EP2457463A2 - Through-flow applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The internally loaded cosmetic applicator (1) comprises a locking piece for locking fixation of the cosmetic applicator on a dispensing bottle or a cosmetic pistol loaded by a dosing pump. An inner hollow spout section is fluidly connected with the locking piece, which defines its free mouth piece at one of the edges.

Description

The invention relates to an internally-fed cosmetic applicator according to the preamble of claim 1. A cosmetic applicator is an applicator to be used for applying a cosmetic to the skin or the hair. In the vast majority of cases, this use is explicitly specified by the cosmetics manufacturers for the respective applicator. Particularly preferably, the invention relates to an applicator for applying mascara or lip gloss or a cosmetic, as it is used as an eyeliner.

Typically, when applying, for example, lip gloss, the user often has to dip the applicator, which is often designed as a soft plastic applicator or foam applicator, to apply the desired amount of lip gloss. Such a multiple immersion may lead to irregularities in the order and is also perceived as time-consuming.

In addition, with separate handling of the more or less liquid lip gloss stock and the associated brush there is always the risk that drips paint and, for example, the clothes dirty.

The same problem arises when applying mascara or an eyeliner cosmetic.

In a very different technical field, namely the field of wall painting paints, the DE 202 21 975 U1 have proposed to provide tubes with wall paint, which have a spout on which either a sponge applicator is (similar to that of the shoe polish ago knows) or a very coarse brush, the bristles, however, are more likely to be called pins than bristles.

Already in the construction sector, where a few millimeters or less is usually irrelevant, it is not possible to achieve a sufficiently fine-grained, line-accurate and sufficiently sensitive application of paint with such a "brush tube".

On the other hand, it is the object of the invention to provide an applicator that allows a comfortable, fast, uniform and clean application of a cosmetic.

This object is achieved by an internally supplied cosmetic applicator, which comprises a closure piece, which preferably serves for latching and setting the cosmetic applicator on a storage bottle, which contains lip gloss, mascara or an eyeliner cosmetic, and an inside hollow grommet portion connected in a fluid-conducting manner with this closure piece, on at least one of the edges, which define its free mouth, a bristle stocking of bristles formed on the spout portion, on which the cosmetic introduced via the spout portion is dispensed. The bristles of the invention provided bristle trim are extremely fine and have a diameter of ≥ 0.8 mm. Preferably (in practically almost all cases) the diameter is even smaller and is ≥ 0.5 mm and ideally ≥ 0.35 mm.

As far as a bristle diameter is concerned, it is assumed that the bristles are essentially round in cross-section (except for tolerance deviations). The use of essentially round bristles is the simplest in terms of production engineering and is therefore preferred. But according to the invention, for example, oval or elliptical bristles can be used, or even otherwise profiled bristles. For example, those having an X-shaped cross section. The stated bristle diameter is then understood as mean diameter, i. H. as a diameter of that circle whose area corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the corresponding bristle profile, for example the X-shaped bristle profile.

As a rule, the cosmetic applicators according to the invention are disposable applicators which are disposed of together with the emptied storage bottle or, if professionally applied with a cosmetic pistol, which are discarded after each treatment of a customer.

The fine bristles are preferably injection molded and are ideally injected in one go with the spout portion.

Preferably, the bristle surround surrounds the mouth completely. This will prevent the cosmetic from dripping off in case of clumsy handling because it will flow past the bristles.

In the context of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the predominant number of the bristles forming the bristle stock and preferably all the bristles form a bristle center line which runs substantially parallel to the center line of the Tüllenabschnitts. Such bristles allow optimum application behavior and prepare the least difficulty in the production of the Tüllenabschnitts.

The same applies to the preferred embodiment, which provides that the bristles preferably do not protrude at all or at least not substantially in or in front of the outlet cross section of the mouth of the spout portion.

Preferably, at least one of the edges, but more preferably all edges are each occupied by only a single row of bristles adjacent to the respective edge. The restriction to individual rows of bristles makes it possible to keep the applicator very graceful, which offers application advantages if it is to be used on the face.

