APPLICATION UNIT; REFILLABLE; EASY TO BREAK OPEN

DE502022002277D1Active Publication Date: 2024-12-24GEKA
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE502022002277
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-04-05
Publication Date
2024-12-24
Estimated Expiration
2042-04-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Cosmetic products and applicators are not sustainable as they are completely discarded after the applicator mass is largely used, leading to wastage of reusable parts.

Method used

A reusable application unit with a replaceable cartridge and closure that integrates a mass-carrying cartridge and a closure, featuring locking clutches that allow axial fixation and rotation, ensuring the cosmetic mass remains sealed and can be easily replaced without tools.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a sustainable, visually appealing, and convenient application unit that maintains product hygiene and prevents leakage, allowing for easy replacement of cartridges, thus balancing sustainability and user convenience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to an application unit with a cartridge made of a mass-carrying cartridge. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] State-of-the-art cosmetic products and applicators for applying applicator mass, such as mascara, lip gloss, eyeliner, etc., are characterized by the fact that the cosmetic products and applicators are completely discarded after the applicator mass has been largely used up. This inevitably also discards parts of the cosmetic product and applicator that could otherwise be reused. Such prior-art cosmetic products and applicators are not sustainable. Document US 2009 / 067913 A1 discloses an application unit according to the preamble of claim 1. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to create an application unit which is sustainable and in particular in which a large proportion of the application unit is reusable compared to the prior art. INVENTIVE SOLUTION

[0004] This object is achieved with an application unit having the features of claim 1 and / or with a replacement cartridge having the features of claim 13.

[0005] According to the invention, the application unit comprises a cartridge consisting of a mass-carrying cartridge and a closure that is integrally formed on the cartridge until opened and seals it. The application unit comprises a cartridge sleeve for receiving the cartridge and a closure sleeve for receiving the closure. The cartridge sleeve and the cartridge as well as the closure sleeve and the closure form - in pairs - a first and a second locking coupling for axially securing one part to the other part. At least one of the two locking couplings is advantageously designed to allow free movement in the circumferential direction, so that the components axially secured to one another by it can rotate relative to one another in the circumferential direction.At least one of the two locking couplings is designed in such a way that the cartridge sleeve and the closure sleeve can in turn be secured to one another and at the same time have a force converter which converts a rotation of the cartridge sleeve relative to the closure sleeve into an axial force or an axial force component which pushes the closure sleeve away from the cartridge sleeve.

[0006] Solving the problem with an application unit according to the invention results in several advantages. Firstly, a sustainable solution is achieved due to the replaceable cartridge, which comprises the cartridge and the closure. At the same time, a visually very attractive appearance of the application unit can be maintained, for example, by designing the outer surfaces of the cartridge sleeve and / or closure sleeve in particular in an attractive and, if necessary, elaborately designed manner. Due to the reusability of these parts in particular, complex manufacturing can be accepted. Design elements that can serve as decoration, such as a metallic appearance, screen printing, or the like, can be applied.At the same time, a tactilely appealing material can be selected, as sustainability is primarily achieved through the replaceable cartridge and the reusability of the cartridges with the tactilely appealing material, rather than, as might be conceivable, through pure material reduction. In summary, an inventive application unit enables a balance between sustainability, customer benefit, convenience, and appearance.

[0007] The fact that the cartridge and closure are formed as a single, integral part until opened and cannot be reassembled once opened, i.e. cannot be closed again without the application unit, in particular without the cartridge sleeve and closure sleeve, results in the further advantage that the user cannot buy and use the cartridge alone, but needs the entire application unit to use it. If the cartridge is opened, it can only be closed again in the application unit; outside the application unit the cosmetic mass would dry out. The closure sleeve and cartridge sleeve, which are connected to one another in a screw-like manner, ensure that a closure is held and the cosmetic mass does not dry out. This is the only way to ensure that the application unit is used as specified by the manufacturer, and in particular is used hygienically.It can also ensure that cosmetic mass does not accidentally leak out. ADVANTAGEOUS OPTIONS FOR UNITING THE INVENTION

[0008] Advantageously, the cartridge has a predetermined breaking point in the transition area between the cartridge and the closure that seals it. This predetermined breaking point is designed so that, after being inserted into the cartridge sleeve and the closure sleeve and closed, the cartridge breaks open at the predetermined breaking point upon the first complete opening or unscrewing of the closure sleeve relative to the cartridge sleeve. This ensures that the cartridge breaks open at exactly the desired location, which, in particular, ensures the proper functionality of the application unit.

