Applicator

Abstract

Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic product to the skin or keratinous fibers, comprising an applicator core (2) extending along a longitudinal applicator axis (L), which has a covering (4) formed by a plurality of application organs (7) projecting outwards from the applicator core (2), wherein the covering (4) has several, preferably six to twelve, V-shaped cutouts (8, 9) distributed around its circumference, characterized in that the covering (4) alternately has a first, radially deeper V-shaped cutout (8) and then a second, radially less deep V-shaped cutout (9) on its circumference.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator according to the preamble of claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Applicators are typically used to apply cosmetics to the skin or to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes or eyebrows. They generally have an applicator core equipped with a bristle. The cosmetic product is transported from a reservoir to the desired application area via this bristle and distributed there. The bristle is formed by a variety of application elements. These elements can be, for example, bristles. Cast or additively manufactured, one-piece bristles are also possible.

[0003] To apply the cosmetic product to the applicator core or its nozzles, the applicator core is immersed in the reservoir. The cosmetic product adheres to the nozzles, in the spaces between the applicators, and on the outer surface of the applicators and / or the applicator core. It remains there—at least partially—even after the applicator is removed from the reservoir.

[0004] The brush head, coated with the cosmetic product, is then moved to the desired application area. The product is then dispensed and distributed by dabbing, stroking, and rotating movements, applying light pressure to the brush head.

[0005] Typically, such makeup applicators also include a handle that is connected to, or can be connected to, the applicator core to ensure safe and ergonomic handling.

[0006] The cosmetic product to be applied is also referred to as the product. STATE OF THE ART

[0007] A common problem with using these types of makeup applicators is that too much of the product remains on the applicator after it's pulled out of the container. As a result, too much product is then dispensed to the application area.

[0008] This can lead to the undesirable formation of cosmetic agglomerates at the application site. When applying makeup to eyelashes, applying too much product can cause clumps to form on and between the individual lashes. These clumps often cannot be completely removed, even with rotating and sweeping motions of the applicator.

[0009] For this reason, applicators are usually wiped against a scraper lip after or during withdrawal from the container. This removes some of the product adhering to the bristles.

[0010] However, this wiping process can lead to the product being almost completely, or at least predominantly, removed from the bristles and the spaces between the applicator tips. As a result, the applicator must be dipped into the container several times to apply a sufficient amount of cosmetic product in a single application. This is not only time-consuming but can also lead to uneven application, as the amount of product adhering to the bristles changes between applications. THE TASK UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0011] In view of this, the object of the invention is to provide an applicator that enables a more uniform and controlled application of the product to be applied, avoiding both overdosing and underdosing. INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0012] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the applicator.

[0013] Accordingly, the problem is solved with an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the skin or keratinous fibers. The applicator comprises an applicator core extending along a longitudinal axis. The applicator core has, preferably circumferentially, a covering formed by a plurality of application elements. The application elements project outwards from the applicator core. The covering has several V-shaped cutouts distributed around its circumference. Preferably, the covering has six to twelve V-shaped cutouts. The applicator is characterized in that the covering, viewed circumferentially, alternately features a first, deeper V-shaped cutout (viewed radially towards the applicator core) and then a second, less deep V-shaped cutout (viewed radially).

[0014] The V-shaped cutouts act as reservoirs where the product to be applied accumulates during immersion in the cosmetic container. Due to friction and capillary action, it remains there even after the applicator is withdrawn from the container. This is true even if the applicator is wiped against a scraper lip during removal. The larger quantity of product in the (at least deeper) V-shaped cutouts is not removed by the scraper lip. Therefore, the V-shaped cutouts allow a larger quantity of product to be delivered to the application site with a single immersion of the applicator into the cosmetic container. Simultaneously, the V-shaped cutouts enable the user to control the amount of product dispensed from the applicator to the application site.

