APLICADOR DE COSMÉTICOS

Description

1 / 11 “COSMETIC APPLICATOR”

[001] The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying cosmetic material according to the preamble of claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[002] Cosmetic applicators are frequently used in the application of medical or cosmetic products, such as creams, ointments, or makeup. These generally comprise a handle or shaft, as well as a section used to apply the product to the desired area by means of tapping, stroking, or rotating motions. This section of a cosmetic applicator is also called the applicator element. Depending on the type of product to be applied, different designs may be considered with regard to the geometry and material of the cosmetic applicator or applicator element. STATE OF THE ART

[003] For applying lip gloss and other cosmetic, hygiene and medical products, normally applied to the skin, brush-shaped cosmetic applicators are frequently used. These include a handle and several bristles at the free end of the applicator. The bristles serve as the applicator element.

[004] To apply the product to the desired area, the bristles must first be moistened with the product to be applied. For this, they are usually dipped into a container containing the product. However, the amount that adheres to the bristles can only be controlled to a certain extent. Although it is possible to dip the applicator into the container so that only the tips of the applicator element come into contact with the product, depending on the viscosity of the product, an unwanted coating of the entire applicator element may occur. With highly viscous products, the individual bristles and / or the spaces between them may, due to capillary effects, become coated with the product along their entire length, even if the bristles are not completely submerged in the product inside the container. Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 7 / 28 2 / 11

[005] For this reason, the bristles are normally cleaned before applying the product, either with a cloth (less commonly) or with a special cleaner located inside the container, so that excess product adhering to the bristles is removed. However, the amount of product remaining on the bristles after cleaning is also difficult to dose. As a result, an undesirable amount of product may be applied. In addition, this can lead to unwanted contamination of the outer surface of the container. Although contamination of the outer part of the container can be avoided by cleaning the applicator with a cloth or similar object, this results in higher product consumption and greater waste generation.

[006] Alternatively, the application process may be unnecessarily prolonged if there is too much or too little product on the bristles, requiring the process to be repeated or discarded and / or restarted. MAIN OBJECTIVE

[007] In view of the foregoing, the objective of the invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator in which the amount of product to be applied — both the amount absorbed and the amount released by the applicator element — can be dosed more easily. INVENTIVE SOLUTION

[008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the cosmetic applicator.

[009] For this purpose, an applicator for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product is proposed, wherein the applicator comprises a rod and an applicator element attached thereto. The applicator is characterized in that the applicator element has, on its front face, facing the opposite side to the rod, a preferably continuous applicator surface which – when projected onto a plane – presents a cam-shaped, drop-shaped, egg-shaped or pear-shaped contour line. This contour line extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the rod and is continuously – preferably across its entire width – convexly curved. Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 8 / 28 3 / 11 of a concave or flat shape along an imaginary line between two extreme points.

[010] “In planar projection”, within the meaning of the invention, refers to the imaginary projection of the applicator surface onto a smooth plane, in cases where the applicator surface itself is not planar. This can be illustrated, for example, by the shadow projected by the applicator surface onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[011] In this way, an applicator can be easily produced that allows for simple and favorable application of the material to be applied, as well as favorable wetting and massaging behavior, both resulting from the simple shape of the applicator surface. It should be noted that the applicator surface is not the only part of the applicator element intended for the intended application. In many cases, it is even preferable that the application and, in particular, the most precise “fine-tuning” be possible with the entire applicator element. This represents another advantage of the applicator according to the invention, as it can adapt to the desired behavior of the applicator on different surfaces and is therefore particularly suitable for use on various rounded surfaces. ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

[012] One embodiment of the applicator provides that the contour line of the applicator surface has its smallest curvature at or near its first extreme point, and its second smallest curvature at or near its second extreme point. The aforementioned “proximity” refers to a circular area with a diameter not exceeding 30 mm, and preferably not exceeding 10 mm, around the extreme point. This generally results in a preferred shape of the applicator surface for better application of the medium to be applied.

