WO2009149817A1

WO2009149817A1 - Applicator device

Info

Publication number: WO2009149817A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/003618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl-Peter KÄMPF
Original assignee: Stabilo International Gmbh
Priority date: 2008-06-13
Filing date: 2009-05-20
Publication date: 2009-12-17
Also published as: DE202008007931U1

Abstract

An applicator device (1) for the application of products like writing fluids and cosmetic compositions including an applicator unit (10) having a casing (2) and at least one applicator member (12) with at least one applicator tip (14), wherein there is additionally provided a gripping element (30) having at least one overload protection (32) for the applicator tip (14), wherein the gripping element (30) with the at least one overload protection (32) is coupled to the applicator unit in such a way that the gripping element (30) moves reversibly relative to the applicator unit (10) when a defined axial load is exceeded along the longitudinal axis of the applicator unit in the direction of the applicator tip (14).

Description

Applicator device

The invention concerns an applicator device for writing fluids and cosmetic fluids including an applicator unit having a casing and at least one applicator member with at least one applicator tip as well as a gripping element for mounting to an applicator unit. The invention further concerns a sales unit comprising at least one applicator unit and at least one gripping element.

Depending on the respective structure of and the material used for the applicator member of an applicator unit, structural measures are required to avoid damage to the applicator member or the applicator tip of the applicator member during the application procedure. That applies in particular to applicator members whose diameter is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm and which are frequently made from plastic materials such as polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, polyacetal or the like. In their interior the applicator members have capillary spaces for conveying the applicator fluid from a fluid reserve to the applicator tip of the applicator member. As very high forces can act on the applicator tip of the applicator member in the application operation, depending on the respective user, tips of that kind are easily broken off so that the usability thereof is accordingly impaired or in the extreme case completely destroyed. In addition the applicator members or the applicator tips wear away more or less easily, because of the roughness of the surfaces to which the fluid is applied.

To avoid damage therefore known applicator tips or the applicator members of those applicator units are fixed by means of holders comprising a stiff material such as metal, by for example clamping. If the clamping action is too lose, the applicator member can be irreversibly pushed into the applicator unit and as a result the applicator unit becomes useless. If the clamping action is too firm the applicator member admittedly becomes more stable and rigid, but there is the danger that the capillary spaces in the applicator member are reduced or entirely closed off. As a result delivery of the applicator fluid could be completely prevented and the applicator unit could thus becomes unusable. For that reason and as a consequence of the frequently small diameter of applicator members, precisely matched dimensions involving very small tolerances are necessary in the design of such applicator units. Applicator units are already known which have devices for springing or damping of the applicator member. The applicator members are usually supported in the applicator unit by way of elastic materials or spring elements so that forces which would lead to destruction of the applicator tip or applicator member are absorbed by springing. A disadvantage with such structures is the high level of manufacturing complication and expenditure and the large number of individual parts. Thus the manufacture of applicator units with known spring support mechanisms requires a high level of complication and expenditure and a great deal of time. The production costs of known applicator units are therefore very high. A further disadvantage of known applicator units with sprung tips is the fact that retro-fitting is not readily possible as the measures for protecting the applicator member already have to be implemented at the moment of manufacture in the applicator unit. In other words, later addition for example of a spring arrangement, particularly only at the consumer, is not known.

The object of the present invention is to provide an applicator device and a gripping element and a sales unit of the kind set forth in the opening part of this specification, which while being of a simple and inexpensive structure resolve the problems of the state of the art. The foregoing object is attained by the features of claims 1, 13 and

17. Advantageous configurations are recited in the respectively appendant claims 2 to 12 and 14 to 16. An applicator device according to the invention includes an applicator unit having a casing and at least one applicator member which has at least one applicator tip. In addition the applicator device has a gripping element having at least one overload protection for the applicator tip. The gripping element with the at least one overload protection is coupled to the applicator unit in such a way that the gripping element moves reversibly with respect to the applicator device when a defined axial load is exceeded, along the longitudinal axis of the applicator device in the direction of the applicator tip. The provision of the gripping element with the at least one overload protection provides that the applicator tip of the applicator unit is protected from damage or destruction when an overload situation occurs. At the same time a high level of precision in the application operation is achieved by movement of the gripping element being prevented in the normal applicator mode of operation. The overload protection comes into operation only as soon as the axial load along the longitudinal axis of the applicator unit has exceeded a defined value. In the normal application mode there is thus a fixed connection between the gripping element and the applicator tip of the applicator member. In the normal application mode the gripping element is fixed relative to the applicator unit. That achieves the great advantage of on the one hand protecting the tip of the applicator member from damage or destruction while on the other hand eliminating the adverse influences of a spring arrangement or a damping means.

