cosmetic applicator

Abstract

Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, comprising a stem (2) and an applicator organ (3) attached thereto, characterized in that the applicator organ (3) has on its end face facing away from the stem (2) an applicator surface (4) which, projected into a plane, has a cam-shaped, teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped or pear-shaped contour line (5) which extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the stem (2) and is continuously convexly curved or concavely curved or flat in the direction along an imaginary line (6) between two extreme points (EX1, EX2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying cosmetics according to the preamble of claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Cosmetic applicators are frequently used when applying medical or cosmetic products such as creams, ointments, or makeup. These typically consist of a handle or shaft and a section used to apply the product to the desired area using stroking, dabbing, or rotating motions. This section of a cosmetic applicator is also called the applicator head. Depending on the type of product being applied, different designs are possible with regard to the geometry and material of a cosmetic applicator or applicator head. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Brush-like cosmetic applicators are often used for applying lip gloss and other cosmetic, hygiene, and medical products that are typically applied to the skin. These consist of a handle and numerous bristles at the free end of the applicator. The bristles serve as the applicator mechanism.

[0004] To apply the product to the desired area, the bristles must first be moistened with the product. This is usually done by immersing them in a container of the product. However, precise control over the amount of product dispensed is limited. While the applicator can be immersed in the container so that only the tips of the applicator come into contact with the product, depending on the viscosity of the product, this can lead to the entire applicator being unintentionally coated with it.With a high viscosity of the product to be applied, the individual bristles and / or the spaces between the individual bristles may, as a result of capillary effects, be exposed to the product along their entire length, even if the bristles are not completely immersed in the product to be applied in the container.

[0005] For this reason, the bristles are typically wiped on a cloth (less commonly) or on a special wiper on the inside of the container before applying the product, thus removing the excess product adhering to the bristles. However, the amount of product remaining on the bristles after wiping is also difficult to control. This can result in an unintentionally large amount of product being applied. Furthermore, it can lead to unwanted soiling of the container's exterior. While this soiling can be avoided by wiping the applicator on a cloth or similar object, this results in increased product consumption and more waste.

[0006] Alternatively, the application process may be unnecessarily prolonged because too little or too much of the product to be applied remains on the bristles, requiring the process to be repeated, aborted, and / or restarted. UNDERLYING TASK

[0007] In view of this, the object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator in which the amount of product to be applied, with which the applicator organ is acted upon and which is dispensed by the applicator organ, can be more easily dosed. THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the cosmetic applicator.

[0009] An applicator for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product is proposed, comprising a stem and an applicator element attached thereto. The applicator is characterized in that the applicator element has, on its end face opposite the stem, a preferably continuous applicator surface which, when projected onto a plane, exhibits a cam-shaped, teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped, or pear-shaped contour line. This contour line extends beyond the imaginary extension of the stem on all sides and is continuously convexly curved, concavely curved, or flat along an imaginary line between two extreme points – preferably across its entire width.

[0010] In the context of the invention, "projected onto a plane" essentially means the imaginary projection of the applicator surface onto a flat surface, if the applicator surface itself is not already flat. This can be illustrated, for example, by the shadow cast by the applicator surface onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

[0011] In this way, an applicator can be easily created that offers simple and convenient application of the substance and preferential wetting and massaging properties, due to the simple shape of the applicator surface. It should be noted that the applicator surface is not the only part of the applicator designed for application. In many cases, it is even preferable that the application, and especially the more precise fine-tuning, can be performed using the entire applicator. This represents a further advantage of the applicator according to the invention, as it can adapt to the desired application behavior on different surfaces and can thus be used effectively, for example, on the various contours of the face. OPTIONAL FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

[0012] One embodiment of the applicator consists in the contour line of the applicator surface having its smallest curvature at its first extreme point or in the immediate vicinity of the first extreme point, and its second smallest curvature at its second extreme point or in the immediate vicinity of the second extreme point. The aforementioned "immediate vicinity" is a circular area with a diameter of at most 30 mm, and particularly preferably at most 10 mm, around the extreme point. This generally results in a preferred shape for the applicator surface that improves the application of the medium.

[0013] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the curvature of the contour line at the second extreme point is at least 3 times, and preferably at least 5 times, greater than the curvature of the contour line at the first extreme point. This generally results in a preferred shape for the applicator surface, improving the application of the medium.

[0014] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the extreme points are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the extended imaginary central longitudinal axis of the stem. It is therefore preferred that the two extreme points lie in exactly opposite directions. The applicator organ can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical, but in many cases it is preferred that the applicator organ is not mirror-symmetrical and thus that the two extreme points are offset from each other with respect to a median plane.

[0015] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the applicator surface is less curved, or not curved at all, or at least essentially not curved, in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line between two extreme points. Here, the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line, which describes the transverse direction of the applicator organ, is meant. This direction is marked in the following figures by stripes on the applicator surface.

