application volume, making a sharp edge, as seen from the rear gap bottom 188s in FIG FIG. 53 is formed, is avoided. In order to facilitate sliding of the hair along the leading edge of the split bottom, the front split bottom 186u is also in FIG. 54 rounded towards the top in an upward direction. In this embodiment, the gap bottom runs kink-free into the top 40u of the applicator 8u. This also makes it possible to avoid a front, sharp edge of the front split bottom 186u, so that hair that enters the gap from above can be guided into the gap with little friction at the bend.

At the bottom of the column, the hair wetted with active agent is led out of the applicator. Here it is advantageous if the geometry is designed so that the active agent is not stripped or as little as possible of the hair. To achieve this, it is proposed that the gap bottom in the lower wall is convexly curved backwards and, in particular, runs into a bearing surface of the applicator without kinking. This is in FIG. 55 exemplified. The rear gap bottom 188v is convexly curved towards the rear and, in this exemplary embodiment, also runs without kinking into the bearing surface 36v, so that a kink-free transition from the gap bottom 188v into the bearing surface 36v is created.

The application volume is expediently that volume of the applicator which is filled with active agent and through which the hair can be pulled through. Thus, advantageously, all those volumes are not part of the application volume into which no active agent should flow and / or a hair guided and held taut by the applicator can not submerge.

FIGS. 56 and 57 show two application volumes 12 by way of example. The application volume 12u off FIG. 56 comprises the tooth cavity volume of the teeth 22u, as well as that part of the gaps between the teeth 22u, which in its lateral profile is equal to that of the hollow space of the tooth. In the perspective view in FIG. 57 this is clearly shown. The application volume 12r is dashed in the perspective view of four teeth. It is a continuous volume through several teeth, in particular with a constant lateral profile, at least over the course of several teeth. Advantageously, the application volume encompasses an internal volume that extends continuously perpendicular to the cleavage planes and at least through a plurality of, in particular all, the tooth cavity volumes of the comb.

This is in FIG. 57 shown. The dashed-lined application volume 12r extends over four teeth, that is to say, four tooth cavity volumes and those volumes of the three gaps 24r lying between the four teeth comprise the tooth cavity in its lateral profile. The application volume expediently passes through all teeth of the applicator equipped with a tooth cavity volume.

An extended application volume may be defined below to include the full volume of the column in addition to the tooth cavity volume. This is particularly useful when it is envisaged that the active agent should penetrate into the column to a good wetting result to achieve. The expanded application volume, also referred to below as "application volume" in the following and in the preceding sections, thus comprises a larger volume than the application volume 12 exemplified in FIGS. 56 and 57. However, it is common for the two application volumes that the hollow tooth volume is in its Trailing edge is delimited by the line of a hair taut along the split bottom. This is in FIG. 56 visible. Although the gap at the inner edge of its lower wall by the upward curved curvature of the rear fission floor extends even further upward than would dictate by a line of taut hair along the front and rear fission floor. However, since the area above this line can no longer be reached by the taut hair, the area above by definition no longer belongs to the application volume.

The application volume is expediently completely enclosed by the teeth of a comb of the applicator so that only the transition to the depot volume or a transition volume through the teeth remains open.

The application volume is expediently open radially outward via the gap. As a result, hair can be guided radially inwardly through the application volume.

With regard to the size of the volume, at least two parameters must be taken into account: too small a volume is emptied too quickly by the performed hair, so that an end portion of the hair may not be sufficiently wetted with active agent. In this respect, a large application volume is advantageous. However, a large volume of application means a large mass of active substance in the application volume, which presses in a jerky movement of the applicator in its use due to their inertia with high pressure in column, so that a leak is promoted at high mass mass. A good compromise with respect to the application volume, it is conducive if the application volume in a lateral profile, ie a parallel to the cleavage planes cut profile of the applicator, at least twice as long as deep. This is shown by way of example with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37. In the example off FIG. 38 However, this detail is not given. This is because the example is FIG. 38 is particularly suitable for dyeing highlights, in which the active agent is very viscous and thus does not easily pass through the column to the outside. Here, a larger mass of agent can be tolerated without producing a leak.

A good wetting result, it is also beneficial if the application volume is forward tapered, ie towards the tooth tips, tapered. Hair dips into the application volume early, ie far ahead, so that rooting near wetting is favored. Moreover, it is advantageous if the application volume is curved in its longitudinal course, in particular is bent upwards. Again, this is illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 36 to 38 in various curvature patterns.

It is likewise advantageous for near-root wetting if the application volume reaches downwards, closer than 2 mm, in particular closer than 1 mm, further in particular closer than 0.7 mm, to an underside of the applicator, thus in particular to a support surface. This advantageous embodiment is shown in particular in Figures 49 and 50 in the areas (3).

Especially in the case of a near-surface dyeing, it is also advantageous if the tip of the applicator is very pointed and the application volume reaches very far forward, that is to say into an area with a low overall height. Expediently, the application volume in its front tip extends into a region of the applicator which has a maximum height of 3 mm, in particular a maximum of 2 mm. As a result, the root-near areas of the hair can be brought into contact immediately after insertion into the comb with active agent when their friction in the comb is still very low due to the low height. As a result, the tendency of the hair to bend over by the friction to the front, is very low, so that all or largely all hair can be detected and colored root close.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the application volume is guided over a distance of at least 5 mm downwards parallel to the support surface of the applicator and in front of this parallel zone has a tip zone which is brought closer to the support surface, ie the parallel zone. This is in FIG. 38 shown by way of example. The lower wall 150t has a forward taper in the front application area 162t, by which the application volume is brought closer to the support surface 36t than in the parallel zone in the main application area 164t.

Good wetting it is also beneficial if the inside of a top wall and the inside of a lower wall of the teeth over an application volume length of at least 5 mm, in particular at least 10 mm, parallel to each other. By way of example, the main application area 164r can be made out of FIG. 36 and the main application area 164s and rear application area 166s of the embodiment FIG. 37 be used. Also, the inside of the top wall in the front application area 162r, 162s is parallel to the inside of the bottom wall in the main application area 164r, 164s. In both embodiments, the length of the parallelism over the length 192 of the application volume 12 is more than 10 mm.

If the application device is held down with the applicator and the application volume is filled with active agent, then a relatively large mass of active substance is loaded on the front end of the application volume, so that there is a difficulty in ensuring the application tightness. This difficulty can be countered with the correct adjustment of the wedge angle of the application volume.

The wedge angle is the angle at which the application volume between its upper side and its lower inside opens at its front tip to the rear. Advantageously, the wedge angle is in an angular range between 7 ° and 18 °, in particular between 10 ° and 15 °. Wedge angles 194 are shown by way of example in FIGS. 58 and 59. The wedge angle 194w in FIG. 58 is 12 ° and is particularly suitable for rather low viscosity agents, especially dyes for near-root dyeing.

The wedge angle ensures that the amount of active agent in the front, tip region of the application volume is low. In this area, the comb has expediently thin walls to ensure root-close dyeing. The low amount of active agent has the advantage that less static pressure is exerted on the column. In addition, relatively strong adhesive forces act on the existing active agent in relation to the volume, since the area per volume is very large. For an active agent with the viscosity of less than 4 Pa * s, a wedge angle of 7 ° to 18 ° is well suited and particularly suitable between 10 ° and 15 °.

In addition, such a narrow ridge angle ensures that the pumping action, with which active agent is pumped from the depot volume into the application volume, is reduced by the relatively large friction. One problem is the low wedge angle only in terms of filling, as well as the foremost area of the application volume should be filled with active agent. Due to the low viscosity of the active agent but also the pointed tip of the front application volume can be filled. The small wedge angle has the further advantage that the Rückfließneigung is greatly throttled, due to the relatively large adhesive forces in comparison to the amount of active ingredient. This is especially important in an overhead application where the applicator is pointed upside down.

Further, it is advantageous if the wedge angle of the application volume has an angle between 20 ° and 40 °, in particular between 22 ° and 36 °. Such an angle is particularly suitable for viscous, solid and sticky application agents, which may be foamy or mushy. In particular, such a wedge angle is suitable for active agents with viscosities of more than 4 Pa * s, in particular of more than 40 Pa * s. The larger wedge angle is advantageous in order to reliably fill the tip of the application volume with the viscous application medium. Due to the lower flow properties, the tightness and the backflow is a subordinate However, the angle should be limited to the top to ensure an ergonomic application and to prevent the backflow or demolition of the active agent in the application volume in overhead application.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the application volume has at least two parts by volume which each extend perpendicularly to the gap planes through a plurality of hollow tooth volumes, and a separating element is arranged between the parts by volume.

The separator can have two functions. In one function, it can separate the two parts by volume from one another. The separating element expediently separates a passage perpendicular to the gap planes from one volume part to the other volume part. This invention detail is in FIG. 60 exemplified. FIG. 60 shows a perspective view from the front of the applicator 8y, which has in its interior an application volume 12y with two parts by volume 196, 198. Between the volume parts, a separating element 200 is arranged so that the two volume parts 196, 198 are separated from each other by means of an active agent. The active material density here is based only on the interior of the application device, so that the agent could of course penetrate from a volume part through the gap and a path outside the application device and in turn through the column in the other volume part, which is irrelevant for conventional applications. This embodiment is particularly suitable for streak dyeers, for example when two streaks with different colors are to be dyed. Two different active ingredients can be applied to the hair at the same time so that an application can be significantly accelerated.

Advantageously, the separation unit extends from the application volume into the depot volume, so that two different active agents in the depot volume can be stored separately from one another in an active agent-tight manner. Also this detail is in FIG. 60 indicated. The separating element 200 extends from the application volume 12y into the depot volume 10y, so that there two different active agents can be stored separately from one another and flowing in the depot volume.

Advantageously, the separating element is arranged in a bypass region of the applicator. As a result, two splitting groups can be separated from one another by means of active agent, which is particularly advantageous when dyeing highlights.

The second function is the filling of dead space, which is not needed for active agents. This is especially in a bypass area between two splitting groups, each with several columns advantageous. Here, the lower portion of the partition member 200 may be used as the filling member 202, and the upper part of the partition member 200 may be omitted.

Conveniently, the separating element or the filling element between the volume parts fills a volume with a width which is at least as wide as the gap group width. In this way, a dead space of the application volume can be reduced in relation to one of an application volume which is continuous through to the other volume part. This is useful in order to have the smallest possible residual amount in the applicator with a deflated applicator. The separating element or the filling element should in this case be spaced apart from the outermost columns of the splitting groups by a distance of at least one gap width, in particular at least two gap widths. This favors the agent wetting, as this more active agent is available in the outer columns for long dyeing lengths.