Applicator devices according to the invention can be used in particular in relation to writing devices or in relation to cosmetic applicator devices. In the case of writing devices, protection for the tip, wherein tip in the sense of the present invention is used to denote both conventional writing tips such as leads and fibre leads which become used up and also more complex such as ball-based tips, and/or the simultaneous avoidance of a spongy feel when writing are advantageous; thus the feel of direct contact with the writing surface can be substantially maintained, which has a positive effect on the written matter. In the case of cosmetic applicator devices according to the present invention, for example in the case of kohl eye pencils or other applicator devices for cosmetic compositions on the face or other parts of the body, besides destroying the tip, a possible adverse effect on the male or female user is additionally to be avoided. Narrow or thin tips basically involve the risk of injury to sensitive parts of the skin such as the mucous membrane of a eyelid and/or the adjacent eye, for example in a situation when an excessively high pressure is unintentionally applied. In the case of cosmetic applicator devices according to the invention the overload protection can serve not only for protection for the tip but also for protection of the male or female user from injury.

It may be advantageous for an applicator device according to the invention to be additionally provided with an abutment for the gripping element. That abutment prevents the gripping element from slipping entirely off the applicator unit. When the overload protection comes into operation the gripping element moves with respect to the applicator unit. The abutment defines the end of such movement. In that way, the abutment forms a means for preventing the gripping element from being lost. In that way it is not only possible to guarantee the maximum length of the travel distance of the gripping element, but it is also possible to ensure that the gripping element basically remains on the applicator unit.

A further advantageous configuration of an applicator device according to the invention can provide the abutment in such a way that the gripping element, in the reversible movement in the direction of the applicator tip, pushes completely over the applicator tip. In that case the gripping element is supported at the end of the movement on the application surface. Consequently, the force applied by the hand applying the fluid to the gripping element and thus the applicator unit is no longer supported by way of the applicator tip but directly against the contact surface of the gripping element with the surface to which fluid is being applied. Accordingly the flow of force by way of the applicator member and the applicator tip is interrupted and there is no possibility of damage to or destruction of the applicator tip. With this design configuration, it is immaterial whether the abutment permits the travel movement of the gripping element only as far as the application surface, or beyond same. Basically in that case the end of the movement is defined during the application operation by the respective application surface. In that case the abutment is limited exclusively to its function as a means for preventing the gripping element from being lost.

It may also be advantageous for at least one overload protection to be in the form of a snap-engagement latching element. When it is in the form of the snap-engagement latching element, the axial load as from which the overload protection comes into effect can be adjusted by the structural configuration of the individual parts of the snap-engagement latching element. When in the form of the snap-engagement latching element, safeguarding of the applicator tip when the defined axial load is exceeded occurs in an abrupt fashion. If the force applied to the gripping element by the user application hand exceeds the defined value, the snap- engagement latching connection is released and the gripping element can move in the direction of the applicator tip towards the application surface until finally it is supported thereagainst. In order to restore the device to operation, the user must push the gripping element back along the applicator unit until the snap-engagement latching element comes into latching engagement again.

A possible configuration of such a snap-engagement latching element is the provision of at least one latching groove and at least one latching element. The structural configuration of the latching groove, in corresponding relationship with the latching element, is essential for adjusting the defined axial load. In particular the angle which the latching groove includes with the latching element in the release direction is essential for the releasing force.

