KR20030085482A - Device for application of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, covered with flocking of different types of fibres - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator, comprising a holder (41) and a stem (40) with a tip (10) that is inserted in a product (P) to be applied, has the tip covered with flocked fibres of at least two different materials, forming irregularities that are visible to the naked eye and/or perceptible to the touch. The applicator, comprising a holder (41) and a stem (40) with a tip (10) that is inserted in a product (P) to be applied, has the tip covered with flocked fibres of at least two different materials, forming irregularities that are visible to the naked eye and/or perceptible to the touch. The fibre mixture contains preferably 10 - 90 per cent of one type, which can be of a polymer, cotton or cellulose and have cross-sections with a wide range of configurations, from geometrical shapes to letters of the alphabet, between 0.01 and 3 mm long and 0.01 - 0.6 mm in diameter.

Description

DEVICE FOR APPLICATION OF A PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR A COSMETIC PRODUCT, COVERED WITH FLOCKING OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIBRES}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic, comprising a flocked application surface.

In the field of make-up, it is common to use applicators that include a flocked application surface and in particular for applying mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss and the like. All such applicators are generally covered with one type of fiber, the properties of which are selected depending on the function of the product used.

However, applicators covered with flocs with a single type of fiber have a number of disadvantages. On the one hand, because the fibers of the flock are identical, the fibers form a relatively uniform application surface. Moreover, because the fibers are planted in close proximity to each other, no space is formed between these fibers to maintain a large amount of product on the surface. Thus, the applicator obtained has a very dense application surface, cannot hold many products on the surface, and cannot deliver a large amount of product to the surface being makeup. Moreover, because the application surface is very densely floc, a small amount of product applied on the surface being makeup is often removed by the fiber when applying the product with the applicator. Therefore, it is very difficult to achieve a thick makeup effect with this type of applicator. In addition, when fibers with very large diameters are used, the application surface obtained can be relatively hard to stimulate the surface to be made up. On the other hand, when a fiber with a very small diameter is used to be used softly, the applicator cannot hold enough product and cannot sufficiently deposit the product on the surface being makeup.

An object of the present invention is to manufacture a coating apparatus that does not have the problems of the prior art described above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to produce an application apparatus which has a very smooth application surface and can obtain a relatively thick makeup effect.

Another object of the present invention is to produce an applicator that can use various types of products by simply changing the fiber type of the flock that covers the applicator surface.

According to the invention, the above object is achieved by manufacturing an apparatus for applying a product comprising a support that forms at least one relief-free surface that extends substantially over the entire length of the support. Wherein the surface is at least partially covered with a flock layer formed by mixing two or more different fibers so that, at the surface of the flock layer, it can be seen with the naked eye and / or felt and applied to the application device. Limit nonuniformity.

By coating the surface to be floc with an adhesive, for example by depositing and dipping or spraying the fibers of the floc material onto the surface, a floc layer is obtained. In this way the fibers are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface to be flocked. Due to this, the fibers are evenly distributed over the adhesive-coated surface of the support. Thus, with the exception of the added thickness of the flocked layer, the applicator coated with the flock layer will have an overall shape substantially the same as the support before it is covered with the layer.

"Relief-free surface" means a surface that does not have any variable that can create non-uniformity in the surface of the flock layer, and the non-uniformity present on the surface of the flock layer results from the difference between the fibers forming the flock. When the surface is covered with a flock of identical fibers, there is no non-uniformity of the surface visible to the naked eye. In particular, there is no visible line, slit or teeth on the surface.

The term "substantially full length" refers to at least half the length, preferably at least 75% of the length.

The nonuniformity visible to the naked eye is due to the presence of relief, for example, on the surface of the floc layer, which is caused in particular by using fibers of different lengths. The nonuniformity can also be due to a change in fiber density per unit area, especially caused by using fibers of different diameters or different cross sections. Unevenness to be felt can result from, for example, a change in hardness that can be felt on the surface, and can be caused in particular by using fibers having different properties, such as fibers composed of materials having different hardness. In addition, fibers with different lengths can cause variables that are sensitive to contact.

