Wire core applicator

Abstract

A wire core applicator with an applicator core consisting of a plurality of wires twisted together, the wires holding clamped between them filaments, the sections of which form bristles projecting outwards from the applicator core for the application of mass, characterized in that at least some of the filaments are shaped in such a way that the filament in question has a filament core which is preferably hollow in its center and from which a plurality of filament extensions project preferably radially outwards, the filament extensions projecting from a common filament core but otherwise being separated from one another, wherein the filament core comprises arms protruding from a core section of the filament core and holding said filament extensions.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a twisted wire core applicator according to the preamble of claim 1, hereinafter also referred to as "wire core applicator".TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] In principle, there are many possible applications for applicators that are suitable for applying mass to keratinous fibres. However, such applicators are particularly frequently used for the application of make-up and care products. Twisted wire core applicators are used in particular for applying mascara to the eyelashes or for eyebrow care or beard care. The following explanations therefore refer primarily to applicators for applying make-up or care products. However, this does not exclude other possible applications.

[0003] To apply make-up to a desired area, the bristles of the applicator must first be wetted with the make-up. In the case of an applicator designed as an eyelash brush, the bristles are dipped into a container of mascara. The make-up adhering to the bristles is then applied to the desired area. To do this, the bristles of the applicator are brought into contact with the eyelashes with rotating and stroking movements.STATE OF THE ART

[0004] For producing wire core applicators, a large number of individual bristles are first positioned between two wires. The wires are then twisted together, clamping the bristles between the two wires. With conventional bristles, the twisting of the wires can lead to undesirable mechanical stresses being induced in the bristles as a result of the clamping forces acting in the process. Under certain circumstances, this can lead to individual bristles being bent or kinked in an uncontrolled manner. In order to achieve an even make-up application and precise make-up results with an applicator, the bristles must be aligned as evenly as possible or in a predefined direction. Consequently, applicators with unevenly aligned bristles have to be discarded as rejects, which not only increases production costs but is also undesirable from an ecological point of view.

[0005] Another disadvantage of conventional wire core applicators is that each time the applicator is dipped into the make-up container, only relatively little make-up adheres to the applicator bristles. The applicator bristles can therefore only store a relatively small amount of make-up mass. To apply the desired amount of make-up to the corresponding area (e.g. the eyelashes), the applicator must therefore be dipped into the make-up container several times and wiped off at the desired area. This is time-consuming and therefore not desirable from the user's point of view.THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the above, it is the object of the invention to provide a wire core applicator which makes the make-up process less time consuming.THE SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved with the features of the main claim directed to the wire core applicator.

[0008] Accordingly, the solution is made with a wire core applicator with an applicator core made of several wires twisted together. The wires hold filaments clamped between them, the sections of which form bristles projecting outwards from the applicator core for applying mass.

[0009] The wire core applicator is characterised in that at least a portion of the filaments is configured such that the filament in question has a filament core. This filament core is preferably hollow in its centre. A plurality of filament extensions preferably project radially outwards from the filament core.

[0010] In this case, the filament extensions protrude - in most cases essentially in radial direction - from a common filament core, but are otherwise separated from each other. The filament core furthermore comprises arms that are protruding from a core section of the filament core. The said arms form a link member between the core and the more outwardly positioned filament extensions. Said arms are preferably also designed in a way that they project radially outwards from the core section of the filament core, but are otherwise separated from each other at least substantially.

[0011] By designing the filaments or bristles in this way, the individual bristles can store more make-up mass which is not fully wiped off when pulling the applicator through the wiper. Depending on how the filament extensions and also how the arms are designed, for example, indentations or other irregularities can be created in the outer circumferential surface of the individual bristles. Such irregularities prevent make-up mass from flowing off the outer circumferential surface of the bristles after the applicator is pulled out of the make-up container. They thus serve as a mass reservoir for the make-up mass to be applied. In addition, the use of filaments consisting of multiple arms and filament extensions is typically accompanied by a thickening of the individual bristles compared to conventional bristles. The resulting larger outer circumferential area of the bristles compared to conventional bristles also results in an increase in the absorption or storage capacity of the individual bristles with regard to make-up mass.

