Applicator for applying a cosmetic

Abstract

Applicator for applying a cosmetic to the skin, comprising an applicator element for taking up, dispensing and spreading a cosmetic compound on the skin and / or the hair, characterized in that the applicator element consists of a first and a second ring, the rings being designed so that the circle of the first ring passes through the space enclosed by the second ring.

Description

[0001] APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETICS

[0002] The invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the skin according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0004] Applicators are frequently used to apply cosmetic products such as creams, ointments, or makeup. These typically include a handle or stem and an applicator head. The latter is the section of the applicator used to apply and distribute the cosmetic product. Depending on the type of cosmetic being applied, the applicator heads of different applicators can vary significantly in their geometry and function.

[0005] Typically, the applicator is primed with cosmetic product by immersing its applicator head into a container filled with the product. The cosmetic, which is usually fluid, adheres to the applicator head, so that even after the applicator is removed from the container, its surface remains coated with a thin layer of product. To apply the cosmetic to the desired area, also known as the application site, the applicator head is then pressed against the desired area using a tapping, stroking, or rotating motion.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Since cosmetic products typically only form a thin layer on the surface of the applicator, conventional applicators can often only transport a very limited amount of product from the container to the application site. If a larger quantity of cosmetic product is required, the process of dipping the applicator into the cosmetic container and then distributing the product at the application site must be repeated several times. This is relatively time-consuming and can also lead to an already applied layer of cosmetic product being inadvertently altered during one of the subsequent applications.Furthermore, repeatedly immersing the applicator in the cosmetic container after it has already been in contact with the application site can potentially contaminate the cosmetic product with dirt or germs. This effect is more pronounced in practice the more frequently the applicator needs to be re-immersed during application. This is particularly problematic when the cosmetic product is a medical product, such as one intended for application to wounds.

[0008] While some cosmetic applicators do have so-called mass storage units on their applicator head, these mass storage units are sections of the applicator head where, due to their geometry in combination with the surface tension of the cosmetic and / or capillary effects, a larger quantity of cosmetic product can accumulate. The release of the cosmetic product transported to the application site in these mass storage units is then usually achieved through a controlled elastic deformation of the applicator head at the application site. This is accomplished by pressing the applicator head against the application site. However, the applicator heads of such applicators are often designed in such a way that even the mass storage units are not fully functional.

[0009] Sections of the applicator may come into at least partial contact with the application site when the cosmetic product is dispensed from the reservoir. In this process, it is possible that the entire contents of the reservoir may be unintentionally released, resulting in the application of an excessive amount of cosmetic product.

[0010] The cosmetic product will also be referred to as mass or product in the following. This can include makeup, cosmetic or medicinal creams, as well as other liquid or cream-like substances that can be applied to the skin.

[0011] THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0012] In view of this, the object of the invention is to provide an applicator with which a large quantity of cosmetic product can be picked up and stored, while reducing the risk that certain deformations in the area of ​​the applicator organ with which the cosmetic product is applied and distributed and / or worked into the skin may unintentionally lead to the release of further mass.

[0013] THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0014] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the applicator.

[0015] Accordingly, the problem is solved with an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the skin. The applicator comprises an applicator organ for picking up, dispensing, and distributing cosmetic material onto the skin and / or hair. The applicator is characterized by the fact that the

[0016] The applicator organ consists of a first and a second ring. The rings are designed such that the first ring passes through the area enclosed by the second ring.

[0017] This applicator design optimally solves the problem underlying the invention. To apply cosmetic product to the applicator, it is immersed in a container filled with cosmetic product. A thin layer of the cosmetic product then adheres to the surface of the applicator, remaining there even after the applicator is removed from the container, depending on the viscosity and surface properties of the applicator.

[0018] Furthermore, the area enclosed by the first ring serves as a mass storage medium. Due to the surface tension of the cosmetic product, a larger quantity of the product is retained in this area even after the applicator is removed from the container and can be transported to the application site. With appropriate design, the area enclosed by the second ring between the first and second rings can also be used as a mass storage medium.