The mixture of fibers comprises 2 to 98%, preferably 5 to 95%, more preferably 10 to 90% of the first type of fiber.

The flock consists of different fibers, such as fibers with different properties and / or dimensions. This mixture comprises in particular fibers of different lengths, different diameters, different cross sections, different properties and / or different colors. The term "diameter" means the diameter of a circle if the cross section is circular, otherwise it means the diameter of the circle surrounding the cross section if not circular.

The fibers are for example selected from fibers having a length in the range of 0.01 to 3 mm and a diameter in the range of 0.01 to 0.6 mm. Also, the fibers may be round, oval, polygonal, crosswise, three-pronged, four-pronged, "C" -shaped, "E" -shaped, "F" -shaped, "H" -shaped, "I" -shaped, "L" -type, "N" -type, "S" -type, "T" -type, "V" -type, "W" -type, "X" -type, "Y" -type, "Z It may have a "-shaped, star, or crescent cross section. The fibers may be polyamides such as nylon , Polyacrylic, polyester, cotton or cellulose, such as viscose or rayon, fibers. Recently, the fibers can be selected from fibers of any color.

Moreover, the mixture includes straight and curved fibers.

The fibers may be treated or include, for example, additional agents such as lubricants, absorbents, sunscreens, magnets or magnetisable particles, fungicides and the like.

According to one embodiment, the entire surface of the support is covered with a floc layer. Depending on the shape of the applicator and the surface to be made, it is obvious that only a portion of the support can be covered with a floc layer.

According to a particular embodiment, the shape of the support is elongated along the X axis. It may be cylindrical, frustoconical or prismatic, straight or curved along one or more shafts. Alternatively, it may be a feather shape, rugby ball shape, bean shape, spatula shape. For example, it may have a circular, elliptical, triangular, square or square cross section.

Advantageously, two continuous fibers along the X axis are planted substantially parallel, in particular in the direction transverse to this X axis.

According to one embodiment, the support is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, in particular a thermoplastic material, glass, metal or wood. It can also be made of flexible materials, in particular elastomers. In addition, the support may be porous, absorbing a portion of the product to constitute a source of the product. In addition, the support may be made of a magnet or magnetic material that can be coated with silver resin. Thereafter, the flock fibers preferably comprise magnets or magnetic particles, such as silver powder. In addition, in the case where it is used after the temperature of the support is raised, since the support is made of a material having a sufficiently high inertia, the product contained in the application device cannot be cooled very quickly. The support may be made of a plastic material that includes, for example, most of the mineral or other filler that provides high heat capacity.

Moreover, the applicator can in particular comprise a shaft-shaped gripping arrangement formed for example along the X axis. Of course, in particular to facilitate application, a gripping arrangement can be provided which forms a non-zero angle with the axis of the support.

According to one embodiment, the support and gripping features are obtained by integrally molding. Alternatively, the gripping feature is secured on the support by adhesive bonding, clamping, snap-fastening or press fit.

It is also an object of the present invention to achieve an assembly for packaging and application, which assembly comprises a reservoir containing a product whose free edge defines an opening and which is applied, which seals the opening of the reservoir so as not to leak. A sealing component, and the coating device described above.

According to one embodiment, the applicator is secured to the hermetic component and received inside the reservoir when the hermetic component blocks the reservoir.

The reservoir includes a wiping component arranged proximate to the opening, which wiping the flock layer and optionally the shaft of the application component when the application device is pulled out of the reservoir. The wiping feature may be made of foam, elastomer, or thermoplastic material and optionally covered with flock.

According to another embodiment, the device is spherical in shape and can fit in the opening of the container and rotate like a "roll-on" in the reservoir.

The applicator according to the invention can be used, in particular, for cosmetic products such as mascara, eyeliner, nail varnish, eye shadow, lip gloss or the like or for care products such as lotions, hair root handling products and the like.

Unlike the foregoing equipment, the invention consists of any number of other equipment which will be described later by means of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a packaging and applying assembly according to the present invention;

1A is a detail view showing the application surface of the application device of the assembly shown in FIG. 1, FIG.