These details are also in FIG. 60 shown. The filling element 202 is wider than the width of the splitting groups, ie wider than the width of the four gaps. In addition, the filling member 202 is spaced a distance of three times the gap width from the two outermost splitting groups of the splitting groups, which means those outermost splits facing the filling member 202 in the splitting group.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the application volume has a rear bulge with a rear wall. Such a bulge 204x is, for example, in FIG. 59 shown. The notion of bulge can be defined so that a rear back wall of the application volume initially clears the top wall as it passes through the bulge and then rejoins it later. This is exemplary in FIG. 59 to see. The rear wall 206x extends at its upper end back to the top wall 148x, so that there is at the rear wall 206x a point which is at most far from the top wall 104x. From this point, the rear wall 206x re-runs in both directions toward the top wall.

Keeping the hair in the gaps can be facilitated if the lower back wall passes through a vertical position relative to the alignment of the tooth tips. The alignment of the comb tips determines the combing movement through the hair and thus also substantially the position of the hair within the comb and thus within the application volume. By the specified embodiment, the hair can be kept well in the gap and are particularly well wetted with even thick liquid agent around.

With the same advantage, the rear wall is bulbous and curved over a maximum length of 1.5 cm, in particular only a maximum of 1 cm in an angular range of 70 °, in particular at least 90 °. How out FIG. 59 can be seen, the rear wall 206x is curved in the region of the bulge 204x over an angular range of approximately 90 °. This happens on a distance of about 7 mm.

In an overhead application of the application device should be avoided that active agent from the application volume runs back into the depot volume. To counteract such reflux, a reflux barrier is advantageous, which inhibits the return flow of active agent from the application volume into the depot volume. Advantageously, the reflux barrier is arranged in a transition region between the application volume and the depot volume.

Further, it is advantageous if the reflux barrier surface irregularities on a surface facing the application volume and or the transition volume, e.g. the column has. The surface unevennesses are at least 1 mm deep and can be designed as ribs or points. Transverse ribs and / or a scaling counter to a flow direction from the application volume to the depot volume are particularly advantageous.

These features are exemplary in FIG. 58 shown. The reflux barrier 208w comprises a plurality of inclined and thus somewhat scale-like arranged transverse ribs in the intermediate volume 14w between the application volume 12w and the depot volume 10w. The ribs are transverse ribs, since - apart from their inclination - they are oriented transversely to the flow direction from the application volume 12w to the depot volume 10w. In FIG. 58 For the sake of clarity, it is also shown that such transverse ribs can be arranged on the top wall 148w and / or the bottom wall 150w, ie directly in the application volume 12w. The ribs then expediently do not cover the gaps but are arranged only on the teeth and project from there parallel to the gap plane into the application volume.

Advantageously, the reflux barrier contains a demolition constriction, which favors the tearing away of an agent portion sucking the application volume. The demolition constriction is expediently arranged in a transition volume between the depot volume and the application volume. In FIG. 58 is such a constriction or Abrissverengung shown at the most on both sides in the intermediate volume protruding scales. From a certain viscosity, the tearing off of an active agent stream from the application volume into the depot volume is thereby promoted, so that the active agent remaining in the application volume is not sucked out by the active agent flowing back into the depot volume.

The column described so far are from front to back and from top to bottom flat column, so they lie in a plane, in particular, each gap side surface lies in a plane. Next lie the column perpendicular to the support surface.

However, in order to counteract falling out of the hair from gaps, it may be advantageous if the gaps are arranged inclined to the support surface, in particular also to side surfaces of the depot. This is exemplary in FIG. 67 shown. The gaps 24aa are tilted at an angle of 12 ° from the perpendicular to the bearing surface. Particularly advantageous is a tilt between 8 ° and 25 ° to the vertical. Introduced hair tend in tilted columns to fall in the tilting direction, so that they are no longer in the cleavage direction and thus more firmly held in the gap.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the gaps are curved in their course from top to bottom and / or from front to back or kinked. This is exemplary in FIG. 68 shown. The gaps 24ab are curved in their direction from front to back. In the top-to-bottom direction, they are rectilinear so that hair can be passed through the gaps in a straight line, thereby minimizing frictional resistance in the gap.

Particularly advantageously, a gap has a catching crease, in particular on its rear half. This hair can be kept very stable in a capture area. The capture region of the gap may extend beyond the capture kink. Hair in the capture area expediently run through the largest traversing length of the application volume, ie through the longest region of the application volume from top to bottom.

The kink does not have to be sharp, we in FIG. 69 is shown by way of example. The column 24ac are bent twice in their rear half, so that in the rear third of the capture area 228 comes to lie, which runs straight backwards, possibly slightly tilted, which is not necessary. The hairs running in the capture region 228 are particularly securely held against falling out or slipping out of the gap 24ac.

FIG. 69 shows a streak stainer with two splitting groups. The gap shape of the two groups is the same, but the columns of one group are mirrored in their shape to the columns of the other group. In this way, an undesired lateral displacement movement of the application device during an application movement can be counteracted. The reflection takes place in a mirror surface, which is arranged parallel to a main orientation of the application device forward and backward.

output gap

As in FIG. 39 is shown, it is possible that the column 24r opens at its rear rear side smoothly into the lower support surface 36, so that this support surface 36 forms a smooth and continuous surface. Depending on the application of the application device and use of different active agents, however, it is advantageous if the column opens at its lower and rear end in a chamber. Here, two basic and different embodiments can be distinguished from each other: It opens a single gap in a chamber, so that for each lower and rear gap exit a chamber is available. This is exemplified in FIGS. 61 and 62. In the other embodiment, several rear lower column ends open into a single chamber, thus functioning as a collection chamber. This is exemplified in FIGS. 44, 45 and 63. While the former embodiment is particularly suitable for mottling, that is, for coloring fewer hairs among many other hairs, the second embodiment is particularly suitable for dyeing individual strands comprising relatively many adjacent hairs.

In particular, with regard to the first embodiment, it is advantageous if the rear gap exit of a gap widens into a chamber. This is shown by way of example in FIGS. 61 and 62. Five columns 24z of a manger each open at their gap outlet 168z into a chamber 210z, so that only one gap 24z opens into each chamber 210z with its rear exit 168z. However, it is not necessary that the chamber is a recess in the lower bearing surface of the applicator. FIG. 44 shows how each four columns 24t open into a single chamber 210t, which is formed by two spacers 212t. At the in FIG. 43 Although shown embodiment, the chamber 210t also sinks into the support surface 36t, this is off FIG. 38 but this is not necessary. It is sufficient if the chamber 210t alone is formed by the spacers 212t. Referring to FIGS. 38, 44 and 45, it is described that the spacers 212t are baffles 174t that guide and bundle the hairs emerging from the gaps 24t. This is a special embodiment and is not essential. The spacers 212t may also be so far away from the gaps 24t that they have substantially no guiding function, but only a chamber-forming function.

Advantageously, the width of the chambers increases with increasing distance from the gap outlet. Moreover, it is advantageous if the chambers decrease in depth with increasing distance from the gap outlet. These two details are visible in FIGS. 61 and 62.

In order to avoid possible stripping of active agent at the rear gap outlet 168, it is advantageous if the gaps at the gap openings in a continuous broadening in the chamber opens. A wiping edge at the gap exit can thus be avoided. This is exemplified in FIG FIG. 62 shown. At the gap exit 168z, the gap 24z propagates with a radius 214z of at least 5 mm, so that a very smooth and continuous transition from the gaps 24z into the chamber 210z is formed.

In particular, with regard to the second embodiment, it is advantageous if spacers are arranged on the underside of the applicator, so that the rear gap outlets at a support of the applicator on a fiber substrate, such as a scalp, from the fiber base with a distance of at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1.5 mm, are spaced. As a result, hair emerging from the gap outlet can be bundled, in particular with regard to the second exemplary embodiment, without being squeezed between the fiber base and the support surface immediately after emerging from the gap outlet. Advantageously, the spacers are arranged on both sides around the gap outlets.

Further, it is advantageous if the spacers are spacer rails that protrude down from the bearing surface of the applicator.

A good bundling of emerging from the Spaltauslässen and wetted by the active agent hair can be achieved when the spacers converge to the rear.

Expediently, the spacer rails form a gap in which the hair emerging from a gap outlet and directed backwards can be bundled.

Moreover, it is advantageous if two spacers are arranged on both sides around a group of gap outlets. In particular, there is a gap-free distance between two such groups.

All of these features are visible in FIGS. 44, 45 and 63. Four columns 24t in each case open into a chamber 210t, which is flanked by two spacers 212t, which act as guide elements 174t. The spacers 212t converge rearwardly, so that the hairs running out of the plural gaps 24t are bundled into a rope between the spacers 212t. Since the chamber 210t becomes flatter towards the rear, this bundling not only takes place laterally but also from above and below - a support of the applicator on a fiber base, for example a scalp, provided.

In general, it is advantageous if a plurality of gap outlets open into a chamber in which fibers led out of the gaps are brought together. In particular, the chamber is shaped so that the fibers from the several columns in the chamber merge into a single fiber bundle become. It can thereby be achieved by kneading the wetted hair and thus a uniform color distribution or bleach distribution to the hair. In addition, dehydration is slowed down and thus lengthens the period of time for an activity of the active agent. Furthermore, the advantage is achieved that a differentiation of wetted and unwetted or dyed and undyed hair is facilitated. Because these are summarized to well visible and wetted strands and bundled so that they are easily recognizable by the eye.

Some details of the invention described above may be formulated as follows: The application device comprises a separation unit having a comb-like structure with at least two columns. The columns can also be referred to as application columns. Between the columns, at least one separating element is arranged, which is designed for example in the form of a tooth. In this respect, a tooth can also be referred to as a separating element between two columns. The separating elements or teeth are expediently formed by a part of the housing of the application device, which also limits the application volume, in particular with the separating elements. The gaps formed between the separating elements are expediently transferred into the application volume.

Particularly advantageously, the housing has a wall thickness of less than 2 mm in at least one region of the tooth. All of these features are shown in regions (3) of FIGS. 49 and 50.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the housing in the area of the tooth in which the wall thickness is smaller than 2 mm forms at least one support surface which is provided for resting on a fiber-like material having application surface, which may also be referred to as a fiber base ,

It is particularly advantageous if the housing has a wall thickness in at least one region of the support surface that is smaller than 1.0 mm. These features are met in the embodiments of FIGS 49 and 50.

The housing expediently has a wall thickness decreasing along an application direction in at least one area. The direction of application is a back-to-front direction as the applicator is moved in that direction during an application.

In order to prevent leakage, it is advantageous if the columns have a constructive width which is smaller than a barrier width, from which the active agent exits independently from the application gaps. Conveniently, the width of the column is at least in one region of a Support surface much smaller than a barrier width, from which the active agent exits independently from the columns.

