Application container

Abstract

To provide a coating container that can improve the retention of liquid contents. [Solution] An application container according to one embodiment comprises a brush bristle formed by bundling a plurality of fibers, a relay core that supplies liquid contents to the brush bristle from the rear end of the brush bristle, and a main body that houses the rear end of the brush bristle and the relay core. At least a portion of the plurality of fibers in the brush bristle are improved fibers 5a. The first cross-section 5b of the improved fiber 5a perpendicular to the extending direction A and the second cross-section 5c of the improved fiber 5a perpendicular to the extending direction A at a position away from the first cross-section 5b in the extending direction A have different shapes from each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a coating container. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an applicator for liquid cosmetics. The applicator for liquid cosmetics has a reservoir inside the main body that holds the liquid cosmetic, and a relay core that supplies the liquid cosmetic to the brush tip, which is the application destination located at the tip of the main body, and a brush tip holding ring that brings the brush tip together. The distance between the tip of the brush tip and the tip of the relay core is 2 mm or more and 7.5 mm or less. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the relay core to the cross-sectional area of ​​the brush tip at the tip position of the brush tip holding ring is 0% or more and 16% or less.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a liquid applicator equipped with a pen tip. This pen tip is either made by gathering fibers longitudinally, bonding them with a resin binder, and then shaping them into a desired form, or by mixing a large number of two or more types of fibers with different melting points, aligning them longitudinally, bundling and compressing them, and bonding them together by thermal melting between the fibers. The cross-section of the pen tip has a first pen tip region and a second pen tip region. The sum of the number of first pen tip regions and the number of second pen tip regions is three or more. The width of the flow path between fibers through which the liquid passes in the first pen tip region is smaller than the width of the flow path between fibers through which the liquid passes in the second pen tip region. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-193698 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-115761 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the liquid cosmetic applicator described above, the liquid cosmetic is contained in a reservoir inside the container, and the liquid cosmetic is applied to the surface to be coated by the applicator provided in the container. In the liquid cosmetic applicator described above, if the applicator is stored with the applicator facing upwards, a phenomenon called drain back may occur, where the liquid cosmetic held by the applicator returns to the reservoir due to gravity. As a result, when using the liquid cosmetic applicator after storage, the liquid cosmetic applied to the surface to be coated may be streaky, and the liquid cosmetic may not be applied sufficiently.

[0006] The above-described liquid applicator has a pen tip made up of two or more types of fibers with different melting points. The pen tip is provided with a total of three or more first and second pen tip regions, each with a different channel width between the fibers through which the liquid passes. However, it is anticipated that the channel width between the fibers in the second pen tip region is large, making it difficult to adequately hold the liquid between the fibers. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of liquid retention.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a coating container that can improve the retention of liquid contents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The coating container according to this disclosure comprises (1) a coating body formed by bundling a plurality of fibers, a relay core that supplies liquid contents to the coating body from one end of the coating body, and a main body that houses one end of the coating body and the relay core. At least a portion of the plurality of fibers in the coating body are improved fibers. The first cross-section of the improved fiber perpendicular to the direction of extension of the improved fiber and the second cross-section of the improved fiber perpendicular to the direction of extension at a position away from the first cross-section in the direction of extension have different shapes from each other.

[0009] In this coating container, the first and second cross-sections of the improved fibers in the coating body have different shapes. In this case, when the improved fibers are viewed along the direction in which they extend, a portion of the outer circumference of one side of the first and second cross-sections protrudes from the outer circumference of the other side of the first and second cross-sections. As a result, the liquid contents flowing on the surface of the improved fibers are stopped at these protruding portions of the improved fibers. Therefore, even when the coating body is stored upright, the liquid contents can be retained in the coating body by being stopped at these protruding portions. Thus, the retention of liquid contents can be improved.

[0010] (2) In (1) above, the cross-section of the improved fiber may rotate about the central axis of the improved fiber from the first cross-section to the second cross-section. In this case, the direction of the normal to the surface of the improved fiber can be changed as it moves from the first cross-section to the second cross-section, and the surface of the improved fiber can be made into a continuous spiral surface from the first cross-section to the second cross-section. In this case, a spiral channel is formed on the surface of the improved fiber through which the liquid contents pass. This allows the liquid contents to flow smoothly.

[0011] (3) In (2) above, the cross-section of the improved fiber may rotate continuously from the first cross-section to the second cross-section at a constant rotation angle around the central axis. In this case, the surface of the improved fiber can be made into a continuous helical surface with a constant pitch, so that the liquid contents can flow more smoothly through a helical flow path with a constant pitch.

[0012] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the coating may contain 20% by mass or more of improved fibers. In this case, the coating containing 20% ​​by mass or more of improved fibers can further improve the retention of liquid contents.

