Makeup vibrator

Abstract

The invention relates to a makeup vibrator designed to move an applicator back and forth in an oscillating motion in order to apply a cosmetic product applied to the applicator evenly and quickly to human skin in an automated dabbing motion.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a makeup vibrator for applying a cosmetic product to a contact area, in particular to human skin.

[0002] When applying products such as foundations, it is sometimes necessary to apply the cosmetic product (hereinafter simply referred to as "product") to the skin using a dabbing motion to prevent smudging or spreading. A suitably shaped applicator, such as a sponge, can be used for this purpose. The product is first applied to the sponge, and then the applicator is repeatedly moved against the skin in a dabbing motion, preferably perpendicular to the skin, to apply the product.

[0003] Such a movement is time-consuming and laborious, especially in commercial cosmetic applications, such as in the makeup department of a television studio, and when many people need to be made up in a short time. Due to unintentional, but unavoidable, uneven dabbing motions, applying the product evenly by hand is difficult.

[0004] WO 2010 / 103 485 A1 describes a vibrating application device for applying cosmetic or dermatological products. It combines a vibration source with a handle and an applicator whose textured or flocked surface improves the gliding and even distribution of the substance on the skin.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2009 014 976 B3 discloses an applicator device for cosmetic or medical applications, particularly for sensitive skin areas such as the eyes. It combines an interchangeable applicator part with a vibrating base unit. An integrated element generates heat or cold, which is transferred to the substance being applied. This allows creams or gels to be applied to the skin with simultaneous vibration and temperature effects to enhance their care and healing properties.

[0006] From DE 80 23 733 U1, an aid for applying creams is known, consisting of a handle with a cushion layer and a sponge layer, which is intended for the application of creams, ointments or lotions; it enables application to hard-to-reach parts of the body, but has disadvantages in terms of cleaning ability and cream use, which later developments are intended to improve.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device that improves and simplifies the dabbing application of cosmetic products to the skin. This object is achieved by a makeup vibrator according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention is based on the understanding that a cosmetic product can be applied to human skin much more precisely, evenly, and quickly by means of an automated tapping motion of an applicator than is possible with purely manual application. A mobile makeup vibrator according to the invention performs this tapping motion and ensures a particularly good makeup result achievable with minimal time expenditure (tests have shown particularly good results when using the makeup vibrator with a cosmetic product also known as "foundation").

[0009] The makeup vibrator has an elongated shape, for example a cigar shape, and extends along a longitudinal axis X. Preferably, the makeup vibrator is rotationally symmetrical, which simplifies assembly and minimizes the size.

[0010] The makeup vibrator includes a receptacle for the detachable attachment of an applicator. The applicator can be, in particular, a sponge-like element that, during operation, carries the cosmetic product and delivers it to the skin. The receptacle is preferably designed to allow for the interchangeability of the applicator, so that different applicators can be attached to the receptacle for different applications. Preferably, a manually releasable or overridable locking mechanism acts between the receptacle and the applicator, connecting the applicator to the receptacle with sufficient stability for operation. The receptacle can, for example, include a recess extending in the longitudinal direction X, into which a section of the applicator can be inserted and locked. By pulling the applicator out in the longitudinal direction X, it can be removed from the receptacle and, for example, replaced by another applicator.

[0011] The makeup vibrator further comprises a drive that moves the receptacle back and forth along the longitudinal direction X in an oscillating motion. During a forward stroke, the receptacle is moved towards the applicator or contact surface, while the return stroke occurs in the opposite direction. The receptacle covers a distance along the longitudinal direction X, which will hereinafter also be referred to as the stroke length. The forward and return strokes can be repeated in rapid succession, for example, at a frequency of 5 to 20 strokes per second. Preferably, the stroke length is between 15 and 40 mm, most preferably about 8 mm. Preferably, the stroke length is adjustable, for example, via an adjustment mechanism that interacts with the drive.

[0012] Preferably, the drive is arranged longitudinally X behind the receptacle. The applicator, together with an end section facing away from the drive, which is used to apply the product to the contact area or skin, simultaneously forms a front end of the makeup vibrator.