With regard to the dimensions, it is advantageous if at least one of the teeth has an average width of less than 4 mm. In addition, it is advantageous if the columns each have a single-slit volume (dye volume) greater than 4 mm3 and less than 40 mm3. In this way, a good dyeing result can be achieved combined with an application density.

A good guidance of the hairs running in the gaps, it is beneficial if the columns have a base, this is in particular a split bottom, which forms an acute angle with the support surface.

To counteract leakage of the active agent from an upper wall, it is advantageous if at least one of the application gaps in the upper wall has a greater depth than along the support surface. This is especially true for the closest opposite points of the top wall and bottom wall. For example, any point on the top wall can be set and the corresponding point on the bottom wall is that point of the bottom wall closest to the top wall point.

Conveniently, the upper side has a mean radius of curvature which is smaller than a mean radius of curvature of the support surface.

Preferably, the average radius of curvature of the support surface and / or the average radius of curvature of the top of the applicator is in a range between 15 mm and 80 mm, in particular between 20 mm and 65 mm and particularly advantageously between 25 mm and 55 mm.

With regard to the gap outputs, it is advantageous if a plurality of gaps each open at their gap mouth in a single chamber, which is expediently designed as a recess in a support surface. The fibers can thus be fanned out by acting as a comb tooth tips and distributed over several gaps and are merged at the outlet, so wetted in the active agent state, to form a compact strand. The chamber may include baffles that bundles the hair. The guide surfaces may be movable, rotatable or fixed relative to the support surface. In a mobility, a set position is advantageously locked, for example by jamming the guide surfaces on a component.

pump

In general, the depot volume will be much larger than the application volume to provide enough active ingredients ready to wet a large proportion of the hair of a human head with active ingredients can. As a result, the active agent from the depot volume must enter a constriction in order to get into the application volume. Especially with highly viscous active agents, this will not happen alone or only by gravity. Therefore, it is expedient if the application device has a pump for pumping active agents of depot volume into the application volume.

The pumping can be done by compressing an elastic element in the depot volume or in the depot volume, thereby increasing the pressure in the depot volume and thus driving the active agent into the application volume. Due to the usually considerably larger dimensions of the depot volume than that of the application volume, however, such pumping is difficult to meter, so that it can easily happen that the active agent is pumped too much and unintentionally emerges from the gaps. This problem can be counteracted if the pump is arranged between the depot volume and the application volume. Here pump dimensions can be made small, so that, for example, with a pump stroke only relatively little active agent enters the application volume. Inadvertent strong pumping can be counteracted more easily.

Any suitable pumping means may be used as the pump. A particularly good dosage associated with ease of manufacture, however, can be achieved if the pump has a pumping element generating pumping element, which is movable as a moving mass through the active agent. The pumping power is expediently achieved in such a way that the pumping element displaces at least part of the active agent during its movement through the active agent and the active agent is pressed into the application volume by this displacement.

When pumping, it may be that a suction forms behind the pumping element due to the previously occurring displacement, which tends to suck the active agent out of the application volume again. Such sucking out can be counteracted if the pumping takes place such that the application volume is kept below the pumping element and the depot volume above the pumping element. Although the movement of the pumping element displaces and creates a suction again, the gravitational force produces in total a pumping action downwards, ie into the application volume.

The pumping action can be further enhanced if the application device is guided during the pumping in a circular motion, so that a centrifugal force acts on the active agent and drives it to the outside. The application device is suitably held in this case, that this centrifugal force drives the active agent from the depot volume into the application volume, amplified or excited by the movement of the pumping element in the active agent.

To achieve a good pumping action, it is advantageous if the pumping element can be moved back and forth in a lateral direction. It can thus be moved parallel to the head line and thus along a laterally oriented application volume and fill it evenly.

Advantageously, the application device comprises a pump housing that is shaped so that the pumping power is achieved by a reciprocating movement of the pumping element on the pump housing.

Advantageously, the pumping element is a ball. In principle, the pumping element can also be embodied as a pendulum or as another volume-displacing mass body, in which, in particular, the vibrations generated by its movement can also be utilized.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the pumping element and the pump housing are matched to one another such that the pumping element can be unrolled on the pump housing.

All these details are shown by way of example in FIGS. 64 to 66. All three embodiments have a pump 216, each with a pump element 90, which is designed as a ball. The pumping element 90h is a metallic ball, the pumping element 90t is a ceramic ball, and the pumping element 90s has a surface roughness at least as rough as common printing paper. The pumping element 90 is in each case arranged in intermediate volume 14 and can be unrolled on a pumping rail 218 which has two mutually parallel railways 220.

If a pump bar with two rail tracks available, it is advantageous if the rail track is smaller than the front rail track. As a result, a particularly good pumping power can be achieved in the rear region, through which the active agent can be filled particularly well in the rear region. This is particularly advantageous in the case of an applicator with a rear bulge in the application volume, since this is where the greatest consumption of active ingredient is.

At the in FIG. 64 and FIG. 65 In the exemplary embodiments shown, the pumping element 90h runs on a pumping rail 218h, which has a relatively large area very close to the surface of the pumping element 90h. Run the ball 90h on such a track, so relatively much active agent must be displaced by a narrow gap below the ball, whereby an increased friction and increased resistance occurs. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when used with rather low-viscosity active agents. It can thereby be effected that the pumping element not already violently violates the case with very small movements, but conveys the impression of a guided movement. This is advantageous with regard to the pumping feel, ie the feel, during pumping or during the movement of the application device. In addition, this rather tough and braked motion gives the operator the feeling of performing the pump correctly. The biggest advantage, however, is that pumped by the increased resistance is not too fast and too jerky and too much active agent in the application volume, and the metering of the pump can be done so much more emotional than when the pumping element 90h strikes strongly against the housing.

In contrast, the pumping rail 218t FIG. 65 on one side a very narrow railroad 220t. A narrow rail track is not limited to one side but can also be used on both sides. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for high-viscosity active agents. An embodiment as in FIG. 64 With highly viscous active agents, it would be possible for the ball not to roll properly on the pump rail but rather to glide through the active agent in the vicinity of the pump rail. Pumping power would thus become more uncontrolled and reduced. Due to the very narrow pump bar 220t, the pumping resistance can be reduced, so that the pumping element 90t moves perceptibly and safely and above all easily dosed by the active agent.

Generally speaking, it is advantageous if in a system of at least two application devices, the first of which is intended for use with a first active agent and the second for use with a second active agent, its viscosity and at least 20 Pa * s is higher than the viscosity of the first active agent, the second application device has a pump bar with a rail track which is narrower than the rail track of a pump bar of the first application device.

In all three embodiments of FIGS. 64 to 66, the pumping element 90 is mounted so that it can be removed from the pump 216 and moved freely through the depot volume 10. This is characterized by the long arrow in the depot volume 10s FIG. 66 pictorially indicated.

It is particularly advantageous if the housing has two interlocking housing elements around the depot volume, which together enclose the depot volume, wherein the inwardly-engaging housing element has an opening which connects the depot volume to the application volume in a corresponding position of the housing elements relative to one another, and the pump housing is designed so that the pumping element is laterally unrolled within the opening.

Advantageously, the housing is laterally outwardly of the pump bar rounded, so that a lateral recess formed in the housing into which the pumping element can roll. Such a recess 222s is exemplified in FIG FIG. 66 shown. It is thus achieved a larger lateral Abrollstrecke of the pumping element 90s, whereby a particularly good pumping power can be achieved.

Advantageously, the pumping element is an element having a specific gravity of at least 2.5 grams per cubic centimeter. Particularly suitable is metal. By means of this high specific weight it can be avoided that the pumping element floats on the active agent and thus the pumping capacity is insufficient. Advantageously, the pumping element is made of ceramic, in particular of glass ceramic. As a result, a very good chemical resistance to aggressive agents can be achieved with a small and inexpensive manufacturing process. The glass ceramic is particularly advantageous for optical reasons. When mixing the active agent in the depot, the gaze is not directed too much to the movement of the pump, but the operator will look more at the agent and observe its mixing, since the glass ceramic is transparent and not as well observable as, for example, a metal ball. The mixing is therefore pursued more concentrated and an insufficient mixing can thus be counteracted. Good pumping performance can be achieved when the pumping element occupies a volume of at least 0.3 cubic centimeters.

In order to achieve a good pumping power, it is advantageous if the pumping element has a surface roughness which is at least as great as that of conventional printer paper. In order to simplify the production of such a pumping element, it is advantageous if the pumping element has a surface coating on a base substance. The surface coating may be adjusted with the desired surface roughness.

Before the application of the active agent to the hair, it will usually be necessary to thoroughly mix the active agent in the depot volume. If the pumping element at the same time a mixing element that can move freely through the depot volume, it can be dispensed with an additional mixing element. Advantageously, the pumping element is arranged to the depot volume, that from a pumping position, the depot volume is movable so that it reaches at least 85% of the depot volume. The narrow inner edges of the deposit volume are thus designed to account for less than 15% of the total deposit volume.

Advantageously, a pumping rail is provided in such a way that the pumping element is guided on two sides guided on it. In particular, the pumping rail comprises two parallel rail tracks.

A good pumping performance can be achieved if the pumping rail allows for a rolling movement of the pumping element from one side of the depot volume completely to the opposite side of the depot volume.

Advantageously, the depot volume comprises a recess which forms a pumping volume, wherein the pumping element is embodied such that the active agent is forced out of the pumping volume into the application volume when the pump is actuated. Alternatively, it is possible that the pumping volume is arranged in an intermediate volume or transition volume between the depot volume and the application volume. Conveniently, the pumping rail is arranged in the recess. The profile of the pumping volume 226 is in FIG. 64 indicated by the dashed line by way of example.

It is also beneficial for a good pumping performance if the rail and the pumping element are matched to one another in such a way that the pumping element is arranged on the rail in a rolling manner, at least predominantly in the recess, ie at least 50% of its volume is arranged in the recess.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a separating element forms the rail between the depot volume and the application volume. The separating element expediently forms a constriction between the application volume and the depot volume. It can be countered an undesirable backflow, whereby the arrangement of the pumping element on the separating element affects the pumping action only insignificantly.

Particularly in the case of highly viscous active agents, it is advantageous if the pump bar is formed by at least one edge in the transition from the depot volume to the recess. This edge 224s is in FIG. 66 exemplified. The pumping element 90s is therefore to be thought of as being so large that it rolls on the two opposite edges 224s. The pumping element 90s must therefore be significantly larger than in FIG. 66 is shown.

A handling of the application device, it is also beneficial if the pump rails an angle of at least 60 °, in particular at least 80 ° is angled to align the tooth tips. Particularly advantageous is the parallelism with the head line of the applicator.

