EP2897488A1

EP2897488A1 - Folding applicator

Info

Publication number: EP2897488A1
Application number: EP13765709.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dieter Wolfsgruber; Pilar GONZALES-GOMES; Nicholas BAKIC; Erwin Schuster
Original assignee: Geka GmbH
Current assignee: Geka GmbH
Priority date: 2012-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-18
Publication date: 2015-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-18
Also published as: US20150216286A1; WO2014044725A1; DE202012103567U1; EP2897488B1; US10064475B2

Abstract

A cosmetics applicator (1) with a core (2) supporting the application organs in the form of bristles (6) and/or comb teeth (10, 10'), wherein the core (2) comprises a central body (8) which is itself populated by a plurality of bristles (6) and/or comb teeth (10') projecting directly outwards from the central body, wherein the core (2) furthermore consists of at least one leg (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) projecting outwards from the central body (4), which leg is also populated by a plurality of bristles (6) and/or comb teeth (10) and which is movable relative to the central body (8).

Description

Foldable applicator

The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator and more particularly to a mascara applicator according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the prior art, the most diverse cosmetic applicators have become known. In principle, with increasing core diameter of the applicator, the diameter of the scraper and the diameter of the opening in the neck of the bottle must increase. This is especially true in applicators in which the core and the bristles carried by it are made of injection-molded plastic. For just injection-molded bristles, which often have only a limited Bend recovery assets, threaten to take damage after a short time, if the core from which they stand, when pulling out the applicator from the cosmetics reservoir by one for its diameter actually too narrow Wiper and / or bottleneck is forced.

For an applicator with a particularly large core diameter therefore usually a separate scraper and a reservoir with a specially adapted to the large core diameter bottleneck must be created. For this purpose, appropriate tools must be built or kept, which causes costs.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a cosmetic applicator which is to a greater extent than hitherto independent of which clear diameter of the available scrapers and / or has the diameter of the neck of the available Kosmetikvorratsbehälters.

The solution of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1.

The cosmetic applicator according to the invention consists of a the

Application organs in the form of bristles and / or comb-tooth-carrying core, wherein the core comprises a central body, which itself with a plurality of directly projecting outwardly from him

Bristles and / or comb teeth is occupied and the cosmetic applicator according to the invention is characterized in that his

Kern beyond at least one of the central body according to externally projecting leg, which in turn is occupied by a plurality of bristles and / or comb teeth and which is movable relative to the central body.

According to the invention, a cosmetic applicator with a core and bristles projecting outwards therefrom is furthermore proposed, which is configured as follows: According to the invention, the core is formed by a slotted tube. Whose longitudinal axis extends parallel or coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the preferably forming a part of the applicator stem or forms the longitudinal axis of the applicator, which runs when used as intended by the applicator substantially parallel to the lot to which the cosmetic is to be applied.

Alternatively, the core consists of a rod-shaped central body, protruding from the at least one leg.

A rod-shaped central body in the sense of the invention is a body which has, in a first direction, an extension that is greater than an extent in the directions perpendicular to the first direction. Preferably, the extent of a rod-shaped central body according to the invention in the first direction by at least a factor of 3, better still at least by a factor of 4 is greater than in any of the other directions. Said first direction of the central rod-shaped body extends parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the preferably a part of the applicator forming stem or forms the longitudinal axis of the applicator, which runs substantially parallel to the portion to which the cosmetic is to be applied. Preferably, the rod-shaped central body is designed so that the imaginary central longitudinal axis of the actual, the order serving, occupied with bristles and / or tines applicator on which also its center of gravity, runs within the solid material of the rod-shaped central body.

No matter which alternative the core is configured, it is in any case characterized by the fact that it is at least partially flexurally elastic such that the cross-sectional area claimed by the core passes through the scraper and / or the neck of the cosmetic applicator Cosmetic reservoir automatically reduced under the influence of the wiper and / or the bottleneck of the cosmetic reservoir on the core forces applied until the corresponding part of the applicator has passed the scraper and / or the bottleneck of Kosmetikvorratsbehälters. Thus, an applicator is provided which has a core which at least partially yields, so that its diameter is reduced at least in the area which is currently in the immediate area of action of the bottle neck and / or the scraper, while the core by the scraper and / or the neck of the Kosmetikvorratsbehälters is pulled through. Preferably, the core is folded when passing the scraper and / or the neck of the bottle and unfolds immediately after passing the scraper and / or the neck of the bottle back to its original size.

The core is designed so that it folds even before the force applied by the scraper and / or bottleneck when pulling out / reinserting on the applicator forces are so great that the bristles threaten to take damage.

In this way, applicators can be built with a core having an enlarged diameter, without at the same time also a new reservoir and / or a new scraper must be provided, both of which have an equally enlarged diameter. The claimed design of the core means that the applicators according to the invention as a whole have a shape that does not differ significantly from the shape of conventional applicators, so that the applicator can be handled in the usual way - for example, in the case of a Mascaraapplikators so that the applicator is held in front of the eye from the side, so that the bristle trim extends almost the entire eyelash arc along.

