WIPER HAVING HINGED WIPER ARMS

Abstract

A wiper for wiping a cosmetic applicator, having a first component, in particular a holding section, for fastening the wiper to a cosmetic reservoir, and at least two wiper arms arranged thereon and exhibiting wiping action. The invention aims to provide a wiper, in which the intensity of the wiping and the resistance with which the wiper opposes the withdrawal of the applicator and the actual applicator section are in a favourable ratio to one another, and an actuation from outside in order to achieve a change to the distal diameter of the wiper inside the applicator container is not necessary. Said aim is achieved in that at least one of the wiper arms is fastened by means of at least one hinge to the first component, in particular the holding section.

Claims

1. A wiper for wiping off a cosmetics applicator, comprising: a first component, in particular a retaining portion, for fixing the wiper to a cosmetics storage container, and at least two wiper arms that are disposed on the first component and exert a wiping action, wherein at least one of the wiper arms is attached to the first component, in particular to the retaining portion, by at least one hinge.

2. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge is in the form of a local thin portion.

3. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge is a film hinge.

4. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein each of the wiper arms is joint-connected to the first component, in particular retaining portion, by only a single hinge, wherein the respective hinge, relative to an extent of a respectively associated wiper arm in a circumferential direction, is disposed centrally on the respective wiper arm.

5. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein at least one spring member, which presses a respective wiper arm in a direction of its closed position, is associated with the at least one hinge.

6. The wiper according to claim 5, wherein the at least one spring member is an elastic strip, which, relative to a longitudinal wiper axis and in a direction towards a distal end of the wiper, is linked to the retaining portion in front of the at least one hinge and, behind the respective hinge, to the wiper arm.

7. The wiper according to claim 6, wherein the at least one spring member has a curvature whose center of curvature or centers of curvature is/are situated between the at least one spring member and the longitudinal wiper axis.

8. The wiper according to claim 4, wherein a hinge which, viewed in the circumferential direction, is centrally situated, is provided on one, preferably on each, wiper arm, and, viewed in the circumferential direction, one spring member, respectively, is disposed on both sides next to the a respective hinge.

9. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the wiper arms is configured to be folded outwards over an angle of at least 90° relative to a longitudinal wiper axis.

10. The wipe according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the wiper arms have a stem portion with a ring portion, whose extent in a circumferential direction is greater than an extent of the stem portion, molded onto its distal end.

11. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the wiper is produced by injection molding or by of a 3D printing method.

12. A method for producing the wiper according to claim 1, the method comprising: injection molding the wiper in such a way that the at least two wiper arms exerting a wiping action and the first component, in particular the retaining portion, are injection-molded in a folded-out position relative to each other, which does not correspond to a position that the first component, in particular the retaining portion, and the at least two wiper arms exerting a wiping action assume relative to each other during an intended use of the wiper, wherein the at least two wiper arms exerting a wiping action are each connected to the first component, in particular the retaining portion, by at least one hinge, and the at least two wiper arms exerting a wiping action, after demolding the wiper from an injection-molding tool, pivot or are pivoted relative to each other and to the first component, in particular the retaining portion, into the position that they assume relative to each other during the intended use of the wiper when free from load.

13. A method for producing the wipe according to claim 1, the method comprising: injection molding the wiper in such a way that the at least two wiper arms exerting a wiping action, and the first component, in particular the retaining portion, are injection-molded in a position relative to each other which at least substantial corresponds to a position that the first component, in particular the retaining portion, and the at least two wiper arms exerting a wiping action assume relative to each other during an intended use of the wiper, wherein the at least two wiper arms exerting a wiping action are each connected to the first component, in particular the retaining portion, by at least one hinge, and the hinges enable at least a slight pivoting of the respectively hinge-connected or joint-connected wiper arm during a demolding of the wiper from the injection-molding tool.