The pumping movement is particularly easy to carry out for an operator when the depot volume is at least substantially cylindrically shaped and the pumping rail is parallel to the cylinder axis.

Expediently, a pumping volume is arranged between the depot volume and the application volume, wherein the pump is configured such that the content of the pumping volume is at least partially pressed into the application volume during a pumping movement. It is expedient if the pump volume becomes narrower relative to the application volume. Moreover, it is advantageous if the pumping volume is bordered on both sides by a rail on which a pumping element can be unrolled. The volume that can be designated as the pumping volume is that the pumping element, with a rolling movement on the pumping rail, rolls with that part which faces the application volume. For a sphere, it is the volume that would pass through a hemisphere in a sliding motion reciprocating on the pumping rail, with the hemisphere aligned with the application volume.

It is also advantageous if the pumping volume is limited by a concavely curved front wall and a concavely curved rear wall. The two walls are expediently between the depot volume and the application volume.

In addition, it is advantageous if the pumping volume in its shape is rectilinear and continuously constant in its pumping profile.

With regard to a good applicability of the application device associated with an application density, it is advantageous if the application volume becomes flatter with increasing distance to the pump. With the same advantage, the wall thickness of the gap becomes thinner as the distance from the pump increases.

Alternatively or additionally, further pumping mechanisms are advantageous. Thus, a connecting channel between the depot volume and the application volume can be provided, in particular when pumping by means of an elastic deformation of the depot volume. The connecting channel expediently extends at least 3 mm into a transition volume between the depot volume and the application volume.

This is exemplary in FIG. 70 shown. The mouth of the connecting channel 230ad in the transition volume is below the maximum upper internal level of the transition volume. This can create an air space above the application volume 12ad. The air space is expediently greater than the volume which is moved by a single, maximum manual pumping movement through the connecting channel 230ad, preferably at least twice as large. The directional indication "over" here refers to a downwardly held applicator, in particular so that the tooth tips form the lowest point of the application device 2ad. In principle, round cross-sectional shapes are advantageous, but other cross-sectional shapes, for example rectangular or slot-shaped, are also conceivable.

A particularly advantageous detail of the invention is when the depot volume expands at least largely back to the original size upon discharge and the volume change is thus reversible.

FIG. 70 shows a corresponding embodiment of an application device 2ad, the depot volume 10ad is connected by a connecting channel 230ad with the application volume 12ad. The housing unit around the depot volume 10ad is designed to be elastic, so that it can be compressed by manual forces. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a pumping element, for example a pumping ball, which generates a pump by squeezing and volume displacement. The volume which is displaced by a manual force of 10 N is advantageously less than 2 ml, preferably less than 1.5 ml and is particularly advantageously between 3 ml and 0.2 ml. It is also conceivable that displacement by additional Volumenverdrängende To produce components manually or electrically.

The filling level of the application volume 12ad is defined by the penetration depth of the connection channel 230ad into the applicator 8ad. Application agent above the connection channel 230ad is sucked back into the depot volume 10ad when the depot volume 10ad is relieved. The maximum filling height of the application volume, measured from the head line to the farthest opening of the connecting channel in the application volume is advantageously less than 35 mm and is particularly advantageously between 10 and 60 mm.

In principle, it is also conceivable that, matched to the viscosity of the application agent, the depot volume 10ad is made hard in the manner described above. The application agent emerges in particular by gravity. An overfilling of the application volume 12ad is thereby prevented that the ventilation of the depot volume 10ad no longer takes place through the connecting channel 230ad in overcrowding.

Another invention detail is the design of the connection channel between the depot volume and the application volume. The volume of the channel is chosen so small that the amount of a Dosierhubes is greater than the volume of the connecting channel. This ensures that reliably dispensed application medium from the depot into the application volume during dispensing. In principle, a plurality of connection channels can also be provided, for example in order to achieve a better distribution of the application agent in the application volume.

The volume of the connecting channel or the cumulative volume of the connecting channels is advantageously less than 300 mm ^3, preferably less than 100 mm ³ and is particularly advantageous between 1 mm ³ and 100 mm ³ . The minimum passage opening of the / of the individual connection channel / connection channels is selected such that, given the viscosity of the application medium, no or only slight self-continuous flow of the application agent into the application volume takes place since this closes the passage opening and no ventilation of the depot volume takes place through the connection channel can. The passage opening of the / of the individual connection channel / connection channels is advantageously smaller than 30 mm ^2, preferably smaller than 20 mm ^2, and is particularly advantageously between 1 mm ² and 20 mm ² .

It is particularly advantageous if one or more vent openings are present in the transition volume, above the lower end of the connection channel, for example an in FIG. 70 shown vent 232ad. It can thereby be achieved that no internal pressure is produced in the application volume when the application agent is conveyed from the depot volume into the application volume.

The opening width of the ventilation openings in total is advantageously greater than 0.5 mm 2, preferably greater than 1 mm 2 ml and is particularly advantageously between 0.5 mm 2 and 3 mm 2. So that during the tilting movement during the application of the applicator the active agent does not escape through the ventilation openings, the inside diameter or the diameter of possible openings is limited. The maximum width of the one or more vents, represented as the diameter of a cylindrical body which can be inserted into the opening, is advantageously less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm and is particularly advantageously between 0.01 mm and 3 mm.

By the illustrated arrangement of the depot volume above the application volume, and the arrangement of the connecting channel so that an air space above the agent is formed, ie between the active agent in the depot volume and the agent in the application volume, and in particular the vent can be achieved that by the volume displacement in Depot volume and gravity the agent is promoted in the application volume, and by the relief movement and the associated increase in volume of the depot volume excess application agent, which is up to the outlet opening of the connecting channel or above, is sucked back into the depot volume. In principle, it is also conceivable that the filling and the sucking back of excess application medium takes place at discharge by two separate connection channels, which are each opened and closed by flap valves.
This results in a largely constant filling quantity in the application volume, without generating an overpressure during the filling.

In FIG. 70 the vent 232ad is located above the application volume to prevent pressure build-up in the application volume. It is arranged so that it is not wetted by active agents in the application as a rule.

The FIG. 71 shows a further embodiment of an application device 2ae, wherein only applicator 8ae is shown. The applicator 8ae can here be coupled to the housing unit of the depot volume by a threaded connection 234ae. Alternatively, other forms of connection such as bayonet connection or snap connections are conceivable.

The FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of an applicator, in which case only the housing unit application volume 32b is shown. The housing unit application volume can here be coupled to the housing unit depot volume by a threaded connection. The connecting channel is here designed so that the volume of the connecting channel is smaller than the volume which is displaced by the actuation of a pumping element or which is displaced by squeezing the bottle. This ensures that air which is located in the connecting channel is squeezed and application means can be promoted. The cross-sectional area is selected so that an independent emergence of the application agent is prevented by the fact that no air can enter the depot volume / the bottle and by the resulting vacuum no leakage takes place.

The applicator has a comb-like structure with at least two columns and at least one arranged between the at least two columns and designed as a tooth separating element, wherein the housing at least partially forms the at least one separating element and limits the application volume into which the at least two gaps pass.

Advantageously, the housing, which may also be referred to as a housing unit, has a wall depth in at least one area of the at least one tooth which is smaller than 2.0 mm. By this embodiment, a housing can be provided by means of which a particularly advantageous wetting with the active agent can be achieved, in particular by the wall depth of the housing can be achieved that the hair or fiber-like materials over almost their entire length are wetted with the active agent. An active agent may be understood to mean a liquid, pasty or pulverulent composition which is intended for application to hair, in particular hair dyes, hair treatment compositions, hair gels, dispersions, structural altering agents and / or pharmaceutical hair treatment compositions. The active agent may in principle be formed as a one-component agent or as a multi-component agent. A "one-component agent" is to be understood as an agent that is stored ready for use in the agent container. By a "multi-component means" is meant in particular a means in which at least one Component is added before one application to another, in particular a means having two separately stored components which are intended to be mixed together for an application. A "gap" should be understood to mean, in particular, a gap between two teeth, which is intended to receive hair to which the active agent is applied. To form the gap, the applicator has a plurality of teeth each including at least one tip defining prongs of the comb-like structure.

An "application volume" is to be understood in particular as meaning a volume for receiving and storing the active agent, from which the active agent is applied directly to hair or other fiber-like materials in an application. In this context, "pass over" should be understood to mean, in particular, that at least part of the gap is formed as a partial volume of the application volume, whereby an active agent introduced into the application volume fills the gap. The application volume preferably has a size of at least one milliliter and particularly advantageously of several milliliters. Furthermore, a "wall depth in the region of the at least one tooth" should be understood as meaning a wall depth of the housing which has the housing in the region of the applicator into which the hair is introduced. "Provided" is to be understood in particular specially programmed, equipped and / or designed.

It is further proposed that the housing in the at least one region in which the wall depth is smaller than 2.0 mm forms at least one bearing surface which is provided for resting on an application surface having the fiber-like materials. As a result, a particularly advantageous wetting up to the hairline can be achieved in particular when used on hair. A "support surface" should be understood to mean, in particular, a surface of the housing which, when the application device is used as intended, is placed flat on the application surface, which may be designed, for example, as a scalp. The support surface can basically be structured, such as ribbed, to save plastic. In such a case should be understood by the bearing surface a kind of envelope surface of the constructive surface. A "wall depth smaller than 2.0 mm" in the region of the support surface is to be understood in particular to mean that the wall of the application volume formed by the housing has this wall depth in at least one region in which the wall forms the application surface. Size specifications, which are provided in the description with a unit of length, are to be understood here and below with an accuracy in which the specified decimal place differs by at most one counter, ie less than 2.0 mm is 2.0 ± 0.1 mm be understood.

In an advantageous embodiment, the housing has a wall depth which decreases along an application direction in at least one area. As a result, a particularly advantageous wetting behavior can be realized. An "application direction" is to be understood in particular as meaning a direction along which the application device is guided during an application. Preferably, the gaps open along the direction of application, i. the direction of application is advantageously directed from a baseline of the column in the direction of a head line of the column. In particular, a virtual connecting line, which connects the tips of adjacent teeth with one another, should be understood as being under a head line. A "baseline" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a connecting line between points of adjacent gaps at which these gaps terminate.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the housing in at least one region of the support surface has a wall depth which is smaller than 1.0 mm. As a result, the wetting behavior can be further improved. Preferably, the wall depth of the housing is smaller than 1.0 mm only in partial areas and larger than 1.0 mm in other partial areas.