[0016] It is particularly preferred if the applicator consists wholly or partially of a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or a TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) or a mixture containing TPE or TPO. This contributes to the desired application behavior due to its preferably rubber-like elasticity when properly adjusted.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the applicator surface or the entire applicator element is at least partially, or ideally completely, flocked and / or covered with micro-bristles and / or has another type of surface modification. This can positively influence both the wetting and application properties of the applicator. "Micro-bristles" are defined here as bristles with a length of less than 2 mm, preferably even less than 1 mm, and a diameter of less than 0.5 mm, preferably even less than 0.2 mm.

[0018] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the tip of the applicator surface in the region of the first extreme point is shaped and made of such a material that it can move – e.g., pivot – by at least 2 mm relative to the rest of the applicator under the forces occurring during application. This, in turn, positively influences the application behavior.

[0019] Another preferred embodiment of the applicator consists in the applicator organ being designed in the shape of a shoe. Here, the applicator organ widens upwards from the stem, preferably uniformly, forming the ankle area of ​​this shoe. Subsequently, the applicator organ widens more rapidly on one side (heel area) than on the diametrically opposite side (tongue / flap area) with respect to the extended longitudinal axis L. The side that widens more rapidly ends further down – towards the stem – than the diametrically opposite side. The side ending further down terminates, among other places, at the first extreme point already mentioned, while the diametrically opposite side preferably terminates, among other places, at a second extreme point. The applicator surface, which essentially functions as the sole of the shoe, stretches between the two sides and thus also between the two extreme points.

[0020] Further modes of operation, advantages and design possibilities result from the figure-based description of the exemplary implementations. LIST OF FIGURES The Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (with a convexly curved applicator surface) in a three-dimensional representation. The Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (with a flat applicator surface) in a three-dimensional representation. The Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (with a concave curved applicator surface) in a three-dimensional representation. The Fig. Figure 4 shows a further three-dimensional representation for all embodiments of the applicator according to the invention. The Fig. Figure 5 shows a further three-dimensional representation for all embodiments of the applicator according to the invention. The Fig. Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a top view. The Fig. Figure 7 shows a bottom view of all embodiments of the applicator according to the invention. PREFERRED EXAMPLES FIRST PREFERRED EXAMPLE

[0021] First, it shows Fig. Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a stem 2, which is indicated here only by dashed lines. This stem 2 can be used as an additional part for attaching a handle or can be the handle itself, which 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 stem 2, which has been imaginarily extended further.

[0022] Extending from the stem 2, the applicator 1 also includes an applicator element 3, which carries the applicator surface 4. On its end face facing away from the stem 2, the applicator 1 has an applicator surface 4, which serves, among other things, as an application surface for the material to be applied. This applicator surface 4 also has a teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped, or pear-shaped contour line 5 – projected onto the plane – which extends beyond the imaginary extension of the stem 2 on all sides. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the applicator surface 4 is continuously convexly curved along an imaginary line 6 between two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[0023] Fig. Figure 7 shows very well what is meant by “projected onto the plane”, as the typical “egg shape” of the applicator organ 3 can be seen from the bottom view from a horizontal plane.

[0024] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 also shows the shoe shape already mentioned, according to which the applicator organ 3 is particularly preferably designed.

[0025] The “crosswise stripes” shown in the figures on the applicator surface 4 are primarily to be understood as directional indicators – which better illustrate the curvature and bending of the applicator surface 4 – and not necessarily as indentations in the applicator surface 4, although these may sometimes be desirable. SECOND PREFERRED EXAMPLE

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a stem 2, which is indicated here only by dashed lines. This stem 2 can be used as an additional part for attaching a handle or can be the handle itself, which 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 stem 2, which has been imaginarily extended further.

[0027] Extending from the stem 2, the applicator 1 also includes an applicator element 3, which carries the applicator surface 4. On its end face facing away from the stem 2, the applicator 1 has an applicator surface 4, which serves, among other things, as an application surface for the material to be applied. This applicator surface 4 also has a teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped, or pear-shaped contour line 5 – projected onto the plane – which extends beyond the imaginary extension of the stem 2 on all sides. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the applicator surface 4 is continuously flat along an imaginary line 6 between two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[0028] Fig. Figure 7 shows very well what is meant by “projected onto the plane”, as the typical “egg shape” of the applicator organ 3 can be seen from the bottom view from a horizontal plane.

[0029] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 also shows the shoe shape already mentioned, according to which the applicator organ 3 is particularly preferably designed.

[0030] The “crosswise stripes” shown in the figures on the applicator surface 4 are primarily to be understood as directional indicators – which better illustrate the curvature and bending of the applicator surface 4 – and not necessarily as indentations in the applicator surface 4, although these may sometimes be desirable. THIRD PRICES EXECUTION EXAMPLE

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows a third preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a stem 2, which is only indicated here by dashed lines.

[0032] This stem 2 can be used as an additional part for attaching a handle, or it can be the handle itself, which 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 stem 2, which has been imaginarily extended.