14. A cosmetics unit comprising a cosmetics storage container, an applicator, a closure cap and a wiper, which is mounted in a neck or a removal opening of the cosmetics storage container, for wiping off cosmetic mass from the applicator, the wiper being configured in accordance with claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the wiper according to the invention in a perspective side view and magnified several times.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a purely lateral view of the wiper according to FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows the wiper according to FIG. 1 in a front view, viewed in the direction of the center longitudinal axis, from above.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows the wiper according to FIG. 1 in a front view, viewed in the direction of the center longitudinal axis, from below.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows a central longitudinal section of the wiper according to FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 5a shows a detail from, FIG. 5 in the area of a hinge 12, enlarged even further.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a wiper according to FIG. 1, which has been injection molded in a “folded-out” position for better demolding, and which is then “folded together” and is then ready for use.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates what does not come under the term “hinge”.

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates what comes under the term hinge.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a wiper according to the invention in a perspective view from the side, with hinges and spring members that are only indicated.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows the wiper according to FIG. 9 in a central section along the longitudinal applicator axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] It has to be noted in advance that the wipers according to the invention are preferably used as wipers for mascara mass. Ideally, each of the wipers according to the invention forms a cosmetics unit together with a cosmetics storage container and a suitable applicator as well as a closure cap. In this case, the wiper according to the invention is inserted into the bottle neck or the container removal opening in such a way that its wiper arms protrude away from the container neck or the removal opening into the interior of the cosmetics storage container.

[0057] Then, it must be noted as generally valid that the term “distal” refers to the side of the wiper protruding the farthest into the interior of a cosmetics storage container in the longitudinal direction, whereas the term “proximal” refers to the side of the wiper closest in the longitudinal direction to the edge of the removal opening of the cosmetics container or cosmetics storage container.

[0058] FIG. 1 offers the fastest overview of the hinge mechanism of the wiper 1 according to the invention.

[0059] As can be seen, the wiper 1 consists of a retaining portion 2 and at least two, in the exemplary embodiment precisely two, first wiper arms 3, which in turn comprise a first stem portion 4 and a ring portion 5 disposed thereon. Furthermore, second wiper arms 3a are formed in each case between two first wiper arms 3 in the circumferential direction of the retaining portion 2, which is configured to be substantially rotationally symmetric, and cylindrical in the exemplary embodiment. The second wiper arms 3a each have a second stem portion 4a. While a ring portion 5 is molded onto each of the first stem portions 4, such a portion is lacking in the second stem portions 4a, The second stem portions 4a of the second wiper arms 3a each fit into a window 9a respectively extending between two first stem portions 4 of the first wiper arms 3 and above a ring arm 8 of the ring portions 5. Generally, the retaining portion 2 has a substantially (except for tolerances) cylindrical shape and is most frequently completely closed in itself in the circumferential direction. With its middle or center, the retaining portion 2 defines the central longitudinal wiper axis L.

[0060] As was noted in the introduction, the term “wiper arm” is to be construed broadly, unless stated differently later on in the description by recognizably discussing a wiper arm in the narrower sense.

[0061] At first, the hinges 12 according to the invention require a closer consideration. FIG. 1 affords the best overview of these hinges 12, while the details of the hinges can best be recognized in FIGS. 5 and 5a.

[0062] The integral configuration of the hinge as shown in FIG. 5 is clearly preferred over all other types of hinge.

[0063] In this case, the configuration as a film hinge is selected with preference. Most frequently, such a film hinge is designed in such a way that it forms a local thin portion 15, which is limited to the actual hinge body and in which the wall thickness WS—in the present exemplary embodiment of the retaining portion 2 and an adjacent first and second stem portion 4, 4a of a first r second wiper arm 3, 3a—is reduced by more than 40%, better by more than 60%, see FIG. 5a, relative to the wall thickness WK of the immediate vicinity on both sides—in the present exemplary embodiment of the retaining portion 2 and an adjacent first and second stem portion 4, 4a of a first or second wiper arm 3, 3a. it is particularly beneficial if the wall thickness (viewed proceeding in the direction of the longitudinal axis L) decreases not substantially continuously, but is reduced abruptly, as is realized in the exemplary embodiments by the notch E, which, in particular, extends peripherally in the circumferential direction. This fully or possibly substantially perpendicular reduction relative to the longitudinal axis L can be easily recognized in FIGS. 5 and 5a. Thus, the result is a pronounced local stress concentration which enhances the effect of the bending moment arising during use, which attempts to pivot the stem portions 4, 4a outwards.