[0019] When the applicator, with its second ring, is pressed against the application site in such a way that the second ring undergoes elastic deformation, the cosmetic product held in the mass storage of the second ring is released. The released cosmetic product can then be distributed at the application site using the second ring. If the second ring is designed without a mass storage element, only the cosmetic product present as a thin layer on its surface can initially be distributed at the application site. With proper handling of the applicator, the first ring will not yet deform, despite the elastic deformation of the second ring. Therefore, the cosmetic product held in the mass storage of the first ring is not yet released.

[0020] Only when the applicator is pressed against the application site at a specific angle and / or with sufficient force to deform the first ring is the cosmetic product released. After release, the second ring can then be used to distribute the product at the application site.

[0021] Due to the mass storage device(s), a single immersion and application of cosmetic product to the applicator is usually sufficient. This prevents contamination of the cosmetic container.

[0022] By choosing the immersion depth, the user can significantly influence how much mass is absorbed and stored by the applicator organ.

[0023] The risk of adversely affecting previously applied layers is also reduced. This is because application and distribution do not involve repeatedly repositioning the applicator. Instead, the second ring responsible for distributing the cosmetic remains in constant or near-constant contact with the application site.

[0024] A "ring" is understood to be an essentially torus-shaped body, preferably in which the inner diameter is at least twice the difference between the length of the outer diameter and the length of the inner diameter. However, the ring need not necessarily be substantially circular. A substantially oval shape is also conceivable. It is also conceivable that the ring has corners and only approximates a circle or an oval. The geometry of the cross-sectional surface of the ring, whose plane of intersection is orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the ring at any point, is likewise not necessarily round, but can assume any shape within the broadest sense of the invention.

[0025] PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS

[0026] There are a number of possibilities to design the invention in such a way as to further improve its effectiveness or usability.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous for the first and second rings to seamlessly merge into one another. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of the two rings during manufacturing. This geometry is preferably achieved through additive manufacturing processes or casting processes such as injection molding.

[0028] Furthermore, the applicator can be designed so that there is virtually no gap between the first and second rings where contaminants or old cosmetic product can accumulate. This design therefore results in improved hygiene when using the applicator.

[0029] The term "seamless transition" can also be described as a one-piece transition. Such a transition exists when a body or component has several sections, but these transition seamlessly into one another, and both sections are part of the same component. In a further preferred embodiment, the first ring begins at the coupling piece for attaching it to a stem or at the stem itself. Furthermore, in the region of its apex furthest from the coupling piece or stem, the first ring first traverses the second ring, and then transitions into the second ring in its region closest to the coupling piece or stem. Finally, in the region of its apex, the second ring crosses the first ring again. From here, the second ring returns to the coupling piece or stem and terminates there.

[0030] This type of ring arrangement ensures that at least the area of ​​the apex of the second ring, facing away from the stem, can be brought into contact with the application site without the first ring also coming into contact with the application site at the same time.

[0031] The second ring can therefore be elastically deformed to a certain extent in the area of ​​its apex furthest from the stem, without the first ring coming into contact with the application site and also being elastically deformed. Thus, even with light pressure of the applicator, the cosmetic product can be distributed using the second ring at the application site, without releasing the cosmetic product stored in the first ring.

[0032] The degree to which the second ring can be elastically deformed before the first ring undergoes elastic deformation depends primarily on the distance between the apex of the second ring furthest from the stem and the apex of the first ring furthest from the stem.

[0033] Ideally, the first ring has a smaller average diameter than the second ring. This allows the first ring to be at least partially inside the second ring. The outer surface of the second ring can then be used to distribute the cosmetic product, while the first ring does not need to come into contact with the application area.

[0034] The "mean diameter" describes the diameter of a ring that lies midway between the inner and outer diameters.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the first ring has a cross-section perpendicular to the imaginary tangent to its longitudinal axis over at least a predominant length, the area of ​​which is smaller than the correspondingly determined area of ​​the cross-section of the second ring.

[0036] The cross-section is ideally designed such that the first ring, despite its smaller average diameter, is more easily deformable than the second ring. This ensures that the first ring releases the mass stored in its center when the applicator is pressed firmly enough or at an angle that brings the first ring into contact with the application site.

[0037] Furthermore, this allows for sufficient distance to be maintained between the first and second rings while simultaneously creating the largest possible inner diameter for the first ring. This is advantageous because the inner diameter of the first ring directly influences the amount of cosmetic product it can hold. Sufficient distance to the second ring ensures that the first ring...