[013] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the curvature of the contour line at the second extreme point be at least three times, preferably by Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 9 / 28 4 / 11 minus five times greater than the curvature of the contour line at the first extreme point. This also results in a preferred applicator surface shape for better application of the medium to be applied.

[014] It is also particularly preferable that the extreme points be diametrically opposite each other with respect to the extended imaginary central longitudinal axis of the rod. Thus, it is preferable that the two extreme points be located in exactly opposite directions. Thus, the applicator element can be designed to be in mirror symmetry; however, in many cases, it is preferable that the applicator element not be in mirror symmetry, so that the two extreme points are arranged offset from each other with respect to a central plane.

[015] It is even more preferable that the applicator surface, in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line between the two extreme points, be less curved, not curved, or at least substantially not curved. Thus, the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line refers to the transverse direction of the applicator element. This is indicated by stripes on the applicator surface in the later figures.

[016] It is also particularly preferable that the applicator be made wholly or partly of a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), or a TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), or a mixture containing TPE or TPO. Because of the preferably rubber-like elasticity obtained by the appropriate formulation, this contributes to the desired application behavior.

[017] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the applicator surface or the entire applicator element have, at least partially, or ideally completely, flocking and / or micro-bristles and / or another type of surface modification. This can positively influence both the wetting behavior and the applicator performance.

[018] “Microbristles” in this context refers to bristles with a length of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and a diameter of less than 5 hundredths of a mm. Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 10 / 28 5 / 11 mm, preferably less than 2 hundredths of a mm.

[019] It is also particularly preferable that the tip of the applicator surface in the area of ​​the first extreme point be shaped and made of a material such that, under the forces typically present during application, it can move – for example, rotate – by at least 2 mm relative to the rest of the applicator element. This, in turn, positively influences the application behavior.

[020] Another preferred embodiment of the applicator provides that the applicator element is designed in the shape of a shoe. In this case, the applicator element preferably widens uniformly upwards from the shank, forming the ankle area of ​​the shoe. Subsequently, the applicator element widens more strongly on one side (heel area) than on the diametrically opposite side with respect to the extended longitudinal axis L (tongue / flap area). The side that widens more strongly ends lower – towards the shank – than the diametrically opposite side. The lower end side ends, among other aspects, at the first extreme point mentioned above, while the diametrically opposite side preferably ends, among other aspects, at a second extreme point. Between the two sides – and therefore also between the two extreme points – the applicator surface extends, which essentially functions as the sole of the shoe.

[021] Other functionalities, advantages and design possibilities become apparent from the figure-based description of the exemplary modalities. LIST OF FIGURES

[022] Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (with a convexly curved applicator surface) in a three-dimensional view.

[023] Figure 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (with a flat applicator surface) in a three-dimensional view. Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 11 / 28 6 / 11

[024] Figure 3 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (with a concave curved applicator surface) in a three-dimensional view.

[025] Figure 4 shows an additional three-dimensional view applicable to all exemplary embodiments of the applicator according to the invention.

[026] Figure 5 shows another three-dimensional view applicable to all exemplary embodiments of the applicator according to the invention.

[027] Figure 6 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a top view.

[028] Figure 7 shows a bottom view applicable to all exemplary embodiments of the applicator according to the invention. PREFERRED OPTIONS FIRST PREFERENTIAL OPTION

[029] First, Figure 1 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a rod 2, which is indicated only by dashed lines. This rod 2 may serve as an additional part for attaching a cable or may itself be the cable that the user holds in their hand or between their fingers to use the applicator 1 as intended. The central longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 is the central longitudinal axis of the rod 2, extended along an imaginary line.

[030] Projecting from the rod 2, the applicator 1 further comprises an applicator element 3, which supports the applicator surface 4.