2 shows a second embodiment of the coating apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a detailed view showing an application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 2; FIG.

3 shows a third embodiment of the coating apparatus according to the present invention;

3A is a detailed view showing the application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 3;

4 shows a fourth embodiment of the coating apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a detail view showing the application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 4; FIG.

5 shows a fifth embodiment of the coating apparatus according to the present invention;

6 shows a sixth embodiment of the coating apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a detail view showing an application surface of the application device shown in FIG. 6;

7A-7L are various cross-sectional views of fibers that may be used in the applicator of the present invention, and

8 shows a seventh embodiment of the coating apparatus according to the present invention.

Description of the main parts of the drawing

10, 210: coating device (coating machine, coating component)

11, 211: support 12: relief-free surface

13,213: Fiber Mixture

Fiber: 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h, 13k, 13l

14: space 20, 220: reservoir (or container)

22, 222: neck 23, 223: free edge

24, 224: opening 30: cylindrical sleeve

40: shaft 41: extension part

50: wiping configuration 52: color

100, 200: coating assembly

1 shows an application assembly 100 in which the applicator 10 according to the invention, which is designed to apply, for example, mascara, in an embodiment manner, can be fitted. This assembly comprises a cylindrical reservoir 20 sealed by the bottom 21. On the opposite side of the bottom 21, the reservoir extends to a neck 22 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of this reservoir and to a free edge 23 of this neck 22 defining the opening 24. . The neck 22 supports an external thread that engages with an internal thread of the cylindrical sleeve 30 to seal the reservoir 20 from leaking. The shaft 40 is fixed in the sleeve 30, one end of which is connected to the applicator 10. Thus, the sleeve is used as a member for holding the applicator 10. The shaft 40 comprises a radial extension 41 located inside the sleeve, the diameter of which is substantially coincident with the outer diameter of the neck 22, which is also fixed on the sleeve 30. When the sleeve 30 is screwed into the neck 22 of the reservoir, the applicator is dipped into the product P contained in the reservoir.

A wiping feature 50 with a circular wiping lip 51 on the reservoir side, for example in the shape of a glove finger, is inserted into the neck. On the opposite side, this glove finger 50 comprises a collar 52 extending radially outward and lying on the neck 22 of the reservoir. When the assembly 100 is fitted together, the radial extension 41 of the shaft is in contact with the collar 52 and thus performs a sealing function. The wiping feature 50 is composed of an elastomer or thermoplastic material, which material can be selected from thermoplastic elastomers and natural rubber or synthetic rubber. At least a portion of the wiping lip 51 may be covered with a floc layer. Alternatively, flocked foam wipers may optionally be used.

The applicator 10 shown in detail in FIG. 1A includes a support 11 in the form of a circular cylinder in the X axis. The support part 11 is formed in the extension part of the shaft which itself extended along the X axis. It is clear that the support of the X axis, which forms a non-zero angle with the shaft, can be provided in other ways. The support 11 is obtained by molding integrally with the shaft. Alternatively, the support 11 can be snap-fastened, adhesively attached or welded with the shaft 40.

The support 11 of the applicator is made of a semi-rigid elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness of, for example, 25 to 40, which material is selected from thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, natural rubbers or synthetic rubbers. The support 11 forms a smooth surface 12 over its entire length, ie there is no visible non-uniformity.

The surface 12 is then covered with a floc layer consisting of a mixture of two different fibers 13a, 13b. The mixture of fibers comprises about 75% by weight of the first type fiber 13a and 25% by weight of the second type fiber 13b. The two types of fibers are, for example, cotton fibers of circular cross section with the same diameter and different lengths. In particular, the fibers 13a and 13b have a diameter of 0.1 mm. The fiber 13a has a length of about 1 mm and the fiber 13b has a length of about 0.5 mm. In addition, since the surface 12 of the support 11 is smooth without any non-uniformity, the fibers 13a and 13b are oriented substantially parallel. Due to the arrangement of the fibers, as shown in FIG. 1A, the floc layer is not uniform with a surface comprising relief. Thus, the space 14 formed between the two longer fibers 13a makes it possible to hold a relatively large amount of product. Moreover, the fibers are planted perpendicular to the X axis of the support, such that when using the product, the lashes being makeup pass through the space 14 to receive a portion of the product. Thus, the applicator obtained makes it possible to obtain a relatively dark makeup effect. Moreover, longer fibers provide softness in use. In addition, the fibers 13a, 13b may comprise additional agents such as lubricants, in particular to be used more gently.

