Device and method for forming a multi-layer cosmetic product using a flexible core

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for shaping a cosmetic product, in particular to a device for shaping a lipstick lead.

[0002] In known methods for shaping a cosmetic product, in particular for shaping a lipstick lead, pasty masses to be shaped are poured into a mold in a hot, liquid state using a filling device. The poured pasty mass can then cool in the mold or be cooled to solidify, so that the pasty mass takes on the internal configuration of the mold. The internal configuration of the mold thus achieves the desired spatial configuration of the pasty mass. The solidified pasty mass can then be removed from the mold, for example, using a removal device. However, this technology can only be used to produce lipstick leads with one type of pasty mass.

[0003] However, techniques are also known in the art for producing lipstick leads from two or more pasty masses. These lipstick leads consisting of multiple pasty masses can also be referred to as multi-layer lipstick leads. To produce these, a reducer is first inserted into the mold. This reducer changes the internal configuration of the mold and forms a first cavity between the outer wall of the reducer and the inner wall of the mold. Therefore, the reducer can also be referred to as a core that is inserted into the mold.

[0004] The first cavity created between the core and the inner wall of the mold can then be filled with a first pasty mass. Once this first pasty mass has cooled and solidified, the core can be moved out of the mold. The core then leaves behind a second cavity into which a second pasty mass can be poured. The second pasty mass can then cool in the second cavity or be cooled and solidify. This creates a multi-layered lipstick lead, which is characterized in that the inner second pasty mass is surrounded or encased by the outer first pasty mass. It can also be said that the second pasty mass is the inner pasty mass, whereas the first pasty mass is the outer pasty mass.Methods and corresponding devices for producing such multi-layer lipstick leads are described, for example, in EP 2 006 063 A1, EP 3 219 363 A1, WO 2018 / 206883 A1, DE 44 42 197 C1, US 4,291,018 and US 7,208,168.

[0005] However, the methods and devices described in the prior art use rigid cores with rigid outer geometries, usually with a design that tapers toward the mold. This has the disadvantage that the outer first pasty mass and the inner second pasty mass cannot assume any desired shape. The core must be designed in such a way that it does not damage the first pasty mass when moving out of the mold.

[0006] For the reasons stated above, the methods and devices known from the prior art can only produce smooth layers of pasty masses. However, there is a fundamental need for methods and devices that allow more complex configurations of the second pasty mass, particularly the inner pasty mass. Greater design freedom in the production of multi-component lipstick leads would be desirable. In particular, it would be desirable to create patterns or undercuts within the pasty masses. With such patterns or undercuts, the pasty masses form interlocking structures that do not have a smooth, flat surface. For example, it may be desirable for the company brand or a product identifier of the manufacturing company to appear as a pattern within one or more of the pasty masses.This corresponds to engravings that are on the surface and / or inside the lipstick lead.

[0007] This object is achieved with the device of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are explained in the dependent claims.

[0008] A device according to the invention for molding a cosmetic product, in particular a lipstick lead, consisting of at least two pasty masses, has a flexible mold and a flexible core. The flexible core is adapted to be moved into the flexible mold and to be arranged at least partially within the flexible mold in a first position and to be arranged outside the flexible mold in a second position. In the first position, in which the flexible core is at least partially arranged within the flexible mold, the flexible core together with the flexible mold forms a first cavity. The first cavity is formed between the inner wall of the flexible mold and the outer wall of the flexible core. It can also be said that the first cavity is formed between the facing walls of the flexible core and the flexible mold.The first position can represent the deepest immersion of the flexible core into the flexible mold. A first pasty mass can be filled into the first cavity formed between the flexible core and the flexible mold. After the first pasty mass has at least partially solidified in the first cavity, the flexible core is moved to the second position. The second position can indicate the state in which the flexible core is completely removed from the flexible mold. This movement of the flexible core into the second position can be optimized by adjusting the demolding angle. This means that the angle at which the flexible core is pulled out of the flexible mold is optimized such that the flexible core damages the first pasty mass as little as possible. For example, the demolding angle can be selected so that it points away from the pattern, i.e.only the smooth surface of the flexible core touches the first pasty mass during demolding, whereas the surface with the design pattern no longer touches the first pasty mass. When the flexible core is moved out of the first pasty mass, it releases a second cavity, the design of which corresponds to the external design of the flexible core. For example, a desired surface texture of the lipstick material can be achieved by designing the surface of the flexible core used. For example, an amorphous core surface automatically creates a matte appearance of the lipstick surface or of the surface of the lipstick that was in contact with the core surface during production. However, any number of patterns, shapes, logos, etc. are conceivable that can be arranged on the surface of the flexible core, the negative of which is then reflected in the first pasty mass.Because the core is flexible, it can deform when moved into the second position so that the flexible core does not damage the first pasty mass. This deformation can occur independently or with assistance. In the case of independent deformation, the flexible core is designed to be softer than the first pasty mass. In this case, the deformation is achieved by the flexible core sliding along the first pasty mass and being compressed when the flexible core is moved into the second position, without damaging the first pasty mass. This independent deformation can also be referred to as passive elastic deformation, which is caused by external forces. If the flexible core is harder than the first pasty mass, assisted deformation may be necessary.In this case, a means can ensure that the external shape of the flexible core changes. This change can occur before and / or during the movement into the second position. The change can, for example, be achieved by the flexible core contracting.