In the context of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the core has at least one bristle-tipped limb projecting outwardly from the central region of the core, which is elastic enough to be under the influence of the wiper and / or bottleneck of the cosmetic reservoir Forces are reversibly displaced towards the central body of the core.

Such a leg serves to enlarge the bristle field but, as the applicator passes through the scraper and / or the bottle neck, it abuts against the central body of the core, thereby reducing the cross section of the core passing the scraper and / or the bottleneck.

Ideally, the cosmetic applicator has a core with a U-shaped or C-shaped or an S-shaped or a Z-shaped cross section. Such cross sections are particularly well suited to be folded or compressed to save space under the influence of the forces that arise when pulling out of the applicator by the scraper and / or the bottleneck.

In another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the core and / or at least one leg consists of a plastic which has a lower hardness and / or higher elasticity than the plastic of the bristles. Ideally, a soft elastic plastic is used for the core and / or the thigh. Now, if different plastics are used for the core or the leg on the one hand and the bristles on the other hand, then it makes it easier to design the construction so that the legs give way as the applicator passes through the wiper and / or the bottleneck and thus shift, that the core temporarily assumes a smaller cross-sectional area before the bristles are damaged by the forces exerted by the wiper and / or the bottleneck.

In the context of another embodiment, it is provided that the core is injection-molded together with its bristle stock in one operation together from the same material. Such an applicator can be produced very quickly and easily. The required flexibility of the legs can be achieved in such a case by correspondingly thin wall thicknesses at the critical points of the legs. Especially in this context, it may be advantageous, the at least one leg with a To hinge the film hinge to the central area of the core. A film hinge forms a defined pivot point, so that the core can easily shift in the desired direction. Conveniently, the plastic in the film hinge dimensioned so thick that the required Wiederaufrichtvermögen is guaranteed, that is, the leg is forced to after its application to the central region of the core when passing through the scraper or bottleneck back to its original Spring back position. This can optionally be ensured by spring elements such as one or more spring arms, with the help of which or the leg in question is resiliently supported on the central region of the core.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the bristle facing of a different material than the core or the legs, wherein the material is preferably subsequently sprayed from the outside on the core or the leg and thereby intimately connected to it, preferably in the form of a kind of "welding".

Preferably, the bristles are made of a second plastic which is injected into the first plastic. Ideally, this ensures a particularly secure anchoring of the bristles to the core or the legs.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the cosmetic applicator has a central body, which consists of a tube made of the first plastic, which is filled inside with the second plastic.

Expediently, the tube has first openings which are penetrated by the second plastic filling up the central body, which forms bristles on the outside of the tube.

Ideally, the tube has at least one second opening, which is penetrated by the second plastic filling the tube, which thereby forms a leg on the outside of the tube.

It is particularly favorable when the core forms a central body, from which a plurality of legs protrude outwardly, preferably in such a way star-shaped, that all legs have the same distance relative to each other in the unloaded state.

A particularly favorable embodiment provides that one and preferably each leg has the form of a one-sided articulated preferably solid and thus substantially torsion-resistant bar, which extends in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator along the predominant part and preferably along the entire central body , whose coupling section not included. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the applicator, which has already been defined in detail above, preferably within the solid central body (if the applicator according to the invention is not designed alternative, in that it is designed as a slotted tube, which except for a single, preferably parallel to the central longitudinal axis extending slot in Circumferential direction is closed.

Protection is also claimed for a system of an applicator of the type described above, a cosmetic container and a scraper attached thereto, which is characterized in that the scraper and the applicator are coordinated so that the applicator is folded when pulling and / or pushing ,

Further advantages, design options and modes of operation of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below with reference to the figures:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention, in which the bristle carrier is formed by a slotted tube, in a perspective view.

Fig. 2 shows the first embodiment of the invention of the distal, that is, the handle side facing away.

Fig. 3 shows the first embodiment of the invention from the proximal end side.

4 shows a view of the first embodiment obliquely from the front, from the distal end side. Fig. 4a shows details of the bristles preferably used for the invention.

FIG. 4b shows the core designed as a slotted tube, which is used in the context of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, in the undeformed state.

Fig. 4c shows the formed as a slotted tube core, which is used in the context of the first embodiment of the invention, in a deformed state.

Fig. 5 shows the first embodiment of the invention from the bottom.

Fig. 6 shows the first embodiment of the invention from the top.

Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the invention with a solid core and movably projecting legs in a perspective view obliquely from the front.

Fig. 8 shows the second embodiment of the invention from the distal end side.

Fig. 9 shows the second embodiment of the invention from the proximal end side.

Fig. 10 shows the second embodiment of the invention in a slightly perspective view obliquely from the front, the individual in the direction of the longitudinal axis successive bristles are not resolved here in the figure.

Fig. 11 shows the second embodiment of the invention seen from below.

Fig. 12 shows the second embodiment of the invention seen from the side.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention viewed obliquely from the front.

Fig. 14 shows the third embodiment of the invention seen from the distal end side. Fig. 15 shows the third embodiment of the invention seen from the proximal end side.

Fig. 16 shows the third embodiment seen from the side.

Fig. 17 shows the third embodiment seen from below.

FIG. 18 shows a fourth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in section A-A as marked in FIG. 19.

