Abstract:
A cosmetic applicator, in particular in the form of a mascara applicator with a core which has a border consisting of fingers that protrude from the core, preferably in the form of bristles. The aim of the invention is to provide a solution for a cosmetic applicator which exhibits an increased material storage capability without substantially impairing the other relevant application properties. This is achieved in that the border has adjacent fingers which are connected together by a flat element that integrally adjoins the circumferential casing surface of both fingers and the core and has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the flat element, said thickness being lower than the maximum diameter of each of the bristles which are thus connected.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention is directed to a cosmetics applicator, particularly in the shape of a mascara applicator, with a core carrying a covering of fingers, preferably in the shape of bristles, protruding therefrom. In particular, mascara mass can be applied to the eyelashes with such a cosmetics applicator. 
         [0002]    The invention is further directed to a method for manufacturing such a cosmetics applicator. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Such applicators are known in a variety of forms. In principle, the problem with applicators of this type is that, on the one hand, an optimum load of cosmetic mass is to be achieved in order to save the user from having to interrupt the application, possibly even several times, in order to reload the applicator with the required amount of cosmetic mass and continue the application. In this case, the cosmetic mass accommodated by the applicator has to be securely retained by it and must not drip off inadvertently, for example. This is most important especially in the case of the more liquid cosmetic masses. 
         [0004]    On the other hand, such applicators have to exhibit a good combing behavior and, if possible, also a good behavior with regard to the desired curling action, which results in the requirement that the application organs have to possess sufficient flexibility. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of providing a cosmetics applicator that exhibits an increased mass storage capacity without substantially degrading the other relevant application properties. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In the case of a cosmetics applicator of the type referred to in more detail in the introduction, the object is achieved, according to the invention, by the covering having adjacent fingers that are connected to each other by a flat element which in each case integrally adjoins the circumferential shell surface of both fingers and integrally adjoins the core, and which has a thickness in the direction perpendicular to its two main surfaces that is smaller than the maximum diameter of each of the bristles connected to each other in this way. 
         [0007]    According to the invention, the object is also achieved by a method for manufacturing a cosmetics applicator according to any one of the claims  1 - 12  with a covering of fingers injection-molded to a core, in which, together with the fingers, one flat element is respectively injection-molded in the shape of a film that extends in each case between two immediately adjacent fingers and is kept stretched by the fingers, wherein the respective flat element is formed, preferably injection-molded, integrally with the fingers and the core. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, a cosmetics applicator with a core is proposed that has a covering of fingers, which are preferably bristles, protruding from it. According to the invention, immediately adjacent bristles of the covering are connected to each other by a flat element that adjoins the circumferential shell surface of both fingers, in each case locally and integrally. In addition, the flat element adjoins the core integrally; it is thus not only held stretched laterally by the two adjacent fingers to which it is connected, but also by the core. The crucial point is that the flat element has a thickness in the direction perpendicular to its two main surfaces that is smaller than the maximum diameter of each of the two fingers connected in this manner. 
         [0009]    The fingers, which are mostly configured in the shape of bristles, have the task of being flexible on the one hand, but, on the other hand, of exhibiting a certain minimum bending stiffness, and primarily a certain bend recovery capacity. In contrast, the flat element according to the invention is configured in such a way that, at least in the circumferential direction, it does not result in an increase of the bending stiffness that causes a noticeable interference. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the imaginary central longitudinal plane of the flat element is a plane in which the longitudinal applicator axis is also located so that the flat element in that case protrudes purely in the radial direction. Such a positioning of the flat element was found to by most useful in tests. Therefore, an embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that the central longitudinal plane of the flat element, in particular of all flat elements, is a plane in which the longitudinal applicator axis is also located. 
         [0011]    Since the fingers or bristles, as a rule, have a maximum diameter of 6/10 mm, and better of only 5/10 mm, said thickness of the flat element may preferably only be 55% at most, and better 40% at most, of the maximum finger diameter. Since the fingers or bristles and the flat element are jointly made from plastic, the flat element in that case behaves like a membrane or a plastic film stretched between the two adjacent fingers or bristles. In an embodiment, the invention also provides that said thickness of the flat element is 50% of the maximum finger diameter at most. 