[0013] (5) In any of the above (1) to (4), the liquid content may contain a metal oxide. In this case, for example, even if the liquid content contains a metal oxide with a high specific gravity, when the coated body is stored with the upward direction, the liquid content can be retained by the coated body.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the retention of the liquid content can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view showing a coating container according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a partial perspective view showing a plurality of fibers of the coating container. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of fibers. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the improved fibers of the coated body. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged side view showing the improved fibers of the coated body. [Figure 6] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 5. (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. 5.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of a coating container according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be drawn with some parts simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those described in the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an application container 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of the application container 1 along the central axis L1 of the application container 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the application container 1 is, for example, rod-shaped (in one example, round rod-shaped). The application container 1 contains a liquid content E. The application container 1 is an application container that allows a user to apply the liquid content E with a brush 3 (application body). Hereinafter, an example in which the application container 1 is a cosmetic container will be described. In this case, the application container 1 is a liquid cosmetic container.

[0018] The liquid content E is, for example, a liquid cosmetic such as an eyeliner or a lip liner. The liquid content E may, for example, contain a metal oxide. Examples of the metal oxide include titanium oxide, iron oxide, ferric oxide, chromium oxide, cobalt oxide, zinc oxide, manganese oxide, and the like.

[0019] From the viewpoint of the dischargeability of the liquid content E from the application container 1, the average particle size of the metal oxide is, for example, preferably 1.0 μm or less, more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.15 μm or more and 0.35 μm or less. The content of the metal oxide in the liquid content E may be, for example, 3% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less. The specific gravity of the metal oxide is, for example, preferably 3 g / cm 3 or more, more preferably 3 g / cm 3 or more and 6 g / cm 3 or less, and even more preferably 3 g / cm 3 or more and 5 g / cm 3 or less.

[0020] The liquid content E may contain, for example, an inorganic coloring pigment as a colorant. Examples of the inorganic coloring pigment include red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, cobalt oxide, chromium oxide, ultramarine, dark blue, titanium oxide, fine particle titanium oxide, zinc oxide, titanium black (titanium·titanium oxide sintered product), carbon black, barium sulfate, pearl pigments (such as mica titanium, iron oxide-coated mica titanium, fine particle titanium oxide-coated mica titanium, barium sulfate-coated mica titanium, fish scale foil, bismuth oxychloride, aluminum flakes, etc.).

[0021] The average particle size of the inorganic coloring pigment may be, for example, 500 μm or less, may be 0.1 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and may be 0.15 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The content of the inorganic coloring pigment in the liquid content E may be, for example, 3 mass% or more and 25 mass% or less. The specific gravity of the inorganic coloring pigment may be, for example, 3 g / cm 3 or more, may be 3 g / cm 3 or more and 6 g / cm 3 or less, and may be 3 g / cm 3 or more and 5 g / cm 3 or less.

[0022] When the liquid content E contains titanium oxide, the content of titanium oxide may be, for example, 50 mass% or more and 100 mass% or less based on the total amount of metal oxides, and may be, for example, 50 mass% or more and 100 mass% or less based on the total amount of inorganic coloring pigments.

[0023] The above-mentioned metal oxides and inorganic coloring pigments may be surface-treated for the purpose of improving usability, dispersibility, etc. Examples of the surface treatment include metal soaps, silicone compounds, fluorine compounds, surfactants, amino acid compounds, etc.

[0024] The liquid content E may be an aqueous cosmetic containing water, the above-mentioned inorganic coloring pigment, a pigment dispersant, and a film-forming agent. The liquid content E may be an oily cosmetic containing a volatile oil agent, the above-mentioned inorganic coloring pigment, a pigment dispersant, and a film-forming agent.

[0025] As pigment dispersants, surfactants such as hydrophilic nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants can be used.

[0026] Examples of film-forming agents to be incorporated into water-based cosmetics include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), water-soluble polymers such as acrylic polymers, and film-forming polymer emulsions.

[0027] Specific examples of film-forming polymer emulsions include alkyl acrylate copolymer emulsions, alkyl acrylate-styrene copolymer emulsions, and alkyl acrylate-vinyl acetate copolymer emulsions. Note that alkyl acrylate is also included in the term "alkyl acrylate" as used here. Film-forming polymer emulsions can be used with water as the medium and a solid content concentration of 30% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less.

[0028] Examples of film-forming agents used in oily cosmetics include trimethylsiloxysilicate, polymethylsilsesquioxane, polyphenylsilsesquioxane, polypropylsilsesquioxane, (acrylates / polytrimethylsiloxy methacrylate) copolymer, (acrylates / dimethicone) copolymer, (norbornene / tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylnorbornene) copolymer, pullulan tri(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropylcarbamate, alkyl acrylate copolymer, and dextrin isostearate. Examples of volatile oils include silicone oils such as dimethicone, trisiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, methyltrimethicone, and caprylyl methicone, and hydrocarbon oils such as isododecane, undecane, and isoparaffin.

