WO2022106634A2

WO2022106634A2 - Refillable cosmetic stick

Info

Publication number: WO2022106634A2
Application number: PCT/EP2021/082329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Hornfeck; Julian Sell; Manuel DAUSEL; Thilo KOZYRA; Sandra SCHÄFER
Original assignee: A.W. Faber-Castell Cosmetics Gmbh
Priority date: 2020-11-20
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Also published as: DE112021006057A5; DE202020106678U1; WO2022106634A3

Abstract

A refillable cosmetic stick (1) having a refill (6), from which the cosmetic substance to be applied can be removed, having a cartridge holder (3) for receiving a toollessly interchangeable cartridge (5) which contains the refill (6), having an advancing mechanism (8, 9) for pushing the refill (6) out of the cartridge (5) and retracting the refill (6) back into the cartridge (5), and having a handpiece, in particular in the form of a grip sleeve (2), for actuating the advancing mechanism (8, 9), wherein the cartridge (5) accommodates only the refill (6) and a cartridge piston (11), the advancing mechanism (8, 9) is situated completely outside the cartridge (5) in the loading and unloading position, and the advancing mechanism (8, 9) has an advanced rod (8) with a coupling part which is such that it closes by advancing the advancing rod (8) against the cartridge (5) and in particular the closing cone (27) thereof and is thus connected to the cartridge piston (11) in a form-fitting manner.

Description

RE-FILLABLE COSMETIC PEN

The invention relates to a refillable cosmetic pencil according to the preamble of claim 1 and an associated cartridge.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Cosmetic pencils are often built as so-called lead pencils. In the case of lead pencils, a lead is provided, which consists of the material to be applied. The consistency of the lead is typically adjusted - often by using a corresponding proportion of fat or wax - so that when applying the tip of the lead is pulled over the skin area to be treated with the necessary pressure and then the required amount of the material to be applied is pulled from the lead is peeled off and deposited on the skin area.

Mechanical pencils, in which the leads are held in a wooden sleeve, similar to colored pencils, have proven very effective. The sleeve made of wood can be chipped with a sharpener like a pencil sharpener. In this way, the user can repeatedly adjust the tip of the cosmetic pencil to its optimal shape until the pencil is used up. Recently, sleeves made of plastic have also been used. The disadvantage of this type of cosmetic pencil is that a relatively large part of the lead is chipped when the tip is reconditioned and thus ultimately remains unused.

To remedy this, pin systems with mechanisms are often used offered to advance the corresponding mines. In such

The lead can be used much more effectively with pens.

Some systems, such as glue sticks for paper handicrafts, use a threaded spindle that penetrates the middle of the hollow mine in order to be able to screw the piston plate running on it, which supports the mine from its rear, to the front.

In such systems, the entire pen, including the feed mechanism, is usually discarded as soon as the mine is used up. This is particularly true in the cosmetics sector, where, for hygienic reasons, it is unthinkable to reintroduce the spindle, which is still contaminated with residues from the old, used lead, into the new lead as it is.

Due to the megatrend of sustainability and the ever-increasing environmental awareness, consumer behavior in everyday life has already changed significantly in a wide variety of areas in recent years. Some consumers are already questioning their entire consumption behavior and paying attention, for example, to more conscious consumption, support for recycling cycles or a reduction in superfluous packaging. In order to be able to offer consumers sustainable product solutions, companies from the beauty and body care sector and in particular from the care cosmetics sector have already developed refillable product concepts and established them on the market.

For example, in the case of liquid soaps for washing hands, refill packs are offered as refills, which have a smaller proportion of packaging than the main packaging when first purchased. This allows the end user to make their own Reduce packaging consumption. However, the use of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) to support existing recycling cycles is prohibited by the provisions of the Cosmetics Directive (EC) No. 1223/2009 is made more difficult because the use of recyclates is prevented without further thorough testing of the purity of the starting materials and the manufacturer may not be able to guarantee product safety.

Due to the increasingly important idea of using global resources as sparingly and sustainably as possible without having to forego comfort and attractive design, interest in cosmetic pencils that offer the option of easy and resource-saving refill refills has recently increased significantly . The systems considered in practice as an alternative to the glue stick for paper handicrafts described above could not gain acceptance. In this context, the idea has already been toyed with of accommodating the refill in a separate housing part, which is separated from the rest of the cosmetic applicator to be used further and can be discarded when the refill contained in it is exhausted. However, a serious deficit proved to be the need to intervene in the feed mechanism in the course of removing the part of the housing containing the spent lead residue. This resulted in the need, which was felt to be disadvantageous, to start the feed mechanism again with skilled fingers in the course of installing the housing part with the fresh mine.

In addition, with such systems, at least one

Component of the feed mechanism when replacing the housing part containing the mine must be discarded with this. That generates large amounts of waste.

Another system is known from European patent application EP 3 332 667 A1.

This system has an extremely inconvenient operating mechanism: the mine can be deployed using the operating mechanism, which consists of a simple push rod. But it can not be easily retracted again . This option also does not exist if the user has inadvertently deployed far too many mines. In order to retract the mine again, the operating mechanism must be turned back. Then it is necessary to move the mine back again by carefully pressing on its tip. In the case of softer mines in particular, it is not uncommon for unintentional deformation to occur, which prevents the mine from being pushed back even further.

TASK

In view of this, it is a first object of the invention to provide a cosmetic applicator or to create a pen whose lead can be changed without any particular skill. At the same time, the amount of waste generated in the course of changing the mine should be reduced as far as possible.

SOLUTION

A first solution to this problem according to the invention is as described by the features of claim 1 . According to the invention, a refillable cosmetic pen is proposed with a lead from which the cosmetic mass to be applied can be removed, so that at least temporarily a layer or film results on the hairy or preferably at least essentially hairless body part to be treated.