Fig. 19 shows a side view of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of the fourth embodiment obliquely from the front.

Fig. 21 shows a front view of a fifth embodiment in the relaxed state.

Fig. 22 shows a front view of a fifth embodiment and demonstrates the folding which possibly occurs when passing through a scraper.

Fig. 23 shows a front view of a sixth embodiment in the relaxed state.

Fig. 24 shows a perspective view of the sixth embodiment obliquely from the front.

Fig. 25 shows a bottom view of the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 26 shows a rear view of a sixth embodiment in the relaxed state - from

Coupling section 3 seen ago.

Fig. 27 shows a side view of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows a modification of the first embodiment according to FIG. FIGS. 1 to 6. Fig. 29 also shows a modification of the first embodiment. FIGS. 1 to 6.

The first embodiment of the invention, in which the core is designed as a slotted tube, can be explained most clearly with reference to FIG. 1.

The applicator 1 comprises a coupling portion 5 for attaching a handle and / or handle and a core 2, which is occupied on its outer peripheral surface with preferably injection-molded bristles 6. These are usually in a substantially radial direction to the outside.

Preferably also bear the end faces 7 of the tube, which at once to be explained in more detail slot 4, which interrupts the peripheral surface of the tube, bristles, bristles 6. Ideally, a plurality of rows of longitudinally successive bristles are attached to each of said end faces 7. Conveniently, the bristles of at least one of the rows of bristles protrude at the respective end face 7 into the region of the slot 4, ideally such that, despite the slot 4, a bristle field substantially closed in the circumferential direction results.

Ideally, the end faces 7 are rounded. Fig. 3 illustrates this. The radius of curvature of the rounding ideally corresponds to about half the wall thickness of the tube forming the core.

The core 2 is connected on one side with the stem of the applicator or provided for attachment to the stem coupling portion 5.

The bristles 6 ideally form rows of bristles arranged one behind the other in the direction of the central longitudinal axis L along the entire core and at the same time rows of bristles arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction in a circumferential direction. Each bristle is preferably slightly conical, the on its lateral surface applied straight lines close with the longitudinal axis LB vorzugswei se an angle which is between 0.5 ° and 3 °, see. Fig. 4a.

Each of the bristles is preferably so flexible that its tip can be reversibly deflected by a distance LA preferably equal to at least 4 times, more preferably at least 6 times the maximum bristle diameter measured above the fillet with which the bristle root is into the nucleus, cf. also Fig. 4a.

Unlike the known applicators, the core 2 of the applicator according to the invention is preferably not made so solid that it does not undergo any visible deformation when it passes the stripper and / or the neck of the bottle.

Instead, the core in this embodiment is designed as a continuous slotted on its circumference along its entire length, inside hollow tube. It is favorable if the slot in the circumferential direction occupies about 1/8 to 1/4 of the circumference of the tube, if one starts mentally from a corresponding full-tube, which is self-contained.

The tube preferably has the cross section of a slotted annular cylinder, as this is the easiest way to ensure a uniform density of the bristle trim. However, the alternative of providing the tube with the cross-section of a slotted polygon ring, for example a hexagonal or octagonal hollow inside, is also within the scope of what the invention claims even though the annular cylindrical tube is preferred. For many applications, it is best if the tube has the cross section of a slotted annular cylinder, as this is the easiest way to ensure a uniform density of the bristle trim. In the vicinity of this comes a cross-section, which has the shape of a slotted polygon ring, such as a slotted, inside hollow octagon.

For other applications, it may be an alternative to provide the tube with the cross section of a slotted, hollow ellipse inside, a slotted, inside hollow oval or the cross section of a U or a V. In this way you can easily an applicator are created, the stocking density changes in its circumferential direction, so that the applicator shows different application properties, depending on the rotational position in which it is introduced to the point to be treated. In all of this, however, the circular cross-section of the slotted tube remains the clearly preferred embodiment.

The interior of the tube, which is preferably open only on one side at the circumference and opens towards the environment, generally forms a channel which receives a certain amount of the cosmetic to be applied. Preferably, the tube is additionally open at its distal, that is, the handle or the coupling portion 5 facing away from the end face, so that the deformation of the tube in the region of the distal end face is not hindered. In most cases, the coupling portion 5 is attached only along a part of the circumference of the tube to this, so that the deformation of the tube in the region of the proximal end face is not hindered, at least not substantially.

The wall thickness of the entire pipe or the intended intended for deformation areas of the tube - which are those portions of the tube that are not itself connected directly to the coupling portion 5 and therefore projecting from the connected to the coupling portion 5, forming the backbone central body 8 resiliently - Is chosen so that the two legs 3a and 3b, which limit the slot 4 between them, in the direction of the arrows P can shift towards each other, such that the diameter of the core and thus also the claimed by the core cross-sectional area Q decreases , see. 4b and 4c, which show the core only schematically, without the bristle facing. The cross-sectional area Q, which is stressed by a core, is understood to mean the area which encloses the imaginary rope line of a rope which is wound around the core on the outside, cf. again Figs. 4b and 4c. The invention provides that the wall thickness and the material of the core are chosen so that the displacement of the legs just described automatically sets under the influence of the forces exerted by the scraper and / or the neck of the reservoir to the core, as soon as the core as intended by the Scraper or the bottleneck is pulled out or inserted in the reverse direction in the reservoir. The legs 3a and 3b do not have to deform along their entire length. On the contrary, in most cases they will only deform where they are directly exposed to the compressing forces of the scraper and / or the neck of the bottle.

