Applicator with Pivotable Bristle-Covered Wings

The invention relates to an applicator according to the preamble of claim 1.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Applicators that are pivotable under the influence of forces applied by a wiper lip have already been proposed, see, for example, FIG. 31.

Applicators of this type make a bristle or finger covering with a considerable external diameter possible, without the absolute necessity of providing, together with this applicator, a cosmetics storage container with a bottle neck of correspondingly large dimensions.

With the applicators already proposed there is the problem, however, that the withdrawal of the applicator from the wiper fixed in the bottle neck, or its reinsertion thereinto, results in abrupt, haptically unpleasant movements, because the wings get caught when they impact the wiper lip, or put up a significantly increased resistance to the movement for a time. The abrupt movements thus occurring result in an increased danger of inadvertent splashing, compared with a gentle, smooth withdrawal. Moreover, inadvertent splashing at the end of the withdrawal process is not a rare occurrence, particularly when the wings elastically laid flat against the core by the wiper ultimately lose contact with the wiper lip at the end of the process of withdrawing the applicator from the cosmetics storage container and then spring back into their load-free position.

The Object on Which the Invention is Based

Therefore, the invention is based on the object of providing an applicator with a diameter that can be reduced by the action of forces of the wiper or of the bottle neck, which can be withdrawn from the storage container and/or reinserted into the storage container in an improved manner.

The Solution According to the Invention

According to the invention, the solution is effected with the features of claim 1. The corresponding cosmetics applicator has a central core with the length K, which preferably extends continuously on the longitudinal axis L and along the longitudinal axis L of the applicator. Fingers, which are not directly connected to the core but are supported by several wings, protrude outwards from the core. The wings are characterized in that they are each hinged to the core in a pivotable manner about a preferably line-shaped pivot axis. In this case, the line-shaped pivot axis generally does not extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis if the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis L are projected onto each other. Instead, the pivot axis generally extends parallel, i.e. completely parallel or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal axis. The applicator according to the invention is characterized in that several wings are disposed on the core, or around the circumference of the core, which extend only over a fraction 1/n*K along the core in each case, wherein n≤1.3, and the core additionally has immovable fingers distally in front of and/or proximally behind the wings, as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The immovable fingers are referred to in this manner because their base point or their base surface does not transition into a moveable wing, but directly into the core, and therefore, the base point or base surface is immovable relative to the core. This term gives no indication as to the possible inherent elasticity of the fingers and their movability, which may possibly result therefrom.

The immovable fingers pre-stretch the lip of the customary wipers before it impacts the wings, or prepare the wiper lip for the impact of the wings. Thus, they make it much easier for the wiper lip to be pushed onto the wings. This means that the applicator is noticeably easier to pull through, or reinsert into, the wiper or the bottle neck in a jerk-free manner.

In addition, independent protection is sought for a cosmetics applicator with a central core with the length K, which extends along the longitudinal axis L of the applicator, and fingers which protrude outwards therefrom and are supported by several wings that are each hinged to the core in a pivotable manner about a preferably line-shaped pivot axis, wherein the applicator is characterized in that several wings are disposed on the core which extend only over a fraction 1/n*K along the core in each case, wherein n≤1.3.

Further Problem on Which the Invention is Based

In principle, the wing-covered applicators of the generic type are attractive also because they enable a particularly extensive loading with cosmetic compound, particularly if the wings are configured as unilaterally hinged “flaps” which, in their load-free state form a V-shaped gap between the inner surface of the wing and the outer surface of the core—the term unilaterally hinged flap will be defined in more detail further below.

When the applicator is dipped into the cosmetic compound, the latter naturally also enters the V-shaped gap and sticks to that location, i.e. is carried along, when the applicator is withdrawn. As soon as the respective wing of the applicator is deflected closer towards the core by the wiper and/or the bottle neck, at least a part of the cosmetic compound stored in the V-shaped gap is pressed out towards the outside and into the area of the finger covering.

The wing configuration of the known applicator poses the problem that the cosmetic compound pressed out of the V-shaped gap is distributed only very unevenly in the bristle covering, i.e. only in a narrow strip of the finger covering extending in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Another Object on Which the Invention is Based

In view of this, the invention is based on the further object of providing a cosmetics applicator with which the cosmetic compound pressed out of the V-shaped gap is distributed more evenly in the finger covering.

The Further Solution According to the Invention

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, independent protection is sought for a cosmetics applicator with an, in the above sense, central core with fingers which protrude outwards therefrom and are supported by several wings that are each hinged to the core 2 in a pivotable manner about a preferably line-shaped pivot axis, wherein this inventive cosmetics applicator is characterized in that the wings each have a pivot axis extending at an angle ALPHA to the longitudinal axis of the core. The angle ALPHA is preferably 30° to 60°, and ideally 40° to 50°.