[0012] Another advantage of the bristles or filaments according to the invention is the more compliant filament core compared to conventional bristles. It has been found that the use of filaments with a hollow filament core can, if correctly designed, lead to a reduction in the misalignment of the individual bristles as a result of the twisting of the wires of the applicator core that clamp them. The clamping forces acting on the filaments as a result of the twisting no longer cause the filaments to bend or kink uncontrollably. Instead, only the area of the filaments between the wires is deformed or compressed. This can contribute to reduce the number of rejects during production, which leads to a reduction in production costs.

[0013] The term "Wire core applicator" means an applicator whose bristles are held by two or more wires twisted together.

[0014] A "filament" is understood to mean a fibre.PREFERENTIAL DESIGN OPTIONS

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

[0016] Thus, it is particularly preferred that the filaments are made of polyamide.

[0017] Polyamide is particularly suitable for use as a bristle-forming filament, as it brings with it good abrasion and wear resistance. The service life of the bristles is thus increased. At the same time, the material is relatively elastic, which produces a good application result. In addition, the filaments can then be produced by an extrusion process, which brings with it a great deal of leeway in the design of the cross-section of the individual filaments.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the filament extensions have an undercut or recess between their radially outward end and / or at their transition into the filament core. Preferably said undercut is positioned at their transition into the arms of the filament core, ideally so that each filament extension transitions into one arm of the filament core.

[0019] This undercut serves to increase the make-up mass that can be stored by the individual filaments. In particular, such undercuts give the mass to be applied a hold and prevent (at least to a certain extent) the make-up mass from flowing off the bristles again immediately as a result of gravity when the applicator is pulled out of the make-up container.

[0020] Ideally, the filament extensions have a substantially round or at least substantially polygonal cross-section or preferably a cross-section substantially in the form of a circular segment, seen in longitudinal direction of the filament or bristle.

[0021] On the one hand, this avoids sharp edges on the bristles. This prevents the bristles from being perceived as prickly. In addition, the make-up is deposited evenly and / or accumulated evenly on the entire outer circumferential surface of the individual filament extensions and thus on the entire outer circumferential surface of the bristle when the applicator is immersed in the make-up container. This enables an even application of the make-up.

[0022] Preferably, the filament core consists of a core section that is substantially in the shape of a polygon, preferably a hexagon, preferably with the above-mentioned central cavity. Furthermore, the filament core comprises a plurality of above-mentioned arms that are circularly grouped elements protruding radially from said core section, preferably protruding radially from the sides of the polygon that the core section is formed of. The arms have a substantially polygonal or round cross-section, preferably a trapeze or trapezoid cross-section, especially preferable a rounded polygonal cross-section.

[0023] Overall, the filament core therefore forms a star-like shape. Because of this star-shape, there is a lot of storage space for the mass between the arms. Furthermore, the arms can be used as a fine-tuning tool to apply the mass even more precise. On the other hand, the even accumulation and / or deposition of make-up mass on the entire outer circumferential surface of a single bristle is favoured.

[0024] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the free outer surface of the filament core consists of several surface sections. Preferably, these are at least twelve surface sections that are formed by the sides of the arms. These are preferably convex, wherein the arms are therefore preferably bellied on their sides.

[0025] The exact design of the individual surface sections and the transitions between the individual sections depends on the properties that the filaments are to have. For example, the transitions can be designed in such a way that there are unevennesses in the outer surface of the filament core. These prevent the make-up mass from flowing off, so that the applicator can transport more make-up mass to the area to which the make-up is to be applied. It would also be conceivable to design the surface in such a way that only a small amount of make-up mass is stored in the area of the filament core. This is advantageous, for example, if only very discreet make-up is to be applied. In these cases, it may be sufficient or desirable if make-up mass only accumulates at the transitions of the filament extensions to the filament core. Said convex belly on the respective arm can therefore be an adjustment option for different filament properties and can also be fully left out.

