WO2013093062A9

WO2013093062A9 - Foldable applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2013093062A9
Application number: PCT/EP2012/076777
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manuela Geuther; Daniela Hammer
Original assignee: Geka Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-12-23
Filing date: 2012-12-21
Publication date: 2014-01-23
Also published as: EP2793642B1; WO2013093062A2; DE202011052466U1; EP2793642A2; WO2013093062A3

Abstract

Cosmetics and, in particular, mascara unit having an applicator and a supply container, wherein the applicator can be secured on the supply container such that the applicator closes the removal opening of the supply container tightly, characterized in that that part of the applicator which is always located outside the supply container is foldable.

Description

Foldable applicator

The invention relates to a cosmetic and in particular a mascara unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

Typical mascara units consist of a reservoir and an applicator, which in turn consists of a handle, a handle and a section that carries the trimming of the applicator.

Since it is very unfavorable to handle in the application with the hand leading the applicator directly in the eye, the usual applicators have a relatively long handle, which creates a sufficiently large distance between the trim and the actual handle.

The reservoirs in which the mascara mass is stored in each case take into account the fact that the applicators are usually designed as described above, in that they have an elongated, angular or round shape - typically the reservoirs are formed as elongated cylinders, which absorbs the long stem and the garment attached to it when the mascara unit is closed and the applicator is in stowed position.

However, there is a need for a variety of reasons in recent times to deviate from the classic design of the reservoir and instead provide small, compact reservoir. One reason for this is, for example, that it causes difficulties the cosmetic mass, the kept in an elongated cosmetic container is kept completely exhausted. Because just when the cosmetics container is already largely emptied, the remains of the remaining mascara mass not infrequently accumulate in a region of the elongated reservoir, which in some

Removal is from the position occupied by the stocking as soon as the applicator is fully inserted into the storage container after use and opposite the storage container

has been fixed.

But if you just now just the reservoir more compact, then the problem arises that the applicator protrudes far beyond the reservoir, which is not only visually unattractive, but at the same time also reduces the gain in compactness, which actually goes with the compact reservoir affected , To respond to this merely by making the applicator shorter and thereby the distance between the part of the handle, the user or the

User touches, and reduces the stocking, but is also not a satisfactory solution. Because under such a measure, the handling suffers because then in the application with the hand leading the applicator must be handled closer to the eye, which is perceived by many users as unpleasant.

Thus, it is the object of the invention to provide a cosmetic unit that can be made very compact, without compromising on the applicator due to its needs.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a cosmetic unit is used, in particular for use in the mascara area, which comprises an applicator and a storage container. In this case, the applicator be set on the reservoir so that the applicator closes the removal opening of the reservoir tight. The applicator is characterized in that the always located outside of the reservoir part of the applicator is foldable. This results in an applicator, which needs in the moment in which it is fixed in its stowed position on the reservoir only very little space. Yet offers the applicator by being summarily unfolded for the purpose of the application, while the applica ^¬ tion so that the applicator guiding hand must not be handled directly in the vicinity of the eye the usual size. A determination of the applicator on the reservoir a frictional and / or positive attachment of the applicator is understood such that the Appli ^¬ cator safely remains in its stowed position and thereby seals the reservoir so that it can not come to an undesirable leakage of the cosmetic composition.

In the context of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the applicator comprises two parts which are connected to each other by a hinge, so that a part of the applicator despite the partial immersion of the applicator in the reservoir pivoted relative to the reservoir and thereby brought closer to the reservoir can be. Such a hinge is preferably understood to mean a true hinge, that is to say a connection of the two affected parts such that one part performs a sliding movement relative to the other part at the connection point. Typically, such a hinge is formed so that it has at least one hinge pin, which engages in at least one hinge eye, preferably two hinge eyes and thus forms a pivot axis. For use in the low-cost range but possibly also comes a film hinge in question, even if such a hinge does not the preferred embodiment is because it is difficult to ensure in such a hinge that it does not come to an undesirable pivoting movement. This can be accomplished more easily with a conventional hinge by performing the hinge with such internal friction that the two parts joined together by the hinge can be brought by the user into a desired position in which these parts remain until they are frictional the user changes their position. Such a hinge allows, as it is carried out, bring a part of the applicator closer to the reservoir and preferably set there. As a result, very compact cosmetic units are possible without having to use correspondingly miniaturized applicators.