If the wings, which are pivotably mounted in such a way, are pressed closer to the core under the influence of the wiper lip and/or of the bottle neck, then the cosmetic compound stored in its gap between the inner face of the wing and the surface of the core is not pressed out laterally, so that it is available only along a line extending in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Due to the inclined pivot axis, the stored cosmetic compound is instead discharged to a greater extent via the circumferential region following the wing that has just been folded down, and there is distributed further by the wiper lip. The cosmetic compound stored at first between the respective wing and the core is thus used in a significantly more effective manner.

A particularly uniform distribution of the cosmetic compound in the sense mentioned above is obtained if the cosmetics applicator has at least 8 and better at least 12 such wings that can be moved independently of one another.

Preferred Configurations For All Variations of the Invention

It is particularly beneficial to configure the cosmetics applicator in such a way that at least two of the wings pivot in opposite directions. This means that these two wings are hinged to the core such that the one wing immediately moves farther from the core if it is pivoted clockwise, and the other wing immediately moves closer to the core if it is pivoted clockwise. Even if this is not an absolute requirement, it is particularly beneficial if these two wings are hinged to the core in such a flexible manner that they can be pivoted by the forces that arise in the interaction with the area to be treated. A particularly varied application behavior can be obtained in this manner.

In all of this, it is particularly beneficial if two wings that are directly adjacent in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or two wings that are directly adjacent in the circumferential direction pivot in opposite directions.

Within the context of another preferred configuration, it is provided that at least two, preferably three wings are hinged to the core one behind the other, but separately from one another, in such a way that their pivot axes lie on an imaginary common straight line. The straight line is preferably orientated parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator. It is particularly beneficial if the lengths (measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis) of at least two of these wings that are hinged one behind the other are different. Provided at least three such wings are hinged one behind the other, it is particularly preferred if a wing which, in the direction along the longitudinal axis, is centrally disposed between two directly adjacent wings, is longer in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, preferably by at least 20%, better by at least 30%, than the directly adjacent wings.

Such a configuration, which can be realized in different variations, provides the user with very variable options of application.

In the context of another embodiment, it is provided that that two wings situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L have a pivot axis offset, such that the pivot axes that are not in alignment in the direction along the longitudinal axis L are disposed parallel to each other and have a minimum axis offset in the circumferential direction of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Such an arrangement results in an increased mass storage capacity particularly in the transitional region between the two wings situated in direct succession. Particularly in this transitional region, the wiper, due to the minimum axis offset, at first cannot wipe the second wing as intensively as the first wing and later on also the second wing, so that an increased load remains in the transitional region even after passing the wiper.

In the context of another preferred embodiment, it is provided that that two wings situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L have a pivot axis offset, such that the pivot axes that are not in alignment in the direction along the longitudinal axis L are disposed parallel to each other and have a large axis offset in the circumferential direction of 1.5 mm to 3 mm. Applicators of this kind offer a particularly variable application behavior.

Cosmetics applicators that are characterized in that at least a part, better all, of the wings are hinged to the core only at two or three spaced-apart points are particularly beneficial. In contrast thereto, the region of the respective wing situated between said points is not directly connected to the core. In this manner, the resistance that the respective wing puts up against being pivoted can be reduced. At the location where the wing is hinged, a thicker-walled and thus more durable connection can be established (also in the case of a film hinge) than in the case of a film hinge which connects the wing along its entire side edge to the core and which, due to this great length, has to be configured in a correspondingly thin-walled manner.

In the context of an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at least a part, better all, of the wings are hinged to the core by at least one film hinge.

A particularly preferred cosmetics applicator is characterized in that the wings have fingers projecting obliquely at an angle BETA from the local normal of their outer circumferential surface.

Within the context of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the wings have an outer main surface extending convexly over the entire surface in the circumferential direction of the applicator or of the core thereof. A particularly variable application can be obtained with such a configuration.

Within the context of another particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the wings have an inner main surface extending concavely over the entire surface in the circumferential direction of the applicator or of the core thereof. Such a configuration is particularly beneficial because the wing is then able to abut closely to the core of the applicator under the influence of radially inward forces. A capacity of reducing the maximum outer diameter of the applicator to a particularly great extent is thus obtained, and it is also possible to discharge a particularly large amount of the cosmetic compound, which is at first stored in the gap between the inner main surface of the wing and the outer circumferential surface of the core, into the region of the bristle covering.

It is particularly preferred if the wings have proximally and/or distally beveled end faces. End faces beveled in this manner make it considerably easier for a wiper lip to slide up a wing, i.e. reach the region of the outer main surface of a wing, without temporarily getting caught or without a disruptively increased application of force. Ideally the end faces are beveled by an angle of 25° to 60°, preferably by an angle of 40° to 50°, measured in the projection of the edge of the beveled end face onto the longitudinal axis L.

Another particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least two wings are provided which—compared to each other—are differently hinged to the core in such a way that (in the load-free state of the wings) the working angle that the one wing assumes relative to the tangent to the core passing through its base point is different from the working angle that the other wing assumes relative to the tangent through the core passing through its base point.

Preferably, this applies where the wings form at least two wing rings consisting of several wings disposed one behind the other in the circumferential direction. In that case, the wings of the one wing ring are hinged to the core in such a different manner, compared with the wings of the other wing ring, as explained above.