[0033] Extending from the stem 2, the applicator 1 also includes an applicator element 3, which carries the applicator surface 4. On its end face facing away from the stem 2, the applicator 1 has an applicator surface 4, which serves, among other things, as an application surface for the material to be applied. This applicator surface 4 also has a teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped, or pear-shaped contour line 5 – projected onto the plane – which extends beyond the imaginary extension of the stem 2 on all sides. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the applicator surface 4 is continuously concave along an imaginary line 6 between two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[0034] Fig. Figure 7 shows very well what is meant by “projected onto the plane”, as the typical “egg shape” of the applicator organ 3 can be seen from the bottom view from a horizontal plane.

[0035] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 also shows the shoe shape already mentioned, according to which the applicator organ 3 is particularly preferably designed.

[0036] The “crosswise stripes” shown in the figures on the applicator surface 4 are primarily to be understood as directional indicators – which better illustrate the curvature and bending of the applicator surface 4 – and not necessarily as indentations in the applicator surface 4, although these may sometimes be desirable. FOURTH PRICESIDE EXECUTION EXAMPLE

[0037] Fig.Figure 6 also shows another possible design for the applicator organ 3. Here, the two extreme points EX1 and EX2 are not directly opposite each other, meaning the applicator 1 is not mirror-symmetrical. Instead, the extreme points are offset from each other, so that when viewed from above, an imaginary line 6 connecting the extreme points is not a straight line. In this case, the applicator surface 4 essentially consists of a curved plane.

[0038] This version can also be present in all three previously shown embodiments. GENERAL

[0039] An applicator 1 can generally be designed to consist of at least two different materials. However, it is also possible for an applicator 1 to consist entirely of the same material.

[0040] An applicator 1 may also have additional bristles. These bristles are preferably located on the outside of the applicator surface 4. The bristles preferably stand perpendicular to their base.

[0041] An applicator according to the invention can also be manufactured from post-consumer recycled material. In fact, the various materials of the applicator itself can be post-consumer recycled materials.

[0042] The applicator 1 can preferably be used for the application of medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dental products.

[0043] It should be mentioned again that the applicator surface 4 is not the only part of the applicator organ 3 intended for application. In many cases, it is preferable to be able to apply the product, and especially to fine-tune the application, using the entire applicator organ 3. In particular, the entire circumferential area of ​​the applicator organ 3, extending from the stem towards the applicator surface 4, can be used to apply the product. The area adjacent to the first extreme point EX1 is especially well-suited for the precise application and distribution of the product.

[0044] The transition from the applicator surface 4 to the aforementioned surrounding area is preferably a rounded transition, but in certain cases it can also be angular. This allows for the realization of various application properties of the applicator element 3. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 applicator 2 stems 3 Applicator organ 4 Applicator area 5 Contour line 6. Imaginary line EX1 Extreme Point 1 EX2 Extreme Point 2 L Central longitudinal axis

Claims

[1] Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, with a stem (2) and an applicator organ (3) attached thereto, characterized by , that the applicator organ (3) has on its end face away from the stem (2) an applicator surface (4) which, projected into a plane, has a cam-shaped, teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped or pear-shaped contour line (5) which extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the stem (2) and is continuously convexly curved or concavely curved or flat in the direction along an imaginary line (6) between two extreme points (EX1, EX2). [2] Applicator (1) preferably according to claim 1, characterized by , 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 by, that the curvature of the contour line (5) at the second extreme point (EX2) is at least a factor of 3, preferably at least a factor of 5 greater than the curvature of the contour line (5) at the first extreme point (EX1). [4] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the extreme points (EX1, EX2) are diametrically opposed with respect to the extended imaginary central longitudinal axis (L) of the stem (2). [5] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the applicator surface (4) is less or not curved or at least not substantially curved in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line (6) between two extreme points (EX1, EX2). [6] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the applicator (1) consists wholly or partly of a TPE or a TPO or a mixture containing TPE or TPO. [7] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the applicator surface (4) or the entire applicator organ (3) is partially or preferably completely coated with a plastic other than that which forms the main part of the applicator organ (3). [8] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the Shore hardness D of the applicator surface (4) or of the entire applicator organ (3) is less than or equal to 56. [9] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the applicator surface (4) or the entire applicator organ (3) has a flocking and / or micro-bristles and / or another type of surface modification. [10] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the applicator surface (4) and its edge or the entire applicator organ (3) are completely free of bristles. [11] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the tip of the applicator surface (4) in the area of ​​the first extreme point (EX1) is shaped and made of such a material that it can move - e.g. pivot - by at least 2 mm relative to the rest of the applicator organ (3) under the forces that occur as intended during application. [12] Applicator (1), preferably, but not exclusively, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the applicator organ (3) is designed in the form of a shoe, wherein the applicator organ (3) preferably widens uniformly upwards from the stem (2), then widens more strongly on one side than the side diametrically opposite with respect to the extended longitudinal axis (L), wherein the side that widens more rapidly ends further down - in the direction of the stem (2) - including at an extreme point (EX1) than the diametrically opposite side, wherein this side preferably ends including at another extreme point (EX2) and wherein the applicator surface (4) extends between the two sides and thus also including between the two extreme points (EX1, EX2).

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