In this way, an applicator can be provided which has a core 2 with an exceptionally large core diameter D in the ready-to-apply state, wherein preferably D> 3.5 mm; ideally even D ^ 4.5 mm applies. Despite the exceptionally large core diameter D, in many cases it is not necessary to use cosmetic containers with a particularly wide neck and / or scraper with a particularly large clear diameter for the applicator. Because the core 2 "folds" or "rolls" together when passing through the scraper or the bottleneck and therefore behaves at this moment like a core with a smaller core diameter L.

In any case, in the circumferential direction, but preferably everywhere, the tube ideally has an at least substantially constant wall thickness, which is chosen such that the entire tube forms a spring in the circumferential direction. In this way, the easiest way to ensure a strong spring effect, without having to run so thin-walled areas of the tube that the risk of unwanted springing occurs during the application. A dimensionally stable application is still guaranteed.

It should be noted that the invention is not concerned with such trivial deformations, which occur everywhere as unavoidable small or micro deformations, when one body exerts forces on the other. Rather, the invention is concerned with deformations which have a clearly noticeable effect, that is to say preferably those deformations which reduce the cross-sectional area Q of the core by at least 10% and better still by at least 20%.

With all this, the bristles and the core are matched. The core is designed so that it gives way resiliently before the forces passing through the scraper and / or the Bottlenecks arise, grow so large that they break the bristles so hard that they are damaged. There is no universal mathematical formula for complying with this condition. Rather, in each case a manageable number of professional experiments, possibly supported by FEM calculations to perform, to ensure that the individual core is designed so that when equipped with the specific intended bristles with a particular scraper and / or a particular bottleneck cooperates within the meaning of the above condition. In the course of all this, it must, of course, be taken into account that the applicators according to the invention are usually disposable articles for hygienic reasons. In view of this, it may be sufficient if the bristles bear no visible damage during the intended service life.

It may be expedient to inject the core 2 from a more elastic first plastic and the bristles from a comparatively more rigid second plastic. It is particularly advantageous in some cases when the first plastic is a soft elastic or rubber-elastic plastic. A core, which consists at least predominantly of such a plastic, can already be deformed by relatively small forces in the manner according to the invention when passing through the scraper and / or the bottle neck. As a result, the bristles can be "spared" - because the core is resilient after even before the forces that occur when passing through the scraper and / or the bottleneck, critical for the bristles.

As an alternative to the single-component production of such an applicator, it is also possible to proceed in the production of such an applicator in such a way that first a core is injected, for example a core with a C-shaped cross-section in the area of the later bristle facing. In a second injection molding step, a second plastic is sprayed on the outside of the C-shaped core. This forms the bristles. The second plastic preferably completely surrounds the core of the first plastic. With a suitable choice of the process parameters, the first and the second weld Plastic over the entire surface. A general prescription on how to choose the process parameters for such welding can be used here because of the strong

Individual case dependency can not be given, but the process parameters to be set in the specific case can, as soon as one knows what to look for, be determined by experiments which are usual in the field.

As already indicated, the applicator according to the invention can of course also be produced in a single-substance and in a single injection-molding step. It must then be taken to make the core sufficiently thin-walled, so that it, even if he does not use a soft elastic plastic, the spring effect of the invention folds - the wall thickness then, however, must be designed so that the core also on his highly stressed point under no circumstances collapses and thereby deprived of its spring action in whole or in part for the future.

In order to improve the spring effect, it may be useful to provide the core in the form of the tube with one or more in the direction of the longitudinal axis substantially continuously present thin points, which preferably form a hinge-like region, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 show.

The second embodiment of the invention can best be explained with reference to FIG. 7. The comments made for the first embodiment apply equally to this embodiment, unless otherwise determined from the different cross-sectional shape possessed by the core of this embodiment. Not least, the above statements on the nature of the bristle stock, the design of the bristles, for the production of the core and its bristles and the comments on the vote of the bristles on the core also apply to this embodiment.

The core 2 consists in this embodiment of a substantially non-deformable central body 8 and a plurality, preferably two outwardly projecting legs 3a, 3b. The legs extend in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis L, preferably over the entire applicator area, that is, over the entire area occupied with bristles. Each of the legs is only on one side with the central portion 8 in connection and thus is in the manner of a cantilever or a wing from the central portion. The legs themselves have no direct connection with the coupling portion 5, since such a direct connection would hinder their mobility. The legs form with the central portion a V-shaped, acute-angled gap 9, can be stored in the cosmetic mass, which is partially expelled when pulling out of the applicator by the scraper and / or the bottle neck to the outside and then is available in the vicinity of the bristle trim.

Each of the legs 3a, 3b carries on its outside a bristle trim.