[0026] Ideally, the filament core has, between two directly adjacent arms, a rounded, concave connection, that is formed where two arms merge directly into one another.

[0027] Such an embodiment allows for a particularly good retention or storage of make-up mass on the individual filaments. The rounded connection that works like a recess in the outer surface of the filament core and already counteracts the unhindered flow of the make-up mass after the applicator is pulled out of the make-up container. This creates depressions that run groove-like along the entire longitudinal axis of a filament and cause a significant increase in the make-up mass that can be stored by the individual filaments.

[0028] Preferably, a V-shaped recess or undercut is formed at the transition between the filament core, preferably an arm of the filament core, and a filament extension. The undercut is preferably formed by two convexly curved surface sections that merge directly into one another.

[0029] In this way, further storage reservoirs are created at the transitions from the filament core to the individual filament extensions, which counteract the run-off (flow off) of make-up mass from the bristles. Due to the preferable convex circular arc shape of the surface sections, sharp-edged sections are avoided and the risk of injury is reduced.

[0030] A "V-shaped recess" does not necessarily mean a recess or undercut in which two respective flat surfaces meet at one point and thus form a recess whose clear cross-section has an exact V-shape. Rather, this also means recesses whose clear cross-section is axially symmetrical to an axis running through the deepest point of the recess and in which each half of the symmetrical clear cross-section is bounded by a flank consisting of two or more (possibly curved) flanks with different pitches.

[0031] Ideally, the central cavity of the filament core has a round or polygonal, preferably hexagonal, cross-section.

[0032] As already described above, the central cavity can be used to store make-up mass if the filament is designed accordingly. The make-up mass that enters the cavity is then also held there when the applicator is pulled out of the make-up container as a result of capillary effects. The "central cavity" is synonymous with the cavity of the filament core.

[0033] It is furthermore preferred that the diameter of the filament extension is smaller than the largest width of an arm. The diameter of the filament extension - when its cross-section is not ideally a circle - preferably is either the projected diameter of the actual circular segment or the imaginary diameter that is enveloping the whole cross-section of the filament extension. If there are different diameters along one filament extension or different filament extensions on the same filament have different diameters, the largest diameter is taken into account. The width of an arm preferably is the extension of the cross-section of the arm in the circumferential direction.

[0034] It is also preferred that the diameter of the central cavity is smaller than the diameter of the filament extension. The diameter of the filament extension - when its cross-section is not ideally a circle - preferably is either the projected diameter of the actual circular segment or the imaginary diameter that is enveloping the whole cross-section of the filament extension. If there are different diameters along one filament extension or different filament extensions on the same filament have different diameters, the largest diameter is taken into account. The diameter of the cavity - if it is not ideally round - is the diameter that is enveloping the whole central cavity. If there are different diameters along the length of the filament, the largest diameter is taken into account.

[0035] Moreover, it is preferred that the distance of the center of the filament to the most inner point of the imaginary circle of the diameter of the filament extension is greater than the diameter of the filament extension. The center of the filament is preferably the geometrical center of the central cavity of the filament. The diameter of the filament extension - when its cross-section is not ideally a circle - preferably is either the projected diameter of the actual circular segment or the imaginary diameter that is enveloping the whole cross-section of the filament extension. If there are different diameters along one filament extension or different filament extensions on the same filament have different diameters, the largest diameter is taken into account. The imaginary circle of the diameter is preferably said projected diameter of the circular segment or the imaginary diameter that is enveloping the whole cross-section of the filament extension.FIGURE LIST

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a wire core applicator according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a single filament in sectional view. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The mode of operation of the invention is explained by way of example with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 shows a wire core applicator 1 according to the invention and Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a single filament 4 of such a wire core applicator 1. In Fig. 1, the individual filaments 4 and in Fig. 2, some undercuts 7, rounded connections 8 the convex bellies 13 and the diameters, widths, distances and also separating lines are only provided with reference signs or provided overall as examples for better illustration.