[0009] With the device according to the invention, it is possible for the first time to produce lipstick leads with complex patterns, undercuts and logos from at least two pasty masses.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will be aware that even if the device described here contains only one flexible core, the device could, in principle, also comprise several different flexible cores. In such a case, the flexible cores can have different diameters, so that the first flexible core is the largest and the last flexible core is the smallest. The cavities between successive cores then form additional cavities that can be filled with additional pasty masses. This makes it possible to produce lipstick leads with undercuts and consisting of more than two pasty masses.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the two pasty masses used can differ in terms of their chemical composition, color, transparency, viscosity, smell, or other properties. The two pasty masses can differ in all properties or in just one property. For example, the first pasty mass can be transparent. This makes it possible to see through the second pasty mass inside the lipstick lead. In particular, a pattern applied or embossed onto the second pasty mass becomes visible from the outside. The pasty masses can consist of wax or a mixture of different waxes. In particular, the wax compositions for the first and second pasty masses can differ in such a way that the first pasty mass has a higher melting point, e.g. 20°C to 30°C higher, than the second pasty mass.This prevents the first pasty mass from melting again in the cooled, solidified state if it comes into contact with the second pasty mass in the heated, liquid state.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the flexible core can be hollow on the inside. Hollow in this case means that the flexible core has a cavity that represents an internal volume that can be filled with a gas or air. The hollow flexible core is easier to deform than a solid, rigid core. The deformation of the flexible core can be passive or active. With passive deformation of the flexible core, a change in shape of the flexible core occurs due to external mechanical action during movement of the flexible core. With active deformation of the flexible core, the change in shape of the flexible core occurs due to active means that bring about the deformation. The active deformation can be brought about, for example, by subjecting the hollow flexible core to a change in pressure.For example, the hollow flexible core can be pressurized in the first position to give the flexible core a certain stability. Before or during movement to the second position, the pressure can be released again, allowing the flexible core to deform. To further assist the deformation, negative pressure can also be applied, causing the hollow flexible core to contract and thereby causing the deformation. The pressurization can be achieved by opening the internal volume of the hollow flexible core. Gas or air can be introduced into the internal volume of the flexible core through the opening. The internal volume of the flexible core can be at ambient pressure or at positive or negative pressure relative to the ambient pressure.The pressure difference between the pressure in the interior volume of the flexible core and the ambient pressure exerts forces on the flexible core, causing it to expand or contract. When pressure or negative pressure is applied to the hollow flexible core, the expansion or contraction of the flexible core is utilized. Expansion and contraction are used in the sense that the outer diameter of the flexible core, i.e. the diameter measured on the side facing the mold, is larger in the expanded state than in the contracted state. If the pressure inside the flexible core is equal to the ambient pressure, the diameter of the flexible core lies between the expanded diameter and the contracted diameter.Such expansion behavior of the flexible core material ensures that, in principle, the flexible core can be reduced in size for retraction, i.e., the movement of the flexible core into the second position. This makes retraction significantly easier, since the size of the flexible core is larger before retraction than at the time of retraction. A reduced size of the flexible core during retraction also enables the flexible core to be retracted without damaging the first pasty mass. Advantageously, the material of the flexible core is designed such that, at the same internal pressure and the same ambient pressure, the flexible core always assumes the same volume shape. This ensures reproductive reuse of the flexible core and thus consecutive production of identical lipstick refills with the same flexible core.