[0015] The alternating arrangement of deeper and shallower V-shaped cutouts ensures that a large amount of the product to be applied can be picked up by the bristles, while the user can influence the amount of product transported from the bristles to the application site by squeezing more or less out of the shallower V-shaped cutout during wiping – by moving the applicator back and forth in the wiper – so that there is no risk of clumping at the application site.

[0016] The deeper cutouts serve as large storage areas where significant amounts of product can accumulate. The shallower cutouts, on the other hand, ensure that there are also sufficient areas containing cosmetic product, primarily for distributing it at the application site. This arrangement of V-shaped cutouts of varying depths ensures that the brush delivers enough product all around to achieve a good makeup result, while allowing the user good control over the application. At the same time, it reduces the risk of clumping at the application site.

[0017] The second V-shaped cutout, which is less deep in the radial direction, is significantly shallower. This means that the depth of the deeper V-shaped cutouts ideally exceeds the depth of the shallower cutouts by at least a factor of 1.5, preferably by at least a factor of 2, even better by a factor of 2.5, and ideally by at least a factor of 3.

[0018] The application elements extend substantially or predominantly radially outwards from the applicator core. This means that the application elements have one end that is connected to the applicator core by force and / or form-fitting, or that is integrally integrated into the applicator core, and one free end.

[0019] A "cutout" in the bristle arrangement is an area where there are no, or essentially no, bristles or applicator parts. The term "cutout" does not necessarily mean that a cut has been made. Rather, it is conceivable that cutouts could also be created in other ways.

[0020] The term "V-shaped cutout" refers specifically to a V-shape where the outer edge of the cross-section of the attachment has a V-shape in the cutout area. The V is oriented so that its legs converge towards the applicator core. In a broader sense, a "V-shaped cutout" can also refer to a double-V-shaped cutout, which approximates a W-shape, or a flattened V-shaped cutout where various lines or corners are flattened or altered compared to a standard V. For example, a flattened V-shaped cutout can also resemble a U-shaped cutout at its acute angle. PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS

[0021] There are a number of possibilities to design the invention in such a way as to further improve its effectiveness or usability.

[0022] It is particularly advantageous that the deeper V-shaped cutouts form a steeper V-neck than the shallower V-shaped cutouts.

[0023] This increases the storage capacity of the deeper V-shaped cutouts. Because the deeper V-shaped cutouts have a sharper cross-sectional angle than the shallower ones, friction and / or capillary effects are more pronounced in the deeper V-shaped cutouts than in the shallower ones. This ensures that when the applicator is wiped off a wiper lip, the material remains in the deeper V-shaped cutouts better than in the shallower ones, even if the applicator is subject to elastic deformation. In other words, the shallower cutouts, in particular, allow the user to control the amount of product that is transported to and released at the application site.

[0024] The term “steep-sided” means that the apex angle at which the two lines bounding the V-shaped cutout in its cross-sectional area intersect is less than 90°, preferably 65°, better still less than 58°.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the first, deeper V-shaped cutouts – viewed radially from the outside inwards – end only at a depth of the bristle covering that is at least 0.45 times, preferably at least 0.55 times and ideally at least 0.7 times the radius of the envelope of the bristle covering.

[0026] The envelope of the bristle arrangement must be considered in the respective longitudinal axis section of the applicator.

[0027] Such a depth allows sufficient storage capacity of the V-shaped cutouts while preventing excessive amounts of product from being stored, which could lead to the formation of lumps.

[0028] The "envelope" of the bristle arrangement is an imaginary curve in the respective cross-sectional plane of the considered longitudinal axis segment, the center of which lies on the longitudinal axis of the bristle arrangement and on which the radially outermost points of the bristle arrangement lie.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the second, less deep V-shaped cutouts – viewed radially from the outside inwards – only end at a bristle depth that is at least 0.1 times, preferably at least 0.15 times and ideally at least 0.25 times the radius of the bristle envelope.

