EP2793642B1 - Foldable applicator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cosmetic and in particular a mascara unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

Typical mascara units consist of a reservoir and an applicator, which in turn consists of a handle, a handle and a portion that carries the trimming of the applicator, see, for. For example, the document EP 0 791 307 A1 ,

Since it is very unfavorable to handle in the application with the hand leading the applicator directly in the eye, the usual applicators have a comparatively long handle, which creates a sufficiently large distance between the trim and the actual handle.

The reservoirs in which the mascara mass is stored in each case take into account the fact that the applicators are usually designed as described above, in that they have an elongated, angular or round shape - typically the reservoirs are formed as elongated cylinders, which ingest the long stem and the garment attached to it when the mascara unit is closed and the applicator is in stowed position.

However, for various reasons, there has recently been a growing need to deviate from the classic design of the reservoir and instead provide small, compact reservoir. One reason for this is to Bei¬1 game that it is difficult, the cosmetics, which is kept in an elongated cosmetics container kept to completely exhaust. Because just when the cosmetics container is already largely emptied, the remains of the remaining mascara mass not infrequently accumulate in a region of the elongated reservoir, which is located at some distance from the position occupied by the garnish as soon as the applicator after use completely introduced into the reservoir and fixed relative to the reservoir.

But if you just now just the reservoir more compact, then the problem arises that the applicator protrudes far beyond the reservoir, which is not only visually unattractive, but at the same time also reduces the gain in compactness, which actually goes with the compact reservoir affected , However, responding thereto merely by making the applicator shorter and thereby reducing the distance between the part of the handle that the user touches and the trim, is not a satisfactory solution either. Because under such a measure, the handling suffers because then in the application with the hand leading the applicator must be handled closer to the eye, which is perceived by many users as unpleasant.

Thus, it is the object of the invention to provide a cosmetic unit, which can be made very compact, without compromising on the applicator due to its needs.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, a cosmetic unit is used, in particular for use in the mascara area, which comprises an applicator and a storage container. In this case, the applicator be set on the reservoir so that the applicator closes the removal opening of the reservoir tight. The applicator is characterized in that the always located outside of the reservoir part of the applicator is foldable. This results in an applicator, which needs in the moment in which it is fixed in its stowed position on the reservoir, only very little space. Den¬ still offers the applicator by being unfolded for the purpose of application without further ado, during the application of the usual size, so that with the hand leading the applicator does not have to be handled directly in the vicinity of the eye. A fixation of the applicator on the reservoir is a frictional and / or positive fastening of the applicator understood such that the applicator safely remains in its stowed position and thereby seals the reservoir so that it can not come to an undesirable leakage of the cosmetic composition.

As part of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the applicator comprises two parts which are connected by a hinge, so that a part of the applicator despite the partial immersion of the applicator in the reservoir pivoted relative to the reservoir and thereby brought closer to the reservoir can be. Such a hinge is preferably understood to mean a true hinge, ie a connection of the two affected parts in such a way that one part performs a sliding movement relative to the other part at the connection point. Typically, such a hinge is formed so that it has at least one hinge pin, which engages in at least one hinge eye, preferably two hinge eyes and thus forms a pivot axis. For a use in the low-cost range but possibly also comes a film hinge in question, even if such a hinge does not the preferred embodiment is because it is difficult to ensure in such a hinge that it does not come to an undesirable pivoting movement. This can be accomplished more easily with a conventional hinge by performing the hinge with such internal friction that the two parts connected by the hinge can be brought by the user into a desired position in which these parts remain for reasons of friction, until the user changes position. Such a hinge allows, as it is carried out, bring a part of the applicator closer to the reservoir and preferably set there. As a result, very compact cosmetic units are possible without having to use correspondingly miniaturized applicators.

