Brush for the application of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical

Abstract

Brush (1) for applying a cosmetic or a pharmaceutical, comprising a bristle carrier (2) in the form of at least two twisted wires (3) holding between their windings a plurality of first (4) and second filaments (5) clamped so that each filament (4, 5) - two pieces - forms outwardly directed bristles (7), so that the filaments (4, 5) form a brush (1), characterized in that the first filaments (4) are made of a material which remains single-stranded at the free filament ends even under impact stress and the second filaments (5) are made of a material or are constructed in such a way that they split into several parallel strands (6) at the free filament ends under impact stress.

Description

[0001] MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 1 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0002] BRUSH FOR THE APPLICATION OF A COSMETIC OR PHARMACEUTICAL

[0003] The invention relates to a brush for applying a cosmetic or a pharmaceutical according to the preamble of claim 1 .

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] Applicators are typically used to apply cosmetics or pharmaceuticals such as creams , ointments or make-up . These usually comprise a handle and an applicator element .

[0006] The applicator element is used to pick up the product to be applied, transport it to the application site and dispense and distribute it there . Depending on the type of product to be applied and the nature of the application site , applicators with di f ferent properties and, in particular, di f ferent geometries are used .

[0007] The applicator is usually equipped with bristles for applying make-up products to areas of the body with hair or to the hair itsel f . In this case , the applicator is also referred to as a brush and the applicator element as a bristle carrier .

[0008] In order to apply the product to be applied to the applicator element or the bristle carrier, the applicator is typically immersed with its applicator element in a container filled with the product . The product , which is usually fluid or pasty, adheres to the applicator element and remains there as a result of friction and / or capillary ef fects even after it is pulled out of the container .

[0009] In order to deliver the product to the application site and distribute it there , the applicator element is then pressed against the desired area using dabbing, stroking and / or rotating movements . medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 2 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0010] STATE OF THE ART

[0011] In the field of brushes , i . e . applicators equipped with bristles , two main groups can be distinguished with regard to the manufacture and the materials used for the bristle carrier .

[0012] The first group comprises bristle carriers that are manufactured using the inj ection molding process , whereby the bristles are often integrated directly into the bristle carrier and j oined to it in one piece . This process of fers a great deal of design freedom with regard to the geometry of the bristle carrier and bristles . However, suitable inj ection molds must first be developed and manufactured . Due to this high production ef fort , very high quantities are required for profitable production .

[0013] The second group comprises bristle carriers in which filaments are inserted between two wires and the wires are then twisted .

[0014] Due to the twisting, the filaments are clamped between the wires . The filaments fixed in this way ultimately form the bristles of the applicator and the wires form the bristle carrier .

[0015] This method is signi ficantly cheaper to manufacture , but of fers only limited scope for design with regard to the geometry and properties of the bristles and the bristle carrier . A further disadvantage is that these bristles generally have no mass storage . This means that the bristles can only transport a relatively small amount of the product to be applied . As a result , the applicator must be dipped into the product reservoir several times in order to deliver the required amount of product .

[0016] This can, for example , lead to clumping when the eyelashes , which are already partially coated with mascara, come into contact again with bristles that are heavily saturated . medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 3 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0017] Internally, the idea of providing mass storage at each individual bristle has already been pursued for such twisted brushes .

[0018] To this end, various tests have been carried out with filaments that have been split at their free ends . This results in filaments or bristles that consist of only one strand in the area of the bristle base and the bristle " stem" and several strands in the area of their free end . The area between the individual strands at the free end of the bristles can then be used as a mass accumulator .

[0019] Although the applicators made of such bristles had a good mass storage capacity, their application properties were otherwise too weak . They were therefore soon discarded as being of little use .

[0020] THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0021] In view of this , the obj ect of the invention is to provide a brush that can be produced cost-ef fectively, is capable of holding and dispensing a large amount of the product to be applied, and is suitable for achieving an even distribution of the product at the application site .