[0009] Preferably, the locking couplings are designed so that they can be separated without tools. This eliminates the need for tools when replacing an old cartridge with a new one. Instead, the user can replace the cartridge without tools, virtually anytime and anywhere, which is particularly useful when changing cartridges while away from home.

[0010] The locking coupling between the cartridge and the cartridge sleeve is expediently arranged in the area of ​​or directly on the distal end of the cartridge (relative to the handle). The locking coupling between the closure and the closure sleeve is expediently arranged in the area of ​​or directly on the proximal end of the closure (relative to the handle). The cartridge sleeve expediently has a pressure element on its distal end, by pressing this element, preferably without tools, ideally with the fingertip, the locking coupling between the cartridge and the cartridge sleeve can be released without tools. The closure sleeve expediently has a pressure element on its proximal end, by pressing this element, preferably without tools, ideally with the fingertip, the locking coupling between the closure and the closure sleeve can be released without tools. In this place, a straight orA slightly rounded surface is required, where the pressure element fits well and is also easy to operate. Furthermore, such a pressure element is easy to operate at this location, usually with the thumb, with the other fingers holding the cartridge sleeve or closure sleeve and the thumb only operating the pressure element. The closure elements also hold the cartridge in a stable position, especially until the cosmetic product is used up.

[0011] Advantageously, a coupling element of the locking coupling, preferably the one associated with the cartridge and / or the closure, is a locking ring with a circumferential locking collar protruding in the radial direction. Such a locking ring with a locking collar is not only easy to manufacture but also easily enables the closure or cartridge to be rotated relative to the closure sleeve or cartridge sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, the other coupling element of the locking coupling, preferably the one associated with the cartridge sleeve and / or the closure sleeve, is formed by at least two locking arms that, when coupled, engage behind the locking ring associated with them. This enables a good locking coupling.

[0013] The pressure element is expediently designed and, when depressed, approaches the locking arms in such a way that it pushes the locking arms apart and thus disengages them from their coupling partner, which is preferably in the form of a locking ring. This allows for easy uncoupling or release of the locking device, especially when space is limited inside the application unit.

[0014] Advantageously, the locking arms and locking ring are designed so that when the part supporting them rotates relative to the part supporting the locking ring, the locking arms can slide endlessly along the locking ring, even when locked. This allows the rotation of the closure or cartridge relative to the closure sleeve or cartridge sleeve to be easily ensured.

[0015] The force transducer is preferably a thread or threaded section. A screw cap has the advantage of being easy to operate. A screw cap is usually intuitive to use. A screw cap can be used reversibly, usually over a very large number of repetitions, especially more frequently than, for example, a simple snap-in or click-in closure. The frequent reusability ensures sustainability.

[0016] The force converter is typically a non-helical ramp, ideally effective in both directions of rotation. This ensures a good closure of the cartridge.

[0017] According to the invention, the replacement cartridge comprises a mass-carrying cartridge and a closure that is integral to the cartridge until opened, sealing it. The cartridge and the replacement cartridge are expediently of identical construction.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the figures. This advantageous embodiment is intended merely to illustrate the invention without limiting it. LIST OF FIGURES

