DE202021106400U1 - Disposable applicator for cosmetic products, in particular lipstick - Google Patents

Abstract

Disposable applicator (1), the applicator (1) having:
- a first position,
- a second layer superimposed on the first layer, the first and second layers being firmly joined together at all their edges to form a closed package,
- a stick (2) placed inside the closed package, the applicator (1) being characterized in that the stick (2) carries at one of its ends a hot-pourable cosmetic product, the first and/or second layer comprising a sleeve (3 ) form.

Description

The invention relates to the field of cosmetics and relates inter alia and in particular to lipstick.

Lipstick is a commonly used product. It is estimated that around 27 lipsticks are bought every second worldwide.

A lipstick consists essentially of vegetable, animal or synthetic fatty substances in liquid (oils, e.g. castor, jojoba or sweet almond oil), paste-like (fats, e.g. triglycerides, glycerol esters) or solid (waxes, e.g. beeswax) form as well as fillers ( pigments and mother-of-pearl) that add color and opacity to the film. Preservatives (e.g. phenoxyethanol) can improve the shelf life of lipstick.

The waxes can be of synthetic (polyethylene waxes, silicone waxes), animal (beeswax), mineral (ozokerite waxes, paraffins) or vegetable (candelilla, carnauba) origin.

Fatty substances and gelling agents give the lipstick its fluidity, suppleness and mechanical strength properties when the greasy film is spread on the lips.

Taking environmental concerns into account has resulted in the formulation of “organic” lipstick formulations, avoiding petrochemical products (ozokerite, paraffin oil), as well as certain preservatives such as parabens and certain oils such as squalene oil.

It is known that testers for lipsticks are used in shops.

However, the use of such testers has been the subject of some litigation. According to some plaintiffs, the tubes and bottles made available to customers in beauty shops could contain bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella or even the herpes virus.

Incidentally, lipstick testers are not used on the mucous membranes, but rather on the back of the hand or forearm, and it is often the case that the testers are regularly disinfected.

Recent health crises, particularly that of the coronavirus, have increased consumers' need for security.

In addition, it has been known for decades to provide consumers with samples of lipstick in the form of disposable applicators placed in a package resembling a packet of tear-off matches.

In the pamphlet US2042584 (Bustamante) from 1936 describes such an advertising packaging for samples of lipstick. The packaging contains two boxes placed one on top of the other, each box being provided with vertical, parallel cuts delimiting flat sticks. Each stick has an upper part that carries the lipstick and a lower part that is provided with a horizontal line of perforations that allow the stick to be detached by hand. The cardboard is covered with an impermeable layer, e.g. B. made of cellophane coated. To prevent damage to the lipstick, a piece of waterproof material is glued to the top of each stick.

In the pamphlet US2547252 (The Lipmatch Company) describes a package for lipstick applicators that resembles a pouch with tear-off matches. The packaging contains separating means, in particular in the form of folds, which are intended to prevent the free ends of the applicators from touching each other or coming into contact with the cardboard of the packaging.

The pamphlets US2568853 (Nash), US2012/0266910 (HCT), US2009/0095316 (gensch), FR1012605 (Politzer), GB710695 (Kocen), FR2535588 (Loreal), FR2517529 (L'Oreal) describe packages of applicators for cosmetic products, particularly lipstick, which packages resemble a pouch with tear-off matches.

It will also refer to the pamphlets CN 207084429U (lin), US4714160 (Rjs) referenced.

The matchbook-like packaging that has been on the market for decades, of which there are still vintage versions today, has numerous disadvantages.

Firstly, the cosmetic product is not protected from contamination. The lipstick placed at the end of the sticks is exposed to dust and bacterial pathogens.

Second, the cosmetic product is not protected from the risk of damage, from rubbing, squeezing or heat, for example when the sachet is placed in a garment.

However, lipsticks are temperature sensitive.

Pasty fats melt at skin temperature (around 32°C) so that the fat film can be applied to the lips.

A rise in temperature can lead to the exudation of small droplets on the surface, traces of which can remain on the surface, making the product less appealing.

Third, detaching the sticks by hand can be difficult, with the risk of fingers coming into direct contact with the cosmetic product-carrying portion of the sticks.

Finally, once a packet of applicators has been opened, the user cannot know whether or not the stick he is removing from the packet has been contaminated.

In the pamphlet FR2679879 (Loreal) describes an applicator assembly that contains a small dose of makeup product to allow for a single use, the assembly being sold as a sample and not reusable. In the manufacture of the arrangement, the pasty cosmetic product is poured into a trough in a molten state, and a pallet carrying flocking is placed under pressure on the trough so that the cosmetic product is fixed on the flocking of the pallet. Before the first use, the pallet is covered with a removable film.

