EP2959798A1 - Applicator with slotted pipe and notching - Google Patents

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator (1) having a core (2) carrying the application organs in the form of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (10, 10 '), the core (2) being formed by a slotted tube having bristles on its outer circumferential surface and / or comb teeth is occupied, and the slotted tube has at least one in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube extending weakening groove (8), which facilitates the curling of the tube under the influence of externally applied to the tube forces or the expansion of the tube by means of a in him arranged eccentric.

Description

The invention relates to an applicator according to the preamble of the respective main claim. These are, in particular, applicators for applying a cosmetic preferably in the form of mascara.

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 independent of which diameter of the available scraper and / or which diameter of the neck of the available cosmetic storage container has and whose adaptability to the respective one Abstreiferdurchmesser is even more improved or its handling is further improved.

The solution of this task is carried out by a cosmetic applicator with a the application organs in the form of bristles and / or comb teeth bearing core. The core according to the invention is formed by a slotted tube, which is occupied on its outer peripheral surface with bristles and / or comb teeth. The slotted tube has at least one weakening groove extending in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which facilitates the curling of the tube under the influence of forces acting on the tube from the outside.

A weakening groove is preferably not understood to mean any depression in the inner peripheral surface of the tube. Deepening that does not bring about a practically relevant weakening is irrelevant. A depression in the sense of the invention is preferably understood to mean a recess which has a sufficient depth to locally weaken the wall of the slotted tube to the extent that the amount of local deformation under a given force is at least 25%, better still at least 40%. increases.

In any case, a weakening groove running parallel to the longitudinal axis is understood to mean a groove which, except for angular tolerances of +/- 1.5 °, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator or of the slotted core. By way of exception, larger parallelism deviations of +/- 6 ° are permissible, but this is not preferred.

The at least one weakening groove according to the invention makes it possible to selectively influence the folding behavior or the tendency of the applicator to curl when passing through the container neck or the wiper. At the same time, the Weakening groove may even be used to destabilize the slotted tube locally so that the applicator can be deformed elastically within the scope of the intended application, which surprisingly brings a novel, with the subjects broad acceptance finding order behavior with it.

Preferably, at least two, ideally even three, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of weakening, with which the deformation behavior of the slotted tube can be particularly favorably influenced. Ideally, the weakening grooves are dimensioned and distributed along the circumference of the slotted tube such that the radius of curvature of the slotted tube is no longer constant after being rolled up, but locally different. As a result, after removal of the bristle stock carried by the outer circumference of the slotted tube, areas of different striated areas are found, which increases the variability of the order in a very attractive manner, since the applicator only has to be turned back and forth to apply more mass and to comb less strongly or the other way around.

For the same reason, it is particularly favorable if two weakening grooves lie substantially diametrically opposite the tube circumference with respect to the imaginary central longitudinal axis of the tube. The latter is the case when the weakening, based on the circumference of the slotted tube, an angle of 90 ° +/- 15 ° and better maintain an angle of 90 ° +/- 5 °.

Ideally, the weakening grooves are facing each other such that they separate two wing-like pipe sections from the rest of the pipe, one of which is the mirror image of the other and which are otherwise identical.

In connection with the other features described in the context of this disclosure, but also on its own, independently, protection for a cosmetic applicator is claimed, which is equipped with a application organs in the form of bristles and / or comb teeth supporting core, the core by a slotted tube is formed, which is occupied on its outer peripheral surface with bristles and / or comb teeth, wherein along the hollow interior of the slotted tube, a further constituent of the core forming support core is formed along a part of its outer periphery integral in the inner periphery of the slotted tube passes.

It is particularly preferred if the slotted tube consists of a first plastic and the support core of a different, second plastic, wherein the first plastic is preferably more compliant than the second plastic. In this way, can be taken very well for an applicator, the slotted tube is particularly flexible in the circumferential direction, but at the same time in the direction of its longitudinal axis L is substantially rigid and thereby push very well through narrow scraper or container necks or pull leaves without the risk of undesirable buckling.