[0013] According to the invention, the applicator is compressible in the longitudinal direction X to enable suitable application of the product. More precisely, the applicator, starting from its end section, can be compressed by at least half the stroke length in the longitudinal direction X with each stroke of the applicator (stroke compression). In practice, this effect manifests itself as follows: If the applicator's end section only lightly touches the contact area or the skin without significant pressure (in this state, the applicator can be considered uncompressed), then a preliminary stroke of the applicator in the longitudinal direction X, or towards the contact area, by the full stroke length can cause the applicator to be compressed or compressed, starting at its end section or the contact surface, by a distance equal to at least half the stroke length.To clarify this property of the invention, it is assumed for simplification that, in order to enable the stroke over the full stroke range, either the contact surface is deformed by the missing portion, or the makeup vibrator as a whole is moved away from the contact surface by this portion in the opposite direction of the stroke, so to speak, pushing itself away from it.

[0014] Tests have shown that the compressibility of the applicator according to the invention (at least 50% of the stroke) enables a particularly homogeneous application of the product. On the one hand, such compressibility ensures that the pressure of the applicator is evenly distributed across the entire contact surface, allowing the product to be applied to the skin accordingly. On the other hand, the compressibility also allows excess material to be drawn back from the contact surface or skin into or onto the applicator over a large area. This occurs as the applicator material retracts away from the contact surface, causing the previously compressed material to expand again and open or widen its pores, into which the excess material from the contact surface can then penetrate or be drawn in.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the invention, the end section of the applicator tapers towards the front end. More precisely, the end section of the applicator, in a cross-section containing the longitudinal axis X, can have a contour symmetrical about the longitudinal axis X, which in any case tapers towards the front end. It is also conceivable to have applicator embodiments in which complete rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis X is not achieved, for example, if an oblique recess creates an edge along the applicator. This special shape according to the invention makes applying the product to a locally limited or precisely defined area particularly easy, since the applicator, due to its tapered shape, has a more or less clearly defined tip. If, for example, product is to be applied only to a small area of ​​skin, such as around the eyes, the makeup vibrator can thus be positioned relative to the skin.The applicator should be positioned so that at the end of a forward stroke (when it has been fully advanced towards the skin), only the tip touches the skin. Depending on the distance of the makeup vibrator, the applicator then either makes contact with the skin precisely at the end of the complete forward stroke, without being compressed, or contact occurs before the forward stroke is completed, in which case at least partial compression of the applicator may occur until the forward stroke is finished. Furthermore, the makeup vibrator, through its massage-like action, directly promotes blood circulation in the application area. A slight swelling of the face due to the massage and increased blood flow also contribute to an improved makeup effect.

[0016] According to the invention, the aforementioned contour of the applicator has a curvature whose radius of curvature is minimal at the intersection with the longitudinal axis and / or increases towards the drive. Such a shape has the advantage that the size of the contact area with which the applicator touches a contact surface increases relatively quickly at the beginning of compression, but grows less rapidly or even stagnates towards the end of compression. This allows the product to be easily redistributed to adjacent areas in the region of the applicator tip, while the overall application of the product is limited to the area that touches the skin at maximum compression of the applicator.

[0017] An example of an embodiment of the applicator would be an egg-shaped form, the tip of which forms the front end of the makeup vibrator or the end section of the applicator.

[0018] One embodiment of the applicator could be chosen such that it deforms elastically through a stroke compression, at the beginning of which the end section covers the contact area with a first area A1, to such an extent that at the end of the stroke compression the end section covers the contact area with a second area A2 according to the condition A2 > 2 · A1.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the makeup vibrator comprises a motor, for example, an electric motor, and a preferably replaceable power supply for the drive. This power supply can be, for example, a battery or a rechargeable battery. The power supply is preferably designed or arranged rotationally symmetrically to the longitudinal axis X, so that its center of gravity lies on the longitudinal axis X. This facilitates the use of the makeup vibrator regardless of its orientation in space. The power supply can have a plug connection for connecting a charging cable, for example, with a standard USB connector. Alternatively, inductively operated charging electronics can also be provided.