Particularly preferably, the legs 3a, 3b and the central portion 8 of the core 2 form an S-shaped cross-section. This is ideally characterized by the fact that the legs 3, 3b and the central portion on the outside pass smoothly into one another and together form a convex outer surface which is continuously occupied by bristles. In this way, both the central portion 8 and the legs 3a, 3b bear bristles 6. Thus, a particularly large bristle field is provided, which substantially improves the application properties of the applicator.

The legs 3a, 3b are articulated as such in themselves so elastically and / or elastically on the central section 8 that the legs 3a, 3b can shift in the direction of the arrows P, that is towards the central section 8 of the core 2, so that the diameter of the core and thus also the core area occupied by the cross-sectional area Q decreases overall, cf. Fig. 8, the arrows P indicate this fact. Here, the cross-sectional area Q, which is stressed by a core, is also understood to mean the area which encloses the imaginary rope line of a rope, which is wound around the core on the outside. According to the invention, the wall thickness, the material and / or the articulation of the legs 3a, 3b at the central region are selected such that the displacement of the legs just described by itself under the influence of forces adjusted, which are exerted by the scraper and / or the neck of the reservoir to the core as soon as the core is properly pulled out by the scraper or the container neck or is inserted in the reverse direction in the reservoir.

In many cases, the legs will have an at least substantially constant wall thickness throughout.

As already mentioned above, in other cases, legs are used which receive a substantial part of their mobility in that they are articulated movably on the central section 8 - for instance by means of a hinge, ideally by means of a film hinge or via an intermediate piece Strip made of soft elastic plastic.

In the embodiment shown in particular of Fig. 7 and 8, a center solution has been selected. Although the legs are not hinged to the central portion 8 with a hinge, but their wall thickness decreases towards the central portion, so that they are the most resilient-yielding in the region of the largest bending moment.

The third embodiment of the invention can best be explained with reference to FIG. 13. What has been said for the first exemplary embodiment and that for the second exemplary embodiment for the articulation of the legs on the central region of the core applies equally to this exemplary embodiment, unless the different cross-sectional shape possessed by the core of this embodiment provides otherwise. Not least, the above statements on the nature of the bristle stock, the design of the bristles, for the production of the core and its bristles and the comments on the vote of the bristles on the core also apply to this embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, the core 2 consists of a substantially non-deformable central portion 8 and a plurality, preferably two outwardly projecting legs 3a, 3b. It is again the case that the legs extend in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis L, preferably over the entire length Applicator extend, that is, over the entire area occupied with bristles. The legs themselves have no direct connection with the coupling portion 5, since such a direct connection would hinder their mobility.

Each of the legs 3a, 3b carries on its outside a bristle trim. Preferably, each of the legs on its outer side, from which the bristles 6 project, flat or only slightly curved with a radius of curvature R> 10 mm, better still R> 25 mm. In this way, two separate, flat or only slightly curved bristle fields can be provided, resulting in extraordinary order or

Achieve combing properties. For the bristle arrangement of the bristle fields the entry applies.

Particularly preferably, the legs 3a, 3b and the central portion 8 of the core 2 form a Z-shaped cross section.

Although not mandatory, it is within the scope of this embodiment to make the legs so that their thickness Di is greatest in the region of their transition into the central portion 8 and decreases towards its free end. The flexibility of the legs required according to the invention is ensured by the fact that, viewed in absolute terms, its thickness D1 is selected to be sufficiently small and / or a correspondingly easily deformable plastic material is used for the legs. As an alternative, the attachment of the legs 3a, 3b to the central area with the aid of a hinge, in particular a living hinge, is not conceivable here. Ideally, the legs 3a, 3b in this embodiment, where they pass into the central body 8, are provided with prongs 10, which form a comb which, for example, is used in the application after the application of the mascara to separate the eyelashes. The comb teeth are distinguished from the bristles by the fact that they are less flexible or even behave rigidly under the intended forces occurring during application. The prongs 10 are best seen in Fig. 13.

Preferably, each leg carries at its seen in the circumferential direction free end comb teeth 10 ', which are in a row and so to form a comb. These comb teeth may be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the first mentioned comb teeth.

Also claimed is the use of the cosmetic applicators described in this description and the associated claims as mascara applicators whose bristle field has a maximum extension of 30 mm in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and a maximum outside diameter of 15 mm, better still of only 12 mm.

Finally, it should be noted that regardless of the claims set out in the general protection is claimed for an applicator with a core and outwardly projecting bristles, the core is at least partially so elastic that the stressed by the core cross-sectional area when passing the scraper and / or the bottleneck of the Kosmetikvorratsbehälters associated with the cosmetics applicator reversibly reduced under the influence of the force exerted by the scraper and / or the bottleneck forces.

Before further variants or exemplary embodiments are described, it should generally be stated with regard to all applicators disclosed by this description that the applicators according to the invention are preferably used as mascara applicators. Their external dimensions, which are usually 15 to 30 mm in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the applicator, are then correspondingly small, at most 40 mm. The maximum diameter is usually less than 20 mm.

The exact embodiment of a further embodiment of an applicator according to the invention can best be seen with reference to FIG. 18.