It is particularly advantageous if the first plastic, which forms the support core, a soft elastic plastic, a soft elastomer or a rubber-like plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, the two different plastics are processed or joined by overmolding. Such an overmolding leaves characteristic bodily marks on the resulting part. Due to the overmolding, the first and the second plastic are where they meet at the transition of the inner circumference of the slotted tube in the outer periphery of the support core, at least when viewed under the microscope in a typical overmolding manner welded or glued together, which is due to the fact that the plastic in a molten state on the at least partially solidified, other plastic has hit.

The cross section of the support core is usually chosen so that it is substantially smaller than the light section defined by the slotted tube to the outside. In most cases, the cross-section of the support core occupies less than 30% of the cross-sectional area bounded by the slotted tube.

A particular embodiment for which protection is claimed, in particular in isolation, independently of other protected embodiments, is characterized by a support core with a particularly large cross-section - the support core fills the cross-section bounded by the slotted tube almost completely, so that the outer peripheral surface of the support core preferably forms an annular gap with the inner peripheral surface of the slotted tube over an angle of more than 120 ° in the circumferential direction, wherein the annular gap in the radial direction preferably along the major part of its course in the circumferential direction a maximum gap height of 1 mm, better only 0.75 mm having.

Such an applicator can not curl up, but has an interesting flexibility in the radial direction, but not only but especially if at least one, preferably at least two weakening grooves are provided on the inner surface of the slotted tube.

In this embodiment, it may be provided that the support core extends through the slot of the tube.

Then it will usually be the case that the ends of the tube bounding the slot in the tube are supported directly against the support core under load and preferably already in the unloaded state.

In connection with the other features described in the context of this disclosure, but also by itself, independently, protection for a cosmetic applicator is claimed, which is equipped with a core 2 carrying the application organs in the form of bristles 6 and / or comb teeth 10, 10 ' , wherein the core 2 is formed by a slotted tube which is occupied on its outer peripheral surface with bristles and / or comb teeth, projecting from the inner peripheral surface and / or of a located inside the slotted tube support core bristles and / or comb teeth whose free Ends project through the slot of the slotted tube to the outside.

Further modes of action, advantages and design options of the applicators according to the invention will become apparent from the following with reference to figures described embodiments.

The FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in high magnification frontally from the front.

The FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment obliquely from above.

The FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment.

The FIG. 4 shows a view of the first embodiment exactly from above.

The FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in high magnification frontally from the front.

The FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment obliquely from above.

The FIG. 7 shows a side view of the second embodiment.

The FIG. 8 shows a view of the second embodiment exactly from above.

The FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in high magnification frontally from the front.

The FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment obliquely from above.

The FIG. 11 shows a side view of the third embodiment.

The FIG. 12 shows a view of the third embodiment exactly from above.

The FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in high magnification frontally from the front.

The FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the fourth embodiment obliquely from above.

The FIG. 15 shows a side view of the fourth embodiment.

The FIG. 16 shows a view of the fourth embodiment exactly from above.

The FIG. 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in high magnification frontally from the front.

The FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the fifth embodiment obliquely from above.

The FIG. 19 shows a side view of the fifth embodiment.

The FIG. 20 shows a view of the fifth embodiment exactly from above.

The Fig. 21 explains on the basis of an individual bristles details on bristle stocking of all embodiments.

The Fig. 22 shows a sixth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in high magnification frontally from the front, in a first adjustment position.

The Fig. 23 shows a sixth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in high magnification frontally from the front, in a second adjustment position.

The Fig. 24 shows the embodiment according to the FIGS. 22 and 23 in perspective view obliquely from above.

• Der Applikator 1 umfasst einen Kupplungsabschnitt 5 zum Befestigen eines Griffs und/oder Stiels und einen Kern 2, der auf seiner äußeren Umfangsfläche mit vorzugsweise spritzgegossenen Borsten 6 besetzt ist. Diese stehen zumeist in im Wesentlichen radialer Richtung nach außen ab. Der Kern ist als geschlitztes Rohr ausgeführt. Dieses Rohr besitzt eine Längsachse L um die herum das Rohr bevorzugt symmetrisch angeordnet ist, wenn man sich den Schlitz wegdenkt. Der Schlitz bzw. seine Ränder bzw. die ihn berandenden Stirnflächen 7 verlaufen zumeist parallel zur Längsachse L.