[0019] Fig. 1 shows an application element in a side view, Fig. 2 shows a cartridge up to the opening with a cartridge and a one-piece integral closure on the cartridge in a side view, Fig. 3 shows the cartridge after opening with the cartridge and the cap separated from the cartridge in a side view, Fig. 4 shows the application element in a closed state in a side view with partially transparent wall elements to make the interior of the application element visible, Fig. 5 shows the application element in an opened state in a side view with partially transparent wall elements to make the interior of the application element visible, Fig. 6 shows a section of the application element in a perspective view with partially transparent wall elements to make the interior of the application element visible, Fig. 7 shows the application element in a closed state in a side view with partially transparent wall elements to make the interior of the application element visible, Fig. 8shows a cartridge up to the opening with a cartridge and a one-piece integral closure on the cartridge, Fig. 9 shows a part of the application element in a closed state in a perspective view without cartridge sleeve, Fig. 10 shows a section of the application element in a perspective view with partially transparent wall elements to make the interior of the application element visible, Fig. 11 shows a section of the application element in a side view with partially transparent wall elements to make the interior of the application element visible, Fig. 12 shows the application element in a perspective view, wherein the application element is shown in a closed state, Fig. 13shows the partially transparent application element in a perspective view, wherein the application element is shown in a closed state, Fig. 14 shows the partially transparent application element in a side view, Fig. 15 shows the partially transparent application element in a top view to visualize the position of the cut CC, Fig. 16 shows the application element in a sectional view along the section line CC from Fig. 15 , Fig. 17 shows the application element in a sectional view, whereby the sectional view is an enlarged representation of a part of the Fig. 16 represents, Fig. 18 shows the application element in a perspective view, wherein the application element is shown in an open state, Fig. 19shows the partially transparent application element in a perspective view, wherein the application element is shown in an open state, Fig. 20 shows the application element in a sectional view, Fig. 21 shows the application element in a partial sectional view, Fig. 22 shows the cartridge up to the opening with a cartridge and a one-piece integral closure on the cartridge in a perspective view, Fig. 23 shows the partially transparent cartridge up to the opening with a cartridge and a one-piece integral closure on the cartridge in a perspective view, Fig. 24 shows the cartridge up to the opening with a cartridge and a one-piece integral closure on the cartridge in a side view, Fig. 25shows the cartridge up to the opening with a cartridge and a one-piece integral closure on the cartridge in a top view to visualize the position of the section CC, Fig. 26 shows the cartridge in a sectional view along the section line CC from Fig. 25 , Fig. 27 shows the cartridge after opening with the cartridge and the cap separated from the cartridge in a perspective view, Fig. 28 shows the partially transparent cartridge after opening with the cartridge and the cap separated from the cartridge in a perspective view, Fig. 29 shows the cartridge after opening with the cartridge and the cap separated from the cartridge in a top view to visualize the position of the cut HH, Fig. 30 shows the cartridge comprising a closure in a side view and comprising a cartridge in a sectional view along the section line HH from Fig. 29 , Fig. 31shows the cartridge after opening with the cartridge and the cap separated from the cartridge in a bottom view to visualize the position of the cut EE, Fig. 32 shows the cartridge in a sectional view along the section line EE from Fig. 31 , Fig. 33 shows parts of the application element, such as the cartridge sleeve, the cartridge, the closure and parts of the closure sleeve in a side view, Fig. 34 shows parts of the application element, such as the cartridge sleeve, the cartridge, the closure and parts of the closure sleeve in a perspective view, Fig. 35 shows parts of the application element, such as the cartridge sleeve, the cartridge, the closure and parts of the closure sleeve in a perspective view, Fig. 36shows parts of the application element, such as the cartridge sleeve, the cartridge, the closure and parts of the closure sleeve in a perspective view, Fig. 37 shows parts of the application element, such as the cartridge sleeve, the cartridge, the closure and parts of the closure sleeve in a perspective view, Fig. 38 shows parts of the application element, such as the cartridge sleeve, the cartridge, the closure and parts of the closure sleeve in a side view, Fig. 39 shows parts of the application element, such as the cartridge sleeve, the cartridge, the closure and parts of the closure sleeve in a top view, Fig. 40 shows the application element with partially cut and removed parts for schematic visualization of the inner workings of the application element in a perspective view, Fig. 41shows the application element with partially cut and removed parts for schematic visualization of the inner workings of the application element in a perspective view, where the Fig. 41 an enlarged view of part of the Fig. 40 represents, Fig. 42 shows the application element with partially cut and removed parts for schematic visualization of the inner workings of the application element in a side view, Fig. 43 shows the application element with partially cut and removed parts for schematic visualization of the inner workings of the application element in a top view, Fig. 44 shows the application element with partially cut and removed parts for schematic visualization of the interior of the application element in a bottom view for visualization of the position of the cut HH, Fig. 45shows the application element with partially cut and removed parts for schematic visualization of the inner workings of the application element in a sectional view along the section line HH from Fig. 44 . EXAMPLE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0020] The Fig. 1 shows an application unit 1. The application unit 1 comprises a cartridge sleeve 2 and a closure sleeve 3. As can be seen in the Figures 4 and 5 and 12 to 21, the cartridge sleeve 2 and the closure sleeve 3 are in a closed state ( Fig. 4 and 12 to 17 ) of the application unit 1 are firmly connected to each other, in the exemplary embodiment they are firmly screwed together. In an open state ( Fig. 5 and 18 to 21) of the application unit 1, the cartridge sleeve 2 and the closure sleeve 3 are separated from each other. A screw connection 4 is provided for fastening the closure sleeve 3 to the cartridge sleeve 2. The screw connection 4 comprises screw-like threads 4' on the cartridge sleeve 2 and nut-like threads 4" on the closure sleeve 3, as can be seen, for example, in the Fig. 18 to 20 can be seen. The screw connection 4 serves as a force converter, whereby a force is applied in the longitudinal direction of the application element 1, particularly when unscrewing. The use of the force in the longitudinal direction of the application element 1 is described further below.