It was found to be preferable to cover each wing with at least 24 fingers.

Further optional embodiments, mechanisms of action and advantages of the invention become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the Figures.

LIST OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a first exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an applicator according to the first exemplary embodiment from above.

FIG. 3 shows a central longitudinal section of the applicator according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a frontal view of the applicator according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a second exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of an applicator according to FIG. 5 from above.

FIG. 7 shows a central longitudinal section of the applicator according to FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows a frontal view of the applicator according to FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a third exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of an applicator according to FIG. 9 from above.

FIG. 11 shows a central longitudinal section of the applicator according to FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 shows a frontal view of the applicator according to FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a fourth exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 14 shows a top view of an applicator according to FIG. 13 from above.

FIG. 15 shows a frontal view of the applicator according to FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a fifth exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of an applicator according to FIG. 16 from above. FIG. 18 shows a frontal view of the applicator according to FIG. 16. FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a sixth exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 20 shows a top view of an applicator according to FIG. 19 from above.

FIG. 21 shows a frontal view of an applicator according to FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to a seventh exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 23 shows a top view of an applicator according to FIG. 22 from above.

FIG. 24 shows a frontal view of the applicator according to FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to an eighth exemplary embodiment, obliquely from the front and above.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the applicator according to FIG. 25, obliquely from the rear and above.

FIG. 27 shows a top view of an applicator according to FIG. 25 from above.

FIG. 28 shows a rear view of the applicator according to FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 shows a frontal view of the applicator according to FIG. 25.

FIG. 30 shows a finger in the form of a bristle as it is preferably used for each of the exemplary embodiments of the invention discussed herein.

FIG. 31 shows an already previously used applicator that is part of the prior art.

FIRST EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first exemplary embodiment. The best overview of the first exemplary embodiment is obtained by viewing the FIGS. 1 and 3 together.

The Core

The applicator 1 consists of an, as a rule, central core 2 forming an essential constituent element of the applicator. The core is preferably situated on the central longitudinal axis about which the wings, which will have to be discussed below, group.

The cross section of the core preferably is circular, as can best be seen in FIG. 4. The core 2 is followed by a coupling portion 3, which serves for coupling the applicator to a stem which is not shown here, and which as a rule is in turn connected to a handle, or directly to a handle not shown here. The core 2 and the coupling portion 3 are most frequently configured in an integral manner and are in that case preferably manufactured from a uniform material by means of injection molding.

The core 2 defines—most frequently together with the coupling portion 3—a longitudinal axis L of the applicator. As is shown in FIG. 2, the core extends along the longitudinal axis with a length K.

The core preferably consists of solid material, as is shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, however, it may also be configured as an internally hollow tube, as is explained in more detail below for a different exemplary embodiment.

The core has a rigid annular portion which is continuously closed in the circumferential direction and is directly covered with solid fingers as they will be described below.

The Wings

Preferably, the core 2 is covered all around with wings 4, wherein preferably four, and even better at least six wings 4 are distributed around the core.

Ideally, the wings 4 are spaced apart from each other at identical distances. The wings 4 are hinged to the core 2 in a pivotable manner about a preferably line-shaped pivot axis 6. This line-shaped pivot axis preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator. In the exemplary embodiment described here, each wing is directly connected to the core 2 over the entire length along the line-shaped pivot axis 6. This may be advantageous for certain exemplary embodiments but is not an absolute necessity.

Each of the inventive wings 4 does not extend over the entire length K of the core, but only over a fraction thereof, which in the present exemplary embodiment is 1/n, where n=1.25. The reason for this will be described in more detail below. Ideally, this applies to all wings provided.

In this exemplary embodiment, each of the wings 4 is configured as a rectangular strip whose width in the circumferential direction preferably corresponds to at most 2.5 times the bristle base diameter, and better only at most 1.5 times the bristle base diameter.

In this exemplary embodiment the wings pivot in an identical manner in the clockwise and the counter-clockwise direction, that is, except for the direction, they come closer to the core in the same manner if pivoted in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Pivotability is provided by the rectangular strip as such, provided it is sufficiently flexible. Alternatively, it may also be provided that the rectangular strip has a local thin portion acting as a film hinge which, however, is not shown by the Figures.

The lateral main surfaces of the strip, which at the same time form the predominant part of the free surface of the strip, are oriented, substantially or even completely, radially in this exemplary embodiment. Ideally, the same applies to the fingers 7, which are to be discussed below. Due to this comparatively thin configuration, the strips are flexible in the circumferential direction, i.e. they are able to pivot back and forth in the circumferential direction.

The deflection of the strips on the core 2 is so flexible that the strips as such can be pivoted by at least +/−15° in the circumferential direction under the influence of the forces arising during the course of the application.