[0029] If the liquid contents E are cosmetics, in addition to the above-mentioned components, other ingredients commonly used in cosmetics, such as humectants, viscosity modifiers, preservatives, pH adjusters, chelating agents, UV absorbers, vitamins, beauty ingredients, antioxidants, fragrances, etc., may be added as needed.

[0030] The viscosity of the liquid contents E may be 50 mPa·s or less, but may be 3 mPa·s or more from the viewpoint of usability and uniform line drawing.

[0031] The "viscosity" mentioned above refers to the value measured using a Brookfield viscometer (BM type) at 25°C under the following conditions. 50 mPa·s or less: BL adapter, rotation speed 12 rpm Over 50 mPa·s and under 500 mPa·s: Rotor No. 1, rotation speed 12 rpm Over 500 mPa·s and up to 2500 mPa·s: Rotor No. 2, rotation speed 12 rpm

[0032] In the following explanation, the direction in which the brush bristles 3 protrude from the coating container 1 may be referred to as "front," "front side," or "forward," and the opposite direction as "back," "back side," or "rear." "Radial direction" means the direction toward the central axis L1 of the coating container 1, or the direction away from the central axis L1 of the coating container 1, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis L1 of the coating container 1. "Radial outward" means the radial direction away from the central axis L1 of the coating container 1. "Radial inward" means the radial direction toward the central axis L1 of the coating container 1. "Circumferential direction" means the direction along the ring centered on the central axis L1 of the coating container 1. However, these directions are for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the position or orientation of the object.

[0033] The coating container 1 comprises a main body 2, a brush bristles 3, a connecting core 4, and a bellows member 6. The main body 2 is rod-shaped. The main body 2 is also cylindrical. The main body 2 has a tip portion 2a. The tip portion 2a is located at the front of the main body 2. The cross-section of the tip portion 2a along its radial direction is, for example, circular. The outer diameter of the tip portion 2a decreases towards the front.

[0034] In the extending direction of the main body 2, the inner diameters at both ends of the tip portion 2a are larger than the inner diameter at the center of the tip portion 2a. That is, the main body 2 has a first portion in which the brush bristles 3 are housed, a second portion in which the bellows member 6 is housed, and a third portion located between the first and second portions, with the inner diameters of the first portion and the second portion being larger than the inner diameter of the third portion.

[0035] The tip portion 2a has an opening 2b. When viewed from the front, the opening 2b is, for example, circular in shape. The opening 2b is located at the front end of the tip portion 2a. The opening 2b is the part through which the brush bristles 3 protrude from the main body 2. For example, the connecting lead 4 protrudes from the opening 2b along with the brush bristles 3.

[0036] The tip portion 2a has an inclined surface 2c. The inclined surface 2c is located behind the opening 2b. The inclined surface 2c is inclined with respect to the central axis L1 of the coating container 1. The tip portion 2a has a protrusion 2d. The protrusion 2d is located behind the inclined surface 2c. The protrusion 2d protrudes radially outward from the main body 2. The protrusion 2d is the part to which the cap 10, described later, is attached.

[0037] The main body 2 has a flange portion 2e. The flange portion 2e is located behind the protrusion 2d. The cross-section of the flange portion 2e, which is perpendicular to the circumferential direction, is, for example, rectangular. The flange portion 2e protrudes radially outward from the main body 2. When the cap 10 is attached to the main body 2, the flange portion 2e is exposed to the outside of the coating container 1.

[0038] The main body 2 has an insertion portion 2f, which is the part that is inserted into the outer cylinder 30, which will be described later. The insertion portion 2f is cylindrical. The insertion portion 2f is located behind the tip portion 2a and the flange portion 2e. The inner diameter of the front part of the insertion portion 2f is smaller than the inner diameter of the rear part of the insertion portion 2f. That is, inside the insertion portion 2f, there is a first region where the bellows member 6 is arranged and a second region which will become the housing portion 2p, which will be described later, and the inner diameter of the first region is smaller than the inner diameter of the second region.

[0039] The insertion portion 2f has a male screw 2g. The male screw 2g is formed on the front surface of the insertion portion 2f. The male screw 2g is adjacent to the rear of the flange portion 2e. The male screw 2g is spiral in the circumferential direction. The male screw 2g is formed at a certain distance from the flange portion 2e, extending towards the rear.

[0040] The main body 2 has a tail plug 2h. The tail plug 2h has an engaging portion 2k and a lid portion 2m. The engaging portion 2k and the lid portion 2m are adjacent to each other. The engaging portion 2k is, for example, cylindrical. The lid portion 2m is, for example, disc-shaped. The engaging portion 2k engages with the inner wall of the insertion portion 2f. The tail plug 2h is attached to the rear of the insertion portion 2f. The engaging portion 2k extends in the axial direction D, which is the direction in which the central axis L1 of the coating container 1 extends. The tail plug 2h closes the end of the main body 2 (insertion portion 2f) opposite to the cap 10. For example, the outer diameter of the lid portion 2m matches the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2f.