[0022] THE SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0023] According to the invention, this problem is solved with the features of the main claim directed to the brush .

[0024] Accordingly, the solution to the problem is provided by a brush for applying a cosmetic or pharmaceutical . The brush comprises a bristle carrier in the form of at least two twisted wires which hold a plurality of first and second filaments between their windings . The filaments are clamped in medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 4 from 24 for GEKA GmbH such a way that each filament forms two outwardly directed bristles . The filaments thus form a brush .

[0025] The brush is characteri zed by the fact that the first filaments are made of a material which remains single-stranded at the free filament ends even under impact stress , as will fully applied during the manufacturing process . The second filaments , on the other hand, are made of a material or are constructed in such a way that they split into several parallel strands at the free filament ends under impact stress .

[0026] Such applicators or brushes are signi ficantly cheaper to manufacture than inj ection-molded brushes .

[0027] To ensure that the first and second filaments react di f ferently to an impact load, they are made of di f ferent materials and / or have a di f ferent geometry - particularly in the area of their free ends . For example , a more brittle material can be used for the second filaments so that they are split at their free ends when subj ected to an impact load .

[0028] The first filaments thus have a single-stranded free end . As a result , the bristles formed by the first filaments have greater sti f fness and can also penetrate well into gaps at the application site , such as the space between two eyelashes . Additionally, they can more easily break up any accumulations of the product to be applied . Thus , the first filaments help prevent clumping and ensure good distribution of the product to be applied .

[0029] The second filaments , on the other hand, can be processed under impact so that their free ends are not single-stranded but have multiple strands . These strands are thinner than the single-stranded area of the remaining respective bristle . However, it is also conceivable that some of the second filaments , or individual second filaments , are not split medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 5 from 24 for GEKA GmbH during the impact processing of the bristle trim because they are shortened before the impact processing so that they do not come into contact with the impact tool .

[0030] Preferably some strands or ( at least essentially) each strand forms at its very free end, as a subsequent split up, a number of at least 3 fingers or a kind of beard, with a length of preferably less than 2 mm, better less then 1 mm .

[0031] The free ends of the bristles formed by the second filaments are therefore well suited for storing product in the gaps between the individual strands . This means that the applicator can be loaded with a larger amount of the product to be applied and does not have to be dipped into the container as often . This results in time savings during the application process . In addition, depending on the location of the second filaments on the applicator element , speci fic areas can be created in which the applicator element can deliver more product to the application site than in areas that are predominantly provided with first filaments . This can be advantageous , for example , when using the applicator as an eyelash brush . It is often desirable for certain sections of the lash line to be covered with more make-up so that these areas are particularly accentuated after the make-up application process .

[0032] The intensity of product storage can be ef fectively controlled by the proportion of multi-stranded bristles in the overall bristle trim .

[0033] The basic problem that such bristles - formed by the second filaments - have too low a sti f fness for many applications is solved according to the invention by mixing in a suf ficient number of single-strand bristles , which are formed by first filaments . As a result , the problems that arise with regard to the application behavior of the multi-strand bristles can be eliminated . medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 6 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0034] At the same time, the bristle trim overall maintains sufficient stiffness to penetrate into gaps and prevent clumping. By adding the single-stranded bristles, it is no longer critical that the multi-stranded bristles have insufficient stiffness for many types of application.

[0035] With regard to the geometry of the cross-sections of the bristles, various variants are conceivable. For example, the cross-sections of individual or all filaments may have a star- or snowflake-shaped design.

[0036] In principle, it is also conceivable that one or more of the first and / or second filaments have a different diameter than the other filaments.

[0037] In addition, one or all of the first and / or second filaments may have different Shore hardnesses D than the other filaments. Ideally, the difference should be at least 20%.