Before the parenthesis is drawn, the following can be said for the exemplary embodiments according to the invention:

• 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. The core is designed as a slotted tube. This tube has a longitudinal axis L around which the tube is preferably arranged symmetrically when thinking away from the slot. Of the Slit or its edges or the end surfaces 7 bordering it run mostly parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

Preferably, also bear the end faces 7 of the tube, which at the same time to be explained in more detail slot 4, which interrupts the peripheral surface of the tube, bristles 6. Ideally, a plurality of rows of longitudinally successive bristles are attached to each of said end faces 7. For some applications, it may be particularly advantageous if the bristles protrude with at least one of the rows of bristles at the respective end face 7 in the region of the slot 4, ideally so that in spite of the slot 4 in the circumferential direction substantially self-contained bristle field results.

Ideally, the end faces 7 are rounded. The Fig. 1 illustrates this. The radius of curvature of the rounding ideally corresponds to about half the wall thickness of the tube that forms 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 lines applied to its lateral surface close to the longitudinal axis LB preferably an angle α, which is between 0.5 ° and 3 °, see. Fig. 21 ,

Each of the bristles is preferably so flexible that its tip can be reversibly deflected by a distance LA, which preferably corresponds to at least 4 times, more preferably at least 6 times the maximum bristle diameter, the measured above the fillet, with which the bristle root merges into the core, cf. also Fig. 21

The length L a of a bristle is preferably between 0.4 and 1.3 mm.

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 advantageous if the slot in the circumferential direction about 1/8 to 1/3 better only 1/8 to 1/4 of the circumference of the tube occupies, mentally starting 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, the tube with the cross section of a slotted, hollow inside ellipse, a slotted, inside hollow oval or to provide the cross section of a U. In this way, an applicator can be easily 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 surroundings, generally forms a channel which receives a certain amount of the cosmetic to be applied. Preferably, the tube is additionally at its distal, d. H. the end face or the coupling portion 5 facing away from the front side open, 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 intended intended for deformation areas of the tube - which are those portions of the tube that are not directly connected 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 , Under the claimed by a core cross-sectional area Q is understood to mean the A surface that encloses the imaginary rope line of a rope, which one wraps around the core on the outside.

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 is properly pulled out by the scraper or the bottleneck or is 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. 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 D.

Ideally, outside the weakening grooves according to the invention, at least in the circumferential direction, but preferably everywhere outside the weakening grooves, the tube has a constant wall thickness, which is chosen so that the entire tube forms a spring in the circumferential direction. In this way, the easiest way to ensure a strong spring action. By "constant" one understands in a broader sense Deviations of the wall thickness of +/- 7.5%, in a narrower sense only tolerances +/- 2% are allowed.

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, ie. H. preferably such 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 to yield resiliently before the forces generated by the wiper and / or neck become so great 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 possibly be sufficient if the bristles do not cause any visible damage during the intended service life.

After these general explanations, one can now turn to the individual embodiments.

First embodiment

The FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment.

It can be clearly seen that the slotted tube has a total of three so-called weakening grooves on its inner circumference, cf. esp. Fig. 1 , Each of the weakening grooves preferably extends over the entire length of the inside of the tube, cf. Fig. 2 , The two slit grooves 8 adjacent to the slit 4 of the tube are approximately diametrically opposite, with respect to the imaginary central longitudinal axis of the slotted tube, cf. Fig. 1 , The third weakening groove is preferably at the lowest point of the slotted tube, if one thinks of the slit at the top of the tube. Under a weakening is preferably understood in the circumferential direction max. 3 mm better only max. 2 mm wide groove, which is buried in the surrounding inner surface of the slotted tube.

Preferably, the three weakening grooves 8 are each offset by approximately 90 ° along the circumference of the tube.

Each of the weakening grooves 8 preferably has a circular arcuate or U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

Ideally, each of the weakening grooves weakens the wall thickness of the slotted tube in the radial direction by at least 30%.

The wall region of the slotted tube remaining in the region of the weakening grooves thus becomes a kind of hinge, which considerably facilitates the curling of the tube under the influence of forces acting on the outside of the tube, such as, for example, a scraper. This does not mean that those wall portions of the slotted tube that lie in the circumferential direction next to the weakening grooves, not deform and do not contribute to curling. But it is preferably such that the overwhelming part of this "rolling in" is caused by the weakening grooves.