[0030] This design prevents excessive product buildup in the outer area of ​​the applicator, thus reducing the risk of uneven or lumpy application. Overall, this allows for controlled and precisely dosed product application. The depth of the less V-shaped cutouts is measured along the respective longitudinal axis of the applicator.

[0031] Ideally, each of the first, deeper V-shaped cutouts is preceded in the radial direction by a trim flattening. This trim flattening is preferably designed to extend circumferentially on both sides beyond the entrance cross-section of the first, deeper V-shaped cutout.

[0032] This ensures that the applicator elements forming the legs of the V-shaped cutouts do not come into contact with the wiper lip, or do so to a lesser extent, when the product is wiped off. Consequently, these applicator elements undergo little to no elastic deformation. As a result, the product deposited in the V-shaped cutouts is not, or is less, forced out of the cutouts when the product is wiped off. Therefore, more product can be retained.

[0033] The bristle flattening is an area in which the bristle material from the application organ(s) - viewed in a radial direction - maintains a distance from the inside of the imaginary envelope around the outside of the bristle material.

[0034] The term "inlet cross-section" describes the open opening of the V-shaped cutout, located radially away from the applicator core. The "inlet cross-section" is also referred to as the "outlet".

[0035] Preferably, the radial flattening of the bristles has a maximum radial depth of less than or equal to 25% of the maximum radius of the applicator's envelope. Better yet, the radial flattening of the bristles has a maximum radial depth of less than or equal to 20% of the maximum radius of the envelope.

[0036] This ensures that the application organs forming the legs of the V-shaped cutouts come into contact with the wiper lip only minimally or not at all.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, each circumferential section of the applicator trim, which connects two immediately adjacent first, deeper V-shaped cutouts in the circumferential direction, has the shape of a “W” open towards the applicator core. The central region of this “W” open towards the applicator core preferably forms a shallower V-shaped cutout.

[0038] Particularly when the application organs are bristles, a relatively narrow circumferential area of ​​bristles is formed in this way. This area is no longer supported by the rest of the bristle cover and is therefore more flexible, so that mass can be stored effectively in the deeper V-shaped recesses and retrieved from there.

[0039] The “W” is formed in a cross-sectional view by the outer edges of a section of the trim that lies between two deeper V-shaped cutouts.

[0040] Ideally, the "W" is aligned so that it lies on the envelope of the applicator bristles.

[0041] Ideally, the radial distance to the applicator core occupied by the deepest point of a second, less deep V-shaped cutout is largely - preferably + / -10%, better + / - 5% or ideally essentially - the same as the radial distance occupied by the outer opening of the deeper V-shaped cutout to the applicator core.

[0042] The legs of the respective application organs, forming the V of a deeper V-shaped cutout, extend away from the longitudinal axis of the applicator to such an extent that their free ends – measured in the radial direction of the bristle covering – are essentially at the same height as the deepest point of the less deep V-shaped cutouts.

[0043] This ensures that the area of ​​the deeper V-shaped cutouts has significantly less contact with the scraper lip, or ideally no contact at all, when the bristles are wiped off. The material stored in the deeper V-shaped cutouts is therefore retained much better within these cutouts during the wiping process.

[0044] This ensures that the crew does not remain loaded with large quantities of the product to be applied when it is brought to the application point.

[0045] This reduces the risk of clumping at the application site.

[0046] Preferably, the first, deeper V-shaped notches, the second, shallower V-shaped notches, and—if present—also the trim flattenings wind around the applicator core in a helical pattern. Preferably, they wind around the applicator core by a maximum of one full turn, better yet by a maximum of 0.7 full turns.

[0047] The helical arrangement of the first and second V-shaped cutouts, as well as any flattened sections on the applicator tip, ensures an even distribution of the product around the circumference and along the longitudinal axis of the applicator core. This allows for a continuous, uniform application of the product, especially when the applicator is rotated around its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of localized product build-up, resulting in a more homogeneous makeup finish.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the bristle arrangement consists of a plurality of bristles projecting radially outwards away from the applicator core. The bristles are preferably held clamped by an applicator core, which preferably consists of twisted wires. To achieve optimized bristle alignment without excessive pressure, the twisted wires should be twisted together by 14 to a maximum of 22 full turns.