[0038] The ring is not accidentally deformed elastically during the distribution of the cosmetic product by the second ring, thus preventing the release of the cosmetic product stored in the first ring. The longitudinal axis of the first ring runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece or stem.

[0039] Preferably, the second ring has a cross-sectional area at its apex furthest from the coupling piece or stem that is larger than its cross-sectional area at the coupling piece or stem. The surface area of ​​the second ring is therefore relatively large at its apex furthest from the stem. This area of ​​the second ring allows the cosmetic product to be distributed over a large area at the application site.

[0040] At the same time, the smallest possible cross-section of the second ring in the area of ​​the stem or coupling piece ensures that the section of the applicator organ where the second and first rings merge into each other and into the stem or coupling piece is not excessively thick. This is desirable because cosmetic applicators are often carried in small handbags and should therefore be as small and thin as possible.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the apex of the second ring furthest from the coupling piece or the stem, when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece, lies only partially above the plan view of the coupling piece or the stem.

[0042] This can be achieved in two ways. One possibility is to design the area of ​​the apex of the second ring facing away from the coupling piece or stem so that it is wider than the stem or coupling piece in this view. Alternatively, the corresponding area of ​​the second ring can be designed to slope or curve away from the longitudinal axis of the stem or coupling piece. A combination of the two alternatives is also conceivable.

[0043] For ease of use of the applicator, it is advantageous if as much of the second ring as possible does not extend beyond the base of the handle or coupling piece. The portion of the second ring that does not extend beyond the base then serves—in terms of handling—as an extension of the handle. At the same time, it is advantageous for the distribution of the cosmetic product if the area of ​​the second ring's apex furthest from the handle or coupling piece, which is primarily used for distribution, is as wide as possible or slightly inclined. This allows a larger area or an inclined surface of the application site to be more easily covered with cosmetic product.

[0044] The “plan view of the coupling piece or stem” refers to the view of the stem or coupling piece that can be seen when the stem or coupling piece is viewed from a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stem or coupling piece and in which the (imaginary) longitudinal axis would only be visible as a point.

[0045] Ideally, the second ring as a whole is curved in three planes that are all perpendicular to each other.

[0046] The first curvature of the ring is the curve it traces circumferentially. The circumferential direction is the direction that runs along the ring's circumference. The other two curvatures of the ring run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator handle. This results in several concave and convex sections of the ring. This is advantageous when the application site has a curve. The curved sections of the applicator then conform to the surface of the application area, thus facilitating the distribution of the cosmetic product.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the radially outward-facing surface of at least the second ring has at least predominantly a V-shaped profile. One leg of the V is at least predominantly longer than the other leg of the V.

[0048] This arrangement of the radially outward-facing surfaces of the second ring makes the applicator particularly suitable for distributing cosmetics on the lips. The applicator can then be held against the lips so that one leg of the V-shape rests against each lip. By moving the applicator along the lips, the cosmetic can be distributed on both lips simultaneously. A V-shaped design is also advantageous when applying cosmetics to individual lips. First, one lip can be coated with the first leg of the V-shaped section. To then apply the other lip, it is sufficient to tilt the applicator so that the surface corresponding to the second leg of the V-shaped section is brought into contact with the other lip. This eliminates the need for awkward twisting of the applicator in the hand.

[0049] The "radially outward-facing surface" refers to those surface sections of the ring that face away from the center of the ring. FIGURE LIST

[0050] Fig. 1 shows an applicator organ according to the invention with an indicated coupling element in a front view.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows an applicator organ according to the invention with an indicated coupling element in a side view from the left.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows an applicator organ according to the invention with an indicated coupling element in the rear view.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows an applicator organ according to the invention with an indicated coupling element in a side view from the right.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows an applicator organ according to the invention with an indicated coupling element in a top view.

[0055] Fig. 6 shows an applicator organ according to the invention with an indicated coupling element in a bottom view.

[0056] Fig. 7 shows an applicator organ according to the invention with an indicated coupling element in an isometric view.

[0057] EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION

[0058] The functioning of the invention is explained by way of example with reference to Figs. 1-7.