Thus, if a brush is desired to fill the product more, it is sufficient to increase the proportion of shorter fibers to obtain a larger space 14 to contain the product.

In order to manufacture the applicator 10, first, the support 11 is formed by molding together with a shaft, for example. The outer surface 12 of the support 11 is then covered with a liquid adhesive such as acrylic, vinyl or elastomeric epoxy adhesive. This adhesive is applied by spraying or dipping the adhesive with a gun. In the case where the entire surface 12 of the support is flocked and the support is porous, the adhesive forms a permeable or porous coating so as to release the product to the desired position without lowering the capacity of the support to absorb a portion of the product deeply. It is appropriate to ensure that However, when the support 11 is porous, it is advantageous that the support is not covered with an adhesive over the entire surface of this support.

Thereafter, the support 11 penetrated by the above method passes through the mixture of the fibers 13. The electrostatically charged fibers are held in air and are deposited on the penetrated surface of the support by electrostatic attraction. Thus, in most cases, the fibers are oriented substantially perpendicular to the penetrated surface. Thereafter, the remaining fibers are removed by suction.

2 shows a second embodiment of the applicator 10 of the present invention. This applicator is different from the applicator in FIG. 1 in that the support portion 11 is made of a polyester elastomer. Furthermore, the support is formed separately from the shaft and is fixed to the shaft by snap-fastening. The circular cylinder shaped support 11 includes a notch 15 extending along the X axis over almost the entire length. The application features are different from the application features described above, in particular the flocs, and are shown in detail in FIG. 2A.

The floc layer is obtained from a mixture consisting of two types of polyamide fibers of circular cross section, which fibers have the same length and different diameters. The two types of fibers 13c and 13d have a length of about 0.5 mm, for example. The first type of fiber 13c has a diameter of 0.1 mm and the second type of fiber 13d has a diameter of 0.2 mm. The mixture consists of 80% by weight of fibers 13c and 20% by weight of fibers 13d. This mixture can obtain floc layers with various fiber densities per unit area along the surface. In particular, regions comprising a plurality of smaller diameter fibers are more dense than regions containing larger diameter fibers. Smaller diameter fibers allow a relatively smooth application surface to be formed, while larger diameter fibers are spaced apart from smaller diameter fibers, allowing larger spaces between the fibers to hold more product. do. In addition, applicators are obtained which are soft in use and have a relatively large carrying capacity.

3 shows a third embodiment of the applicator 10 of the present invention. The structure part of the applicator differs from the applicator of FIG. 1 in that the support part 11 is bent. Moreover, the floc layer shown in more detail in FIG. 3A consists of two types of fibers 13e and 13f having a circular cross section, the two types of fibers having the same length of about 1 mm and the same diameter of about 0.1 mm Has However, the fibers 13e and 13f do not have the same characteristics. The fiber 13e is made of cotton and bent, and the fiber 13f is made of polyester and made vertical. The mixture comprises, for example, 25% by weight of the curved fiber 13e and 75% by weight of the straight fiber 13f. Thus, the surface of the floc layer contains relief non-uniformity due to the space 14 formed between the straight and curved fibers. The space allows to maintain a relatively large amount of product.