The cosmetic pen has a cartridge holder to hold a cartridge that can be replaced without tools. This cartridge—preferably also in the ready-to-use position except for a lead exit opening of the actually required size—is essentially closed on all sides—contains the lead, mostly completely or at least essentially completely. The mine therefore does not have to be touched with the fingers when changing the mine. This offers considerable hygienic advantages and prevents the lead from being damaged when the lead is changed.

The cosmetic pen is equipped with a feed mechanism. This is used to push the mine out of the cartridge and pull it back into the cartridge and is designed accordingly. This ensures that there are no handling problems even if the user has extended the mine too far.

The cosmetic pencil has a handpiece, in particular in the form of a grip sleeve, which is used to actuate the feed mechanism.

The cosmetic pin according to the invention is characterized in that the cartridge contains only the refill and a cartridge plunger houses . In addition, there are at best only secondary components in the cartridge. In this respect, a sealing element, for example in the form of O-rings, or a stop, locking or locking ring or a sealing plug are conceivable. Ideally, such other components are also missing, so that only the refill and the cartridge plunger find space in the cartridge.

In any case, the feed mechanism is completely outside the cartridge in the loading and unloading position. This eliminates the need to discard part of the feed mechanism with each cartridge. Even more important is the fact that in this way the user does not have to concern himself with the functioning of the feed mechanism. Because the feed mechanism always works "by itself" without any external intervention, even after a cartridge change.

According to the invention, the feed mechanism includes a feed rod with a coupling part. This coupling part is designed in such a way that it can be moved against the cartridge or closes the locking cone on the cartridge and is thus positively connected to the cartridge piston. This means that the advancing mechanism can be coupled and uncoupled to a cartridge that has just been inserted or removed simply by operating the advancing mechanism as intended. In addition, there is no need for the user to intervene in the feed mechanism. It is therefore not necessary to understand how the feed mechanism works in order to change the cartridge without complications. This simplified cartridge change decisively increases consumer acceptance of the system according to the invention.

The means provided according to the invention simplify the cartridge change in such a way that, for the first time, a simultaneous use of several unused cartridges with different colors or cosmetics appears practicable. For example, the user can first insert a cartridge with a blue lead and apply it as eye shadow. The cartridge with the blue refill that has not yet been used up is then removed. It is replaced by a cartridge with a black refill that is about to begin, in order to accentuate the eye with a black eyeliner.

A second solution according to the invention to the problem mentioned at the outset is as described by the features of claim 7 .

According to the invention, a refillable cosmetic pencil is proposed with a lead from which the cosmetic compound to be applied can be withdrawn—as already explained above in the context of the presentation of claim 1 to a large extent. Here, however, protection is claimed not only with reference to one of the preceding claims, but also in isolation.

The cosmetic pencil proposed within the scope of this invention is characterized in that its cartridge holder is designed in such a way that it can be loaded with a cartridge without having to completely or partially separate the feed mechanism from the cartridge holder. It is particularly favorable if the cartridge holder is designed in such a way that the cartridge can be loaded into the cartridge holder via a side window of the cartridge holder. This significantly simplifies handling . To change a cartridge, it is no longer necessary to disassemble the cartridge holder from the handpiece and reach into the advancement mechanism, so that it has to be restarted later. Instead, all components of the feed mechanism remain anchored in place to perform their function. Your interaction will not be disturbed.

ANOTHER TASK

A further, second object on which the invention is based is to specify a refillable cosmetic pencil that can be fitted with cartridges that have different leads, in the simplest case leads of different colors, easily and essentially without smearing different lead substances.

SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

A first solution to this further problem according to the invention is as described by the features of claim 6 .

According to the invention, a refillable cosmetic pencil is proposed with a lead from which the cosmetic mass to be applied can be withdrawn, as already explained above within the scope of claim 1 to a large extent. However, not only protection with reference to one of the preceding claims claimed, but also in isolation.

This cosmetic pencil according to the invention also includes a cartridge holder for receiving a cartridge that can be replaced without tools.

It is characterized in that the cartridge held ready for application by the cartridge holder protrudes freely from the cartridge holder with its mine-side tip surrounding the mine in a jacket-like manner, preferably with at least a free length which corresponds to twice the diameter of the mine 6 . Such a freely protruding tip can be cleaned of residues of the lead mass adhering to its outside before the cartridge is removed through the cartridge holder with one hand movement.

In this way, the risk is reduced that residues of lead material get into the cartridge holder and soil it when applying makeup or later when changing the cartridge. In addition, such a freely protruding tip can be well covered with a cap when not in use, which seals against the tip in the front area by means of a corresponding sealing element.

In this way, a refillable cosmetic pen is created that can be fitted with different cartridges in a particularly simple and clean manner, for example in order to be able to apply make-up with different colors.

A second solution to this further problem according to the invention is as described by the features of claim 8 . According to the invention, a refillable cosmetic pencil is proposed with a lead from which the cosmetic composition to be applied can be withdrawn—as already explained above in the presentation of claim 1 to a large extent. However, protection is not only claimed with reference to one of the preceding claims, but also in isolation.

This cosmetic stick according to the invention is characterized in that when not in use it is closed by a cap pushed over the cartridge and/or over the cartridge holder.

According to the invention, the cap can be designed in several parts and then consists of at least one cap shaft and a cap head, which can preferably be snapped onto the cap shaft in a form-fitting manner. The cap head is at the same time a mostly cap-like, often one-piece transport closure for the removed, loose cartridge or cartridge. for the separately delivered refill cartridge.

Ideally, the cap head can be snapped onto the cap shaft by the user without the use of tools, and ideally it can also be separated from the cap shaft again in the same way. In this way, the applicator according to the invention can also manage color changes with a single cap shaft without color mixing occurring. Only the lead of one and the same color protrudes into the front, mostly even narrowing part of the inside of the cap.