[0064] It may have a favorable effect if the wall thickness of the respective stem portion 4, 4a or of a projection 10 is reduced distally below the respectively associated hinge 12. For example in such a way that the result is the local flattened portion 14, which is most frequently plane in the circumferential direction at least at the boundary to the hinge and which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Such a flattened portion 14 allows for a straight connection of the respective hinge (12) to the respective stem portion 4, 4a or a respective projection 10—whereby a pivot axis can be realized that is easier to operate because it extends in a more pronouncedly straight manner.

[0065] It is particularly beneficial if all integrally configured hinges 12 that are used on the wiper 1 are configured to be movable in such a way that the first and second stem portions 4 and 4a hinge-connected by, means of them to the retaining portion 2 can be folded to the side at an angle of at least 90° (+/−10°) relative of the longitudinal axis L. If they are provided, this also applies to projections 10 if they are also attached by means of a hinge 12. Such a configuration decisively simplifies production, more specifically demolding the finished injection-molded wiper 1 from the injection mold. The comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6 shows the problem in this respect, which is to be overcome:

[0066] If the wiper were injection-molded in the position shown by FIG. 5, then the notches E (see FIG. 5a) at whose end the film hinge 12 is formed and which form an undercut, which in this case extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L and prevents the possibility of the finished wiper 1 being pushed out from the injection mold by a movement parallel to its longitudinal axis L.

[0067] This also applies, mutatis mutandis, to windows 9a, 9b enclosed by the adjacent stem portions 4 and their ring portions 5, see FIG. 1. If, however, the stem portions 4, 4a and also the possibly provided projections 10, which are also hinge-connected, are injection-molded in the position shown in the left-hand partial image of FIG. 6, in which the stem portions 4, 4a of the first and second wiper arms 3, 3a protrude from the retaining portion 2 of the wiper 1 at least approximately perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis L, then the undercuts in the form of the notches E and the windows 9a, 9b are omitted, and an injection mold suffices which most frequently has to be divided only in a plane transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0068] This is shown for a second wiper arm 3a with a projection 10.

[0069] On the other hand, said hinge connection of the stem portions 4, 4a and/or of the projections 10 is already very advantageous if the stem portions 4, 4a or the projections 10 are injection-molded in the end position shown in the right-hand partial image of FIG. 6, which they assume later on the finished wiper. In that case, the extent of the outer face and the outer contour, which is oriented underneath (distal) in the direction towards the distal end of the wiper 1 at an angle α inwards towards the longitudinal axis L. and the respective hinge 12 allow for a certain temporary deflection of the stem portions 4, 4a or of the projections during demolding.

[0070] As can be seen, the respective hinge 12, viewed in the circumferential direction, preferably does not extend in each case along the entire stem portion 4, 4a or the entire base area of a stem portion 4, 4a, but instead has only a limited extent in the circumferential direction, preferably less than 3 mm.

[0071] It is particularly beneficial if each stem portion 4, 4a has only such a hinge 12 which, viewed in the circumferential direction, is centrally disposed on it, as can be seen in FIG. 1, The statement above generally also applies to the projections 10.

[0072] It can also be easily seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 that two spring members 13 are attached to each stem portion 4, 4a in addition to the respective hinge 12. They are generally symmetrically positioned to the left and the right next to the respective hinge 12.

[0073] The spring, members 13 are preferably each configured as an elastic plastic strip which is integrally connected on its one narrow side to the retaining portion 2 or its area of attachment, and is integrally connected to a stein portion 4, 4a of a wiper arm 3, 3a on the other side. Each spring member 13 generally brides a gap between the sleeve portion 2 or its area of attachment and the respectively associated stem portion 4, 4a or a projection 10, see FIG. 2.