The cosmetic unit is preferably designed such that the part of the applicator to be brought closer to the storage container by means of the hinge can additionally be fixed to the storage container. That is, the hinge-movable part of the applicator can also be secured to the reservoir, preventing inadvertent collapse of the applicator. In addition, as a result of this, the applicator as a whole is fixed more firmly to the reservoir, so that the risk is less that there is an unintentional separation between the applicator and the reservoir, for example during transport of the cosmetic unit in a handbag.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the applicator, when it assumes its stowed position, has a first region with which it is fixed to the reservoir, and a longitudinal axis of the applicator extending in the direction along the not necessarily rectilinear spaced therefrom second area, with which it is also fixed to the reservoir. The determination of the cosmetic applicator at two different locations relative to the reservoir ensures a particularly secure fixing of the cosmetic applicator on the reservoir.

Preferably, the distance between the first and second regions is at least 1/4 of the total length of the applicator, including its stem and handle.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the applicator can be fixed without threading to the associated reservoir, wherein the applicator, when it assumes its standby position, not only in the region of the mouth of the reservoir is fixed to this, but also in a away from the mouth area. As a definition in the sense of this claim, it is sufficient if a part of the applicator is inserted into a trough. Preferably, however, a fixing is actually understood to be a true frictional or positive fixing or fastening of the applicator to the storage container.

Preferably, there is a distance of at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 16 mm and ideally at least 25 mm, in each case measured in a straight line between the mouth of the reservoir and the area remote from the mouth, in which the applicator is additionally fixed to the cosmetic reservoir ,

It is preferred that the part of the applicator that is movable relative to the storage container with the aid of the hinge can at least locally be fixed to the outer surface of the storage container, whereby the fixing of the applicator in one muzzle distant area can be brought about. Thus, there is no need to make the reservoir so large that the applicator completely or predominantly fits in here, instead the size of the reservoir relative to the deployed applicator can be such that the applicator, when inserted into the reservoir, far surpassed this. The projecting part of the applicator is then folded over with the aid of the hinge, wherein a part of the applicator comes to lie on the outer surface of the storage container, preferably in a trough.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the reservoir provides that the reservoir is not rotationally symmetric or quasi rotationally symmetric along a single axis (hexagon, octagon, etc.). Ideally, the applicator is, overall, a flat applicator. Because of this property, it has at least two major major surfaces and at least three small peripheral surfaces approximately perpendicular thereto. Optimally, the area of each major surface is at least a factor of 5 larger than the area of each side surface.

Within the scope of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the part of the applicator movable relative to the reservoir with the aid of the hinge can be inserted into a recess of the reservoir provided therefor in order to bring the applicator completely into its stowed position. This can preferably take place in such a way that the relevant part of the applicator does not protrude more or only insignificantly beyond the outer contour of the storage container, into which the recess is made. Ideally, the trough is formed by a recess in the reservoir, which corresponds at least substantially to the contour of the part of the applicator, which is to be inserted into the trough. It is optimally when the inserted into the trough part of the applicator is frictionally clamped against the walls of the trough and / or positively locked in the trough. Optionally, additional locking means may be present, such as in the form of a pin on the reservoir in the region of the trough, which engages in a corresponding mating recess on the applicator or spreads there. Conversely, it is equally possible to provide the pin on the applicator and to provide the corresponding recess on the reservoir.

According to the invention, the applicator has a wedge-shaped or conically thickened section which elastically clamps along its circumference against a section of a scraper or separate sealing element inserted into the mouth of the reservoir, as soon as the applicator is pushed into the reservoir with the holding pressure is required to bring the applicator in its ready position on the reservoir. With such a thickening, the necessary elastic bias can be created between the wiper and the applicator or between the respective seal and the applicator, which is necessary to provide a secure seal that protects against leakage of the cosmetic.

Further advantages, effects and design options of the invention will become apparent from the following explained with reference to the figures embodiments.

