COSMETIC WIPER WITH WIPER ARMS

Abstract

A wiper for wiping an associated cosmetic applicator, wherein the wiper has a retaining portion for securing the wiper on a cosmetic supply container, and also has at least two wiper arms, which are arranged on said container and subject the associated cosmetic applicator to wiping action. Each of the at least two wiper arms is arranged in an elastically movable manner on the retaining portion and has a shaft portion and a ring portion, which forms a wiper lip or a part thereof, wherein the extent of the ring portion in the circumferential direction is greater than the extent of the shaft portion in the circumferential direction.

Claims

1. A wiper for wiping off a cosmetics applicator associated with it, the wiper comprising: a retaining portion for fixing the wiper to a cosmetics storage container; and at least two wiper arms that are disposed thereon and exert a wiping action on the associated cosmetics applicator, wherein each of the at least two wiper arms is disposed on the retaining portion in an elastically movable manner and has a stem portion and a ring portion, which forms a wiper lip or a part thereof, wherein a extent of the ring portion in a circumferential direction is greater than an extent of the stem portion in the circumferential direction.

2. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein a distal end of each stem portion is capable, where a transition into a respective ring portion takes place, of being displaced outwards in an elastically reversible manner in a radial direction, under forces arising as intended when a cosmetics applicator is wiped off, by more than 0.8 mm.

3. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the stem portion is concavely curved on its inner face facing towards a longitudinal wiper axis and convexly curved on its outer face facing away from the longitudinal wiper axis, in each case viewed in the circumferential direction.

4. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the at least two wiper arms each have a ring portion which, viewed in the circumferential direction, protrudes on both sides over a molded-on stem portion and thus forms ring arms which protrude on both sides over the stem portion.

5. The wiper according to claim 4, wherein together, the two ring arms constitute at least 35%, of a length of the ring portion, viewed in the circumferential direction.

6. The wiper according to the claim 5, wherein the ring arms are so elastic that they are able to be resilient in a radially outward direction relative to the stem portion.

7. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the ring portions of two diametrically opposing wiper arms form the entire wiper lip.

8. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the ring portions form a circular ring in the circumferential direction that is substantially closed in itself.

9. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein a window is enclosed by two adjacent ring portions, the associated stem portions and the retaining portion.

10. The wiper according to claim 9, wherein a projection, which is connected on one side to the retaining portion and projects therefrom like a cantilever beam, protrudes into the window.

11. The wiper according to claim 10, wherein the projection ends, viewed in a direction of the longitudinal wiper axis, below the ring portions which, viewed in the circumferential direction, reach across the projection without touching the projection.

12. The wiper according to claim 10, wherein the projection only covers a maximum of 55% of a surface area of the window.

13. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the wiper has at least three wiper arms whose stem portions all have different lengths in a direction of a longitudinal wiper axis, so that the ring portions of the wiper arms, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal wiper axis, are held at different distances from the retaining portion.

14. The wiper according to claim 13, wherein directly adjacent ring arms associated with different stem portions overlap in the direction of the longitudinal wiper axis without touching each other.

15. The wiper according to claim 14, wherein a gap, which increases in size in a vicinity of the retaining portion, where only the two stem portions are directly adjacent, remains free between every ring arm of a wiper arm and the stem portion of a directly adjacent longer wiper arm, and wherein a window remains free between two directly adjacent wiper arms, which is configured in a shape of a digit 6 and/or of a mirror-inverted digit 6.

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

17. A cosmetics unit with 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 wiper, the wiper being configured in accordance with claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the wiper according to the invention in a perspective side view.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows the wiper according to FIG. 1 in a central longitudinal section.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a purely lateral view of the wiper according to FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows the wiper according to FIG. 1 in a front view, viewed in the direction of the center longitudinal axis, from above.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the wiper according to FIG. 1 in a front view, viewed in the direction of the center longitudinal axis, from below.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the wiper according to the invention in a perspective side view.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows the wiper according to FIG. 6 in a central longitudinal section.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a purely lateral view of the wiper according to FIG. 6.

