LIPSTICK MINE MADE OF AT LEAST TWO PASTY SUBSTANCES

Abstract

A method, a dosing device and a system for manufacturing of a lipstick mine out of at least two pasty substances are described. The method comprises inserting of a first end portion of a dosing device into a form whereby the first end portion of the dosing device comprises at least one outlet nozzle, filling of the first end portion of the dosing device with a first pasty substance, increasing of the gas pressure in the first end portion of the dosing device whereby the first pasty substance through the pressure is pressed out of the at least one outlet nozzle, removing the first end portion of the dosing device out of the form and filling up the form with a second pasty substance.

Claims

1. A method for filling a form with at least two pasty substances, wherein the form in particular is adapted for forming of lipstick mines, the method comprising: Inserting a first end portion of a dosing device into the form, wherein the first end portion of the dosing device comprises at least one outlet nozzle; Filling the first end portion of the dosing device with a first pasty substance; Increasing the gas pressure in the first end portion of the dosing device, wherein the first pasty substance is pressed out through the pressure out of the at least one outlet nozzle; Removing the first end portion of the dosing device from the form; and Filling up the form with a second pasty substance.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Heating the form before and/or during the insertion of the first end portion of the dosing device.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Heating the first pasty substance before and/or during the filling of the first end portion of the dosing device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein inserting the first end portion of the dosing device into the form happens contactless.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Filling the first end portion of the dosing device with another pasty substance, and Increasing the gas pressure in the first end portion of the dosing device, before the form is filled up with the second pasty substance.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Moving the first end portion of the dosing device in the form during the increase of the gas pressure.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Cooling the form after filling the form with the second pasty substance.

8. A dosing device for filling a form with a pasty substance, in particular a form for forming of lipstick mines, the dosing device comprising: A first end portion with at least one outlet nozzle, wherein the first end portion is adapted to be inserted at least partially into the form; and a second end portion with a means for selective supply of a pasty substance and for increasing the gas pressure in the first end portion of the dosing device.

9. The dosing device according to claim 8, wherein the outer diameter of the first end portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the form.

10. The dosing device according to claim 8, wherein the means for selective supply in a first position supplies the pasty substance to the first end portion of the dosing device and in a second position increases the gas pressure.

11. The dosing device according to claim 10, wherein the means for selective supply is a valve, wherein a first input of the valve with a supply for the pasty substance, a second input of the valve with a supply for a gas pressure source, and an output of the valve is connected with the first end portion of the dosing device.

12. A system for forming of at least two pasty substances, in particular for forming of lipstick mines, the system comprising: a form; a first dosing device with a first end portion adapted to be inserted into the form, wherein the first end portion of the dosing device comprises at least one outlet nozzle, wherein a first pasty substance is pressed out of the at least one outlet nozzle through increasing the gas pressure in the first end portion of the dosing device; and a second dosing device adapted for filling up the form with a second pasty substance.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the form is formed out of metal or an elastomeric material.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the system further comprises: means for moving the form relative to the first and/or second dosing device; or means for moving the first and/or second dosing device relative to the form.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the system further comprises: A means for removing the pasty substances out of the form.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the system the system further comprises a means for removing the pasty substances out of the form. Further advantages and features of the invention are to be seen in the following detailed description in which the invention is described in more detail and in relation to the embodiment examples in the attached figures.

[0030] The figures show:

[0031] FIG. 1 a schematic illustration of a lipstick mine formed out of two pasty substances;

[0032] FIG. 2 schematically in six steps the manufacturing of the lipstick mine shown in FIG. 1; and

[0033] FIG. 3 schematically in two steps the filling and spraying on of a first pasty substance for the manufacturing of the lipstick mine shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] FIG. 1 schematically shows a lipstick mine 1 which is formed out of two pasty substances 2 and 3. The two pasty substances 2 and 3 have in the here shown embodiment example different colors. The first pasty substance 2 is in the here shown embodiment example dark illustrated and thereby has the form of dots and is used as eye-catcher in contrast to the second pasty substance 3 which has a lighter color and which is used as basic substance of the lipstick mine 1. The person skilled in the art will understand that the here shown embodiment example of the at least two pasty substances 2, 3 and their form and distribution is to be understood only exemplarily and that the invention also comprises other designs and patterns.

