WO2006032482A1

WO2006032482A1 - Application device

Info

Publication number: WO2006032482A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/010218
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guenter Babel; Klaus DRÖGSLER; Britta Lorenz
Original assignee: Schwan-Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2004-09-21
Filing date: 2005-09-21
Publication date: 2006-03-30
Also published as: EP1799070B1; ATE417526T1; DE202004014687U1; US20070267080A1; DE502005006295D1; EP1799070A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an application device for a liquid, gelatinous, pasty or powdery product, especially for a cosmetic product. Said device comprises a container (B) which is used to receive a product to be applied and is provided with at least one outlet (20) for the stored product, an applicator unit (30), and a closing element (V) to which the applicator unit (30) is fixed and which is reversibly connected to the container (B) in such a way that it closes the outlet (20) for the product when it (V) is connected to the container (B). Said container (B) comprises means for actively delivering the product contained therein. The inventive application device is characterised in that it comprises a storage sleeve (24) which protrudes inside the container (B), is open towards the outside and completely sealed in relation to the product, and is used to receive the applicator unit (30) when the closing element (V) is connected to the container (B). The closing element is essentially coaxially arranged in relation to the central longitudinal axis (M) of the container (B), and the outlet (20) for the product is decentralised in relation to the central axis (M) of the container (B).

Description

applicator

The invention relates to an application device for a liquid, gel-like, pasty or powdery product, in particular a cosmetic product according to the preamble of claim 1. The device according to the invention can serve for the application of care products or decorative cosmetic products. The cosmetic product may be, for example, make-up, wan¬ genrouge, Lippenrouge, lip balm, mascara, hair mascara, eye shadow, lipliner, eyeliner, care products, sun products or spot applied products such as anti-wrinkle products, anti-acne products or pharmaceutical or dermatological specialties.

Generic applicators usually consist of a usually elongated container, which can accommodate the cosmetic product and which is equipped with a threaded neck. The container can be closed by screwing a removable cap as Verschluss¬ element sealingly on the neck of the container.

An applicator unit is attached to the closure element. This can be designed, for example, in such a way that with the removable cap, a stem is inextricably linked, which carries an applicator element at its free end. In the neck of the container usually means for stripping the application element and the stem are attached to an excess to remove the product to be applied. Such an application device is known for example from DE 37 30 838 A1.

A disadvantage of application devices of the type mentioned is that the applicator element comes into contact, as intended and repeatedly, with the surface of the human body, ie with skin, semi-mucous membranes, mucous membranes and hair, and then again with the cosmetic product. The Ober¬ surface of the human body is never sterile, but always has a more or less pronounced germ flora, which in addition to ubiquitous vorkom¬ ing, in itself harmless microorganisms also pathogenic germs i o can. The repeated contact of the applicator element with the surface of the human skin on the one hand and the product to be applied on the other hand thus represents a serious hygienic problem, which can not be controlled by the use of preservatives in such products. Although preservatives serve for product protection, they do not serve to prevent

15 hygiene in terms of disinfection of the applicator. It should also be mentioned that cosmetic products, especially if they are in emulsion form, are an excellent breeding ground for microorganisms.

For this reason, for example, EP 0 860 124 B1 or DE 199 49 675 A1 has proposed technical solutions in which

When the applicator element is closable, the applicator element is stored separately from the cosmetic product when it is not in use. However, these proposals only seemingly solve the technical problem presented, since a residual amount of cosmetic product which is in contact with a comparatively large amount of skin germs always remains on the applicator element.