In the context of the invention, however, there are quite some such applicators in which at least one of the edges, but best all edges not only with a single row of the respective edge along adjacent bristles is occupied or are, but with up to three parallel such rows. However, such embodiments are not preferred, since they are basically degraded embodiments, at least if not only locally a multi-row is provided.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that at least the predominant number of bristles and preferably all bristles have a length of ≦ 5.5 mm, better of ≦ 4.5 mm, ideally of ≦ 3.5 mm and in the best case of ≦ 2.8 mm. Surprisingly, it has been found that such short bristles come from their effectiveness when applied longer bristles are not inferior. The shorter bristles are more durable, especially when injection molded bristles. Because longer bristles are slightly overloaded when applied and then, at the latest when a certain amount of fatigue has occurred, permanently bent so that they protrude undirected. This not only gives the applicator an ugly appearance but also degrades the application behavior. In addition, the shorter bristles are easier to produce by injection molding, because with increasing bristle length there is a risk that it will lead to the demolition of a number of bristles during molding, which then offers a lower quality appearance.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the bristle diameter at the bristle root is smaller than the wall thickness of the bristle-carrying wall in the region of the bristle root. Ideally, the bristle diameter is at least 30% smaller than the wall thickness of the bristle-bearing wall. Such a configuration allows a secure attachment of the bristles to the wall carrying them, especially in injection-molded bristles. Here, a good formability is ensured by such a configuration.

On the other hand, it is also very advantageous if the wall thickness of the wall carrying the bristles is only so thick that the wall thickness lies approximately in the region of the bristle diameter at the bristle root. This is the case with very generous consideration when the wall thickness is at most 3 times the bristle diameter at the bristle root. Preferably, the wall thickness is smaller and amounts to only a maximum of 2 times and ideally even only a maximum of 1.5 times the bristle diameter at the bristle root.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the bristles are previously set up in each case in only one row along the respective edge, but that a certain offset is provided between adjacent bristles, so that, for example, the second bristles adjacent to a first bristle each extend at least 1 / 3 bristle diameter are arranged offset in the direction transverse to the wall path to the first bristle.

Especially with mascara applicators, the bristle field preferably has more than 18, more preferably more than 26 bristles. With such a minimum number of bristles the mandatory order accuracy for an applicator is ensured. It is true that in case of doubt, thinner bristles and a larger number of bristles should be provided for.

However, it makes no sense from a manufacturing point of view to keep the number of bristles of the applicator according to the invention arbitrarily large. Therefore, in preferred embodiments (and especially those intended as a mascara applicator), the bristle field is less than 90, and more preferably less than 60, bristles. In some cases it makes sense to provide less than 45 or even only 44 bristles.

Within the scope of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the diameter or the width of the grommet section widens from the closure piece towards the free mouth of the grommet section in at least one plane.

As a result, a fairly good dosability of the cosmetic is ensured, since the widening Tüllenabschnitt is in doubt to be able to take too much amount of depressed by the narrowest point of Tüllenabschnitts cosmetic and, so to speak, "intermediate". Furthermore This results in manufacturing advantages. In this sense, another preferred embodiment provides that the angle relative to the central axis of the spout portion by which the spout portion widens toward its free mouth reaches a certain level but measures ≤ 25 degrees, and preferably ≤ 15 degrees. Such a moderate expansion of the Tüllenabschnitts has proved to be the cheapest.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the Tüllenabschnitt is designed as a flat channel whose width B durchströmbare much greater than its flow-through height H. For the purposes of the invention, "substantially greater" is used when the ratio is at least 2.5 to 1, more preferably at least 3 to 1, and ideally at least 4 to 1.

Preferably, it is such that the height H increases at least slightly in the direction from the root to the mouth of the spout portion, meaningfully by at least 2%.

Within the scope of a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the orifice, measured on the inside of the wall, has a throughflowable width MB of ≥ 2.5 mm and ≦ 25 mm or, as a rule, ≦ 20 mm, more preferably between ≥ 3 mm and ≤ 10 mm. Wandungsaußenseitig, the spout then has a greater by twice the wall thickness, d. H. a dimension that is at least 1.4 mm and a maximum of 2.5 mm larger.

Also particularly preferred is the embodiment in which the mouth, measured inside the wall, in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction, a flow-through height H of ≥ 0.4 mm and ≤ 2.5 mm, better of ≥ 0.4 mm and ≤ 1.5 mm. For the outside wall extent above applies accordingly.

Such a designed applicator is extremely delicate and therefore ideally suited for the precise application of cosmetics on the face.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the grommet portion (based on its longitudinal axis substantially corresponding to its Flüssigkeitsleitrichtung) an angle of 15 ° to 90 ° and preferably an angle of 15 ° to 55 °, ideally an angle of 15 degrees to 50 Degree relative to the central axis of the closure piece, which will generally correspond to the center axis of the reservoir has. Such a configuration allows a particularly easy handling of the cosmetic applicator. In particular, when using the cosmetic applicator typically on a bottle, it is not necessary to tilt the bottle excessively in order to be able to apply or to tilt the bottle so far that permanent cosmetic mass travels into the area of the bristle lining.