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can have a rigid mandrel that is adapted to be moved at least partially into the hollow flexible core. The geometry of the interior of the hollow flexible core essentially corresponds to that of the rigid mandrel. It can also be said that the interior of the hollow flexible core is complementary to the rigid mandrel in order to at least partially accommodate it. The movement into the flexible core can occur before or while the flexible core is in the first position. The rigid mandrel can ensure stabilization of the flexible core so that it does not move excessively when the first pasty mass is filled in order to create a defined first cavity.As soon as the first paste-like mass has been poured into the first cavity between the flexible mold and the flexible core and has solidified in the first cavity, the rigid mandrel can be retracted so that the flexible core can then be moved into the second position without damaging the first paste-like mass. Due to its function of supporting the flexible core, at least temporarily, the rigid mandrel can also be referred to as a support mandrel. The outer diameter of the rigid mandrel can be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow flexible core. For example, there can be an annular gap between the flexible core and the support mandrel. It can therefore be said that there is a distance between the inner wall of the flexible core, i.e. the wall facing the rigid mandrel, and the outer surface of the rigid mandrel, i.e. the surface facing the flexible core.This distance or annular gap can be rotationally symmetrical. The annular gap can, for example, have a width of around 0.1 mm. The annular gap allows the rigid mandrel to move more easily relative to the flexible core, i.e. to move in and out of it. If the flexible mold is cooled together with the flexible core pulled over the support mandrel, the ingredients of the first pasty mass contract and the flexible core contracts towards the rigid mandrel. This separates the flexible core from the first pasty mass and it can then be moved into the second position without damaging the cooled first pasty mass. The annular gap therefore facilitates the non-destructive retraction of the flexible core into the second position. In addition to the support mandrel, the application of pressure change as described above can also be carried out.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the flexible core can have a pattern on its outer wall, i.e. on the wall facing the mold. The pattern can be formed by at least one depression in the flexible core and / or by at least one projection. This creates a projection and / or a depression in the first pasty mass after the first pasty mass has been poured in. In other words, the pattern on the outer wall of the flexible core acts as a negative relief for a positive relief embossed in the first pasty mass. After the second pasty mass has been poured in, exactly the same pattern is created on the surface of the second pasty mass as on the flexible core, since the second pasty mass now fills the same volume as the flexible core introduced into the flexible mold.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the flexible core can touch the flexible mold at least at one point in the first position. This is expedient if the second pasty mass is intended to reach up to the surface of the lipstick lead at at least one point. In addition, contacting the flexible mold by the flexible core is expedient for supporting or for precisely, reproductively positioning the flexible core relative to the flexible mold. For example, the flexible mold can have a means for positioning the flexible core. This means for positioning the flexible core can, for example, be designed as a protrusion of the base of the flexible mold towards the interior of the flexible mold. The protrusion can be designed such that it precisely accommodates the lower tip of the flexible core.For example, the protrusion can have a ring shape, in which the inner diameter of the ring shape essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the lower tip of the flexible core. The part of the flexible core referred to here as the tip is the lower part of the flexible core that faces the flexible shape in the first position and / or touches the flexible shape.