25 is coming. The applicator element also has a comparatively large surface area and thus offers the microorganisms even better life conditions. The next time it is used, the applicator element, on which an extensive germ flora may now have developed, again comes in contact with the cosmetic product in the container, and it can

30 develop a thoroughly disastrous cycle. Another disadvantage is the fact that the design options for the applicator element are limited by the principle of stripping on the one hand and on the other hand, the applicator is subject to a not inconsiderable Ver¬ wear. An applicator element must be made of a relatively soft and flexible material to give it pleasant application properties. On the other hand, the wiping elements must likewise be made of a flexible material, but they must be considerably harder to fulfill their intended purpose. In addition to brushes, spatula-like shapes or beveled cylindrical elements, so-called "Deerfoot Applicators", are therefore common for the applicator elements.Classic brushes in connection with the illustrated systems could not be established in the market, since initially closed hair bundles were used It is then no longer possible to draw fine contours with a brush modified in this way, but in the case of cosmetic preparations such as lipliners or eyeliners it is absolutely necessary to draw fine lines, just as when drawing the eyebrows.

From the previously published US application 2003/0063945, which forms the closest kom¬ prior art, from which the present invention proceeds, an applicator device of the type mentioned is removable. In this previously known application device, the applicator unit is arranged above the actual container receiving the product to be applied in a storage device which can be displaced in a telescopic manner into the actual container in a reversible manner. Between the applicator unit or the storage device belonging thereto and the product to be applied, a piston which can likewise be moved reversibly into the container is provided, which can be moved together with the storage device for the applicator unit. In order to bring the product to be applied to the applicator, the piston is provided with a centrally arranged passage opening, which is reversibly closed by an elastic closure element. If the storage device and the piston are moved together into the container, the product to be applied passes via the passage opening to the applicator unit, soaks it and thus makes it possible to carry out the order of the application. carrying product. In this case, it has proven to be disadvantageous that, despite the closure element, the applicator unit and the product located in the container are not separated from each other, but a continuous product exchange between the reservoir in the container to be applied to the applicator is possible via the closure element , As a result, the disadvantages described above can occur.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to design an applicator device of the aforementioned type in such a way that, on the one hand, no interaction between the applicator unit and the cosmetic product can occur in a closed state and, on the other hand, if one is to be applied Product from the container before the application of Pro¬ product also no interaction between the applicator unit and the product can occur.

The above object is solved by the features of claim 1. In the subsequent claims 2 to 10 are advantageous embodiments of this.

By providing the means for actively conveying the product in the container to the container, there is the possibility that, in contrast to the prior art discussed above, the applicator unit or its applicator element also absorbs the product contained in the container does not come into contact with it inside the container, but only receives the product to be directly applied outside the container. Even if the applicator unit already carries germs, they are not transferred to the product still in the container. This ensures that contamination of the product still in the container is reliably prevented.

The means for actively conveying the product can be designed in very different ways. Thus, on the one hand there is the possibility that the means for actively conveying by an at least partially elastic design of the container are formed. In this case, for example, the container may have a rigid outer frame in the interior of which a plastic bag or plastic tube is inserted, which can be pressurized by openings in the rigid outer frame by hand or in another suitable manner with pressure, so that in the container located product, in particular the desired amount thereof, emerges at the outlet opening to the outside and can be transferred to the applicator unit. It is particularly preferred here for the container to be formed continuously through a tube of flexible plastic material.

Another possibility for the design of the means for actively conveying the product located in the container is that they are formed by a standing with the container interior in operative connection pumping means. The pumping device can be formed, for example, by a piston / cylinder unit or else by a membrane which can be moved by suitable means. In principle, there is the possibility that the pump device can be mounted at any point in such a way that it is in operative connection with the interior of the container in order to be able to apply a corresponding delivery pressure to the product located there. An arrangement which is particularly favorable both from a spatial and aesthetic point of view results from the fact that the pumping device is arranged on the container in an at least approximately opposite position to the product for the outlet opening.

It should also be noted that the means for actively conveying can also be formed by a pressurized gas, which can act on the product contained in the container and which can be released by suitable control means.

The storage sleeve can be arranged in the interior of the container in various ways. So there is the possibility that the

Storage sleeve is connected to at least one extending in the longitudinal direction of the container wall container. But there is also the possibility It is particularly preferred that the storage sleeve is arranged substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the container. It is advantageous if the preferably located on the same side outlet opening for the product is arranged decentralized to the central longitudinal axis of the container. Alternatively, the outlet opening can be arranged on the opposite side of the container.