Preferably, the spout portion from its root to its mouth (calculated without bristle stocking) has a length of ≥ 70 mm and better of ≥ 90 mm, wherein the length is preferably limited and then at the same time ≤ 160 mm or ideally ≤ 140 mm. Such a long and preferably in accordance with the above width and height dimensions extremely slim Enriched Tüllenabschnitt facilitates the application on the face immensely, since the cosmetics bottle does not have to be brought close to the face, but can be kept at some distance from the face. This also makes the application more pleasant.

Preferably, the closure piece has a latching portion for latching with a recess in or adjacent to the neck of a storage bottle. Such a fine cosmetic applicator, as it stands in the context of the invention for discussion, can often fix much easier on the reservoir by being locked there instead of the fact that a screw cap is molded onto the cosmetic applicator.

In the context of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the closure piece has a peripheral surface which is intended, in the mounted state in a substantially radial direction elastically biased against a complementary surface to the reservoir. Such a peripheral surface is thus designed so that it is elastically clamped by inserting the cosmetic applicator in the neck of the reservoir to this, whereby a seal is produced.

The cosmetic applicator or its closure piece preferably has an end face perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. This end face is intended to rest against a complementary surface on the reservoir in the mounted state. Preferably, but not necessarily occurs here, an elastic strain, in particular in the axial direction.

Ideally, the cosmetic applicator is made opaque translucent. The user can then see how, when the cosmetic bottle is pressed, the cosmetic slowly moves through the spout section to its mouth. This prevents just in such a filigree Kosmetikapplikator, as he stands in the context of the invention for discussion that the user initially excessive pressure on the bottle exercises under the impression "it does not do anything", whereupon then, after some time delay, finally an oversized amount of cosmetic emerges at the mouth.

In the context of a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the inner channel of the cosmetic applicator has been formed and configured for bringing the cosmetic to the mouth of the Tüllenabschnitts by two mutually meeting slider, of which preferably one is immersed locally in an opening of the other. Such a design, which leaves corresponding marks on the cosmetics applicator, has enormous manufacturing advantages. Because the whole component can be produced by injection molding. In this case, a larger slider is inserted from the side of the cosmetics applicator ago, which is intended for connection to the bottle. A smaller slider is inserted from the mouth side of the Tüllenabschnitts ago in this, meets the former slide and finally engages in a complementary opening of the former slide.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Kosmetikapplikators;

Fig. 1a

das gleiche erste Ausführungsbeispiel, das die Fig. 1 zeigt, aber im Maßstab 1:1 dargestellt;

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht des von Fig. 1 gezeigten Kosmetikapplikators von vorn;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des von den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Kosmetikapplikators, allerdings mit einem anderen Maßstab dargestellt als die Figuren 1 und 2;

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch den erfindungsgemäßen Kosmetikapplikator gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

einen weiteren Schnitt durch den Tüllenabschnitt des von Fig. 4 gezeigten Kosmetikapplikators, wie die Figuren 4 und 5 sind sie in unterschiedlichen Maßstäben gezeigt, weisen aber beide einen größeren Maßstab auf als die Figuren 1 bis 3;

Fig. 6

einen Applikator gemäß einer der vorhergehenden Zeichnungen, der sich unter dem Einfluss der bei der Applikation auftretenden Kräfte verformt.

Figuren 7-10

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel aus mehreren unterschiedlichen Perspektiven, bei dem sich die Mündung durch seine konvexe Krümmung auszeichnet.

Figuren 11-14

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel aus mehreren unterschiedlichen Perspektiven, bei dem der Tüllenabschnitt, zumindest aber die Mündung, gekammert ist.

Figuren 15-18

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel aus mehreren unterschiedlichen Perspektiven, bei dem sich die Mündung durch seine konkave Krümmung bzw. Balligkeit auszeichnet.

Further advantages, design possibilities and modes of action of the applicator according to the invention will become apparent from the following with reference to some drawings described embodiment. The figures show the following:

Fig. 1

a side view of the cosmetic applicator according to the invention;

Fig. 1a

the same first embodiment that the Fig. 1 shows, but shown on a scale of 1: 1;

Fig. 2

a view of the Fig. 1 shown cosmetic applicator from the front;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the of Figures 1 and 2 shown Kosmetikapplikators, but with a different scale represented as the Figures 1 and 2 ;

Fig. 4

a section through the cosmetic applicator according to the invention according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

another section through the spout portion of Fig. 4 shown Kosmetikapplikators, like the FIGS. 4 and 5 they are shown at different scales, but both have a larger scale than the FIGS. 1 to 3 ;

Fig. 6

an applicator according to one of the preceding drawings, which deforms under the influence of the forces occurring during the application.

Figures 7-10

A second embodiment of several different perspectives, in which the mouth is characterized by its convex curvature.