[0041] The bellows member 6 is positioned in the internal space of the main body 2, at the front of the insertion portion 2f and at the rear of the tip portion 2a. The bellows member 6 surrounds the intermediate core 4. The bellows member 6 is cylindrical. The bellows member 6 is a component that controls the flow of the liquid contents E. The bellows member 6 has a groove containing the liquid contents E.

[0042] The main body 2 has a storage section 2p. The storage section 2p is formed inside the main body 2. The storage section 2p is located at the rear of the insertion section 2f. The storage section 2p is surrounded by the inner wall of the insertion section 2f, the bellows member 6, the relay core 4, and the tail plug 2h. The storage section 2p contains the liquid contents E.

[0043] The stirring bar 20 is housed in the housing section 2p. The stirring bar 20 is movable within the housing section 2p. The stirring bar 20 is, for example, spherical. However, the stirring bar 20 may also be polyhedron, cone, or other shapes, and the shape of the stirring bar 20 is not particularly limited.

[0044] The brush bristles 3 are located at the front of the application container 1. The brush bristles 3 are formed by bundling together multiple fibers 3a. The fibers 3a are, for example, the hairs that make up the brush bristles 3. The fibers 3a extend in the axial direction D of the application container 1. The fibers 3a will be described in detail later. The brush bristles 3 have a tip portion 3b and a rear end portion 3c (one end).

[0045] In this embodiment, the "tip portion" includes not only the tip but also a portion extending a certain length backward from the tip, and the "rear end portion" includes not only the rear end but also a portion extending a certain length forward from the rear end. Similarly, the "one end portion" includes not only the one end but also a portion extending a certain length from one end in the opposite direction to the other end.

[0046] The tip portion 3b is located at the front of the brush bristles 3. The tip portion 3b protrudes from the opening 2b of the main body 2. The tip portion 3b is shaped to taper towards the front. The front end of the tip portion 3b is pointed so as to converge with the central axis L1 of the application container 1. The rear end portion 3c is located at the rear of the brush bristles 3. The rear end portion 3c is housed in the tip portion 2a of the main body 2.

[0047] A hole 3d is formed inside the rear end portion 3c. The hole 3d is formed, for example, by inserting the connecting core 4 from the rear of the brush bristles 3. When viewed from the rear, the hole 3d is, for example, circular in shape along the circumferential direction. The diameter of the hole 3d decreases towards the front. In a cross-section along the central axis L1 of the coating container 1, the rear end portion 3c is divided radially into two sides with the central axis L1 as the boundary.

[0048] The relay core 4 supplies the liquid contents E to the brush bristles 3 from the rear end 3c of the brush bristles 3. The relay core 4 connects the brush bristles 3 to the housing section 2p of the main body 2. The relay core 4 is housed in the main body 2. The front part of the relay core 4 is housed in the tip section 2a of the main body 2. The rear part of the relay core 4 is housed in the front part of the insertion section 2f of the main body 2. The relay core 4 is rod-shaped. The relay core 4 extends in the axial direction D. The front part of the relay core 4 is shaped to taper towards the front.

[0049] The intermediate core 4 is positioned in the hole 3d of the brush bristles 3, the internal space of the tip 2a of the main body 2, and the internal space of the bellows member 6. The front part of the intermediate core 4 is inserted into the hole 3d of the brush bristles 3. The rear part of the intermediate core 4 is inserted into the cylindrical hole of the bellows member 6 and protrudes into the housing section 2p of the main body 2. The intermediate core 4 draws up the liquid contents E contained in the housing section 2p of the main body 2 by capillary action and supplies the liquid contents E to the brush bristles 3.

[0050] The coating container 1 has an outer cylinder 30. The outer cylinder 30 is a part that the user's hand touches when the user holds the coating container 1. The outer cylinder 30 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The outer cylinder 30 is attached to the outer circumference of the insertion portion 2f of the main body 2. The outer cylinder 30 is also adjacent to the rear of the flange portion 2e.

[0051] The outer cylinder 30 has a female screw 31 inside. The female screw 31 is formed at the front of the outer cylinder 30. The female screw 31 is screwed into a male screw 2g formed on the surface of the insertion portion 2f of the main body 2. The outer cylinder 30 may be detachable from the main body 2 by screwing the female screw 31 into the male screw 2g. When the outer cylinder 30 is attached to the main body 2, it extends rearward from the tail plug 2h of the main body 2.

[0052] The application container 1 has a cap 10. The cap 10 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the front part of the cap 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the rear part of the cap 10. The inner diameter of the cap 10 decreases towards the front. A space S is formed inside the cap 10. The rear part of the cap 10 engages with a protrusion 2d of the main body 2. The cap 10 is detachable from the main body 2. When the cap 10 is attached to the main body 2, the tip 3b of the brush bristles 3 is housed in the space S. This protects the brush bristles 3.