[0035] FIG. 2 schematically shows in six steps the manufacturing according to the invention of the lipstick mine 1 shown in FIG. 1. Hereby the form 4 is illustrated in FIG. 2 (a) which can be used for forming of the lipstick mine 1. The form 4 can be formed out of metal or an elastomer. Before the filling of the form 4 this can first of all be pre-tempered. This heating of the form 4 before the filling prevents that at the filling the pasty substances 2, 3 do not solidify immediately for creating a smoother surface and ensuring a controlled solidification. Furthermore the heating supports the adhesion of the pasty substance 2 on the inner wall of the form 4. The form 4 can for example be heated up to a temperature of 20 C. (68 F.) to 50 C. (122 F.), preferably the form is heated to room temperature if the form is formed out of an elastomer and to 35 C. (95 F.) if the form is formed out of metal. Afterwards as shown in FIG. 2 (b) a dosing device 5here there is only shown a first end portion of the dosing device 5is inserted into the form 4. The heating of the form 4 can happen before and/or during the insertion of the dosing device 5. The dosing device 5 is inserted into the form 4 contactlessly. That is, the dosing device 5 has no contact with the inner wall of the form 4. Accordingly a clearance results between the inner wall of the form 4 and the dosing device 5. The size of the clearance is dependent upon how big the inner diameter of the form 4 is compared to the outer diameter of the dosing device 5. For the dosing device 5 being contactlessly inserted into the form 4, the inner diameter of the form 4 must be bigger than the outer diameter of the dosing device 5. The clearance preferably amounts 0,5 mm (0,019 in) to 4 mm (0,157 in). But the person skilled in the art knows that other clearances can also be chosen. The dosing device 5 furthermore comprises in the here shown embodiment example a plurality of outlet nozzles 6 which can also be called spray holes. Out of these outlet nozzles 6, as shown in the subsequent steps, the first pasty substance is sprayed onto the inner wall of the form 4. The arrangement of the outlet nozzles 6 thereby defines the later pattern of the first pasty substance 2 on the inner wall of the form 4. The clearance determines the scaling between the pattern on the dosing device 5 and the sprayed on pattern on the inner wall of the form 4. The bigger the clearance is the bigger is the scaling.

[0036] The pasty substance 2 is before the filling into the dosing device 5 heated to a temperature that is above the melting point of all waxes bound therein. Especially among pasty substances 2 for lipsticks this is necessary for reaching a sufficient crystallization and with that a sufficient stiffness. The preheating temperature thereby is clearly above the drop point, for example 50 C. (122 F.), of the pasty substance 2 and is mass specific. For example the preheating temperature is 80 C. (176 F.).

[0037] The dosing device 5 is heated during and/or before the insertion into the form 4, this can be done by a heat station before the insertion or by heating means during the insertion. The dosing device 5 thereby is preferably heated to a temperature that is below the drop point of the pasty substance 2 to be filled in. The temperature of the dosing device 5 determines besides the composition of the pasty substance 2 substantially the viscosity of the pasty substance 2. Preferably the dosing device 5 is heated to a temperature of 47 C. (116 F.). But for example a range from room temperature up to 50 C. (122 F.) can be chosen. But the person skilled in the art knows that other temperatures can also be chosen. It is only to be ensured that the chosen temperature is of that kind that the pasty substance 2 comprises a viscosity that it does not escape out of the outlet nozzles 6 of the dosing device 5 on its own. Heretofore the outlet nozzles 6 are also to be chosen correspondingly to the viscosity. For low viscosity pasty substances 2 smaller outlet nozzles 6 are to be chosen than for higher viscosity pasty substances 2. The output diameter can be in a range of 0,1 mm (0,004 in) to 5 mm (0,197 in), preferably here an output diameter of 0,5 mm (0,019 in) is chosen. But the person skilled in the art knows that other output diameters can also be chosen and these can be chosen in accordance with the viscosity.