Figures 11-14

a third embodiment of several different perspectives, in which the Tüllenabschnitt, but at least the mouth, is chambered.

FIGS. 15-18

A fourth embodiment of several different perspectives, in which the mouth is characterized by its concave curvature or crown.

It should be noted in advance that the bristles shown by the exemplary embodiments are preferably produced in one piece with their bristle carrier or the entire applicator by injection molding. The bristle-forming channels are vented so effectively and injected the melt with such a high pressure in the bristle-forming channels that sets within each bristle a clear molecular orientation in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bristle. The injection-molded bristles thus behave similarly to a filament or a stretched filament. This makes it possible to produce such fine yet durable bristles as are needed for the invention.

Optionally, the bristles may also be made in the so-called 2-K process by, for example, first producing a perforated bristle carrier (which may be an integral part of the entire applicator) through which holes the bristles are then injected in a second step. The points of view described above in the preceding paragraph are also observed here.

The FIG. 1 shows the applicator 1 according to the first embodiment in high magnification, while the first embodiment forming this applicator 1 of the Fig. 1a in the scale 1: 1 is shown. Since the applicator is intended for use as a cosmetic applicator, it is designed very petite.

Based on Fig. 1 is a closure piece 2 clearly visible, which has a pipe section 5 and a barb 6 to be positively connected to a corresponding bottleneck of a reservoir or a corresponding connection coupling for a metering gun. As you can see, the closure piece closes 2 a spout portion 3 at. The spout portion carries at its distal, ie the end facing away from the closure piece 2 a bristle trim 4. The bristle stock preferably consists exclusively of a number of substantially equal length bristles.

The closure piece has a peripheral surface 8 which is intended to be inserted under elastic bias into the neck of the bottle and, at least in addition to the barb 6, to be sealed. Also the barb seals off. He has for this purpose a barb sealing surface 6a. In addition, an end-face bearing surface 7 is provided on the closure piece 2, which rests against the end face of the bottle neck of the reservoir.

Good to see are also the longitudinal axis L1 of the closure piece and the longitudinal axis L2 of the Tüllenabschnitts. Both longitudinal axes are at the same time the longitudinal axes of the respective channel in the spout portion 3 and the closure piece 2. As can be seen, the longitudinal axes meet in the region of the point at which the spout portion 3 merges into the closure piece 2.

The Fig. 3 illustrates the dimensions of the applicators according to the invention according to the first embodiment with the help of the mouth width MB, ie, the two longest of the walls bounding the mouth. As can be seen, the applicators according to the invention are carried out conspicuously delicate due to their determination for use as cosmetic applicators. According to the invention applies to this embodiment example: 2.5 mm ≤ MB ≤ 12 mm. Preferably, even 2.5 mm ≤ MB ≤ 8 mm

As you can see, the Tüllenabschnitt 3 is at an angle α obliquely from the closure piece 2 from. The applicator points in concrete case a projection AK of about 12.5 mm; In general one can say that the applicators according to the invention should have a projection AK between 5 mm and 20 mm, much better between 9 mm and 16 mm.

At the same time, the applicator has a height BH of about 15.5 mm, in general it can be said that the applicators according to the invention should have a height of 8 mm to 18 mm, more preferably 10 mm to 16 mm.

The Fig. 4 illustrates the so-called measure of the spout length TL. For applicators that are placed on a storage bottle placed in the facial area, care must be taken to ensure that the user does not bring the naturally rather chunky bottle close to the face, which is perceived as unpleasant. Due to this, TL ≥ 8 mm should apply to the sleeve length. Preferably, even TL ≥ 10 mm, ideally, TL ≥ 12 mm.

The FIG. 2 shows the applicator shown by the figure from the front. For the first time, it can be seen here how the mouth 10 of the applicator is completely surrounded by the bristle field 4. Already on this figure can be seen that the bristle field consists of a single row of bristles 9, which are on the mouth 10 bordering end face of Tüllenabschnitts "set up".

Further details can be seen in the FIG. 3 , Here it can be seen in particular that the bristles 9 are indeed placed in a row around the end face. The bristles overlie the mouth of 10. However, the bristles are not absolutely all in alignment, but are mutually offset. Here, the offset is in each case about half a bristle diameter (in the foot region of the bristle). This will be the Borstenbesatz with the same bristle diameter from the tendency forth more stable, z. B. kink insensitive and somewhat firmer in its application characteristics. Generally it can be said that the offset should preferably be in the range between 1/4 of the bristle diameter and about 4/4 of the bristle diameter, or better only 3/4 of the bristle diameter. An even greater bristle distance than the aforementioned leaves too large open spaces between the individual bristles and therefore affects the application result, while even smaller bristle spacings than those mentioned lead to adjacent bristles under the influence of the cosmetic to easily sticking together and therefore also affect the application result , This rule also applies where not a single row but a mehrreihiger bristle stocking is provided.