Since said problem occurs in particular in the region of the cap head, an individually adapted cap head is fitted to the cap shaft of the new type of cartridge for each refill cosmetic pen grown .

OPTIONAL DESIGN POSSIBILITIES OF THE INVENTION

It has proven to be particularly favorable if the cartridge has a cartridge piston as a component part of the cartridge at its end facing the feed mechanism. Typically, the cartridge plunger is discarded along with the cartridge. In normal application operation, the cartridge piston usually runs completely inside the cartridge. The feed mechanism can advance the mine via it. Typically, the cartridge piston seals the cartridge outward on its side.

The cartridge plunger prevents the cartridge content from going bad in a cartridge that is traded as a refill unit and is therefore also exposed to a longer storage period. During application operation, the cartridge piston prevents a component of the feed mechanism from coming into direct contact with the cosmetic lead and the cosmetic lead from sticking to the feed mechanism under certain circumstances. The latter could cause hygiene problems in the long term and is also problematic if the cosmetic pencil is to be used, for example, with different colored cartridges.

Ideally, the cartridge piston is designed as a flat piston, ie as a disc-shaped structure with a thickness in the direction of the feed axis that is only a fraction, often less, than the lead diameter. In this way, the length of the cosmetic stick is reduced, making it much easier to handle. As a result, the cosmetic pencil according to the invention is also predestined for fine application work such as lip edging or the precise drawing of an eyeliner.

It has proven to be particularly favorable if the cartridge piston is connected to the mine in such a way that it can also be pulled back into the cartridge, under certain circumstances even completely back into the cartridge. For this purpose, the mine is attached to the cartridge piston in a suitable manner.

In many cases it will be favorable if the cartridge piston has a hollow cylindrical piston skirt 28 . If required, this can enter into a sufficiently firm, friction-locking connection with the section of the lead inserted into it—for example, because the lead is pressed in just as strongly as its consistency allows. In other cases, the mine can also be cast with the cartridge piston. This is an option in particular if the cartridge piston has an anchoring extension for this purpose, which can be embedded in the lead when the lead is cast.

The overall length of the cartridge piston of the flat piston and its piston skirt in the direction of the longitudinal axis is preferably at least one lead diameter and ideally less than three lead diameters.

The feed mechanism preferably comprises a feed rod.

After inserting a fresh cartridge, this can be attached to the cartridge by simply actuating the feed mechanism be coupled that the feed rod retracts by further actuation of the feed mechanism at a cartridge end in the interior of the cartridge. In this way, the feed rod pushes the lead out of the cartridge at the other end of the cartridge into its ready-to-apply position.

The user does not have to intervene at this point, so that the user does not have to act on the applicator-internal components of the feed mechanism or into that area of the cartridge that is already inserted in the cosmetic pen.

It is particularly favorable if a latching element is attached to the end of the feed rod, in particular in the form of a latching claw. The cartridge piston carries a counter-locking element, in particular in the form of a locking projection 14 . The latching element and the counter-latching element are designed in such a way that they latch with one another by advancing the feed rod in the direction of the cartridge piston. This latching takes place in that the latching element or the counter-latching element, when it has received the counter-latching element or the latching element in itself in the course of the infeed, is pressed elastically into its closed position by the wall of the cartridge. This is preferably done by means of a closing cone, which ideally interacts with corresponding bevels on the counterpart.

In this way, a coupling between the feed rod and the cartridge plunger is created, which allows both advancement and retraction of the cartridge plunger and the mine connected thereto. At no time does the user have to worry about the exact functioning of the feed mechanism and the exact way the feed mechanism is coupled to the respective cartridge, let alone in any way manually intervene in the feed mechanism or the coupling. Intervention would be uncomfortable and would ultimately produce rejection in practice.

Ideally, the latching element at the end of the feed rod is a latching claw with at least one, much better at least two latching arms or latching claws . Typically, the locking claw or the locking claws are non-releasably coupled to the counter-locking element by the insertion of the feed rod into the cartridge.

It is particularly favorable if the cartridge holder has a side window. The side window is positioned and dimensioned in such a way that a used cartridge can be removed from the cosmetic pencil or pencil through the side window with bare hands without the use of tools. whose sample holder can be removed. As a rule, the mine is pulled out in an oblique, non-perpendicular direction to the feed axis.

The side window in the cartridge holder also allows a fresh cartridge to be inserted in the reverse direction. So the mine is pushed in at an angle, again not perpendicular to the feed axis.

The great advantage of such a side window is that the cosmetic pen does not have to be dismantled in any way to change the cartridge. In contrast to a ballpoint pen, for example, no lower part has to be unscrewed to get into the upper part and that again in the next step Screw-on lower part a new ballpoint pen refill or . to be able to insert a cartridge.

It is particularly favorable if the cartridge holder has an end window through which part of the cartridge ready for use and part of the mine ready for use protrude beyond the cartridge holder, typically along the feed axis of the mine. Such a construction is particularly advantageous because in the vicinity of the lead, as the length of use increases, lead residues increasingly adhering do not reach the area of the cartridge holder. Instead, such residues can be removed together with the old cartridge the next time you change the cartridge.

Ideally, the cartridge holder has a side window and a front window. These are dimensioned to the geometry of the associated cartridge and positioned relative to one another in such a way that the end of a cartridge to be replaced can be pivoted out of the cartridge holder with its end facing the feed mechanism through the side window in a first step such that said end is completely free. Then, in a second step, the cartridge can be pulled out of the front window and the cartridge holder through the side window. This is only made possible by a corresponding clearance between the cartridge and the cartridge holder.

This will not grip the cartridge too tightly. It is also useful if the front window or its soffit is formed by a ring that is inclined or tilted relative to the feed axis. is cut and thereby the described pivoting of the cartridge promotes. In order to be able to initiate or In order to be able to easily release the cartridge locked in its application-ready position for the purpose of changing the cartridge, it has proven to be very useful to provide a smaller side window that is ideally at least approximately diametrically opposite the first side window.

