APPLICATOR DEVICE FOR APPLYING AN APPLICATION AGENT TO HAIR

Abstract

The invention starts out from an applicator for applying at least one application medium (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c) to hair, with a separation unit (11a; 11Ib; 11c), which forms at least two application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) that are provided for receiving some of the hairs for application of the application medium (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c). It is proposed that at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an opening width that is smaller, at least by a factor of 10, than a distance between the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c).

Description

PRIOR ART

The invention is directed to an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair according to the preamble of claim 1.

The problem addressed by the invention, in particular, is that of providing a device with which one or more application media, such as a dye, a tint, glitter or other cosmetic or medical application media, can be applied to hair in a distributed manner similar to streaking, in order to advantageously avoid, in particular, an unnaturally uniform coloration of hair, in particular of entire hair strands, and which is advantageously easy to use. This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and the independent claims. Further embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, comprising a separation unit, which forms at least two application gaps, which are provided for receiving some of the hairs for application of the application agent.

It is provided that at least one of the application gaps has an opening width that is smaller, at least by a factor of 10, than a distance between the application gaps. It is therefore possible to greatly reduce a portion of the hairs onto which the application agent is applied in a single pass of the applicator device and, in particular, to advantageously prevent an unnaturally uniform coloration of hair, in particular of entire hair strands. By way of a repeated application in particular, it is therefore possible to obtain a blended coloration of hair, thereby providing the hair with a natural color image. A device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to obtain an embodiment with which a particularly advantageous treatment of hair using an applicator is achieved. Advantageously, the opening width is smaller than the distance between the application gaps by a factor of 15 and, particularly advantageously, by a factor of 20.

An application agent is understood to be a fluid, pasty or powdered agent intended for application on hair, in particular such as a hair dye, a hair treatment agent, hair gloss, dispersions, a structure-changing agent and/or a pharmaceutical hair treatment agent. The application agent can basically be designed as a single-component agent or a multiple-component agent. A “single-component agent” is intended to mean an agent stored in a application-agent container in a ready-for-use manner. A “multiple-component agent” is intended to mean, in particular, an agent in which at least one component is added to another before an application, in particular an agent that comprises two separately stored components that are intended to be mixed with one another for an application.

An “application gap” is intended to mean, in particular, a space between two separating elements that is intended to receive hair onto which the application agent is applied. An “opening width” of an application gap is intended to mean, in particular, a width of the application gap that is effective for capturing hairs, in particular an opening width in the region of a head line of the application gap. For the formation of the application gap, the separation unit preferably comprises separating elements, each of which has at least one, or preferably two tips, which define the tines of the comb-like structure. A virtual connecting line, which connects every two adjacent tips with one another, is referred to in the following as the “head line”. A “distance” between the two application gaps is intended to mean, in particular, a distance between two outer flanks of the application gap.

It is further provided that the opening width of the at least one application gap is intended for separating hairs. It is thereby possible to attain a particular advantageous natural coloring. The expression “separation of hairs” is intended to mean, in particular, that in a single use on hair provided with the application agent, at least 10, preferably 20 hairs are left untreated. Several uses can result in a greater portion of hair being provided with the application agent, of course.

The separation unit preferably has a comb-like structure having at least one bypass space, which is provided for guiding some of the hairs past at least one of the application gaps. As a result, hairs that should remain untreated are advantageously guided past the application gaps. A “bypass space” is intended to mean, in particular, a space between the two tips of a separation element, in which the separation element has a recess relative to the head line.

It is further provided that at least one of the application gaps has an application size that is smaller than a bypass size of the at least one bypass space by a factor of 2. It is thereby possible to advantageously minimize the total number of hairs that are provided with the application agent, thereby making it possible to attain the blended coloring in a particularly easy manner. It is basically feasible that not all of the hairs introduced into the application gap are provided with the application agent. An “application size” is therefore intended to mean, in particular, a size dimension for the number of hairs onto which the application agent is applied. The application size is preferably designed as a cross-sectional area that is provided for contact of hairs with the application agent. Similarly with respect to the application size, a “bypass size” is intended to mean a cross-sectional area that is provided for guiding hairs past the at least one application gap. The cross-sectional area that forms the application size or the bypass size is preferably spanned by the head line and the separating elements of the separation unit, i.e. by the virtual head line and a material of the separation unit that forms the adjacent tips.