[0038] In FIG. 2 (c) the dosing device 5 is shown which is inserted into the form 4 and in which the pasty substance 2 is filled in. The pasty substance 2 thereby comprises a viscosity that it does not escape out of the outlet nozzles 6 on its own. The viscosity is controlled by the temperature of the dosing device 5, as described above. The filling height h of the pasty substance 2 in the dosing device 5 results in a determined volume, therefore a determined quantity of the pasty substance 2. The filling height h accordingly determines how much of the pasty substance 2 is dosed. Thereby the dosing device 5 can either comprise a level indicator which determines the quantity of the pasty substance 2 to be dosed or only a determined quantity of the pasty substance 2 to be dosed is inserted into the dosing device 5 whereby the quantity to be dosed has been determined by other means before. The person skilled in the art knows a plurality of possibilities how a determined quantity of a pasty substance 2 can be determined and can be filled into the dosing device 5. In the embodiment shown here the dosing device 5 respectively at least the portion of the dosing device 5 which is inserted into the form is tubular and has a same inner diameter over a determined height, for example 2,5 mm (0,098 in), at a determined filling height h therefore a determined volume, that is a determined quantity of pasty substance 2, is contained in the dosing device 5. Shall other quantities of pasty substance 2 be inserted into the form 4, dosing devices 5 with other inner diameters or other geometries can be used. It is also conceivable that insets can be inserted into the dosing device 5 which limit the volume being available for the dosing. Preferably in the dosing device 5 0,2 ml (0,007 fl oz) of pasty substance 2 are inserted. But here also other quantities can be chosen in the range between 0,5 ml (0,017 fl oz) to 5 ml (0,169 fl oz). But the person skilled in the art knows that other quantities can also be intended.

[0039] If the dosing device 5 is filled with the quantity of the pasty substance 2 to be dosed, therefore in the dosing device 5 a determined filling height h is reached, in the dosing device 5 a gas impulse, for example a compressed air impulse, is exerted onto the pasty substance 2 which is located in the dosing device 5. This gas impulse can be exerted by connecting the dosing device 5 to a gas pressure source. Alternatively or at least additionally within the dosing devicenot shown herea piston can move which abruptly reduces the space above the filling height h of the pasty substance 2 so that the impulse of the piston is transferred from the air onto the pasty substance 2. Even if it is spoken of compressed air here, the person skilled in the art knows that other gases should thereof also be encompassed and each increasing of the gas pressure above the filling height h of the pasty substance is seen as gas pressure impulse. Thereby the person skilled in the art knows, that this increasing of the gas pressure can be caused by any reaction or action which leads to the increase of the gas pressure.

[0040] FIG. 2 (d) shows that at increasing of the gas pressure in the dosing device 5 the pasty substance 2 which is located in the dosing device 5 is pressed out respectively sprayed out of the outlet nozzles 6 and afterwards impinges on the inner wall of the form 4. The duration of the increase of the gas pressure, which is the length respectively the duration of the pressure impulse thereby is dependent upon the quantity of the pasty substance 2 and the desired spray behavior. The duration should be chosen in that way that at least a significant part of the pasty substance 2 which is located in the dosing device 5 is pressed out respectively sprayed out of the outlet nozzles 6 so that no pasty substance 2 remains in the outlet nozzles 6. Preferably the duration of the compresses air impulse is about 0,2 seconds.

[0041] The arrangement of the outlet nozzles 6 as well as their distance from the inner wall of the form 4 thereby determines the pattern of the pasty substance 2. Thereby the spray behavior of the pasty substance 2 also strongly depends on the viscosity of the pasty substance 2. At a low viscosity a misting of the pasty substance 2 occurs, through which spray structures can be applied onto the inner wall of the form 4, for example for creating a glitter effect. At a higher viscosity of the pasty substance 2 however a sated application occurs through which sharp outlines are possible. The viscosity of the pasty substance 2 can thereby be regulated by the composition of the pasty substance 2 as well as the temperature conditioning of the dosing device 5 and can be adapted to the desired result. In the here shown embodiment example the viscosity of the pasty substance 2 is chosen in that way that sharp outlines occur. The spray behavior also depends on the increase of the gas pressure, the higher the gas pressure the stronger the misting. Preferably a strength of 2,0 bar (29 psi) is used. But the person skilled in the art knows that other pressures can also be used. For example pressures up to 6 bar (87 psi) can be used. But the limitation here results uniquely and exclusively by the material of the dosing device 5 and which spray behavior is desired. The person skilled in the art will recognize that the spray behavior can be regulated corresponding to the desired end result by the viscosity and the used pressure and therewith a desired spray behavior can be achieved by these parameters.

[0042] The pattern which results by the spraying on of the pasty substance 2 can thereby not only be predetermined by the arrangement of the outlet nozzles 6 in the dosing device 5 but can also result by a movement of the dosing device 5 within the form 4. For example the dosing device 5 can be rotated within the form 4 whereby long drown-out structures result on the inner wall of the form 4 in horizontal alignment. Alternatively or additionally the dosing device 5 can also be moved up or down for achieving vertical long drown-out structures.