[0074] Preferably, each of the spring members 13 is curved in an arc-shaped manner inside and outside. Its thickness in the radial direction is generally smaller than the radial thickness of the wiper 1 itself, most frequently by at least the factor 3, see FIG. 5.

[0075] It must now be explained what a stem portion 4, 4a is to be understood to be in the narrower sense, and what a further embodiment of the wiper 1 may look like that is not compulsory but beneficial to the invention.

[0076] Each of the stem portions 4, 4a preferably has a width extending over at least 10%, better over at least 15% of the circumference of the retaining portion 2, where the latter transitions into the stem portions 4, 4a. As can best be seen In FIG. 2, each stem portion 4, 4a tapers from its point of connection to the retaining portion 2 towards its distal end, and in the first stem portions 4 towards its respective ring portion 5—in the sense that it becomes narrower in the circumferential direction. However, the tapering is preferably configured only sparingly and ideally is less than 20%, better less than 15%, from the proximal end connected to the retaining portion 2 towards the distal end, because only in this manner can it be avoided that the proximal area of the stem portion 4, 4a becomes too rigid and/or the distal area too yielding, i.e. that the required uniformity of the bending elasticity is not provided. Preferably, each of the stem portions 4, 4a is slightly curved, most frequently in such a way that the outer face of the stem portion 4, 4a facing away from the longitudinal axis L is convexly curved in the circumferential direction, and, if necessary, the inner face of the stem portion 4, 4a facing towards the longitudinal axis L is also concavely curved in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the stem portions 4, 4a are not twisted relative to the longitudinal axis L, in the sense that they wind around the longitudinal axis L like a helical line.

[0077] Each of the first stem portions 4 respectively transitions into its ring portion 5 at its distal end.

[0078] The entirety of the ring portions 5—which in this first exemplary embodiment are situated in a common plane oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L—forms the actual wiper lip, i.e. the actual area of the wiper I that brings about the predominant part of the intended action of the wiper 1 and which, when the applicator is pulled out through the wiper 1, strips off excess cosmetic and most frequently returns it into the storage container, But the lower, distal edge portions of the second wiper arms 3a also have such an effect, so that basically, both wiper arms 3, 3a form a wiper lip.

[0079] As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the extent of each ring portion 5, viewed in the circumferential direction, is greater than the extent of the stem portion 4 carrying the corresponding ring portion 5, also viewed in the circumferential direction. Because the ring portion 5, in each case on both sides of the stem portion 4 associated with it, forms a ring arm 8 which is connected to the central part of the ring portion 5 only unilaterally and protrudes in the circumferential direction towards both sides over the stem portion 4, like a cantilevered beam attached only unilaterally. Preferably, “is greater than” in this case means more than an only inconsiderable amount. Rather, the two ring arms 8 of a ring portion 5 together constitute at least 35%, and better at least 50%, of the length of the entire ring portion 5, viewed in the circumferential direction. They protrude over the stem portion 4 to the corresponding extent. Generally, the free ends of the ring arms 8 are each situated outside the base area of their respective stem portion 4—given a projection in the direction along the outer face of the stem portion(s) 4. Even where the latter does not apply, the ring arms 8 in any case project into the gap formed between two first stem members 4—viewed in a projection along the longitudinal axis L.

[0080] The combination of each first stem portion 4 and the ring portion 5 molded onto it is most frequently configured such that it corresponds to the forearm support of a crutch that extends upwards away from the grip.

[0081] Generally, each of the first and second stem portions 4, 4a is hinge-connected in such a way that it is capable of being displaced in the radially outward direction to a more than just inconsiderable extent. Ideally, the distal end of each stem portion 4, 4a is capable of being displaced outwards in the radial direction in an elastically reversible manner, under the forces arising as intended during wiping, by more than 0.8 mm, and better by more than 1.2 mm, particularly where the transition into the ring portion 5 takes place. Thus, the result is a particularly yielding wiper lip which, however, is still able to nestle up very well against the covering of the applicator, due to the configuration of individual parts of the wiper lip as a ring portion. In the preferred exemplary embodiment shown here, two first wiper arms 3 with one ring portion 5 each are provided. Together, these two ring portions 5 form an almost complete circle (see FIGS. 1 and 4), that is, they cover preferably at least 300° of a full circle, with a coverage of at least 330° being extremely desirable.