[0040] FIG. 9 shows the wiper according to FIG. 6 in a front view, viewed in the direction of the center longitudinal axis, from below.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows the wiper according to FIG. 6 in a front view, viewed in the direction of the center longitudinal axis, from above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] It has to be noted in advance that the wipers 1 according to the invention are preferably used as wipers for mascara mass. Ideally, each of the wipers 1 according to the invention forms a cosmetics unit together with a cosmetics storage container and a suitable cosmetics applicator or applicator as well as a closure cap. In this case, the wiper 1 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] FIG. 1 offers the fastest overview of a first embodiment of the wiper according to the invention.

[0045] As can be seen, the wiper 1 has a retaining portion 2 and two wiper arms 3, which can be divided into a stem portion 4 and a ring portion 5.

[0046] 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. The retaining portion 2 defines the central longitudinal wiper axis L.

[0047] 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 of a cosmetics storage container in the finished state. Furthermore, the retaining portion 2 will often have a latching means that enables its positive fixation in the interior of the container opening of a cosmetics storage container, where a complementary latching means can be found. In the present exemplary embodiment, the latching means is configured as a latching bead 7.

[0048] 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 1 consists of the wiper arms 3 that are to be described in more detail later, and optionally and additionally of the projections 10, which are also to be described in more detail later. In the direction of the longitudinal wiper axis L, the first and second portions preferably have the same or approximately the same length with a difference of up to 20%.

[0049] 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 7.50 to 15° relative to the longitudinal wiper axis L is particularly useful.

[0050] As can be seen, the retaining portion 2 transitions into preferably at least two first stem portions 4, which protrude from it like unilaterally connected cantilever beams in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal wiper axis L.

[0051] Each of the stem portions 4 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. As can best be seen In FIG. 2, each stem portion 4 tapers in the circumferential direction from its point of connection to the retaining portion 2 towards its ring portion 5. 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 of a wiper arm 3 towards the distal end of the wiper arm 3, because only in this manner can it be avoided that the proximal area of the stem portion 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 is slightly curved, most frequently in such a way that the outer face of the stem portion 4 facing away from the longitudinal wiper axis L is convexly curved in the circumferential direction, and, if necessary, the inner face of the stem portion facing towards the longitudinal wiper axis L is also concavely curved in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the stem portions are not twisted relative to the longitudinal wiper axis L, in the sense that they wind around the longitudinal wiper axis L like a helical line.

[0052] Each stem portion 4 respectively transitions into a ring portion 5 at its distal end.

[0053] The entirety of the ring portions 5—which in this first exemplary embodiment are situated in a common plane oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal wiper axis L—forms the actual wiper lip, i.e. the area of the wiper 1 that brings about the predominant part of the intended action of the wiper 1 and which, when the respectively associated cosmetics applicator is pulled out through the wiper 1, strips off excess cosmetic and most frequently returns it into the associated cosmetics storage container.

[0054] 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 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 or all other stem portions 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 stem members 4—viewed in a projection along the longitudinal axis L.

[0055] The combination of the stem portion 4 and the ring portion 5 is most frequently configured such that it corresponds in its shape to a forearm support of a crutch that extends upwards away from the grip.

[0056] Preferably, each of the stem portions 4 is designed and dimensioned in such a way that it is capable of being deformed to a more than just inconsiderable extent. Ideally, the distal end of each stem portion 4 is capable, where the transition into the ring portion 5 takes place, of being displaced outwards in the radial direction in an elastically reversible manner, under the forces arising as intended during wiping off a cosmetics applicator, by more than 0.8 mm, and better by more than 1.2 mm. Thus, the result is a particularly yielding wiper lip which, however, is still able to nestle up against the covering of the cosmetics applicator, due to the configuration of the individual parts of the wiper lip as a ring portion 5. In the preferred exemplary embodiment shown here, two wiper arms 3 with one ring portion 5 each are provided. Together, these two ring portions 5 form an almost complete circle, that is, they cover preferably at least 320° of a full circle, with a coverage of at least 340°, and possibly more, being extremely desirable.

