Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

An applicator for applying a cosmetic, comprising a core that protrudes from a connection piece or stem on which the applicator is held, and at least one applicator element that winds in a spiral around the core.

Description

[0001] COSMETIC APPLICATOR

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

[0003] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0004] Cosmetic applicators are frequently used when applying medical or cosmetic products such as creams, ointments, or makeup. These typically include a handle or shaft and a section used to apply the product to the desired area using stroking, dabbing, or rotating motions. This section of a cosmetic applicator is also called the applicator head. Depending on the type of product being applied, different designs are possible with regard to the geometry and material of a cosmetic applicator or applicator head.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Brush-like cosmetic applicators are often used for applying lip gloss and other cosmetic, hygiene, and medical products that are typically applied to the skin. These consist of a handle and numerous bristles at the free end of the applicator. The bristles serve as the applicator mechanism.

[0007] To apply the product to the desired area, the bristles must first be moistened with the product. This is usually done by immersing them in a container of the product. However, precise control over the amount of product adhering to the bristles is limited. While the applicator can be immersed in the container so that only the tips of the applicator come into contact with the product, depending on the viscosity of the product, this can also lead to the entire applicator being unintentionally coated with the product.With a high viscosity of the product to be applied, the individual bristles and / or the spaces between the individual bristles may, as a result of capillary effects, be exposed to the product along their entire length, even if the bristles are not completely immersed in the product to be applied in the container.

[0008] For this reason, the bristles are typically wiped on a cloth or a special wiper on the inside of the container before applying the product, thus removing the excess product adhering to the bristles. However, the amount of product remaining on the bristles after wiping is also difficult to control. This can potentially result in an unintentionally large amount of product being applied. Furthermore, it can lead to unwanted soiling of the container's exterior. While this soiling can be avoided by wiping the applicator on a cloth or similar object, this results in increased product consumption and waste generation.

[0009] Alternatively, the application process may be unnecessarily prolonged because too little of the product remains on the bristles, so that the

[0010] The process must be repeated. Underlying task

[0011] In view of this, the object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator in which the amount of product to be applied, with which the applicator organ is acted upon and which is dispensed by the applicator organ, can be more easily dosed.

[0012] THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0013] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the cosmetic applicator.

[0014] An applicator for applying cosmetics is proposed, comprising a core that protrudes from a coupling piece or a handle. The coupling piece preferably serves as a connecting element to which a handle can be directly or indirectly attached. A handle, as defined in the invention, is a part or component that the user grasps to use the applicator as intended. The applicator is held by this coupling piece or handle. The applicator also includes at least one applicator element that coils around the core. This applicator element can be referred to as the primary applicator element, while the core can be referred to as the secondary applicator element.

[0015] In the context of the invention, this means that a structure consisting of at least one applicator organ surrounds the core, and this structure has a helical or screw-like form, at least in sections. The at least one applicator organ is thus designed, at least in sections, as an object whose longitudinal axis can be considered a curve that winds around the outer surface of the core with a preferably constant slope. The longitudinal axis of the applicator organ is preferably the axis that runs within the respective applicator organ and forms at least a portion of its symmetry axis and / or central axis. Preferably, there is at least a portion of this space between the core and the at least one applicator organ.In this free space between the core and the applicator organ, a considerable amount of product to be applied can be stored, which is released as soon as the applicator organ is displaced by pressure.

[0016] OPT I ONAL FURTHER EDUCATION OPTIONS

[0017] One embodiment of the applicator consists in the at least one applicator element having radial clearance from the core at all points when unloaded. Thus, the at least one applicator element does not contact the core at any point, at least when unloaded. This radial clearance exists at least outside the base region of the at least one applicator element. It is preferred that the base region of the at least one applicator element transitions into the coupling piece or the stem, and it is possible that the applicator element touches the core in this transition region even when unloaded. A larger and / or defined quantity of product to be applied can be stored in this radial clearance.

[0018] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the at least one applicator organ has a distal free end – that is, a free end on the side facing away from the stem or coupling piece. This distal free end is not connected to the core. This offers, on the one hand, the possibility of advantageously storing the product to be applied. On the other hand, each distal end provides a means for application, spreading, defined application, and / or directional adjustment.

[0019] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the core and the at least one applicator element are anchored together at the end of the coupling piece or at the end of the stem. Preferably, the core and the at least one applicator element are attached side by side or essentially at the same level on the coupling piece or the stem. This contributes to the ease of manufacturing the applicator.

[0020] Another preferred embodiment consists in each coiled section of an applicator organ preferably maintaining a continuous gap from the preceding and following coiled sections – itself or a second applicator organ. This creates a coiled gap between the adjacent sections of an applicator organ or between adjacent sections of several applicator organs. Through this coiled gap, the stored cosmetic mass or, more generally, the stored product to be applied, which is preferably stored in the radial space between the core and the applicator organ, can be squeezed out.