[0038] The bristle trim resulting from the individual bristles can also have a different geometry depending on the applicator's area of application. For example, banana-shaped or hourglassshaped bristle trims are conceivable. There may also be grooves, in particular axial grooves, in the bristle trim, within which there are no bristles.

[0039] The term "filament" refers to a fiber that is created or formed separately from the applicator and in particular a synthetic fiber whose length exceeds its diameter by a factor of at least ten. The filaments that remain single-stranded can also consist of natural bristles; the filaments that become multi-stranded are usually synthetic fibers in order to be able to control the splitting. It is also conceivable that the filaments are made of bio-based material, such as plastics produced from plant-based raw materials.

[0040] PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 7 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0041] There are several ways to design the invention to further enhance its ef fectiveness or usability .

[0042] It is therefore particularly preferable for the bristle trim of the brush to extend over more than 12 windings and up to a maximum of 25 windings .

[0043] This means that suf ficient windings are available to provide both bristles consisting of first filaments and bristles consisting of second filaments in suf ficient quantities .

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment , the bristle trim is formed over its entire ( absolutely entire or substantially entire ) length by a mixture of first and second filaments . This is preferably done in such a way that the second filaments in any case do not form a complete 360 ° winding, which consists only or essentially only of second filaments .

[0045] Over the entire length - in relation to the longitudinal axis of the applicator - of the bristle trim, bristles consisting of first filaments and bristles consisting of second filaments alternate regularly or irregularly .

[0046] It is conceivable that one ( or more ) bristle ( s ) from a first filament always follows one ( or more ) bristle ( s ) which are made from a second filament , as well as that several ( or one ) bristles from first filament follow several ( or one ) bristles from second filaments .

[0047] It is also conceivable that the bristle or the bristles from the second filaments follow the bristle or the bristles from the first filaments .

[0048] By preferably ensuring that the bristles formed by the second filaments do not create a complete 360 ° winding, it is ensured that the bristle trim as a whole maintains adequate sti f fness . medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 8 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment , the bristle trim has or consists of two sections each extending over several windings . Of the two sections , a first section consists predominantly or - highly preferred - only of first filaments . A second section consists partly, predominantly or - highly preferred - only of second filaments . The section comprising or consisting of the second filaments is preferably the distal section .

[0050] The applicator therefore has a section in which the properties of the first filament type - for example the first filaments - are predominantly utili zed and a section in which the properties of the other filaments are predominantly utili zed .

[0051] The section consisting mainly or only of the first filaments can therefore be used to penetrate the gaps at the application site . This section is therefore primarily used for even distribution and to prevent the formation of lumps .

[0052] The section that consists mainly or only of second filaments , on the other hand, is primarily used as a mass accumulator . A larger quantity accumulates in this section when the applicator is loaded with the product to be applied, so that a correspondingly larger quantity can also be delivered to the application site . Such an applicator can therefore be used in such a way that , i f required, the section formed primarily by the second filaments is first brought to the application site in order to deliver a large quantity to the application site . The product is then distributed at the application site using the other section .

[0053] The "distal" section is the section facing away from the applicator handle .

[0054] In contrast , the section facing the applicator handle is the "proximal" section .

[0055] A section consists "only" of certain filaments i f the bristle trim in this area consists only or essentially only of these medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 9 from 24 for GEKA GmbH filaments . Accordingly, a section also consists "only" of certain filaments i f there are also occasional filaments of the other type in this section .

[0056] Ideally, the bristle trim has several sections each extending over several windings . Of these , several first sections consist only ( in above sense ) of first filaments and several second sections consist only ( in above sense ) of second filaments .

[0057] The applicator therefore has several sections along which the properties of the first filaments - i . e . high sti f fness - or the second filaments - i . e . high mass storage and mass release - are exclusively given or predominate at least .

[0058] This ensures suf ficient overall sti f fness of the bristle trim as well as good application properties in terms of distribution and prevention of lump formation . At the same time , a relatively large amount of product can be applied without having to dip the applicator back into the container containing the product .