At the same time, it can be seen here that the bristle diameter in the foot region is smaller than the wall thickness of the grommet section directly at its distal end. In an individual case, ie different than the FIG. 3 shows, two or three rows of bristles around the mouth 10 delimiting end face of the Tüllenabschnitts 3 can be set up. However, this is not preferred, since the boundary of the Tüllenabschnitts 3 then threatens to be too thick.

Further details are based on the FIG. 4 to recognize a section of the FIG. 1 shown applicator shows.

Good to see here again the closure piece 2 with its pipe section 5, its barbs 6 and its for sealing, preferably radially biased engagement with the bottle neck provided peripheral surface 8 and its frontal contact surface 7, which is intended intended to rest on a corresponding face of the bottle neck ,

Where the use of the applicator with an automatic dispensing gun is intended, the word "gun clutch" replaces the previous word "bottleneck".

It can also be clearly seen that the closure piece 2 has a stiffening ring 13 in the longitudinal direction in the form of a rib which extends approximately 1.5 mm to 3 mm wide in the circumferential direction. This area represents the strongest area of the applicator 1 and preferably serves to handle the applicator at least in the course of production, d. H. for pressing on and preferably locking the applicator on the neck or for redemption. At the same time, this stiffening ring supports the applicator very well with respect to the end face of the bottle neck as soon as, for example, a bending moment is transmitted to the closure piece 2 via the grommet section 3, which has to absorb this and divert it into the neck of the bottle. The length VL of the closure piece is in the concrete case about 8 mm, in general it can be said that the length of the closure piece should be between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 11 mm.

The outer diameter RD of the pipe section 5, which is intended for insertion into the neck of the bottle, is in this specific case 2.25 mm. Generally it can be said that this outer diameter should be ≥ 9 mm, preferably ≥ 7.5 mm. For a preferred variety of applications, it will be ideal if the outside diameter is between 1.8mm and 5mm, ideally even if the outside diameter is in the range between 1.8mm and 3mm. For certain applications, an inner diameter ID, of the closure piece by cross-channel portion 11 of at most 8 mm, preferably at most 7 mm makes sense. The inner diameter ID of the closure piece 2 by cross-channel portion 11, the circular designed is 1.6 mm in the specific case and is preferably between 1.3 mm and 4 mm, more preferably between 1.3 mm and 2.6 mm.

Good on the basis of Fig. 4 it can also be seen that the longitudinal axis of the individual bristles 9 runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L2 of the grommet section. Furthermore, it can be seen that the bristles in the new state, the mouth 10 really so overwhelmed that they do not protrude into the region of the mouth 10 or in the antechamber of the mouth 10.

The bristles are all the same length here. This is preferred, because in a single-row bristle arrangement otherwise, if bristles of different lengths are provided, the risk is relatively great that the longer of the bristles are supported too little by the neighboring bristles and therefore bend prematurely.

Good to see is also the bristle diameter BD in the foot area. This is in some cases ≦ 0.8 mm, but is preferably even lower, namely ≦ 0.5 mm or preferably even ≦ 0.35 mm or ideally ≦ 0.25 mm. As a bristle length BL, a length of 2.6 mm has proven to be ideal in the specific case, in general it can be said that the bristle length BL should be between 1.9 mm and 4.5 mm.

When comparing the FIGS. 4 and 5 can be seen quite well that the Tüllenabschnitt 3 is formed as a flat channel with a width B and a height H. The width B of this flat channel increases significantly from the root of the flat channel to its mouth, preferably there is more than a doubling of the width B, this is generally true. In ideal cases, there is even more than a tripling in width B. Difficult to understand FIG. 4 It can be seen that the height H of the flat channel from the root of Tüllenabschnitts 3 enlarged towards the mouth. Responsible for this is the angle γ, ie the fact that the walls perpendicular to that of FIG. 4 Section shown forming the inner channel 12 of the Tüllenabschnitts are not one hundred percent parallel, but diverging from the root of the Tüllenabschnitts, starting at an angle γ of about 0.5 °. In general, it can be said that this angle γ should be between 0.3 ° and 3.5 °, preferably at most 2.5 °.

The wall thickness WS of the spout portion is preferably about 0.4 mm, in general it can be said that wall thicknesses between about 0.3 mm and about 0.6 mm are ideal.