The ones in the pamphlet FR2679879 device described has many disadvantages. In particular, the cosmetic product is poured in a molten state into a cavity of a cardboard or plastic support and the cosmetic product is therefore hidden. In addition, when the palette forming the applicator is peeled off, part of the cosmetic product remains in the cavity and is therefore no longer usable.

The present invention is intended to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art outlined above.

In particular, the present invention aims to provide means to enable the consumer to experience a product such as a lipstick with complete confidence and safety.

• - eine erste Lage,
• - eine zweite Lage, die über der ersten Lage liegt, wobei die erste und die zweite Lage zum Bilden einer geschlossenen Verpackung an allen ihren Rändern fest miteinander verbunden sind,
• - ein im Inneren der geschlossenen Verpackung angeordnetes Stäbchen, wobei das Stäbchen an einem seiner Enden ein warmgießbares Kosmetikprodukt trägt, wobei die erste und/oder zweite Lage aus einem eine Hülse bildenden Material gebildet ist.

According to a first aspect, a disposable applicator is proposed for these purposes, the applicator having:

• - a first position,
• - a second layer superimposed on the first layer, the first and second layers being firmly joined together at all their edges to form a closed package,
• - a stick placed inside the closed package, the stick carrying a hot-pourable cosmetic product at one of its ends, the first and/or second layer being formed of a sleeve-forming material.

The material forming a sleeve can be opaque, semi-transparent, translucent or transparent. In some implementations, the material forming the sleeve is solid-colored or coated with a paint, lacquer, or varnish.

The closed packaging protects the cosmetic product from contamination, dust or bacterial pathogens. If necessary, a treatment is carried out, e.g. B. radiation treatment to ensure aseptic packaging.

The sleeve protects the cosmetic product from damage caused by impact or crushing. Thus, the applicator can be transported in a carrying bag or clothing pocket without risk of damaging the cosmetic product. Advantageously, the first or second layer is formed from a thermoformed material.

In some implementations, the thermoformed material is a polymeric material. In other implementations, the thermoformed material is a cellulosic material such as paper or multi-ply, e.g. B. comprises a cellulosic material and a polymeric material.

Thermoforming can result from heating a polymeric film in a mold (negative thermoforming) or over a mold (positive thermoforming).

When the thermoformed material is a polymer, the polymeric material can be an amorphous or semi-crystalline material. The polymer material is advantageously selected from the group consisting of polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, in particular high-density polyethylene ( HDPE), selected.

In some implementations, the polymeric material forming the sleeve is biodegradable and is, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a biodegradable polyester selected from polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyhydroxypropionic acid, polyhydroxyvaleric acid, copolymers of at least two of the aforementioned polyesters and derivatives and salts of the aforementioned polymers and copolymers.

Advantageously, the first or second layer comprises a peelable or sealable lid, peeling off of the lid opening the sleeve and allowing manual access to the rod.

The lid can be made of paper, polymeric material or aluminum. In some implementations, the sleeve includes a line of weakness that allows manual prying of the sleeve.

In some implementations, the rod floats in the sleeve. Floating here means that the rod is not fixed in the sleeve but can move slightly, e.g. B. by a few tenths of a millimeter.

In other implementations, the rod is fixedly mounted in the sleeve, e.g. B. by snapping.

In some implementations, the stick is in the shape of a rounded tongue or a cat's tongue, the stick including a first end for carrying the cosmetic product and a second end for manual holding.

Advantageously, the cosmetic product is distributed on at least one of the main faces of the first end of the stick.

In some implementations, the cosmetic wraps around the first end of the rod.

Advantageously, the sleeve comprises a first hollow portion for receiving the first end of the rod and a second hollow portion for receiving the second end for gripping the rod, the first hollow portion of the sleeve being of greater depth than the second hollow portion of the sleeve.

Advantageously, the stick is made of wood or a polymeric material, preferably made of wood or a biodegradable polymeric material. In other implementations, the stick is paper. The material of the stick allows to apply the make-up respecting hygiene and safety standards.

According to a second aspect, a kit is proposed comprising at least two applicators as described above, the applicators being connected by a frangible line.

By frangible line is meant here a line of weakness that allows manual separation of the applicators. The weakening line is, for example, a folding or indenting line or also a perforation line.

• [1] eine Vorderansicht eines Wegwerfapplikators gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist;
• [2] eine Seitenansicht des in 1 dargestellten Wegwerfapplikators ist;
• [3] eine Vorderansicht eines Satzes ist, der mehrere Wegwerfapplikatoren gemäß einer Ausführungsform umfasst;
• [4] eine Detailansicht einer Ausführungsvariante ist.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the description of an embodiment given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• [ 1 ] is a front view of a disposable applicator according to an embodiment;
• [ 2 ] a side view of the in 1 illustrated disposable applicator;
• [ 3 ] is a front view of a kit including multiple disposable applicators according to one embodiment;
• [ 4 ] is a detailed view of an embodiment variant.