A lateral force initiating the cartridge change can be exerted on the cartridge through this smaller side window. For example, such a lateral force can be applied to the cartridge to be changed with a fingernail or a foreign body by exerting pressure on the cartridge to be changed through the side window perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the feed axis. The part of the cartridge that protrudes into this smaller side window can also be designed as a latching element. As a latching element that helps to hold the cartridge in place after it has latched into the cartridge holder or to hold its window reveal securely in its application-ready position.

It is particularly favorable if the cartridge holder has an anti-twist device that preferably interacts with the cartridge in a form-fitting manner. This prevents the cartridge from spinning when you try to recondition the lead with a sharpener, which would make sharpening impossible. With a small lead diameter, the lead is prevented from turning by the sealing element on the piston.

Expediently, the anti-rotation device of the cartridge can be a lateral extension on the cartridge that does not extend over the entire circumference of the cartridge and that interacts with a part of the reveal of the side window in a form-fitting manner. It is particularly useful if the side extension on the cartridge interacts with the portion of the side window soffit positioned forward of the cartridge holder, in close proximity to the end window. In many cases, this lateral extension will at the same time form a longitudinal stop which runs against said section of the reveal of the side window and prevents the cartridge from being able to be pushed further out of the cartridge holder through the front window.

It is particularly favorable if the cosmetic stick is closed with a cap until the next application, which is held centered in its closed position solely by the cartridge and preferably also by the cartridge holder.

It is particularly favorable if the cap lies tight against the tip of the cartridge protruding from the end window of the cartridge holder and is radially prestressed there, ideally in an area that (seen in the direction of the feed axis) is at least a certain amount away from the outermost end of the tip of the cartridge away from the mine, which corresponds to a single mine diameter and which ideally corresponds to no more than three times the mine diameter. In this way, the tip of the mine is in a section or section that is protected from air exchange. Compartment between said sealing area and the end of the cap. This compartment has only a small inclusion volume. So only a little air is trapped, which then spoils or can have a quality-reducing effect on the mine, and essentially no air flows into the compartment accommodating the mine. In other cases, the said seal in the cap is what makes the use of volatile components in the mine possible in the first place enables and prevents such components from evaporating prematurely during longer storage periods between individual applications.

It has proven to be particularly favorable if the cap is designed in several parts. It then consists of at least one cap shaft and one cap top. The cap head can preferably be snapped onto the cap shaft in a form-fitting manner, ideally without tools, by hand. In the same way, the form fit between the cap shaft and the cap head can be released again, preferably without tools. The cap head is at the same time a sealing cap for the removed , loose cartridge and ideally a permanent freshness seal for a separately delivered replacement cartridge . This closure also makes it possible to use volatile components in the leads of the replacement cartridges and prevents such components from evaporating prematurely during longer storage times.

Such a configuration is particularly practical where one and the same cosmetic pin is to be used in a quick change with different cartridges containing different mines. Because it is prevented that, for example, when using mines of different colors by putting on one and the same cap to bridge shorter or longer breaks in work, one mine is contaminated with material from another mine via the cap, so that it, for example, unwanted color mixing comes.

It is favorable if the feed mechanism consists of a feed rod with a thread, which is held in the cartridge holder in an axially displaceable but non-rotating manner becomes . For this purpose, the thread is preferably provided with at least one longitudinal flattening or groove, which interacts with the cartridge holder in such a way that security against twisting is achieved. The feed rod with the thread is actuated by a threaded nut, which is preferably completely self-contained in the circumferential direction. Such a threaded nut offers high resistance to thread skipping under high loads. In particular, it withstands increased loads, such as can occur within the scope of the invention, for example when coupling and uncoupling the threaded rod to the cartridge piston according to the invention. In addition, this threaded nut preferably has a sleeve extension z, with which the threaded nut is held in a torsion-proof manner by the sleeve forming the handle, which sleeve is rotatably mounted on the cartridge holder.

Not only is protection claimed for a complete refillable cosmetic applicator loaded with a cartridge, but protection is also claimed for the unloaded refillable cosmetic applicator.

Then protection is also claimed for the associated cartridges on their own. These cartridges can have different configurations. Ideally they will have one or more physical features as previously described in the other claims and/or the specification for the cartridge. In accordance with patent law, a claim for use will also be asserted in due course.

Further configuration options, advantages and modes of operation result from the following exemplary embodiments, which are described with reference to the figures. FIGURE LIST

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the cosmetic pencil according to the invention with the cap closed.

FIG. 2 shows a central longitudinal section through the exemplary embodiment according to FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an enlargement of a detail from the central area of FIG. 2, with a detailed view of the coupling mechanism.

FIG. 3a shows how FIG. 3, an enlargement of a detail from the central area of FIG. 2, with a detailed view of the coupling mechanism, but in a different operating position.

FIG. 4 shows the threaded sleeve 9 in the removed state.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section through FIG. 3 where an anti-twist device is formed between the feed rod 8 and the cartridge holder 3 .

FIG. 6 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 with the cap removed and during the installation or removal of a cartridge 5 .

FIG. 7 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 with the cartridge fully installed.

FIG. 8 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG fully installed cartridge viewed from the other side.

FIG. 9 shows a cartridge, as is used for the first exemplary embodiment, in a completely dismantled state.

FIG. 10 shows a central longitudinal section through a second exemplary embodiment, which represents a modification of FIG. 1 on the cap side, but is otherwise identical to it.

FIG. 11 shows a cartridge, as is used for the second exemplary embodiment, in a completely dismantled state.

EXEMPLARY EXAMPLES

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the refillable cosmetic stick 1 according to the invention. The handpiece in the form of the gripping sleeve 2, which carries the cartridge holder 3, which can hardly be seen here, is clearly visible. Also clearly visible is the cap 4, which closes the pen, which is otherwise equipped with a ready-to-use refill.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section along the mine feed axis L through the embodiment of Figure 1.

