Dual applicator unit

Abstract

Dual applicator unit with a storage container for the mass to be applied, a sealing cap closing the storage container and a stem firmly connected to the sealing cap and a first applicator held at the end thereof as well as a second applicator, characterized in that the second applicator is pivotably connected to the rear side of the sealing cap via a ball joint.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dual applicator unit according to the general term of claim 1.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Applicator units are typically used to apply cosmetic products such as creams, ointments or make-up. An applicator unit usually comprises an applicator and a sealable storage container in which the product to be applied is stored. The applicator usually has a handle, a stem and an application element. The latter is the section of the applicator that is used to apply and distribute the cosmetic.

[0003] To apply the product to the desired application site, the applicator is first loaded with the product. For this purpose, the applicator or its application element is immersed in the storage container. This causes the cosmetic, which is usually in fluid form, to accumulate on the applicator. The cosmetic is then applied to the desired area by pressing the applicator against the application site with dabbing, stroking or rotating movements.STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Depending on the type of cosmetic to be applied, different applicators and in particular applicator elements can differ greatly in terms of their geometry and functionality. Conventional applicators are usually designed in such a way that they are optimized for a specific application. If different applications are to be carried out, several applicators are therefore typically used. There are also cases in which several applicator units are required for a specific application. For example, when applying make-up to the eyelashes or eyebrows, individual eyelashes or individual eyebrows may stick together. After applying and distributing the make-up with a first applicator, the adhered hairs may need to be separated with another applicator.

[0005] This can lead to increased time and effort for the user, as well as additional costs and increased space requirements. The latter is particularly disadvantageous if the applicator units are to be carried around in everyday life in order to renew or correct the applied make-up at regular intervals.

[0006] Internal studies have already revealed applicator units that have several applicators to counter the problems mentioned. However, these often have the problem that at least one of the applicators can only be brought to the application site at an ergonomically unfavorable angle. In addition, the known applicator units with several applicators often pose a certain hygiene risk. As a rule, one of the applicators is typically exposed to environmental influences and soiling, which in turn can lead to dirt particles being applied to the application site.THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of this, it is the object of the invention to provide a dual applicator unit with which several applications can be carried out in an ergonomically and hygienically advantageous manner.THE SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved with the features of the main claim directed to the dual applicator unit.

[0009] Accordingly, the problem is solved with a dual applicator unit. The dual applicator unit comprises a storage container for the mass to be applied, a sealing cap closing the storage container and a stem firmly connected to the sealing cap. In addition, the dual applicator unit comprises a first applicator held at the end of the stem, which is preferably an applicator fitted with bristles, and a second applicator, which preferably has the shape of a comb. The dual applicator unit is characterized by the fact that the second applicator is pivotably connected to the rear side of the sealing cap via a ball joint.

[0010] When the storage container is closed, the first applicator, which is connected to the sealing cap via a stem, protrudes into the storage container. The product in the storage container accumulates on the application element of the first applicator. The first applicator can therefore be used to transport the product to be applied to the application site and to incorporate or distribute it there. The suitability of the first applicator for distributing the product to be applied at the application site can be additionally increased by equipping at least sections of the application element of the first applicator with bristles.

[0011] In principle, a variety of options are possible for the design of the second applicator or its application element. For example, the second applicator can have a brush-like shape, so that the application element of the second applicator is used to distribute or incorporate the product to be applied at specific points. However, it is particularly preferable for the second applicator to have the shape of a comb. The second applicator can then be used to separate individual eyelashes or eyebrows that have unintentionally stuck together during the application of the product with the first applicator. A comb can also be used to provide the application area with a specific texture.

[0012] The connection of the second applicator via a ball joint to the back of the sealing cap allows a great deal of design freedom with regard to the orientation of the second applicator. Depending on the application or the user's preference, the second applicator can therefore be aligned so that it can easily be brought into contact with the application site.

[0013] A "firmly" connection between the sealing cap and the stem of the first applicator is to be understood as a connection in which there is no joint with one or more degrees of freedom for a translational movement. However, a small translational movement of the stem with respect to the sealing cap and vice versa as a result of an elastic deformation of the stem and / or the sealing cap is not excluded.

[0014] The "rear side" of the sealing cap is the side of the sealing cap facing away from the storage container.PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS

[0015] There are a number of ways in which the invention can be designed to further improve its effectiveness or usefulness.