In 1 a disposable applicator 1 according to an embodiment is shown in front view.

The applicator 1 comprises a stick 2 housed in a blister-type package.

Blister is understood here as a sleeve 3 or a blister pack, e.g. B. of polymeric material, which is attached to a band 4 of a material such as cardboard or a multi-ply. The polymer material that forms the sleeve 3 is formed, for example, from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene , in particular high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or a complex of amorphous polyester (APET) and polyethylene (PE), a polylactic acid (PLA), a polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The sleeve 3 together with the strip of material 4 forms a closed package containing the stick 2 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 2 is mounted in the sleeve 3 in a floating manner. In other words, the rod 2 is not fixed to the sleeve 3 or the strip of material 4, but can move freely, e.g. B. by a few tenths of a millimeter. This arrangement advantageously allows manufacturing tolerances to be taken into account.

In other non-illustrated embodiments, the rod is fixedly attached to the sleeve, e.g. B. by snapping.

In other, not shown embodiments, the rod is fixed to the material strip 4, z. B. by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stick 2 has the shape of a rounded tongue or cat-tongue and comprises a first end 5 carrying the cosmetic product and a second end 6 for grasping by hand, the width of the stick 2 being substantially the same throughout its length .

In other embodiments, not shown, the rod has a greater width at its first end, the first end of the rod having a lip or heart shape.

In other embodiments, not shown, the rod has a greater width at its second end, which makes it easier to grasp and manipulate the rod.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cosmetic product extends over a length of about two centimeters, which corresponds to about one third of the total length of the stick.

Advantageously, the cosmetic product is distributed on at least one of the main surfaces of the first end 5 of the rod 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the cosmetic wraps the first end 5 of the stick 2. Wrapping can thus be achieved by immersing the sticks 2 in the hot poured cosmetic. The edges 7 of the closed packaging are advantageously rounded to avoid the risk of injury during handling.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 2 has a substantially constant thickness over its entire length. In other embodiments, not shown, the rod has a greater thickness at its second end to be grasped by hand.

The thickness of the rod, and more broadly its shape and the material from which it is formed, can be adjusted as necessary to give it some elasticity.

In some implementations, the second end is provided with bumps that facilitate a firm grip for applying the cosmetic to the lips.

How out 2 shows, the sleeve 3 advantageously comprises a first hollow portion 8 for receiving the first end 5 of the rod 2 and a second hollow portion 9 for receiving the second end 6 for gripping the rod 2, the first hollow portion 8 of the sleeve 3 having a larger depth than the second hollow portion 9 of the sleeve 3.

Advantageously, the depth of the second hollow portion 9 of the sleeve 3 is substantially equal to the thickness of the second end 6 of the rod 2.

With these configurations, the cosmetic product can be applied to the first end 5 of the rod 2 with a large thickness without the risk of the cosmetic product coming into contact with the sleeve 3 .

Advantageously, the disposable applicator 1 is a disposable make-up applicator, the cosmetic product being a lipstick.

The chopstick 2 can (as in the 1 and 2 shown) in single blister packs or (as in 3 shown) are present in detachable strips 10. A weakening line 11, e.g. B. a crease, score or perforation line.

in the in 3 In the embodiment illustrated, a set 12 of six strips 10 is proposed, with the weakening lines 11 being arranged substantially along the length of the rods 2.

In other embodiments, not shown, the set includes more than six strips and, for example, includes a roll of several dozen detachable strips.

Alternatively, the lines of weakness may extend in a direction perpendicular to the length of the wales.

The corners 13 of the set 12 are advantageously rounded to avoid any risk of injury during handling.

The blister advantageously has a peelable or sealable lid that allows the blister to be opened and the stick 2 to be grasped.

In some implementations, to ensure tightness, the lid around the formed by the sleeve 3 cavity welded around.

The term "sealed lid" is used here to denote the fact that the lid is sealed to the sleeve 3, e.g. B. by hot welding, high frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, gluing. Ultrasonic welding applies high pressure and heat to a very small surface area, creating a local, final weld.

In some implementations, a weak weld of two layers of peelable material results in surface adhesion between those two layers, forming a peelable portion of the lid, while a strong weld of the same two layers results in intermingling of those layers, making them no longer peelable , to form a non-peelable part of the lid.

In one implementation, the upper pressure limit or amount of heat applied when sealing the lid to the sleeve differs between the peelable and non-peelable portions, with a weak seal applying a lower pressure and amount of heat than a strong seal.