[0043] But in the here shown embodiment the dosing device 5 persists in a position in relation to the form 4 so that in the here shown embodiment example point-shaped structures on the inner wall of the form 4 result. These point-shaped structures are shown in FIG. 2 (e) whereby the dosing device 5 in this figure has again already been removed out of the form 4. The resulting structures from pasty substance 2 in this embodiment example result in that way that the sprayed on pasty substance 2 directly solidifies at the impingement on the inner wall of the form 4 and persists at the impact point.

[0044] For creating further structures it is also conceivable that the dosing device 5 persists in the form 4 and is filled with another pasty substance and by another increase of the gas pressure further structures are sprayed on. It is also conceivable that another dosing device 5 is inserted into the form 4 whereby this further dosing device 5 has differently arranged outlet nozzles 6 for spraying on further structures. But in the here shown embodiment example with the dosing device 5 only one pasty substance 2 is sprayed on. The person skilled in the art should know that the here shown embodiment example and the resulting structure and its arrangement is only exemplarily intended and also other structures, patterns, arrangements are encompassed by the invention.

[0045] FIG. 2 (f) shows the form 4 with the pasty substance 2 sprayed on the inner wall as well as a second dosing device 7 inserted into the form 4 for filling up the form 4 with a second pasty substance 3. Thereby at the filling up of the form 4 the second dosing device 7 is moved out of the form 4. But the person skilled in the art also still knows other devices for filling up the form 4. For example, the form 4 can also be filled up merely by a pour filling. If a second dosing device 7 is inserted into the form 4 for filling up the form 4 with a second pasty substance 3 it should be only ensured that this is inserted contactlessly to the already sprayed on structure so that the sprayed on structure is not destroyed.

[0046] After the filling up of the form 4 with the second pasty substance 3 the form can be cooled down, for example to 0 C. (32 F.) for about 5 minutes so that the pasty substances can solidify and the created lipstick mine 1 can be taken out of the form 4 by means of a removing station.

[0047] FIG. 3 (a) schematically shows the filling of the dosing device 5 inserted into the form 4 with the pasty substance 2. The dosing device 5 thereby comprises a first end portion on which a plurality of outlet nozzles 6 is located and which can be inserted into the form 4. At a second end portion of the dosing device 5 opposing the first end portion in the here shown embodiment example a rotary valve 8 is located. The rotary valve 8 comprises a first input 9 which can be connected to a supply of the pasty substance 2. The output 11 of the rotary valve 8 is connected to the first end portion of the dosing device 5. The rotary valve 8 establishes in the first position shown in FIG. 3 (a) a connection between the first input 9 and the output 11 so that the pasty substance 2, which can be applied to the first input 9, can get to the first end portion of the dosing device 5. Thereby the first input 9 can be connected to the output 11 for as long as a sufficient quantity of pasty substance 2 is filled into the first end portion of the dosing device 5. The pasty substance 2 in the first end portion of the dosing device 5 therefore reaches a determined filling height h. Afterwards the rotary valve 8 can be transferred from the first position shown in FIG. 3 (a) into a second position, in the here shown embodiment example for example by rotation of the rotary valve 8 so that a connection between a second input 10 and the output 11 is created. This is shown in FIG. 3 (b).

[0048] FIG. 3 (b) shows the rotary valve 8 in the second position in which a connection between the second input 10 and the output 11 is established. The second input 10 in the here shown embodiment example is connected to a gas pressure source which allows to increase the gas pressure in the first end portion of the dosing device 5 so that the pasty substance 2 which is located in the first end portion of the dosing device is pressed out respectively sprayed out of the outlet nozzles 6 of the dosing device. The duration of the gas pressure impulse can thereby be steered how long the rotary valve 8 persists in the second position. As soon as the rotary valve 8 is moved again from the second position, for example by rotation of the rotary valve 8 back into the first position, the connection between the second input 10 and the output 11 is interrupted. In the second position of the rotary valve 8 shown in FIG. 3 (b) the first input 9 of the rotary valve 8 is closed so that no further pasty substance 8 can get to the first end portion of the dosing device 5. The other way round in the first position of the rotary valve, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the second input 10 is closed so that an increase of the gas pressure in the first end portion of the dosing device 5 cannot be caused.

[0049] The rotary valve 8 enables a smooth manufacturing process since the rotary valve 8 can be transferred from the first position for filling the first end portion of the dosing device 5 into the second position for the increase of the gas pressure. Thereby the change between filling and increase of the gas pressure can be steered by the rotation speed of the rotary valve 8 and can be adapted to the manufacturing process.