[0049] The structure formed by the individual bristles held in the applicator core achieves a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. The bristles can move more or less independently of each other during application, allowing them to adapt well to the structure of the application area.

[0050] The wires can also be just a single wire bent 180° and twisted together.

[0051] Ideally, the trim should bear physical traces of cutting or grinding, at least in the deeper V-shaped cutouts. Preferably, the trim should bear physical traces of cutting or grinding in all V-shaped cutouts. If present, grinding traces are preferably located only in the shallower V-shaped cutouts. If present, cutting traces are preferably located only in the deeper V-shaped cutouts.

[0052] The physical traces of cutting or grinding operations present in the V-shaped cutouts selectively influence the surface finish of the cutouts. Smooth surfaces created by cutting operations in the deeper cutouts facilitate controlled product release.

[0053] A less smooth surface, created by grinding, at the shallower cutouts allows for better penetration into gaps at the application point and thus a more even product distribution.

[0054] The term "cutting operation" describes a process using a geometrically defined cutting edge.

[0055] In contrast, the term "grinding process" describes a process with a geometrically undefined cutting edge.

[0056] In a "geometrically defined cutting edge", the shape and position of each cutting edge is precisely defined - as with a knife or drill bit with clearly recognizable cutting edges.

[0057] In contrast, a “geometrically indeterminate cutting edge” consists of countless small, randomly distributed cutting tips – like a grinding wheel made of many grains whose edges are not individually defined.

[0058] Preferably, the applicator assembly consists of a plurality of preferably identical discs. The discs are fixed to the applicator core at axial intervals along the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

[0059] The axial spacing between the disks creates additional mass storage capacity.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the covering is formed by a one-piece, preferably integrally one-piece, covering body.

[0061] The one-piece construction of the filler leads to improved structural strength and prevents relative movement of individual filler elements, which promotes a more uniform product application.

[0062] At the same time, the need to connect several individual parts is eliminated, thereby reducing manufacturing effort and improving the reproducibility of the stud geometry.

[0063] The term "one-piece" means that the attachment – ​​preferably together with the applicator core – is manufactured from a single, continuous piece of material, without being assembled from multiple individual parts or joined together by adhesives or other fastening methods. One-piece components are typically manufactured by injection molding or additive manufacturing processes.

[0064] Ideally, the radial extent of the bristles decreases in the region of the distal and / or proximal end of the applicator. Preferably, the decrease in radial extent is continuous.

[0065] This creates areas of varying diameters, allowing for more flexible use of the applicator.

[0066] The “distal” end is the end of the trim facing away from the handle.

[0067] The “proximal” end is the end of the bristles facing the handle.

[0068] Preferably, the radial extent of the coating remains essentially the same over the majority of, and preferably over at least 75% of, the applicator length.

[0069] A constant radial extent of the bristles over most of the applicator length ensures uniform product uptake, homogeneous wiping behavior and constant product delivery. LIST OF FIGURES The Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an applicator according to the invention in an isometric view. Fig. 2 shows the applicator from Fig. 1 in rear view. The Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows the applicator from Fig. Front view. Fig. 4 shows the applicator from Fig. 1 in side view. The Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention in an isometric view. The Fig. 6 shows the applicator from Fig. 5 in the side view. The Fig. 7 shows the applicator from Fig. 5 in the front view. The Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of an applicator according to the invention in an isometric view. The Fig. 9 shows the applicator from Fig. 8 in another three-dimensional view. The Fig. 10 shows the applicator from Fig. 8 in another three-dimensional view. The Fig. 11 shows the applicator from Fig. 8 in the front view. The Fig. Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of an applicator according to the invention in an isometric view. The Fig. 13 shows the applicator from Fig. 12 in side view. The Fig. 14 shows the applicator from Fig. 12 in the front view. The Fig. Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of an applicator according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. The Fig. 16 shows the applicator from Fig. 15 in another isometric view. The Fig. 17 shows the applicator from Fig. 15 in another three-dimensional view. PREFERRED EXAMPLES

[0070] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the Fig. 1-17 are described as examples.