[0082] It can be clearly seen that the ring arms 8 and the rest of the associated ring portion 5 each form a common plane distal end face.

[0083] Ideally, the ring arms 8 and the rest of a respectively associated ring portion 5 and preferably also the outer face of the stem portions 4 have an identical curvature in the circumferential direction.

[0084] It must also be noted that the ring arms 8 are configured to be very narrow also in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L; their maximum extent DR in this direction is preferably 3.5 mm, better only 2.5 mm, see FIG. 5.

[0085] Since the wiper 1 is generally formed from an elastic plastic, the ring arms 8 therefore are capable of being displaced outwards in the radial direction to a more than inconsiderable extent relative to the stem portion 4 under the load arising as intended during wiping. A more than just inconsiderable displacement in this case is understood to mean the displacement that is inherently inevitable due to the intrinsic elasticity in every body. A more than just inconsiderable displacement is therefore understood to mean a displacement of at least 0.8 mm, better of at least 1.5 mm.

[0086] It can also be easily seen in FIG. 1 that a window 9a, 9 that connects the interior, which is otherwise enclosed by the wiper 1 in the circumferential direction, with the space on the circumferential outer face, is enclosed by two adjacent ring portions 5, the associated stem portions 4 and the retaining portion 2. Such a window precludes the otherwise dreaded “blob effect”.

[0087] Preferably, a projection 10, which is a component of a second wiper arm 3a that is connected on its one side to the retaining portion 2 and projects therefrom like a cantilever beam, protrudes into this window. In this case, the extent of each second stem portion 4a of each second wiper arm 3a with the projection 10, seen in the circumferential direction, is smaller than the extent of each stem portion 4. Preferably, the second wiper arm 3a has a constant or at least substantially constant width (+/−7.5%) in the circumferential direction along its entire extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0088] The hinge connection of the second wiper arm 3a having the projection 10 to the retaining portion 2 by means of a hinge 12 contributes to the second wiper arm 3a having the projection 10 being able to be displaced in the radially outward direction in a reversibly-flexible manner to a more than inconsiderable extent under the influence of the forces arising as intended during the application. In any case, “more than just inconsiderable” means a displacement of the free distal end of the projection by at least 0.7 mm, better yet by at least 1 mm.

[0089] In this case, the second wiper arm 3a haying the projection 10 far from totally covers the surface of the window 9a, 9, which as such is free. As can easily be seen in FIG. 1, at least 45%, better still at least 55% of the imaginary window surface area actually remain free.

[0090] In any case, the second wiper arm 3a has the task of acting as an “auxiliary wiper” for the applicator stem by wiping the narrow area of the stem that otherwise passes the gap between two immediately adjacent ring arms 8 without being wiped off, i.e. being freed from the cosmetic adhering to it; see FIG. 1 that illustrates this. Thus, the second wiper arm 3a ensures that the entire circumference of the stem is wiped off.

[0091] Optionally, the second wiper arm 3a can be given the function—provided it is designed accordingly—of providing for a lateral guidance of the applicator covering, generally a bristle covering, particularly during the reinsertion of the applicator, so that the covering is able to again pass the ring portions 5 and in particular their ring arms 8 without being bent all too sharply or even get caught in the freely cantilevered ring arms 8 in an unfavorable manner. According to the invention, means (in this case in the form of the second wiper arms 3a carrying the projections 10) are provided that cause a stem coverage of at least, and better more, than 360°, so that the stem is wiped clean all over.