It is also proposed that the gaps have a constructive width which is smaller than a barrier width, from which the active agent automatically emerges from the gaps. Thereby, a continuous, unwanted leakage of active agent can be prevented, whereby the application device is particularly easy to use. In particular, this can be prevented that excess active agent is applied to a scalp, whereby a toxic load on the scalp can be advantageously reduced by the active agent and in particular reduced to almost zero. By a "width of the column" is meant in particular a distance between two opposite walls of the teeth, i. a distance that the teeth each have. A "barrier width" is to be understood in particular as a gap width, which may have a gap at the corresponding point, without the active agent emerging from the gap at a pressure corresponding to a liquid column of the active agent of 5 centimeters. As a result, the active agent preferably penetrates only partially into a region between walls of the gap, wherein a penetration depth is smaller than 90% of the wall depth in the partial region.

The barrier width thus depends in particular on structural features of the gap, such as gap geometry, wall depth, side edges, edge contours, gap width, surface finish and the like, and properties of the active agent, such as an adhesion force, cohesive force, frictional force, viscosity, capillary force, flow resistance , Pressure, currents and / or temperature. The structural width of the column is therefore adapted to the active agent used with the application device, whereby the constructive width of the column is smaller than the barrier width. The column can be in Depending on the active agent used have different gap widths. In principle, it is also conceivable to provide the separation device with an adjustment unit for adjusting the gap width and / or the opening width of the gap.

In this case, the width of the gap is particularly preferably at least substantially smaller than the barrier width in a region of the support surface. As a result, it can be achieved that the gap in this partial region is only partially filled with the active agent in the region of the wall, as a result of which emergence of active agent can be avoided particularly reliably. "Substantially" is to be understood in particular that in a region of the support surface the active agent only partially penetrates into a region between the walls of the gap, wherein a penetration depth thereby less than 70% of the wall depth, advantageously less than 60% of the wall depth and especially advantageously less than 50% of the wall depth.

It is also proposed that the at least one tooth has an average width which is smaller than 4 mm. As a result, an application device can be provided which detects an advantageously large number of hairs. A "width" is to be understood in particular as meaning a dimension of a single tooth in a direction parallel to a transverse extension direction, wherein a "mean width" is to be understood as a width averaged over a length of the individual tooth. Preferably, the width of the at least one tooth is in a range of 0.2 to 4.0 mm, with a range of 0.2 to 2.5 mm being advantageous and a range of 0.2 to 2.0 mm being particularly advantageous. A height of the at least one tooth, in particular in the area of the head line, is preferably less than 1 mm. Advantageously, the teeth have a cross-sectional area of less than 3 mm ² , preferably less than 1 mm ² and particularly advantageously less than 0.5 mm ^2, in the area of the head line. The term "in the area of the head line" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an area between the head line and a cross-sectional plane which lies 0.5 mm behind the head line. A length of a single tooth, ie a distance between the head line and the baseline, is advantageously greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, and is particularly advantageously between 15 mm and 40 mm.

It is further proposed that the gaps have a single gap volume greater than 4 mm ³ and less than 40 mm ³ . As a result, a particularly advantageous dyeing result, in particular for hair, can be achieved. A "single gap volume" of a gap should be understood to mean in particular a partial volume of the application volume lying between two opposing teeth. The individual gap volume of a gap is thus, in particular, the partial volume of the gap in which hairs or other materials introduced into the gap can move freely. Advantageously, the single-gap volume is less than 40 mm ³ , with 7 mm ³ to 35 mm ^{3 being} advantageous and 10 mm ³ to 30 mm ^{3 being} particularly advantageous. Preferably, the support surface is convexly curved in at least one region along an application direction. As a result, the application device can advantageously be easily guided along the application surface.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the gaps have a base area which encloses an acute angle with the support surface. It can thereby be achieved that, in particular, hairs are deflected during the passage through the application device in the direction of the application surface, as a result of which, in particular, a secure stripping off of the active agent can be achieved. A "base area" of a gap is to be understood in particular as a surface through which the gap is limited in its depth, i. a surface that defines a maximum insertion depth for a hair in the gap. An "acute angle between the support surface and the base surface" is to be understood in particular to mean that an angle which the base surface of the gap encloses with the support surface of the housing is less than 90 degrees.

The housing preferably has an upper side which is remote from the support surface and has a smaller depth along the at least one of the gaps than along the support surface. As a result, the base is inclined against the direction of use, whereby a particularly advantageous implementation of the hair can be achieved. The term "depth of a gap along the upper side or lower side" should be understood to mean, in particular, a distance between the common head line and the base line which the gap has along the upper side or the lower side. The housing can basically be designed in several parts.

In addition, it is proposed that the upper side of the housing has a mean radius of curvature which is smaller than a mean radius of curvature of the support surface. This can be achieved that the teeth taper in the direction of application and the application device is particularly easy to handle. Preferably, the mean radius of curvature of the support surface and / or the average radius of curvature of the top in a range between 15 mm and 80 mm, with a range between 20 mm and 65 mm advantageous and a range between particularly 25 mm and 55 mm are particularly advantageous.

Moreover, it is advantageous if, in at least one operating state, the gaps at least partially have a different average depth. As a result, a different dyeing result can be achieved for different hairs, as a result of which a more uniform dyeing image can be achieved overall. A "mean depth" is to be understood in particular as meaning a depth averaged over an entire height of the at least one gap.

In addition, a hairline dyeer having an applicator device with an applicator having a comb-like structure with at least two gaps and at least one between the at least having two columns arranged tooth, and with a housing which limits at least one application volume into which the at least two gaps pass, and which forms at least one support surface which is provided for resting on an application surface having the fiber-like materials, in particular with an application device according to the invention , proposed.

The described details of the invention are shown in FIGS. 74 and 75.

The FIG. 74 schematically shows an inventive application device 2af running as Haarpartsfärber with an applicator for applying an active agent on hair. The application device is intended for private use and professional use. By means of the application device, a multiplicity of different active agents, 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 application device is provided in particular for use on human hair. In the present application, the active agent is formed as a hair dye, which is to be understood by a "hair dye" means all intended to change a hue of hair, in particular hair coloring. The application device is not limited to use with hair. If an application to hair on a scalp is described in the following exemplary embodiment, this can be replaced analogously by an application to any fiber-like and / or hair-like materials which are arranged on any desired application surfaces.

The application device 2af is designed in particular as a hair dye application device. The application device is provided for wetting the hair guided through the application device as completely as possible with the active agent. The Haaransatzfärber is designed as a Vollfärber, which means that largely all hair which are located within the comb structure are wetted with the active agent. The application device is intended to wet the hair only in the neck area, partially over its length or almost over its entire length with the active agent. The application device prevents at the same time that the scalp is wetted with the active agent. A length along which the hair remains untreated from the scalp is less than 1 mm.

For subdividing the hair and for applying the active agent, the application device 2af comprises an applicator 8af, which has a comb-like structure. The applicator 8af includes a plurality of gaps 24af and a plurality of teeth 22af. The teeth 22af are each arranged between two adjacent columns 24af. Furthermore, the application device 2af comprises a housing 4af, which forms the applicator 8af. The housing 4af limits an application volume 12af into which the gaps 24af pass. The housing 4af further forms a support surface 36af, which is provided for resting on the application surface, which is formed in this embodiment as the scalp. In principle, almost any liquid or pasty active agent can be applied to any fiber-like or hair-like materials arranged on an application surface by means of the application device 2af according to the invention.

The application device 2af has an application direction 246, along which it is passed during the application of the active agent through the hair. The teeth 22af of the applicator 8af form the comb-like structure. The teeth 22af have a main extension direction which is oriented substantially parallel to the application direction 246. The teeth 22af are juxtaposed along a transverse extension direction 248a that is oriented perpendicular to the application direction 246.

The applicator 8af further has two outer edge elements 250af, which delimit only one side of the column 24af. The teeth 22af are arranged along the transverse extension direction 18a between the two edge elements 250af. The two edge elements 250af each have a flank which limits one of the two outermost gaps 24af laterally. The teeth 22af each comprise two flanks, each of which delimits two adjacent gaps 24af laterally. In this embodiment, the flanks of the teeth 22af and the edge elements 250af run almost parallel to the application direction 246. In the arrangement of the edge elements 250af and the teeth 22af along the transverse extension direction 18a, the flanks of the teeth 22af face each other in pairs, i. the flank of one of the teeth 22af or one of the edge elements 250af is opposite the flank of the adjacent edge element 250af or tooth 22af. In principle, it is also conceivable that the flanks of the teeth are executed antiparallel. As a result, a barrier width as well as a hair receptacle and / or hair guide of the individual gaps 24af can be influenced. Also, a train on the hair can be influenced if, for example, the gap contour of the upper side is crossed relative to the gap contour of the underside.

The mutually opposite flanks of the teeth 22af, to which the edge elements 250af are to be added below, each span a gap. The gaps, which are spanned by the pairwise opposite flanks, form the column 24af. All gaps 24af, which are formed by the teeth 22af, begin at a common head line 30. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that not all gaps 24af start at a common head line 30 and / or at a common point End baseline. To achieve a more uniform dyeing of the hair, the gaps 24af end at different base lines 252af, 254af. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaps 24af terminate at the two different, parallel staggered baselines 252af, 254af. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the application device 2af has three or more baselines.

The gaps 24af thus have at least partially a different length starting from the head line 30. It is particularly conceivable that the application device 2af has a setting unit which is provided for adjusting the length of the column 24af. Regardless of the remaining configuration of the application device 2af, a configuration is also conceivable in principle in which all the gaps 24af have the same length. The adjustment unit may then be arranged to change the length of all the columns 24af simultaneously. However, it is also conceivable that the setting unit is intended to change the length of only a part of the column 24af, for example, to set optionally equal or different lengths for the column 24af.

The gaps 24af have different depths along the support surface 36af, which is formed by a lower side of the housing 4af, and along an upper side 40af of the housing 4af. The gaps 24af each have a base area which encloses an acute angle with the support surface 36af. The base areas of the gaps 24af are writable with the same length of all the gaps 24af by a single area having a width corresponding to the width of the applicator 8af. The bases are thereby defined by a course of the baselines 252af, 254af at the bottom of the housing 4af and by a course of the baselines 252af, 254af at the top 40af of the housing 4af of the corresponding gap 24af. The base area of the individual gap 24af can thus be described as an area that substantially corresponds to the maximum insertion depth of a hair into the gap 24af.

Starting from the bottom, the base areas of the column 24af are tilted counter to the application direction 246. The length of the column 24af along the top 40af is smaller than the length of the column along the support surface 36af. The acute angle, which includes the base surfaces with the support surface 36af, is open against the application direction 246. The angle enclosed by the support surface 36af with the base surfaces is about 20 ° to 85 °. Advantageously, 25 ° to 70 °. Particularly advantageous are 35 ° to 60 °.