[0059] Preferably, the bristle trim begins proximally with a first section, which is followed in the distal direction by a plurality of second sections , which are each separated from one other by a first section or vice versa .

[0060] It is also conceivable that the bristle trim begins distally with a second section, which is followed proximally by several first sections , each of which is separated from the other by a second section, or vice versa .

[0061] Due to the regularly arranged second sections , a large amount of product can be delivered to the application site over the entire bristle trim . At the same time , the first sections ensure good distribution of the product and prevent the formation of lumps . medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 10 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0062] In addition, the regularly arranged second, less sti f f sections ensure that the bristle trim as a whole adapts to the application site . Using the example of eyelash brushes , the regularly arranged second, less sti f f sections thus ensure that the bristle trim can adapt to the circular arc of an eyelash line - at least in sections .

[0063] A " first section" is a section that has mainly or only first filaments .

[0064] A " second section" is a section that has mainly or only second filaments .

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment , the successive first and second sections are predominantly, substantially or all such sections which extend substantially over no more than three windings , preferably substantially over only a single winding .

[0066] This ensures that the bristle trim does not have sections that are too long, along which the properties of only the first or only the second filament predominate . Consequently, this embodiment combines the strengths of the di f ferent sections without the disadvantages of the di f ferent sections becoming too pronounced . This ensures good distribution and prevention of lump formation while at the same time ensuring a high storage capacity and delivery rate .

[0067] Ideally, the distal , free end of the bristle trim consists exclusively of first filaments .

[0068] This area therefore has good combing, separating and spreading properties . This is particularly advantageous i f there are also bristles at the free , distal end that do not protrude essentially radially, but at an angle of less than 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the applicator . I f such an applicator is brought to the eyelash arch in such a way that its longitudinal axis runs approximately parallel to the eyelashes , the product already on the eyelashes can be medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 11 from 24 for GEKA GmbH distributed selectively with the first filaments at the free , distal end of the bristles .

[0069] Preferably, the section or sections of the bristle trim which is or are formed by a mixture of first and second filaments consists of second and first filaments in a mixing ratio of 1 : 20 to 1 : 2 . More preferably, the section or sections of the bristle trim which is or are formed by a mixture of first and second filaments consists of second and first filaments in a mixing ratio of 1 : 15 to 1 : 10 .

[0070] With such a mixing ratio , the bristle trim can absorb and release an ideal amount of the product to be applied . At the same time , it has suf ficient sti f fness and adequate application properties with regard to the distribution of the product and prevention of lump formation .

[0071] As long as such a mixing ratio , which guarantees good application and storage properties , is maintained, the first and second filaments can also be arranged in random order on the bristle carrier .

[0072] In a further preferred embodiment , the predominant number of windings in the section of the bristle trim, which is formed by a mixture of first and second filaments , has second filaments . It is better i f - at least substantially - all the windings in the section of the bristle trim, which is formed by a mixture of first and second filaments , have second filaments .

[0073] This guarantees that a large amount of the product to be applied can be stored and dispensed in all areas of the applicator . This means that the applicator can be used to apply large quantities of product over its entire bristle trim .

[0074] Ideally, the first and second filaments di f fer more than only insigni ficantly in their diameter, even where the second medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 12 from 24 for GEKA GmbH filaments are single-stranded . Ideally, the first filaments are thicker than the second filaments .

[0075] The sti f fness of the first filaments is thus additionally increased compared to the second filaments . This ensures suf ficient sti f fness of the bristle trim .

[0076] Preferably, the filaments have a lateral surface which has depressions which can retain and / or store cosmetic mass . Preferably, only the first filaments have a lateral surface which has depressions which can retain and / or store cosmetic mass .

[0077] This creates additional mass storage . The amount of product that can be absorbed by the bristle trim and is available at the application site is therefore increased . At the same time , the sti f fness of the bristles and therefore the application properties with regard to optimum distribution of the product are not negatively af fected .