Figur 1:

einen Querschnitt durch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 2:

eine perspektivische Ansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels von vorne;

Figur 3:

eine perspektivische Ansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels von vorne in dem Moment, in dem der Applikator durch die Mündung des Vorratsbehälters hindurch in diesen eingeschoben worden ist, ohne bereits im mündungsfernen Bereich an dem Vorratsbehälter festgesetzt worden zu sein;

Figur 4:

eine Seitenansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Figur 5:

den im Rahmen des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels verwendeten Applikator für sich alleine;

Figur 6:

eine Schnittzeichnung durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Figur 7:

eine perspektivische Darstellung der ansonsten der Figur 6 entsprechenden Schnittzeichnung, hier bei auseinandergefaltetem Applikator;

Figur 8:

eine perspektivische Darstellung der ansonsten der Figur 6 entsprechenden Schnittzeichnung, hier bei zusammengefaltetem Applikator;

Figur 9:

eine perspektivische Volldarstellung des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels bei zusammengeklapptem Applikator;

Figur 10:

eine perspektivische Gesamtdarstellung des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels bei auseinandergefaltetem Applikator;

Figur 11:

den Vorratsbehälter, der im Rahmen des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels zum Einsatz kommt, für sich alleine;

Figur 12:

eine Draufsicht auf das von Figur 9 dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel senkrecht von oben;

Figur 13:

den erfindungsgemäß im Rahmen des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels zum Einsatz kommenden faltbaren Applikator für sich alleine;

Figur 14:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels von vorne;

Figur 15:

eine Darstellung des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels unmittelbar von vorne;

Figur 16:

eine Schnittansicht durch das dritte Ausführungsbeispiels;

Figur 17:

eine Seitenansicht des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels von rechts;

Figur 18:

eine Seitenansicht des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels von links.

Show it:

FIG. 1:

a cross section through a first embodiment;

FIG. 2:

a perspective view of the first embodiment from the front;

FIG. 3:

a perspective view of the first embodiment from the front at the moment in which the applicator has been inserted through the mouth of the reservoir into this, without having already been fixed in the muzzle remote area on the reservoir;

FIG. 4:

a side view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5:

the applicator used in the first embodiment alone;

FIG. 6:

a sectional view through a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7:

a perspective view of the otherwise the FIG. 6 corresponding sectional drawing, here with unfolded applicator;

FIG. 8:

a perspective view of the otherwise the FIG. 6 corresponding sectional drawing, here with folded applicator;

FIG. 9:

a full perspective view of the second embodiment with the applicator folded;

FIG. 10:

an overall perspective view of the second embodiment with unfolded applicator;

FIG. 11:

the reservoir, which is used in the context of the second embodiment, on its own;

FIG. 12:

a top view of the of FIG. 9 illustrated embodiment vertically from above;

FIG. 13:

the invention according to the invention in the second embodiment used for folding applicator on its own;

FIG. 14:

a perspective view of a third embodiment of the front;

FIG. 15:

a representation of the third embodiment directly from the front;

FIG. 16:

a sectional view through the third embodiment;

FIG. 17:

a side view of the third embodiment from the right;

FIG. 18:

a side view of the third embodiment from the left.

How to use the Fig. 1 Already recognizable at first glance, the reservoir of this embodiment of the invention is designed differently than is known from most previously known cosmetic reservoirs, which cooperate with an applicator. The reservoir 2 is not cylindrical and not hexagonal or octagonal, so not "quasi rotationally symmetric". Instead, he has a block-like Shape. This shape roughly corresponds to the shape of a cuboid with a one-sided chamfer.

The reservoir 2 also has no neck in the strict sense, as known from the usual bottle-like reservoirs ago. Instead, it has in one of its main surfaces a window-like, preferably substantially rectangular opening, through which part of an applicator 3 can be pushed into the storage container. The storage container is preferably made of several parts, namely here of a first part 2a and thus preferably latched, glued or welded second part 2b. The storage container has a large-volume interior, which can serve completely for storing cosmetic mass or, preferably, by an intermediate wall, which is here indicated by the line Zw, divided into separate volumes. Of these volumes only one serves for the storage of cosmetics. The already mentioned window-like opening, through which the cosmetic applicator can be pushed into the interior of the reservoir 2, will henceforth be called passage 4. In the passage 4 a scraper 5 is inserted and fixed there.