[0053] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing multiple fibers 3a of the coating container 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing multiple fibers 3a. As described above, multiple fibers 3a are bundled together to form the brush bristles 3. The brush bristles 3 are made up of fibers 3a of the same material, for example. The material of the fibers 3a is, for example, a saturated polyester resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), or a nylon resin (polyamide resin).

[0054] If the fiber 3a is made of PBT, the strength of the fiber 3a can be improved. If the fiber 3a is made of nylon resin, the hydrophilicity of the fiber 3a can be improved. The brush bristles 3 may contain multiple types of fibers made of different materials. The diameter of the fiber 3a is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less.

[0055] At least a portion of the multiple fibers 3a in the brush bristles 3 are improved fibers 5a. For example, the remainder of the multiple fibers 3a are fibers 3e, 3f, which are different from the improved fibers 5a. The cross-section of fiber 3e perpendicular to the direction of extension is, for example, circular. The cross-section of fiber 3f perpendicular to the direction of extension is, for example, polygonal (star-shaped in one example). The cross-section of fiber 3f has outwardly projecting protrusions and inwardly recessed recesses. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of fibers 3e, 3f are identical throughout.

[0056] The multiple fibers 3a may contain only one of fibers 3e and fiber 3f. Furthermore, the multiple fibers 3a may contain yet another fiber different from the improved fiber 5a and fibers 3e,3f. The cross-section of this other fiber may be, for example, oval, sector-shaped, or gear-shaped.

[0057] The cross-section of the improved fiber 5a perpendicular to the direction of extension of the improved fiber 5a is, for example, polygonal (hexagonal in one example). However, the shape of the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a is not limited to this, and may be triangular, for example. The brush bristles 3 contain, for example, 20% by mass or more of the improved fiber 5a. The brush bristles 3 may contain improved fiber 5a and fibers 3e, 3f, or may be composed only of improved fiber 5a.

[0058] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the improved fiber 5a of the brush bristles 3. Figure 5 is an enlarged side view showing the improved fiber 5a of the brush bristles 3. The improved fiber 5a has a first cross section 5b and a second cross section 5c located at a different location from the first cross section 5b. The first cross section 5b and the second cross section 5c are cross sections of the improved fiber 5a perpendicular to the extension direction A of the improved fiber 5a. The second cross section 5c is a cross section of the improved fiber 5a at a location away from the first cross section 5b in the extension direction A.

[0059] The first section 5b and the second section 5c are polygonal in shape, as described above, and are hexagonal in one example. In this case, the first section 5b has multiple (e.g., 6) edges, and in one example, it has a first edge 5d. The first edge 5d is the edge located on the edge of the first section 5b. The second section 5c has multiple (e.g., 6) edges, and in one example, it has a second edge 5e. The second edge 5e is the edge located on the edge of the second section 5c.

[0060] Furthermore, the first section 5b has multiple (e.g., 6) vertices, and in one example, it has a first vertex 5m and a second vertex 5n. The first vertex 5m is located at one end of the first side 5d. The second vertex 5n is located at the other end of the first side 5d. The second section 5c has multiple (e.g., 6) vertices, and in one example, it has a third vertex 5p and a fourth vertex 5q. The third vertex 5p is located at one end of the second side 5e. The fourth vertex 5q is located at the other end of the second side 5e.

[0061] The improved fiber 5a has multiple (e.g., six) ridges, and in one example, it has a first ridge 5f and a second ridge 5g. The first ridge 5f and the second ridge 5g are formed between the first cross section 5b and the second cross section 5c. The first ridge 5f connects the first vertex 5m of the first cross section 5b and the third vertex 5p of the second cross section 5c. The second ridge 5g connects the second vertex 5n of the first cross section 5b and the fourth vertex 5q of the second cross section 5c.

[0062] The first ridge 5f and the second ridge 5g are, for example, straight. However, at least one of the first ridge 5f and the second ridge 5g may be curved. Thus, multiple ridges may be formed on the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a, and the multiple ridges may be in a twisted position.

[0063] The improved fiber 5a has a region 5h. Region 5h is the region enclosed by the first side 5d, the second side 5e, the first edge 5f, and the second edge 5g. For example, the improved fiber 5a has multiple regions 5h (six in one example). For example, a portion of the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a is one region 5h. The surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a is, for example, a flat surface. However, the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a may include a curved surface.

[0064] The surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a is inclined from the first cross-section 5b toward the second cross-section 5c. The direction in which the normal to the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a extends changes as it moves from the first cross-section 5b toward the second cross-section 5c. In one example, as viewed from the first cross-section 5b, the direction in which the normal to the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a extends changes counterclockwise as it moves toward the second cross-section 5c.

[0065] A spiral continuous surface is formed on the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a, extending from the first cross-section 5b to the second cross-section 5c. The "spiral continuous surface" indicates that as the improved fiber 5a advances in the extension direction A, multiple surfaces 5r of the improved fiber 5a rotate around the central axis L2 of the improved fiber 5a.