[031] On its front face, facing the opposite side of the stem 2, the applicator 1 has an applicator surface 4, which serves, among other aspects, as an applicator surface for the material to be applied. This applicator surface 4 also presents, when projected onto a plane, a contour line 5 in the shape of a drop, egg or pear that extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the stem 2. In addition Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 12 / 28 7 / 11 of this, in the embodiment shown, the applicator surface 4 is continuously convexly curved in the direction along an imaginary line 6 between two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[032] Figure 7 clearly illustrates what is meant by “projected onto a plane”, as the typical “egg shape” of applicator element 3 can be seen here in the bottom view on a horizontal plane.

[033] Figures 4 and 5 also show the shoe shape mentioned earlier, which is the particularly preferred design of applicator element 3.

[034] The “transverse stripes” shown in the figures on applicator surface 4 are primarily intended to serve as directional indicators — to better illustrate the curvature and bending of applicator surface 4 — and are not necessarily recesses in applicator surface 4, although such recesses may also be desirable in some cases. SECOND PREFERENTIAL OPTION

[035] Figure 2 shows a second preferred exemplary embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a rod 2, which is indicated only by dashed lines. This rod 2 may serve as an additional part for attaching a cable or may itself be the cable that the user holds in their hand or between their fingers to use the applicator 1 as intended. The central longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 is the central longitudinal axis of the rod 2, extended along an imaginary line.

[036] Projecting from the rod 2, the applicator 1 further comprises an applicator element 3, which supports the applicator surface 4.

[037] On its front face, facing the opposite side to the stem 2, the applicator 1 has an applicator surface 4, which is used, among other aspects, as an applicator surface for the material to be applied. This applicator surface 4 also presents, when projected onto a plane, a teardrop-shaped contour line 5, Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 13 / 28 8 / 11 egg or pear shape extending on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the stem 2. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the applicator surface 4 is continuously flat in the direction along an imaginary line 6 between two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[038] Figure 7 clearly illustrates what is meant by “projected onto a plane”, since the typical “egg shape” of applicator element 3 can be seen here in the bottom view on a horizontal plane.

[039] Figures 4 and 5 also show the shoe shape mentioned earlier, which is the particularly preferred design of applicator element 3.

[040] The “transverse stripes” shown in the figures on applicator surface 4 are primarily intended to serve as directional indicators — to better illustrate the curvature and bending of applicator surface 4 — and are not necessarily recesses in applicator surface 4, although such recesses may also be desirable in some cases. THIRD PREFERENTIAL OPTION

[041] Figure 3 shows a third preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a rod 2, indicated herein only by dashed lines. This rod 2 may serve as an additional part for attaching a cable or may itself be the cable that the user holds in their hand or between their fingers to use the applicator 1 as intended. The central longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 is the central longitudinal axis of the rod 2, imaginatively extended.

[042] Projecting from the rod 2, the applicator 1 further comprises an applicator element 3, which supports the applicator surface 4.

[043] On its front face, facing the opposite side to the stem 2, the applicator 1 has an applicator surface 4 which serves, among other things, as an applicator surface for removing the material to be applied. This applicator surface 4 also has, when projected onto a plane, a contour line 5 in the shape of a drop, egg or pear that extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extent of Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 14 / 28 9 / 11 stem 2. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the applicator surface 4 is continuously curved in a concave manner along an imaginary line 6 between two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[044] Figure 7 clearly illustrates what is meant by “projected onto a plane”, since the typical “egg shape” of applicator element 3 can be seen here in the bottom view on a horizontal plane.

[045] Figures 4 and 5 also show the shoe shape mentioned earlier, which is the particularly preferred design of applicator element 3.

[046] The “transverse stripes” shown in the figures on applicator surface 4 are intended primarily as directional indicators - to better illustrate the curvature and bending of applicator surface 4 - and are not necessarily recesses in applicator surface 4, although such recesses may also be desirable in some cases. FOURTH PREFERRED OPTION

[047] Figure 6 shows another possible design of the applicator element 3. Here, the two extreme points EX1 and EX2 are not directly opposite, meaning that applicator 1 is not in mirror symmetry. The extreme points are instead arranged offset from each other, so that, when viewed from above, an imaginary line 6 connecting the extreme points is not straight. The applicator surface 4 in this embodiment essentially forms a twisted plane.

