Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

Applicator intended for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, comprising a stem and an applicator element fixed thereto, characterized in that the applicator element has, on its front face opposite the stem, a surface of the applicator which, projected into a plane, has a contour line in the shape of a cam, a drop, an egg or a pear, said contour line extending beyond the imaginary extension of the stem on all sides and, along an imaginary line between two extreme points, being continuously curved convexly or curved concavely or being flat.

Description

Title of the invention: Cosmetic applicator

[0001] The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator intended for applying a cosmetic product according to the preamble of claim 1. Technical context

[0002] Cosmetic applicators are frequently used to apply medical or cosmetic products such as creams, ointments, or makeup. These applicators generally include a handle or rod and a section for applying the product to the desired area using stroking, tapping, or rotating movements. This section of a cosmetic applicator is also referred to as the applicator element. Depending on the type of product to be applied, different configurations can be considered with regard to the geometry and material of a cosmetic applicator or applicator element. State of the art

[0003] When applying lip gloss and other cosmetic, hygiene, or medical products that are typically applied to the skin, brush-type cosmetic applicators are frequently used. These comprise a shaft and a plurality of bristles arranged at the free end of the applicator. In this case, the bristles constitute the applicator element.

[0004] In order to apply the product to the desired area, the hairs must first be moistened with the product to be applied. For this purpose, they are generally immersed in a container containing the product to be applied. However, the amount of product adhering to the hairs is only partially controllable. Although the applicator can be immersed in the container of product to be applied in such a way that only the tips of the applicator come into contact with the product, depending on the viscosity of the product to be applied, undesirable impregnation of the entire applicator by the product to be applied may nevertheless occur.In the case of high viscosity of the product to be applied, individual hairs and / or the spaces between hairs may, due to capillary effects, become saturated with the product along their entire length, even if the hairs have not been completely immersed in the product contained in the container.

[0005] For this reason, before applying the product, the hairs are typically scraped, either on a cloth (more rarely), or on a specific scraper placed inside the container, so as to remove any excess product adhering to the hairs. However, the amount of product to be applied that remains on the hairs after scraping is also difficult to measure. This can result in an unintentional amount Excessive product may be applied. Furthermore, unwanted contamination of the container's exterior surface may occur. While such contamination can be avoided by wiping the applicator on a cloth or similar object, this results in increased product consumption and waste.

[0006] It may also happen that the application operation is unnecessarily prolonged, because too little or too much of the product to be applied remains on the hairs, so that the operation has to be repeated or interrupted and / or started again. The object of the invention

[0007] In light of the foregoing, the invention aims to provide a cosmetic applicator that makes it easier to dose the amount of product to be applied, the quantity of which is loaded onto and dispensed by the applicator. The solution according to the invention

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim relating to the cosmetic applicator.

[0009] To this end, an applicator for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product is proposed, the applicator comprising a stem and an applicator element attached thereto. The applicator is characterized in that the applicator element has, on its front face opposite the stem, a surface of the applicator, preferably continuous, which, projected onto a plane, has a contour line in the shape of a cam, a drop, an egg, or a pear. This contour line extends beyond the imaginary extension of the stem on all sides and, along an imaginary line between two extreme points, it is continuously—preferably across its entire width—curved convexly or concavely, or it is flat.

[0010] In the context of the invention, the expression "projected onto a plane" refers to the imaginary projection of the applicator surface onto a flat surface, in the case where said applicator surface is not flat. This can be illustrated, for example, by the shadow of the applicator surface projected onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0011] In this way, an applicator can be created simply, offering easy and preferred application of the mass to be applied, as well as preferred wetting and massaging behavior, these properties being determined by the simple shape of the applicator's surface. It should be noted that the applicator's surface is not the only part of the applicator element intended for the intended application. In many cases, it is even preferable that the application, and especially the fine adjustment, can be carried out by the entire applicator element. This constitutes another advantage of the applicator according to the invention, because it can adapt to the desired application behavior on different surfaces and thus, for example, be used advantageously to adapt to the various curves of the face. Optional implementation variations

[0012] According to one embodiment, the contour line of the applicator surface has its least curvature at or near its first extreme point and its second least curvature at or near its second extreme point. The "nearest area" in question is a circular zone with a maximum diameter of 30 mm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 10 mm, around the extreme point. This generally makes it possible to obtain a preferred shape of the applicator surface that allows for better application of the product to be applied.