How best by the FIG. 1 sees, suggestively but also on the basis of FIG. 5 , The part of the applicator, which is pushed by the scraper into the storage container 2, has a preferably wedge-like thickened area 6. This wedge-like thickened area 6 spreads, so to speak, in the scraper when the applicator pressed with the necessary emphasis in its standby position becomes. This results in an elastic tension between the preferably wedge-like thickened region 6 and the wiper 5, so that the inserted into the wiper part of the applicator completely seals the passage 4. In As a consequence, even in unfavorable cases, nothing can leak from the cosmetic stored in the storage container 2. To achieve this, the scraper 5 is preferably made of a material which is so soft or yielding that between the scraper and the inserted into it part of the applicator or the wedge-like thickened portion 6, a continuous contact between the scraper and the Applicator occurs - at least along a circumferential direction of the applicator in a closed line.

The special feature of the applicator 3 is its foldability, which is preferably produced by a hinge or, if necessary, by an otherwise bend-soft area (this last-mentioned alternative possibility is not represented figuratively). A hinge in the sense of the invention may also be a so-called film hinge, in particular if the invention is to be used in the low-cost range. Preferably, however, a hinge is used in the classical sense, d. H. a compound of two parts, which allows a real relative movement of the two parts to each other at the joint, thus ensuring a defined rotational mobility.

In the specific embodiment, the applicator is in two parts. It consists of an actual, first applicator part 3a, which has the required for application of the cosmetic Be¬satz 6b. Furthermore, it consists of a second applicator part 3b, which serves as the handle of the applicator here. These two Applikatorteile are connected by a hinge 7 with each other. How best to use the FIG. 1 If this hinge is preferably a hinge equipped with a hinge pin, each of which engages in a corresponding hinge eye and thus enables a smooth pivotability even at a large angle.

The FIG. 1 shows the cosmetic unit 1 according to the invention in the moment in which the applicator 3 is inserted in the direction of the arrow P in the reservoir 2. It is necessary to apply a certain pressure in order to bring the applicator 3 into full contact with the scraper 5. This rich impressions or spreading of the applicator 3 into the wiper 5 leads to a first determination of the applicator 3 relative to the storage container 2. This definition will normally be of purely frictional nature. But it can also be provided a locking device, the click or jerk signals the user that the applicator 3 has now been inserted deep enough in the wiper 5 to ensure tightness. Regardless of whether this first definition purely frictional nature is or even only positive engagement is used, it is such that this first determination alone would not be enough to such an applicator, as in question here, really secure so securely to the reservoir 2, that accidental release of the applicator from his seat in the reservoir and the associated, very unpleasant leakage of the cosmetic is reliably prevented.

In a next step, the second applicator part 3b, which forms the handle, is now pivoted about the axis of the hinge 7, ie, in the case of the concrete exemplary embodiment under discussion here, it pivots upwards in the counterclockwise direction. This results in a relative movement between this second applicator part 3b and the storage container 2, as one can easily see, so that the second applicator part 3b approaches the storage container more and more. It can be said that a predominant part of the outside of the reservoir surface of the Applicator comes to rest parallel to the outer surface of the reservoir.

How best to use the FIGS. 1 and 3 can recognize, the reservoir has on its the passage 4 side facing a trough 8, ie a region in which the surface of the reservoir 2 is recessed relative to the adjacent surface areas, so springs back to the inside. This trough is how you look at it FIG. 2 sees, provided for receiving a portion of the second Apiplikatorteils 3b. The trough is so deep that it is possible to insert the said part of the second applicator part 3b substantially completely into the trough, so that the part of the second applicator part 3b inserted in the trough substantially no longer projects beyond the outer contour of the storage container 2, in any case in the area in which he is placed in the hollow, cf. FIG. 4 ,

How pretty on the basis of all FIGS. 1 to 5 sees, the reservoir 2 in addition to a locking member that, as shown here, preferably in the form of a pin 9 is formed.

Corresponding to this pin, a recess is provided in the handle of the applicator 3, which is a through hole in the present case. The recess 10 and the pin 9 are aligned so that the pin 9 frictionally engaged or preferably even latching with the recess 10 engages as soon as the second applicator part 3b has been completely applied to the reservoir 2 'is.