[0071] The longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 is only in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 13. The reference symbols for the application organs or bristles 7, the V-shaped cutouts 8 and 9, the bristle flattenings 11, the legs 13 and the legs 14 are only examples. Fig. 4. The reference symbols of the aforementioned elements of the applicator are not provided with reference symbols at all.

[0072] The first embodiment is now described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 described.

[0073] The applicator 1 shown there has a covering 4 with a multitude of application elements 7 designed as bristles 7. The bristles 7 are held firmly in place by the applicator core 2. For this purpose, the applicator core 2 consists of a wire 3 twisted together. Before the wire 3 was twisted, the bristles 7 were placed between the two wire sections that were later twisted together. Due to the twisting, a clamping force is exerted on the bristles 7, which holds them securely to the applicator core 2. The bristles 7 extend from the applicator core 2 essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator 1.

[0074] Additionally, the bristle assembly 4 has four V-shaped cutouts 8, offset from each other by 90°. These V-shaped cutouts 8 are created by processing the bristle assembly 4 with a cutting tool after twisting the wire 3 forming the applicator core 2. Due to the cutting action with a geometrically defined cutting edge, the bristles 7, which form the legs 13 of the V-shaped cutouts 8, are shortened so uniformly that no, or substantially no, bristles 7 protrude into the V-shaped cutouts 8. This can be clearly seen from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, in which the smooth cut edges of the V-shaped cutouts 8 forming the legs 13 can be seen in the front and rear views. This paragraph applies optionally – irrespective of the preferred embodiment discussed here – generally to all bristle-equipped embodiments of the invention.

[0075] The Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show the same embodiment and must be considered “side by side” since the function of Fig. 3b is limited to the visualization of certain dimensions or geometries mentioned in the description in the disclosure of the preferred embodiment.

[0076] The legs 13 of the V-shaped cutouts 8 form an angle of approximately 30° between them. The legs 13 each meet at a line of intersection that, in the radial direction of the bristle 4, is approximately half the maximum bristle radius away from the applicator core 2. The depth of the first V-shaped cutouts 8 is therefore – measured from the envelope of the bristle 4 towards the longitudinal axis of the applicator 1 – approximately 0.5 times the radius of the envelope of the bristle 4.

[0077] Furthermore, the pattern 4 has four shallower V-shaped cutouts 9, also arranged at 90° intervals. The second V-shaped cutouts 9 are arranged such that each second V-shaped cutout 9 is located – viewed in the circumferential direction – centrally between two first V-shaped cutouts 8.

[0078] The second V-shaped cutouts 9 are significantly less deep than the first V-shaped cutouts 8. The depth of the second V-shaped cutouts 9 is approximately one quarter of the depth of the first V-shaped cutouts 8.

[0079] Furthermore, it is possible that the shallower cutouts 9 are produced not by machining with a cutting tool having a geometrically defined cutting edge, but by a grinding tool with a geometrically undefined cutting edge. It is also possible to use cutting tools with geometrically undefined cutting edges. This applies generally, optionally, regardless of this preferred embodiment. For this reason, the following are Fig. 3b, the highlighted leg 14 is not smooth, but uneven. Thus, from the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 4 can be seen that the bristles 7, whose free ends form the legs 14, are not evenly shortened, but that individual bristles 7 protrude further into the cutouts 9 than others.