[0021] Although this is not illustrated in the figure, it should be noted that a single or multiple, usually non-helical, slide ramp can also be provided as a force converter instead of a thread. Such a slide ramp can look like the one described in the applicant's German utility model DE 202010011471 in paragraphs 0030 and 0031 of the official publication with reference to the associated figures. The corresponding embodiments of the said utility model are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

[0022] A cartridge 6 is arranged within the application element 1. The cartridge 6 is arranged completely within the application element 1 in Fig. 1 and 4 as well as Fig. 12 to 17 shown closed state of the application element 1. The cartridge 6 is at least partially visible in Fig. 5 as well as in Fig. 18 to 21shown open state of the application element 1. The cartridge 6 comprises a cartridge 7. A cosmetic mass, for example mascara, lip gloss, eyeliner, etc., is stored in the cartridge 7. The cartridge 7 is therefore expediently cylindrical, in the form of a hollow cylinder for receiving the cosmetic mass in the cavity of the cylinder. In some cases, a conical shape is particularly advantageous, namely when the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge sleeve forms a corresponding counter-cone and the cartridge and the cartridge sleeve are matched to one another in such a way that they come to rest relative to one another without play or (slightly) spread apart at the very moment when the engagement occurs. In this way, freedom from play and, at the same time, particularly smooth assembly and disassembly can be guaranteed.Because once the conical seat surfaces have been lifted apart, the further disassembly process can take place almost frictionlessly.

[0023] The cartridge includes a closure 8. In Fig. 2 as well as Fig. 22 to 25In the newly manufactured state of the cartridge 6 shown, the closure 8 and the cartridge 7 are formed as a single piece. The cartridge 7 thus seals the closure 8. A predetermined breaking point 9 is provided on the cartridge 6. When the force described above is applied in the longitudinal direction of the application element 1, the force acts on the cartridge 7 and the closure 8, whereby when this force is applied, the closure 8 is separated from the cartridge 7 at the predetermined breaking point 9. This occurs in particular when the closure sleeve 3 is first screwed off the cartridge sleeve 2. This ensures that the cartridge can be opened flawlessly at all times, without the risk of spilling or splashing the substance due to a clumsy attempt to open the cartridge. This is not the case outside the scope of the invention. Not every consumer reads the instructions first. In many cases, attempts to open the cartridge are made intuitively.

[0024] Fig. 2 and 3 as well as the Fig. 22 to 32 show the cartridge 6 outside the application element 1. Fig. 4 and 5 as well as Fig. 12 to 21 however, show the cartridge 6 in the state installed in the application element 1. Fig. 33 to 45 show the cartridge 6 in the installed state in the application element, whereby in the Fig. 33 to 45 Parts of the application element 1 have been omitted to better visualize the installed state of the cartridge 6 in the application element 1. In the figures mentioned in this paragraph, it can be clearly seen that the closure 8 is received by the closure sleeve 3 and that the cartridge 7 is received by the cartridge sleeve 2.

[0025] The cartridge sleeve 2 and the cartridge 7 form a first locking coupling 10. The first locking coupling 10 serves to axially fix the cartridge 7 to the cartridge sleeve 2. The closure sleeve 3 and the closure 8 form a second locking coupling 11. The second locking coupling 11 serves to axially fix the closure 8 to the closure sleeve 3.