The teeth 22af have an average width that is less than 4 mm and greater than 0.2 mm. The teeth 22af all have substantially the same width. The teeth 22af are each intended to guide the hair when passing through one of the two adjoining gaps 24af, whereby all or at least almost all of the hairs that are in the area of the Applicator 8af are arranged to penetrate in one application in one of the column 24af. The teeth 22af are formed to a tine-shaped and have a tip, which divides the hair when performing and brings in one of the adjacent column 24af.

In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the teeth 22af over their almost entire length is about 1.5 mm, so that the average width is about 1.5 mm. A suitable width is less than 4.0 mm, advantageously less than 2.5 mm. Particularly advantageously, the width is 1.8 mm to 0.2 mm. Only in the area of the head line 30 are the teeth 22af pointed tapered. A height or depth of the teeth 22af, which can be determined in each case by a notional line perpendicular to the support surface 36af, increases continuously over the entire length of the teeth 22af. In the area of the head line 30, the teeth 22af have a height of less than 1 mm. In a cross-sectional plane which is 0.5 mm behind the head line 30, the teeth 22af each have a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.9 mm ² at a height of approximately 0.6 mm and a width of approximately 1.5 mm on. In the direction of the head line 30, the cross-sectional area decreases. In the direction of the baselines 252af, 254af, the cross-sectional area increases. This cross-sectional area at the head line is in particular smaller than 3 mm ² , wherein less than 1 mm ^{2 is} advantageous and less than 0.5 mm ^{2 is} particularly advantageous.

The underside, which forms the bearing surface 36af, and the upper surface 40af of the housings 4af converge at the head line 30 at an acute angle. The underside, which forms the support surface 36af, is intended to be placed on the application surface, which is designed as a scalp in a configuration as a hair application device. The upper side 40af faces away from the application surface and thus also from the contact surface 36af. The support surface 36af and the top surface 40af are partially formed by the teeth 22af.

The application volume 12af, into which the gaps 24af pass, is partially enclosed by the teeth 22af formed by the housing 4af, ie, the teeth 22af form part of a wall bounding the application volume 12af. In this embodiment, the application device has only one application volume 12af. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the application device comprises a plurality of application volumes, which are preferably arranged alongside one another along the transverse extension direction 248. The teeth 22af limit the application volume 12af only in a region facing the head line 30 and form part of the contact surface 36af in this area. The remaining part of the bearing surface 36af is formed by the housing 4af, which also forms part of the wall of the application volume 12af in this area. In addition, the application volume 12af is limited by the upper side 40af of the housing 4af. The housing 4af is at least in the region of the applicator 8af and the application volume 12af in one piece from a preferably made of transparent plastic. In principle, however, a multi-part design of the housing 4af is conceivable.

The support surface 36af and the top 40af are curved in this embodiment, at least in areas. The support surface 36af is convexly curved. The top 40af is concavely curved. In this case, the upper side 40af has a mean radius of curvature which is smaller than a mean radius of curvature which the bearing surface 36af and thus the underside have at least in the region of the bearing surface 36af. The mean radius of curvature of the support surface 36af is approximately 40 mm. The bearing surface 36af may also be flat in some areas. The mean radius of curvature of the bearing surface 36af is greater than the mean radius of curvature of the upper surface 40af. As a result, the teeth 22af have the shape which tapers counter to the direction of application 246.

In use, the support surface 36 af is placed on the scalp and in a crochet movement, i. a movement that includes a tilting and a linear movement, passed through the hair. The applicator 8af thereby exerts a tensile force on the hairs guided through the gaps 24af. The application device 2af is guided along the scalp by means of the support surface 36af. The curvature of the support surface 36af defines the tilting movement.

The application direction 246 of the application device is defined by tangents to the support surface 36af. Along this direction of use 246, the operator can linearly guide the application device along the application surface. The preferred application direction 246, to which reference is always made, is intended to be defined by a region of the support surface 36 af directly adjacent to the first base line 252 af. In principle, an operator can guide the application device, in particular in accordance with the desired dyeing result, along any directions tangential to the application surface 36af.

Within the housing 4af, the application volume 12af extends in particular over a region in which the housing 4af forms the teeth 22af and in which the gaps 24af are arranged therewith. The application volume 12af is designed as a volume encompassed by the housing 4af, in which the active agent is stored immediately before it is applied to the hair. The application volume 12af has a width which essentially corresponds to a width of the applicator 8af. In principle, there may also be several application volumes. The application volume 12af is bounded laterally by the edge elements 250af. Since the gaps 24af pass into the application volume 12af, a hair introduced into one of the gaps 24af also engages in the application volume 12af.

In a cross-sectional plane which runs perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 18a, the housing 4af has an inner contour, which follows an outer contour, in particular in the region of the teeth 22af. The housing 4af, which forms a wall for the application volume 12af, has a wall depth in the area of the teeth 22af which is smaller than 5.0 mm. In this case, at least the part of the housing 4af, which forms the support surface 36af, the wall depth is less than 5.0 mm. In this embodiment, the wall depth is greater than 0.4 mm.

Starting from the baselines 252af, 254af in the direction of the head line 30, the housing 4af has different wall depths. The wall depth is greatest in the region of the baselines 252af, 254af and continuously decreases along the direction of application 246 in the direction of the head line 30. A creepage distance, i. a distance which the active agent must travel in order to be able to exit from the corresponding gap 24af is thus greater in the region of the baselines 252af, 254af than at a front end of the teeth 22af facing the head line 30. Due to the increased wall depth compared to the head line 30, the gaps 24af counteract the active agent in the region of the base lines 252af, 254af, an increased resistance to emergence compared to the front end of the teeth 22af. In the area of the baselines 252af, 254af, the wall depth of the housing 4af is approximately 4.0 mm. In the area of the head line 30, the wall depth is less than 1.0 mm. At the thinnest point, the wall depth in this embodiment is 0.44 mm. Basically, wall depths are down to film thickness, i. a few microns, conceivable.

The inner contour of the housing 4af, by which the application volume 12af is limited, essentially follows the outer contour of the housing 4af. A part of the inner contour, which defines a lower part of the housing 4af together with the underside, is concavely curved. A part of the inner contour, which defines an upper part of the housing 4af together with the upper side 40af, is convexly curved. The convexly curved part of the inner contour has a greater curvature than the concavely curved part of the inner contour. The application volume 12af has a cross-section which, starting from the baselines 252af, 254af in the direction of the head line 30, has a continuously decreasing height. The wall depth of the housing 4af is thus at most about 5.0 mm, especially in the teeth.

The flanks of the teeth 22af have a triangular structure. Starting from the tips, the flanks each have an upper wall, also called upper leg, and a lower wall, also called lower leg, on. The upper leg of the flank forms the upper side 40af. The lower leg forms the support surface 36af. The upper side 40af and the underside thus form part of the wall of the application volume 12af. The hairs introduced into the gap 24af thus penetrate into the application volume 12af partially enclosed by the teeth 22af. The application volume 12af and the column 22af merge into one another in one area. The area in which the gaps 24af pass into the application volume 12af, extends from an area behind the head line 30 in the direction of the baselines 252af, 254af. The teeth 22af may be at least partially formed as hollow elements. The teeth 22af have a width of about 0.3 mm.

An effective gap width of the individual gaps 24af is less than 1 mm over the entire depth of the gaps 24af. The opening width which the gaps 24af have at the head line 30 is greater than the gap width. In the area of the head line 30, the opening width continuously merges into the effective gap width. The opposite flanks of adjacent teeth 22af are substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, gap widths between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm are conceivable for the gaps 24af, the selected gap width of about 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm being particularly advantageous. In principle, however, the gap width can also be less than 0.4 mm.

The depth of the column 24af is at least 10 mm. Basically, from a depth of 10 mm to 20 mm, a good wetting of the hair can be achieved with the active agent. For a particularly advantageous wetting the depth is greater than 20 mm in the illustrated embodiment. In this embodiment, the depth of the gap 24af corresponding to the length of the teeth 22af along the application direction 246 is about 25 mm. The gaps 24af thus each have a single gap volume which is approximately 15 mm ³ to 25 mm ³ .

The gap width of the column 24af is smaller than a barrier width, from which leakage of the active agent is prevented by adhesion forces. The active agent has a surface tension caused by the adhesion forces. The gap width of the gap 24af is so small in the region in which the gap 24af and the application volume 12af merge, that properties of the active agent, such as surface tension, adhesion or cohesion, prevent the active agent from being used in the event of nonuse, i. especially when an application interruption, emerges from the application volume 12af.

The barrier width of the column 24af depends on the structural design of the column 24af and in particular on the wall depth of the housing 4af. The greater the wall depth of the housing 4af in a range, the greater the barrier width in this area. The housing 4af has the smallest wall depth at the support surface 36af in the area of the head line 30. Along the support surface 36af in the direction of the base lines 252af, 254af, the wall depth of the housing 4af increases steadily. In the area of the head line 30, the gap width of the gap 24af corresponds approximately to the barrier width. The hair is thus wetted almost to the scalp. In the rear region of the support surface 36af, ie the region of the contact surface near the base lines 252af, 254af, the width of the application column 24af is substantially smaller than near the head line 30. A barrier effect is thereby greater near the base lines 252af, 254af than in the region of FIG Head line 30. In the area of the baselines 252af, 254af, the hair is thus provided with the active agent essentially in its upper area in the direction of hair tips.

The application volume 12af occupies only a part of the volume encompassed by the housing 4af. In addition to the application volume 12af, the application device comprises a depot volume 10af, which is connected to the application volume 12af. The depot volume 10af occupies part of the housing 4af, which adjoins the applicator 8af. The part of the housing 4af, which encloses the depot volume 10af, is designed as a handle. The application device is intended for one-handed operation. A user who wants to pass the application device through hair engages the housing 4af in the area in which the depot volume 10af is arranged. The depot volume 10af has a size between 20 ml and about 100 ml. Overall, the application device is provided in this embodiment for the storage of about 30 ml of active agent.

The housing 4af is formed from a dimensionally stable plastic. The dimensionally stable housing 4af prevents that in a use, in particular when a gripping of the housing 4af by the operator, the active agent is pushed out via the column 24af. The housing 4af is rigid at least in this area.

The depot volume 10af and the application volume 12af are fluidically at least partially decoupled from one another. Between the depot volume 10af and the application volume 12af, a separation unit 256af is arranged. In an area in which the depot volume 10af adjoins the application volume 12af, the inner contour of the housing has a constriction, through which the active agent can flow only to a limited extent independently due to its adhesion forces. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner contour of the housing 4af on two opposite paragraphs, which form the constriction. The two paragraphs have in this embodiment, a distance of about 5.0 mm.