[0021] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the core possesses one or more waists. It is also possible for the core to appear as a sequence of spheres, plums, or oval bodies connected via these waists. The core's behavior can be influenced by various core configurations and these waists. Moderate waists can affect the mass storage volume. Strong waisting makes the core more flexible, causing it to flex and thus making the applicator as a whole more flexible.

[0022] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the axial extent of the core—that is, preferably the extent along the longitudinal axis of the applicator—essentially corresponds to the axial extent of the at least one applicator organ. The axial extent of the applicator organ also preferably corresponds to the axial extent along the longitudinal axis of the applicator. This ensures that both the at least one applicator organ and the core terminate at approximately the same level at the distal end. A deviation of at most 8% of the total axial length of the applicator, preferably even at most 5%, between the axial extent of the at least one applicator organ and the core is advantageous.

[0023] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the at least one applicator organ substantially covers the distal free end of the core. The free end is considered covered if, from a bird's-eye view, at least 70%, and preferably at least 80%, of the distal free end is concealed by the at least one applicator organ and thus not visible. This prevents unintentionally excessive mass from being expelled in the axial direction.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the axial extent of the core is less than 75% or even less than 65% of the length of the axial extent of the at least one applicator element – ​​i.e., the extent along the longitudinal axis of the applicator. This results in a very easily emptied mass storage device that also has a large storage volume. It is also particularly preferred if the at least one applicator element is at least a flat strip whose extent in the uncoiled longitudinal direction – i.e., along the resulting uncoiled longitudinal axis of the applicator element – ​​is greater than in the radial direction, preferably by a factor of at least 2, better by a factor of at least 3.

[0025] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the outer surface of the applicator organ, forming the free circumferential surface, is predominantly or essentially flat in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator organ. This results in good, large-area incorporation of the mass or product to be applied into the skin.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if the outer surface of the applicator element, forming the free circumferential surface, is concave in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator element, i.e., if it forms a bowl-shaped cross-section. This allows readily available material or the product to be applied to be stored on the outer surface of the applicator element and additionally in the radial space between the at least one applicator element and the core. Furthermore, this convex shape can also be used for the targeted application or spreading of the product.

[0027] It can be a useful option for the core to also be coiled, so that, for example, depending on the rotation angle of the overall applicator around its longitudinal axis, the radial distance between the at least one applicator element is larger or smaller. Further modes of operation, advantages, and design possibilities will become apparent from the figure-supported description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0028] LIST OF FIGURES

[0029] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in front view.

[0030] Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in side view.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a top view.

[0032] Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a bottom view.

[0033] Figure 5 shows the first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a further side view.

[0034] Figure 6 shows the first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention without an applicator organ in side view.

[0035] Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a front view.

[0036] Figure 8 shows the second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in side view.

[0037] Figure 9 shows the second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a rear view. Figure 10 shows the second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a further side view.

[0038] Figure 11 shows the second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a top view.

[0039] Figure 12 shows the second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention in a bottom view.

[0040] Figure 13 shows the second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention without an applicator organ in a side view.

[0041] PREFERRED EXAMPLES

[0042] FIRST PRICES EXECUTION EXAMPLE

[0043] Figures 1 to 6 show a first preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention. The applicator 1 comprises a coupling piece 3, which is shown with dashed lines in the figures, two applicator elements 4, and a core 2. The applicator elements 4 are coiled around the core 2, which is (generally speaking) cylindrical or conical, or optionally has one or more waists 8 or its own coil. Depending on the embodiment, they can have a radial clearance 6 relative to the core 2 in the unloaded state shown. In the base region of the applicator elements 4 and the core 2, they preferably merge integrally into the coupling piece 3 and are anchored there. Here, the applicator elements 4 and the core 2 may come into contact.

[0044] Each of the two applicator organs 4 has a distal free end 5 which at least partially covers the core 2 (see Fig. 3). The two applicator organs 4 have helical sections that maintain a distance from the adjacent helical section of the other applicator organ 4. This creates a helical gap 7 between the respective adjacent outer edges of the applicator organs 4.

[0045] The applicator organ 4 represents a flat strip in each case.

[0046] Figures 1 and 2 also show the applicator longitudinal axes A and, in Figure 1, the applicator organ longitudinal axis AO is shown schematically.

[0047] The applicator 1 is preferably manufactured as a single piece. A single piece can be manufactured, for example, by additive manufacturing or by casting or injection molding processes.