[0013] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the curvature of the contour line at the second extreme point be at least 3 times greater, preferably at least 5 times greater, than that of the first extreme point. In general, this results in a preferred shape of the applicator surface, allowing for better application of the product to be applied.

[0014] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable for the extreme points to be diametrically opposite with respect to the extended imaginary central longitudinal axis of the rod. It is therefore preferable for the two extreme points to be located in exactly opposite directions. In this case, the applicator element can be designed in mirror symmetry; however, in many cases, it is preferable for the applicator element not to be designed in mirror symmetry, the two extreme points then being arranged offset from each other with respect to a central plane.

[0015] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the surface of the applicator be only slightly curved, or even uncurved, or at least substantially uncurved in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line connecting two extreme points. This is the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line describing the transverse direction of the applicator. This direction is indicated in the following figures by bands on the surface of the applicator.

[0016] It is also particularly preferable that the applicator be made entirely or partially of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), or a mixture containing TPE or TPO. Thanks to its elasticity, preferably rubberized, when properly adjusted, this contributes to the desired application behavior.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the surface of the applicator, or the entire applicator assembly, be at least partially, or ideally entirely, flocked and / or furnished with micro-hairs and / or some other type of modification of surface. This can positively influence the wetting behavior and application behavior of the applicator.

[0018] “Micro-hairs” are hairs whose length is less than 2 mm, or preferably less than 1 mm, and whose diameter is less than 5 hundredths of a millimeter, or preferably less than 2 hundredths of a millimeter.

[0019] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the tip of the applicator surface, at the first extreme point, be formed and composed of a material such that it is capable of moving (for example, pivoting) at least 2 mm relative to the rest of the applicator element under the effect of the forces normally exerted during application in accordance with its intended use. This has a positive influence on the application behavior.

[0020] Another preferred embodiment of the applicator is in which the applicator element takes the form of a shoe. In this case, the applicator element widens, preferably uniformly, from the upper upwards, which represents the ankle of the shoe. The applicator element then widens more sharply on one side (heel area) than on the diametrically opposite side (tongue area) with respect to the extended longitudinal axis L. The side that widens more rapidly terminates lower—towards the upper—than the diametrically opposite side. The lower end terminates, among other places, at the first extreme point already mentioned, while the diametrically opposite side preferably terminates at a second extreme point. The surface of the applicator extends between the two sides, and therefore also between the two extreme points, and thus serves as the shoe sole.

[0021] Other effects, advantages and embodiment options emerge from the description of the embodiments based on the figures. List of figures

[0022] Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (comprising a convex applicator surface) in three-dimensional view.

[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (comprising a flat applicator surface) in three-dimensional view.

[0024] Fig. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention (comprising a concave applicator surface) in three-dimensional view.

[0025] Fig. 4 illustrates another three-dimensional representation for all embodiments of the applicator according to the invention.

[0026] Fig. 5 illustrates another three-dimensional representation for all embodiments of the applicator according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in top view.

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view for all embodiments of the applicator according to the invention. Preferred modes of implementation First preferred mode of implementation

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a rod 2, represented here only by dashed lines. This rod 2 can serve as an additional piece for attaching a handle, or constitute the handle itself, which the user holds in their hand or between their fingers to use the applicator 1 as intended. The central longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 corresponds to the central longitudinal axis of the rod 2, which has been extended imaginarily.