         [0012]    In principle, there is the possibility that the thickness of the flat element is constant starting from the core towards the radially outward end of the flat element. However, it is clearly better to make the thickness of the flat element decrease starting from the core towards the radially outward end of the flat element. This improves the moldability of the flat element, which is very sensitive anyway during molding, due to its low thickness. In this respect, the invention provides that the thickness of the flat element decreases starting from the core towards the radially outward end of the flat element. 
         [0013]    It is particularly beneficial if the flat element has a maximum extent in the radial direction which is smaller than the maximum extent of the two fingers it connects. Because in that case, this leaves portions of the fingers above the flat elements that remain free all around, which provide a good combing effect and that, in addition, ensure that the eyelash covering is divided and comes to rest between the fingers in the desired manner. It was found to be particularly beneficial if the maximum radial extent of the flat element is ¾ at most of the maximum radial extent of each of the two fingers. Ideally, however, the minimum radial extent of a flat element should at least be ⅓, better ½, of the maximum radial extent of the two fingers. Thus, the invention is further characterized in that the respective flat element has a maximum extent in the radial direction that is smaller than the maximum extent of the two fingers it connects, wherein the maximum radial extent of the respective flat element, in particular of all flat elements, is between ½ and ¾ of the maximum radial extent of the two fingers. It is particularly beneficial if the radially outward free end face of the flat element is configured in a curved manner, preferably in a concave manner, which the invention also provides. This makes the individual eyelashes slip into the center of the free end face of the flat element, where its concave end face has its deepest point. There is enough cosmetic mass to be found here to cover the eyelashes intensively; at the same time, several eyelashes may possibly be merged thereby, which makes them appear thicker. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the invention, it is useful if the flat element is a membrane that can be deformed to a more than just insubstantial extent by forces acting in the circumferential direction. A more than lust insubstantial deformation is, in any case, a deformation of more than 50/10 mm or ideally even 10/10 mm that goes beyond the deformation of one or a few hundredths of a millimeter that virtually every rigid body shows under stress due to its inevitable elasticity. 
         [0015]    In any case, the person skilled in the art understands a membrane to be a structure that is incapable of transmitting any bending moment in the direction parallel to its two large main surfaces. As a rule, it can be said that a membrane is, in a manner of speaking, like a jumping sheet, which is also incapable of transmitting any bending moment in the direction perpendicular to its large main surface. 
         [0016]    it is particularly beneficial if adjacent fingers keep the membrane that respectively connects them stretched, which the invention further provides. Because in this case, the membrane is so weak that it would not protrude in a straight manner in the radial direction, in any case as soon as it has been pulled through the wiper once. 
         [0017]    In principle, immediately adjacent fingers that are placed in alignment in the circumferential direction can also be connected to each other by means of the flat element according to the invention. However, this is of significantly less use than the still preferred embodiment of the invention in which at least one row of fingers placed in alignment one behind the other along the longitudinal applicator axis belongs to the covering, which, for the predominant part or preferably all, are connected to each other by flat elements of said kind. 
         [0018]    An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that at least one row of fingers belongs to the covering, which are placed in a zigzag one behind the other to the left and the right next to an alignment line extending parallel to the longitudinal applicator axis, and which, for the predominant part or preferably all, are connected to each other by flat elements of said kind. Such a placement results in a pattern that is reminiscent of a fence set up in a zigzag and covered accordingly. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fingers have a radial extent gradually decreasing towards the distal end of the cosmetics applicator, with the radial extent of the flat elements preferably also decreasing, which the invention also provides. 
         [0020]    Finally, an embodiment of the invention is also characterized in that the flat elements have a sloping free end face towards the distal end of the cosmetics applicator. 