The expression “smaller at least by a factor of 2” is intended to mean that a number of hairs guided through the separation unit, which are provided with the application agent in a single pass of the applicator device, is less, at least by a factor of 2, than the number of hairs that remain untreated, i.e. that of hair provided with the application agent at least 2 hairs remain untreated. The expression “hairs guided through the separation unit” is intended to mean, in particular, hairs that are disposed in a space between the material of the separation unit and the head line, i.e. the hairs that are introduced into the application gap or the bypass space. The application size is preferably smaller than the bypass size by at least a factor of 3 and particularly preferably at least by a factor of 4.

It is also advantageous when the opening width of the at least one application gap is smaller than an opening width of the at least one bypass space at least by a factor of 10. The separation of the hairs can therefore be achieved in a particularly effective manner. The at least one application gap preferably has an opening width that is smaller than the opening width of the at least one bypass space at least by a factor of 15. Particularly preferably, the opening width of the at least one application gap is smaller than the opening width of the at least one bypass space by a factor of 20.

It is further provided that at least one of the application gaps has a gap width, in at least one subregion, that is smaller than a barrier width beyond which the application agent is prevented from emerging. As a result, a continuous, unwanted emergence of application agent is prevented, and so the applicator device is particularly easy to operate. In particular, it can thereby be prevented that excess application agent is applied to a scalp, and so stress on the scalp can be advantageously lowered and, in particular, reduced nearly to zero. A “gap width” is intended to mean, in particular, a distance between the tips that define the corresponding application gap and, particularly preferably, a mean gap width. The expression “a mean gap width” is intended to mean, in particular, a mean value of values at which a width of the application gap parallel to the head line was determined. Similarly, the expression “width of the bypass space” is intended to mean, in particular, a distance between the tips that define the corresponding bypass space, wherein a mean width is also particularly advantageous here. A “barrier width” is understood to mean, in particular, a maximum width that a gap having a constant gap can have without the application agent emerging through the gap under a pressure that corresponds to a liquid column of the application agent having a height of 5 centimeters. The barrier width therefore depends, in particular, on properties of the application agent, for example such as an adhesive force, a cohesive force, frictional forces, capillary forces and/or a flow resistance. It therefore has a width that is adapted to the application agent that is used. The application gap can therefore have different gap widths depending on the application agent that is used. It is also feasible, in principle, to provide the separation device with an adjusting unit for adjusting the gap width and/or the opening width of the application gap.

It is also feasible to change the surface of the separating elements, in particular flanks of the separating elements that form the application gap, for example by coating, vapor-depositing or roughening. As a result, a molecular bond between the application agent and the housing unit can be changed, thereby also making it possible to change the barrier width, i.e. the gap width beyond which application agent is prevented from emerging.

Particularly preferably, the gap width is less than 1.0 millimeter, wherein a gap width of less than 0.7 millimeter is advantageous and a gap width of less than 0.5 millimeter is particularly advantageous.

Furthermore, an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair is provided, which comprises a separation unit that has at least two separating elements that form at least one application gap provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent, and comprising at least one application volume enclosed at least partially by at least one of the separating elements, said application volume being provided for receiving at least some of the hairs introduced into the application gap. As a result, the application agent can be applied to the hairs particularly easily and reliably, in particular when the application gap of the separation unit has a gap width that is very small. By way of such an embodiment, the application device can be provided particularly advantageously for applying the application agent to individual hairs, thereby making it possible to advantageously prevent an unnaturally uniform coloration, in particular, of a large number of hairs, in particular entire hair strands.