[0016] It is therefore particularly preferable that the second applicator can be pivoted by + / - at least 25°, preferably by at least + / - 30° and preferably by no more than + / - 35°, relative to the longitudinal axis of the storage container when it is fully closed with the sealing cap as intended.

[0017] The pivoting refers to the longitudinal axis of the second applicator in relation to the longitudinal axis of the storage container. Consequently, the second applicator can be pivoted in such a way that the angle enclosed by the longitudinal axis of the second applicator and the longitudinal axis of the sealing cap can be varied within the specified range. This range of variation with regard to the alignment of the second applicator makes it possible to align the second applicator as ergonomically as possible depending on the application or preference of the user.

[0018] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the second applicator transitions directly and preferably integrally into its associated part of the ball joint.

[0019] The direct transition of the second applicator into its associated part of the ball joint makes the second applicator particularly easy to handle.

[0020] A "direct" transition of the second applicator into the part of the ball joint assigned to it is given if no stem section is provided between the edge of the second applicator and the joint ball or only a stem or attachment section that is shorter than 4 times the joint diameter, preferably only 2.5 times the joint diameter.

[0021] Ideally, the joint socket and the joint ball, when mounted as intended, lie wholly or partly in a section of the sealing cap which, when the sealing cap closes the storage container as intended, lies in an area surrounded by the wiper.

[0022] The wiper is a section of the storage container along which an applicator, and preferably primarily the application element of the first applicator, can be moved to remove excess product. The product removed from the applicator at the wiper then runs back into the storage container.

[0023] The fact that the joint socket and the joint ball are located in an area surrounded by the wiper in this way means that the dual applicator unit has a very compact design. The dual applicator unit can therefore be carried more easily in everyday life and is "handy" during application.

[0024] Preferably, the joint socket is integrally formed in one piece by the sealing cap.

[0025] This increases production efficiency and reduces the amount of material required for production.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the joint socket and the joint ball are designed in such a way that the joint ball of the second applicator can be latched into the joint socket coming from the direction of that side of the sealing cap which is furthest away from the first applicator.

[0027] This type of latched connection makes it easy to fit the dual applicator unit. The latched connection is created by pressing the joint ball into the joint socket while elastically deforming the joint ball and / or the joint socket. In the assembled state, the joint socket encloses the joint ball by more than 180°, so that the joint ball can only be moved in translation to the joint socket by applying a force leading to elastic deformation of the joint socket and / or the joint ball.

[0028] The term "latched" describes a positive connection that is produced by elastic deformation of at least one of the two connected parts.

[0029] Ideally, the joint socket has at least one slit which enables it to expand elastically when the joint ball engages.

[0030] This is an easy-to-produce option that can be used to increase the elastic deformability of the joint socket. This makes it easier to create a latched connection with the joint ball.

[0031] The fact that the slit "enables" the elastic expansion is to be understood as meaning that the force required to produce a latching connection can be specifically defined with the aid of the slot and, in particular, no plastic deformation of the joint socket or the joint ball takes place when the latching connection is produced. This does not rule out the possibility that elastic deformation of the joint socket can also occur without the slit. Nor does it rule out the possibility that a latching connection between the joint ball and joint socket can be produced even without the slit.

[0032] Preferably, the joint ball has at least one recess in the region around its longitudinal axis, which enables its elastic compression when engaging and / or during pivoting in the joint socket.

[0033] The recess is located on the side of the joint ball facing away from the second applicator. The recess is an easy-to-produce option that increases the elastic deformability of the joint ball. This makes it easier to create a latched connection with the joint ball. Depending on the dimensions of the recess, it is also possible to control how smoothly or stiffly the ball joint moves. If the recess is large, the elastic deformability of the joint ball is increased and the ball joint is correspondingly smoother.

[0034] The term "recess" describes a section of a component in which no material of the component into which the recess was made is present.

[0035] The fact that the recess "enables" the elastic compression is to be understood as meaning that the force required to produce a latched connection can be specifically defined with the aid of the recess and, in particular, no plastic deformation of the joint socket or the joint ball takes place when the latched connection is produced. This does not rule out the possibility that elastic deformation of the joint socket can also occur without the recess. Nor does it rule out the possibility that a latching connection between the joint ball and joint socket can be produced even without the recess.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the joint ball and the joint socket are dimensioned in such a way that their latched connection is so firm that the second applicator is not unintentionally pivoted relative to the sealing cap during intended use.