How to use the FIG. 5 see, are also the walls that are oriented perpendicular to this section plane and here limit the flat channel, not parallel to each other, but diverging from the root by an angle 2xβ, where β is measured relative to the central axis. This angle 2xβ is in the present case about 13 °. In general, it can be said that the angle 2xβ should be between 7.5 ° and 30 °, preferably ≦ 20 °, and ideally ≦ 17.5 °.

How to get along well with the FIG. 5 can recognize, has the Tüllenabschnitt 3 passing through the channel portion 12 in the region of its root a portion 14 within which the clear cross section of the channel portion 12 remains the same in parts.

The FIG. 5 also illustrates the double bristle distance DBA. This is in the present embodiment about 0.6 mm, in general it can be said that the double bristle distance DBA should be between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm.

The applicator shown by this embodiment is made of LPDE. LPDE is here a preferred material that has optimal properties for such an applicator, especially if it is to be manufactured as a disposable applicator. For the sake of completeness, and in particular also to avoid patent infringements, it should be noted that in comparison to the LPDE solution, degraded embodiments can also be made of other plastics whose properties at least largely correspond to those of the LPDE. Representatives of such plastics are PA or PP.

The preferred applicator shown by this embodiment is opaque translucent.

Its spout portion is so elastic that it is in the of FIG. 6 at least by an amount AL ≥ 1 mm, better even by an amount AL of ≥ 2 mm, ideally by an amount of even ≥ 3 mm. Such elasticity brings a more pleasant application of the applicator, especially when used in the facial area.

The FIGS. 7 to 10 show illustrations of one end of a Tüllenabschnitts, which is designed alternatively, thus a second embodiment. Such an end may be an integral part of the grommet portion 3 or be designed as a first separate header, which is placed on a corresponding coupling portion of a spout.

The spout portion to which this end belongs and also the remainder of the associated applicator are not shown in the drawing, but are designed in the same way as the previously described spout portion and its applicator. The above applies therefore, without limitation, for this embodiment, with the exception of those differences, which are expressly referred to below.

The mouth region of the Tüllenabschnitts shown here has a concave, preferably crescent-shaped curvature 15, d. H. a curvature, which represents an indentation in the area of the mouth center. In other words, the mouth of the mouth is spanned by a (imaginary) concave surface.

This concave, crescent-shaped curvature in the illustrated embodiment also has the bristle stock, which preferably consists exclusively of a number of substantially equal length bristles. The spout portion is at its mouth-side (distal) end about as wide as a human eye and with its crescent-shaped curvature well adapted to the course of the human eyelid and its eyelashes. Because of this, this spout portion is particularly predestined to form an internally-fed mascara applicator.

Especially with such an applicator, it is of course important that the applicator is indeed wide enough to be able to treat the entire lash line of an eyelid synchronously, but otherwise is very petite. Because of this, the mouth region of the Tüllenabschnitts is here designed so that it forms a flat channel directly in the mouth opening, the clear width B is at least eight times greater than the clear height H.

The Fig. 8 illustrates the dimensions of the applicators according to the invention of this second embodiment with the help of the mouth width MB, ie the two longest of the mouth bordering walls. As can be seen, the applicators according to the invention, because of their intended use for cosmetic applicators, are here also quite delicate. According to the invention, this embodiment is preferably: MB ≦ 25 mm.

It is noteworthy that the gap height H in the embodiments according to the pattern of the second embodiment is significantly smaller than the mouth width MB. Preferably, MB is at least a factor of 8, better still at least by a factor of 10 greater than H. Such a relationship is advantageous because it allows on the one hand to apply cosmetics in one operation over a greater width away (eg. B. over the entire eyelash arc away) and on the other hand, but increased the flow resistance of Tüllenabschnitts so far that really only the required amount of the cosmetic leaks.

Ideally, such a mascara applicator is all around only one row with bristles occupied, otherwise it is too clunky and usually no good combing effect unfolds. Preferably, these bristles are all aligned along the edge from which they protrude, as can be seen from the figures.

The FIGS. 11 to 14 show illustrations of one end of a Tüllenabschnitts, which is designed alternatively, thus a third embodiment. Such an end may be an integral part of the Tüllenabschnitts or be designed as a header, which is placed on a corresponding coupling portion of a spout.

The spout portion to which this end belongs and also the rest of the associated applicator are not shown in the drawing, but just as designed as the basis of the Fig. 2 to 6 described Tüllenabschnitt and its applicator. The statements made for the same therefore apply without restriction to this exemplary embodiment, with the exception of those differences which are expressly referred to below. For the sake of order, it should also be noted that, of course, that of the Fig. 11 to 14 Illustrated spout portion may have a concave curvature, as previously with reference to FIG Fig. 7 to 10 described.