[0057] It can be clearly seen that the ring arms 8 and the rest of the associated ring portion 5 form a common plane distal end face.

[0058] Ideally, the ring arms 8 and the rest of the ring portion 5 and preferably also the outer face of the stem portions 4 have an identical curvature in the circumferential direction.

[0059] It must also be noted that the ring arms 8 are configured to be very narrow also in the direction parallel to the longitudinal wiper axis L. Their maximum extent DR in this direction is preferably 3.5 mm, better only 2.5 mm.

[0060] 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 usually arising as intended when a cosmetics applicator is wiped off. 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.

[0061] A more than just inconsiderable displacement is therefore understood to mean a displacement of at least 0.8 mm.

[0062] It can also be easily seen in FIG. 1 that a window 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”.

[0063] Preferably, a projection 10, which is connected on its one side to the retaining portion 2 and projects therefrom like a cantilever beam, protrudes into this window 9. In this case, the extent of each projection 10, seen in the circumferential direction, is most frequently smaller than the extent of each stem portion 4. Preferably, the respective projection 10 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 wiper axis L.

[0064] The configuration of each of the projections 10 contributes to all of them being configured flexibly and preferably 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 a projection 10 by at least 0.7 mm, better yet by at least 1 mm.

[0065] In this case, a projection 10 in each case far from completely covers the surface of a window 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.

[0066] In any case, the protection 10 or the projections 10 has/have the task of acting as an “auxiliary wiper” for the applicator stem of a cosmetics applicator by wiping the narrow area of the applicator stem that otherwise passes the gap between 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). The projection 10 or the projections 10 thus ensure(s) that the entire circumference of an applicator stem cooperating with it is wiped off.

[0067] Optionally, the projection 10 or the projections 10—if designed accordingly—can be given the function of providing for a lateral guidance of the applicator covering, in particular during the reinsertion of the cosmetics 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 projections 10) are provided that cause a stem coverage of at least, and better more, than 360°, so that the stem of a cosmetics applicator cooperating with it is wiped clean all over.

[0068] Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and in a direction towards the proximal end of the wiper 1, a projection 10 ends above the ring portions 5, as can be seen, in particular, from FIG. 1. Preferably, the ring portions 5 of the stem portions 4 reach across the respectively adjacent projection(s) 10, viewed in the circumferential direction, without touching the respective projection(s) 10, 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 such projections 10, and thus generally also two windows 9.

[0069] Taking a very close look, it is possible to see in FIG. 1, and as FIG. 2 also shows, that preferably each projection 10 carries on its distal end a lip 11 protruding inwards in the radial direction, which preferably contributes to the wiping result.

[0070] FIGS. 6 to 10 show a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The second portion, whose length is marked by the distal end of the longest wiper arm 3, is of equal or substantially equal length as the retaining portion 2 also in this case.

[0073] However, the second portion is in this case formed by at least three, and preferably only three, first wiper arms 3.

[0074] For every individual one of these wiper arms 3 as such and its components as such, the statements above pertaining to the wiper arms 3 apply. In particular, however, each wiper arm 3 consists of a stem portion 4 and 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.

[0075] The 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 5 of the 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 longest wiper arm 3 has been reached, to which the shortest wiper arm 3 is then directly adjacent, proceeding in the same circumferential direction.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Preferably, a narrow gap, which ideally increases in size in the vicinity of the retaining portion 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 mirror-inverted digit 6”.

[0078] 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 wiper axis L by about 50%, preferably by 50%+/−5%.

[0079] Deviating from the first exemplary embodiment, this second exemplary embodiment can be configured in such a way that the flexibility of the stem portions 4 described above for the first exemplary embodiment, i.e. their capacity for being displaced radially outward in an elastically reversible manner to a more than just inconsiderable extent, is provided only for the longest or for the longest and the second longest stem portion 4.

[0080] The wiper 1 can be produced by means of injection molding or, alternatively, by 3D printing, i.e. by means of the methods that were developed for rapid prototyping.