[0030] The applicator 1 further comprises an applicator member 3 that extends from the shaft 2 and carries the surface of the applicator 4. On its front face opposite the shaft 2, the applicator 1 has a surface of the applicator 4 that serves, among other things, as an application surface for the product to be applied. This surface of the applicator 4 has a contour line 5 in the shape of a teardrop, egg, or pear that is projected onto the plane and extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the shaft 2. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the applicator 4 has a continuous convex curvature along an imaginary line 6 connecting the two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[0031] Fig. 7 illustrates very well what is meant by "projected in the plane", because from the view from below of a horizontal plane, one can see the characteristic ovoid shape of the applicator organ 3.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the aforementioned shoe shape, according to which the applicator organ 3 is designed in a particularly preferred manner.

[0033] The "transverse bands" shown on the surface of the applicator 4 in the figures should be interpreted primarily as direction indicators better illustrating the curvature and flexure of the surface of the applicator 4 and not necessarily as notches in the surface of the applicator 4, although these may also be desirable in some cases. Second preferred embodiment

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a rod 2, represented here only by dashed lines. This rod 2 can serve as an additional piece for attaching a handle, or constitute the handle itself, which the user holds in their hand or between their fingers to use the applicator 1 as intended. The central longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 corresponds to the central longitudinal axis of the rod 2, which has been extended imaginarily.

[0035] The applicator 1 further comprises an applicator member 3 that extends from the shaft 2 and carries the surface of the applicator 4. On its front face opposite the shaft 2, the applicator 1 has a surface of the applicator 4 that serves, among other things, as an application surface for the product to be applied. This surface of the applicator 4 has a contour line 5 in the shape of a teardrop, egg, or pear that is projected onto the plane and extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the shaft 2. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the applicator 4 is continuously flat along an imaginary line 6 connecting the two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[0036] Fig. 7 illustrates very well what is meant by "projected in the plane", because from the view from below of a horizontal plane, one can see the characteristic ovoid shape of the applicator organ 3.

[0037] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the aforementioned shoe shape, according to which the applicator organ 3 is designed in a particularly preferred manner.

[0038] The "transverse bands" shown on the surface of the applicator 4 in the figures should be interpreted primarily as direction indicators better illustrating the curvature and flexure of the surface of the applicator 4 and not necessarily as notches in the surface of the applicator 4, although these may also be desirable in some cases. Third preferred embodiment

[0039] Figure 3 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a rod 2, represented here only by dashed lines. This rod 2 can serve as an additional piece for attaching a handle, or constitute the handle itself, which the user holds in their hand or between their fingers to use the applicator 1 as intended. The central longitudinal axis L of the applicator 1 corresponds to the central longitudinal axis of the rod 2, which has been extended imaginarily.

[0040] The applicator 1 further comprises an applicator member 3 that extends from the shaft 2 and carries the surface of the applicator 4. On its front face opposite the shaft 2, the applicator 1 has a surface of the applicator 4 that serves, among other things, as an application surface for the product to be applied. This surface of the applicator 4 has a contour line 5 in the shape of a teardrop, egg, or pear that is projected onto the plane and extends on all sides beyond the imaginary extension of the shaft 2. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the applicator 4 has a continuous concave curvature along an imaginary line 6 connecting the two extreme points EX1 and EX2.

[0041] Fig. 7 illustrates very well what is meant by "projected in the plane", because from the view from below of a horizontal plane, one can see the characteristic ovoid shape of the applicator organ 3.

[0042] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the aforementioned shoe shape, according to which the applicator organ 3 is designed in a particularly preferred manner.

[0043] The "transverse bands" shown on the surface of the applicator 4 in the figures should be interpreted primarily as direction indicators better illustrating the curvature and flexure of the surface of the applicator 4 and not necessarily as notches in the surface of the applicator 4, although these may also be desirable in some cases. Fourth preferred mode of embodiment

[0044] Figure 6 shows another possible design for the applicator member 3. In this case, the two extreme points EX1 and EX2 are not directly opposite each other, meaning that the applicator 1 is not designed in mirror symmetry. Rather, the extreme points are arranged offset from each other, so that, viewed from above, the imaginary line 6 connecting the extreme points is not a straight line. Here, the surface of the applicator 4 is essentially a sinuous plane.