[0092] Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L in a viewing direction oriented towards the distal end, the second wiper arm 3a ends above the ring portions 5 of the first wiper arms 3. Preferably, the ring portions 5 reach across the distal end of the second wiper arms 3a, viewed in the circumferential direction, without touching them, which promotes the above-mentioned effect. As can easily be seen from the comparison of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the wiper 1 according to the invention preferably has two second wiper arms 3a, and thus generally also two windows 9a, 9b.

[0093] Taking a very close look, it is possible to see in FIG. 5 that preferably each second wiper arm 3a carries on its distal end a projection 10 protruding inwards in the radial direction with a lip 11, which protrudes radially inwards on its distal end and which preferably contributes to the wiping result.

[0094] In many cases, the retaining portion 2 will have a stop collar 6 with which it rests against the front face of a container opening in the finished state. Furthermore, the retaining portion 2 will often have a hitching means that enables its positive fixation in the interior of the container opening, where a complementary latching means can be found. In the present exemplary embodiment, the latching means is configured as a latching bead 7.

[0095] Preferably, the wiper 1 is divided into two portions, seen in the direction of its longitudinal axis L Said retaining portion 2 forms the first portion of the wiper 1. The second portion of the wiper consists of the first or second wiper arms 3, 3a. In the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the first and second portions preferably have the same or approximately the same length with a difference of up to 30%.

[0096] The second portion of the wiper 1 is preferably configured, to be conical or inclined, as shown in FIG. 1. A cone angle α of 7.5° to 15° relative to the longitudinal wiper axis L is particularly useful, see FIG. 6.

[0097] As can be seen, the retaining portion 2 transitions into preferably at least two first stem portions 4 and two second stem portions 4a, which protrude from it like unilaterally connected cantilever beams in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0098] FIGS. 8 to 11 show a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0099] The hinges 12 and the spring, members 13 are in this case only indicated by a dashed line, they are not drawn in. However, they have the exact same shape as the hinges 12 and the spring members 13 shown by FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0100] This wiper 1 is also constructed from two portions, one of which is the retaining portion 2 already described in detail above—in this respect, the first and second exemplary embodiments are identical.

[0101] The second portion, whose length is marked by the distal end of the longest second wiper arm 3, is of equal or substantially equal length as the retaining portion 2 also in this case.

[0102] However, the second portion is in this case formed by at least three, and preferably only three, first wiper arms 3.

[0103] For every individual first wiper arm 3 as such and its components as such, the statements above pertaining to the first wiper arms 3 apply. In particular, however, each wiper arm 3 consists of a stem portion 4 having a ring portion 5 comprising two ring arms 8, which protrude in the circumferential direction over the respective stem portion 4 like unilaterally connected cantilevered beams. Preferably, the lengths of the ring portions 5 in the circumferential direction are the same also in this exemplary embodiment.

[0104] The first wiper arms 3 of this exemplary embodiment, however, differ from those of the first exemplary embodiment in that they all have a different length in the direction of the longitudinal wiper axis L. Thus, the ring portions 8 of the first wiper arms 3 form a kind of staircase. Proceeding in a direction from the lowermost ring portion 5 in the circumferential direction, then the next ring member 5 that can be found immediately adjacent is in each case positioned a bit above the preceding ring member 5, until the shortest wiper arm 3 has been reached, to which the longest wiper arm is then directly adjacent, proceeding in the same circumferential direction.

[0105] Directly adjacent ring members 5 preferably overlap, most frequently without touching each other. This means that ring arms 8 of two directly adjacent wiper arms 3 lie on top of each other, at least partially, along the longitudinal wiper axis L.

[0106] Preferably, a narrow gap, which ideally increases in size in the vicinity of the retaining ring 2, where only the two stem portions 4 are directly adjacent, remains free between every ring arm 8 of a wiper arm 3 and the stem portion 4 of the directly adjacent longer wiper arm 3. Preferably, a window 9 therefore preferably remains free between two directly adjacent wiper arms 3, whose shape can preferably be described as the “shape of the digit 6” and/or the “shape of a minor-inverted digit 6”.

[0107] As can be seen rather well, the longest and the shortest stem portions 4 differ in their lengths in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L by about 50%, preferably by 50% +/−5%.