[0020] Preferably, the stroke length and / or the speed and / or the frequency at which the device oscillates is adjustable. This allows the makeup vibrator to be adapted to individual applications and user preferences. It is equipped with a control unit for this purpose. The functions of the makeup vibrator can preferably be selected via control elements (dial, sensor buttons, touch display, etc.) on the device, which are familiar to those skilled in the art. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can also communicate wirelessly with a higher-level control system, which, for example, is located in a smartphone and / or can be operated via a smartphone application (app). The electrical connection between the power supply and the drive can also be established or interrupted, for example, by rotating two cylindrical sections of the makeup vibrator, positioned one behind the other in the longitudinal direction X, around their longitudinal axis directly on the device.An electrical contact can be provided for this purpose, which is closed or opened depending on the relative rotational position of the two sections to each other.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive is equipped with an overload protection device that prevents excessively forceful lifting movements and thereby minimizes the risk of injury to the user. The overload protection device prevents the receiver (and with it the applicator) from being pushed further forward in the longitudinal direction X when a predefined resistance is encountered. The overload protection can be implemented by limiting the maximum available torque of the motor. Alternatively or additionally, one of the power-transmitting elements in the drive (in particular a bevel gear or a coupling element) could have a spring mechanism or a slip clutch. This allows the elements to be automatically decoupled from each other (disengagement of frictional or positive engagement) when the transmission force is too high, until the components are manually or automatically re-coupled to transmit power.A coupling element or the mount could also have an overload spring acting in the longitudinal direction X, which gives way or is compressed under excessive load without the mount moving further forward in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the makeup vibrator comprises at least one container for holding a cosmetic product. The container serves as a reservoir from which product can be removed as needed and applied to the applicator before the makeup vibrator is used. Preferably, the container is located at or accessible from a rear end of the makeup vibrator facing away from the applicator. For example, a screw cap at the rear end of the makeup vibrator could close an opening in the container or a receptacle for inserting the container.

[0023] Building upon the aforementioned idea, it is possible to extend at least one flow connection from the container into the interior of the applicator, in order to convey the product from within the makeup vibrator to the applicator and make it available there. The flow connection can, for example, comprise one or more hose or pipe connections, which can also branch to ensure that multiple areas within the applicator are evenly supplied with product. The flow connection is designed to possess an elasticity that ensures it is not damaged by the periodic reciprocating motion of the applicator.

[0024] The product can be conveyed from the container to the applicator manually. For example, a user could apply pressure to the container (e.g., via a bottom element or a piston inside the container) to force the product out and through the flow connection to the applicator. Alternatively, an automatic conveying mechanism could be used, which might actuate a piston inside the container or use a small pump to draw product from the container. The conveying mechanism can be operated on demand, automatically, on a timer, or according to other criteria, either by a suitable control system or manually by the user.

[0025] Preferably, the applicator is designed in such a way that product provided inside it can reach the outside of the applicator, at least in the area of ​​the end section, for example through pores or specially designed flow paths.

[0026] Preferably, the flow connection opens centrally and along the longitudinal axis into the applicator. Advantageously, the flow connection is easily detachable from the applicator to allow for applicator replacement. One embodiment is conceivable in which the product is guided centrally through the receptacle to a front end of the receptacle, for example, through a central bore. An applicator inserted into or attached to the receptacle then receives the product, which is fed centrally inside, and can guide it via suitable channels, pores, etc., to its outer surface for application to the contact surface or skin.

[0027] The flow connection must be designed to accommodate the lifting motion of the applicator relative to the drive or container. This can be achieved by incorporating elastic flow elements, such as a hose that is longitudinally expandable or has a flexible, arc-shaped section leading into the applicator to compensate for longitudinal movements. Alternatively, concentrically nested pipe sections that can be longitudinally displaced relative to each other to compensate for length differences could be used.