[0038] The wire core applicator 1 comprises an applicator core 2, which is formed by the two wires 3. The bristles 4 or filaments 4 are held by the applicator core 2 when assembled. To connect the individual filaments 4 to the applicator core 2, the filaments 4 are inserted between the two wires 3. The wires 3 are then twisted together. This creates clamping forces that initially hold the individual filaments 4 between the two wires 3 in a force-fit and, as a result of the deformation of the filaments, also in a form-fit.

[0039] As a result of the twisting, the assembled filaments 4 are arranged in a spiral around the applicator core 2. At its free end facing away from the filaments 4, the applicator core 2 is typically still connected with a handle.

[0040] To use the wire core applicator 1 for applying mascara to the eyelashes, the area of the applicator 1 covered with filaments 4 is dipped into a corresponding mascara container. This causes mascara to adhere to the individual filaments 4. Then the wire core applicator 1 is pulled out through the wiper and brought up to the eyelashes. Now the mascara on the filaments 4 is applied to the eyelashes by stroking and rotating movements while pressing lightly on the eyelashes.

[0041] In order to allow the largest possible amount of make-up to adhere to the individual filaments 4 during immersion in the make-up container, they are made as shown in Fig. 2.

[0042] A filament 4 consists of a filament core 6 and the filament extensions 5 adjacent thereto. The filament core 6 in turn preferably consists of a plurality of arms 10 that are preferably in the form of circularly arranged elements 10. The filament core 6 preferably also comprises a core section 12 that has the shape of a polygon, in the example shown a hexagon. That is shown with the hexagonally dashed line in the center of the filament.

[0043] The arms 10 preferably protrude radially outwards from the core section 12, preferably one arm from one side of the polygon. Each filament extensions 5 preferably protrudes radially outwards from one of the arms 10. The transition from the arm 10 into the filament extension 5 is schematically shown by one dashed line in Fig. 2. Each filament extension 5 preferably has at least essentially the cross-section of a circular segment with a diameter DF (see Fig. 2).

[0044] A filament extension 5 therefore adjoins (being adjacent to) each arm 10 in the radially outward direction, each filament extension 5 being integrally connected to the adjoining (adjacent) arm 10. The filament extensions 5 are spaced apart from each other, preferably also like the arms 10.

[0045] The arms 10 of the filament core 6 each have preferably a polygonal cross-section, in the example shown substantially a trapezoid cross-section. In the area of their base - which is preferably also the area where they have their largest width WA - the adjacent arms 10 merge integrally into one another. A preferably rounded connection 8 results between each two adjacent arms 10 on the outer circumferential surface of the filament core 6. Two V-shaped undercuts 7 also result between each filament extension 5 and the adjoining arm 10 of the filament core. The resulting gaps between the individual filament extension 5 (appendages 5), each of which is bounded by two V-shaped undercuts 7 and one rounded connection 8 respectively, extend nut-like along the entire longitudinal axis of a filament 4 and serve as a mass reservoir which cannot be fully emptied by the wiping action of the wiper. When the wire core applicator 1 is dipped into the make-up container, make-up mass collects in these gaps and remains there (at least partially) until the applicator 1 is brought into contact with the eyelashes. The V-shaped undercut 7 and the rounded connection 8 give the mass to be applied a kind of form-fitting hold, which prevents or at least makes it more difficult for the mass to flow out until the filaments 4 come into contact with the eyelashes, for example.

[0046] Each of the arms 10 preferably also has a convex belly 13 the protrudes in the circumferential direction out of each side flank of the cross-section of the arms 10.