How to be good on the basis of FIGS. 2 and 3 can recognize, the slotted tube is at least in the region of its proximal, ie the handle, not shown facing end obliquely cut. This oblique gate of the tube causes the curling of the tube when pulling out of the applicator from the reservoir easier to initiate when the slotted tube meets with its slope SR on the bottleneck or scraper therein.

Second embodiment

The FIGS. 5 to 8 show a second embodiment.

The first and second embodiments are almost completely identical, so that what is said for the first embodiment also applies to this second embodiment.

The only difference between these two embodiments is that the second embodiment has a slotted tube, which is also in the region of its distal, d. H. the hand-facing away end not shown is cut obliquely, so front and rear has a slope SR. In this way, reintroducing the applicator into the reservoir through the scraper or bottleneck is a bit easier.

The second difference is that in the first embodiment, the slot-bordering end faces 7 are preferably not occupied with bristles, while the slot-bordering end faces 7 in this second embodiment preferably at least and ideally only have a number of aligned in the direction along the longitudinal axis L in alignment in a bristle.

The slotted tube forms left and right next to the slot 4 diametrically opposite weakening two legs. Preferably, it is such that these two legs approach each other under load, because the weakening 8 forms a kind of hinge in the broadest sense.

It is also easy to see how each of the two legs extending away from said central weakening groove is itself subdivided by at least one further weakening groove. In this way, each of the two legs forms a subsection which, under the influence of external z. B. by a bottleneck or scraper applied forces even further shifts inward, d. H. rolling in even more clearly

A characteristic of curling intended rope line 9, which is wrapped in the bristle spaces around the outer circumference of the slotted tube and the shorter, the more the applicator has curled or "folded".

Third embodiment

The FIGS. 9 to 12 show a third embodiment.

Insofar as nothing different arises from the following descriptions of the differences that this third exemplary embodiment has compared to the previous exemplary embodiments, what has been said for the previous exemplary embodiments also applies to this third exemplary embodiment.

This embodiment has only two weakening grooves 8, which are each executed and act exactly as has been described for the first two embodiments.

Preferably, it is also here that the weakening grooves 8 are diametrically opposed.

Preferably, at the already defined in the context of the first embodiment deepest point of the slotted tube of this applicator 1 is configured with a support core 10, which in this embodiment has the shape of a preferably cylindrical rod whose diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the slotted tube, so that the support core 10 preferably fills a maximum of 35% of the cross-sectional area that is bordered by the slotted tube, so that the intended rolling of the tube is not hindered. In this embodiment, the core 2 thus consists of the slotted tube and in addition from the support core.

The preferably cylindrical rod which forms the support core 10 merges into the inner circumference of the slotted tube at one point of its outer circumference and becomes one with the slotted tube, but this does not mean, as can be clearly seen from the figures, that the support core is completely absorbed in the slotted tube and, so to speak, only an element contained mentally in the slotted tube. The part of the circumference of the support core 10, which merges integrally into the slotted tube, corresponds approximately to an arc of 80-120 °. The support core 10 preferably extends at least over the majority of the length of the slotted tube along its longitudinal axis L. The majority of the surface of the support core is independent of and further inboard than the inner surface of the slotted tube.

Ideally, the support core 10 and the coupling portion 5 form an integral part of a single, first plastic part. Usually they are sprayed in one shot. This is then injected with the slotted tube and the bristles 6, which has this on its outer circumference. The slotted tube and the bristles 6 are preferably made of a second, different type of plastic. As a rule, it will be the case that the second plastic is more easily deformable, softer and / or more elastic than the first plastic. In this way, it comes as it were to a division of labor - the support core 10 ensures sufficient stability during application, so that the applicator remains largely stiff along its longitudinal axis L and so, for example, no problems occur when the applicator pulled through a scraper should be, which sometimes requires a considerable effort. Compared with the support core, the slotted tube is yielding, so that the slotted tube can easily roll sufficiently circumferentially when passing through the scraper or bottleneck.

Noteworthy is the physical nature of the transition between the inner circumference of the slotted tube and the outer periphery of the support core 10. Due to the fact that the first and the second plastic have been connected by an overmolding, arises in the region of this transition, a welding and / or bonding which, microscopically, is typical of a plastic in a molten state and under pressure has impacted on another plastic that was already at least partially solidified.