In this way, the applicator 3 is securely held in its standby position on and in the reservoir 2. Because he is in at least two different and not fixed directly to each other in contact, but in the direction along the longitudinal axis L of the applicator completely separate areas on the reservoir 2 set. The first area where a determination takes place is the already mentioned area of the first applicator part 3a, which comes into positive and / or frictional engagement with the scraper 5 or a sealing element (not shown here) inserted in the reservoir 2. The second region is the region of the recess 10 in the handle of the applicator 3, which engages with the pin 9 positively and / or frictionally engaged. The first and the second region are clearly separated from one another in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis L, which is not necessarily straight, as shown, and in particular arranged one behind the other. The first and second regions, as one progresses in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis, are spaced apart by an amount that is at least 50% of the total length of the applicator in the direction along the non-necessarily straight longitudinal axis. In terms of numbers, one can generalize that there is a gap of at least 8 mm, better of at least 16 mm and ideally of at least 25 or even 30 mm between the first and the second area.

How to use the FIG. 3 can see, is preferably achieved by the trough 8 additional fixing of the applicator 3 relative to the reservoir 2. Although it is preferably so that the trough in a region which corresponds approximately to the bottom third of the second applicator 3b, is greater than the corresponding applicator and therefore does not frictionally or form-fitting determines. However, the upper part of the trough, which in the present embodiment approximately accommodates the middle region of the second applicator part 3b, is designed such that the side walls the trough to the flanks of the second applicator 3b create. In this case, at least a frictional connection can occur between the corresponding section of the second applicator part 3b and the storage container, which ensures additional fixing. Preferably can even be ensured positive fit, for example, it comes with appropriate design of the trough laterally delimiting walls to a lock between the trough walls and the flanks of the second applicator. Of course, it is also explicitly possible to provide latching devices here, such as a latching strip on the flank of the second applicator part 3b and a corresponding latching recess in the corresponding side wall delimiting the recess.

It should be mentioned that the first applicator part 3a carries a trimming 6b, which preferably consists of bristles molded integrally on this first applicator part 3a. In this case, it is ideally such that these bristles are all or at least predominantly aligned such that the bristle longitudinal axis runs pa-parallel or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA1 of the first applicator part 3a, cf. Fig. 2 ,

Ideally, the applicator 3 or the second applicator part 3b and the trough 8 are formed such that a force K acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA2 of the second applicator part (cf. FIG. 2 ) tends to lead to a stronger definition of the applicator 3 in the storage container 2 - namely because the area of the second applicator part 3b inserted in the trough tends to be wedged against the walls bounding the trough laterally.

As you can see quite nicely from all figures, the second applicator 3b has approximately at its center or here in an area that divides it one-third to two-thirds, a constriction, ie a place where its width is minimal. This helps to keep a good in the hand

To create applicator. This constriction is absorbed by the outer shape of the reservoir, which leads to a likewise well-lying in the reservoir, which does not "bulky" despite its large, available for the storage of cosmetics mass volume.

Not only, but especially when used as a mascara applicator, the applicator in the direction of its longitudinal axis L, including its bristle facing preferably has a total length L for which applies: 25 mm ≤ total length ≤ 60 mm. The thickness D of the non-bristle part of the applicator is preferably ≦ 7 mm, and ideally ≦ 5 mm, cf. Fig. 5 , The width B of the applicator is preferably less than 35 mm, cf. also Fig. 5 ,

Accordingly, the passage 4 does not have a round or polygonal-round shape, but is substantially rectangular with a maximum extent adapted to the width B of the applicator.

With reference to the FIG. 5 It should also be pointed out that the stocking consists of bristles arranged one after the other in rows along a line bristle line BL, see also FIG. 1 , Preferably, at least three rows of bristles are placed side by side. Ideally, each of the bristle lines BL is not absolutely straight, but slightly crescent-shaped, as best shown by the FIG. 5 sees. This results in particular advantages if this cosmetic applicator is to be used for the application of mascara. The stocking is then the Adjusted course of the eyelash arc and allows you to bring the applicator from the front (frontal of the tip of the nose) to the eyelash arc while treating almost all eyelashes of the eyelash arch with the mascara.