The cosmetic unit is preferably designed such that the part of the applicator to be brought closer to the storage container with the aid of the hinge can additionally be fixed to the storage container. That is, the hinge-movable part of the applicator can also be secured to the reservoir, preventing inadvertent collapse of the applicator. In addition, as a result of this, the applicator as a whole is fixed more firmly to the reservoir, so that the risk is less that there is an unintentional separation between the applicator and the reservoir, for example during transport of the cosmetic unit in a handbag.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the applicator, when it assumes its stowed position, has a first region with which it is fixed to the reservoir and a longitudinal axis along the not necessarily rectilinear longitudinal axis of the reservoir. plikators thereof spaced second area, with which it is also fixed to the reservoir. The determination of the cosmetic applicator at two different locations relative to the reservoir ensures a particularly secure fixing of the cosmetic applicator on the reservoir.

Preferably, the distance between the first and second regions is at least% of the total length of the applicator, including its stem and handle.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the applicator can be fixed without threading to the associated reservoir, wherein the applicator, when it assumes its standby position, not only in the region of the mouth of the reservoir is fixed to this, but also in a away from the mouth area. As a definition in the sense of this claim, it is sufficient if a part of the applicator is inserted into a trough. Preferably, however, a fixing is actually understood to be a true frictional or positive fixing or fastening of the applicator to the storage container.

Preferably, a distance of at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 16 mm, and ideally at least 25 mm in each case measured in a straight line between the mouth of the reservoir and the remote from the mouth area in which the applicator is fixed to the cosmetic reservoir.

It is preferred that the part of the applicator which is movable relative to the storage container with the aid of the hinge is fixable at least locally on the outer surface of the storage container, whereby the fixing of the applicator in one muzzle distant area can be brought about. Thus, there is no need to make the reservoir so large that the applicator here completely or predominantly fits, instead, the size of the reservoir relative to the unfolded applicator be such that the applicator, when it is inserted into the reservoir, this far surpasses. The projecting part of the applicator is then folded over with the aid of the hinge, wherein a part of the applicator comes to lie on the outer surface of the storage container, preferably in a trough.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the reservoir provides that the reservoir is not rotationally symmetric or quasi rotationally symmetric along a single axis (hexagon, octagon, etc.). Ideally, the applicator is, overall, a flat applicator. Because of this property, it has at least two major major surfaces and at least three small peripheral surfaces approximately perpendicular thereto. Optimally, the area of each major surface is at least a factor of 5 larger than the area of each side surface.

Within the scope of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the part of the applicator movable relative to the reservoir with the aid of the hinge can be inserted into a recess of the reservoir provided therefor in order to bring the applicator completely into its stowed position. This can preferably take place in such a way that the relevant part of the applicator does not protrude more or only insignificantly beyond the outer contour of the storage container, into which the recess is made. Ideally, the trough is formed by a recess in the reservoir, which corresponds at least substantially to the contour of the part of the applicator, which is to be inserted into the trough. Quite optimally

6

SHEET EI N D EN RCH when the inserted into the trough part of the applicator is frictionally clamped against the walls of the trough

and / or positively locked in the trough. Optionally, additional locking means may be present, such as in the form of euies pin on the reservoir in the trough, which engages in a corresponding mating recess on the applicator or spreads there. Conversely, it is equally possible to provide the pin on the applicator and to provide the corresponding recess on the reservoir.

Ideally, the applicator has a thickened, preferably a wedge-shaped or conically thickened portion which elastically clamps along its circumference against a portion of a scraper inserted in the mouth of the reservoir or separate sealing element as soon as the applicator is inserted with the emphasis in the reservoir , which is required to bring the applicator in its standby position on the reservoir. With such a thickening, the necessary elastic bias can be created between the wiper and the applicator or between the respective seal and the applicator, which is necessary to provide a secure seal that protects against leakage of the cosmetic.

Further advantages, effects and design options of the invention will become apparent from the following explained with reference to the figures embodiments.

Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a first exemplary embodiment;

7

SHEET EI N D EN RCH REFERENCE REG EL 20.6 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment from the front;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment from the front at the moment in which the applicator has been inserted through the mouth of the reservoir into this, without having been set already in the muzzle remote area on the reservoir;

Figure 4 is a side view of the first embodiment;

Figure 5: the applicator used in the first embodiment alone;

Figure 6 is a sectional view through a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7: a perspective view of the otherwise the

Figure 6 corresponding SchnittZeichnung, here with unfolded applicator;

Figure 8: a perspective view of the otherwise the

Figure 6 corresponding SchnittZeichnung, here with folded applicator;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective full view of the second embodiment with the applicator folded up;

FIG. 10: an overall perspective view of the second

Embodiment with unfolded applicator; Figure 11: the reservoir, which is used in the context of the second embodiment, on its own;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9 perpendicular from above;

FIG. 13 shows the foldable invention which is used according to the invention in the context of the second exemplary embodiment

Applicator on its own;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment from the front;

FIG. 15 shows a representation of the third exemplary embodiment directly from the front;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view through the third embodiment;

Figure 17 is a side view of the third embodiment from the right;

FIG. 18: a side view of the third exemplary embodiment from the left.

As can be clearly seen at first glance with reference to FIG. 1, the storage container of this invention

Embodiment designed differently than known from most previously known cosmetic storage containers, which interact with an applicator. The reservoir 2 is not cylindrical and not hexagonal or octagonal, so not "quasi rotationally symmetric". Instead, it has a blocky shape. This shape roughly corresponds to the shape of a cuboid with a one-sided chamfer. The reservoir 2 also has no neck in the strict sense, as known from the usual bottle-like reservoirs ago. Instead, it has in one of its main surfaces a window-like, preferably substantially rectangular opening, through which part of an applicator 3 can be pushed into the storage container. The storage container is preferably made of several parts, namely, a first part 2a and a second part 2b which is preferably locked, glued or welded thereto. The storage container has a large-volume interior, which can serve completely for storing cosmetic mass or, preferably, by an intermediate wall, which is here indicated by the line Zw, divided into separate volumes. Of these volumes only one serves for the storage of cosmetics. The already mentioned window-like opening, through which the cosmetic applicator can be pushed into the interior of the reservoir 2, will henceforth be called passage 4. In the passage 4 a scraper 5 is inserted and fixed there.

As best seen with reference to FIG 1, but also hinted at the figure 5, has the part of the applicator, which is pushed through the scraper into the reservoir 2, a preferably wedge-like thickened area 6. This wedge-like thickened area 6 spreads, so to speak in the scraper, when the applicator is pressed with the necessary emphasis in its standby position This results in between the preferably wedge-like thickened region 6 and the scraper 5 to an elastic strain, so that the inserted into the wiper part of the applicator the passage 4 completely seals. As a result, even in unfavorable cases, nothing can leak from the cosmetic stored in the storage container 2. Around To achieve this, the scraper 5 is preferably made of a material that is so soft or flexible that occurs between the scraper and the inserted into it part of the applicator or the wedge-like thickened portion 6, a continuous contact between the scraper and the applicator - At least along a circumferential direction of the applicator in itself closed line.

The special feature of the applicator 3 is its foldability, which is preferably produced by a hinge or, if necessary, by an otherwise bend-soft area (this last-mentioned alternative possibility is not represented figuratively). A hinge in the sense of the invention can also be a so-called film hinge, in particular if the invention is to be used in the low-cost range. Preferably, however, a hinge is used in the classical sense, d. H. a compound of two parts, which allows a real relative movement of the two parts to each other at the joint, thus ensuring a defined rotational mobility.

In the specific embodiment, the applicator is in two parts. It consists of an actual, first applicator part 3a, which has the stocking 6 required for applying the cosmetic. Furthermore, it consists of a second applicator part 3b, which serves as a handle of the applicator here. These two applicator parts are connected to each other by a hinge 7. As can best be seen with reference to FIG. 1, this hinge is preferably a hinge equipped with a hinge pin, each of which engages in a corresponding hinge eye and thus enables a smooth pivotability even at a large angle. 1 shows the cosmetic unit 1 according to the invention in the moment in which the applicator 3 is inserted in the direction of the arrow P in the reservoir 2. It is necessary to apply a certain pressure in order to bring the applicator 3 into full contact with the scraper 5. This rich impressions or spreading of the applicator 3 into the wiper 5 leads to a first determination of the applicator 3 relative to the storage container 2. This definition will normally be of purely frictional nature. But it can also be provided a locking device, the click or jerk signals the user that the applicator 3 has now been inserted deep enough in the wiper 5 to ensure tightness. Regardless of whether this first definition is of purely frictional nature, or even if only positive fit is used, it is the case that this first determination alone would not be sufficient to produce such an applicator as is in question here , really so safe to attach to the reservoir 2 that unwanted loosening of the applicator from his seat in the reservoir and the associated, very unpleasant leakage of the cosmetic is reliably prevented.