It is anticipated that this and the further embodiments described below need not necessarily be designed so that the cross-sectional area stressed by the core is reversible when passing the scraper and / or the bottle neck under the influence of the forces exerted by the scraper and / or the bottle neck Moved towards the central region of the core - even if a corresponding embodiment of the applicator, or the claimed overall system from Applicator, reservoir and scraper is advantageous and therefore will be encountered in most cases.

The applicator 1 forming this embodiment consists of a core 2, which usually merges into a coupling piece 5 (compare FIGS. 19 and 20), which serves for fastening the applicator to a handle (not shown). The stem goes in turn in a handle, also not shown.

The core 2 consists of a under the influence of the forces usually occurring in the application substantially undeformable, or only marginally deformable, usually designed as a solid cross-sectional central body 8. This forms, so to speak, the backbone of the applicator and preferably extends over the entire or at least predominant length of the bristle facing parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator in the sense defined above.

From the outer periphery of the central body 8 are bristles, so that the central body 8 independently forms a brush. In addition, the core consists of at least one, more preferably several outwardly projecting from the central body 8 legs 3a, 3b. Preferably, each of the legs is designed so that it also forms a brush, that carries a plurality of bristles. The cross-sectional area of the central body 8, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator, is greater than the corresponding cross-sectional area of a leg 3a, 3b, preferably at least by a factor of 3. Preferably, the major part of the applicator 1 is provided by the central body 8, the legs 3a, 3b are then only an appendage of the central body. 8

Each of the legs 3a, 3b may be so elastic in itself that as a whole it is a kind of cantilevered leaf spring, and due to that it is correspondingly movable.

However, it is preferred that each leg 3a, 3b by means of a

Thin spot 11, or with the aid of a film hinge as a whole on the

Central body 8 is articulated movable. The articulation is preferably designed such that the respective leg 3a,

3b almost as a whole in the direction of the arrow P, ie in the direction to the central body 8, the core 2, can shift (see Fig. 21). Hereby, the diameter of the core (and thus also the total cross-sectional area Q claimed by the core) can be reduced in a particularly effective manner, as the direct comparison of FIGS. 21 and 22 makes clear Although another, later to be explained in more detail embodiment, whose mobility, however, with that of the discussed here

Embodiment is identical. Here, too, the cross-sectional area Q, which is stressed by a core, is understood to mean the area which encloses the imaginary rope line of a rope, which is wound around the core, bypassing the bristles.

As best seen with reference to FIG. 18, the central body 8 in this first embodiment consists of a tube 12, which is shown in black colored in the cross section shown in FIG.

The tube 12 is made of a first plastic material and it is initially hollow in the course of the preparation of the applicator. The tube 12 is filled by the second plastic material that has been injected into the tube during manufacture. The two plastic materials are welded where they meet. Preferably, the second plastic material is more flexible, or more elastic, than the first plastic material.

The production is preferably carried out so that first the tube 12 is made with a completely self-contained tube shell.

For the next injection molding step, the tube 12 is in an injection mold. This forms on the outer circumference of the tube 12 a plurality of first mold cavities and for each trainees leg a second, the respective tavern 13 a, and 3b and its bristles 6 forming mold cavity.

Now spray the second plastic mass under high pressure (i.

R. More than 500 bar, preferably more than 1,000 bar) into the interior of the tube 12, then the second plastic mass fills the interior of the tube 12 from. Then she makes her way through the pipe wall in the outside behind lying first and second (n) mold cavities. As a result, on the outer circumference of the tube 12, preferably bristles 6 made of the second plastic projecting substantially radially outwards are formed. In the same way, the leg (s) 3, together with the plurality of respective bristles 6 projecting from them, are formed, which likewise consist of the second plastic. This can also be seen in Fig. 18, which shows on the basis of those bristles 6, which lie in the cutting plane, as the wall of the tube 12 has been locally broken. The fact that the wall of the tube 12 has been broken through where the legs 3a and 3b are articulated, can be seen well with reference to FIG. 18.

In the course of the so expiring production, the tube 12 is thus provided with first openings through which the bristles are in communication with the plastic body, which fills the interior of the tube 12. In the same way, the tube 12 is provided per leg with at least one second opening, through which the legs 3a, 3b is in communication with the plastic body, which fills the interior of the tube 12.

As a modification, which does not abandon the idea of the invention, the tube 12 can also be provided from the outset with the second opening (s), so that the second plastic mass does not depend on itself for the purpose of shooting into the cavity forming the wing Path through the wall of the pipe.

The tube 12 of the first, stronger plastic very easily gives the applicator the necessary resistance to bending moments acting around the applicator longitudinal axis and trying to bend the central body 8 of the core like a rod. The second, less rigid plastic gives the bristles 6 and the at least one leg their required flexibility.

The legs 3a, 3b preferably each have a strip-like shape, which usually has two large side surfaces, two small side surfaces and two smaller end surfaces each, wherein the attachment of the respective leg to the central body 8 along one of the two small side surfaces of the leg or along an edge between a small and a large side surface of the leg takes place. It can therefore be said that each leg protrudes in the manner of a wing from the central portion, wherein the wing and the central portion extend parallel to each other.