Fourth embodiment

The FIGS. 13 to 16 show a fourth embodiment, which basically corresponds to the third embodiment, so that what is said there also applies to this fourth embodiment, including the design details which have been described for the first and second embodiments and which are also apparent here.

Again, it can be clearly seen that in this embodiment, too, only two weakening grooves 8 are provided, which in their design and function correspond to those weakening grooves 8 which have been described in the context of the first and second embodiments.

However, the support core 10 is not designed here as a cylindrical rod, but as a bar with a preferably rectangular cross-section. This bar is, similar to the rod-like support core of the previous embodiment, preferably connected with its entire proximal end face to the coupling portion 5, which is best understood from the FIG. 14 sees. Here too, the strip extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis over the predominant part of the length of the slotted tube, here even over the entire length.

Again, it is true that the support core 10 in the form of the strip is an existing of a first plastic, integral part with the coupling portion 5. Particularly preferably, the strip is provided with at least one row, preferably of bristles and / or comb teeth 11 arranged one behind the other in alignment. These comb teeth 11 protrude through the slot 4 in the slotted tube to the outside, so far that they can develop their meshing function. The distance of the comb teeth 11 in the direction along the longitudinal axis L is preferably selected so that it is smaller than the foot diameter of the comb teeth. The comb teeth 11 are preferably designed conical. There is sufficient clearance between the comb teeth and the end faces 7 that border the slot to ensure that the slotted tube can roll in as it passes through the bottle neck and / or scraper.

It should be emphasized only that such comb teeth 11 of course not only can be present when the support core has a square or rectangular cross-section. Instead, such comb teeth can also be attached to a support core with a cylindrical cross-section, as has been described in the context of the third embodiment.

Fifth embodiment

The FIGS. 17 to 20 show an embodiment with a very special support core.

This support core 10 shown in the Fig. 17 has a cross-section which is so large that it occupies almost the entire cross-section enclosed by the slotted tube. However, a gap S remains between the support core and the slotted tube, so that the slotted tube is still resilient, in particular in the radial direction, even though it can no longer curl in this exemplary embodiment, but can only spring in the radial direction - for which, however, the well-recognized weakening grooves 10 are useful, which are preferably mounted in this embodiment in the same number and distribution, as in the first embodiment.

The end faces 7, which border the slot of the slotted tube, are preferably based at least on their innermost edge against the support core, which protrudes through the slot, cf. Fig. 17 ,

Again, it is preferable that the slotted tube and the bristles 6 supported by it are made of a second, more flexible or more elastic and / or softer plastic and the support core 10 consists of a harder, the first plastic. It is particularly favorable in this embodiment, when it is a soft elastic or even a rubber-elastic plastic in the second plastic.

As can be seen, the support core 10 preferably has a teardrop or pear-shaped cross-sectional shape.

The support core 10 can be occupied by bristles or comb teeth where it projects outwardly through the gap 7.

It is also noteworthy that the applicator in this embodiment can be equipped with a thickened portion 12 which adjoins the bristle facing in the proximal direction in the direction of the longitudinal axis and which is intended to interact with the wiper in a specific manner and in particular to avoid excessive stripping by imparting a minimum elongation to the scraper.

Sixth embodiment

The FIGS. 22 to 24 show an embodiment corresponding to the fifth embodiment. The difference is that the support core is rotatable. The statements made in connection with the fifth embodiment therefore also apply to this sixth embodiment, if does not force the rotation of the support core a different design.

As you can see, the support core 10 is now rotatably mounted in the thickened portion 12, see. FIG. 24 ,

In the region of the channel or the free space, which enclose the legs 3a, 3b between them, the support core 10 is designed such that it has the action of a rotatable eccentric. For this purpose, in its position in which it unfolds no wedge effect, it projects into the region of the slot which the legs 3a and 3b release outwardly between them, or through this slot to the outside.

Twisting now the support core 10 from his from FIG. 22 shown neutral position to the left or right, approximately in the of FIG. 23 shown position, then he pushes due to its eccentricity the respective leg 3a or 3b to the outside.

As a result, the bristle distance and thus the application behavior change in the affected area. Because of this, novel effects can be achieved which are not possible with hitherto known applicators.

It is also particularly favorable here if the support core 10 consists of a harder or a less flexible material than the legs 3a and 3b, respectively. These are preferably at least partially made of a soft elastic or even a rubber-elastic material.