[0028] Preferably, the makeup vibrator comprises a base body that is essentially cylindrical or "cigar-shaped" around its longitudinal axis and essentially defines the external shape of the makeup vibrator. A receptacle for a power supply and / or a container could be provided at a rear end of the base body. At a front end opposite the rear end, the receptacle for the applicator is arranged, which moves back and forth in the longitudinal direction X during its oscillating motion relative to the base body. Preferably, the base body contains the drive mechanism between its rear end or a container or power supply located there and the receptacle. The rear end can be shaped to allow insertion into a stand. The combination of the rear end and the stand can also serve as an inductive charging device for the battery in the base body.

[0029] Preferably, the makeup vibrator has a diameter of no more than 70 mm, preferably less than 40 mm. This gives it a pen-like shape, making it particularly easy to hold and use with one hand or to store in a small handbag. Its length in the longitudinal direction X, from its rear end to the front end formed by the applicator tip, is preferably less than 25 cm, most preferably less than 20 cm. These dimensions allow it to be easily and compactly stored as a slim pen, for example, in a handbag. Advantageously, the makeup vibrator includes a corresponding, rigid or flexible hygienic sleeve that holds the vibrator and protects it from contamination or damage.

[0030] The makeup vibrator, or individual components thereof, are preferably made of plastic, but can also be made of metallic materials if necessary. Some parts of the makeup vibrator may also be manufactured using 3D printing.

[0031] As described above, the makeup vibrator is preferably designed with interchangeable applicators, allowing the desired applicator to be used depending on the application. The applicator can be designed, particularly at its end section, as a sponge or foam with a predefined hardness or compressibility. The individual applicators can differ in size, shape, density, material, porosity, color, and surface finish, but all suitable applicators share an identical connection geometry for interchangeability. For example, a small, tapered applicator could be used for application around the eyes, while for applying a product over a larger area (which is more time-consuming in the prior art), such as on the cheeks, an applicator with a larger diameter and without a specially shaped tip could be used.

[0032] The physical properties of an applicator, in particular its foam hardness or compressibility, are preferably distributed homogeneously throughout the applicator. However, it is also conceivable to distribute the elasticity, compressibility, pore density, or other physical properties important for the uptake and dispensing of cosmetics inhomogeneously within the applicator. For example, the applicator could have narrower pores at its end section or tip than further along, in order to selectively optimize the uptake or dispensing of the product in different areas of the applicator.

[0033] A cover can be provided for each of the various applicator designs, allowing the makeup vibrator to be stored in a bag without transferring the product to other items. A hollow cover shaped like the applicator is one example of a suitable solution.

[0034] An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an example figure. This figure shows Fig. 1. One embodiment of the makeup vibrator; Fig. 2 a sectional view of an embodiment of the makeup vibrator; Fig. 3 the dimensions in millimeters of an exemplary embodiment of the makeup vibrator Fig. 4 A schematic arrangement of the components of an exemplary embodiment of the makeup vibrator Fig. 5 an alternative embodiment of the makeup vibrator with container and flow connection Fig. 6 a close-up of an embodiment of the applicator