[0080] In the area between the leg 14 of a V-shaped cutout 9 and the leg 13 of the adjacent V-shaped cutout 8, the bristle 4 has a flattened portion 11. This also applies generally, optionally, regardless of the preferred embodiment. In the area of ​​each bristle flattened portion 11, the bristles 7 become continuously shorter from the leg 14 of a V-shaped cutout 9 to the leg 13 of a V-shaped cutout 8. The bristles 7, whose free ends form the bristle flattened portions 11, are also not machined by cutting, but by grinding. Accordingly, the bristle flattened portions 11, similar to the legs 14, are not smooth. The bristle flattened portions 11 are also in Fig. 3b highlighted.

[0081] The following section explains how applicator 1 works.

[0082] To coat the applicator 1's bristles 4 with cosmetic product, the bristles 4 are immersed in a container filled with cosmetic product. Cosmetic product adheres to the entire bristles 4, and particularly to the V-shaped cutouts 8 and 9. When the bristles 4 are withdrawn from the container, they are wiped off by a scraper lip, preferably formed by the opening of the container. This ensures that not too much cosmetic product remains on the bristles 4, preventing clumping at the application site.

[0083] The deeper V-shaped cutouts 8 come into contact with the scraper lip only to a comparatively small extent when the bristles 4 are scraped off, as the bristles 7 arranged in these areas are shorter than those in the adjacent area. Additionally, the bristle flattenings 11 immediately adjacent to the legs 13 of the deeper V-shaped cutouts 8 ensure that the adjacent areas of the bristle 4 are only pressed more firmly against the scraper lip with increasing distance from the legs 13. This ensures that the product deposited in the deeper cutouts 8 remains as completely as possible within the cutouts 8 during scraping and is not squeezed out.

[0084] In contrast, the shallower V-shaped cutouts 9 have a larger contact area with the scraper lip, so that the product deposited there is scraped off more effectively. Therefore, only a smaller quantity of product is retained in these areas.

[0085] The advantage of the smooth legs 13 of the deeper cutouts 8 is that the product is dispensed evenly at the application site when the bristles 4 are pressed down. In contrast, the less smooth area of ​​the flattened sections 11 and the shallower cutouts 9 is well suited for distributing the dispensed product at the application site. These areas of the bristles 4 thus penetrate fine spaces more effectively and better compensate for unevenness at the application site. This paragraph also applies generally to embodiments with bristles, regardless of the preferred embodiment discussed here.

[0086] In contrast to the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 1-4, the filling 4 of the in the Fig. The applicator shown in Figures 5-7 is not made of bristles 7, but of application elements 7 that are integrally integrated into one another and into the applicator core 2. The bristle assembly 4 of such an applicator 1 is preferably produced by injection molding. The advantage of this applicator 1 is that injection-molded application elements 7 allow for defined and uniform behavior of the application elements 7. Consequently, the storage and dispensing of the product are also more uniform.

[0087] The one in the Fig. Applicator 1, shown in 8-11, also features a one-piece bristle 4. In contrast to the one shown in the Fig. However, in the applicator shown in Figures 5-7, the diameter of the bristle 4 is not constant along its entire longitudinal axis. Rather, the tip diameter increases continuously from the proximal end 6 of the bristle 4 towards the center of the bristle and then decreases continuously again towards the distal end 5 of the bristle 4. The maximum tip diameter is approximately 1.1 times larger than the minimum diameter.

[0088] Furthermore, the one in the Fig. The applicator 1 shown in Figures 8-11 has a chamfer 12 at the distal end 5 and at the proximal end 6 of the bristle 4. This chamfer 12 facilitates the insertion and withdrawal of the bristle 4 into and out of the cosmetic container or the wiper lip.

[0089] In the area of ​​maximum diameter, more cosmetic product is wiped off the wiper lip when the bristles 4 are wiped, because the pressure of the applicator elements 7 against the wiper lip is greater. This can be advantageous if it is desired that the bristles 4 are not uniformly loaded with cosmetic product along their longitudinal axis L when they are brought to the application site. For example, the area of ​​the bristles 4 with a smaller diameter, and which therefore holds more cosmetic product, can be preferably used to dispense the product to the application site. The area of ​​maximum diameter, on the other hand, can preferably be used to distribute the product already present at the application site.