[0026] The first locking coupling 10 and the second locking coupling 11 are of identical design in the exemplary embodiment. Therefore, their functionality will be explained below using the Fig. 4, 5 , 6, 7 and 9 to 11 as well as Fig. 13 to 21 and Fig. 40 to 42 shown second locking coupling 11, whereby the following explanations also apply to the first locking coupling 10 - this is particularly clearly visible on the Fig. 17, in which the first locking coupling 10 is shown enlarged, but which in particular comprises the same functionality and in particular the same components as the second locking coupling 11. The locking coupling 10, 11 is designed in such a way that it allows freedom of movement in the circumferential direction, so that the components axially fixed to one another by it, namely the closure sleeve 3 and the closure 8, can rotate relative to one another, in particular in the circumferential direction. This is necessary in order to be able to screw the cartridge sleeve 2 to the closure sleeve 3 when a newly inserted cartridge 6 is inserted - in particular without damaging the cartridge 6. We now Fig. 4When the used application unit 1 shown is opened for the first time after inserting a new, still integrally sealed cartridge 6, the force converter converts a rotation of the cartridge sleeve 2 relative to the closure sleeve 3 into an axial force or an axial force component that pushes the closure sleeve 3 away from the cartridge sleeve 2, in particular when the closure sleeve 3 is first completely unscrewed relative to the cartridge sleeve 2. In doing so, the cartridge 6 is broken at the predetermined breaking point 9, whereby the interior of the cartridge 7 opens. The cosmetic mass is thus released and can be applied by a user.

[0027] The axial force is also used in "daily" use. This is because the axial force serves to repeatedly close a cartridge 6, which is arranged in the application unit 1, once opened. The axial force not only presses the closure sleeve 3 onto the cartridge sleeve 2, but preferably also the closure 8 onto the cartridge 7. For this purpose, a particularly conical, Fig. 5The contact surface 5 shown is provided on the cartridge sleeve 2. The contact surface 5, which is in particular conical, acts like a seal with respect to the closure sleeve 3. It goes without saying that the contact surface 5, which is in particular conical, can be arranged on the closure sleeve 3, and thus in particular not on the cartridge sleeve 2, in a further exemplary embodiment. The cartridge 7 seals off the closure 8, or the cartridge sleeve 2 seals off the closure sleeve 3, so that no cosmetic compound can escape from the application unit 1. This prevents the cosmetic compound from drying out. In particular, a largely airtight seal is achieved.

[0028] Preferably, the closure 3 comprises an application element 12, which serves to apply the cosmetic mass to the user. Fig. 3In the open state of the application unit 1 shown, the application element 12, which is formed integrally and expediently in one piece on the closure 3, protrudes in the axial direction. The application element 12 is expediently a tube, a brush, or the like. In the Fig. 2 In the closed state of the application unit 1 shown, the application element 12 projects into the interior of the cartridge 7 and is thereby wetted in particular by the cosmetic mass.

[0029] The following explains the functionality of the locking couplings 10, 11 in more detail. In this exemplary embodiment, particular emphasis was placed on the design of the locking couplings 10, 11 so that they can be separated from each other without the use of tools. In another exemplary embodiment, it is of course conceivable that a tool may be required.

[0030] For the sake of simplicity, the functions of the essentially identical locking couplings 10, 11 will be described below based on the function of the second locking coupling 11. The only significant difference between the two locking couplings 10, 11 is that the first locking coupling 10 is arranged between the cartridge 7 and the cartridge sleeve 2 in the region of or directly at the distal end (relative to the handle) of the cartridge 2 and / or that the second locking coupling 11 is arranged between the closure 8 and the closure sleeve 3 in the region of or directly at the proximal end (relative to the handle) of the closure.

[0031] The cartridge sleeve 2 has on its distal end a Fig. 4, 5 and 7 as well as in the Fig. 13 , 14, 16, 17 , 20, 21 , 42 and 45The first pressure element 12 is shown. The first pressure element 12 can preferably be pressed in without tools, for example with the fingertip or fingertip, preferably the thumb. By pressing the first pressure element 12, the first locking coupling 10 is released. This releases the cartridge 7 from the cartridge sleeve 2 and allows it to be removed to create space for a new cartridge 6, in particular for a replacement cartridge.