In order to ensure unintentional contact of the applicator unit with the product in the container, it has certainly further proven to be advantageous if the opening width of the outlet opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the applicator unit. The opening width should be dimensioned so that it is smaller than the smallest outer diameter portion of the applicator unit. In this case, it is particularly important that the applicator unit can carry, for example, at its free end an applicator element which can be cone-shaped, so that the

Outlet opening should have an opening width, since by the tip of the applicator just a few units of length in the interior of the

Can dive outlet, but not into the container interior and thus can penetrate to the product there protruding.

To avoid unintentional release of the closure element from the container, the closure element can be connected to the container via a Schaubver connection, snap connection, etc. Depending on the pitch of the thread used, however, unintentional release of the closure element from the container can also occur in the case of a screw connection. Therefore, it has proven to be advantageous if in the interior of the storage sleeve fixing means are provided for reversibly fixing the applicator unit. In this case, the fixing means can be formed by at least one latching means provided on the applicator unit or the inner wall of the storage sleeve, preferably at least one elevation, which has at least one catch on the inner wall of the storage sleeve or the applicator vorgese¬ henes counter-locking means, preferably a recess cooperates.

As has already been explained above in connection with the discussion of the prior art, the actual applicator element of the applicator unit can be shaped quite differently. Depending on the material chosen, the applicator element can be dimensionally stable or not dimensionally stable. If, for example, a brush having a frusto-conical shape is used for the applicator element, then this shape can be changed in the course of use by the pressure arising during application. The same applies to an applicator element which consists of a soft foam material. Thus, if the applicator unit is provided with an applicator element at its free end, then it has certainly proven to be advantageous if a shaping section or shaping section is provided in the interior of the storage sleeve, the applicator element for maintaining the applicator unit arranged in the storage sleeve Form and / or for restoring its form enclosing form.

For the design of the applicator, it is up to the skilled person to choose the appropriate form for his purposes. Thus, the applicator unit may at least have an applicator element at its free end, which is preferably fixedly connected to the closure element via a connecting element of the applicator unit, preferably a rod. If the container and the quantity of the product are chosen such that it can be used over a longer period of use, the connecting element of the applicator unit can also be detachably connected to the closure element. Finally, there is the possibility that the applicator unit can be detachably latched to the closure element.

In order to avoid entry of air via the outlet opening for the product when the container is closed with the closure element, it is furthermore advantageous if the closure element has at least one sealing surface which when closed with the container closure element, the outlet opening for the product seals tight.

Finally, it has proven to be advantageous if the applicator unit is provided, at least at its free end, with an applicator element whose material contains an antimicrobial active substance. This can be, for example, a syllable ion donor.

Further advantageous embodiments and an embodiment will be explained below in conjunction with the attached drawing figures. It should be noted that the terms "left", "right", "bottom" and "top" used throughout the description refer to the drawing figures in an alignment with normally legible figure names and reference numerals. Here is:

FIG. 1a shows a perspective side view of a charging device according to the invention in the closed state; FIG.

FIG. 1b shows a perspective side view, similar to FIG. 1a, of an applicator device according to the invention, but in the opened state; FIG.

FIGS. 2a-2f show various applicator units of the applicator device according to the invention with different applicator elements; and

Fig. 3 is a reproduced on an enlarged scale longitudinal sectional view through the applicator device according to the invention shown in Fig. 1a in the closed state.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1a and 1b, the applicator device according to the invention consists of the two main groups "container B" and "closure element V". A product to be applied by the application device, for example a cosmetic product, such as make-up, cheek blusher, lip blusher, lip balm, mascara, hair mascara, eye shadow, lilac, can be present in the container B. ner, eyeliner, care products and sun products or a selectively aufzutra¬ ing product such as an anti-wrinkle product, anti-acne product or pharmaceuti cal or dermatological specialties are stored. As can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 1 a with FIG. 1 b, the closure element V cooperates reversibly with the container B in such a way that it is connected to the container B in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 a and in the opening or discharge position in Fig. 1b is completely removable from the container B.