[0016] According to the invention, the flexible core is formed from an elastomer.

[0017] Materials from the elastomer groups LSR, RTV, and HTV are used. The molds / cores have a Shore hardness in the range of approximately 20–40 Shore A.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the flexible core can have a coating on its surface. The surface of the flexible core refers to the area of the flexible core that faces the flexible mold. The coating can be designed in such a way that it facilitates detachment of the first pasty mass when the flexible core is pulled out of the flexible mold. In particular, the coating can be flexible, i.e. it does not detach from the surface of the flexible core when the flexible core changes shape. The coating can also reduce the coefficient of friction between the first pasty mass and the flexible core, so that the latter can be easily moved out of the first pasty mass into the second position. However, the use of coatings or mold release agents that facilitate detachment of the flexible core from the pasty material can also be dispensed with.This is advantageous in the production of natural cosmetics, for which common mold release agents are not permitted.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can comprise a means for moving the flexible core into the first and second positions. The first position describes the state of the flexible core moved into the flexible mold, whereas the second position describes the state of the flexible core moved out of the flexible mold. The moved-out state of the flexible core can be characterized by the fact that there is no contact between the flexible core and the pasty masses or the flexible mold.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can comprise a means for filling the first pasty mass into the first cavity, wherein the first cavity is formed between the flexible mold and the flexible core when the flexible core is in the first position. The means for filling the first pasty mass can comprise a needle-like tip containing an opening through which the first pasty mass emerges.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can have a means for filling the second pasty mass into the second cavity, wherein the second cavity is formed in the first pasty mass when the flexible core is in the second position. The means for filling the second pasty mass can have a needle-like tip containing an opening through which the second pasty mass emerges. The means for filling the second pasty mass can be the same means as for filling the first pasty mass. If the same filling means is used for filling the pasty masses, it is conceivable for a filling tip to have two channels with two adjacent openings. This has the advantage that filling channels are independent of one another and, for example, do not have to be cleaned when the other pasty mass is to be filled.However, it is also possible that two different, possibly identical, means are used to fill the two pasty masses. In particular, it is possible that the flexible core itself serves as the means for filling the second pasty mass. For this purpose, an opening can be located at the tip of the flexible core, through which the second pasty mass emerges into the second cavity when the flexible core is retracted.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can have a means for demolding the pasty masses. As soon as the composite of first and second pasty masses has solidified, the composite can be removed from the flexible mold. This requires a gripping mechanism that can grip the composite of first and second pasty masses as non-destructively as possible. For this purpose, it is possible for the composite of first and second pasty masses to be grasped with a bell-shaped suction device and then pulled upwards. This leaves the flexible mold empty. It is also possible for the composite of first and second pasty masses to be removed from the flexible mold using a conventional removal method.In particular, the conventional dispensing method may involve a basket dispensing method, in which the solidified paste is grasped using a basket that precisely fits the solidified paste and is then inserted directly into a newly produced lipstick during subsequent lipstick production. For example, the basket may be made of plastic.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can have a base plate with geometric features that enable centering and fixing of the flexible core. For reproducible production of similar lipstick leads, it is necessary that the flexible core is always brought into the same relative position with respect to the flexible mold. In principle, the flexible mold can be locked and the means for moving the flexible core can be positioned with millimeter precision using stepper motors. However, once selected, the position must also remain stable during the filling process with the first pasty mass. For this purpose, it is useful to provide the flexible mold with a base plate that has geometric features exactly at the desired position of the flexible core, e.g., precisely fitting openings the size of the outer diameter of the flexible core.Such a base plate locks the flexible core in the first position. After filling the first cavity and retracting the flexible core, the base plate can then be removed from the flexible mold, or the second cavity can be filled with the second paste-like compound through the openings provided for the flexible core.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can further comprise a reducer. The reducer can be at least partially inserted into the flexible mold from above. The reducer can at least partially contact the inside of the flexible mold. This has the advantage that no pasty mass can penetrate along the contact surface between the flexible mold and the reducer, even if the surface of the pasty mass lies above the contact surface after filling the flexible mold and the reducer. In particular, it is possible for the reducer to be filled approximately halfway with pasty mass. The reducer can taper the flexible mold, i.e., the inner diameter of the flexible mold can be smaller with the reducer attached than without the reducer. The reducer can be designed with the same spatial symmetry as the flexible mold. For example,If the flexible mold is rotationally symmetrical about a vertical axis, the reducer can also be rotationally symmetrical about this vertical axis. The reducer defines, through the volume it occupies, a recess in the space that can be occupied by the first paste-like mass within the flexible mold. This recess can be useful for inserting the lipstick lead into a basket of a conventional lipstick mechanism without creating a gap between the solidified paste-like mass and the basket. The recess also has the advantage that when the basket is placed on the mold, no material from the first paste-like mass would have to be displaced, which could lead to contamination.