Here, too, the at least one slot 4, which reduces the forces that have to be applied for adjusting via the support core 10, has a very advantageous effect.

It is particularly useful if at least one slot 4 is designed so that the support core can engage in him and no longer automatically withdraws from his FIG. 23 Turned back position shown in the of FIG. 22 shown position. In this way, the user can provide an applicator with a different application behavior by unique and not permanently sustained by the user effort.

• Kosmetikapplikator 1 mit einem die Applikationsorgane in Gestalt von Borsten 6 und/oder Kammzinken 10,10' tragenden Kern 2, wobei der die Borsten/Kammzinken tragende Kern 2 durch ein geschlitztes Rohr gebildet wird, das auf seiner Außenumfangsfläche mit Borsten und/oder Kammzinken besetzt ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem geschlitzten Rohr ein Exzenter angeordnet ist, der in Abhängigkeit von seiner Verdrehposition das Rohr nach außen aufspreizt oder nicht oder, besonders bevorzugt, das Rohr stärker nach außen aufspreizt und weniger nach außen aufspreizt.

Quite generally and in summary, in particular, independent protection is claimed for a cosmetic applicator having the following features:

• Cosmetic applicator 1 with a core 2 carrying the application organs in the form of bristles 6 and / or comb teeth 10, 10 ', wherein the core 2 carrying the bristles / comb teeth is formed by a slotted tube which occupies on its outer peripheral surface with bristles and / or comb teeth is, characterized in that in the slotted tube an eccentric is arranged, which spreads the tube depending on its rotational position to the outside or not or, more preferably, the pipe spreads more outwards and spreads less to the outside.

It is particularly favorable if the eccentric can be blocked in a position in which it spreads the tube.

Ideally, the slotted tube carries in the direction parallel to its longitudinal axis extending grooves which weaken the tube and thereby facilitate its deformation by the eccentric.

It can be provided to attach the grooves on the inside and in such a way that the eccentric can engage in it.

It is particularly advantageous if the eccentric is made of a harder or less elastic material, such as the slotted tube.

For all exemplary embodiments described here, it is optional that the slotted tube can advantageously be sprayed in two-component form. Ideally, then, the portion forming its inner peripheral surface is formed of a harder plastic material, while the portion forming its outer peripheral surface is made of a softer plastic material, which ideally integrally forms the bristles / comb teeth with.

In particular, completely independent of other claims, protection is claimed for a cosmetic applicator having a core carrying the application organs in the form of bristles and / or comb teeth 11, the core being formed by a slotted tube and optionally additionally a support core 10, and Pipe is occupied on its outer peripheral surface with bristles 6 and / or comb teeth 11, projecting from the inner peripheral surface and / or of a located inside the slotted tube support core 10 bristles 6 and / or comb teeth 11, whose free ends through the slot of the slotted tube through to the outside.

In particular, is claimed, regardless of other claims, protection for a Kosmetikapplikator equipped with a application organs in the form of bristles 6 and / or comb teeth 11 supporting core 2, wherein the core 2 is formed by a slotted tube, which on its Outer circumferential surface is occupied by bristles 6 and / or comb teeth 11, wherein in the slotted tube, a support core 10 is arranged such that between the outer periphery of the support core 10 and the inner circumference of the slotted tube, a partial annular gap S is formed and wherein the slotted tube is preferably at least has a weakening groove 8 extending in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the tube.

In particular, protection for a cosmetic applicator is also claimed, completely independent of other claims, which has a core and outwardly projecting bristles 6 and which is characterized in that the core is formed by a slotted tube or consists of a rod-shaped central body protrudes from the at least one leg and the core is at least partially such a bending elastic that the stressed by the core cross-sectional area when passing the scraper and / or the bottleneck of the Kosmetikapplikator associated Kosmetikvorratsbehälters under the influence of the force exerted by the scraper and / or the bottle neck of the cosmetic container forces automatically reversibly reduced.