The Fingers

The respective wing, or in this case the radially outward end face of the strip, is covered with fingers. Preferably, a row of fingers placed one behind the other in alignment along the longitudinal axis L is provided. The fingers may each have the shape of a singular rod or cone, so that then, they form a kind of comb, regardless of whether the fingers 7 are real teeth of a comb or bristles. It is particularly preferred if the length of the fingers 7 with which a wing 4 is equipped decreases from the center of the wing towards the distal end and/or proximal end, ideally by at least ⅓ of the absolute value of the total length.

Equipping the wings with alternating finger rows was found to be particularly beneficial. Such an alternating finger row is characterized in that, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, purely radially oriented fingers 7 are arranged alternatingly, and pairs of inclined fingers 8, which are oriented next to one another in the circumferential direction and form a V-shaped configuration. Ideally, exactly one radially oriented finger 7 and one pair of inclined fingers 8 alternate in each case. This can be seen best in FIG. 4. This finger configuration results in a particularly good mass storage capacity, because the total free surface available on the fingers is increased, so that thus, much of the compound can be discharged if the compound is relatively thin and therefore forms only a thinly adhering layer on the surface of the respective fingers.

Between two wings 4 that are directly adjacent in the circumferential direction, the central core 2 preferably carries no fingers, as is best seen in FIG. 2. This applies particularly to the case where V-shaped pairs of fingers 8 with an inclined orientation are present on the wings. It is thus ensured that the fingers may be folded down unimpededly in and opposite to the circumferential direction.

However, not only the wings 4 are equipped with fingers in the present exemplary embodiment. In addition, the core 2 in this case carries, both distally and proximally, an annular, wing-free portion 9 that is continuously closed in the circumferential direction. This portion is equipped with immovable fingers 10, preferably all around its circumference. These fingers 10 are referred to as immovable fingers because the base surface of the fingers 10 is in each case directly and therefore immovably attached to the core 2 or its rigid annular portion 9. In this case, the fingers may in actual fact be movable above their base surface, due to their inherent flexibility. Ideally, at least three collars of immovable fingers 10 disposed one behind the other in alignment in the circumferential direction are provided on the or on each of the two annular portion(s) 9, as can be seen best in FIG. 2.

Generally, the immovable fingers 10 are predominantly disposed in such a way that the majority thereof extends in the radial direction, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the end face of the wings 4 (immediate vicinity: preferably with a distance of three or four finger collars). Ideally, the immovable fingers 10 are set up as finger collars in which each finger collar is formed from solid fingers 10 placed one behind the other in alignment in the circumferential direction, see FIGS. 10 and 11. In this case, it is particularly useful if the immovable fingers of finger collars adjacent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L are placed one behind the other in alignment, also in each case as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Ideally, the length of the immovable fingers 10 increases in each case from the distal end to the start of the wing, or from the proximal end to the start of the wing. In that case, the immovable fingers 10 can form wedge arrangements over which the wiper lips are guided towards the initial part of the wings, as is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this case, it is particularly useful if the immovable fingers 10 are in each case arranged in alignment with the strips forming the wings 4 and their fingers 7. In this case, it may also be particularly useful if other ones of the immovable fingers 10 form a row in alignment in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, which at the same time is in alignment with the intermediate space between two directly adjacent wings 4 that is not covered with bristles.

In this case, a finger in the sense described here is understood to be either (completely or at least substantially) rigid teeth of a comb or bristles. Bristles are clearly preferred. The term bristles preferably refers to rod-shaped structures that are so flexible that, under the influence of the forces arising during application, their tips can be laterally deflected in a reversibly elastic manner by the amount S, which is at least 4 times the bristle base diameter BF (as defined above), as is shown in FIG. 30. The bristle base diameter BF is preferably between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm, ideally between 0.3 mm and 0.45 mm.

Ideally, bristles situated one behind the other in alignment in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, provided they are situated in direct succession, are spaced apart by a minimum distance of 1.5 BF, better 1.75 BF.

Expediently, the bristles have a conical shape, with a cone angle Δ which is normally between 0.5° and 3.5°.

The length of the bristles LB between the bristle base above the rounded portion, with which the bristle may transition into the respective slotted tube, preferably is between 4 mm and 15 mm, better between 0.5 mm and 12 mm.

It is particularly beneficial if at least one, and better still, as shown here, all of the wings 4 are at least partially, better predominantly, and ideally completely, covered with bristles. In order to optimally take advantage of the particularly large application surface provided by these peculiar wings, each applicator is covered with at least 75 bristles, better with at least 100 bristles.

In order to provide the bristles with a particular application behavior, it may be useful to manufacture the bristles from a different plastic material than the core. In that case, the plastic material of the bristles is subsequently attached by injection-molding, preferably together with the entire respective wing 4. This preferably means that the wings with the bristles consist of one, and the core of another, plastic material.