The cartridge holder 3 is clearly visible here. It takes a cartridge 5 on .

A mine 6 is guided in the cartridge 5 . The lead 6 is usually solid and in any case consists of the cosmetic to be applied. The mine will typically be made in such a way that a certain amount of the cosmetic to be applied can be deducted from it when you stroke the tip 7 of the mine 6 over the skin area to be treated. It is remarkable that the mine 6 is only in direct contact with the cartridge 5 over a smaller part of its length, which can be seen in FIG. 2 is clearly visible. An intimate contact is given in the area of the tip 7 of the mine 6 at the end of the cartridge 5 there, because the cartridge rests tightly against the mine 6 at least substantially there. A further intimate contact is then preferably given only in the area of the cartridge piston 11 . The cartridge piston 11 is preferably firmly connected to the end of the mine 6 facing away from the tip 7 of the mine 6, usually in such a way that the cartridge piston 11 can not only exert pressure on the mine 6, but also, if necessary, train.

In the area between the cartridge piston 11 and the described seal in the area of the tip, the refill 6 does not rest against the cartridge 5 from the inside. In this way, easy displaceability of the refill in the direction of the feed axis L is ensured, which prevents large-area sticking between the lateral surface of the refill 6 and the inner surface of the cartridge 5, which would impede the function. Typically, the cartridge piston 11 seals against the interior surface of the cartridge 5 . In this way, drying out or outgassing or the spoilage of the mine 6 effectively counteracted, even if the cartridge 5 is kept in stock for a long time before it is put into circulation. For this purpose like In particular, the piston skirt of the cartridge piston 11 may be provided with the necessary oversize and possibly also a reduced wall thickness, so that it nestles tightly against the inner surface of the cartridge 5 in an elastically resilient manner.

The sleeve forming the handle 2 typically accommodates the major part of the displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism here consists of the feed rod 8 provided with an external thread. This is actuated by a threaded sleeve 9 with a matching internal thread. The threaded sleeve is preferably self-contained in the circumferential direction, not slotted, in any case not continuous. In this way, skipping of the thread is ruled out, even when greater forces are to be applied, for example for coupling or decoupling, as will be explained in more detail immediately.

The threaded sleeve 9 is, as a rule, fixed directly in the sleeve forming the handle 2 .

According to FIG. 4, the threaded sleeve 9 is provided with an anti-twist device, with the help of which it is held by the sleeve forming the handle 2 so that it is non-rotatable. At the same time, it is usually fixed in a form-fitting manner on the cartridge holder 3 at least in the axial direction by means of a catch VR (cf. FIG. 2).

Optimally, the thread of the feed rod 8 is not a continuous thread groove but, as can best be seen by comparing FIGS. 3 and 5, is only attached to two diametrically opposite sides of the feed rod. In this way, the lateral flat areas 10 shown in FIG. 5 can be provided on the feed rod 8 . This interact in such a way with the cartridge holder 3 that the

Although the feed rod 8 can be moved longitudinally in the cartridge holder 3, it is held twisted by it.

In Figure 2 it can be seen that the sleeve forming the handle 2 is rotatably held by the cartridge holder 3, in the present exemplary embodiment by a part of the cartridge holder being pushed inside into the sleeve forming the handle 2 and preferably latched there .

It is easy to see from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the end of the feed rod 8 is equipped with a latching element that has the shape of a latching claw 12 here. In the specific case, the latching claw 12 has two claw elements 13 . These claw elements each have an elastically flexible shaft. Their basic position, which they assume when no forces are applied, can be defined as the "open position".

It can also be clearly seen that the cartridge piston 11 is equipped at its external front end with a counter-locking element in the form of a locking projection 14 that can be gripped from behind.

In the “open position” just described, the claw elements 13 can slide unhindered or essentially unhindered over the latching projection 14 of the piston and receive the piston between them.

How best to use the Fig. 3 seen on its own and also based on the comparison of FIGS. 3 and 3a, the claw elements 13 can, when corresponding forces occur, by deformation of the one holding them flexible shaft of the locking claw 12 are elastically resiliently pressed in the radially inward direction.

The closing cone 27 , which the cartridge has at its end opening facing the feed rod 8 , is responsible for the application of such forces. As can be seen, the claw elements 13 ideally each have a complementary bevel on the outside. As soon as these come into contact with the closing cone 27 and the feed rod 8 is moved even further in the direction of the cartridge piston, the closing cone presses the claw elements 13 in a radially inward direction so that they clasp the locking projection 14 in a form-fitting manner. As soon as the claw elements 13 have closed completely and the feed rod continues to move towards the cartridge 5, the feed rod 8 with its claw elements 13 and the cartridge piston move into the cartridge together in order to push the mine out at the other end. As long as the cartridge plunger is moved into the cartridge, the inner surface holds the claw elements 13 in their closed position, so that a firm connection is now created in both feed directions between the cartridge plunger and the claw elements 13 . This means that the mine can not only be extended out of the cartridge by moving the feed rod accordingly, but also retracted back into it. The claw elements 13 can only be withdrawn from the locking projection 14 of the cartridge piston again when the locking projection 14 of the cartridge piston comes to lie again in the area of the closing cone 27 .

This coupling does not require any direct manual action by the user on the feed rod 8 and/or the cartridge 5 . At the same time, your own fingers will not get dirty when coupling the cartridge.