In FIG. 4, 4th Embodiment of the applicator 10 of this invention was shown. The support part 11 has a spatula shape in the X axis, and is inclined with respect to the Y axis of the shaft. For example, the spatula is made of polyamide. The floc layer shown in FIG. 4a consists of two types of fibers 13g, 13h with different lengths and different diameters. For example, the fiber 13g is a rayon fiber and has a length of about 1.2 mm and a diameter of about 0.1 mm. For example, the fiber 13h is a polyester fiber and has a length of about 0.5 mm and a diameter of about 0.2 mm. The mixture comprises about 75% by weight longer fibers (13 g) and 25% by weight shorter fibers (13h). The larger diameter fiber 13h can separate and vent the smaller diameter fiber 13g. Thus, the space 14 formed between the short fibers and the longer fibers makes it possible to obtain an applicator having a relatively large receiving capacity. Long fibers of plot diameter, in part, make it possible to obtain a soft applicator in use. For example, the applicator is used to apply liquid lipstick.

5 shows a fifth embodiment of the applicator 10 of the present invention that can be used to apply mascara, in particular. The support part 11 is conical on an X axis, and is fixed on the shaft 40 by adhesion | attachment of an adhesive agent. The support is formed along the axis of the shaft. The support 11 is made of a porous material. The floc layer consists of two types of fibers 13 having different properties and having the same length, the same diameter, and the same cross section. The flock layer is composed, for example, of a mixture of relatively rigid polyester fibers and relatively flexible viscose fibers. When the flock surface is pressed, the more rigid fibers are substantially unbend, while the more flexible fibers can be bent under finger pressure, so the hardness difference can be felt by touching. The fiber has a length of about 2 mm, a diameter of about 0.1 mm, and a circular cross section. The mixture comprises about 20 wt% polyester fibers and 80 wt% viscose fibers. More rigid fibers allow combing the eyelashes, while less rigid fibers provide softness in use.

Finally, FIG. 6 shows the spatula-shaped application structure 10 obtained by molding integrally with the polyamide shaft 14. The spatula is relatively flat in a square. The outer surface 11 is smooth over the entire length of the spatula. Only part of the surface is covered with a floc layer, in particular only the opposite end from the shaft. The floc layer shown enlarged in FIG. 6A consists of a mixture of two types of fibers 13k, 13l having the same properties, the same length, and different cross sections. The fibers 13k, 13l are, for example, polyacrylic fibers about 1 mm long. The fiber 13k has a circular cross section, while the fiber 13l has a cross section, as shown enlarged in FIG. 7K. The mixture consists, for example, of 50% circular cross section fibers and 50% cross section fibers. By using fibers of different cross sections, nonuniformity can be formed and the capacity to hold the product can be increased. In particular, fibers of different cross-sections do not have the same holding capacity by capillary action because the outer surface areas of the fibers on which the product can be retained are not the same. In particular, when the cross section comprises a part of the hollow, in particular the hollow fiber shown in Fig. 7F, the fiber having the “H”-, “Z”-, “V” -shaped cross sections (Figs. 7C to 7E), cross-section In the case of a fiber having a cross section (figure 7g, 7k) or a cross section including the concave portion shown in FIGS. 7i, 7j, and 7l, the product holding capacity in the hollow region is circular, Greater than the product holding capacity on the surface of a square (FIG. 7A), triangle (FIG. 7B), or oval (FIG. 7H) cross section.

8 shows another embodiment of a packaging assembly 200 comprising an application device 210 in which the support 211 is spherical. The support 211 protrudes beyond the opening 224, which fits with the neck 222 of the vessel 220 and is limited by the free edge 223 of the neck. The support 211 can rotate as "contact-rotate" in a neck having a shape that matches the spherical support. The support 211 is covered with a floc layer composed of fibers 213 having different properties, the same length, the same diameter, and the same radius. The flock layer, like the embodiment described according to FIG. 5, consists of a mixture of relatively rigid polyester fibers and relatively flexible viscose fibers, for example.

All the embodiments described above relate to a mixture of two types of fibers. However, the floc layer can be obtained using a mixture of more types of fibers, in particular depending on the makeup result obtained. Moreover, the surface of the application component may be covered with a mixture of many types.