A comparison of FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 3 reveals that the container B has the shape of a tube with a central longitudinal axis M which, in the case of the closure element V connected to the container B, is also the central longitudinal axis M of the closure element V. The tube is formed from a tube 10 of flexible plastic material having the desired outer diameter for the finished tube, one end of which 12 being sealed medium-tight by means of a transverse weld 12a. At the front end 14 opposite the closed end 12, the tube 10 is provided with a neck 16 which has an at least approximately circular cross-section and which is provided with an external thread 18 on its outer circumferential surface. The thread 18 is for a screw engagement with the closure element V when it is connected to the container B in the closed position.

It should be noted that, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the outer diameter of the neck 16 is reduced relative to the outer diameter of the container B such that when the closure element V is screwed onto the container B, the outer peripheral wall of the closure element V, which adjoins the container B, is aligned with the outer peripheral wall of the container B in the region of the transition from the neck 16 to the rest of the body of the container B.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 b and 3, the container B has its opposite end 12 closed by the weld 12 a

End 14 an outlet opening 20 for discharging the befindlichem in the container B product. The outlet opening 20 is decentralized, but aligned in parallel to the central longitudinal axis M of the container B arranged. As can be seen from FIG. 1 b, the outlet opening 20 is arranged on a channel 22 formed in an approximately wedge-shaped or fin-like manner, which is connected in one piece with the container B. From Fig. 3 it can be seen that the channel 22 tapers in the direction of the outlet opening 20 in its cross section in the interior. In this way, a nozzle effect is achieved, which allows an accurate adjustment of the aus¬ from the container B aus¬ amount of the product.

The discharge of the product takes place in that on the outer peripheral surface of the container B, for example, by hand, a pressure is exerted. As a result, the container wall consisting of a flexible plastic material is displaced inwards, so that the product in the container B is pushed out of the container B. As soon as the container B is relieved of the pressure, the container wall returns to its initial position, so that no further product is conveyed to the outside.

From Fig. 3 it is further apparent that coaxially to the central longitudinal axis M of the container B and the closure element V in the interior of the container B, a storage sleeve 24 is provided for the later explained in more detail Applikato- purity 30. The storage sleeve 24 essentially has a rotationally symmetrical cross-section and is closed at its end 24 a lying in the container interior with a bottom running substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M of the container B and the closure element V. At the end 24b opposite this base 24a, the storage sleeve 24 is integral with a wall of the channel 22 and, moreover, with the cover wall 26 of the container, which is also substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M except for the opening for the channel 22 B connected. With this configuration, the applicator unit 30, which can be inserted into the storage sleeve 24, at no point comes into contact with the product located inside the container B.

As already mentioned above, the closure element V has the applicator unit 30 and a stylus element explained in more detail below. The applicator unit 30 essentially consists of the actual applicator element 32, which is located at the free end of the applicator unit 30, ie when the applicator unit 30 is inserted into the storage sleeve 24 in the vicinity of the bottom 24a of the storage sleeve 24, as shown in FIG 3 is removable. In addition, the applicator unit 30 has a connecting element 34 in the form of a rod 34 that widens slightly conically from the applicator element 32 to the grip element 40 and that is made of plastic. This rod 34 serves to connect the applicator element 32 with the grip element 40. For this purpose, the rod 34 is provided at its end opposite the applicator element 32 with an annular connection surface 34a which extends outward from the rod 34 coaxially with the central longitudinal axis M via a step 34b extending substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M. the outer diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the grip element 40. The rod 34 can then be connected to the grip element 40 by gluing, ultrasonic welding, etc. However, the rod 34 or the applicator unit 30 can also be firmly but detachably latched to the grip element 40 of the closure element V, for example for the purpose of subsequent replacement.