It is also easy to see from FIG. 2 how the cap 4 can sit on the cartridge holder 3 and the cartridge 5 . The cap has a seal or a sealing projection 16 internally. When the cap 4 is in the closed position, this sealing projection rests directly against the cartridge 5 in an essentially airtight manner, preferably in the area of the tip 7 of the refill 6 . In this way the tip 7 of the lead is contained within a smaller part of the cap, ie. H . within a compartment, kept airtight with a reduced volume, in a small space, which often represents less than one-fifth of the enclosed space of the cap 4. The tip 7 of the lead 6 is thus well protected against drying out and no appreciable outgassing of ingredients from the lead can take place. Because if something is gaseous, then the small volume of the compartment, within which the tip 7 is stored, is quickly saturated with the substance. As a result, there is no concentration gradient that would drive further diffusion.

FIG. 3 clearly shows how the cartridge 5 can be secured against rotation in relation to the cartridge holder 3 . The cartridge 5 is provided here with a laterally protruding projection 17 which protrudes into a recess 18 which is provided in the cartridge holder 3, preferably in the reveal of a side window of the cartridge holder 3 to be described in more detail below.

More details about the cartridge holder 3 can be seen in FIG. The cartridge holder 3 consists of a tubular part that protrudes freely from the sleeve forming the handle 2 when the cap 4 is removed. This tubular part is ideally cylindrical. The tubular part has an end window 26 . It also has at least one side window 19 . The side window 19 is designed, dimensioned and matched to the cartridge 5 in such a way that a used cartridge 5 can be removed and a new or different cartridge 5 can be reinserted.

In addition, the tubular part of the cartridge holder 3 can have a second, usually smaller, side window 20, as can be seen in FIG. A finger or a pointed object is used to exert lateral pressure on the cartridge through this side window 20 . This unlocks the cartridge 5 from its ready-to-use position, in which it was positively latched in the cartridge holder 3 .

The end of the cartridge 5 facing away from the cartridge tip can then be pivoted through the side window 19 into the position shown in FIG. 6, in which (only) this end of the cartridge 5 is no longer in engagement with the cartridge holder 3 .

The fact that the cartridge sits on the side of its tip with a corresponding play in the cartridge holder 3 allows this pivoting movement. This play makes it possible for the cartridge 5 to be able to carry out the necessary pivoting movement in the area of its tip as well. For this purpose, the bevel or contribute to the oblique section of the cartridge holder 3 in the area of its front window. The cartridge 5 can now be pulled completely inwards through the side window 19 and out of the front window until it finally comes completely free and is then removed. Refitting a new or different cartridge is the reverse of the procedure.

FIG. 9 shows the cartridge 5 which is provided here with a protective cap 21 which serves as a transport safeguard for the refill 6 and which is removed and discarded before the cartridge 5 is inserted into the cartridge holder 3 . In some cases the protective cap 21 will be designed and tied to the cartridge 5 to form a seal which will be destroyed after the first opening. In this way, a real seal closure is guaranteed.

The cartridge 5 is preferably essentially cylindrical on the outside. It can be clearly seen from FIG. 9 that the cartridge 5 is provided with a laterally protruding projection 22, referred to here as the second projection. From the inside, this second projection nestles against the reveal of the first side window 19 and thus prevents the cartridge from being able to be pushed further outwards through the end window.

It can also be clearly seen from FIG. 9 that the cartridge 5 also has a third projection 23 protruding laterally. This third projection 23 can, for example, protrude through the second, smaller side window 20 or at least protrude into the side window. This third projection 23 can form a latching element which causes the cartridge 5 to be fixed in the cartridge holder 3 by friction and/or by latching. For this purpose, the latching element in the form of the third projection 23 may, for example, have a encircling, thin-walled wall ring or some other retaining element, which can be forced into the reveal of the second, smaller side window 20 under compression, for example, and then remains there—as can be seen on closer study of FIGS.

FIG. 10 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the refillable cosmetic pencil according to the invention.

This second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment just described only in that the cap 4 is designed differently. Otherwise, what was said above applies accordingly, even if it is not repeated again.

The special structure of the cap 4 used here can be seen particularly well by comparing FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 11 shows the cartridge 5 in the dismantled state, as it is usually traded as a refill part. The cartridge 5 is again provided with a protective cap 21 here. What was said above largely applies to this protective cap 21 . Its design differs from that described above, which is why it is not discarded after the cartridge 5 has been opened.

Instead, the protective cap 21 is designed here in such a way that it is made part of the cap 4 after the cartridge 5 has been opened. For this purpose, the cap 4 consists of a mostly cylindrical cap shaft 24 . This cap shaft 24 also has an open end on its side facing the tip 7 of the refill 6 . With this open end, the protective cap 21 connected and then forms the cap head, which protects the refill 6 when the cap 4 is closed.

The protective cap 21 is preferably pushed into the open end of the cap shaft 24 and then usually latched there. As can be seen clearly from FIG. 11, for this purpose the protective cap 21 has a latching projection which is not provided with a separate reference number. This engages in a corresponding latching recess or another latching element of the cap shaft 24 . This snap-in connection is preferably designed in such a way that the user has the option of removing the protective cap 21 from the cap shaft 24 with his or her bare hands and without tools and replacing it with another protective cap 21 .

This possibility is important if, for example, cartridges with different colors are to be inserted and used one after the other. In this way it can be ensured that, for example, a cartridge with a red lead does not suffer from contamination by putting on a cap with which a corresponding cartridge with a blue lead was previously covered.

It is particularly expedient if a removal aid is provided between the protective cap 21 and the cap shaft 24 .

This removal aid is implemented in FIG. 11, for example, in the form of the wave-shaped projection 25 of the protective cap 21 . A complementary undulating projection is provided on the cap stem 24 . If the protective cap 21 is twisted with the necessary force in relation to the cap shaft 24, then said wave-shaped projections slide at least partially on each other . This generates a considerable separating force on the protective cap 21 in the outward direction. With their help, the protective cap 21 can be easily released from its latching with the cap shaft 24 . This applies above all when the latching element of the protective cap 21 is seated on an apron or cylinder apron which can be combined in the radially inward direction, as shown in FIG.