[0048] Figure 6 also shows the applicator 1 without its applicator organ 4, clearly revealing the core 2. The waists 8 are local and symmetrically distributed indentations in the surface of the core 2.

[0049] SECOND PREFERRED EXAMPLE

[0050] Figures 7 to 13 show a second preferred embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention.

[0051] The above statements regarding the first embodiment apply accordingly here, unless otherwise indicated by the following explanations or the figures.

[0052] The applicator 1 comprises a coupling piece 3, which is shown as a dashed line in the figures, an applicator organ 4, and a core 2. The applicator organ 4 coils around the core 2, which has several waists 8, and in the unloaded state shown, exhibits a radial clearance 6 relative to the core 2 at all points. At the base of the applicator organ 4 and the core 2, the applicator organ 4 preferably merges seamlessly into the coupling piece 3 and is anchored there. Here, the applicator organ 4 and the core 2 may come into contact.

[0053] The applicator organ 4 has a distal free end 5, which preferably exposes the core distally upwards (see Fig. 11). The applicator organ 4 has helical sections that maintain a distance from the adjacent helical sections of the same applicator organ 4. This creates a helical gap 7 between the respective adjacent outer edges of the sections of the applicator organ 4. The outer surface of the applicator organ 4, forming the free circumferential surface, is preferably concave in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AO of the applicator organ.

[0054] Figures 7 to 10 also show the applicator longitudinal axes A and, in Figure 7, the applicator organ longitudinal axis AO is shown schematically.

[0055] The applicator 1 is preferably manufactured as a single piece. A single piece can be manufactured, for example, by additive manufacturing or by casting or injection molding processes.

[0056] Figure 13 also shows the applicator 1 without its applicator organ 4, clearly revealing the core 2. The core 2 is composed of symmetrically stacked spheres. The waists 8 are formed at the contact points between the spheres and at the point where the lowest sphere meets the coupling piece 3.

[0057] GENERAL

[0058] An applicator 1 can generally be designed to consist of two different materials, preferably such that the core 2 is made of a different material than the applicator organ 4. It is usually advantageous for the applicator organ 4 to be made of a softer material than the core 2.

[0059] However, it is also possible that an applicator 1 consists entirely of the same material.

[0060] Furthermore, it is also possible, but not preferred, if the outer surface of the applicator organ 4 forming the free applicator circumferential surface is convex in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AO of the applicator organ.

[0061] An applicator 1 may also have additional bristles. These bristles are preferably provided on the outside of the applicator organ 4, but may also be provided on the outside of the core 2. The bristles are preferably perpendicular to their mounting surface.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Applicator 1 is preferably used for the application of medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or dental products. Reference code list

[0064] 1 applicator

[0065] 2 cores 3 coupling pieces

[0066] 4 Applicator organ

[0067] 5. Distal, free end of the applicator organ

[0068] 6 Radial free space

[0069] 7 Twisted Split 8 Waist

[0070] 9 Distal, free end of the nucleus

[0071] A Applicator longitudinal axis

[0072] AO Applicator Organ Longitudinal Axis

Claims

PATENT ANS PRÜCHE 1. Applicator (1) for applying cosmetic product, comprising a core (2) extending from a coupling piece (3) or a stem on which the applicator (1) is held, and at least one applicator organ (4) coiling around the core (2).

2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one applicator organ (4) has radial free space (6) everywhere relative to the core (2) in an unloaded state.

3. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one applicator organ (4) has a distal free end (5).

4. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (2) and the at least one applicator organ (4) are jointly anchored at the end of the coupling piece (3) or at the end of the stem.

5. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each coiled section of an applicator organ (4) preferably maintains a continuous distance to the preceding and following coiled section, so that a coiled gap (7) is formed through which the cosmetic mass stored in the free space (6) between the core (2) and the applicator organ (4) can be squeezed out.

6. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (2) has a straight has a cylindrical shape or a straight conical shape.

7. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the core (2) is also coiled.

8. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the core (2) has one or more waists (8).

9. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axial extent of the core (2) corresponds substantially to the axial extent of the at least one applicator organ (4).

10. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator organ (4) substantially covers the distal free end (9) of the core (2).

11. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the axial extent of the core (2) corresponds to less than 75% or even less than 65% of the length of the axial extent of the at least one applicator organ (4).

12. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one applicator element (4) is at least one flat strip whose extent in the uncurved longitudinal direction is greater than in the radial direction, preferably by a factor of at least 2, better by a factor of at least 3.

13. Applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free Applicator circumference surface forming the outer surface of the The applicator organ (4) is predominantly or substantially planar in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (AO) of the applicator organ.

14. Applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the outer surface of the applicator organ (4) forming the free circumferential surface is concave in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AO) of the applicator organ.

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