The cross section of a leg 3a, or 3b perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator is preferably rectangular or wedge-shaped, so that the leg tapers towards its narrow side facing away from the central portion.

In the embodiment described here, the legs 3a, 3b outside of their thin spot 11 are preferably substantially rigid in itself.

The legs 3a, 3b extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the applicator, preferably over the entire applicator region, d. H. over the entire bristle-occupied area.

Preferably, the bristles are arranged on the side facing away from the central body 8 side of the leg so that their bristle axes diverge in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator. Thus, the bristle tips of adjacent bristles are farther apart than the bristle roots. Ideally, even that small side surface, which is the side surface above or along which the leg is hinged to the central body 8, diametrically opposite, a bristle stocking or the shape of a comb.

The legs 3a, 3b themselves have no direct connection with the coupling portion 5, since such a direct connection would hinder their mobility.

The legs 3a, 3b form with the central body 8 preferably a V-shaped or acute-angled gap 9, can be stored in the cosmetic mass, the withdrawal of the applicator by the scraper and / or the bottleneck partially to the outside is pushed out and then available in the vicinity of the bristle trim.

The central body 8 carries on its outer side preferably at least 80 bristles 6. Each of the legs carries on its outside a bristle stocking of a plurality of bristles 6, namely ideally at least 40 bristles.

The central portion may have a round or, better, a polygonal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. Most effective is its interaction with the legs, however, if it gives him a lemon-like cross-section, ideally so that each leg can create when high forces against a only slightly curved or even straight peripheral portion of the central body 8, the rule itself no bristles having. For the sake of completeness it should be said that it is alternatively also possible first to spray a central body and then, in a second step, to spray on the central body its bristles fastened directly to it and / or the legs with their bristles so that the ( preferably used for this other) plastic mass welded to the central body.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a further embodiment of the applicator according to the invention. This further embodiment of the invention differs from the embodiment just described only in that it is a so-called 1-K applicator, which is made of a single plastic, and usually in a single shot, by injection molding.

Due to this, all descriptions of the preceding embodiment apply to this further embodiment in the same way, with the exception of the statements that arise in the previous embodiment from the presence of the tube 12 and relate to the peculiarities caused thereby.

FIG. 22 once again illustrates the mobility of the legs 3a, 3b, which has already been mentioned in the context of the description of the preceding exemplary embodiment. Figs. 23 to 27 show another embodiment of the invention. Also applies to this further embodiment, the above for the vorvorherige embodiment said mutatis mutandis, as far as not otherwise results from the differences described below.

In the production of this embodiment, in turn, a tube 12 is produced in a first step, the i. d. R. integrally into a coupling section 5, which also serves the already described purpose. This tube looks like Fig. 23 illustrates.

The tube 12 used for this embodiment preferably has a diamond-shaped cross-section. It is expediently made of a first plastic.

In any case, this tube 12 differs from the tube 12 used for the above embodiment in that it has from the outset of the material of the tube existing prongs 10 ', which form a comb (comb teeth). If the tube 12 is diamond-shaped, the comb teeth are preferably formed at one or both acute-angled ends of the tube 12.

Then, in this exemplary embodiment as well, the procedure is preferably such that the initially hollow inner region of the tube 12 is sprayed with a second plastic. Here, the second plastic breaks through in the manner already described, the wall of the tube, at least locally, at one or more locations. He can thereby einschießen in the mold cavity, which lies behind the outer circumference of the tube and which forms the respective wing and its bristle row, or its bristle field, which preferably consists of several parallel in the direction of the Applikatorlängsachse rows of bristles 6. It is particularly preferred if a wing at its end remote from the central body 8 forms a number of further comb teeth 10 ', as can be seen with reference to FIG.

Alternatively, the wall of the tube from the outset with one or more holes, or openings are provided through which the second plastic material can enter into each of the wing and its bristles forming cavity, as already described in connection with the first use a tube 12 using embodiment.

Preferably, also in this embodiment, the second plastic is a plastic that is more elastic than the first plastic, as already described above.

In this way, one obtains the applicator whose view from the front of FIG. 23 shows. From the main body here are two legs from which preferably include an acute-angled gap with the body.

It can be clearly seen from FIG. 23 that, also in this exemplary embodiment, each of the legs 3a, 3b is provided with a thin spot 11 which forms a kind of hinge around each of the legs, under the influence of the application occurring during the application Forces, towards the central body 8 can shift. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 24, the thin spot 11 extends, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator, along the entire respective legs 3a, 3b.

Finally, it can be summed up that a cosmetic applicator with a core and bristles protruding outwards is proposed, which is characterized in that the core is at least partially flexurally elastic such that the cross-sectional area claimed by the core passes through the scraper and / or the neck the cosmetics reservoir associated with the cosmetic applicator is reversibly reduced under the influence of the forces exerted by the scraper and / or the neck of the cosmetic reservoir on the core forces. Thus, an applicator is provided which has a core which as such (not only its bristles) at least partially yields, so that its overall diameter decreases, while the core is pulled through the wiper and or the neck of the cosmetic reservoir. Preferably, it is such that the core is folded when passing the scraper and / or the neck of the bottle, and immediately after passing through the Scraper and / or the bottleneck unfolds again to its original size. For this purpose, independent protection is claimed, regardless of the original claims.