REFERENCE LIST

1 cosmetic stick ft

2 Handle, usually formed by a sleeve

3 cartridge holders

4 cap

5 cartridge

6 refills

7 top of the mine

8 feed rod

9 threaded sleeve

10 lateral flattening

11 cartridge piston

12 latching claw

13 claw element

14 locking projection

15 internal cartridge stop

16 Gasket or sealing projection of the cap

17 laterally protruding first projection

18 recess

19 side windows in the tubular part

20 second, smaller side window in the tubular part

21 protective cap

22 laterally protruding second projection

23 laterally protruding third projection

24 cap shaft

25 wavy protrusion

26 front windows

27 locking cone

28 butt skirt

L Feed axis of the mine 1000 VR detent

Claims

34 CLAIMS

1. Refillable cosmetic pen (1) with a refill (6), from

1005 from which the cosmetic mass to be applied can be drawn off, with a cartridge holder (3) for receiving a cartridge (5) which can be replaced without tools and which contains the refill (6), a feed mechanism (8, 9) for pushing out the refill (6) from and pulling the mine (6) back into the cartridge (5) and

1010 a handpiece, in particular in the form of a grip sleeve (2), for actuating the feed mechanism (8, 9), characterized in that the cartridge (5) accommodates only the refill (6) and a cartridge piston (11), that the feed mechanism (8, 9) in the loading and unloading position

1015 is located completely outside the cartridge (5) and that the feed mechanism (8, 9) has a feed rod (8) with a coupling part which is designed in such a way that by advancing the feed rod (8) against the cartridge (5) and in particular whose closing cone (27) closes and so

1020 positively connected to the cartridge piston (11).

2. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling part of the feed rod (8) is such that it is by simply delivering the

1025 The feed rod (8) positively engages with the cartridge piston (11) so that the feed rod (8) is able to transmit tension and pressure and that the feed rod (8) can be removed from this position by simply pulling it back into the loading and unloading position locking can be solved.

1030

3. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cartridge (5) at its

Inner surface has a stop that Continue pulling the cartridge plunger (11) out of the cartridge

1035 (5) on the front side facing away from the lead tip (7) so that the movement of the cartridge piston (11) is inhibited when it reaches the stop in such a way that the latching of the coupling is activated by the further retraction of the feed rod (8) in Be - and unloading can be solved.

1040

4. Refillable cosmetic stick (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (5) brakes the cartridge piston (11) on its inner surface in such a way that the pushing in of the cartridge piston

1045 (11) in the cartridge (5) is hindered until the cartridge piston (11) through the further delivery of

Feed rod (8) is positively locked with this and the braking effect can then be overcome, so that the feed rod (8) pushes the cartridge piston (11) into the cartridge

1050 (5) can slide in.

5. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) with a lead (6), from which the cosmetic mass to be applied can be deducted, in particular according to one of the preceding claims

1055 a cartridge holder (3) for receiving a cartridge (5) which can be exchanged without tools and which contains the refill (6), a feed mechanism (8, 9) for pushing the refill (6) out of the cartridge (5) and a handpiece, in particular in Shape of a grip sleeve (2) for actuating the feed mechanism

1060 (8, 9), characterized in that the cartridge (5) held ready for application by the cartridge holder (3) protrudes with its lead-side tip freely out of the cartridge holder (3).

1065 6. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) with a mine (6), from which the cosmetic mass to be applied can be deducted, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with a cartridge holder (3) for receiving a tool-free replaceable cartridge (5) that Mine (6) includes a

1070 feed mechanism (8, 9) for pushing the refill (6) out of the cartridge (5) and pulling the refill (6) back into the cartridge (5) and a handpiece, in particular in the form of a gripping sleeve (2), for actuating the Feed mechanism (8, 9), characterized in that the cartridge holder (3) such

1075 is designed so that it can be loaded with a cartridge (5) without completely or partially separating the feed mechanism (8, 9) from it, or is designed in such a way that the cartridge (5) can be pushed out through a side window (19) of the Cartridge holder (3) can be loaded into the cartridge holder (3).

1080

7. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) with a mine (6), from which the cosmetic mass to be applied can be deducted, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with a cartridge holder (3) for receiving a tool-free

1085 interchangeable cartridge (5), which contains the mine (6), a feed mechanism (8, 9) for pushing the mine (6) out of the cartridge (5) and a handpiece, in particular in the form of a grip sleeve (2), for actuation of the feed mechanism (8, 9), wherein the cosmetic pencil (1) through when not in use

1090 a cap (4) pushed over the cartridge (5) and/or over the cartridge holder (3) is closed, characterized in that the cap (4) is designed in several parts and consists of at least one cap shaft (24) and one cap head, which preferably fits positively onto the cap shaft (24)

1095 can be snapped on, with the cap head at the same time

Transport lock for the removed, loose cartridge (5).

8. Refillable cosmetic stick (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7 excluding claims 1 to 4, characterized

1100 characterized in that the cartridge (5) at its end facing the feed mechanism (8, 9) one (one

Part of the cartridge (5) forming) cartridge piston (11) which can advance the mine (6) via the feed mechanism (8, 9).

1105

9. Refillable cosmetic stick (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge piston (11) seals the cartridge (5).

1110 10. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge piston (11) is a flat piston with a piston skirt, the extension of which in the direction of the feed axis (L) of the refill (6) is only a fraction, preferably less as des

1115 mine diameter

11. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge piston (11) is connected to the refill (6) in such a way

1120 that he can also pull them back (back into the cartridge (5)), the mine (6) preferably being cast with the cartridge piston (11) or pressed into it with a friction fit.

12. Refillable cosmetic stick (1) according to any one of claims

1125 5 to 7 with the exclusion of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the feed mechanism (8, 9) a

Feed rod (8) includes, after inserting a fresh cartridge (5) without the direct action of user - by simply pressing the

1130 feed mechanism (8, 9) can be coupled to the cartridge (5) in such a way that the feed rod (8) penetrates the cartridge (5) at one cartridge end and the mine at the other cartridge end by further actuation of the feed mechanism (8, 9). (6) out of the cartridge (5) into yours

1135 application ready position pushes.