The expression “application gap disposed between two separating elements” is intended to mean, in particular, a gap between two adjacently disposed separating elements that are separated from one another. An “application volume” is intended to mean, in particular, a volume for receiving and storing the application agent. A “separating element” is intended to mean, in particular, an element of the separation unit that is provided for bringing the hairs introduced into the separation unit into the at least one application gap or to guide them past the application gap. The expression “one application volume enclosed at least partially by at least one of the separating elements” is intended to mean, in particular, that at least one of the separating elements has an inner contour that forms a wall for the application volume. The separating elements preferably span the application volume at least partially, and therefore the hairs, upon being introduced into the application gap, enter the application volume in which the application agent is stored and are wetted. The application volume preferably has a size of at least one milliliter. “Provided” is intended to mean, in particular, specially equipped and/or designed.

Preferably the application volume and the at least one application gap transition into one another at least in one subregion. It is thereby possible to obtain a particularly advantageous embodiment for applying the application agent to the hairs. The expression “transition” is intended to mean, in particular, that at least one portion of the volume spanned by the separating elements can be assigned to the application gap and to the application volume.

It is further provided that the applicator device comprises at least one further separating element and at least one further application gap, which transitions into the application volumen in at least one subregion. A particularly advantageous treatment of individual hairs can be achieved as a result, thereby making it possible to reduce the amount of time required to apply the application agent without resulting in an unnatural color image.

It is also advantageous when the applicator device comprises a depot volume that is connected to the application volume. It is therefore possible to introduce a particularly advantageous quantity of the application agent into the applicator device, thereby making it possible to achieve a particularly reliable supply of the application gap while simultaneously preventing the application agent from emerging in an unwanted manner.

It is also advantageous when the applicator device comprises a substantially dimensionally stable housing unit, which is provided for preventing a excess pressure of the application agent at least during use. The situation can therefore be prevented in which too much application agent emerges during handling due to a excess pressure, thereby ensuring that the hairs can be wetted uniformly while simultaneously preventing the application agent from being applied to the scalp. The expression “prevent” is intended to mean, in particular, that, during normal handling of the applicator device, i.e. when the housing unit is gripped by an operator, the housing unit is at least so dimensionally stable that the application agent is prevented from emerging from the application gaps. Preferably, the housing unit is at least partially rigid. The expression “rigid” is intended to mean, in particular, that an application of force onto the housing unit that is intended to reduce the application volume or depot volume enclosed by the housing unit by at least 10 percent results in the destruction of the housing unit.

It is further provided that the application device comprises a separating unit, which is intended to at least partially decouple the application volume from the depot volume with respect to flow. It is thereby possible to prevent the application agent stored in the application volume from flowing back into the depot volume, thereby making it possible to at least largely ensure adequate filling of the application volume. The applicator device can therefore be used at least largely independent of orientation, i.e. even after a portion of the application agent has been used, the applicator device can also be used in a tilted state.

In an advantageous development, the applicator device also comprises a pump unit having at least one pump element that is freely movable within the depot volume, the pump unit being provided to at least partially support a filling of the application volume with the application agent. It is thereby possible to attain a particularly advantageous filling of the application volume. Basically, the pump unit can also be intended to excite the application agent to vibrate, wherein an embodiment having a head surface intended to cause the housing unit to vibrate is advantageous.

The pump unit is preferably provided to induce the application agent to undergo turbulent flow and/or vibration within the depot volume, thereby making it possible to advantageously mix the application agent, in particular when the application agent is designed as a multiple-component agent, and the turbulent flow makes it possible to easily achieve a pump effect for filling the application agent. The pump element of the pump unit is preferably spherical. Other pump units are basically feasible, however. It is feasible, in particular, to movably connect the pump element to the housing unit, for example in the form of a pendulum that is provided to swing within the depot volume. In a further embodiment it is feasible that the pump unit is intended only to cause the housing unit to swing or vibrate. A “pump unit” is intended to mean an applicator device that is provided to induce turbulence, a laminar flow and/or a pressure change of the application agent in the depot volume.