         [0021]    Other embodiments, modes of action and advantages become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment in an oblique view from above. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a lateral view according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  shows the applicator according to  FIG. 1  head-on from the front. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  shows a second exemplary embodiment that is closely based on the first exemplary embodiment, in a lateral view. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 4  head-on from the front. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  shows a third exemplary embodiment in an oblique perspective view from above. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  shows the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 6  head-on from the front. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 6 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  shows the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 9  head-on from the front. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  shows a close-up view of a bristle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The terms “distal end” and “proximal end” refer to the proximal end  9  facing towards the handle/stem and the distal end  10  of the cosmetics applicator  1  that faces away from the handle/stem. 
         [0034]    Preferably, the entire part, or at least the predominant part of the fingers  4  is configured in the form of bristles. A bristle is understood to be a rod-like structure whose length Lg is at least 5 times greater than its maximum diameter Dmax above the region that is possibly rounded in a pronounced manner, with which the bristle transitions into the core  2  of the cosmetics applicator  1 . In this regard, reference may be made to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0035]    A bristle or a finger  4  preferably has a circular cross section, or a cross section that is at least substantially circular except for tolerance variations. However, an oval or elliptical and a plum-like cross section is also conceivable. Preferably, a bristle or a finger  4  is characterized in that it tapers from its base towards its outermost free end. Particularly preferably, the shell forming the circumference of a bristle or of a finger  4  is therefore conical, with a cone shell angle α of preferably between 1° and 3°. 
         [0036]    A bristle or a finger  4  is typically characterized by its high level of flexibility in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal bristle axis BL. In most cases it is useful if a bristle or a finger  4  is so flexible that its free end is capable, under the influence of the forces occurring as intended during, application, of being displaced in an elastic-reversible manner by an amount AL in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal bristle axis BL which corresponds to at least three times, better at least four times, the maximum finger diameter Dmax, as this is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  gives the best overview over an embodiment of a cosmetics applicator  1  according to the invention. As can be seen, the cosmetics applicator  1  has a core  2 . The core  2  preferably has a coupling portion  3  that serves for coupling the cosmetics applicator  1  to a stem or handle that is not shown here. The predominant part of the core  2  functions as a finger carrier, i.e. it is covered with fingers  4  or bristles that, as a rule, protrude from it in the radial direction. Most frequently, the fingers  4  or bristles are produced jointly and integrally with the core by injection molding. Seen microscopically, injection molding provides the fingers  4  or bristles with special properties, because injection molding achieves a certain alignment of the plastic molecules in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fingers  4  or bristles that can only be achieved in this manner by injection molding. In addition, injection molding results in the fingers  4  or bristles transitioning into the core  2  without any gaps, which, in the case of long-term use of the cosmetics applicator  1 , is exceedingly advantageous with regard to hygienic aspects. 
         [0038]    The fingers  4  or bristles are preferably placed in rows, at least in the direction parallel to the longitudinal applicator axis L of the cosmetics applicator  1 . Adjacent fingers  4  placed in such a row preferably keep a distance from each other that corresponds to 2 times to 3.5 times the maximum finger diameter Dmax. 
         [0039]    The special feature of the cosmetics applicators  1  according to the invention is that the covering has immediately adjacent fingers  4  that are connected to each other by a flat element  5  which adjoins, in each case locally and integrally, the circumferential shell surface of the respectively adjacent fingers  4  that are connected to each other by means of a flat element  5 . This flat element  5  has a thickness D in the direction perpendicular to its two main surfaces  6  that is smaller than the maximum diameter of each of the two fingers  4  connected in this manner. 
         [0040]    What is meant here can be seen very well in  FIG. 1 . As a rule, the diameter of the fingers  4  is greater everywhere than the thickness D of the flat elements  5 . In this way, a finger fringe is produced that is continuous in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the contour of the individual fingers  4  is clearly apparent everywhere, which is why the finger fringe is reminiscent of the dorsal fin of a fish or of a fence, between whose fencing posts a covering is provided, it is also easy to see in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  that the flat elements  5  transition integrally into the core  2  at their radially inward ends and are thus integrally connected to the core  2 . In contrast, the radially outward end of the flat elements  5 , as can be seen, in each case forms a free end flux  8 . In this exemplary embodiment, the free end face  8  is preferably concavely curved. Alternatively, however, a V-shaped design of this free end face  8 , for example, is also conceivable. 