In a next step, the second applicator part 3b, which forms the handle, is now pivoted about the axis of the hinge 7, ie, in the case of the concrete exemplary embodiment under discussion here, it pivots upwards in the counterclockwise direction. This results in a relative movement between this second applicator part 3b and the storage container 2, as one can easily see, so that the second applicator part 3b approaches the storage container more and more. It can be said that a predominant part of the surface of the applicator located outside the reservoir comes to lie parallel to the outer surface of the reservoir. As can best be seen with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the reservoir has on its side facing the passage 4 a depression 8, ie a region in which the surface of the reservoir 2 is recessed relative to the adjacent surface regions, ie springs back inwards. This trough is, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 2, for receiving a part of the second piece of pleat 3b. The trough is so deep that it is possible to insert the said part of the second applicator part 3b substantially completely into the trough, so that the part of the second applicator part 3b inserted in the trough substantially no longer projects beyond the outer contour of the storage container 2, in any case in the area in which he is placed in the hollow, cf. FIG. 4.

As can be seen quite nicely with reference to all of FIGS. 1 to 5, the storage container 2 additionally has a latching element which, as shown here, is preferably designed in the form of a pin 9.

Corresponding to this pin, a recess is provided in the handle of the applicator 3, which is a through hole in the present case. The recess 10 and the pin 9 are aligned such that the pin 9 frictionally engages or preferably even engages with the recess 10 as soon as the second applicator part 3b has been completely applied to the storage container 2.

In this way, the applicator 3 is securely held in its ready position on and in the storage container 2. Because he is in at least two different and not directly in contact with each other but in the direction determined along the longitudinal axis L of the applicator completely separate areas on the reservoir 2. The first region on which a determination takes place is the already mentioned region of the first applicator part 3a, which comes into positive and / or frictional engagement with the scraper 5 or with a sealing element (not shown here) inserted in the reservoir 2. The second region is the region of the recess 10 in the handle of the applicator 3, which engages with the pin 9 positively and / or frictionally engaged. The first and the second region are clearly separated from one another in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis L, which is not necessarily straight, as shown, and in particular arranged one behind the other. The first and second regions, as one progresses in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis, are spaced apart by an amount that is at least 50% of the total length of the applicator in the direction along the non-necessarily straight longitudinal axis. In terms of numbers, it can be generalized to say that there is a distance of at least 8 mm, better of at least 16 mm and ideally of at least 25 or even 30 mm, between the first and the second area.

As can be seen relatively well with reference to FIG. 3, an additional fixing of the applicator 3 with respect to the storage container 2 is preferably also achieved by the depression 8. Although it is preferably so that the trough in a region which corresponds approximately to the bottom third of the second applicator 3b, is greater than the corresponding applicator and therefore does not frictionally or form-fitting determines. However, the upper part of the trough which in the present embodiment receives approximately the central region of the second applicator part 3b is designed so that the side walls of the trough rest against the flanks of the second applicator part 3b. This can at least lead to a frictional connection come between the corresponding portion of the second applicator 3b and the reservoir, which provides additional definition. Preferably can even be ensured positive fit, for example, it comes with a corresponding configuration of the trough laterally delimiting walls to a locking between the trough walls and the flanks of the second applicator. Of course, it is also explicitly possible to provide latching devices here, such as a latching strip on the flank of the second applicator part 3b and a corresponding latching recess in the corresponding side wall delimiting the recess.

It should be mentioned that the first applicator part 3a carries a garnish 6, which preferably consists of bristles molded integrally on this first applicator part 3a. Here, it is ideally such that these bristles are all or at least predominantly oriented so that the bristle longitudinal axis runs parallel or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA1 of the first applicator part 3a, cf. Fig. 2.

Ideally, the applicator 3 or the second applicator part 3b and the depression 8 are formed in such a way that a force K acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA2 of the second applicator part (see Figure 2) tends to lead to a stronger definition of the applicator 3 in the reservoir 2 namely, because the area of the second applicator part 3b inserted in the trough tends to be wedged against the walls bounding the trough laterally.