Advantageously an applicator device according to the invention, as an alternative to or in addition to the snap-engagement latching element, can provide an overload protection in the form of a spring element. That spring element can advantageously be connected directly or indirectly to the applicator unit and the gripping element. The fact that the overload protection is in the form of a spring element has the advantage that when the overload protection comes into operation the gripping element is not moved abruptly but continuously and with an increasing counteracting force by the spring in the direction of the applicator tip. A further advantage lies in automatic reverse movement or re-setting of the gripping element by the spring force when the increased axial force decreases. The defined axial load for triggering the movement of the gripping element can be adjusted for example by selection of the spring constant. In the case of springs involving high spring forces, a certain minimum force is necessary to stress the spring and to cause the gripping element to move.

An advantageous configuration involves prestressing of the spring element in the initial condition. In that way it is also possible to use springs with lower spring constants as the defined axial force for triggering the movement of the gripping element can be adjusted by the prestressing force. The use of springs with lower spring constants is usually less expensive and at the same time saves on weight. The prestressing further achieves the advantage that a lesser rise in force occurs upon displacement of the gripping element. The difference between the triggering force and the force necessary to cause the gripping element to come into butting relationship against the application surface is thus reduced by the amount of the prestressing force. In that case the spring is to be so selected and so prestressed that the triggering force for exceeding the prestressing force and thus for triggering the movement of the gripping element is greater than the force usually applied by the user application hand, in the normal application mode. At the same time the spring force which correlates with the maximum movement of the gripping element until it bears against the application surface, that is to say the force required to move the gripping element against the spring force until it is completely against the application surface, must be less than the force which would result in damage to or destruction of the applicator tip of the applicator member. Depending on the respective applicator unit and material or diameter of the applicator member and the applicator tip, different springs involving different spring constants and different prestressing forces are to be selected here. Triggering forces in the region of around 4 N are desirable for the broad use of applicator devices according to the invention. Upon complete forward displacement of the gripping element, forces in the region of around 6 N are advantageously achieved. In addition an applicator device according to the invention can be equipped with a fixing element which releasably fixes the gripping element to the applicator unit. That permits retro-fitting of the gripping element. In addition the functionality of the overload protection is decoupled from the fixing of the gripping element on the applicator unit. Here, in regard to the structure of the overload protection, for example in the form of a snap- engagement latching element and/or a spring element, no restrictions are to be taken into consideration in regard to fixing to the applicator unit. That additional design freedom can be used for further cost minimisation in regard to the manufacturing process and the materials used. Fixing elements according to the invention can simply be in the form of adhesives. However, more complex, for example barb-like fixing elements are also conceivable, which can be supported in corresponding fixing grooves of the applicator unit. Fixing elements in the form of sleeves which can be fitted on at the end of the applicator unit can also be used in an applicator device according to the invention. Fixing in the case of such sleeves for the end of the applicator unit can be effected for example by a latching fit thereon.

The overload protection for the gripping element according to the invention does not necessarily comprise one piece. Rather the overload protection can also be of a multi-part configuration as is the case for example with the above-discussed snap-engagement latching element. In addition, in the multi-part configuration of the overload protection, it is not necessarily the case that each part of the overload protection must be a part of the gripping element. Rather, parts of the applicator unit and the gripping element can also jointly form the overload protection. In the case of a snap-engagement latching element as the overload protection for example the latching groove can be provided in the casing of the applicator unit while the latching element is mounted to the gripping element, in the form of an annular thickened portion. To ensure that the applicator tip of the applicator member is protected in every case, it is appropriate for the necessary force for triggering the movement of the gripping element to be less than the loading limit of the applicator tip. Advantageously a certain space is to be provided between the loading limit and the triggering force. For example, a safety buffer of 10 to 20 % is conceivable, which is between the force for damaging or destroying the applicator tip and the force for moving the gripping element as far as the application surface. The values for the forces which lead to destruction of applicator tips depend greatly on the respective mode of use, in particular the nature and form of the tip, the angle relative to the application surface and the material of the latter. Experience has shown that destruction forces are in the range of between 5 N and 15 N. When using inserted applicator tips or applicator members, the above-discussed slipping effect can already occur prior to destruction, the consequence of such slipping also being that the applicator device can become useless. Experience has shown that such slipping occurs at forces in the region around 10 N.