The Effect

The strong point of the exemplary embodiment according to the invention is that, on the one hand, it has pivotable wings 4 that fold down laterally when passing through the wiper, thus reducing the outer diameter of the finger covering when passing through the wiper, and, on the other hand, it is equipped at the proximal end and/or at the distal end with a covering of immovable fingers 10 in the above-mentioned sense, which is at least substantially or completely closed in itself in the circumferential direction. As a result of this covering of immovable fingers 10, the wiper lip does not impact the end face of the wings 4 too abruptly, either getting caught there or laterally folding down the wings 4 in an undefined manner with great force, when the applicator is withdrawn from the cosmetics storage container or when the applicator is inserted into the cosmetics storage container. This is due to the fact that, with the design according to the invention, the wiper lip first impacts the immovable fingers and is thus lifted slightly, in order to then be able to slide into the region of the outer circumference of the wings without any problems. At the same time, another possible result is that the wiper lip does not jump off the respective wing too abruptly at the end of a wing 4, causing fine splashes of cosmetic compound to be thrown off laterally.

Other Remarks

In some cases, it may be particularly useful if the distal end is (also) provided with immovable fingers 12, whose longitudinal finger axis does not extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator, but at an angle of less than 75° to the longitudinal axis, so-called inclined immovable fingers. It is ideal if these inclined immovable fingers 12 form a rotationally symmetric hedgehog as shown by the FIGS. 9 and 10, to which reference is already made in advance. The term “immovable” fingers also in this case follows the definition already given above.

The hedgehog is preferably provided with inclined immovable fingers 12 extending at an angle of between 75° and 60°, with further fingers 12 extending at an angle of between 60° and 45°, and with further fingers 12 that assume an angle of between 45° and 30° to the longitudinal axis L. Ideally, at least one immovable finger 12 is additionally provided which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Such a design offers a very high degree of variability in application. Because the cosmetic compound can be applied both by means of the fingers forming the hedgehog and, alternatively, by means of the radially oriented immovable fingers, and finally, again alternatively, also by means of those fingers that are supported by the wings.

SECOND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 5 to 8 show a second exemplary embodiment. The second exemplary embodiment corresponds completely to the first exemplary embodiment, with the exception of the differences described below. For this reason, all of the previous description regarding the first exemplary embodiment also applies to the second exemplary embodiment.

Different Hinge Mounting of the Wings

In the second exemplary embodiment, the wings are basically configured in the same way as in the first exemplary embodiment. The sole difference is that the wings 4 are directly attached to the core 2 not over their entire length, but only at several spaced-apart connecting portions 11. In the present case, each of the wings 4 preferably has one connecting portion 11, respectively, in the region of its distal and its proximal end, and preferably also in the region of its center an additional third connecting portion 11. In principle, it is possible that the third connecting portion is itself divided into two parts and thus forms a total of two further connecting portions disposed to the left and the right next to the center of a wing.

Internally Hollow Core

Optionally, another difference may be that the core 2 of the applicator is formed to be hollow, preferably over its entire length, preferably just up to the coupling portion, as is shown in the present case by FIG. 7. Together with the only locally hinged wings, which for precisely this reason increase the geometrical moment of inertia only to an insubstantial extent, this provides the applicator with the capability of elastically yielding in its entirety in the direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and, figuratively speaking, be curved in its entirety in a “banana shape”.

Two-Component Injection-Molding

As can best be seen in FIG. 7, there is the option of attaching by injection-molding the rigidly attached fingers 10 and/or the wings 4 including their fingers 7 and 8 to the core 2, which consists of a first plastic. This is advantageous in that a second plastic with different properties can be used for the finger and/or wings with fingers to be attached by injection-molding, e.g. a plastic that is more elastic and/or softer, such as a TPE.

THIRD EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 9 to 12 show a third exemplary embodiment. The third exemplary embodiment corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment and/or the second exemplary embodiment, at least with respect to the covering with rigidly attached fingers 10, and with respect to the type and the pivotable hinge mounting of the wings 4 and their covering with fingers 7 and 8.

The only substantial difference to the first and second exemplary embodiments is the multi-part design of the wings. As can be seen, several wings 4 are provided here which are placed one behind the other in alignment in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the applicator, but are nevertheless completely separated from one another. In other respects, the statements in connection with the other exemplary embodiments apply to these wings 4 and their covering of fingers 7 and 8.

The multi-part design of the wings is of vital significance. Because one of several wings placed independently of one another in the direction of an alignment along the longitudinal axis L as such puts up considerably less resistance to pivoting in the circumferential direction than a single monolithic wing, which extends across nearly the entire core 2 along the longitudinal axis L. Therefore, such a wing offers the possibility of being folded in the circumferential direction not only under the influence of the wiper. Instead, such a wing can also be pivoted in the circumferential direction under the influence of forces otherwise arising during the actual application, i.e. also during the actual work, for example, on the eyelash or the eyebrow. This offers completely novel application properties.

It is particularly beneficial if a variation is provided between the adjacent rows of wings 4 placed in alignment along the longitudinal axis L—in the sense that one row consists of two wings placed one behind the other in alignment along the longitudinal axis L, and adjacent row consists of three wings placed one behind the other in alignment along the longitudinal axis L, wherein it is also possible, as an alternative, that four such wings are being used in this case.

FOURTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 13 to 15 show a fourth exemplary embodiment. The fourth exemplary embodiment has a fundamentally different design from the previous three exemplary embodiments described so far. With the exemplary embodiments already described, they only have the fact in common that the core 2 may be massive or internally hollow, and that the wings 4 may be connected to the core over their entire length or only at several spaced-apart connecting portions 11. These connecting portions 11 may in that case be arranged as already described above. Also in this case, an internally hollow core, together with wings that are directly connected to the core only at several spaced-apart connecting portions 11, provides the core an advantageous elasticity or deflectability, i.e. the capability to be deflected as a whole in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L that it reflects in the state of rest. The fingers, i.e. the teeth of a comb or bristles, are designed in this exemplary embodiment as was described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment.

The Core

The core 2 defines—most frequently together with the coupling portion 3—a longitudinal axis L of the applicator. As is shown in FIG. 14, the core extends along the longitudinal axis with a length K. The core preferably consists of solid material, as is shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, however, the core may also be configured as an internally hollow tube, as was already explained above. This is preferably accompanied by an only local hinge mounting of the wings 4.

The Wings

Preferably, the core 2 is covered all around with wings 4, wherein preferably four or at least six wings 4 are distributed around the core. Also in this case, preferably none of the wings 4 extends across the entire length K of the core. Instead, each wing 4 according to the invention extends only across a fraction of the length K of the core, which in the present exemplary embodiment is 1/n, where n<1.7.

The wings are hinged to the core in a pivotable manner about a preferably line-shaped pivot axis 6. This line-shaped pivot axis preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator. In the exemplary embodiment according to the invention which, however, is not shown in a Figure, each wing is directly connected to the core 2 over the entire length along its line-shaped pivot axis 6. This may be advantageous for certain exemplary embodiments but is not an absolute necessity. In order to improve pivotability, it may be provided in this case that the line-shaped pivot axis is constituted by a local thin portion forming a film hinge.

Alternatively, it may be provided, as shown by the FIGS. 13 to 15, that each wing 4 is directly connected to the core only at several spaced-apart connecting portions 11, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. In the present case, each of the wings preferably has one connecting portion 11, respectively, in the region of its distal and its proximal end. If required, each wing 4 could also have an additional third connecting portion in the region of its center which, however, is not necessary here due to the relatively limited length of the wings. The connecting portions 11 may each have a local thin portion forming a film hinge. As can very easily be seen in FIGS. 13 to 15, the wings 4 are in this case hinged like flaps that are pivotably disposed on the core 2 at one of their end faces forming the edge of the large main surfaces, in any case outside every one of their axes of symmetry. In this case, the deflection is such that the wings 4, if pivoted in the counter-clockwise direction, for example, first gain a greater distance from the core 2 and, if pivoted in the opposite direction, e.g. in the clockwise direction, immediately assume a smaller distance from the core 2. Thus, the wings in this fourth exemplary embodiment are preferably disposed so as to pivot all in the same direction.

In this exemplary embodiment, several wings may also be hinged to the core 2 one behind the other in alignment parallel to the longitudinal axis L, which is not shown here in a Figure. Instead, two wings 4 situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L may preferably have a pivot axis offset, which is configured in such a way that the pivot axes that are not in alignment in the direction along the longitudinal axis L are disposed parallel to each other and have a minimum axis offset in the circumferential direction of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. This can be seen rather well in FIG. 13. Because the imaginary line about which the wing 4 pivots that is disposed closer to the distal end in FIG. 13, measured in the circumferential direction, is disposed approx. 1 mm next to the imaginary line about which the wing pivots that is disposed closer to the proximal end in FIG. 13. In this manner, a variable application behavior is obtained because the fingers of two wings 4 situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L do not all point in the same direction, but are slightly offset relative to one another, which is very easily seen in FIG. 15.

As can best be seen in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15, the wings are in this case designed as plates whose entire inner main surface is convexly curved in order to ensure that they can be bought as close to the core 2 as possible. The entire outer main surface of the wings is preferably concavely curved (see FIGS. 13 and 15), which perceptibly improves the interaction between the respective wing 4 and the wiper lip, which is not shown here.

It is particularly beneficial if the unilaterally hinged plates forming the wings 4 are beveled on at least one of their end faces, better on both end faces (distal and proximal), by an angle of 25° to 60° and ideally by an angle of 40° to 50°, measured relative to the pivot axis of the wings. Said angle is measured by projecting the edge of the beveled end face onto the longitudinal axis L and then measuring the angle. Such a limitation means that the surface of the end face is beveled over the entire surface. Such a bevel of the entire front edge offers the decisive advantage that the front edge comes into contact with the wiper lip not in its entirety, but only successively, when inserting the applicator into the cosmetics storage container or when withdrawing the applicator from the cosmetics storage container. In this manner, a run-on slope is formed which prevents the wiper lip from getting caught on the end face of the wing. Instead, it becomes possible that the wiper is pushed, by and by, onto the outer circumference of the wing during the further movement after the impact on the frontal edge of the wing.