The FIGS. 6 to 13 show a second embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the reservoir 2 also does not have the classic cylindrical shape, but also corresponds here approximately in a rectangular parallelepiped. This with the special feature that the long narrow sides of the rectangular parallelepiped are rounded. Applicator 3 is preferably defined by an aperture in one of the small faces, i. the smallest side surfaces of the reservoir 2 inserted into this. However, the applicator 3 does not come immediately when passing through this opening in the small end face with the cosmetic vorratsenden interior of the reservoir in contact, but must first first pass through a guide tube 11 which has a larger diameter on all sides than the applicator 3, so that this can be easily pushed through the guide tube 11 therethrough. At its inner end, the guide tube 11 narrows and here forms a further opening, namely the passage 4, the applicator 3 must traverse in order to get into the inner region of the reservoir 2, which keeps the cosmetic stored. In the passage 4, a scraper 5 is used in the embodiment shown here, which ensures that when rewinding the applicator 3 no excessive amount of cosmetics mass is taken.

Also, the reservoir 2 used in this embodiment is in two parts, as best seen in the FIG. 6 sees. It consists of a first part 2a, which forms the upper part here and a second part 2b, which forms the bottom. The second part 2b is preferably connected by means of a latching connection with the first part 2a, but may alternatively also be welded or glued.

The guide tube has on one of its sides a recess 13, which is intended that the applicator inserts into this recess 13. In addition, the reservoir 2 has on its outside - preferably in the region of the outside, which forms one of the major main surfaces of the reservoir - a trough 8, which serves for inserting a part of the applicator 3, as already described above in connection with the first embodiment has been described.

The preferably used in the context of this embodiment, applicator 3 best illustrates the FIG. 13 , As you can see, this applicator is also provided with a hinge 7, by means of which the part of the applicator 3, which is always located outside the storage container, can be folded. This hinge 7 is again a classic hinge, ie a hinge which has at least one hinge pin 9, which engages in two hinge eyes 10 assigned to it.

For the trimming 6b of this applicator, which also here preferably consists of injection-molded bristles, what has been said above in connection with the trimming of the first exemplary embodiment applies accordingly, which is the reason why it is not necessary here to repeat how the bristle trimming should be designed.

The applicator 3 is in this embodiment, as will be described below, brought to its standby position on the reservoir 2, in which he Tightly closes the storage container and thus allows the unhindered and leak-proof transport of the storage container, cf. Fig. 8 and 9 ,

The portion of the applicator carrying the bristle stock is pushed through the guide tube 11 and the further opening in the form of the passage 4 into the space of the storage container which holds the cosmetic. In this case, the scraper 5 applies to the applicator 3 so that the applicator closes the opening 10 tight, as long as he remains in this position. It can then escape any cosmetic. In this case, the applicator 3 may have a preferably wedge-shaped thickened region 6, as has been described above in the context of the first embodiment, to which reference is made. The applicator 3 may, however, if appropriate, also be completely smooth-surfaced, ie have no wedge-shaped thickened region 6, such as the one shown in FIG FIG. 6 shows.

In any case, the region of the applicator 3 located within the wiper is fixed by the wiper 5.

How best to use the FIG. 6 sees, the part of the applicator, which also carries the bristle trim 6b, provided with a crank 14. This cranking 14 forces the user to always insert the applicator in the correct orientation into the storage container, since the applicator can only be fully inserted when the offset 14 comes to lie in the recess 13 of the guide tube 11. On the other hand, this offset preferably indicates how deep the applicator 3 can be inserted into the part of the storage container 2 which stores the cosmetic.

Even if the applicator 3 has been completely inserted, a good part of it protrudes beyond the very small and compact reservoir 2 - not least, if the cosmetic unit is a mascara unit, should the entire

Unit does not exceed the dimension 5.5 cm x 4 cm x 2.5 cm. Since the protrusion of the applicator 3 disturbs, the applicator 3 is now folded, which is not a problem due to the hinge 7 provided on it. The protruding part of the applicator 3 is thereby folded so that it preferably folds over the recess 13 of the guide tube 11 away and flat against the outside wall of the cosmetic reservoir 2 or even inserted into a well 8 provided there wholly or partially - so how best to compare the FIGS. 9 and 10 shows.