[0045] This design can also be realized in all three embodiments presented above. Generalities

[0046] An applicator 1 can generally be designed to be composed of at least two different materials. However, it is also possible for an applicator 1 to be made entirely of the same material.

[0047] An applicator 1 may further include additional bristles. These bristles are preferably provided on the outer face of the surface of the applicator 4. The bristles are preferably perpendicular to their base.

[0048] An applicator according to the invention can also be made from post-consumer recycled material. Thus, even the different materials of the applicator 1 can be post-consumer recycled materials.

[0049] The applicator 1 can preferably be used for the application of medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dental products.

[0050] It should be noted that the surface of the applicator 4 is not the only part of the applicator member 3 intended for application in accordance with its intended use. In many cases, it is preferable that the application and, above all, the more precise "fine-tuning" be carried out by the entire applicator member 3. In particular, the entire peripheral area of ​​the applicator member 3, extending from the shaft to the surface of the applicator 4, can be used for applying the mass. The area connecting to the first extreme point EX1 is particularly well-suited for applying and distributing the mass in a controlled manner.

[0051] The transition between the surface of the applicator 4 and said peripheral zone is preferably a rounded transition, but can also be angular in certain cases. This in turn allows for different application properties of the applicator member 3. List of reference signs

[0052] 1 Applicator

[0053] 2 Rod

[0054] 3 Applicator unit

[0055] 4 Applicator surface

[0056] 5 Contour line

[0057] 6 Imaginary line

[0058] EX 1 Extreme Point 1

[0059] EX2 Extreme Point 2

[0060] L Central longitudinal axis

Claims

Demands

1. Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, comprising a stem (2) and an applicator element (3) fixed thereto, characterized in that the applicator element (3) has, on its front face opposite the stem (2), a surface of the applicator (4) which, projected into a plane, has a contour line (5) in the shape of a cam, a drop, an egg or a pear, said contour line (5) extending beyond the imaginary extension of the stem (2) on all sides and, along an imaginary line (6) between two extreme points (EX1, EX2), being continuously curved convexly or curved concavely or being flat.

2. The applicator (1), preferably according to claim 1, characterized in that the contour line (5) of the surface of the applicator (4) has its lowest curvature at its first extreme point (EX1) and its second lowest curvature at its second extreme point (EX2).

3. The applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the curvature of the contour line (5) at the second extreme point (EX2) is at least three times greater, preferably at least five times greater, than the curvature of the contour line (5) at the first extreme point (EX1).

4. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extreme points (EX1, EX2) are diametrically opposed with respect to the extended imaginary central longitudinal axis (L) of the rod (2).

5. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the applicator (4) is slightly curved or not curved or at least substantially not curved in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line (6) between two extreme points (EX1, EX2).

6. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator (1) is entirely or partially made of TPE, TPO or a mixture containing TPE or TPO.

7. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the applicator (4) or the entire applicator element (3) is partially covered or, preferably, entirely of a different plastic material than that which constitutes the main part of the applicator organ (3).

8. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Shore D hardness of the surface of the applicator (4) or of the entire applicator member (3) is less than or equal to 56.

9. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the applicator (4) or the entire applicator member (3) is flocked and / or provided with micro-hairs and / or some other type of surface modification.

10. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the applicator (4) and its edge or the entire applicator member (3) are entirely free of hairs.

11. The applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tip of the surface of the applicator (4) in the area of ​​the first extreme point (EX1) is formed and composed of a material such that it can move - for example pivot - at least 2 mm relative to the rest of the applicator member (3) under the effect of the forces exerted during application in accordance with the intended use.

12. The applicator (1), preferably, but not exclusively, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator member (3) is designed in the form of a shoe, the applicator member (3) preferably widening uniformly from the upper (2) upwards, then widening more on one side than on the other diametrically opposite side with respect to the extended longitudinal axis (L), the side widening more rapidly ending lower - in the direction of the upper (2) -, among other things at an extreme point (EX1), than the diametrically opposite side, this side preferably ending among other things at another extreme point (EX2) and the surface of the applicator (4) extending between the two sides and therefore among other things between the two extreme points (EX1, EX2).

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