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment , the bristle trim tapers conically towards the distal end .

[0079] In this embodiment , the distal , thinner end of the bristle trim is well suited for delicate distribution tasks . For example , the thin distal end can be used to apply and distribute the product selectively at the edge of the lash line . medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 13 from 24 for GEKA GmbH

[0080] FIGURE LIST

[0081] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a brush according to the invention

[0082] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a section of the brush shown in Fig . 1

[0083] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a section of the bristles of the brush shown in Fig. 1

[0084] Figs. 4-15 schematically show different arrangements of first and second sections of first and second filaments

[0085] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0086] The function of the invention is explained by way of example with reference to Figs. 1-15.

[0087] In the following, the embodiment example of a brush 1 according to the invention shown in Figs. 1-3 is first explained. Since the first and second filaments 4 and 5, as well as the individual strands 6 of the second filament 5 in Fig. 1 are difficult to distinguish, they are not provided with reference signs in Fig. 1. The bristles 7 in Figs. 1-3 and the first and second filaments 4 and 5 in Figs. 2 and 3 are only provided with reference signs by way of example.

[0088] The brush 1 shown in Figs. 1-3 comprises a bristle carrier 2, which is formed by two wires 3 twisted together. The twisted wires 3 clamp the first and second filaments 4 and 5, which later form the bristles 7, between them. For this purpose, a plurality of filaments 4, 5 are placed in a row between the wires 3 before the wires 3 are twisted, with the free ends of each filament 4, 5 projecting equally far and on opposite sides from the wires 3. The subsequent twisting of the wires 3 creates a clamping force acting on the filaments 4, 5. This causes the filaments 4 and 5 to be frictionally secured to the medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 14 from 24 for GEKA GmbH bristle carrier 2 formed by the wires 3 . As each filament 4 , 5 protrudes from the twisted wires 3 on two sides , each filament 4 , 5 forms two bristles 7 . The bristles 7 together form the bristle trim 8 , which runs in a spiral around the bristle carrier 2 .

[0089] In a further production step, the free ends of the filaments 4 and 5 facing away from the bristle carrier 2 are subj ected to impact processing . For this purpose , the bristle carrier 2 holding the filaments 4 , 5 is usually set in a rotational movement around its longitudinal axis . At the same time , an impact tool is moved towards the bristle carrier 2 in such a way that the free ends of the filaments 4 and 5 , which are rotating together with the bristle carrier 2 , hit the impact tool . This causes the second filaments 5 to be split at their free ends facing away from the bristle carrier 2 . The free ends of the second filaments 5 facing away from the bristle carrier 2 are therefore - as can be seen from Fig . 3 - multistranded after the impact processing . However, the individual strands 6 of the second filaments 5 merge into one another in the direction towards the bristle carrier 2 , so that the two bristles 7 , each formed by a second filament 5 , are each single-stranded in the area of their bristle base facing the bristle carrier 2 .

[0090] The first elements 4 , on the other hand, are not split during the impact processing and are therefore single-stranded over their entire length . The di f ferent reaction of the first filaments 4 and the second filaments 5 to the impact processing is caused by the second filaments 5 being made of a more brittle material than the first filaments 4 or having a geometry in the area of their free ends that favors splitting . A corresponding pre-treatment of the free ends of the second filaments 5 that promotes splitting is also conceivable . For example , the second filaments 5 can be provided with corresponding predetermined breaking points , for example by medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 15 from 24 for GEKA GmbH coextruding several strands to form the second filaments and the resulting welding and / or bonding breaking down again in sections under the impact stress ( insofar as the impact stress acts ) .