The embodiment mentioned in the last paragraph can be refined in that the leg projecting from the rod-shaped central body is filled with bristles and is elastic in such a way that it reversibly reverses toward the central area under the influence of the forces exerted by the wiper and / or the bottle neck of the cosmetic storage container of the core.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

applicator

2

core

3a

leg

3b

leg

4

slot

5

coupling section

6

bristles

7

End faces that bordered the slot

8th

weakening

9

Rope line (thought)

10

supporting core

11

comb teeth

12

Thickened section

L

Longitudinal axis applicator

LB

Longitudinal axis bristle

LA

deflection

D

Diameter core

Q

Cross-sectional area occupied by the core

P

Arrows indicating the displacement of the thighs

S

Gap between support core and slotted tube

SR

slope

W

Wall thickness of the legs

Dmax

maximum bristle diameter

Len

bristle length

Claims (16)

Cosmetic applicator (1) having a core (2) carrying the application organs in the form of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (10, 10 '), the core (2) being formed by a slotted tube having bristles on its outer circumferential surface and / or comb teeth is occupied, and the slotted tube has at least one in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube extending weakening groove (8), which facilitates the curling of the tube under the influence of externally applied to the tube forces or the expansion of the tube by means of a in him arranged eccentric. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two weakening grooves (8) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis are present. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that two weakening grooves (8) with respect to the imaginary central longitudinal axis (L) of the tube are substantially diametrically opposed to the tube circumference. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 3, characterized in that the diametrically opposed weakening grooves (8) separate two wing-like tube sections from the rest of the tube, one of which is the mirror image of the other and which are otherwise identical. Cosmetic applicator, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, with a core (2) carrying the application organs in the form of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (10, 10 '), the core (2) being inserted through a slotted tube is formed, which is occupied on its outer peripheral surface with bristles and / or comb teeth, wherein along the hollow interior of the slotted tube, a further constituent of the core forming support core (10) is formed along a part of its circumference integrally in the inner periphery of the slotted tube passes. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 5, characterized in that the slotted tube of a first plastic and the support core (10) consists of a different, second plastic, wherein the first plastic is preferably more compliant than the second plastic. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that the first plastic is a soft elastic plastic, a soft elastomer or a rubber-like plastic. Cosmetic applicator according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first and the second plastic, where they meet at the transition of the inner periphery of the slotted tube in the outer periphery of the support core (10), form a weld and / or bonding, as characterized arises that the one plastic in molten state has impacted the at least partially solidified, other plastic. Cosmetic applicator according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the outer peripheral surface of the support core (10) preferably forms an annular gap with the inner peripheral surface of the slotted tube over an angle of more than 120 ° in the circumferential direction. Cosmetic applicator according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the support core (10) extends through the slot of the tube. Cosmetic applicator according to one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the ends of the tube delimiting the slot in the tube are supported directly against the support core (10) under load and preferably already in the unloaded state. Cosmetic applicator according to one of the preceding claims, having a core (2) carrying the application organs in the form of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (11), the core (2) being formed by a slotted tube and optionally additionally a support core (10 ) is formed, which is occupied on its outer peripheral surface with bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (11), wherein from the inner peripheral surface and / or of a located inside the slotted tube support core (10) bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (11) protrude, the free ends of which project through the slot of the slotted tube to the outside. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a core (2) carrying the application organs in the form of bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (11), the core (2) being formed by a slotted tube resting on its core Outer peripheral surface with bristles (6) and / or comb teeth (11) is occupied, wherein in the slotted tube, a support core (10) is arranged such that between the outer periphery of the support core (10) and the inner circumference of the slotted tube, a partial annular gap (S ) and wherein the slotted tube is preferably at least one parallel to the direction Having longitudinal axis (L) of the tube extending weakening groove (8). Cosmetic applicator (1) with a core (2) and outwardly projecting bristles (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (2) is formed by a slotted tube or consists of a rod-shaped central body, of which at least one leg protrudes and the core is at least partially flexurally elastic in such a way that the cross-sectional area claimed by the core passes automatically when passing the scraper and / or the neck of the cosmetic applicator reservoir under the influence of the forces exerted by the scraper and / or the bottle neck of the cosmetic reservoir reversibly reduced; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the protruding from the rod-shaped central body leg is filled with bristles and which is so elastic that it reversibly under the influence of the force exerted by the scraper and / or the neck of the cosmetic reservoir reservoir forces in the direction of Central area of the core relocated; Cosmetic applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the slotted tube, a rotatable support core is arranged, which is designed so that with its help, the tube can expand outwards.

Images