         [0041]    It is also easy to see that each flat element  5  has a maximum extent in the radial direction which is smaller than the maximum extent of the two fingers  4  it connects. This means that the fingers  4  continue radially above the flat elements  5  and there form a part that is free on all sides and that is unimpededly flexible in all directions. 
         [0042]    As the figures show only to a limited extent, each of the flat elements  5  is a membrane, i.e, an element that is incapable of transmitting any perceptible bending moments and only tensile forces or at least greater tensile forces than compressive forces. Thus, such a membrane is a flexible element which can be deformed to a more than just insubstantial extent by circumferentially acting forces, i.e. undergo a deformation in the range from 1 mm and more instead of only every deformation in the 1/100 mm range that virtually every rigid body exhibits under the influence of externally acting forces. 
         [0043]    In many cases, it is beneficial to configure the flexible flat elements  5  in the shape of a plastic film, with a thickness of no more than 3/10 mm, and better of no more than 2/10 millimeters. 
         [0044]    Due to this, it can be said that two immediately adjacent fingers  4  keep the flat element  5  stretched that is located between them and attached to them, similar to the way two fencing posts keep a fence covering stretched between them. Where bristles are used instead of teeth of a comb, the special feature is that the “fencing posts” are also flexible. This results in the possibility of bending the entire bristle fringe at least partially in the circumferential direction under the influence of the forces arising during the application as intended. In contrast, the bristle fringe puts up a significantly greater resistance against the bending of the individual bristles in the direction of the longitudinal axis than is observed when tilting back individual bristles, which are similarly placed and dimensioned but not connected to each other by a flat element  5 . Due to the bend recovery capacity of the bristles, however, the bristle fringe returns into its initial position after some time, once the load on it has been relieved. 
         [0045]    The flat elements  5  are manufactured by being jointly injection-molded with the core  2  and the fingers  4 , most frequently in a single shot. Alternatively, the procedure may be that, in a second step, the fingers  4  and the flat elements  5  are injection-molded subsequently onto a core  2  that was injection-molded first. 
         [0046]    It can be seen particularly well in  FIGS. 1 and 2  that the fingers  4  have a gradually decreasing radial extent towards the distal end of the cosmetics applicator  1 , i.e., the fingers become shorter and shorter towards the distal end. In this case, the radial extent of the flat elements preferably also decreases. 
         [0047]    Taking a close look, it can be seen, particularly in  FIG. 2 , that the flat elements  5  have a free end face that slopes as a whole (irrespective of its, for example, concave curvature) towards the distal end  10  of the cosmetics applicator  1 , i.e. a flat element  5  extends further radially outwards on the side on which it is connected to a longer finger  4  than on its other side, with which it is connected to a shorter finger  4 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 4 and 5  show a second exemplary embodiment, which is a modification of the first exemplary embodiment and is therefore very similar to it. Due to this, the statements made above with respect to the first exemplary embodiment equally apply to this second exemplary embodiment unless the differences described below clearly lead to a different conclusion. 
         [0049]    In this case, another difference that is preferably to be realized is that the fingers  4  in this case do not have a circular cross section, but an elliptical or even a substantially rectangular cross section. In this case, the cross section is orientated in such a way that the long semiaxis of the ellipsis is orientated parallel to the longitudinal applicator axis L, or that the long lateral edge of the rectangle is orientated parallel to the longitudinal applicator axis L. In this way, the bristle or finger fringe puts up an even greater resistance against a tilting back of the bristles or fingers  4  in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis than in the first embodiment. The rigidity of the bristles or fingers  4  in this direction and their connection to each other by means of the flat elements  5  are thus combined in their effects. 
         [0050]    Another difference is that the finger covering is in this case configured in a barrel-shaped manner on the whole. That means that each row of fingers  4  that stand one behind the other in alignment in the direction parallel to the longitudinal applicator axis L starts at the proximal end  9  of the cosmetics applicator  1  with a short finger  4 , then the finger length increases gradually until it reaches a maximum; later, it gradually decreases again towards the distal end  10  of the cosmetics applicator  1 . Preferably, the radial extent of the flat elements  5  between two adjacent fingers  4  increases or decreases with the length of the fingers  4 , as can be seen from  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    However, also in this embodiment, the flat elements  5  are generally configured as a membrane or plastic film and also behave in the way already described above for the first embodiment. 