To further improve the application feel, it can be advantageous for the gripping element to have at least one gripping zone. Such gripping zones can comprise for example soft rubber materials and/or ergonomically adapted regions which facilitate the application procedure, for example when writing in the case of a writing implement, in particular over long periods of time, and reduce fatigue of the application or writing hand.

For assembly or dismantling, particularly in the case of re-usable gripping elements, it may be advantageous if the overload protection of the gripping element is arrestable. In the arrested position, the overload protection cannot be triggered even when the defined axial force is exceeded. If an applicator device according to the invention uses for example a fixing element for the gripping element in the form of a snap- engagement latching element, then arresting of the overload protection can be adjusted for release of that fixing element. In that case, it is also possible to pull on the gripping element with a force which is greater than the defined axial force, and the gripping element can be removed by releasing the fixing element from the applicator unit.

A further subject of the present invention is a gripping element for fitting to an applicator unit with at least one overload protection according to the invention. In that case the gripping element is of such a configuration that, after mounting to an applicator unit, it forms therewith an applicator device according to the foregoing description. Such a gripping element could be used not only in relation to a single applicator unit but on different applicator units and can thus be employed markedly more frequently than is the case with applicator units which are usually designed in the form of disposable articles. The multiple use means that the gripping element can also be produced at greater expense and/or of higher quality.

By way of example the gripping element can be at least partially made from high-quality material. Refinement treatment in another fashion, in particular by silver-plating or gold-plating or a combination of the two manufacturing variants, is also conceivable. An additional enhancement in value of the gripping element by the application of decorative elements such as for example paste gems or diamonds would also be conceivable. A gripping element according to the invention which can be used a plurality of times and in part also on a lifelong basis, can in that way be in the form of a high-quality writing implement or cosmetic instrument. In that way, as an alternative to high-quality fountain pens or ballpoint pens or expensive cosmetic applicators, it is also possible to further develop comparatively simple applicator units such as for example felt-tip pens, pencils, ballpoint pens, kohl eye pencils, concealers etc., with a high-quality gripping element to afford individual applicator devices, and to upgrade the value thereof.

Preferably fixing elements are additionally provided for securing the gripping element to the applicator unit. Those fixing elements are provided in particular for releasably fixing the gripping element. There are many different design configurations in regard to such fixing elements. Thus it is possible to provide for example screw means, cap nuts, bayonet fastenings, snap-engagement latching connections in the form of barbs or any other fixing elements.

An advantageous configuration of the fixing element for a gripping element according to the invention is in the form of an inclined portion or slope involving self-locking angles. For example in the case of cylindrical gripping elements which are pushed on over an applicator unit the inside surface of the gripping element will have a small angle, preferably less than 5°. For securing the gripping element to any applicator unit the gripping element is pushed over the applicator unit and moved with momentum and some force over the casing of the applicator unit. In that way a clamping effect which is sufficient for use of the gripping element is produced between the angled inside surface of the gripping element and the outside surface of the casing, which is usually not angled, of the applicator unit. In that case the clamping force is advantageously higher than the maximum force applied by the gripping element in opposite relationship to the fixing. That maximum force corresponds to the force necessary to bring the gripping element into contact with the application surface, against the force of the overload protection.

A further subject of the present invention is a sales unit having at least one applicator unit and at least one gripping element in accordance with the foregoing description. Such sales units can usually be sold in department stores or stationery shops or drugstores and include for example a high-quality gripping element and one or more associated applicator units of any desired kind, which can be used with the gripping element. The provision of a plurality of applicator units which for example are also different in a sales unit according to the invention can also be appropriate.

Further advantageous configurations of the invention and a number of embodiments by way of example thereof are described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "left", "right", "top" and "bottom" used in the description of the specific embodiments relate to the Figures of drawings in an orientation with normally readable Figure identifications and references. In the drawings: Figure Ia shows a first embodiment of an applicator device with overload protection in the latched condition,

Figure Ib shows an applicator device of Figures Ia with the overload protection released, Figure 2a shows a further embodiment of an applicator device with non-released overload protection,

Figure 2b shows an applicator device as in Figure 2a, with released overload protection,

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a gripping element with fixing element, and

Figure 4 shows a representation of the variation in forces when using a spring as the overload protection in accordance with an embodiment.