[0090] The occupancy 4 of the in the Fig. Applicator 1, shown in 12-14, is also a single piece.

[0091] However, unlike in previous embodiments, the V-shaped cutouts 8 and 9 are not arranged along a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1. Instead, the V-shaped cutouts 8 and 9 extend along a helical path around the longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1. Each V-shaped cutout 8 and 9 completes only about a quarter turn around the longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1, starting from the distal end 5 and moving towards the proximal end 6 of the bristle 4.

[0092] The helical shape of the cutouts 8 and 9 allows for a more even, continuous product distribution during application and ensures a smooth, less jerky gliding behavior of the applicator 1. In addition, the cosmetic product is held better on the bristle 4 when wiping it off the wiper lip.

[0093] Independently and separately from the specific embodiment, protection is also claimed for applicators whose V-shaped cutouts are as described above, but whose covering is not one-piece, but consists of bristles.

[0094] Such a spiral arrangement of the V-shaped cutouts 8 and 9 around the longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 is also conceivable and advantageous for an applicator 1 whose bristle arrangement 4 is formed by bristles 7 and whose applicator core 2 is formed by one or more twisted wires 3. For this purpose, the bristles 7 are first inserted between the wires 3 to be twisted. The wires 3 are then twisted until the clamping force acting on the bristles 7 is sufficient to hold them in position during further processing. Subsequently, the V-shaped cutouts 8 and 9 are produced by cutting and / or grinding the bristles 4. The wires 3 forming the applicator core 2 are then further twisted together. This creates the spiral shape of the cutouts 8 and 9. The cutting line 15 then spirals around the longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1.

[0095] The one in the Fig. Applicator 1 shown in 15-17 differs from the one shown in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 12-14, the diameter of the bristles 4 is not constant. Rather, the diameter increases continuously from the proximal end 6 of the bristles 4 towards the distal end 5 until it reaches a maximum midway between the distal end 5 and the proximal end 6 of the bristles 4. From there, the diameter decreases continuously towards the distal end 5.

[0096] Furthermore, the fitting 4 of the embodiment shown here is provided with a chamfer 12 at both the proximal end 6 and the distal end 5. GENERAL SECTION

[0097] A method for manufacturing the applicator according to the invention is also described, wherein the applicator is configured according to at least one of claims 1-12, 14, 15, the bristles of which are formed by bristles, wherein the bristles forming the bristles are arranged in a first manufacturing step between the wires or wire sections forming the applicator core; the wires or wire sections are subjected to a first twisting in a second manufacturing step; in a third manufacturing step, a cutting and / or grinding tool is guided parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator along the bristles and produces V-shaped cutouts and / or bristle flattenings, wherein these cutouts and / or bristle flattenings have features of at least one of claims 1-8, 11;and in a fourth manufacturing step, a second twisting of the wires or wire sections forming the applicator core takes place, whereby the V-shaped cutouts and / or the bristle flattenings extend spirally around the longitudinal axis of the applicator, wherein the wires or wire sections are preferably twisted together only to such an extent during the second twisting that the V-shaped cutouts and / or the bristle flattenings preferably complete at most one full turn, preferably at most 0.7 full turns, around the longitudinal axis L of the applicator after the second twisting.

[0098] The first twist of the wires ensures that the bristles are held securely between the wires or wire sections for further processing and do not detach from the applicator core during subsequent processing, especially when in contact with an abrasive and / or cutting tool. The second twist, on the other hand, creates the spiral shape of the V-shaped cutouts and / or bristle flattening.