[0037] This ensures that the second applicator can be used precisely despite its pivotability.

[0038] Ideally, the joint socket is snapped onto the joint ball with essentially zero play or so little play that essentially no mass to be applied can permanently penetrate into the gap between the joint ball and the joint socket.

[0039] This prevents unwanted stiffness in relation to the pivoting of the ball joint as a result of contamination by the product to be applied. In addition, such a design prevents or reduces the formation of germs in the gap between the joint socket and the joint ball.

[0040] Preferably, the joint ball and the joint socket are made of different plastics.

[0041] By selecting plastics with specific material properties, optimum sliding properties can be achieved, which improves the mobility of the joint connection and enables uniform force transmission. The stability and load-bearing capacity of the joint can also be increased by combining plastics with different mechanical properties. For example, a hard plastic for the joint ball and a more elastic plastic for the socket provide a more resistant, yet flexible connection.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the dual applicator unit also includes a cap which is preferably latchingly placed on the sealing cap. When placed on the sealing cap, the cap is supported by the sealing cap in such a way that the second applicator lies completely in the cavity which is delimited by the sealing cap and the cap held thereon. The cap preferably has a length in the direction of its longitudinal axis which is at most 40 %, preferably at most 30 % and ideally at most 25 % of the length of the storage container in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0043] This allows the second applicator to protect against contamination when it is not in use. At the same time, the surroundings are protected from contamination by the second applicator if there are still residues of the product to be applied on it. Both of these features mean that the dual applicator unit can be easily transported in a bag containing other items.

[0044] The term "latchingly placed" describes a method of producing a connection in which a form fit is produced by elastic deformation of one or both of the parts to be connected.

[0045] Ideally, the seat of the cap on the sealing cap is designed on the cap side and / or sealing cap side in such a way that sufficient torque can be applied to the sealing cap via the cap in order to be able to unscrew the sealing cap from the neck of the storage container and / or screw it tightly shut. Preferably, the seat of the cap on the sealing cap is formed by form fit.

[0046] This allows the sealing cap to be detached from the storage container even when the cap protecting the second applicator is mounted on the sealing cap. This makes it much easier to operate the first applicator, as the handle available for operating the first applicator is extended by the cap.

[0047] The neck of the storage container is the section of the storage container onto which the cap is screwed or pushed. Preferably, the maximum diameter of the storage container in the region of the uppermost third located on its neck side is smaller than the length of the second applicator in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0048] In particular, if the second applicator is designed without a stem and merges directly into the articulated joint ball, this type of design significantly increases ease of use. The articulated second applicator without a stem can only be used well if the storage container forms no obstacle but is in the way as little as possible.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the second applicator does not or only insignificantly extend laterally beyond the upwardly extended envelope of the storage container, even in the maximum articulated bent position.

[0050] This way, the distance of the second applicator at its furthest point from the longitudinal axis of the storage container (when having reached its maximum articulation) is thus at most the same value as the maximum radius of the storage container. This increases the maneuverability of the dual applicator unit.FIGURE LIST

[0051] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a dual applicator unit according to the invention without a cap. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the dual applicator unit. Fig. 3 shows a top view of the dual applicator unit. Fig. 4 shows the dual applicator unit with cap in longitudinal section. Fig. 5 shows the dual applicator unit without storage container rotated by 90° around its longitudinal axis in longitudinal section. Fig. 6 shows the storage container of the dual applicator unit in longitudinal section. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0052] The mode of operation of the invention is explained by way of example with reference to Figs. 1-6. The dual applicator unit 1 shown there has a first applicator 10, a second applicator 12, a storage container 2 and a sealing cap 7.

[0053] The storage container 2 is used to store the product to be applied, which is usually make-up and in particular mascara. The sealing cap 7 can preferably be screwed onto a corresponding external thread 20 of the storage container 2 by means of an internal thread 19 on the sealing cap 7. When screwed on, the sealing cap 7 prevents the product stored in the storage container 2 from escaping from it.

[0054] The first applicator 10 is used to apply the make-up stored in the storage container 2 to the application site or to the eyelashes and to distribute it there. For this reason, the application element 11 of the first applicator 10 has the shape of an eyelash brush, see Fig. 4. The application element 11 of the first applicator 10 is connected to a stem 9 via a connecting pin 21 or a coupling. For this purpose, the connecting pin 21, which merges integrally into the applicator element 11, is inserted into a corresponding hole in the stem 9 and held there by friction, welding or snap-in.