[048] This configuration can be applied in addition to all three modes shown previously. GENERAL INFORMATION

[049] An applicator 1 can generally be designed so that it consists of at least two different materials.

[050] However, it is also possible that an applicator 1 is made entirely of the same material. Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 15 / 28 10 / 11

[051] An applicator 1 may also include additional bristles. These bristles are preferably arranged on the outer part of the applicator surface 4. The bristles are preferably oriented perpendicular to its base.

[052] An applicator according to the invention can also be manufactured from post-consumer recycled material. Thus, even the various materials of applicator 1 can be post-consumer recycled materials.

[053] Applicator 1 is preferably suitable for applying medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dental products.

[054] Note again that the applicator surface 4 is not the only part of the applicator element 3 intended for application purposes. In many cases, it is preferable that the application process — and especially the precise “fine-tuning” — can be performed using the entire applicator element 3. In particular, the circumferential area of ​​the applicator element 3, extending from the stem towards the applicator surface 4, can be used to apply the material. The area adjacent to the first extreme point EX1 is especially suitable for controlled application and distribution of material.

[055] The transition from the applicator surface 4 to the aforementioned circumferential area is preferably a rounded transition, but in certain cases it can also be angular. This allows various application characteristics of the applicator element 3 to be achieved. REFERENCE LIST applicator shaft applicator element applicator surface contour line imaginary line EX1 extreme point 1 Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 16 / 28 11 / 11 EX2 extreme point 2 L central longitudinal axis Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 17 / 28

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, comprising a rod (2) and an applicator element (3) fixed to it, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator element (3) has, on its front face facing away from the rod (2), an applicator surface (4) which, when projected onto a plane, presents a cam-shaped, drop-shaped, egg-shaped or pear-shaped contour line (5) that extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the rod (2) and is continuously curved in a convex, concave or flat manner along an imaginary line (6) between two extreme points (EX1, EX2).

2. Applicator (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the contour line (5) of the applicator surface (4) has its smallest curvature at its first extreme point (EX1) and its second smallest curvature at its second extreme point (EX2).

3. Applicator (1), according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the curvature of the contour line (5) at the second extreme point (EX2) is at least three times, preferably at least five times, greater than the curvature of the contour line (5) at the first extreme point (EX1).

4. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the extreme points (EX1, EX2) are positioned diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the extended imaginary central longitudinal axis (L) of the rod (2).

5. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator surface (4) is less curved, not curved, or at least substantially not curved in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line (6) between the two extreme points (EX1, EX2).

6. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator (1) consists wholly or partially of a TPE, a TPO or a mixture containing TPE or TPO.

7. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator surface (4) or the entire applicator element (3) is partially or preferably completely coated with a plastic different from that which forms the main body of the applicator element (3).

8. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the Shore D hardness of the applicator surface (4) or of the entire applicator element (3) is less than or equal to 56.

9. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator surface (4) or the entire applicator element (3) has flocking and / or microbristles and / or other type of surface modification.

10. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator surface (4) and its edge or the entire applicator element (3) are completely free of bristles.

11. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the tip of the applicator surface (4) in the area of ​​the first extreme point (EX1) is molded and made of a material such that, under the forces that occur during normal use, it can move, for example, rotate by at least 2 mm relative to the rest of the applicator element (3).

12. Applicator (1), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the applicator element (3) is designed in the form of a shoe, wherein the applicator element (3) preferably widens uniformly upwards from the rod (2), then widens more sharply on one side than on the diametrically opposite side with respect to the extended longitudinal axis (L), wherein the faster widening side ends further down, towards the rod (2), among other aspects at one extreme point (EX1), than the diametrically opposite side, which preferably ends, among other aspects, at another extreme point (EX2), and wherein the applicator surface (4) extends between the two sides and therefore also, among other aspects, between the two extreme points (EX1, EX2). Petition 870250098628, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 20 / 28

Images