[0059] The applicator 1 comprises an applicator element 2, which is connected to a stem (not shown) via a coupling piece 5. The stem (not shown) is preferably connected to the lid of a container in which the cosmetic product is stored. The applicator element 2 consists of two rings 3 and 4. The two rings 3 and 4 merge seamlessly into each other and into the coupling piece 5 in the region of their apex facing the coupling piece 5. In the region of the apex facing away from the coupling piece 5, the first ring extends

[0060] 3 under the second ring 4, with a free space 8 between the two vertices.

[0061] As can be clearly seen in Figures 1 and 3, the paths of rings 3 and 4 in the plane shown in Figures 1 and 3 are approximately elliptical. The first ring 3 is smaller and therefore usually encloses at least 30% less volume than the second ring 4.

[0062] As can be clearly seen from Figures 7, 5 and 6, the plane in which the first ring 3 has its elliptical curvature is offset by an angle of approximately 10° around the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece 5 relative to the plane in which the second ring 4 has its elliptical curvature. The resulting shape of the first ring 3 and the second ring

[0063] The resulting course of the applicator organ 2 could therefore also be described as helical, whereby the helix, as is preferably shown here, is not circular but elliptical and intersects itself in the area of ​​the coupling piece 5.

[0064] Furthermore, both rings 3 and 4 each exhibit a curvature away from the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece 5 in two respects. Specifically, the two rings 3 and 4 bulge away from the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece 5 in the region of their apex facing away from it. This is particularly evident in Figures 2 and 4. The second

[0065] Curvature in the direction away from the longitudinal axis of the

[0066] The coupling of the coupling piece 5 is achieved by the two rings 3 and 4 each bowing away from the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece 5 in the area of ​​their two apexes at mid-height between the apex facing away from the coupling piece 5 and the apex facing the coupling piece 5. This can be clearly seen in Figures 5 and 6.

[0067] The cross-section of the second ring 4, which results from a section plane running orthogonally to a tangent intersecting the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece 5 and the outer circumferential surface of the second ring 4, is not round. Rather, the two radially outward edges of the cross-section thus formed enclose a V-shape with a rounded edge between them. Furthermore, the cross-section of the second ring 4 formed in this way is larger in the region of the apex facing away from the coupling piece 5 than in the remaining region of the second ring 4. The cross-section of the second ring 4 formed in this way is also always larger than a cross-section of the first ring 3 formed in the same manner. The two rings 3 and 4 are preferably dimensioned and arranged relative to each other such that one or more of the effects described below are achieved.

[0068] To apply the cosmetic product contained in the container to the desired area with minimal or no re-immersion, the applicator 1 is inserted into the container so that the applicator element 2 is immersed as completely as possible in the cosmetic product. This wets the outer surfaces of the first ring 3 and the second ring 4 with the cosmetic product. Ideally, the surface of rings 3 and 4 is designed, possibly treated or factory-coated, so that the cosmetic product remains there even after the applicator is removed from the container, e.g., as a substantial layer of, for example, more than 0.1 mm thickness and / or as a substantially closed layer. Furthermore, during the immersion of the applicator element 2 into the container, the cosmetic product collects in the center 7 of the first ring 3.Due to surface tension and / or the tendency of the cosmetic to adhere in a paste-like consistency, it remains there as a mass accumulation even after the applicator organ 2 is withdrawn from the container. The center 7 therefore also serves as a mass storage unit 7, with which a larger quantity of cosmetic can be transported from the container to the application site.

[0069] The free space 8 between the first ring 3 and the second ring 4 also serves as a mass storage area, in which a certain amount of cosmetic product remains even after the applicator organ 2 is removed from the container, or which may even remain predominantly filled with product. However, the free space 8 serving as a mass storage area is smaller than the mass storage area 7 and therefore often holds a significantly smaller amount of cosmetic product than the mass storage area 7, unless the mass is adjusted so that it can accumulate more effectively in the correspondingly sized smaller free space when the applicator organ 2 is removed.

[0070] To apply the cosmetic to the application site, the applicator 1 is held so that the outer surface of the second ring 4 comes into contact with the application site. The applicator organ 2, with its radially outward-facing surface 6, is then moved along the application site, first distributing the cosmetic present as a thin layer on the surface of the second ring 4.