With this trough 8 it behaves in principle as already described in the first embodiment. The contour of the trough 8 is adapted to the contour of the part of the applicator 3, which receives the trough 8 as intended. Since the distal (i.e., facing away from the bristle facing 6b side) portion of the applicator 3 widens toward its extreme end, the well 8 also has a corresponding shape. The trough 8 takes up the majority of the applicator section inserted in it, so that the predominant part of the applicator section does not protrude beyond the imaginary, smooth-surfaced envelope contour of the storage container 2.

This insertion of the applicator in the trough 8 leads to an additional definition of the applicator 3 to the reservoir 2. It can be with reference to the FIG. 9 easily understand that the applicator can not be pulled up in the direction of the arrow R, as long as he folded and its distal portion is inserted into the trough 8. In this way it is ensured that the applicator 3 is not accidentally torn out of the reservoir 2 and then, for example, the contents of the reservoir 2 abruptly expires in the purse.

Ideally, the side walls 15 of the trough 8 are dimensioned such that they come into frictional and / or positive engagement with the flanks of the applicator part inserted into them. Optionally, appropriate locking members may be provided. As a result of all this, the part of the applicator 3 inserted in the depression 8 is braced against the depression walls or spread into them, which prevents inadvertent folding back of the corresponding applicator section into the position which allows the applicator to be withdrawn.

The FIGS. 14 to 19 show a third embodiment of the invention. Again, it is so that the reservoir has a deviating from the usual shape, as has already been described above for the reservoir of the other embodiments. Otherwise, it is noteworthy that the applicator in this embodiment has a cylindrical core, which serves as a bristle carrier, and which is provided all around with molded bristles. At this bristle carrier is followed by a widened, here circular executed area, which closes the serving as a removal opening for the cosmetic passage 4 as a lid.

At the same time, the applicator, which is used in the context of this embodiment, a special design that affects its handling. The applicator is ultimately constructed in three parts and consists of parts 3a, 3b and 3c. In ready to use position, the applicator is as unfolded as the FIG. 19 shows. Of the The first applicator part 3a forms the handle in this applicator, while the second applicator part 3b forms a stem which has a longitudinal axis LS. The third applicator part 3c is fastened to this stem in such a way that its longitudinal axis LQ is arranged perpendicularly or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the stem. Such an applicator opens up a novel handling during use, in particular when it is used as a mascara applicator. Because such a mascara applicator can be brought to the eye from the front. The hand holding the applicator no longer moves laterally next to the head, but comes from the front and is therefore easier to control.

This applicator is also foldable in the sense of the invention. For this purpose, the first applicator part 3a and the second applicator part 3b are preferably connected to one another via a ball joint. For this purpose, for example, the first applicator part 3a forms a ball socket 16. In this ball socket, a joint ball 17 ( FIG. 17 ), which is part of the second applicator part 3b. For this purpose, the ball socket is preferably designed slotted, so that the walls of the ball socket 16 can escape when the ball joint 17 is pressed into the ball socket 16. Here, the ball socket and the ball joint are dimensioned so that they elastically clamp against each other and thereby in the joint so far increased friction occurs that the first applicator 3a and the second applicator 3b remain during use the position to each other, the user or the User has given. In other words, it is such that the user "unfolds" the applicator and then the relative applicator parts remain relative to each other in the position given by the user.

As you can see, also in this embodiment, the reservoir has a trough 8, in which a part of the applicator can be inserted, namely the first applicator. The trough is unilaterally open in this embodiment, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. It is important, however, that the trough at least partially receives the contour of the applicator, which is inserted into it. In this way, the applicator part, which is inserted into the trough, stops. Thus, it also comes here to a determination of the applicator at two different locations. This is also achieved here that accidental withdrawal of the applicator is prevented from its stowed position, even if the applicator is not fixed by means of a thread to the reservoir, but is merely inserted into this.