[0055] The stem 9 in turn merges integrally into the sealing cap 7. If the sealing cap 7 is screwed onto the storage container 2, the first applicator 10 thus protrudes into the interior of the storage container 2 and is in contact with the product located there, see Fig. 4. The product accumulates on the application element 11 of the first applicator 10.

[0056] To apply the product to the eyelashes, first one has to unscrew the sealing cap 7 from the storage container 2. The first applicator 10 is then moved towards the eyelashes with its applicator element 11 in such a way that the product deposited on the applicator element 11 is delivered to the eyelashes. The product can then be distributed and worked in along the eyelashes by moving the applicator element 11 accordingly.

[0057] The sealing cap 7 - in combination with the cap 5 attached to a section of the sealing cap 7 provided with grooves 8 - serves as a handle for the first applicator 10. The cap 5 is a preferably thin-walled cylindrical sleeve. This sleeve is sealed at the end facing away from the sealing cap 7. The grooves 8 (see Fig. 2) serve primarily to provide for circumferential form fit between the sealing cap 7 and the cap 5. For that purpose, the cap bears internally according "counter teeth". So, the grooves 8 ensure that the sealing cap 7 can also be screwed onto or unscrewed from the storage container 2 when the cap 5 is attached to the sealing cap 7 while the sealing cap 7 is "torqued" very fast onto the bottle neck.

[0058] The storage container 2 is equipped with a wiper 4 in the area of its opening. The wiper 4 is also used to wipe off the product deposited on the stem 9 when the first applicator 10 is pulled out of the storage container 2. Moreover, it wipes the first applicator 10.

[0059] The end face of the sealing cap 7 facing away from the first applicator 10 is connected to the second applicator 12 via a ball joint 14.

[0060] The application element 13 of the second applicator 12 has the shape of a comb and is used for finishing the application area after the product has been applied with the first applicator 10. For example, eyelashes or eyebrows that are sticking together can be separated with the help of the second applicator 12. It has to be mentioned that the application element 13 can also have different shapes as a comb and it is sometimes even preferred that it has the shape of a brush and preferably any other applicator or applicator shape can be used as an application element 13. Therefore, it is also possible that the comb for example also has bristles that protrude in the opposite direction of the teeth of the comb and therefore forms an application element that has at least two different uses. It is also possible that multiple application elements 13 are used in one applicator unit.

[0061] The second applicator 12 does not have a pronounced stem, but only a short transition section where the application element 13 merges into a ball joint 14, see Fig. 2. This ensures that the second applicator 12 has only a limited length and can be easily pressed into the cavity formed between the mounted cap 5 and the sealing cap 7 - without buckling sideways.

[0062] The ball joint 14 is formed by a joint socket 15 and the joint ball 16. In the assembled state, the joint socket 15 prevents the joint ball 16 from a translational relative movement with respect to the sealing cap 7. A rotational movement of the joint ball 16, on the other hand, is basically possible about all three main axes of an (imaginary) fixed Cartesian coordinate system in the center of the joint ball 16.

[0063] However, the rotational movement of the joint ball 16 about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L1 of the storage container 2 or the sealing cap 7 is limited by the fact that, from a certain angle of rotation, the area of the second applicator 12 adjacent to the joint ball 16 collides with the sealing cap 7. Fig. 2 shows the maximum angle of rotation about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L1.

[0064] Starting from an orientation of the second applicator 12 in which its longitudinal axis L2 runs parallel or congruent to the longitudinal axis L1 of the sealing cap 7, this angle is approximately 25° in both directions of rotation.

[0065] Preferably on the side of the joint ball 16 facing away from the application element 13, a recess 18 (or also multiple recesses) is provided around the longitudinal axis L2 of the second applicator 12. This recess 18 reduces the resistance of the joint ball 16 to elastic compression in the direction of the longitudinal axis L2 of the second applicator 12. On the one hand, this facilitates the assembly of the joint ball 16 in the joint socket 15. Thus, the joint ball 16 can be elastically compressed when it is inserted into the joint socket 15. As soon as the joint ball 16 has reached its intended position in the joint socket 15, it relaxes again. This creates a form fit that prevents translational movement of the joint ball 16 relative to the sealing cap 7.