[0066] Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 5. Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view along line BB shown in Figure 5. The first cross-section 5b and the second cross-section 5c have different shapes. "The first cross-section and the second cross-section have different shapes" means that when the second cross-section is superimposed on the first cross-section, the second cross-section does not coincide with the first cross-section.

[0067] In other words, "the first cross-section and the second cross-section have different shapes from each other" includes the following states: the shape of the first cross-section itself is different from that of the second cross-section; the shape of the first cross-section itself is the same as that of the second cross-section, but the first cross-section is rotated relative to the second cross-section; and the shape of the first cross-section itself is the same as that of the second cross-section, but the size of the first cross-section is different from that of the second cross-section.

[0068] For example, the first cross-section 5b may be triangular and the second cross-section 5c may be square. Furthermore, at least one of the first cross-section 5b and the second cross-section 5c may be circular. For example, the first cross-section 5b may be hexagonal and the second cross-section 5c may be oval, or the first cross-section 5b may be oval and the second cross-section 5c may be perfectly circular. In this way, the shape of the first cross-section 5b itself may be different from that of the second cross-section 5c.

[0069] For example, the first cross section 5b may be polygonal, and the second cross section 5c may be a different polygon from the first cross section 5b. In one example, the first cross section 5b may be hexagonal, and the second cross section 5c may be a different hexagon from the first cross section 5b. In this case, the polygon of the second cross section 5c may be rotated relative to the polygon of the first cross section 5b, or it may be larger than the polygon of the first cross section 5b. Thus, the shape of the first cross section 5b itself is the same as that of the second cross section 5c, but the first cross section 5b may be rotated relative to the second cross section 5c. Also, the shape of the first cross section 5b itself is the same as that of the second cross section 5c, but the size of the first cross section 5b may be different from that of the second cross section 5c.

[0070] The cross-section of the improved fiber 5a rotates from the first cross-section 5b to the second cross-section 5c, around the central axis L2 of the improved fiber 5a (shown in Figures 4 and 5). The shape of the second cross-section 5c is different from the shape of the first cross-section 5b. For example, the second cross-section 5c is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the first cross-section 5b. The second cross-section 5c is a hexagon that is, for example, rotated by 30° with respect to the hexagon of the first cross-section 5b. Between the first cross-section 5b and the second cross-section 5c, the rotation angle of the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a may or may not be constant.

[0071] For example, the rotation angle per unit length of the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a in the portion including the first cross-section 5b and the rotation angle per unit length of the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a in the portion including the second cross-section 5c may be different from each other. "Unit length" is, for example, 1 mm. "Rotation angle per unit length" means the angle by which the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a rotates when it travels a certain distance in the extending direction A of the improved fiber 5a. If the rotation angle per unit length of the improved fiber 5a differs depending on the part of the improved fiber 5a, the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a is made to have a non-uniformly twisted shape.

[0072] The cross-section of the improved fiber 5a may rotate continuously at a constant angle of rotation around the central axis L2 of the improved fiber 5a, from the first cross-section 5b to the second cross-section 5c. In this case, the angle of rotation per unit length of the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a in the portion including the first cross-section 5b and the angle of rotation per unit length of the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a in the portion including the second cross-section 5c are the same. At this time, the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a is uniformly twisted.

[0073] Next, the shape of the improved fiber 5a will be further explained with reference to Figure 3 again. In this embodiment, when the improved fiber 5a is viewed along the direction in which it extends (extension direction A), a protruding portion 5k is formed where the outer circumference of the other of the first cross-section 5b and the second cross-section 5c protrudes from the outer circumference of one of the first cross-section 5b and the second cross-section 5c.

[0074] The protruding portion 5k is, for example, a portion where the second side 5e of the second section 5c appears to protrude from the first side 5d of the first section 5b. The protruding portion 5k is part of the surface 5r (region 5h) of the improved fiber 5a. The protruding portion 5k is, for example, polygonal (triangular in one example). The protruding portion 5k is, for example, a portion enclosed by a part of one first side 5d and two second sides 5e.

[0075] Next, the effects obtained from the coating container 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the coating container 1, the first cross-section 5b and the second cross-section 5c of the improved fiber 5a of the brush bristles 3 have different shapes. As a result, the liquid contents E flowing on the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a are stopped at the protruding portion 5k formed on the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a. Therefore, even if the brush bristles 3 are stored with the brush bristles facing upwards, the liquid contents E are stopped at the protruding portion 5k, and the liquid contents E can be retained in the brush bristles 3. In this embodiment, "storing with the brush bristles 3 facing upwards" means storing the coating container 1 upright with the cap 10 facing upwards. In this way, even when the coating container 1 is stored, the amount of liquid contents E returning from the brush bristles 3 to the storage portion 2p can be reduced, and the retention of the liquid contents E in the brush bristles 3 can be improved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a rotates around the central axis L2 of the improved fiber 5a from the first cross-section 5b to the second cross-section 5c. In this case, the direction of the normal to the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a can be changed as it moves from the first cross-section 5b to the second cross-section 5c, making the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a a continuous helical surface from the first cross-section 5b to the second cross-section 5c. In this case, a helical channel is formed on the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a through which the liquid contents E pass. This allows the liquid contents E to flow smoothly.