[0091] This design of the free ends of the bristle trim 8 , formed by the first and second filaments 4 and 5 , results in several advantages . For example , the areas between the individual strands 6 of the bristles 7 formed by the second filaments 5 can be used as mass storage . During the immersion of the brush 1 in the container containing the product to be applied or the make-up, a larger amount of make-up accumulates in these free spaces than at the free ends of the bristles 7 formed by the first filaments 4 . Even after the brush 1 is pulled out of the container, the make-up remains in these free spaces as a result of friction and capillary ef fects . The multi-strand design of the free ends of the bristles 7 formed by the second filaments 5 thus ensures that a larger quantity of the product to be applied can be transported to the application site and dispensed there .

[0092] The single-strand bristles 7 formed by the first filaments 4 are thicker in the area of their free ends and correspondingly sti f fer than the multi-strand bristles 7 . This ensures that the bristle trim 8 is - at any rate also - equipped with bristles 7 that are suf ficiently sti f f to penetrate into the free spaces between the individual eyelashes during the application of the make-up to the eyelashes . In this way, the single-strand bristles 7 formed by the first filaments 4 ensure that the make-up is evenly distributed . It also prevents clumps of make-up from forming in the spaces between the lashes .

[0093] In the following, various arrangement variants of the first and second filaments 4 and 5 are explained with reference to the schematic representations of Figs . 4- 15 . Each of the medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 16 from 24 for GEKA GmbH embodiments in Figs . 4- 15 has one or more first sections 9 and one or more second sections 10 . The first sections 9 consist mainly or only of first filaments 4 and the second sections 10 consist mainly or only of second filaments 5 . For better illustration and since these are merely schematic representations , only the reference signs for the brush 1 , the bristle carrier 2 , the bristle trim 8 and the first and second sections 9 and 10 are shown in Figs . 4- 15 .

[0094] Fig . 4 shows a brush 1 whose bristle trim 8 consists of a first section 9 and a second section 10 . The second section 10 extends from the proximal end of the bristle carrier 2 over almost the entire length of the bristle carrier 2 . Finally, a short first section 9 is provided in the region of the distal end of the bristle carrier 2 . Since the second section 10 consists predominantly or only of bristles 7 , which are formed by second filaments 5 and therefore have mass storage in the region of their multi-stranded free ends , such a design leads to a high mass storage capacity of the brush 1 . The first section 9 in the region of the proximal end of the bristle carrier 2 can be used for a puncti form or filigree distribution of the product due to the high rigidity of the first filaments 4 arranged predominantly there .

[0095] Fig . 5 shows a brush 1 comprising three first sections 9 and three second sections 10 , which are arranged alternately . The bristle trim 8 starts in the proximal area with a second section 10 and end in the distal area with a first section 9 .

[0096] The sections 9 and 10 are not all the same length . Rather, the middle second section 10 is longer than the other sections 9 and 10 . A brush 1 of this type therefore has alternating areas of high mass storage capacity and high sti f fness over its entire length . This allows the entire lash line to be supplied with a large amount of make-up . At the same time , good distribution is made possible . Due to the long central second section 10 , such a brush 1 can be used in particular to supply medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 17 from 24 for GEKA GmbH the central area of the lash line with a large amount of makeup to be applied .

[0097] Fig . 6 shows a brush 1 whose bristle trim 8 has three second sections 10 and three first sections 9 . The bristle trim 8 starts on its proximal side with a second section 10 and ends on its distal side with a first section 9 . The middle of the second sections 10 is approximately twice as long as the other two second sections 10 . The first sections 9 are at least as long as the longer second section 10 . Such a brush is relatively sti f f due to the predominance of the first sections 9 in relation to the length of the bristle carrier 2 and is therefore particularly suitable for evenly distributing the product delivered to the application site .

[0098] Fig . 7 shows a brush 1 that has a first section 9 in the distal and proximal area and a second section 10 in between . The second section 10 is longer than each of the two first sections 9 . The central area of the bristle trim 8 is therefore particularly suitable for transporting large quantities of the product to be applied to the application site and dispensing it there , while the edge areas of the bristle trim 8 are primarily suitable for evenly distributing the product . Such a brush 1 is therefore ideally used to apply a large amount of make-up to the central area of the lash line . For even distribution, the brush 1 can be moved towards the lash line in such a way that the edge areas of the bristle trim 8 are in contact with the lashes .