Figures Ia and Ib show a first embodiment of an applicator device 1.

The applicator device 1 has an applicator unit 10 which at its lower end includes an applicator member 12 with an applicator tip 14. Arranged on the casing 2 of the applicator unit 10 is an annular latching groove 36 into which latching elements 38 of the gripping element 30 engage. In this arrangement the latching elements 38 are at least in part annular elements which engage into the annular latching groove 36. Arranged on the outside of the gripping element 30 is a gripping zone 34 which in this case is implemented with a slip-resistant coating.

When using an applicator device 1 as shown in Figures Ia and Ib the user uses his application hand to grip it at the gripping zone 34 of the gripping element 30. For application purposes he places the applicator device 1 with the applicator tip 14 on the application surface and begins the application operation. In the situation where the application hand of the user applies to the gripping element 30 by way of the gripping zone 34, a force in the axial direction of the applicator unit 10 which is greater than the defined axial load for the movement of the gripping element 30, the latching elements 38 are released from the latching groove 36 and the gripping element 30 slips along the applicator unit 10 in the direction of the applicator tip 14. That movement of the gripping element 30 is terminated as soon as it abuts against the application surface. When that situation has occurred all the force less the spring force which is applied by the application hand to the gripping element 30 by way of the gripping zone 34 is transmitted by way of the contact surface between the gripping element and the application surface. The applicator member 12 and its applicator tip 14 are disposed in a safeguarded position within the gripping element 30.

Figures 2a and 2b show a further embodiment of an applicator device 1 according to the invention. In this arrangement the overload protection 32 is in the form of a spring 40. In this embodiment the spring 40 is connected directly and fixedly to the applicator unit 10 at the upper end and to the gripping element 30 at the lower end. Figure 2 shows the initial condition at the start of the application operation. In the situation where the user application hand again transmits to the gripping element 30 by way of the gripping zone 34 a force which is greater than the defined axial load for starting the movement of the gripping element 30, the gripping element 30 moves against the spring force in the direction of the applicator tip 14 of the applicator member 12. The end of that movement is shown in Figure 2b. Similarly to the view in Figure Ib, in this case also the gripping element 30 is in a position in which all the force is transmitted by way of the contact surface between the gripping element 30 and the application surface. Here also the applicator tip 14 and the applicator member 12 are in a safeguarded position. In comparison with the embodiment of Figures Ia and Ib the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b has the advantage that, starting from the situation shown in Figure 2b, the gripping element 30 can automatically move upwardly again due to the spring force of the spring 40. The gripping element 30 does not have to be actively pushed back into the initial position again by the user. Rather the spring 40, due to the spring force inherent therein, pulls the gripping element 30 back into the initial position after relief of the load applied by the user application hand. A further configuration for a gripping element 30 is shown in Figure

3. The gripping element 30 of Figure 3 is of a multi-part structure. An inner part 50 and an outer part 52 jointly form the gripping element 30. The upper end of the overload protection 32 in the form of a spring 40 is fixedly mounted to the inner part 50. The lower end of the spring 40 is fixed to the outer part 52 of the gripping element 30. A relative movement between the inner part 50 and the outer part 52 can be effected exclusively against the spring 40 in the form of a tension spring. The inner part 50 additionally has a fixing element 42. Here it is in the form of a snap- engagement latching element which is of a substantially barb-shaped configuration in the direction of the applicator tip 14 of the applicator unit 10. To connect the gripping element 30 to the applicator unit 10 the gripping element 30 is pushed over the body of the applicator unit 10 until the fixing element 42 latches. From that moment the applicator device is finished and is ready for use.

In the case of a gripping element 30 as shown in Figure 3 the spring 40 is prestressed. The prestressing is produced by an abutment contact surface of the inner part 50 against the outer part 52. In an advantageous configuration of this embodiment the abutment of the inner part 50 can be altered relative to the outer part 52, by the user. In that way it is possible to adjust the prestressing force and thus the triggering release force. Adjustability of the contact abutment relationship can be provided for example by a screwthread which can be fixed from the outside to the gripping element 30.