[0077] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the improved fiber 5a rotates continuously at a constant rotation angle around the central axis L2 from the first cross-section 5b to the second cross-section 5c. In this case, the surface 5r of the improved fiber 5a can be made into a continuous helical surface with a constant pitch, so that the liquid contents E can flow more smoothly through a helical flow path with a constant pitch.

[0078] In this embodiment, the brush bristles 3 contain 20% by mass or more of the improved fibers 5a. In this case, the presence of 20% by mass or more of the improved fibers 5a in the brush bristles 3 further improves the retention of the liquid contents E.

[0079] In this embodiment, the liquid contents E contain a metal oxide. In this case, even if the liquid contents E contains a metal oxide with a high specific gravity, the liquid contents E can be retained by the brush bristles 3 when the brush bristles 3 are stored with the bristles facing upwards. Titanium oxide is an example of such a metal oxide.

[0080] In conventional coating containers, especially when the liquid contents E contain titanium dioxide, the high specific gravity of titanium dioxide makes it easy for the liquid contents E to return to the container when the brush bristles are pointed upwards, making it difficult to supply the liquid contents E to the tip of the brush bristles when using the coating container. In contrast, in the brush bristles 3 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the fibers 3a are improved fibers 5a, which reduces the amount of liquid contents E that is held by the brush bristles 3 and returns to the container 2p, making it easier to supply the liquid contents E to the tip of the brush bristles 3. [Examples]

[0081] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0082] <Coated material> (Examples 1-8, Comparative Examples 1, 2) A coating was constructed by mixing fibers containing at least one of the improved fiber, circular cross-section, and star-shaped cross-section in the proportions (mass%) shown in Table 1. The material of each fiber constituting the coating is a saturated polyester resin such as PBT. In Table 1, "circular cross-section" refers to a fiber with a circular cross-section (fiber 3e mentioned above), "star-shaped cross-section" refers to a fiber with a star-shaped cross-section (fiber 3f mentioned above), and "improved fiber" refers to a fiber in which the first and second cross-sections have different shapes (improved fiber 5a mentioned above). "Diameter" refers to the diameter of the cross-section in the case of "circular cross-section," and to twice the distance from the center of each cross-section to the outermost point of each cross-section in the case of "star-shaped cross-section" and "improved fiber."

[0083] "Coated material 1" in Table 1 is a coated material containing 100% improved fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm. "Coated material 2" in Table 1 is a coated material containing 20% ​​circular cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm, 30% star-shaped cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm, and 50% improved fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm. "Coated material 3" in Table 1 is a coated material containing 70% circular cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm and 30% improved fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm. "Coated material 4" in Table 1 is a coated material containing 40% circular cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm, 30% star-shaped cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm, and 30% improved fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm. "Coated material 5" in Table 1 is a coated material containing 60% circular cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm, 20% star-shaped cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm, and 20% improved fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm. "Coated material 6" in Table 1 does not contain modified fibers and is a coated material that contains 100% circular cross-sectional fibers with a diameter of 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm. "Coated material 7" in Table 1 does not contain modified fibers and is a coated material that contains 100% star-shaped fibers with a diameter of 0.15 mm.

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] <Manufacturing of water-based liquid cosmetics> Each component shown in Table 2 was mixed in the proportions (mass%) shown in the table using a disperser to prepare aqueous liquid cosmetic compositions according to Formulations 1 to 4.

[0086] [Table 2]

[0087] <Viscosity of water-based liquid cosmetics> The viscosity of samples at 25°C was measured using a Brookfield viscometer (BM type) under the following conditions. The measurement time was 1 minute. 50 mPa·s or less: BL adapter, rotation speed 12 rpm Over 50 Pa·s and under 500 mPa·s: Rotor No. 1, rotation speed 12 rpm Over 500 mPa·s and up to 2500 mPa·s: Rotor No. 2, rotation speed 12 rpm The viscosity measurement results for formulations 1 to 4 were as follows: Prescription 1: 15 mPa·s Prescription 2: 16.5 mPa·s Prescription 3: 15.5 mPa·s Prescription 4: 14 mPa·s