[0032] The closure sleeve 3 and the closure 8 are designed in a similar manner. The closure sleeve 3 has a recess on its distal end face which is Fig. 4 to 7 and 9 to 11 as well as Fig. 13 , 14 , 16 , 18 to 21 and 33 to 45The second pressure element 13 is shown. The second pressure element 13 can preferably be pressed in without tools, for example with the fingertip or fingertip, preferably the thumb. By pressing the second pressure element 13, the second locking coupling 11 is released. This releases the closure 6 from the closure sleeve 3 and allows it to be removed to create space for a new cartridge 6, in particular for a replacement cartridge.

[0033] The locking coupling 12, 13 comprises two Fig. 6 and 8 to 11 shown locking elements 14, 15. A coupling element 15 of the two locking elements, preferably the coupling element 15 assigned to the cartridge 7 and / or the closure 8 (cf. Fig. 8 as well as Fig. 22 to 32 ) is designed in the form of a locking ring with a circumferential locking collar protruding in the radial direction. The locking collar is preferably formed at the outer end of the cartridge 6 and closes the cartridge 6.

[0034] The other coupling element 14 of the snap-in coupling, preferably the coupling element 14 assigned to the cartridge sleeve 2 and / or the closure sleeve 3 (cf. Fig. 6 , 9 to 11 as well as 17 and 41), is formed by at least two locking arms 16, which in the coupled state engage behind the locking ring 15 assigned to them. This fully coupled state is in Fig. 11 , 17 and 41 An at least partially or even completely unlocked state is shown in the Fig. 6 and 9 shown.

[0035] Good in Fig. 11 and 17The shape of the locking arm 16 can be seen. The locking arm 16 has a locking surface 17' which engages behind the locking ring 15 and rests against it in the locked state. The locking arm 16 has an opening surface 18 which serves to enable the pressure element 12, 13 to press against the opening surface 18 in order to bend or displace, pivot, or the like the locking arm to such an extent that the locking connection is released. The pressure element 13 is designed and approaches the locking arms 16 in the depressed state in such a way that it presses the locking arms 16 apart and thus disengages them from their coupling partner, which is preferably in the form of the locking ring 15.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, the locking arms 16 and the locking ring 15 are designed such that the locking arms 16 can slide endlessly along the locking ring 15 when the part supporting them rotates relative to the part supporting the locking ring 15, even when locked. This is particularly advantageous when inserting a new (replacement) cartridge 6, specifically when screwing the closure sleeve 3 onto the cartridge sleeve 2 for the first time, because the cartridge 6 can rotate freely.

[0037] In the embodiment, the locking arms 16 are attached to a Fig. 6 and 9shown locking unit 17, in particular in one piece. The locking unit 17 comprises a cylindrical or annular unit 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the annular unit 18 is flush with the closure 8, in particular with the locking ring 15 arranged on the closure 8 - as already mentioned several times, the same applies to the cartridge. The locking unit 17 comprises the two locking arms 16. The locking unit 17 comprises two locking hooks 19. Each of the two locking hooks 19 comprises two locking fingers 20. The locking hooks 19 and the locking fingers 20 lock with the closure sleeve 3 and with the cartridge sleeve 2, respectively. The locking unit 17 is thus locked with the closure sleeve 3 and with the cartridge sleeve 2, and the coupling elements 14 are thus positioned accordingly. The locking unit 17 is expediently locked firmly with the closure sleeve 3 and with the cartridge sleeve 2, in particular not rotatably.

[0038] The cartridge 6 can be replaced by a replacement cartridge. The replacement cartridge is expediently constructed identically to the cartridge 6. The replacement cartridge comprises a mass-carrying cartridge and a closure that is integrally formed on the cartridge until opened and seals it, particularly for replacing the cartridge in the application element according to one of claims 1 to 12.

[0039] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that Cartridge 6 and Replacement Cartridge refer to identical versions of Cartridge 6. The difference is simply that the replacement cartridge replaces Cartridge 6, especially after Cartridge 6 has been partially or completely emptied of the cosmetic product.