As can be seen quite nicely with reference to all the figures, the second applicator part 3b has a constriction approximately at its center or, here, in an area which divides it by a third into two thirds, ie a location at which its width is minimal. This helps to keep a good in the hand To create applicator. This constriction is absorbed by the outer shape of the reservoir, which leads to a likewise well-lying in the reservoir, which, despite its large, for storing cosmetics

Available volume is not "blocky" acts.

Not only in particular when used as a mascara applicator, the applicator in the direction of its longitudinal axis L, including its bristle facing, preferably has a total length L for which the following applies: 25 mm ^ total length 60 mm. The thickness D of the non-bristle part of the applicator is preferably 7 7 mm, and ideally 5 5 mm, cf. Fig. 5

The width B of the applicator is preferably less than

35 mm, cf. also FIG. 5.

Accordingly, the passage 4 does not have a round or polygonal-round shape but is substantially rectangular with a width B adapted to the applicator

Maximum extent.

With reference to FIG. 5, it should also be pointed out that the stocking consists of bristles, which are arranged one behind the other in rows along a line bristle line BL, see also FIG. 1. Preferably, at least three rows of bristles are placed side by side.

Ideally, each of the bristle lines BL is not absolutely straight but slightly crescent-shaped, as best seen in FIG. This results in particular advantages if this cosmetic applicator is to be used for the application of mascara. The trimming is then adapted to the curve of the eyelash curvature and allows the applicator to be guided from the front (frontally from the tip of the nose) to the pimples while at the same time covering almost all eyelashes of the eyelash

Treat the eyelashes with the mascara. Figures 6 to 13 show a second embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the reservoir 2 also does not have the classic cylindrical shape, but also corresponds here approximately in a rectangular parallelepiped. This with the special feature that the long narrow sides of the rectangular parallelepiped are rounded. Applicator 3 is preferably defined by an aperture in one of the small faces, i. the smallest side surfaces of the reservoir 2 inserted into this. However, when passing through this opening in the small end face, the applicator 3 does not immediately come into contact with the interior of the reservoir, which stores the cosmetic, but first has to pass through a guide tube 11 which on all sides has a larger diameter than the applicator 3, so that this can be easily pushed through the guide tube 11 therethrough. At its inner end, the guide tube 11 narrows and here forms a further opening, namely the passage 4, which the applicator 3 has to pass in order to reach the inner region of the storage container 2, which holds the cosmetic stored. In the passage 4, a scraper 5 is used in the exemplary embodiment shown here, which ensures that when removing the applicator 3, no excessive amount of cosmetic mass is taken.

Also, the reservoir 2 used in this embodiment is in two parts, as best seen in FIG 6. It consists of a first part 2a, which forms the upper part here, and a second part 2b, which forms the bottom. The second part 2b is preferably connected by means of a latching connection with the first part 2a, but may alternatively also be welded or glued. The guide tube has on one of its sides a recess 13, which is intended that the applicator inserts into this recess 13. In addition, the reservoir 2 has on its outer side - preferably in the region of the outside, which forms one of the major main surfaces of the reservoir - a trough 8, which serves to insert a part of the applicator 3, so that already above in connection with the first embodiment has been described.

The applicator 3 which is preferably used in the context of this exemplary embodiment is best illustrated in FIG. 13. As can be seen, this applicator is also provided with a hinge 7, by means of which the part of the applicator 3 which is always located outside the storage container can be folded. This hinge 7 is in turn a classic hinge, ie a hinge which has at least one hinge pin 9, which engages in two hinge eyes 10 assigned to it.

For the trimming 6b of this applicator, which also here preferably consists of injection-molded bristles, what has been said above in connection with the trimming of the first exemplary embodiment applies accordingly, which is the reason why it is not necessary to repeat here how the bristle trimming should be designed.

The applicator 3 is brought in this embodiment, as will be described below, in its standby position on the reservoir 2, in which he closes the reservoir tightly and thus allows the unhindered and spill - protected transport of the reservoir, see. Fig. 8 and 9. The portion of the applicator carrying the bristle stock is pushed through the guide tube 11 and the further opening in the form of the passage 4 into the space of the storage container which holds the cosmetic. In this case, the scraper 5 applies to the applicator 3 so that the applicator closes the opening 10 tight, as long as he remains in this position. It can then escape any cosmetic. In this case, the applicator 3 may have a preferably wedge-shaped thickened region 6, as has been described above in the context of the first embodiment, to which reference is made. However, the applicator 3 may also be completely smooth-surfaced, ie have no wedge-shaped area 6, as shown in FIG.