13. Refillable cosmetic stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the end of the feed rod (8) has a latching member, in particular in shape

1140 of a latching claw (12), the cartridge piston (11) being equipped with a counter-latching element, in particular in the form of a latching projection (14), which is designed in such a way that it can be moved by advancing the feed rod (8) in the direction towards the Lock the cartridge pistons (11) together by

1145 Latching element or the counter-latching element, if it has received the counter-latching element or the latching element in itself in the course of infeed, is pressed elastically into its closed position by the wall of the cartridge (5), preferably by means of a closing cone (27), which ideally with

1150 corresponding slopes of the locking claw interacts.

14. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the locking member at the end of the feed rod (8) has a locking claw (12) with at least one, better at least

1155 is two latching arms or latching claws (13) which, after latching with the counter-latching element, are permanently coupled to the counter-latching element by retracting the feed rod (8) into the cartridge (5), or that the latching element is at the end of the cartridge piston ( 11) a locking claw (12) with at least

1160 one, better at least two locking claws (13) that after 39 locking with the counter-locking element by retracting the

Feed rod (8) in the cartridge (5) is inextricably coupled to the counter-locking element.

1165 15. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge holder (3) has a side window (19) through which a used cartridge (5) removed without tools from the cosmetic pencil (1) and a fresh one cartridge (5)

1170 can be inserted into the cartridge holder (3) without tools.

16. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge holder (3) has a feed axis (L) passing through it

1175 end window (26) through which a part of the application-ready cartridge (5, along the feed axis L of the mine 6) and the application-ready mine (6) protrude freely to the outside.

1180 17. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge holder (3) has a side window (19) and a front window (26) which are dimensioned to match the geometry of the associated cartridge (5). and relative to each other

1185 are positioned in such a way that the end of a cartridge (5) to be replaced that faces the feed mechanism (8, 9) can be pivoted out of the cartridge holder (3) through the side window (19) in such a way that said end is completely free, so that the cartridge (5) now through the side window

1190 (19) can be pulled out of the front window (26) and the cartridge holder (3). 40

18. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the cartridge holder (3) has a second,

1195 preferably smaller and ideally the first side window (19) - at least approximately - diametrically opposite

Side window (20) through which a cartridge change initiating lateral force can be exerted on the cartridge (5).

1200

19. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge holder (3) has an anti-twist device which preferably interacts with the cartridge (5) in a form-fitting manner.

1205

20. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-twist device of the cartridge (5) is a lateral extension on the cartridge (5) with a part of the reveal of a

1210 side window (19) interacts positively.

21. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge piston (11) preferably has a positive fit with the

1215 cartridge (5) has interacting anti-rotation device.

22. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (5) has a lateral extension which is such with

1220 of the reveal of a side window (19) so that the cartridge (5) cannot be pushed further out of the cartridge holder (3) through the front window (26).

23. Refillable cosmetic pen (1) according to one of

1225 of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cosmetic pencil (1) is closed until the next application with a cap (4), which is held centered in its closed position by the cartridge (5) and preferably the handle (2).

1230

24. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap (4) rests sealingly against the front window (26) of the cartridge holder (3) protruding tip, so that the

1235 tip (7) of the refill (6) is located in a section protected from air exchange between the said sealing area and the end of the cap (4).

25. Refillable cosmetic pen (1) according to one of

1240 of the preceding claims excluding claim 7, characterized in that the cap (4) is designed in several parts and consists of at least one cap shaft (24) and a cap head, which can preferably be snapped onto the cap shaft (24) in a form-fitting manner, the cap head

1245 is also a closure cap for the removed, loose cartridge (5).

26. Refillable cosmetic pencil (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

1250 feed mechanism (8, 9) consists of a threaded feed rod (8) which is held in the cartridge holder (3) in an axially displaceable but non-rotating manner and which is actuated by a threaded nut which in turn is in the sleeve forming the handle (2) is held against rotation 1255 and which is rotatable, but fixed in it in the axial direction by latching, is mounted on the cartridge holder (3).

27. Refillable cosmetic stick (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 5 to 7, also in conjunction with one of the others

1260 preceding claims, prepared for the installation of a cartridge (5) according to the invention, but without a cartridge in the cartridge holder (3) built-in cartridge (5).

1265 28. Refillable pen (1) with a mine (6), from which the mass to be applied can be deducted, with a cartridge holder (3) for receiving a tool-free interchangeable cartridge (5) containing the mine (6), one Feed mechanism (8, 9) for pushing out the mine (6).

1270 and again retracting the mine (6) into the cartridge (5) and a handpiece, in particular in the form of a grip sleeve (2), for actuating the feed mechanism (8, 9), characterized in that the cartridge (5) only the mine (6) and a cartridge piston (11) houses that of

1275 feed mechanism (8, 9) is located completely outside the cartridge (5) in the loading and unloading position and that the feed mechanism (8, 9) has a feed rod (8) with a coupling part which is designed in such a way that it can be moved by advancing the feed rod (8) against the cartridge (5)

1280 and in particular its locking cone (27) closes and is thus positively connected to the cartridge piston (11).

29. Refillable pen according to claim 28, which is configured according to one or more of the dependent claims 2 to 27, but

1285 without his or her reference to claim 1 and without mentioning a cosmetic applicator.

30. Cartridge (5) for a refillable cosmetic stick (1) or stick according to any one of the preceding claims.

1290

31. A cartridge (5) for a refillable cosmetic stick (1) or stick according to claim 30, characterized in that the cartridge (5) has one or more physical features relating to the cartridge (5) from one of the preceding claims

1295 owns.