Claims

1. Application unit (1) with a cartridge (6) formed by a mass-conducting cartridge (7) and a closure (8) integrally and as one piece formed on the cartridge (7) which seals it until initial use, , and with a cartridge sleeve (2) to hold the cartridge (7) and a closure sleeve (3) to hold the closure (8), wherein the cartridge sleeve (2) and the cartridge (7) form a first snap coupling (10) to axially secure one part to the other, and the closure sleeve (3) and the closure (8) form a second snap coupling (11) to axially secure one part to the other, characterized in that at least one of the two snap couplings (10, 11) is designed to allow play in the circumferential direction, so that the components axially secured by it can rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction, and that the cartridge sleeve (2) and the closure sleeve (3) can be secured to each other while simultaneously having a force converter that transforms rotation of the cartridge sleeve (2) relative to the closure sleeve (3) into an axial force or an axial force component, which pushes the closure sleeve (3) away from the cartridge sleeve (2).

2. Application unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge (6) has a predetermined breaking point (9) in the area of the transition between the cartridge (7) and the sealing closure (8), designed so that the cartridge (6), after being inserted into the cartridge sleeve (2) and the closure sleeve (3) and being closed, breaks open at the predetermined breaking point (9) upon the first full opening by rotation of the closure sleeve (3) relative to the cartridge sleeve (2).

3. Application unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the snap couplings (10, 11) are designed to be separable without tools.

4. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the snap coupling (10) between the cartridge (7) and the cartridge sleeve (2) is arranged in the area or directly at the distal front end of the cartridge (7) (relative to the handle), and / or that the snap coupling (11) between the closure (8) and the closure sleeve (3) is arranged in the area or directly at the proximal front end of the closure (8).

5. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge sleeve (2) carries a pressure element (12) at its distal front end, by means of which the snap coupling (10) between the cartridge (7) and the cartridge sleeve (2) can be released without tools, preferably by pressing it in without tools, ideally with the fingertip.

6. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure sleeve (3) carries a pressure element (13) at its proximal front end, by means of which the snap coupling (11) between the closure (8) and the closure sleeve (3) can be released without tools, preferably by pressing it in without tools, ideally with the fingertip.

7. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one coupling element of the snap coupling (10, 11), preferably the one associated with the cartridge (7) and / or the closure (8), is a snap ring (15) with a circumferential snap collar protruding in the radial direction.

8. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the other coupling element of the snap coupling (10, 11), preferably the one associated with the cartridge sleeve (2) and / or the closure sleeve (3), is formed by at least two snap arms (16), which, in the coupled state, engage behind the snap ring (15) assigned to them.

9. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element (13) is designed in such a way and approaches the snap arms (16) in the pressed-down state in such a manner that it spreads the snap arms (16) apart and thus disengages them from their coupling partner, which is preferably designed in the form of a snap ring (15).

10. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the snap arms (16) and the snap ring (15) are designed in such a way that the snap arms (16), when the part carrying them is rotated relative to the part carrying the snap ring (15), can endlessly glide along the snap ring (15) even in the locked state.

11. Application unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force converter is a thread (4, 4', 4") or a threaded section (4, 4', 4").

12. Application unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the force converter is a mostly non-helical sliding ramp, ideally a sliding ramp effective in both rotational directions.

13. Replacement cartridge (6) formed by a mass-conducting cartridge (7) and a closure (8) integrally and as one piece formed on the cartridge (7) which seals it until initial use, for replacing the cartridge (6) in the application unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein when the replacement cartridge (6) is inserted into the application unit (1), the cartridge sleeve (2) of the application unit (1) and the cartridge (7) form a first snap coupling (10) to axially secure one part to the other, and the closure sleeve (3) of the application unit (1) and the closure (8) form a second snap coupling (11) to axially secure one part to the other, wherein at least one of the two snap couplings (10, 11) is designed to allow play in the circumferential direction, so that the components axially secured by it can rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction, wherein the cartridge sleeve (2) and the closure sleeve (3) can be secured to each other and simultaneously have a force converter that transforms the rotation of the cartridge sleeve (2) relative to the closure sleeve (3) into an axial force or an axial force component, which pushes the closure sleeve (3) away from the cartridge sleeve (2), thereby breaking a predetermined breaking point (9) of the cartridge (6), which is located in the area of the transition between the cartridge (7) and the sealing closure (8), and which is designed in such a way that the cartridge (6) breaks open at the predetermined breaking point (9) after being inserted into the cartridge sleeve (2) and the closure sleeve (3) and being closed, during the first full opening by rotation of the closure sleeve (3) relative to the cartridge sleeve (2).