In any case, the region of the applicator 3 located within the wiper is fixed by the wiper 5.

As best seen in Figure 6, the portion of the applicator which also carries the bristle stocking 6b is provided with a crank 14. This crank 14 forces the user to always insert the applicator in the correct orientation into the storage container, since the applicator can only be fully inserted when the offset 14 comes to lie in the recess 13 of the guide tube 9 , On the other hand, this offset preferably indicates how deep the applicator 3 can be inserted into the part of the storage container 2 which stores the cosmetic.

Even if the applicator 3 has been fully inserted, a good part of it protrudes beyond the very small and compact reservoir 2 - not least, if the cosmetic unit is a mascara unit, should the entire Unit does not exceed 5, 5 cm x 4 cm x 2, 5 cm. Since the protrusion of the applicator 3 disturbs, the applicator 3 is now folded, which is not a problem due to the hinge 7 provided on it. The protruding part of the applicator 3 is thereby folded so that it preferably folds over the recess 13 of the guide tube 11 away and flat against the outside wall of the cosmetic reservoir 2 or even inserted into a recess provided there 8 completely or partially - so as best shown by the comparison of Figures 9 and 10.

With this trough 8 it behaves in principle as already described in the first embodiment. The contour of the trough 8 is adapted to the contour of the part of the applicator 3, which receives the trough 8 as intended. Since the distal (i.e., facing away from the bristle facing 6b side) portion of the applicator 3 widens toward its extreme end, the well 8 also has a corresponding shape. The trough 8 takes up the majority of the applicator section inserted in it, so that the predominant part of the applicator section does not protrude beyond the imaginary, smooth-surfaced envelope contour of the storage container 2.

This insertion of the applicator in the trough 8 leads to an additional definition of the applicator 3 to the reservoir 2. It can be easily understood from Figure 9 that the applicator can not be pulled up in the direction of arrow R, as long as he folded and its distal portion is inserted in the trough 8. In this way it is ensured that the applicator 3 is not accidentally torn out of the reservoir 2 and then, for example, the contents of the reservoir 2 abruptly expires in the purse. Ideally, the side walls 15 of the trough 8 are dimensioned such that they come into frictional and / or positive engagement with the flanks of the applicator part inserted into them. Optionally, appropriate locking members may be provided. As a result of all this, the part of the applicator 3 inserted in the depression 8 is braced against the depression walls or spread into them, which prevents inadvertent folding back of the corresponding applicator section into the position which allows the applicator to be withdrawn.

Figures 14 to 19 show a third embodiment of the invention. Again, it is so that the reservoir has a different shape from usual, as the above has already been described for the reservoir of the other exemplary embodiments. Otherwise, it is noteworthy that the applicator in this embodiment has a cylindrical core, which serves as a bristle carrier, and which is provided around with molded bristles. At this bristle carrier is followed by a widened, here circular executed area, which closes the serving as a removal opening for the cosmetic passage 4 as a lid.

At the same time, the applicator used in this exemplary embodiment has a special design which influences its handling. The applicator is ultimately constructed in three parts and consists of the parts 3a, 3b and 3c. In ready-to-use position, the applicator is unfolded as shown in FIG. 19. The first applicator part 3a forms the handle in this applicator, while the second applicator part 3 forms a stem which has a longitudinal axis LS. The third applicator part 3c is fastened to this style in such a way that its longitudinal axis LQ is arranged perpendicularly or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the handle. A sol- rather applicator opens up a novel handling in the application, especially if it is used as a mascara applicator. Because such a mascara applicator can be brought to the eye from the front. The hand holding the applicator no longer moves laterally next to the head, but comes from the front and is therefore easier to control.

This applicator is also foldable in the sense of the invention. For this purpose, the first applicator part 3a and the second applicator part 3b are preferably connected to one another via a ball joint. For this purpose, for example, the first applicator part 3a forms a ball socket 16. In this ball socket, a joint ball 17 (Figure 17) can be engaged, which is part of the second applicator 3b. For this purpose, the ball socket is preferably designed slotted, so that the walls of the ball socket 16 can escape when the ball joint 17 is pressed into the ball socket 16. Here, the ball socket and the ball joint are dimensioned so that they elastically clamp against each other and thereby in the joint so far increased friction occurs that the first applicator 3a and the second applicator 3b remain during use the position to each other, the user or the User has given. In other words, in other words, the user "unfolds" the applicator and then the relative applicator parts remain relative to each other in the position that the user has given them.