         [0052]    Also in this case, it applies that the maximum extent of each finger  4  in the circumferential direction is greater than the maximum thickness of the membrane or of the flat element  5 , wherein the extent of each finger  4  in the circumferential direction is also in this case preferably greater everywhere than the thickness of the membrane or of the flat element  5 , so that the fingers  4  are clearly apparent also in this case, 
         [0053]      FIGS. 5 to 8  show another alternative third embodiment. 
         [0054]    In this case, the fingers  4  are configured as preferably radially outwardly tapering tabs, i.e. as structures that have, in the direction of the longitudinal applicator axis L, an extent in the area of their base that is greater by at least the factor three than in the circumferential direction of the cosmetics applicator  1 . Furthermore, all of the tabs that stand one behind the other in a row in the direction of the longitudinal applicator axis L advantageously have a common base area that protrudes in a strip-like manner from the core  2  of the cosmetics applicator  1 . While these tabs are still rather flexible in the circumferential direction, they are dearly more rigid in the direction parallel to the longitudinal applicator axis L, already in and of themselves, than the fingers  4  or bristles of the two above-described exemplary embodiments. However, the above statements continue to apply to the flat elements  5  that connect these tabs in the same manner as the fingers  4  in the two above-described exemplary embodiments. The flat elements  5  are generally configured as a membrane or plastic film that again behaves in the way already described above for the first embodiment. 
         [0055]    However, particularly if such a tab-shaped or tab-like configuration of the fingers  4  connected to each other by a flat element  5  is selected, as is the case in this third embodiment, it is particularly beneficial if the covering consists not only of such fingers  4 , but additionally also of further fingers  4 * in the shape of bristles in the above-defined sense, which are mostly disposed in rows. Of course, this modification also applies to the two above-described exemplary embodiments. Such a modification is only of slightly less use (but not useless) in those exemplary embodiments. 
         [0056]    Another configuration option, which basically also applies to all exemplary embodiment but is of significant use particularly in the case of this third exemplary embodiment, is the wave-shaped configuration of the individual fingers  4  as it can best be seen in  FIG. 6 . For this purpose, the length of the fingers  4  standing one behind the other in alignment along the longitudinal applicator axis L is varied in such a way that they become alternately shorter and longer, so that the result is a wave. The local load of cosmetic mass, in particular mascara mass, is thus varied. The troughs of the waves are wiped off to a greater extent and thus freed to a greater extent from the cosmetic mass, in particular mascara mass, with which they are originally loaded, than the peaks of the waves, i.e. the areas in which the fingers  4  have a greater, in particular a relatively great length. This becomes evident particularly if tab-like fingers  4  are used, as in this case, that are additionally stabilized by flat elements  5  that connect them to each other. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 9 to 10  show a last alternative fourth embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the fingers  4  are again configured as radially outwardly tapering tabs, but now in a more extreme way than in the preceding third embodiment. In this case, the tabs have, in the direction of the longitudinal applicator axis L, an extent in the area of their base that is greater by at least the factor  5  than in the circumferential direction of the cosmetics applicator  1 . Also in this case, all of the tabs that stand one behind the other in a row in the direction of the longitudinal applicator axis L preferably have a common base area that protrudes in a strip-like manner from the core  2  of the cosmetics applicator  1 . 
         [0058]    However, also in this case, the above statements continue to apply to the flat elements  5  that connect the tabs in the same manner as the fingers  4  in all of the above-described exemplary embodiments, in particular the statements regarding the first exemplary embodiment. Also in this case, the flat elements  5  are generally configured as a membrane or plastic film that again behaves in the way already described above. 
         [0059]    Finally, it must be noted that independent protection is also sought for a method for manufacturing an applicator with a covering of fingers injection-molded to a core  2 , in which, together with the fingers, a film is injection-molded that extends in each case between two immediately adjacent fingers and is kept stretched by the fingers.