The constriction forms a passage opening. Through the passage opening, the active agent can flow from the depot volume 10af into the application volume 12af. The passage opening has a slot-shaped form in this exemplary embodiment. Perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 248, the passage opening has an extension which corresponds to the distance between the two paragraphs. Parallel to the transverse extension direction 248, the passage opening has an extension which is substantially greater than the extension perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 248. The extent of the passage opening parallel to the transverse extension direction 248 is greater than 1 centimeter. In the illustrated embodiment, it is about 2.5 centimeters. In principle, the passage opening can also have other shapes. In particular, too an embodiment with a plurality of juxtaposed passage openings, for example in the form of holes conceivable.

In order to convey the active agent from the depot volume 10af into the application volume 12af or at least to support an independent filling of the application volume 12af, the application device comprises a pump unit 216af. The pumping unit 216af comprises a movable pumping element 90af, which is intended to cause at least in the region of the separating unit 256af turbulent flow or vibrations. The pumping element 90af is movably mounted in the depot volume 10af. The pumping element 90af is designed as a ball. The ball has a diameter which is greater than the extent of the passage opening perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 248. The pumping element 90af can thus not pass through the passage opening from the depot volume 10af into the application volume 12af. In principle, the pumping element 90a can also be embodied as a pendulum or as another volume-displacing mass body, in which, in particular, the vibrations generated by its movement can also be utilized.

Due to the free mobility of the pumping element 90af is manually driven. The pumping element 90af is moved by movement of the housings 4af, for example, a shaking motion. The pumping element 90af forms a mixing element. By a movement and / or vibration of the pumping element 90af in the depot volume 10af, a turbulent flow is excited in the depot volume 10af, through which the active agent is mixed. The pumping element 90af is thereby moved by a user who moves the housing with a shaking motion. A mixing process, in particular a multicomponent agent, can thereby be carried out within the housing 4af.

Alternatively, the pump unit 216af may also be formed externally driven. In particular, a pump unit with an electric drive is conceivable. Furthermore, an additional pumping element can be arranged in the application volume 12af. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the pumping element 90af has an extension, on the basis of which it can migrate through the passage opening into the application volume 12af.

For filling, the housing 4af has a refill opening 44af and the application device has a closure element 46af closing the refill opening 44af. The entire application device is reusable, ie in particular the closure element 46af can be used several times. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to design the application device partially or completely as a disposable product. In principle, the application device can therefore be configured with a wide variety of refilling options. But it is also conceivable to form the application device as a disposable product without refilling.

The refill opening 44af has a diameter that is greater than an extension of the pumping element 90af. In a production of the application device, therefore, the pumping element 90af can be introduced into the housing 4af through the refilling opening 44af after the housing 4af has been completely formed. The housing 4af is preferably made in a single manufacturing step by thermoforming a blank. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to first design the housing 4af 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 4af is integrally formed.

To apply the active agent, the application device is passed through the hair. Due to the design of the applicator 8af while the active agent is applied almost to all hair. While passing the application device through the hair, the teeth 22af split the hairs onto the different gaps 24af. Except for an insignificant part, which gets under the support surface 36af and thus does not penetrate into one of the column 24af, all hair is provided with the active agent.

For transport or storage, the application device in this embodiment comprises a cover unit 260af. The lid unit 260af is provided for attachment to the applicator 8af. The lid unit 260af fitted on the applicator 8af encloses and / or closes the teeth 22af. The cover unit 260af in this case has a width which is smaller, at least in regions, than a width of the applicator 8af oriented along the transverse extension direction 18a. In an attached state, the lid unit 260af exerts a force on the rim members 250af directed toward the middle teeth 22af.

The edge elements 250af and teeth 22af are at least partially flexible. Due to the attached lid unit 260af, the edge elements 250af and the adjacent teeth 22af are bent inwards. The column 24af thereby have a gap width when the lid unit 260af is plugged in, which is almost zero. The cover unit 260af prevents leakage of the active agent on the one hand by compressing the teeth 22af and on the other hand by enclosing the applicator 8af. In principle, however, the application device can also be executed without this feature.

The FIG. 75 shows a second embodiment of an application device 2ag, which is also designed as a Haaransatzfärber. The Haaransatzfärber is designed as a Strähnchenfärber. Analogous to the previous embodiment, the application device 2ag for applying a liquid or pasty active agent to hair comprises an applicator 8ag having a comb-like structure with a plurality of gaps 24ag and teeth 22G arranged between the gaps 24ag. Furthermore, the application device 2ag comprises a housing 4ag, which forms the teeth 22G and which delimits at least one application volume 12ag into which the gaps 24ag pass. The housing 4ag has a wall depth in a region of the teeth 22ag which is smaller than 2.0 mm. In a particularly simple embodiment, the at least one application volume 12ag can also be identical to the depot volume 10ag.

In contrast to the previous embodiment, the applicator 8ag comprises a portion which is free of gaps. Hair that is in an application in this section are not wetted with the active agent, whereby the hair is wetted only in one part almost completely with active agent. These portions then form highlights in which the hair is treated, such as dyed or bleached, while the hair remains untreated in the intermediate portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the application device 20ag is designed for streak dyeing. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide for a configuration according to the first embodiment, a cover unit which closes only a portion of the column, whereby a Vollfärber can also be used for Strähnchenfärben.

effective means

The invention is also directed to an agent for color change of fibers, in particular for dyeing hair, in particular with an application device as described above. The active agent expediently contains one or more coloring substances and an adjusting substance for adjusting a liquid parameter.

It is particularly advantageous if the adjusting substance contains solid particles whose length is more than 5 times greater than their width and height. With such a means of action can be counteracted by an undesirable leakage of the active agent through a column. The solid particles may be rod-shaped. Particularly advantageous are the solid particles fibers.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to an agent container with a bag having a foil wall, in particular for use with an application device as described above. Advantageously, the agent container is intended for use in a depot volume of an application device as described above. The agent container is advantageously suitable for colorants, in particular for hair colorants.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the active agent container comprises a plurality of chambers in which different active components stored separately according to chambers. The chambers are expediently separated from each other by means of active agent.

With regard to the arrangement of the chambers, it is advantageous if the agent container has several successive chambers to each other. It is also possible that the active agent container has a plurality of chamber elements arranged next to one another and fastened together at one point. The arrangement is expediently adapted from the preparation of ready-to-use active agent. As described above, an agent container can be opened by a compression. In this case, the bag-shaped agent container can be pressed lengthwise, starting at one end and passing to the opposite end of the bag. If several chambers are arranged one behind the other in the bag, they are opened one after the other by the opening process. As a result, the different active agent components are introduced one after the other into the depot volume. This can be advantageous in terms of mixing and / or chemical reaction, which enter into the active components with each other.

In juxtaposed chambers of the active agent container stored in adjacent chambers active agent components are introduced substantially simultaneously in the depot volume. This is particularly advantageous if no successive introduction is necessary or useful.

Furthermore, it is possible for the depot volume to contain one or more agent containers (bags), each with at least one chamber. The bags can be fastened on top of each other, in particular so that when they are pressed out they come to lie one above the other and are pressed over one another. Here, too, a substantially simultaneous opening of the chambers can be achieved, so that several active agent components can be introduced into the depot volume substantially simultaneously.

By dimensioning the bag, the opening time of each bag is controllable. Preferably, the dimensioning is chosen so that the metal-coated bag is opened first.

Advantageously, the bags are cohesively connected to each other. So they can be glued or welded, for example, and connected to each other via an adhesive tape. Advantageously, a fastening element is connected to the active agent container. Such a fastener is expediently used for attachment to a housing element such as Application device described above. If several bags are present, they can be connected to one another at a common fastening element. The fastening element can be designed, for example, in the manner of a curtain rod.

In the case of different active agent components, it is advantageous in particular for dyeing hair if at least one active component has dry and another liquid material. The dry agent component may be powdered, granulated or granular. The liquid agent component may also be viscous. The granular agent can be H ₂ O ₂ .

Advantageously, the active agent container comprises two chambers from a different wall. Thus, it is advantageous, for example, to use oxygen-permeable materials in the case of H2O2, and to use oxygen-tight materials in the case of oxygen-sensitive active substances. Appropriately, the agent container comprises a center seam bag. This can be carried out particularly space-saving without a loss of space on the sides.

A good internal pressure-controlled opening of the active agent container can be achieved if it has two points on two opposite walls, which are firmly connected to each other, and in which the connection is surrounded at least over an angular range of 270 °, in particular all around Wirkmittelraum. Around such a solitary tear-off point - there can be more than one in general - the same internal pressure prevails. The tear point is heavily loaded even at low internal pressures and can be opened with little effort. Conveniently, the connection of a tear-open connection with a connecting surface of the two walls forms between 0.5 mm ² and 6.0 mm ² . Particularly advantageous 0.5mm ² - 2mm ² . These sizes form a compromise between on the one hand a simple opening and on the other hand a sufficiently large opening from which the active agent can escape. The smaller the tear-open connection, the easier it is to open.

Further, it is advantageous if the connection forms a connection surface with an outer tine. Since the tearing with edged or pointed edge contours, such as cross, circular, triangular, dashed, semi-circular contour, is easier than without such outlines, contributes to an outer neck for easy opening of the active agent container. Conveniently, the one or more outer tacks is aligned in the direction of the largest possible flatulence of the active agent container. Here he should disregard a deviation from the geometrically accurate direction of +/- 30 °.

In particular, when the agent container has a longer longitudinal direction and a shorter transverse direction, it is advantageous if the outer tine is aligned in a longitudinal direction. Again, a tolerance of +/- 30 ° is acceptable.

A simple production of the compound can be achieved by a spot weld. The spot welding can be carried out in the unfilled or already filled with active agent state of the active agent container. The spot welding in the filled state has the advantage that undesired tearing open of the agent container during filling can be avoided. Conveniently, a spot weld is made with an external pressure of at least one kilo per square millimeter. In this way, in particular with a convex welding tip, a displacement of the film material which can flow under temperature can occur. Conveniently, the spot welding takes place with at least one convex welding tip. A convex welding tip has the advantage that it can be driven in the middle of mechanical block and still produces in the rounded area a ring of fused outwardly less and less compressed material.

Advantageously, the compound comprises in its center a hole in at least one plastic layer in at least one wall of the active agent container. In this way it can be ensured that when the wall is separated in such an undesired manner that the walls do not rupture both, nevertheless an opening is created in the wall. Even when the metal foil is still closed, the opening is easy, as metal foil tears easily. Conveniently, the compound tears a hole through both walls in its center. Such a hole is expediently produced after welding, for example by means of a piercing of the two walls. This allows the hole to be created reliably. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the desired opening is realized by a detachable connection (for example, peel seam).

The main component of the wall of the active agent container is expediently polypropylene and / or polyethylene. When using both materials are major components.