[0099] Fig . 8 shows a brush 1 with three short second sections 10 and four first sections 9 . The bristle trim 8 starts and ends with a first section 9 in each case . The two central first sections 9 are signi ficantly longer than the first sections 9 in the proximal and distal areas of the bristle trim 8 . As the first sections 9 of the bristle trim 8 predominate , such a brush 1 medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 18 from 24 for GEKA GmbH is particularly suitable for applying a small amount of the product to be applied, which is to be distributed very evenly .

[0100] Fig . 9 shows a brush 1 whose bristle trim 8 has four first sections 9 and four second sections 10 . On its proximal side , the bristle trim 8 begins with a second section 10 . On its distal side , the bristle trim 8 ends with a first section 9 . The two central second sections 10 are approximately twice as long as the two outer second sections 10 and approximately as long as the longest first section 9 . Of the first sections 9 , the most proximal is approximately twice as long as the other first sections 9 . With a brush 1 of this type , the product to be applied can be distributed evenly over the entire lash line . Due to the two longer second sections 10 of the bristle trim 8 , a slightly larger amount of make-up can be applied in the center of the lash line than in the peripheral area .

[0101] Fig . 10 shows a brush 1 with a bristle trim 8 comprising a second section 10 and two first sections 9 . The bristle trim 8 begins and ends with a first section 9 . The first section 9 on the proximal side of the bristle trim 8 is approximately the same length as the second section 10 . Depending on how the brush 1 is brought to the application site , either a large amount of the product to be applied can be delivered to the application site or an even distribution can be achieved . Ideally, the brush 1 is first brought into contact with the application site with its second section 10 in order to apply a large amount of product . The two first sections 9 can then be used to distribute the product evenly .

[0102] Fig . 11 shows a brush 1 whose bristle trim 8 comprises two second sections 10 and three first sections 9 . The bristle trim 8 begins and end with a first section 9 . The two second sections 10 are approximately the same length as the proximal and distal first sections 9 . The middle first section 9 is approximately one third longer than the other two first medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 19 from 24 for GEKA GmbH sections 9 . A brush 1 of this type is particularly suitable for applying a consistent amount of make-up to the lash line over its entire length .

[0103] The same applies to the embodiment example shown in Fig . 12 . In this embodiment , the bristle trim 8 consists of five second sections 10 and six first sections 9 . All sections 9 , 10 are approximately the same length and alternate at regular intervals . There is a first section 9 at the proximal and distal end of the bristle trim 8 .

[0104] Fig . 13 shows a brush 1 whose bristle trim 8 comprises three second sections 10 and three first sections 9 . Proximally, the bristle trim 8 begins with a second section 10 . Distally, the bristle trim 8 ends with a first section 9 . Of the three second sections 10 , the one furthest distally is approximately twice as long as the other two second sections 10 of the same length . Of the three first sections 9 , two are approximately as long as the two shorter second sections 10 . Between these two shorter first sections 9 is a first section 9 which is approximately twice as long as the longest second section 10 . Such a brush 1 is particularly advantageous i f the central area of the lash line is to be provided with a smaller amount of make-up and the edge area with a larger amount .

[0105] The bristle trim 8 of the brush 1 shown in Fig . 14 comprises four first sections 9 and three second sections 10 . The second sections 10 are all the same length . One of the first sections 9 is longer than the others . The longer first section 9 is approximately the same length as the second sections 10 . There is a first section 9 at both the proximal and distal ends of the bristle trim 8 . This arrangement of the first and second sections 9 and 10 allows a large amount of make-up to be applied over the entire length of the lash line .