At least the mouth region of the Tüllenabschnitts shown here is subdivided into a plurality of side by side, preferably "narrow side on the narrow side" lying chambers 16 and "feed lines".

Such a "chambering" tends to promote, as it forces a more uniform flow, the uniformity of the job and stabilizes the narrow flow cross-section of the Tüllenabschnitts. The latter is particularly important when the Tüllenabschnitt is designed resiliently, as described above in connection with the first embodiment.

In general, a division into too many chambers 16 does not make sense, even to counteract any constipation and for hygienic reasons. Therefore, the number of chambers 16 should be limited to a maximum of 6, better a maximum of 4 parallel chambers.

The Fig. 12 illustrates the dimensions of the applicators according to the invention of this third embodiment using the mouth width MB, ie the two longest of the walls bounding the mouth. As can be seen, the applicators according to the invention are, due to their purpose, for use as Cosmetic applicators also executed here very petite. According to the invention, this embodiment is preferably: MB ≦ 25 mm.

It is noteworthy, in turn, that the gap height H in the embodiments according to the pattern of the second embodiment is significantly smaller than the mouth width MB. Preferably, MB is at least a factor of 8, better yet at least a factor of 10 greater than H. Such a relationship is advantageous because it allows on the one hand to apply cosmetics in one operation over a greater width away (eg over the entire length of the eyelash) and on the other hand, the flow resistance of the Tüllenabschnitts increased so much that really only the required amount of cosmetics emerges.

The FIGS. 15 to 18 show illustrations of one end of a Tüllenabschnitts, which is designed alternatively, thus a fourth embodiment. Such an end may be an integral part of the Tüllenabschnitts or be designed as a header, which is placed on a corresponding coupling portion of a spout.

The Tüllenabschnitt to which this end belongs and the rest of the associated applicator are not shown in the drawing, but designed as well as the basis of the Fig. 2 to 6 described Tüllenabschnitt and its applicator. The statements made for the same therefore apply without restriction to this exemplary embodiment, with the exception of those differences which are expressly referred to below.

The mouth region of the Tüllenabschnitts shown here has a convex or convex shape 17 in the broadest sense, ie, a shape in the region of the mouth center to the outside projects. In other words, the mouth of the mouth is spanned by an (imaginary) spherical surface in the broadest sense.

This results in the bristles of the bristle facing at least in groups projecting in different directions, preferably fan-shaped. In this way it is easier for the user to bring only a portion of the bristle facing into contact with the lot to be treated. This facilitates a selective order, z. As a colored or glossy lip cosmetic, which should of course wet only the lips as such.

Preferably, just in this embodiment, a chambering is provided, as in the third embodiment according to the Fig. 11 to 14 described. The statements made to those figures therefore also apply here.

For the mouth width MB and the relation of MB and H statements, what has been said about the second and third embodiments also applies here.

• Für einen Kosmetikapplikator 1, z. B. nach Maßgabe des zuvor Geschilderten, der sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass der Tüllen-abschnitt 3 wenigstens in einer Ebene derart flexibel ist, dass die Mündung des Tüllenabschnitts 3 unter dem Einfluss der bei der Applikation auftretenden Kräfte um einen Betrag von mindestens 1,5 mm, besser von mindestens 2 mm und idealerweise um mindestens 3 mm elastisch federnd nachgeben kann.

Finally, it should be noted that protection beyond the explicitly claimed is also claimed for the following design options:

• For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above-mentioned, which is characterized in that the spout portion 3 is so flexible at least in one plane that the mouth of the spout portion 3 under the influence of the forces occurring during the application by an amount of at least 1.5 mm, better of at least 2 mm and ideally by at least 3 mm resiliently yielding.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above, which is characterized in that the spout portion 3 from its root to its mouth 10, calculated without bristle stocking, a length TL of ≥ 7 mm and better of ≥ 9 mm, preferably at the same time ≤ 16 mm and ideally ≤ 14 mm.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above-described, which is characterized in that the closure piece 2 has a latching portion 6 for latching with a recess in or adjacent to the neck of the storage bottle.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above, which is characterized in that the latching portion 6 has the shape of a barb.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above-described, which is characterized in that the closure piece 2 has a peripheral surface 8 which is intended to rest in the mounted state in a substantially radial direction elastically biased against a complementary surface of the reservoir.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above, which is characterized in that the closure piece 2 has an end face perpendicular to its longitudinal axis surface which is intended to abut in the assembled state against a complementary surface on the reservoir, preferably elastically biased in a substantially axial direction.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above, which is characterized in that the cosmetics applicator 1, preferably including the bristles 9, is made of a soft, tough and flexible material, ideally LOPE.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above, which is characterized in that the cosmetics applicator 1 is made opaque translucent.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above, which is characterized in that the inner channel 10, 11 of the cosmetic applicator 1 has been formed and designed for bringing the cosmetic to the mouth of Tüllenabschnitts by two mutually meeting slider, of which preferably one locally is immersed in one opening of the other, with no protection claimed for applicators intended for application in dental, medical and adhesive applications.