[0025] The above object is also achieved by a method for molding a cosmetic product, in particular a lipstick lead, consisting of at least two pasty masses. The method comprises moving a flexible core into a first position, wherein the flexible core is arranged at least partially in a flexible mold in the first position, filling a first pasty mass into a first cavity, wherein the first cavity is formed between the flexible mold and the flexible core, moving the flexible core into a second position, wherein the flexible core is arranged outside the flexible mold in the second position, filling a second pasty mass into a second cavity, wherein the second cavity is formed in the first pasty mass when the flexible core is moved into the second position, and demolding the pasty masses.The flexible core can be moved into the first position in such a way that either the flexible core moves towards the flexible mold or the flexible mold moves towards the flexible core. It is also conceivable for the flexible mold and the flexible core to move towards each other at the same time. The filling of a first pasty mass into the first cavity can, for example, be carried out in such a way that a previously defined amount of hot, liquid first pasty mass is filled into the cavity. However, it is also conceivable for the amount of first pasty mass to be determined during filling, e.g. by interrupting a mass flow of filled first pasty mass as soon as it exceeds a predetermined limit. The mass flow of the first pasty mass can be measured by a flow meter which indicates the amount of first pasty mass already filled.It can then also be said that the first pasty mass is being dosed. The movement of the flexible core into the second position can occur in such a way that the movement carried out when the flexible core was moved into the first position is carried out in exactly the opposite direction. However, it is also possible for the movement of the flexible core into the second position to involve the flexible core moving into a parking position outside the flexible mold. As with the movement of the flexible core into the first position, it is possible for the flexible core to move alone, the flexible mold alone, or both to move at the same time. It is also conceivable for the flexible core to initially move into a second position with very little acceleration in order not to damage the solidified first pasty mass when the flexible core is withdrawn.In particular, it is conceivable that the movement of the flexible core into the second position is interrupted as soon as an excessive force has to be overcome. Such a situation can arise if the flexible core sticks to the first pasty mass or becomes jammed. In this case, it is possible that the flexible core is first rotated about its longitudinal axis before moving into the second position in order to detach it from the solidified first pasty mass. The second pasty mass can also be filled into the second cavity by pouring. It is also possible that a second means for filling the second cavity is introduced. The person skilled in the art is familiar with many different possibilities for pouring mechanisms.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method can further comprise applying pressure to the flexible core before filling with the first pasty mass and applying negative pressure, i.e., vacuum, to the flexible core before moving it into the second position. Applying pressure to the flexible core allows it to expand, whereas the flexible core contracts when subjected to negative pressure. Before filling with the first pasty mass, the flexible core can therefore be expanded such that its volume corresponds to the desired shape of the first and second cavities. After filling with the first pasty mass into the first cavity, the flexible core can be contracted such that it has a smaller volume than the second cavity and can therefore be easily released from the solidified first pasty mass and moved out of the flexible mold without destroying the first pasty mass.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method may further comprise at least partially inserting a reducer into the flexible mold before filling the first pasty mass. Furthermore, the method may comprise removing the reducer from the flexible mold before demolding the solidified pasty mass. The reducer may also be removed after the first pasty mass has solidified, i.e., before filling the second pasty mass.

[0028] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further details and features of the subject matter of the invention emerge from these. They show: Fig. 1A shows a vertical section through a device according to the invention with a flexible mold and a flexible core, which is in a first position; Fig. 1B shows a vertical section through a device according to the invention with a flexible mold and a flexible core, which is in a first position together with a support mandrel; Fig. 2A shows the Fig. 1A device shown after filling the first pasty mass; Fig. 2B, which in Fig. 1B shown device after filling the first pasty mass; Fig. 3Athe in Fig. 2A device shown after moving the flexible core into a second position; Fig. 3B, the device shown in Fig. 2B device shown after moving the flexible core into a second position; Fig. 4 in Fig. 3A / B shown device after filling the second pasty mass; Fig. 5 in Fig. 4 shown device after demoulding the pasty masses; Fig. 6 in Fig. 1shown device with attached reducer; Fig. 7 the demolded pasty masses after demolding from a device according to the invention without reducer ( Figure 7A ) and with reducer ( Figure 7B ).

[0029] Figure 1Ashows a schematic vertical section through an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention with a flexible mold 2 and a flexible core 3, which is in a first position. The flexible mold 1, in interaction with the flexible core 3, forms a first cavity 5, which is defined by the space between the flexible mold 2 and the flexible core 3. The flexible mold 2 can be made of an elastomer. It is conceivable that the flexible mold 2 is preheated before filling the first cavity 5. This ensures optimal flow of the first pasty mass into the first cavity 5. For example, the flexible mold 2 can be preheated to 30°C to 60°C. The flexible core 3 is made of an elastomer and can be hollow. The flexible core 3 can have a pattern 4 applied to its surface. This pattern 4 can be a depression (not shown) or a projection, as in Figure 1 shown. In particular, the flexible core 3 can come into contact with the flexible mold 2. In the present figure, this contact occurs at the base of the flexible mold 2.