[0088] <Evaluation of water-based liquid cosmetics> (Color payoff of water-based liquid cosmetics) [Test Method] One of the aqueous liquid cosmetic compositions from Formulations 1 to 4 described above was filled into the respective containers of the application containers for Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In the coating container according to Example 1, coating body 1 was used as the coating agent, and formulation 1 was used as the aqueous liquid cosmetic. In the coating container according to Example 2, coating body 2 was used as the coating agent, and formulation 1 was used as the aqueous liquid cosmetic. In the coating container according to Example 3, coating material 3 was used as the coating agent, and the aqueous liquid cosmetic composition was that of Formulation 1. In the coating container according to Example 4, coating material 4 was used as the coating agent, and the aqueous liquid cosmetic composition was that of Formulation 1. In the coating container according to Example 5, coating material 5 was used as the coating agent, and formulation 1 was used as the aqueous liquid cosmetic. In the coating container according to Example 6, coating material 3 was used as the coating agent, and formulation 2 was used as the aqueous liquid cosmetic. In the coating container according to Example 7, coating material 3 was used as the coating agent, and formulation 3 was used as the aqueous liquid cosmetic. In the coating container according to Example 8, coating material 3 was used as the coating agent, and formulation 4 was used as the aqueous liquid cosmetic. In the coating container of Comparative Example 1, coating material 6 was used as the coating agent, and the aqueous liquid cosmetic composition of Formulation 1 was used. In the coating container of Comparative Example 2, coating material 7 was used as the coating agent, and formulation 1 was used as the aqueous liquid cosmetic.

[0089] Each application container filled with aqueous liquid cosmetic was fixed in place with the application body facing upwards. In this state, each application container was stored at room temperature for 28 days. During this 28-day storage period, the aqueous liquid cosmetic was applied to a backing sheet daily from the start of storage, and the color payoff of the aqueous liquid cosmetic was evaluated daily until 28 days had passed from the start of storage. The writing conditions for applying the aqueous liquid cosmetic to the backing sheet and the evaluation criteria for the color payoff of the aqueous liquid cosmetic are as follows. Table 3 shows the evaluation results for the color payoff of the aqueous liquid cosmetic. [Writing conditions] Width of the written line: 2mm Length of the written line: 4cm Number of lines written: 3 lines / day [Evaluation Criteria] A: The water-based liquid cosmetic has a sufficiently vibrant color. B: The color of the water-based liquid cosmetic is slightly lighter, but the color payoff of the water-based liquid cosmetic is fine. C: The water-based liquid cosmetic has become lighter in color, making it difficult to see the color of the water-based liquid cosmetic. D: The water-based liquid cosmetic does not dispense from the start.

[0090] [Table 3]

[0091] In the coating container of Comparative Example 2, where the coating material did not contain improved fibers, the color of the aqueous liquid cosmetic became difficult to dispense after 28 days of writing. In the coating container of Comparative Example 1, where the coating material contained only fibers with a circular cross-section, no liquid was dispensed from the beginning. In contrast, in the coating containers of Examples 1 to 8, where the coating material contained improved fibers, it was confirmed that there were no problems with the color of the aqueous liquid cosmetic even after 28 days of continuous writing. Furthermore, in the coating container of Example 5, where the coating material contained 20% improved fibers, the color of the aqueous liquid cosmetic became slightly lighter after 28 days, whereas in the coating containers of Examples 1 to 4, 6 to 8, where the coating material contained 30% or more improved fibers, it was confirmed that the color of the aqueous liquid cosmetic remained sufficiently dispensed even after 28 days of continuous writing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1... Application container, 2... Main body, 2a... Tip, 2b... Opening, 2c... Inclined surface, 2d... Convex part, 2e... Flange, 2f... Insertion part, 2g... Male screw, 2h... Tail plug, 2k... Engaging part, 2m... Lid part, 2 p...Accommodation part, 3...Brush (application body), 3a, 3e, 3f...Fiber, 3b...Tip part, 3c...Rear end (one end part), 3d...Hole, 4...Relay core, 5a...Improved fiber, 5b...First cross section, 5c...Second Cross-section, 5d...1st side, 5e...2nd side, 5f...1st edge, 5g...2nd edge, 5h...region, 5k...protruding part, 5m...1st vertex, 5n...2nd vertex, 5p...3rd vertex, 5q...4th vertex, 5r...surface, 6...bellows member, 10...cap, 20...stirrer, 30...outer cylinder, 31...female screw, A...extension direction, D...axial direction, E...liquid contents, L1,L2...central axis, S...space.

Claims

1. A coated body formed by bundling multiple fibers, A relay core that supplies liquid contents to the coating body from one end of the coating body, A body that houses one end of the coating body and the relay core, Equipped with, At least a portion of the plurality of fibers in the coated body are improved fibers, The first cross-section of the improved fiber perpendicular to the direction of extension of the improved fiber and the second cross-section of the improved fiber perpendicular to the direction of extension at a position away from the first cross-section in the direction of extension have different shapes from each other. Application container.

2. The cross-section of the improved fiber rotates from the first cross-section to the second cross-section, with respect to the central axis of the improved fiber. The coating container according to claim 1.

3. The cross-section of the improved fiber rotates continuously from the first cross-section to the second cross-section at a constant rotation angle around the central axis. The coating container according to claim 2.

4. The coating comprises 20% by mass or more of the improved fibers. The coating container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned liquid contents include a metal oxide. The coating container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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