The step 34b of the connecting rod 34 has on its mounted on the container B closure element V to the container B side facing a sealing surface 34c which runs ver¬ substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M and by means of the outlet opening 20 placed on the container B. Closing element V can be sealed medium-tight.

In order to securely connect the applicator unit 30 or the closure element V to the container B, the applicator unit 30 has, in the transition from the connecting element 34 to the applicator element 32, an annular bead-like thickening 34d which engages with a corresponding annular recess 24c in the Storage sleeve 24 enters releasable latching engagement.

As already explained above, the closure element V has the handle element 40, which is substantially hollow-cylindrical and made of plastic is made. At its end 40a, which faces away from the container B and is placed on the container B, the closure element 40 is closed by a cover wall, which can also serve as a base for the dispensing device. At the opposite end 40 b, the closure element is provided with an internal thread 42, which engages with the external thread 18 of the neck 16 of the container B.

The applicator element 32 of the applicator unit 30 can be shaped depending on the intended use and / or product to be applied. In FIG. 3, the applicator element 32 has the shape of an obliquely cut-off cylinder. FIGS. 2a to 2f show various further embodiments of the applicator element 32, which are all designated by the same reference numerals. FIG. 2 a shows an applicator element 32 of similar shape to that shown in FIG. 3, which is flocked on its outside. In contrast, Fig. 2b shows an applicator element in the form of a wedge-shaped beveled at its tip brush. In Fig. 2c, the applicator element 32 is formed as spachtiförmi¬ ges element. In contrast, Fig. 2d shows an applicator element 32 in the form of a sponge. Fig. 2e is an applicator element which is also formed by a sponge flocked on its outside. Finally, Fig. 2f shows an applicator element 32 which consists of a sponge but which is rotatable relative to the connecting rod 34. Except for the embodiment according to FIG. 2c, all illustrated applicator units 30 are provided with the annular bead 34d.

Claims

claims

1. Application device for a liquid, gelatinous, pasty or pulverulent product, in particular for a cosmetic product, with a Behäl¬ ter (B), in which a product to be applied is received and the at least one outlet opening (20) for the stored product, with an applicator unit (30) and with a closure element (V) on which the applicator unit (30) is mounted and which is re¬ versibly connected to the container (B) in such a way that when with the container ( B) verbun¬ which closure element (V) this closes the outlet opening (20) for the product, wherein the container (B) comprises means for actively conveying the dar¬ in product, characterized in that one into the interior of the container (B) projecting, to the outside open and gegen¬ over the product completely completed storage sleeve (24) for receiving the applicator unit (30) when connected to the container (B) Verschl element (V) is provided, which is arranged substantially ko¬ axially to the central longitudinal axis (M) of the container (B), and that the outlet opening (20) for the product is disposed decentralized to the central axis (M) of the container (B).

2. Application Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for active Förden by an at least partially elastic configuration of the container (B) are formed.

3. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for active conveying ge by a standing with the container interior in operative connection pumping means are ge forms.

4. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening width of the outlet opening (20) is smaller than the outer diameter of the applicator unit (30).

5. Application device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage sleeve (24) is spaced from the container walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the container (B).

6. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that inside the storage sleeve (24) fixing means (24c) are provided for reversibly fixing the applicator unit (30).

7. Applicator device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the applicator unit (30) has an applicator element (32) at least at its free end, and that a shaping section is provided in the interior of the storage sleeve (24), which at in the applicator unit (30) arranged in the storage sleeve (24) encloses the applicator element (32) for maintaining the shape of the applicator element (32) and / or for restoring the shape of the applicator element (32).

8. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the applicator unit (30) at least at its free end an applicator element (32), via a connecting element (34) of the applicator unit (30), preferably a rod, with the closure element (V) is connected.

9. Applicator device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the closure element (V) at least ei¬ ne sealing surface (34c), which connected to the container (B) closure element (V), the outlet opening (20) for the Product tightly closes.

10. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the applicator unit (30) is provided at least at its free end with an applicator element (32) whose material contains an antibacterial active substance.