Figure 4 shows a diagram explaining the mode of operation of the spring with prestressing. In this case the y-axis of the diagram denotes the spring force and the x-axis denotes the spring travel. The prestressing force is identified by F_start- A prestressing travel Sl is associated with the prestressing force

At least a force F_start must be applied so that the spring moves further, to trigger the overload protection. The overall movement of the spring is identified by S2. When the spring moves in the region of S2 it is further stretched and the force for stretching the spring and thus force applied to the applicator device rises along the spring characteristic. The maximum movement of the gripping element 30, that is to say the right-hand end of S2, is defined by the gripping element 30 encountering the application surface. The maximum spring force F_max is in correlated relationship with the end of the movement S2. It is important that the force F_max is less than the force F₂ required for destroying or damaging the applicator tip 14 of the applicator member 12. With an adjustable prestressing for the spring 40, the triggering force F_star_t can be adjusted along the spring characteristic, by way of adjustment of the prestressing travel Sl. An advantageous configuration provides that there is a high level of prestressing, that is to say there is only a relatively small interval between F_start and F_max.

List of references

1 applicator device

2 casing

10 applicator unit

12 applicator member

14 applicator tip

30 gripping element

32 overload protection

34 gripping zone

36 latching groove

38 latching element

40 spring element

42 fixing element

50 inner part

52 outer part

Claims

1. An applicator device (1) including an applicator unit (10) having a casing (2) and at least one applicator member (12) with at least one applicator tip (14), wherein there is additionally provided a gripping element (30) having at least one overload protection (32) for the applicator tip (14), wherein the gripping element (30) with the at least one overload protection (32) is coupled to the applicator unit (10) in such a way that the gripping element (30) moves reversibly relative to the applicator unit (10) when a defined axial load is exceeded along the longitudinal axis of the applicator unit (10) in the direction of the applicator tip (14).

2. An applicator device (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that there is provided an abutment for the gripping element (30), which prevents the gripping element (30) from completely slipping off the applicator unit (10).

3. An applicator device (1) according to claim 2 characterised in that the abutment is so arranged that the gripping element (30) in the reversible movement in the direction of the applicator tip (14) can be pushed completely over said applicator tip (14) until the gripping element (30) is supported against the application surface.

4. An applicator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one overload protection (32) is in the form of a snap-engagement latching element.

5. An applicator device (1) according to claim 4 characterised in that the snap-engagement latching element has at least one latching groove (36) and at least one latching element (38).

6. An applicator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one overload protection (32) is in the form of a spring element (40) fixedly connected to the applicator unit (10) and the gripping element (30).

7. An applicator device (1) according to claim 6 characterised in that the spring element (40) is prestressed in the initial condition.

8. An applicator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the gripping element (30) additionally also has a fixing element (42) which releasably fixes the gripping element (30) to the applicator unit (10).

9. An applicator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the at least one overload protection (32) is formed jointly by parts of the gripping element (30) and of the applicator unit (10).

10. An applicator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the force necessary for triggering the movement of the gripping element (30) in the direction of the applicator tip (14) is less than the loading limit of the applicator tip (14).

11. An applicator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the gripping element (30) has at least one gripping zone (34).

12. An applicator device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the overload protection (32) is arrestable.

13. A gripping element (30) for mounting to an applicator unit (10) having at least one overload protection (32), wherein the gripping element (30) after mounting to an applicator unit (10) forms therewith an applicator device (1) having the features of one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A gripping element (30) according to claim 13 characterised in that the gripping element (30) is at least partially produced from a high- quality material or is subjected to refining treatment in another fashion, in particular silver-plated or gold-plated.

15. A gripping element (30) according to one of claims 13 and 14 characterised in that there is additionally provided a fixing element (42) with which the overload protection (32) can be releasably fixed to the applicator unit (10).

16. A gripping element (30) according to claim 15 characterised in that the fixing element (42) is in the form of an inclined portion with a self- locking angle.

17. A sales unit having at least one applicator unit (10) and at least one gripping element (30) having the features of one of claims 13 to 16.