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a preferred embodiment of the makeup vibrator 100. Visible in Fig. Figure 1 shows the applicator 102, the base 104 of the makeup vibrator 100, the receptacle 108, and the stand 106, into which the makeup vibrator can be placed or inserted for inductive or wired charging. The makeup vibrator 100 extends essentially in the longitudinal direction X. The direction of the oscillating stroke of the receptacle 108 and the applicator 102 is indicated by a double arrow along the direction of propagation X. The applicator 102 tapers to a point at its end section E in the longitudinal direction X. The end section E of the applicator 102 simultaneously forms the front end F of the makeup vibrator 100.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the applicator 102, the receptacle 108, and the drive 110 of the makeup vibrator 100. In this embodiment, the receptacle 108 is shaped as a cylindrical plunger with a connecting device at its upper end in the longitudinal direction X. The applicator 102 is placed onto the receptacle 108 and connected to it. The connection mechanism can be configured in various ways. In this embodiment, the applicator 102 is "slipped" over the front part of the receptacle 108 and connected to it in such a way that the applicator does not detach from the receptacle during higher-frequency movement in the longitudinal direction X. Usable frequencies are in the range of 5 Hz to 20 Hz. In this embodiment, the drive 110 of the makeup vibrator 100 is driven by an electric motor 112.The drive 110 is designed to move the receptacle 108 and the connected applicator 102 back and forth along the longitudinal direction X in an oscillating motion. During a forward stroke, the receptacle 108 is moved towards the applicator 102 or the contact surface, while the return stroke occurs in the opposite direction. The receptacle covers a stroke length ΔH in the longitudinal direction X. Fig. Figure 2 shows the makeup vibrator 100 during forward movement. Forward and backward strokes can be repeated in rapid succession. Upon contact with the area of ​​impact, the applicator 102 is compressed by a compressibility ΔK, depending on the initial distance of the applicator 102's end section E from the skin before the oscillating movement begins. The compressibility ΔK is a distance in the longitudinal direction X and is at least 50% of the stroke length ΔH. Depending on the size of the end section of the receptacle 108 to which the applicator 102 is connected, the applicator 102 can be compressed by more than 50% of the stroke length ΔH. The makeup vibrator 100 has two "end positions" of its oscillating movement. In the retracted position, the applicator 102 is located closest to the electric motor 112 in longitudinal direction X, and in the extended position, the applicator 102 is located furthest away from the electric motor 112 in longitudinal direction X.In its intended use, the applicator 102 is placed with its end section E onto the contact area or skin without significant pressure (in this state, the applicator 102 can be considered uncompressed). From this position, the contact area with area A1 is assumed to be point-like. The contact area is the contact area between the applicator and human skin, viewed in the longitudinal direction X. With the start of the oscillating movement in the longitudinal direction X, the "extension" of the receptacle 108 and the applicator 102, the applicator 102 is pressed against the skin and compressed, and the contact area increases. Starting from the described initial position, the applicator 102 is compressed by the compressibility ΔK.In the extended end position, the size of the contact area has increased so much due to elastic deformation of the applicator 102 that the corresponding area A2 is at least twice as large as the area A1. The contour K of the applicator 102 denotes the outer shape of the applicator 102 in cross-section and is egg-shaped in this embodiment.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a simplified representation of a preferred embodiment of the makeup vibrator 100. The dimensions of the individual components are given in millimeters. The applicator 102 has a longitudinal extension X of 46.89 mm. The total longitudinal extension X of the applicator 102 in its extended end position is 220 mm. The maximum width of this embodiment of the makeup vibrator 100 is 34.6 mm.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic arrangement of the components of an embodiment of the makeup vibrator 100. Here, the battery, which supplies the electric motor with electricity, is arranged longitudinally X at the lower end of the makeup vibrator.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the makeup vibrator 200. In this embodiment, a base body 204, a receptacle 208, an applicator 202, a container 216, and a flow connection 218 are schematically depicted. The in Fig. The makeup vibrator 200 shown in Figure 5 also includes a drive unit, which is not shown for clarity. The base body 204 has essentially the same cigar shape as the embodiments described so far. As shown, the makeup vibrator 200 can include a container 216. The container 216 can be arranged at a lower end of the makeup vibrator 200 in the longitudinal direction X, as shown. The container 216 is designed to hold product inside. The container 216 can be designed to be replaceable or detachable from the makeup vibrator 200. For example, a capsule-like design that is inserted into the makeup vibrator is conceivable. The makeup vibrator 200 can include a mechanism suitable for opening and closing the base body 204. In the inserted state, the container 216 is connected to the flow connection 218 via an opening.The flow connection 218 can be designed as an elastic hose that runs from the container 216 to the applicator 202. In the section on... Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the flow connection 218 runs within the base body 204 from the container 216 through a cavity in the receptacle 208 to the applicator 202. The flow connection 218 is elastically shaped so that it is not damaged by the periodic lifting movement of the receptacle 208.