The fact that each wing extends only over a fraction of the length K along the longitudinal axis L makes another essential contribution to this. In this manner, each individual wing can be pushed in the direction of the core 2 or in the opposite direction very easily and with little force. For this reason, an applicator can be created in which the outer diameter of the application-ready finger covering can be reduced very easily in order to have the applicator pass through the bottle neck without any problems, and without having to provide the bottle neck with an unacceptably large diameter.

The Fingers

As can be easily seen in the Figures, each of the wings is provided with a plurality of fingers on its outer main surface. Preferably, the fingers project from the outer main surface of the respective wing, inclined at an angle BETA relative to the normal to the local tangent through the finger base point. In this case, the fingers are organized in rows of fingers situated in alignment parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Ideally, they simultaneously form finger collars of fingers placed one behind the other in alignment, when viewed in the circumferential direction. This can be seen rather well in FIG. 4.

FIFTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 16 to 18 show a fifth exemplary embodiment. The fifth exemplary embodiment is identical to the fourth exemplary embodiment, so that the statements pertaining thereto also apply to the fifth exemplary embodiment with the exception of the differences described hereinafter.

In this fifth exemplary embodiment, two wings situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L are provided with a pivot axis offset.

In this exemplary embodiment, two wings 4 situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L have a pivot axis offset, which is configured in such a way that the pivot axes that are not in alignment in the direction along the longitudinal axis L are disposed parallel to each other and at the same time have a large axis offset in the circumferential direction of 1.5 mm to 3 mm. This can be seen rather well in FIG. 16. Because in this exemplary embodiment, the imaginary line about which the wing 4 pivots that is disposed closer to the distal end in FIG. 16, measured in the circumferential direction, is disposed approx. 2.5 mm next to the imaginary line about which the wing pivots that is disposed closer to the proximal end in FIG. 13. In this manner, a variable application behavior is obtained because the fingers of two wings 4 situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L do not all point in the same direction, but are offset slightly relative to one another, which is very easily seen in FIG. 15.

Furthermore, it can easily be seen in FIG. 18 that this technical issue, which is essential for the fifth exemplary embodiment, may also be expressed in slightly different words: In this fifth exemplary embodiment, two wing collars are provided that are respectively offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction that the imaginary pivot line of one wing of the front wing collar is located right in the center of the intermediate space between two wings of the rear wing collar that are directly adjacent in the circumferential direction.

SIXTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 19 to 21 show a sixth exemplary embodiment. The sixth exemplary embodiment is identical to the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments, so that the statements pertaining thereto also apply to the sixth exemplary embodiment with the exception of the difference described hereinafter.

As can very easily be seen in the Figures, the wings 4 are also in this case hinged like flaps that are pivotably disposed on the core 2 on one of their sides, outside every one of their axes of symmetry.

In this case, what is essential to this exemplary embodiment is that the applicator has two wings that pivot in opposite directions. In this case, the deflection is such that one of these wings pivoting in opposite directions, if pivoted in the counter-clockwise direction, for example, first gains a greater distance from the core 2 and, if pivoted in the opposite direction, e.g. in the clockwise direction, immediately assumes a smaller distance from the core 2. The exact opposite is true for the other one of the wings pivoting in opposite directions. It immediately assumes a smaller distance from the core 2 if pivoted in the counter-clockwise direction, for example.

Advantageously, the wings 4 are configured as wing collars in the above-mentioned sense, wherein the applicator preferably exhibits at least two wing collars, as can best be seen in FIG. 19. Ideally, all wings of a wing collar pivot in the same direction, and the finger collars are in this case organized in such a way that adjacent wing collars have wings that pivot in opposite directions. This is also illustrated well in FIG. 19 and FIG. 21.

Also for this embodiment, it is of particular significance that each wing extends only over a fraction of the length K along the longitudinal axis L. Due to its extent in the direction along the longitudinal axis L being only short, each of the wings can be easily pivoted by the forces arising during application, e.g. near the eye or on the eyebrow, and therefore offers a very pleasant, yielding application behavior. In this case, the applicator offers an application behavior with a hitherto unknown variability, due to the wings 4 pivoting in opposite directions.

What must also be emphasized is that wings 4 that are situated in direct succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis have a pivot axis offset also in this exemplary embodiment, preferably in the form of the large axis offset already described in connection with the fifth exemplary embodiment, as is illustrated by the FIGS. 19 to 21.

It must also be remarked that plates that are successively arranged or are directly adjacent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L have equidirectionally beveled end faces. In this regard, reference is to be made to FIG. 20. The bevel, which the wings that belong to the distal wing collar have on their side facing towards the middle, extends in the same direction as the bevel that the end faces of the wings belonging to the proximal wing collar have on their side facing towards the middle. It is thus ensured that no interfering contact can occur between the wings, even without the wings being required to have a particularly large distance from one another.

SEVENTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 22 to 24 describe a seventh exemplary embodiment. The seventh exemplary embodiment corresponds to the sixth exemplary embodiment, so that the statements above pertaining to the sixth exemplary embodiment also apply to the seventh exemplary embodiment.

There is only one difference between these exemplary embodiments.