Conveniently, the agent container comprises a wall of film, which is in particular diffusion-open, expediently for oxygen. With regard to an opening process, in particular with an application device as described above, it is advantageous if the film is a multilayer film with an outer sliding coating made of plastic and a metal foil lying further inside.

To guide an opening of the active agent container, it is advantageous if the film carries an outwardly visible imprint. This can be read by a housing, in particular the application device, so that a faulty handling is counteracted.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the film wall has a plastic on both sides, e.g. Plastic film, or lacquer-coated metal foil has. Particularly advantageous is aluminum.

Advantageously, the active agent container is arranged in the depot volume such that a pushing means, for example the pushing means 110 in FIG FIG. 22 , runs along the sliding coating. The lying on the outer wall of the inner housing coming wall of the active agent container may also be lubricated, wherein the lubricious coating is not as important there as on the spinning means.

Advantageously, the main component of the active agent container is a polypropylene stretched at least in one direction, in particular in two directions. (B) OPP, ie (Bi) oriented PP, is a material that is comparatively difficult to weld. A weld of stretched polypropylene is very slightly leaking. However, especially when used with H ₂ O _2, this may be critical since a small leakage has an effect similar to the diffusion openness of the wall, in particular when used in H ₂ O _2. Stretched material, in particular bi-stretched material, has the good advantage of tear strength, that is, once the wall is torn, the crack continues to run almost without force. As a result, the opened in an application device by squeezing bag can be emptied very easily.

The agent containers can be constructed homogeneously from one or more layers of different materials, which improve their properties in terms of durability, manufacturability and applicability.

If the foil wall is produced with at least one metallic and one non-metallic layer, then an aluminum layer for the metallic layer is particularly advantageous, and in particular polyethylene for the non-metallic layer. Conveniently, the layers are made by coextrusion. Under aggressive chemical conditions, a coextruded layer, especially an Al-PE film, is durable and exhibits only a slight tendency to roll due to the different elongations of aluminum and polyethylene.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to an application method for applying an active agent to fibrous material, in particular hair.

In this regard, the invention has for its object to provide a method for applying an active agent to fibrous material, with a reliable, manual application is possible.

This object is achieved by a method in which an applicator of an application device, in particular an application device as described above, is moved through the fibrous material at least with a partial region such that active agent is applied to the fibrous material by the applicator. Advantageous embodiments of this method according to the invention are given in individual process steps in the description of the application device.

Advantageously, the applicator encloses an application volume, by that the fibrous material - hereinafter referred to merely as hair for the sake of simplicity - is pulled through. In this way, all-round wetting of the hair can be achieved in a simple and reliable manner. An expedient embodiment of the invention provides that the applicator comb-shaped teeth, each having a tip and the teeth are guided with the tip forward through the hair. The direction of movement is expediently in the alignment direction of the tips.

During the movement of the applicator through the hair, the applicator is advantageously moved in alignment of the tips through the hair and then over a fiber base, in particular a scalp, moves that the tips stand up, with a positioned behind the tips bearing surface on the Fiber base is left on this along. This movement of the teeth corresponds to that of a nose of a starting aircraft, which rises upward in a forward movement. By raising the hair can be drawn well into the gaps and thus be wetted reliably with active agent.

When passing through an insertion unit, the hairs are advantageously divided into at least two gaps and then guided through an application volume, the hair being wetted with an active agent. Advantageously, the hairs are led together after exiting the two columns through a bundling chamber and at least partially together to form a strand. As a result, the hair can be formed into a strand and thereby made visible and stable.

Advantageously, the wetting and the merging of the fibers to form a strand in a working movement.

For introducing the active agent into the application volume, it is advantageous if the application device has a pump with a movable pumping element and the application device is reciprocated and the pumping element pumps by this movement active agent from a depot volume into an application volume enclosed by the applicator.

Advantageously, the application device for pumping with the applicator is held down. Also advantageously, the reciprocating motion is performed transversely to an application direction in which the applicator is passed through the hair.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the application device has a depot volume for storing active agent and a depot volume movable mixing element and the application device is shaken and thereby the mixing element is moved in the depot volume, whereby the active agent is mixed in the depot volume. As a result, the active agent can be prepared for application in a simple and reliable manner.

For starting the application, ie the application of active agent to the hair, it is advantageous if the depot volume is opened after mixing to an application volume enclosed by the applicator and the mixing element in a pumping position in a pumping volume, in particular between the depot volume and the application volume, is brought, and moved by a movement of the application device, the mixing element in the pumping volume and thereby active agent is pumped from the depot volume in the application volume.

Advantageously, the wall of the agent container is at least predominantly formed from film. A film is inexpensive to produce and easy to adapt to chemical properties of the active agent. Particularly advantageously, the film is open to diffusion, for example, for oxygen (O ₂ ). In this way it can be achieved that excess oxygen can outgas from the active agent.

Further, it is advantageous if the film is a multilayer film with an outer sliding coating made of plastic and a metal foil lying further inside. The plastic coating can give the film on the one hand stability and on the other hand in the way smooth, that they can be painted over friction.

Similar effects can also be achieved by an additionally introduced sliding film. This is moved in the same way together with the agent container. It reduces friction and creates a smooth surface by compensating for creases in the metal foil. Through these optimizations, the expressions of the agent container can be facilitated thereby. Further, it is advantageous if the film has an outwardly visible print wearing. Such imprint expediently includes an introduction to the operation of the application device, with other references, such as safety instructions are advantageous.

Generally speaking, it is advantageous if the agent container has a flexible bag, is held in the active agent. In order to keep a loss of space in the small depot volume low, it is advantageous if the agent container has a center seam bag. Also, several middle seam pouches, in particular stacked center seam pouches, are advantageous.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

applicator

4

casing

6

depot

8th

applicator

10

deposit volumes

12

application volume

14

intermediate volume

16

hair

18

effective means

20

Comb

22

tooth

24

gap

26

tooth tip

30

head line

32

width

34

length

36

bearing surface

38

depth

40

top

42

closure element

43

grip

44

fill opening

46

closure means

48

passage

50

recess

52

housing element

54

housing element

56

Rotation surface element

58

Rotation surface element

60

rib

62

locking element

64

rib

66

Zone

68

groove

70

leading edge

72

groove

74

formation

76

blocking element

78

handle element

80

blocking element

82

blocking element

84

blocking element

86

direction of rotation

88

fill opening

90

pumping element

92

Active agent container

94

fastener

96

fastener

98

recess

100

edge

102

Weld

104

Innenausformung

106

Breaking point

108

wall

110

urging means

112

expression member

114

volume increase

116

undercut

118

insertion means

120

housing part

122

connecting means

124

locking element

126

recess

128

scalp

130

return

132

tip angles

134

double arrow

136

height

138

Applikatortiefe

140

plate

142

connecting element

144

plate

146

spacer

148

upper wall

150

under wall

152

sheet

154

bending edge

156

Applikatorschenkel

158

tooth root

160

tip area

162

front application area

164

Main application area

166

rear application area

168

output gap

170

bypass gap

172

recess

174

baffle

176

Wall thickness

178

bypass

180

bypass tooth

182

Transition tooth

184

gap ground

186

front gap floor

188

rear gap floor

190

corner

192

length

194

wedge angle

196

volume of

198

volume of

200

separating element

202

filler

204

bulge

206

rear wall

208

Reflux barrier

210

chamber

212

spacer

214

radius

216

pump

218

pump track

220

rail track

222

recess

224

edge

226

pumping volume

228

capture

230

connecting channel

232

vent

234

threaded connection

240

length

242

channel width

244

Channel width angle

246

application direction

248

Transverse extension direction

250

Boundary element

252

baseline

254

baseline

256

separating element

258

pumping element

260

cover unit

Claims (15)

1. Application device for applying an active agent to material, with a housing, a storage volume arranged therein for storing the active agent, and an applicator for applying the active agent located in an application volume to the material, wherein the applicator has the application volume, a number of hollow teeth which are arranged in a comb-like manner and have an upper wall and a lower wall between which at least part of the application volume is arranged, wherein, as viewed in a position in which the teeth point forwards, the upper wall is at least partially located located above the hollow volume and the lower wall at least partially below the hollow volume, and has gaps located between the teeth for the introduction of the material into the application volume, characterized in that the gap widths over the length of the gaps between the upper walls are uniform and smaller than between the lower walls.
2. Application device according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the gaps between the lower walls are narrower in a front application region than in a main application region located behind the latter.
3. Application device according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the lower wall has a uniform thickness in a front region in its longitudinal profile.
4. Application device according to Claim 3,
   characterized in that an upper side of the lower wall bends upwards after the uniformly thick section.
5. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower wall has an inner side which bounds the application volume and the profile of which in the direction from the front to the rear is at an angle to a lower supporting surface of the applicator, said angle increasing up to at least 70°.
6. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gap in the region of the lower wall has a rear gap outlet which extends from a lower supporting surface of the applicator into a recess in the supporting surface.
7. Application device according to Claim 6,
   characterized in that the profile of the gap outlets from the front to the rear takes up an angle of at least 70° to the supporting surface.
8. Application device according to Claim 7,
   characterized in that the recess forms a lateral gap widening, into which the gap expands laterally and laterally releases fibres which are led out of the gap.
9. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of gaps lead with their rear gap outlet into a single chamber in the form of a recess.
10. Application device according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that a plurality of gaps lead into a single collective gap.
11. Application device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the chamber tapers laterally rearwards such that hairs guided rearwards through the chamber are bunched.
12. Application device according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the chamber has lateral spacer elements which always keep a lower supporting surface of the applicator spaced apart in the region of the gap outlets by at least 0.5 mm from a fibre base, in particular a scalp.
13. Application device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower wall has an inner side which bounds the application volume, runs, in a direction from the front to the rear, first of all parallel with a lower supporting surface of the applicator, and further to the rear - in the same manner as the profile of gap outlets from the front to the rear - takes up an angle to the supporting surface of at least 70°, wherein a plurality of gaps lead with their rear gap outlet into a single chamber in the form of a recess.
14. System consisting of a plurality of application devices according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that active agent having a viscosity of 120 ± 35 Pa*s is stored in a first application device having gaps in a region of a lower wall with a gap width of between 0.45 mm and 0.8 mm and a gap depth of between 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm, and active agent having a viscosity of 50 ± 35 Pa*s is stored in a second application device having gaps in a region of a lower wall with a gap width of between 0.05 mm and 0.45 mm and a gap depth of between 0.1 mm and 0.9 mm.
15. Application method for applying an active agent to fibrous material, in particular hairs, in which an applicator of an application device according to one of the preceding claims is moved at least with a partial region through the fibrous material in such a manner that active agent is applied to the fibrous material by the applicator, characterized in that the applicator surrounds an application volume through which the fibrous material is drawn.

Images