[0040] The product can be conveyed from container 216 into applicator 202 manually. For example, a user could apply pressure to container 216 (e.g., via a base element or a piston inside the container) to force the product out of container 216 and through flow connection 218 towards the applicator. Alternatively, an automatic conveying mechanism (not shown) could be provided, which, for example, actuates a piston in container 216 or uses a small pump to convey product from container 216. The conveying mechanism can be operated automatically, on demand, according to a timer, or according to other criteria by a suitable controller or by the user. During use, the product is conveyed from container 216 through flow connection 218 into applicator 202.

[0041] Fig. Figure 6 shows a close-up of the area of ​​the exemplary embodiment of the makeup vibrator 200. Fig. 5, in which the applicator 202 is attached. The flow connection 218 can, as shown, extend beyond the end of the receptacle 208 and project into the applicator 202. The applicator 202 can, as shown, include slots 220. The slots 220 allow the product to be conveyed further towards the end section E of the applicator 202. During conveyance by the user, the product essentially flows from the flow connection 218 through the slots 220 into the front region of the applicator 218. Reference symbol list A1, A2 Area dimensions E End section F Front end of the makeup vibrator K contour of the applicator in cross-section X Longitudinal axis ΔH stroke dimension ΔK Compressibility 100, 200 Makeup vibrator 102, 202 Applicator 104, 204 basic body 106 Stand 108, 208 recording 110 drive 112 Electric motor 114 Battery 216 containers 218 Flow connection 220 slots

Claims

[1] Mobile makeup vibrator (100, 200) for applying a cosmetic to a contact area, in particular to human skin, wherein the makeup vibrator (100, 200) extends substantially rotationally symmetric along a longitudinal axis (X), a) with a receptacle (108, 208) for detachable connection with a longitudinally compressible (X) applicator (102, 202), b) and with a drive (110) that moves the receiver (108, 208) back and forth along the longitudinal direction (X) in an oscillating motion by a stroke (ΔH), c) wherein the applicator (102, 202) with an end section (E) facing away from the drive (110) simultaneously forms a front end (F) of the makeup vibrator (100, 200), d) and wherein the applicator (102, 202) is reversibly compressible in the longitudinal direction (X), starting from its end section (E), in a stroke compression by at least half the stroke dimension (ΔH) in the direction of the drive (110), e) and wherein the end section (E) of the applicator (102, 202) has a contour (K) in a cross-section containing the longitudinal axis (X) that is substantially symmetrical to the longitudinal axis (X) and that tapers towards the front end (F). characterized by , that the contour (K) has a curvature whose radius of curvature has a minimum at the intersection with the longitudinal axis (X) and / or increases in the direction of the drive (110). [2] Makeup vibrator (100, 200) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the applicator (102, 202) is elastically deformed by a stroke compression, at the beginning of which the end section (E) covers the contact area with a first area measure (A1), to such an extent that the end section (E) at the end of the stroke compression covers the contact area with a second area measure (A2) according to the condition A2 > 2 · A1. [3] Makeup vibrator (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it includes a motor for propulsion (110). [4] Makeup vibrator (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stroke dimension (ΔH) and / or the stroke speed and / or the stroke frequency of the holder (108, 208) is adjustable. [5] Makeup vibrator (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a container (216) and at least one flow connection (218) from the container (216) into the applicator (102, 202) is provided, so that the cosmetic can be conveyed from the container (216) into the interior of the applicator (102, 202) and from there onto its surface, in particular to its end region (E). [6] Makeup vibrator (100, 200) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the cosmetic can be actively conveyed from the container (216) into the applicator (102, 202) by a) automatic conveying equipment, in particular a pump, is provided, or b) the container can be manually pressurized. [7] Makeup vibrator (100, 200) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the makeup vibrator has a base body (104, 204) that is essentially cylindrical around its longitudinal axis, a) which has an outer diameter of no more than 70 mm, and / or b) which has an internal compartment for a power supply and / or a container.

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