[0099] In this way, the desired shape of the bristle arrangement is produced in a simple and cost-effective manner. REFERENCE LIST 1 applicator 2 Applicator core 3-wire 4 Stock 5 Distal end of the colony 6 Proximal end of the stock 7 Application organ / bristle 8 First V-shaped cutout 9 Second V-shaped cutout 10 Envelope of the bristle density 11. Stocking flattening 12th phase 13 legs of a first V-shaped cutout 14 legs of a second V-shaped cutout 15 Section line L Longitudinal axis of the applicator α Angle between two legs d distance

Claims

[1] Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic product to the skin or keratinous fibers, comprising an applicator core (2) extending along an applicator longitudinal axis (L), which has a covering (4) formed by a plurality of application organs (7) projecting outwards from the applicator core (2), wherein the covering (4) has several, preferably six to twelve, V-shaped cutouts (8, 9) distributed over its circumference, characterized by , that the trim (4) has on its circumference an alternating first, radially deeper V-shaped cutout (8) towards the applicator core (2) and then a second, radially less deep V-shaped cutout (9). [2] Applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the deeper V-shaped cutouts (8) form a steeper V-cutout (8) than the less deep V-shaped cutouts (9). [3] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first, deeper V-shaped cutouts (8) only end at a depth of the bristle covering (4) that is at least 0.45 times, better at least 0.55 times and ideally at least 0.7 times the radius of the envelope curve (10) of the bristle covering (4). [4] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second, less deep V-shaped cutouts (9) end only at a depth of the bristle covering (4) that is at least 0.1 times, better at least 0.15 times and ideally at least 0.25 times the radius of the envelope curve (10) of the bristle covering (4). [5] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the respective first, deeper V-shaped cutout (8) is preceded in the radial direction by a trim flattening (11) which is preferably designed to project beyond the entrance cross-section of the first, deeper V-shaped cutout (8) on both sides in the circumferential direction. [6] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radial flattening (11) has a maximum radial depth of less than or equal to 25%, preferably less than or equal to 20% of the maximum radius of the envelope (10) of the applicator (1). [7] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each circumferential section of the applicator trim (4) which connects two immediately adjacent first, deeper V-shaped cutouts (8) in the circumferential direction has the shape of a “W” open towards the applicator core (2), the central area of ​​which preferably forms a less deep V-shaped cutout (9). [8] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radial distance to the applicator core (2) occupied by the deepest point of a second, less deep V-shaped cutout (9) is largely or ideally essentially the same as the radial distance occupied by the outer opening of the deeper V-shaped cutout (8) to the applicator core (2). [9] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first, deeper V-cuts (8), the second, shallower V-cuts (9) and, if present, also the trim flattenings (11) wind around the applicator core (2) in the manner of a helical line, preferably by a maximum of one complete turn, better by a maximum of 0.7 complete turns. [10] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the bristle arrangement (4) consists of a plurality of bristles (7) projecting radially outwards in the direction away from the applicator core (2), which are preferably held clamped by an applicator core (2) made of twisted wires (3), wherein the twisted wires (3) should be twisted together 14 to a maximum of 22 full turns to achieve an optimized bristle alignment. [11] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the covering (4) bears physical traces of a cutting or grinding operation at least on the deeper V-shaped cutouts (8), preferably on all V-shaped cutouts (8, 9), wherein the physical traces of a grinding operation are preferably found only on the less deep V-shaped cutouts (9), and the traces of a cutting operation are preferably found only on the deeper V-shaped cutouts (8). [12] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the arrangement (4) consists of a plurality of preferably identical discs which are fixed to the applicator core (2) in the direction along the longitudinal axis (L) of the applicator at axial distances from one another. [13] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the filling (4) is formed by a one-piece, preferably integrally one-piece, filling body (4). [14] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radial extent of the bristle (4) decreases in the region of the distal (5) and / or proximal end (6) of the applicator (1), preferably substantially continuously. [15] Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the radial extent of the coating (4) remains essentially the same over the majority of, and preferably over at least 75% of, the length of the applicator.

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