On the one hand, by changing the properties, shape, and dimensions of the fibers, on the other hand, by changing the proportion of the various types of fibers in the mixture, very different application surfaces can be obtained. Applicators that can be used for different products and for different types of makeup can be made simply by varying the mixture of fibers that make up the flock with the same support.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference is made to preferred embodiments of the invention. Any modification may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed hereinafter. In particular, all or some of the features of the above-described embodiments may be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, a floc layer is formed using two or more different types of fibers, thereby forming a uniform coating surface, and at the same time forming a space to hold a large amount of product on the surface, thereby forming a large amount of the surface on which the makeup is made. Can deliver the product. Thus, with this type of applicator, a deep makeup effect can be obtained, and sufficient product can be retained to sufficiently deposit the product on the surface being made.

Claims (19)

An apparatus (10) for applying a product (P), comprising a support (11) forming at least one relief-free surface (12) extending continuously over substantially the entire length of the support, said surface (12). ) Is at least partly covered with a flock layer formed by mixing two or more different fibers 13 so that, at the surface of the flock layer, it can be visually seen and / or touched and the product can be contained in the application device. Apparatus for applying a product to define a nonuniformity. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixture of fibers comprises between 2 and 98% of the first type of fibers (13). The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixture comprises fibers 13 of different lengths, different diameters, different cross sections, different properties and / or colors, said fibers having a length in the range of 0.01 to 3 mm; Diameter in the range from 0.01 to 0.6 mm; Round, Oval, Polygonal, Cruciform, Three-pronged, Four-pronged, "C" -shaped, "E" -shaped, "F" -shaped, "H" -shaped, "I" -shaped, "L"- Type, "N" -type, "S" -type, "T" -type, "V" -type, "W" -type, "X" -type, "Y" -type, "Z" -type, Fibers having a star or crescent cross section; Apparatus for applying a product, characterized in that it is selected from polyamide, polyacrylic, polyester, cotton, or cellulose fibers. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mixture (13) comprises straight and curved fibers. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the entire surface (12) of the support (11) is covered with the flock layer. 3. The support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support portion 11 extends along the X axis, in particular a cylindrical, conical, truncated cone or prism form, straight or curved, or feather, rugby ball, bean, Apparatus for applying a product, characterized in that the spatula shape. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the support (11) can have a circular, elliptical, triangular, square or square cross section. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the two continuous fibers (13) along the X axis are in particular planted substantially parallel to the direction transverse to the X axis. 3. The application according to claim 1, wherein the support 11 is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, in particular a thermoplastic material, glass, metal or wood, or a flexible material, in particular an elastomer. Device. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a gripping feature (30; 40), in particular in the form of a shaft. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the gripping features (30; 40) are formed along the X axis. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the support (11) and the gripping features (30; 40) are integrally molded. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the gripping features (30; 40) are fixed on the support by adhesive bonding, clamping, snap-fastening or press fit. A reservoir 20; 220 whose free edges 23; 223 define an opening 24; 224, containing a product to be applied, and a hermetic constitution that seals the opening of the reservoir 24; 224 without leakage. A packaging and application assembly (100; 200) comprising a section (30) and an application device (10; 210) according to claim 1 or 2. 15. The packaging and application as claimed in claim 14, wherein the applicator 10 is secured to the hermetic component 30 and is contained within the reservoir 20 when the hermetic component 30 blocks the reservoir. Assembly 100 (200). 15. The reservoir (20) of claim 14, wherein the reservoir (20) includes a wiping feature (50) arranged proximate to the opening, wherein the wiping feature is applied when the applicator (10) is removed from the reservoir. The flock layer of section 10 and optionally the shaft 40 can be wiped, which wiping feature 50 is made of foam, elastomer, or thermoplastic material and is optionally covered with flock Assembly for packaging and application (100; 200). 15. Packaging and applicator assembly (100; 200) according to claim 14, characterized in that the device (210) fits into an opening (224) of the container so as to be spherically rotatable in the reservoir. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixture of fibers comprises 5 to 95% of the first type of fibers (13). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixture of fibers comprises 10 to 90% of the first type of fibers (13).