[0030] Figure 1Badditionally or alternatively shows a support mandrel 7 over which the flexible core 3 is pushed. One can also say that the flexible core 3 forms a sleeve for the support mandrel 7. For this purpose, the flexible core 3 can be hollow on the inside so that it can accommodate the support mandrel 7. The support mandrel 7 ensures the stability of the flexible core 3 when the first pasty mass is poured in and holds the flexible core 3 in the first position. The person skilled in the art is aware that a support mandrel is not always necessary and that this depends, for example, on the choice of material for the flexible core 3 or its design. If the support mandrel 7 is used, it is preferably made of a material that is stronger than the flexible core 3 in order to be able to provide sufficient structural stability.

[0031] The structural stability of the flexible core 3 can be achieved by selecting the material of the flexible core 3 itself, by using an additional support mandrel 7 and / or by applying pressure to the flexible core 3. In the latter case, for example, the flexible core 3 can be hollow inside and pressure can be generated in the volume defined by the hollow space, either by filling it with a gas or a liquid, which gives the flexible core 3 a certain stability. This pressure can then also ensure that the first pasty mass a to be filled does not deform the flexible core 3. The internal pressure thus counteracts the external pressure. This pressure can be applied both in the Figure 1A flexible core 3 shown as well as in the Figure 1B shown flexible core 3. In the latter case, the pressure can be generated in the volume between the inner wall of the flexible core 3 and the support mandrel 7.

[0032] The pasty masses a and b are brought to a liquid state before filling. For this purpose, the pasty masses a and b must be heated to a temperature that melts all the components of the pasty masses a and b, allowing lump-free flow and solidification of the pasty masses a and b. The heating temperature of the pasty masses is typically 70°C to 80°C, as the pasty masses often contain wax-like compounds.

[0033] In Figure 2AThe device 1 is shown after the first pasty mass a has been filled into the first cavity 5. The first cavity 5 is completely filled by the first pasty mass a. In order to ensure a uniform distribution of the first pasty mass a in the first cavity 5, it is conceivable that the filling means is designed such that the filling tip of the first pasty mass a rotates around the vertical axis of symmetry of the flexible core 3 during filling. After the first pasty mass a has been filled, the pattern 4 is embossed into the first pasty mass a in a mirror image of its imprint on the flexible core 3. The structural stability of the flexible core 3 in Figure 2A is given, for example, by the fact that the flexible core 3 is subjected to pressure, or by the choice of material of the flexible core 3.

[0034] Figure 2Balso shows the device 1 after filling the first pasty mass a into the first cavity 5. Here, however, the support mandrel 7 is also shown, which is located within the flexible core 3.

[0035] In Figure 3A The device 1 is schematically shown after the flexible core 3 has been moved into a second position. The flexible core 3 has reduced its volume, for example by applying negative pressure or by suctioning out the filled liquid, so that the flexible core 3 could be moved upwards without damaging the solidified first pasty mass a in the first cavity 5. The flexible core 3 moved into the second position leaves behind a second cavity 6, which corresponds to the external volume of the flexible core 3 when the first cavity 5 is filled with the first pasty mass a. It can also be said that the second cavity 6 has the shape of the flexible core 3.

[0036] In Figure 3B It is shown that the support mandrel 7 can be withdrawn from the flexible core 3. In the retracted state of the support mandrel 7, an internal volume of the flexible core 3 is released, which was previously filled by the support mandrel 7. This allows the flexible core 3 to deform freely and can be pulled out of the first pasty mass a without damaging it. It is also conceivable that the deformation of the flexible core 3 is further assisted by an opening in the support mandrel 7, with which a negative pressure can be applied in the released volume of the flexible core 3, so that it contracts.

[0037] In Figure 4The device 1 is shown after filling the second pasty mass b into the second cavity 6. Here, the second pasty mass b completely fills the second cavity 6, including the imprinting of the pattern 4 into the solidified first pasty mass a. In other words, the solidified second pasty mass b has a volume formation that corresponds to the outer volume of the flexible core 3 when filling the first cavity 5 with the first pasty mass a, as in Figure 2shown. After the pasty masses a, b have cooled, a composite is created from the two solidified pasty masses a, b. If the first pasty mass a is at least partially transparent, the pattern 4 appears visible from the outside, but is embedded in a deeper layer of the lipstick lead. The second pasty mass can be filled in as soon as the first pasty mass has at least partially solidified. It is not necessary to wait for the first pasty mass to completely solidify before filling in the second pasty mass. This increases the production speed of the composite from the first and second pasty masses. It can also be advantageous to fill in the second pasty mass if the first pasty mass has not yet completely solidified in order to generate a corresponding composite of the pasty mass.