reference numeral

1

cosmetics unit

2

reservoir

2a

first part

2 B

second part

3

applicator

3a

first applicator part

3b

second applicator part

4

passage

5

scraper

6

wedge-shaped thickened area

6b

trimming

7

hinge

8th

trough

9

hinge pin

10

gudgeon

11

guide tube

12

not forgiven

13

Recess guide tube

14

cranking

15

Sidewall of the trough

16

ball socket

17

joint ball

tw

Line that implies a curtain wall

P

arrow

R

arrow

D

Thickness of the applicator

B

Width of the applicator

L

Longitudinal axis of the applicator

LA3

Longitudinal axis first applicator part of the second embodiment example

LS

Longitudinal stem

LQ

Longitudinal axis of the third applicator

Claims (14)

1. Cosmetic (1) and in particular mascara unit, with an applicator (3) and a reservoir (2), in which the applicator (3) can be fixed to the reservoir (2) such that the applicator (3) tightly closes the removal opening of the reservoir (2), whereas the part of the applicator (3) permanently outside the reservoir (2) is collapsible,
   characterized in that
   the applicator (3) manifests a wedge- or taper-like thickening section, which braces elastically against a section of a wiper (5) or sealing element inserted into the mouth of the reservoir (2) along its circumference as soon as the applicator (3) is inserted into the reservoir (2) with the pressure which is necessary in order to put the applicator (3) into its readiness position on the reservoir (2),
   whereas the bracing is such that a secure sealing which protects against leakage of the cosmetic is formed by it.
2. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the applicator (3) is a flat applicator manifesting no less than two large main areas and no less than three small subsidiary areas approximately vertical thereon.
3. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims with an applicator (3) and a reservoir (2), into which the applicator (3) immerses when it is in the readiness position, in which context the applicator (3) can be placed on the reservoir (2) without a thread, characterized in that the applicator (3), upon reaching its readiness position, is not only fastened on the reservoir (2) in the area of the latter's mouth, but additionally also in an area away from the mouth.
4. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that there is a distance of no less than 8 mm, better of no less than 16 mm, measured in a straight line, between the mouth of the reservoir and the area away from the mouth, at which the applicator (3) has additionally been fastened on the cosmetic reservoir;
5. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the cosmetic reservoir (2) does not possess a neck in the closer sense as is known from the customary bottle-like reservoirs, but instead possesses a window-like opening, essentially rectangular, on one of its main surfaces, by means of which a part of the applicator (3) can be inserted into the reservoir (2).
6. Cosmetic unit (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the applicator (3) encompasses two parts, which are connected with one another by a hinge, with the result that one part of the applicator swivels relative to the reservoir (2) despite the partial immersion of the applicator into the reservoir (2) and can thus be moved closer to the reservoir (2);
7. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the part of the applicator (3) to be moved closer to the reservoir (2) with the help of the hinge can additionally be fixed on the reservoir (2);
8. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the applicator (2), upon reaching its readiness position, possesses a first area with which it is fixed to the reservoir (2), and a second area pointed away from it in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the applicator (3), with which it is likewise fixed to the reservoir (2);
9. Cosmetic unit (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the first and the second area amounts to no less than ¼ of the total length of the applicator (3);
10. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the part of the applicator (3) which can be moved relative to the reservoir (2) with the help of the hinge can be fixed at least locally on the outer surface of the reservoir (2) and thus the fixing of the applicator (3) can be implemented in an area away from the mouth;
11. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the area in which the applicator can be fixed at least locally on the outer surface of the reservoir (2) is not the bottleneck of the reservoir (2) and/or does not encompass the wiper;
12. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the reservoir is also not rotation-symmetrical or quasi-rotation-symmetrical along an axis (hexagon, octagon etc.);
13. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the part of the applicator (3) which can be moved relative to the reservoir (2) with the help of the hinge can be inserted into a depression in the reservoir (2) provided for this purpose, preferably such that the part of the applicator (3) in question no longer or only inconsiderably protrudes over the levels enveloping the outer contour of the reservoir (2);
14. Cosmetic unit (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the depression is formed by a recess in the reservoir (2) at least essentially matching the contour of the part of the applicator (3) which is to be inserted onto the depression.

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