This is that the wings 4 in this exemplary embodiment have no pivot axis offset. This means that the imaginary pivot axes of two wings that are successively arranged or are directly adjacent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L are in alignment, as can best be seen in the FIGS. 22 and 24.

Possibly, another alternative is to provide this exemplary embodiment with a minimum axis offset, as was already explained above for one of the preceding exemplary embodiments. This alternative is not shown in a Figure here.

EIGHTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 25 to 29 show an eighth exemplary embodiment. The eighth exemplary embodiment has a fundamentally different design from the previous seven exemplary embodiments described so far. However, various technical configuration possibilities of this exemplary embodiment correspond to what was previously described with respect to the fourth to seventh exemplary embodiments, so that those descriptions also apply mutatis mutandis to the eight exemplary embodiment unless otherwise evident from the following explanation. It must also be remarked that the statements pertaining to the fingers or bristles and/or teeth of a comb in the context of the first embodiment also apply to this exemplary embodiment.

The Core

The core 2 defines—most frequently together with the preferably provided coupling portion 3—a longitudinal axis L of the applicator. As is shown in FIG. 14, the core extends along the longitudinal axis with a length K. The core preferably consists of solid material, as is shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, however, the core may also be configured as an internally hollow tube, as was already explained above. The latter is then preferably accompanied by an only local hinge mounting of the wings 4.

The Wings

Preferably, the core 2 is covered all around with wings 4, wherein preferably 12 or at least 16 wings 4 are distributed around the core in this embodiment. In this case, preferably none of the wings 4 extends across the entire length K of the core. Instead, each wing 4 according to the invention extends only across a fraction of the length K of the core, which in the present exemplary embodiment is 1/n, where n<3.

Ideally, the wings 4 are spaced apart from each other at identical distances. The wings preferably form several wing collars which, viewed in the circumferential direction, consist of wings disposed one behind the other in alignment (if the applicator is pictured in an unreeled state). In the present exemplary embodiment, five such wing collars are provided. Generally speaking, it may be remarked that an applicator is in accordance with the invention already when two such wing collars are present, but that advantageously at least three such wing collars should be present.

The wings are hinged to the core in a pivotable manner about a preferably line-shaped pivot axis 6. The salient feature of this exemplary embodiment is that the line-shaped pivot axis extends in an inclined manner relative to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator.

The line-shaped pivot axis, if mentally projected onto the longitudinal axis L, ideally includes an acute angle ALPHA therewith, which is preferably open towards the proximal end of the applicator and is most frequently in the range between 30° and 75°, while ideally being in the range between 35° to 55°.

In the exemplary embodiment according to the invention which, however, is not shown in a Figure, each wing is directly connected to the core 2 over the entire length along its line-shaped pivot axis 6. This may be advantageous for certain exemplary embodiments but is not an absolute necessity.

In this exemplary embodiment, the connection of the wings to the core 2 in the area of the pivot axis is of particular interest. In theory, the wings 4 may be directly connected to the core only on one corner, via a connecting portion 13. Such a connection of the wings is chosen if the wings are to be movable not only in such a way that they can be folded closer towards the core of the applicator or folded farther away from the latter, but if there is an additional demand for pivoting the wings in such a way that the angle of the lower edge of the wing facing towards to core changes relative to the longitudinal axis L.

Preferably, however, the wings 4 have, at the edge thereof facing towards the core 2, another connecting portion 14 that grasps around a part of the jacket surface of the core 2 and integrally transitions into the core 2 in this area.

Expediently, this connecting portion is so thin, in the direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, that it permits an elastic pivotability of the wings 4. In this case, it is particularly beneficial if the connecting portion 14, and preferably also the connecting portion 13, each have their own or a common local thin portion forming a film hinge 15.

Ideally, the limitation is configured such that none of the narrow sides of the wing 4 is orientated completely perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L, if one views the narrow sides of the respective wing projected onto the longitudinal axis L.

Such a bevel of the entire front edge offers the decisive advantage that the front edge comes into contact with the wiper lip not in its entirety, but only successively, when inserting the applicator into the cosmetics storage container or when withdrawing the applicator from the cosmetics storage container. In this manner, a run-on slope is formed which prevents the wiper lip from getting caught on the end face of the wing. Instead, it becomes possible that the wiper is pushed, by and by, onto the main outer circumference of the wing during the further movement after the impact on the frontal edge of the wing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Applicator

2 Core

3 Coupling portion

4 Wing

5 (not assigned)

6 Line-shaped pivot axis

7 Finger on a wing

8 Inclined finger on a wing

9 Rigid annular portion

10 Non-movable finger

11 Connecting portion

12 Inclined non-movable fingers

13 Connecting portion

14 Further connecting portion

15 Film hinge

ALPHA Angle of the pivot axis of the wings relative to the longitudinal axis

BETA Angle of fingers

K Length of core

L Longitudinal axis of applicator or core

BF Bristle base diameter

LB Length of bristles

S Reversibly elastic deflection of bristles

Δ Cone angle

Applicator with Pivotable Bristle-Covered Wings

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Abstract

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