[0038] Finally, Figure 5the device 1 after demoulding the pasty masses a, b from the flexible mould 2. In order to remove the composite of the solidified pasty masses a, b from the flexible mould 2 with as little damage as possible, demoulding can be carried out by an exactly vertical retraction, without horizontal displacement.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a section through the device 1 before filling the pasty masses with a reducer 7 attached, as described above. The dimensions of the reducer 7 are shown in Figure 6drawn as dashed lines to be able to be better distinguished from the dimensions of the flexible mold 2. The reducer 7 is flush with the flexible mold 2 along a contact surface. The reducer 7 defines recesses 8 in the first cavity 5, which is filled with a first pasty mass. The reducer 7 can have the same symmetry as the flexible mold 2. If, for example, the flexible mold 2 is rotationally symmetrical about the vertical axis through the center of the flexible core 3, the reducer 7 can also be rotationally symmetrical about this axis. In this case, the recesses 8 are also rotationally symmetrical about the vertical axis. The reducer 7 can be designed such that it corresponds to up to one third of the longitudinal extent of the flexible mold 2 and has an outer diameter that approximately corresponds to the inner diameter of the flexible mold 2.If the flexible mold 2 has an annular cross-section, the reducer 7, at least the part inserted into the flexible mold 2, can also have an annular cross-section. The reducer 7 thus reduces the diameter of the flexible mold 2, resulting in a reduction in the cavity that can be filled with the first pasty mass a.

[0040] Figure 7 shows the demoulded pasty masses after demoulding from a device according to the invention without a reducer ( Figure 7A ) and with reducer ( Figure 7B ). The Figure 6 The reducer indicated leaves the recesses 8 in the solidified first pasty mass a, as in Figure 7BThe size and shape of these recesses 8 complement the shape of the reducer 7. The dimensions and shape of the recesses 8 can, for example, correspond to the dimensions of a receiving device (cup) of a lipstick mechanism. Furthermore, it is possible for the recesses 8 themselves to be filled with an additional pasty mass.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for forming a cosmetic product, in particular a lipstick mine, the apparatus (1) comprising: a flexible mold (2); and a flexible core (3) adapted to be moved into the flexible mold (2) and to be at least partially arranged in a first position in the flexible mold (2) and to be arranged in a second position outside the flexible mold (2), wherein the flexible core (3) is formed from an elastomer.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: a rigid mandrel (7) adapted to be moved at least partially into the flexible core (3).

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one further flexible core (3) having a smaller diameter than the flexible core (3).

4. The apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible mould (2) comprises a means for positioning the flexible core (3).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein the means for positioning the flexible core (3) is configured as a protrusion of the bottom of the flexible mould (2) towards the inner space of the flexible mould (2).

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion has an annular shape, and the inner diameter of the annular shape substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the lower tip of the flexible core (3).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the flexible core (3) is slid over the rigid mandrel (7), and wherein an annular gap is located between the rigid mandrel (7) and the flexible core (3).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein the annular gap is shaped rotationally symmetrical.

9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a means for moving the flexible core (3) into the first and the second position; a means for filling a first pasty mass (a) into a first cavity (5), wherein the first cavity (5) is formed between the flexible mold (2) and the flexible core (3) when the flexible core (3) is in the first position; a means for filling a second pasty mass (b) into a second cavity (6), wherein the second cavity (6) is formed in the first pasty mass (a) when the flexible core (3) is in the second position; and a means for deforming the pasty masses (a, b).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein the means for filling the second pasty mass (b) is the same means as the means for filling the first pasty mass (a) and a filling tip of the means comprises two channels with two adjacent openings.

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein the flexible core (3) constitutes the means for filling the second pasty mass (b) into the second cavity (6).

12. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a reducer inserted at least partially into the flexible mold (2) from above.

13. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein the reducer contacts at least partially the inner side of the flexible mold (2).

14. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the reducer has the same symmetry as the flexible mold (2).