If the pump unit is actuated manually, it is advantageously possible to omit a costly energy supply unit, thereby making it possible to obtain a particularly low-cost applicator device. Alternatively, an active pump unit such as an electric pump unit is also feasible.

It is also provided that the applicator device comprises a refilling opening and a closing element that is provided to close the refilling opening. As a result, the applicator device can be used at least partially several times, thereby making it possible to lower costs for a user and, therefore, increase customer acceptance.

Furthermore, an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair is provided, which comprises a separation unit that has at least two separating elements that form at least one application gap provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent, in which the application gap has a gap width, at least in one subregion, that is smaller than 1.0 millimeter, thereby making it possible to greatly reduce the portion of hairs onto which the application agent is applied in a single pass of the applicator device and therefore advantageously prevent an unnatural uniform coloring of hairs, in particular of entire hair strands. Preferably, the mean gap width is less than 0.7 millimeter and, particularly preferably, less than 0.5 millimeter.

In addition, a method for applying an application agent to hair is provided, in which an application agent is applied to some of the hairs as the hairs pass through a separation unit, and in which some of the hairs are guided past the application gap, in particular a method having an applicator device according to the invention, wherein the application agent is applied to one of five hairs at most.

In addition, a method for applying an application agent to hairs is provided, in which an application agent is applied to some of the hairs as the hairs pass through at least one application gap of a separation unit, in particular comprising an applicator device according to the invention, in which the hairs at least partially enter an application volume during passage through the application gap.

DRAWINGS

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will also advantageously consider the features individually and combine them to form further reasonable combinations.

Shown are:

FIG. 1 a cross section of an applicator device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 the applicator device depicted in FIG. 1, in a top view,

FIG. 3 an alternative embodiment of an applicator device,

FIG. 4 an applicator device according to the invention for the simultaneous application of different application agents and

FIG. 5 the applicator device depicted in FIG. 5, in a cross-sectional view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show an applicator device according to the invention for applying an application agent 10a to hair. The applicator device is intended for private use and professional use. By way of the applicator device it is possible to apply a plurality of different application agents 10a to hair, such as hair dye, hair treatment agents, hair gloss, dispersions, structure-changing agents and/or pharmaceutical hair treatment agents, for example. The applicator device is intended for use on human head hair in particular. In the present application, the application agent is in the form of a hair dye, wherein a hair dye is intended to mean all agents that are intended for changing a color of hair, such as hair-tinting agents in particular.

The applicator device is designed in particular as a hair dye applicator device, which is intended for creating a blended color image. By way of the applicator device, the application agent 10a is statistically distributed on the hair, i.e. hairs provided entirely or partially with the application agent 10a are disposed next to hairs provided entirely or partially with the application agent.

The applicator device has a usage direction 38a, along which it is guided through the hair as the application agent 10a is applied. The applicator device comprises a comb-like separation unit 11a to ensure that only some of the hairs are provided with the application agent 10a in one pass of the applicator device through the hair. The separation unit 11a distributes the hairs that are introduced into the applicator device and are guided through the applicator device into a first portion onto which the application agent 10a is applied, and into a second portion that should be left untreated.

The separation unit 11a comprises a plurality of separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form the comb-like structure. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have a main extension direction, which is oriented substantially parallel to the usage direction 38a. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are disposed next to one another along a transverse extension direction 39a, which is oriented perpendicularly to the usage direction 38a.

The two separating elements 23a, 28a are disposed outwardly. Both of the two outer separating elements 23a, 28a have one adjacently disposed separating element 24a, 27a. The remaining separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a are disposed in the center. They all have two adjacently disposed separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

Each of the central separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a has two rounded tips. The two tips of one of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are disposed at a distance from one another. The tips of all the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are disposed on a line along the transverse extension direction. Starting at one of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, the tips of adjacent separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are disposed at a distance from one another.

Each of the central separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a has two flanks. The flanks enclose an acute angle with the usage direction 38a. The flanks extend almost parallel to the usage direction 38a. Each of the flanks terminates at one of the two tips of the corresponding separating element.