[0106] Fig . 15 shows a brush 1 with a bristle trim 8 comprising two first sections 9 and two second sections 10 . The proximal end medmix CONFIDENTIAL MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 20 from 24 for GEKA GmbH of the bristle trim 8 consists of a second section 10 , while the distal end consists of a first section 9 . The first section 9 between the two second sections 10 is approximately as long as the sum of the two second sections 10 . Such a brush 1 is ideal for evenly covering the entire length of the lash line with make-up .

[0107] LIST OF REFERENCE NUBERS

[0108] 1 Brush

[0109] 2 Bristle carrier

[0110] 3 Twisted wires

[0111] 4 First filaments

[0112] 5 Second filaments

[0113] 6 Strands of the second filaments

[0114] 7 Bristle

[0115] 8 Bristle trim

[0116] 9 First sections

[0117] 10 Second sections medmix CONFIDENTIAL

Claims

MISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 21 from 24 for GEKA GmbHCLAIMS1. Brush (1) for applying a cosmetic or a pharmaceutical, comprising a bristle carrier (2) in the form of at least two twisted wires (3) holding between their windings a plurality of first (4) and second filaments (5) clamped so that each filament (4, 5) - two pieces - forms outwardly directed bristles (7) , so that the filaments (4, 5) form a brush (1) , characterized in that the first filaments (4) are made of a material which remains single-stranded at the free filament ends even under impact stress and the second filaments (5) are made of a material or are constructed in such a way that they split into several parallel strands (6) at the free filament ends under impact stress.

2. Brush (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bristle trim (8) of the brush (1) extends over more than 12 windings and up to a maximum of 25 windings.

3. Brush (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bristle trim (8) is formed over its entire length by a mixture of first (4) and second filaments (5) , preferably in such a way that the second filaments (5) do not form a complete 360° winding consisting only of second filaments (5) .

4. Brush (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bristle trim (8) has two sections (9, 10) each extending over several windings, of which a first section (9) consists predominantly or only of first filaments (4) and a second section (10) consists partly, predominantly or only of second filaments (5) , the section (10) which comprises or consists of the second filaments (5) preferably being the distal section. medmix CONFIDENTIALMISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 22 from 24 for GEKA GmbH5. Brush (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bristle trim (8) has several sections (9, 10) each extending over several windings, of which several first sections (9) consist predominantly or only of first filaments (4) and of which several second sections (10) consist partly, predominantly or only of second filaments (5) .

6. Brush (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the bristle trim (8) begins proximally with a first section (9) , which is followed in the distal direction by a plurality of second sections (10) , which are each separated from one another by a first section (9) or vice versa.

7. Brush (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the successive first (9) and second sections (10) are predominantly, substantially or all such sections (9, 10) which extend substantially over no more than three, preferably substantially over only a single winding.

8. Brush (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the distal, free end of the bristle trim (8) consists exclusively of first filaments (4) .

9. Brush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the section or sections of the bristle trim (8) , which is or are formed by a mixture of first (4) and second filaments (5) , consists of second (5) and first filaments (4) in a mixing ratio of 1:20 to 1:2 and preferably in a mixing ratio of 1:15 to 1:

10. medmix CONFIDENTIALMISSELHORN | mw-patent.de | 05071EPWO page 23 from 24 for GEKA GmbH10. Brush (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the predominant number of windings and better - at least substantially - all windings in the section of the bristle trim (8) , which is formed by a mixture of first (4) and second filaments (5) , have second filaments (5) .

11. Brush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (4) and second filaments (5) differ more than only insignificantly in their diameter, even where the second filaments (5) are singlestranded, ideally with the first filaments (4) being thicker than the second filaments (5) .

12. Brush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filaments (4, 5) and preferably only the first filaments (4) have a lateral surface which has depressions which can retain and / or store cosmetic mass .

13. Brush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristle trim (8) tapers conically towards the distal end. medmix CONFIDENTIAL

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