For a cosmetics applicator 1, z. B. in accordance with the above-mentioned, which is characterized in that the intended for tight insertion into the container neck or the gun coupling pipe section 5 of the closure piece 2 has an outer diameter RD ≤ 5 mm better ≤ 4 mm and ideally ≤ 3 mm.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

applicator

2

closing piece

3

spout

4

Borstenbesatz / bristle field

5

pipe section

6

barb

6a

Widerhakenabdichtfläche

7

frontal contact surface

8th

peripheral surface

9

single bristle

10

muzzle

11

Channel section (on the side of the closure piece)

12

Channel section (on the side of the grommet section)

13

stiffening ring

14

Part of the channel section, which has a constant cross-section

15

concave curvature

16

chambers

17

crowned mouth

RD

outer diameter

ID

Inner diameter of closure piece

KD

Coupling diameter

VL

Length of the closure piece

BD

Bristle diameter

BL

bristle length

AK

projection

bra

height

TL

Barb

MB

mouth width

L1

Longitudinal axis of the stopper (corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the canal in the stopper)

L2

Longitudinal axis grommet section (corresponding to the channel in the grommet section)

B

width

H

height

AL

deflection

α

Angle, between the closure piece 2 and Tüllenabschnitt 3

β

Angle by which the channel 12 of the Tüllenabschnitts 3 expands

γ

Angle around which the height H increases

WS

Wall thickness grommet

DBA

double bristle spacing

Claims (16)

Internally-fed cosmetic applicator (1) for applying lip gloss, mascara or an eyeliner cosmetic, consisting of a closure piece (2) for preferably locking the cosmetic applicator (1) on a storage bottle or a cosmetic pistol preferably fed by a metering pump and with the closure piece ( 2) liquid-conducting connected, inside hollow spout portion (3), at least one of the edges, which define its free mouth (10), a bristle trim (4) of the spout portion (3) molded bristles (9) with a diameter of each ≤ 0.8 mm, on which the cosmetic introduced through it is dispensed, with no protection claimed for applicators intended for application in dental, medical and adhesive applications; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bristle trim (4) completely surrounds the mouth (10); Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the vast majority of the bristles (4) forming bristles (9), preferably all bristles, a Borstenmittellinie substantially parallel to the centerline (L2) of the spout portion (3); Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the edges, but preferably all the edges, in each case only one row of the respective edge along adjacent bristles (9); Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristles (9) preferably do not project at all or at least substantially in or in front of the outlet cross section of the mouth (10) of the spout portion (3); Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristles (9) have a substantially round cross section over their entire length (BL); Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral surface of the bristles (9) is conical, preferably with a cone angle between 0.3 ° and 2.5 ° to the longitudinal axis of the respective bristles; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the predominant number of bristles (9) and preferably all bristles have a bristle length (BL) of ≤ 4.5 mm, preferably ≤ 3.4 mm and ideally ≤ 2.9 mm; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristle diameter (BD) at the bristle root <the wall thickness (WS) of the bristle-bearing wall in the area of the bristle root; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristle stocking (4) has more than 18 and preferably more than 26 bristles (9) and that the bristle stocking (4) preferably at the same time less than 60 and preferably less than 44 bristles (9); Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter or the width of the spout portion (3) widens from the closure piece (2) towards its free mouth in at least one plane; Cosmetic applicator (1), characterized in that the angle (β) relative to the central axis of the grommet section (3) by which the grommet section (3) extends towards its free mouth (10), ≤ 25 ° and preferably ≤ 15 °, no protection being claimed for applicators intended for application in dental, medical and adhesive applications; The cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height (H) in the direction from the root toward the mouth (10) at least slightly increases; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouth (10), measured inside the wall, in a first direction a width (B) of ≥ 3 mm and ≤ 16 mm, better ≤ 8 mm and ideally ≤ 6 mm; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouth (10), measured inside the wall, in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction, a flowable height (H) of ≥ 0.4 mm and ≤ 1.5 mm, better ≤ 1.1 mm; Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spout portion (3) (relative to its, substantially its Flüssigkeitsleitrichtung corresponding longitudinal axis) at an angle (α) of 15 ° to 90 °, preferably at an angle (α) of 15th ° to 50 ° relative to the central axis of the closure piece (2) branches off from this;

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