As you can see in this embodiment, the reservoir has a trough 8, in which a part of the applicator can be inserted, namely the first applicator. The trough is unilaterally open in this embodiment, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. However, it is important that the trough at least partially reflects the contour of the Ap- plicator part inserted into it picks up. In this way, the applicator part, which is inserted into the trough. Thus, it also comes here to a determination of the applicator at two different locations. This is also achieved here, the unintentional withdrawal of the applicator is prevented from its stowed position, even if the applicator is not fixed by means of a thread to the reservoir, but is merely inserted into this.

reference numeral

1 storage tank

2 applicator

2a first part

2b second part

3a first applicator part

3b second applicator part

4 passage

5 scrapers

6 wedge-shaped thickened area

6b stocking

7 hinge

8 trough

9 hinge pins

10 hinge eye

11 guide tube

12 not forgiven

13 recess guide tube

14 cranking

15 side wall of the trough

16 ball socket

17 joint ball

Zw line, which indicates an intermediate wall

P arrow

R arrow

D thickness of the applicator

B Width of the applicator

L longitudinal axis of the applicator

LA3 longitudinal axis first applicator part of the second embodiment

LS longitudinal axis stem

LQ longitudinal axis of the third applicator

Claims

Patent claims

1. Cosmetic and in particular mascara unit, with an applicator and a storage container, whereby the applicator can be fixed to the storage container in such a way that the applicator 4 tightly closes the removal opening of the storage container, characterized in that the part of the applicator is always outside the storage container is foldable;

2 cosmetic unit according to claim 1, characterized in

that the applicator comprises two parts, which are connected by a

Hinge are connected to each other so that part of the applicator can be pivoted relative to the storage container despite the applicator being partially immersed in the storage container and can thereby be brought closer to the storage container;

3 Cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part of the applicator to be brought closer to the storage container with the aid of the hinge can also be fixed to the storage container;

4. Cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator, when it assumes its ready position, has a first region with which it is fixed to the storage container and a second region spaced therefrom in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the applicator which it is also attached to the storage container;

25

SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)

5. Cosmetic unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the first and second areas is at least Vi of the total length of the applicator;

3. Cosmetic unit preferably according to one of the preceding claims with an applicator and a storage container into which the applicator is immersed when it is in

Standby position, whereby the applicator can be fixed to the storage container without thread, characterized in that the applicator, when it assumes its standby position, is not only fixed to the storage container in the area of the mouth of the storage container

(define fixed), but also in an area away from the mouth.

4 Cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a distance of at least 8 mm, better of at least 16 mm, between the mouth of the storage container and the area away from the mouth in which the applicator is additionally fixed to the cosmetic storage container , measured in straight line;

5 Cosmetic unit, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part of the applicator that is movable relative to the storage container with the aid of the hinge can be fixed at least locally on the outer surface of the storage container and the applicator can thus be fixed in an area remote from the mouth;

6 Cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area in which the applicator can be fixed at least locally on the outer surface of the storage container is not the bottle neck of the storage container and / or does not encompass the wiper;

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SHEET REFERENCED BY REFERENCE (REG EL 20.6)

7 Cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container is not rotationally symmetrical or quasi-rotationally symmetrical along an axis (hexagon, octagon, etc.);

8. Cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator is a flat applicator which has at least two large main surfaces and at least three small secondary surfaces which are approximately perpendicular thereto;

9 Cosmetic unit, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part of the applicator that can be moved relative to the storage container with the aid of the hinge can be inserted into a trough in the storage container provided for this purpose, preferably in such a way that the relevant part of the applicator is no longer or only still insignificantly protrudes beyond the outer contour of the storage container enveloping levels;

10. Cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trough is formed by a recess in the storage container which at least substantially corresponds to the contour of the part of the applicator that is to be inserted into the trough;

11. Cosmetic applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator has a wedge- or cone-like thickening section which is elastically braced along its circumference against a section of a wiper or sealing element inserted into the mouth of the storage container as soon as the applicator is with pushed into the storage container with the pressure

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SHEET REFERENCED BY REFERENCE (REG EL 20.6) which is required to bring the applicator into its ready position on the storage container.