The peelable portion of the lid advantageously extends the length of the second end 6 of the stick 2. This arrangement eliminates the risk of the user's fingers coming into contact with the cosmetic product when opening the sleeve.

The cover and sleeve are advantageously formed from a multi-layer material. In some implementations, a non-metallic layer contacts the cosmetic and an outer layer is formed from one or more bonded layers of thermoplastic materials such as vinyl polymers, polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides.

In some implementations the welds of the lid to the sleeve are made to e.g. B. can be broken by pulling in a vertical direction. The seals are sized to be broken by a predefined force, which corresponds to a force used by a user to peel off the lid. Ideally, this force represents a compromise: too strong a seal prevents opening because the lid yields before sealing, while too weak a seal insufficiently ensures containment. In other implementations, the sleeve 3 is provided with a line of weakness 14 . An implementation example is in 4 shown. in the in 4 In the embodiment shown, a line of weakness 14 runs transversely in the second end portion 9 of the sleeve 3. In order to open the sleeve 3, the user causes a slight bend and this bend causes the sleeve 3 to break open along the line 14, leaving a portion 3a of the sleeve 3 can be detached from the band 4, whereby one hand access to the second end 6 of the rod 2 is released.

This measure ensures that opening the sleeve 3 gives access to the section 6 for gripping the stick 2, the section 5 of the stick 2 carrying the cosmetic product not coming into contact with the user's fingers.

In order to facilitate the separation of the section 3a of the sleeve 3 from the rest of the sleeve 3 along the predetermined breaking line 14, breakage initiators, e.g. B. in the form of notches.

The stick 2 can be made of wood, paper, cardboard or a polymeric material. Advantageously, the stick 2 is made of wood or a biodegradable polymeric material.

The invention has many advantages.

The cosmetic product can be tested by the consumer under excellent hygiene and safety conditions.

If the material forming the sleeve and/or the material of the lid is transparent, the consumer can see the product.

The consumer can feel the product, which is a strong emotional experience.

The packaging is compact and space-saving, so it can be stored in a drawer or a pocket of clothes.

Opening the package and grasping the sample with the hand is intuitive and the same hand movements can be maintained during testing: the contact of the formulation on the mouth and the accompanying scent are retained.

The sample can be presented in single blister packs or in strips with multiple pre-cut samples. So the sample can thrust into shop, on display cases, or in the pockets of demonstrators.

When opening the sleeve, the risk of the user's fingers coming into contact with the cosmetic product is avoided.

The invention finds particularly advantageous application in the field of lipsticks, but can be implemented in any cosmetic product that can be poured hot, such as eyebrow care products or eyeliners.

In advantageous implementations, the materials used are chosen to facilitate recycling. All components of the blister can be separated and disposed of separately.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US2042584 [0012]
• US2547252 [0013]
• US2568853 [0014]
• US2012/0266910 [0014]
• US2009/0095316 [0014]
• FR1012605 [0014]
• GB 710695 [0014]
• FR 2535588 [0014]
• FR 2517529 [0014]
• CN 207084429 U [0015]
• US4714160 [0015]
• FR 2679879 [0024, 0025]

Claims (13)

Disposable applicator (1), the applicator (1) comprising: - a first ply, - a second ply overlying the first ply, the first and second plies being secured together at all their edges to form a closed package , - a stick (2) placed inside the closed package, the applicator (1) being characterized in that the stick (2) carries at one of its ends a hot-pourable cosmetic product, the first and/or second layer comprising a sleeve ( 3) form. Applicator (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the first or the second layer is formed from a thermoformed material. Applicator (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first or second layer is made of a material selected from the group consisting of cellulosic materials, polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) , polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl alcohol (PCOH). Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the first or the second layer has a removable cover, the sleeve (3) being opened by detaching the removable cover. Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the first or the second layer comprises a sealable lid, the sleeve (3) being opened by detaching the peelable lid. Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the sleeve comprises a line of weakness (14). Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the rod (2) is floating in the sleeve (3). Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the stick (2) is in the form of a rounded tongue or a cat's tongue, the stick (2) having a first end (5) carrying the cosmetic product and a second end (6) for gripping with the hand. Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the cosmetic product is distributed on at least one of the main surfaces of the first end (5) of the stick (2). Applicator according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the cosmetic product envelops the first end (5) of the stick (2). Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that the sleeve (3) has a first hollow portion (8) for receiving the first end (5) of the stick (2) and a second hollow portion (9) for receiving the second end (6) for gripping the stick (2) wherein the first hollow portion (8) of the sleeve (3) has a greater depth than the second hollow portion (9) of the sleeve (3). Applicator (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the stick (2) is made of paper, cardboard, wood or a polymer material. Set, comprising at least two applicators (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 12 , wherein the applicators (1) are connected to each other by a frangible line (11).

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