[0047] The filament core 6 also has a preferably round cavity 9 in its centre which extends along the entire longitudinal axis of the filament 4. The cavity 9 has the advantage that the filament 4 can be easily compressed when it is clamped between the two wires 3 of the applicator core 2 during twisting. In the case of filaments with a solid filament core, there may be the problem that the filaments bend or kinked uncontrollably as a result of the forces acting on them during clamping between the wires of the applicator core. This results in an uneven alignment of the individual filaments. The cavity 9 in the centre of the filament core 6 counteracts this problem. The individual filaments 4 are only deformed in the area that is clamped between the two wires 3. The adjacent sections of the filaments 4, on the other hand, do not buckle uncontrollably because no corresponding stresses are induced in the filaments 4.

[0048] Another advantage of the cavity 9 is that it can in some cases be used to store make-up mass - provided its diameter in big enough or provided that the mass to be applied is more or less an aqueous mass. When the wire core applicator 1 is dipped into the make-up container, make-up mass penetrates then into the cavity 9 and remains stored there even after the applicator 1 is pulled out of the make-up container as a result of capillary effects. Only when the filament 4 is slightly elastically deformed as a result of being pressed against the eyelashes does the make-up mass escape from the cavity 9.

[0049] A filament 4 is preferably produced by extruding filament strands in a coextrusion process so that they are integrally joined together in the cured state. Each filament strand consists of individual strands. The individual strands merge into one another in one piece.REFERENCE LIST

[0050] 1Wire core applicator 2Applicator core 3Wires 4Filaments / bristles 5Filament extension 6Filament core 7V-shaped recess / undercut / setback 8Rounded connection 9Central Cavity / Cavity 10Elements of the filament core / setback 11Not assigned 12Core section 13Convex belly of arm DDistance DFDiameter of filament extension WALargest width of an arm DCDiameter of central cavity

Claims

1. A wire core applicator (1) with an applicator core (2) consisting of a plurality of wires (3) twisted together, the wires (3) holding clamped between them filaments (4), the sections of which form bristles (4) projecting outwards from the applicator core (2) for the application of mass, characterized in that at least some of the filaments (4) are shaped in such a way that the filament (4) in question has a filament core (6) which is preferably hollow in its centre and from which a plurality of filament extensions (5) project preferably radially outwards, the filament extensions (5) projecting from a common filament core (6) but otherwise being separated from one another, wherein the filament core (6) comprises arms (10) protruding from a core section (12) of the filament core (6) and holding said filament extensions (5).

2. The wire core applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filaments (4) consist of polyamide.

3. The wire core applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filament extensions (5) have an undercut (7) or recess between their radially outward end and / or at their transition into the filament core (6).

4. The wire core applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filament extensions (5) have a substantially round or polygonal cross-section or a cross-section substantially in the form of a circular segment.

5. The wire core applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filament core (6) consists of a core section (12) substantially in the shape of a polygon and a plurality of arms (10) that are circularly grouped elements (10) protruding radially from the core section (12) and having a substantially polygonal or round cross-section.

6. The wire core applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free outer surface of the filament core (6) consists of several, preferably at least 12, surface sections which are at least partly convex in the circumferential direction.

7. The wire core applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filament core (6) has, between two directly adjacent arms (10), a rounded, concave connection (8), that is formed where two arms (10) merge directly into one another.

8. The wire core applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a V-shaped recess or an undercut (7) is formed at the transition between the filament core (6), preferably an arm (10), and a filament extension (5).

9. The wire core applicator (1) preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central cavity (9) of the filament core (6) has a round or polygonal, preferably hexagonal cross-section.

10. The wire core applicator (1) preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter (DF) of the filament extension (5) is smaller than the largest width (WA) of an arm (10).

11. The wire core applicator (1) preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter (DC) of the central cavity (9) is smaller than the diameter (DF) of the filament extension (5).

12. The wire core applicator (1) preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (D) of the center of the filament (5) to the most inner point of the imaginary circle of the diameter (DF) of the filament extension (5) is greater than the diameter (DF) of the filament extension (5).

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