[0071] Should a slightly larger amount of cosmetics be applied to the

[0072] When applying the product to the application site, the applicator element 2 can be pressed against the application site with the apex of the second ring 4 facing away from the coupling piece 5. With a suitable design, this results in a more than negligible elastic deformation of the second ring 4. However, it is advantageous to ensure a design that allows the applicator element 2 to be pressed against the application site only firmly enough so that – despite the deformation of the second ring – the first ring 3 remains essentially undeformed. The elastic deformation of the second ring 4 forces the cosmetic product stored in the space 8 between the first ring 3 and the second ring 4 out of this space. The distribution of the released cosmetic product is achieved by the second ring 4 moving along the application site.

[0073] If an even larger quantity of cosmetic product is to be applied, the cosmetic product accumulated in the mass storage unit 7 can also be released. Depending on the design of the rings 3 and 4, this release can occur in two different ways. Either the applicator element 2, with the apex of the second ring 4 facing away from the coupling piece 5, is pressed firmly against the application site so that not only the second ring 4 but also the first ring 3 deforms elastically. The elastic deformation of the first ring 3 releases the cosmetic product contained in the mass storage unit 7. Alternatively, the first ring 3 can be brought directly into contact with the application site and pressed against it in such a way that the first ring 3 deforms elastically. This is possible because, due to the angular offset between the first ring 3 and the second ring 4, the first ring 3 partially protrudes laterally from the center of the second ring 4.This can be seen, for example, in Figures 2, 3 and 7. The distribution of the cosmetic product released from the mass storage unit 7 can then be carried out either with the second ring 4 or, if necessary, also with the first ring 3.

[0074] GENERAL

[0075] A cosmetic applicator 1 can generally be designed to consist of two different materials, preferably such that the first ring 3 is made of a different material than the second ring 4 or at least partially .

[0076] However, it is also possible that an applicator 1 consists entirely of the same material.

[0077] An applicator 1 can also generally have additional bristles. These bristles are preferably provided on the outside of the applicator organ 2. The bristles are preferably perpendicular to their base.

[0078] An applicator according to the invention can also be manufactured from post-consumer recycled material. In fact, both materials of applicator 1 can be post-consumer recycled materials.

[0079] The applicator 1 is preferably used for the application of medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dental products.

[0080] Products are used. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0081] 1 applicator

[0082] 2 Applicator organ 3 First ring

[0083] 4 Second Ring

[0084] 5 coupling pieces for attaching to a handle

[0085] 6 Radially outward-facing surface of the second ring

[0086] 7 Mass storage / Center of the first ring 8 Free space between first and second ring

Claims

PATENT ANS PRÜCHE 1. Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic product to the skin with an applicator organ (2) for picking up, dispensing and distributing cosmetic mass on the skin and / or hair, characterized in that the applicator organ (2) consists of a first (3) and a second ring (4) and the rings (3, 4) are designed such that the first ring (3) passes through the area enclosed by the second ring (4).

2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first (3) and the second ring (4) merge seamlessly into one another.

3. Applicator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first ring (3) begins on the coupling piece (5) for coupling to a handle or on the handle, crosses the second ring (4) in the region of its apex furthest from the coupling piece (5) or handle, then passes into the second ring (4) in its region closest to the coupling piece (5) or handle and crosses the first ring (3) in the region of its apex in order to return from there to the coupling piece (5) or handle and end there.

4. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first ring (3) has a smaller mean diameter than the second ring (4) .

5. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first ring (3) has a cross-section perpendicular to the imaginary tangent at its longitudinal axis over at least a predominant length, the The area is smaller than the correspondingly determined area of ​​the Cross-section of the second ring (4) .

6. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second ring (4) has a cross-sectional area in the region of its apex furthest from the coupling piece (5) or stem which is larger than its cross-sectional area in the region of the coupling back (5) or stem.

7. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apex of the second ring furthest from the coupling piece (5) or from the stem (4) - viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling piece (5) - lies only partially over the plan view of the coupling piece (5) or the stem.

8. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second ring (4) as a whole is curved in three planes which are all perpendicular to each other.

9. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radially outwardly directed surface (6) of at least the second ring (4) has at least predominantly a V-shaped profile, wherein at least one leg of the V is at least predominantly longer than the other leg of the V.

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