[0066] The joint socket 15 is formed by the sealing cap 7 and merges integrally into the stem 9 of the first applicator 10. In order to also achieve a certain elasticity of the joint socket 15 and thereby increase the ease of movement of the ball joint 14, the free space required for the formation of the joint socket 15 in the sealing cap 7 is enlarged by a bore 17.

[0067] The storage container 2 has a smaller diameter in the area of its neck 3 equipped with the external thread 20 than in its remaining area. This has the advantage that the maximum diameter of the storage container 2 adjacent to the neck 3 of the storage container 2 and the outer diameter of the cap 5 fitted onto the sealing cap 7 are approximately the same size.

[0068] As a result, the dual applicator unit 1 has an almost constant circular outer diameter over its entire length when the sealing cap 7 together with the cap 5 is screwed onto the storage container 2. This increases the maneuverability and transportability of the dual applicator unit 1.REFERENCE LIST

[0069] 1Dual applicator unit 2Storage container 3Neck of the storage container 4Wiper 5Cap 6Cavity 7Sealing cap 8Grooves in the sealing cap 9Stem 10First applicator 11Application element of the first applicator 12Second applicator 13Application element of the second applicator 14Ball joint 15Joint socket 16Joint ball 17Hole in joint socket 18Recess in the joint ball 19Internal thread of the sealing cap 20External thread of the storage container 21Connecting pin of the first applicator L1Longitudinal axis of the storage container / sealing cap L2Longitudinal axis of the second applicator

Claims

1. Dual applicator unit (1) with a storage container (2) for the mass to be applied, a sealing cap (7) closing the storage container (2) and a stem (9) firmly connected to the sealing cap (7) and a first applicator (10) held at the end thereof as well as a second applicator (12), characterized in that the second applicator (12) is pivotably connected to the rear side of the sealing cap (7) via a ball joint (14).

2. Dual applicator unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second applicator (12) can be pivoted relative to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the storage container (2) by + / - at least 25°, preferably by at least + / - 30° and preferably by no more than + / - 35°.

3. Dual applicator unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second applicator (12) transitions directly into the part of the ball joint (14) assigned to it.

4. Dual applicator unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the joint socket (15) and the joint ball (16), when mounted as intended, lie wholly or partly in a section of the sealing cap (7) which, when the sealing cap (7) closes the storage container (2) as intended, lies in an area surrounded by the wiper (4).

5. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint socket (15) is formed by the sealing cap (7).

6. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint socket (15) and the joint ball (16) are designed in such a way that the joint ball (16) of the second applicator (12) can be latched into the joint socket (15) coming from the direction of that side of the sealing cap (7) which is furthest away from the first applicator (10).

7. Dual applicator unit (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the joint socket (15) has at least one slit which enables its elastic expansion when the joint ball (16) engages.

8. Dual applicator unit (1) according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the joint ball (16) has at least one recess (18) in the region around its longitudinal axis, which enables its elastic compression during engagement and / or during pivoting in the joint socket (15).

9. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint ball (16) and the joint socket (15) are dimensioned in such a way that their latching connection is so firm that the second applicator (12) is not unintentionally pivoted relative to the sealing cap (7) during intended use.

10. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint socket (15) is snapped onto the joint ball (16) with essentially zero play or such little play that essentially no mass to be applied can permanently penetrate into the gap between the joint ball (16) and the joint socket (15).

11. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint ball (16) and the joint socket (15) are made of different plastics.

12. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dual applicator unit (1) also includes a cap (5), which is preferably latchingly placed on the sealing cap (7) and then supported by it in such a way that the second applicator (12) lies completely in the cavity (6), which is delimited by the sealing cap (7) and the cap (5) held thereon, the cap (5) preferably having a length in the direction of its longitudinal axis which is at most 40 %, better at most 30 % and ideally at most 25 % of the length of the storage container (2) in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

13. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat of the cap (5) on the sealing cap (7) is designed on the cap side and / or on the sealing cap side, preferably by form fit, in such a way that sufficient torque can be applied to the sealing cap (7) via the cap (5) in order to be able to unscrew the sealing cap (7) from the neck (3) of the storage container (2) and / or screw it tightly shut.

14. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum diameter of the storage container (2) in the region of the uppermost third located on its neck side is continuously smaller than the length of the second applicator (12) in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

15. Dual applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second applicator (12), even in the maximum articulated bent position, does not extend or extends only insignificantly laterally beyond the envelope curve of the storage container (2), which is extended upwards in thought.

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