The core is designed so that it folds, even before the force applied by the scraper and / or bottleneck when pulling / pushing back on the applicator forces are so large that the bristles threaten to take damage.

In this way, applicators can be built with a core having an enlarged diameter, without at the same time also a new reservoir and / or a new scraper must be provided, both of which have an equally enlarged diameter.

Independent protection is claimed for a cosmetic applicator consisting of a slotted tube, as shown in Figs. 1-4, and having one or more design details as described above for this type of applicator and which is only intended to be understood by those skilled in the art Applicators of this type heretofore described differ that its slotted tube does not deform or substantially deform under the influence of the forces involved in the application, including withdrawal from the reservoir.

Independent protection is claimed for a cosmetic applicator consisting of a central body 9 with legs (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) projecting therefrom, as shown in Figs. 7 to 27 and having one or more construction details as above have been described for this type of applicator and that only differs from the applicators of this type described so far, that its legs under the influence of the forces occurring in the application including the withdrawal from the reservoir not or not substantially move (ie apart from the each body inherent certain elastic deformation under load of less than 5/10 mm). LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 applicator

2 core

3a thigh

3b thighs

4 slot

5 coupling section

6 bristles

7 end faces that bordered the slot

8 central body of the core

9 V-shaped gap

10 prongs

10 'prongs

11 thin spot

12 pipe

L longitudinal axis applicator

LB longitudinal axis bristle

LA deflection

D diameter core

Q Cross-sectional area occupied by the core

P arrows that indicate the shift of thighs

S rope line

W wall thickness of the legs

Claims

claims

1. Cosmetic applicator (1) with a application organs in the form of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (10, 10 ') supporting the core (2), wherein the core (2) comprises a central body (8), which itself with a A plurality of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (10 ') projecting directly outwards are occupied, characterized in that the core (2) moreover comprises at least one leg (3a, 3b) projecting outwardly from the central body (4) , 3c, 3d) which in turn is occupied by a plurality of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (10) and which is movable relative to the central body (8).

2. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 1 with a core (2) and outwardly projecting bristles (6), characterized in that the core (2) is formed by a slotted tube or consists of a rod-shaped central body (8), protruding from the at least one leg (3a, 3b) and the core is at least partially flexurally elastic, that the cross-sectional area claimed by the core when passing the scraper and / or the bottleneck of the Kosmetikvorratsbehälters associated with the cosmetic applicator under the influence of the scraper and / or the forces exerted on the bottleneck of the cosmetic reservoir automatically reversibly reduced forces;

3. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod-shaped central body (8) projecting leg (3a, 3b) occupied with bristles and which is so elastic that it is under the influence of the scraper and / or Bottleneck of the cosmetics reservoir displaced forces reversibly towards the central region of the core displaced;

4. cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (2) has a U-shaped, egg ^¬ shaped, S-shaped or Z-shaped cross-section;

5. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one leg (3a, 3b) is articulated with a film hinge to the rest of the core (9), or the central body (8);

6. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (9) and / or the at least one leg (3a, 3b) consist of plastic, wherein the plastic is preferably a plastic, which has a lower hardness and / or higher elasticity than the plastic of the bristles (6), and ideally a soft elastic plastic for the core (9) and / or the at least one leg (3a, 3b) is used.

7. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (9) and its bristles (6) are injection-molded together in one operation from the same material.

8. cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristles (6) made of a different material than the core (9), which is preferably subsequently sprayed from the outside on the core (9) and thereby intimately with him connected, preferably "welded" has been;

9. cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristles (6) consist of a second plastic which is injected into the first plastic of the core (9) and / or the legs (3a, 3b).

10. cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the central body (8) consists of a tube (12) made of the first plastic, which is filled inside with the second plastic.

11. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the tube (12) has first openings, which are penetrated by the central body (8) filling second plastic, on the outside of the tube (12) bristles ( 6).

12. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 9 to 11, characterized in that the tube (12) has at least one second opening which is penetrated by the tube (12) filling second plastic, which on the outside of the tube (12) a leg (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) forms.

13. cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (2) forms a central portion (4), protrude from the plurality of legs (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to the outside, preferably in such a star shape, that all legs in the unloaded state relative to each other have the same distance.

14. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preferably each leg (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) has the form of a one-sided hinged preferably solid bar, extending in the direction parallel to the applicator longitudinal axis (L) along the majority and preferably along the entire central body (8) extends, without the coupling portion.

15. Cosmetic applicator (1) with a the application organs in the form of bristles and / or comb teeth supporting core (2), wherein the core (2) comprises a central body (8), even with a plurality of directly projecting outwardly from him bristles ( 6) and / or comb teeth (10 ^Λ ) is occupied, characterized in that the core (2) beyond at least one of the central body (4) outwardly projecting legs (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), which in turn is occupied by a plurality of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (10) and which is substantially or completely immobile relative to the central body (8).

16. System comprising an applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, a cosmetic container and a scraper attached thereto, characterized in that the scraper and the applicator (1) are coordinated with each other so that the applicator (1) when pulling and / or pushing is collapsed.