In the arrangement of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a along the transverse extension direction 39a, the flanks of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a are disposed opposite one another in pairs, i.e. the flank of one of the separating element 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is disposed opposite the flank of the adjacently disposed separating element 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a. The opposing flanks of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a span a space in each case. The spaces spanned by the flanks disposed opposite one another in pairs form application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a. All the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a formed by the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a start at a common head line 40a and terminate at a common baseline 41a. The baseline 41a and the head line 40a extend perpendicularly to the usage direction 38a. In principle, the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a can also start at different head lines and/or terminate at different head lines.

Furthermore, each of the central separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a forms a bypass space 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a. The tips of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form a portion of the separation unit 11a that is located furthest from the baseline 41a relative to the usage direction 38a. The bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a are formed as a region between the tips in which the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have a recess directed in the direction of the baseline 41a, starting at the head line 40a on which the tips are disposed. The bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a are rounded in at least one cross-sectional plane. They have a semicircular-like shape. Basically, they can have another shape, however.

A depth of the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a is substantially less than a depth of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a. The depth of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, i.e. an extension of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a starting from the head line 40a along the usage direction 38a in the direction of the baseline 41a, is greater than a corresponding extension of the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a.

The separation unit 11a further comprises an underside 42a and a top side 43a. The underside 42a and the top side 43a converge at the head line 40a at an acute angle. The underside 42a is intended to be placed on a scalp. The top side 43a faces away from the scalp during use. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form a portion of the underside and the top side.

In this exemplary embodiment, the underside 42a and the top side 43a are curved, at least in subregions. The underside 42a is convexly curved. The top side 43a is concavely curved. Other embodiments, in particular of the underside 42a, are also basically feasible.

The underside 42a has a flatter curvature than the top side 43a. For use, the underside 42a is placed on the scalp. The application device is guided over the scalp by way of the underside 42a. The underside 42a therefore extends along the usage direction 38a in at least one subregion. The preferred usage direction 38a is established by a first subregion of the underside 42a adjoining the tips. Basically a user can guide the applicator device along any direction that extends tangentially to the underside 42a.

When hairs pass through the separation unit 11a, the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a receive the first portion of the hairs onto which the application agent 10a is intended to be applied. As hairs pass through the separation unit 11a, the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a receive the second portion of the hairs, which is intended to remain untreated. The portion of the hairs that is received by the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a is greater at least by a factor of 5 than the portion of the hairs received by the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a.

The applicator device comprises an application volume 29a for applying the application agent 10a onto the hairs. The application volume 29a is partially enclosed by the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, i.e. the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a form a portion of a wall that delimits the application volume 29a. The applicator device further comprises a housing unit 32a, which forms further parts of a wall of the application volume 29a. The housing unit 32a, which forms the top side 43a and the underside 42a, is integral with the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The housing unit 32a is made of a plastic. A material of which the housing unit 32a is produced is transparent. A multiple-component design is also basically feasible.

In a cross-sectional plane that extends perpendicularly to the transverse extension direction 39a, the housing unit 32a has an inner contour 44a, which follows an outer contour 45a in the region of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a in particular. A wall thickness of the housing unit 32a in the region of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is less than the depth of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

Starting from the baseline 41a, the housing unit 32a has different wall thicknesses in the direction of the head line 40a. The wall thickness is greatest in the region of the baseline 41a and decreases continuously in the direction of the head line 40a. A creepage distance, i.e. a distance that the application agent 10a must travel in order to emerge from the corresponding application gap 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, is therefore greater in the region of the head line 41a than at an outer end of the subregion 30a facing the head line 40a. Due to the wall thickness that is greater compared to the head line 40a, the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a exert a back pressure on the application agent 10a in the region of the head line 41a that is greater compared to the outer end of the subregion 30a.

The inner contour 44a is curved in the region of the application volume 29a. A portion of the inner contour 44a, which, jointly with the underside 42a, delimits a lower portion of the housing unit 32a, is concavely curved. A portion of the inner contour 44a, which, together with the top side 43a, delimits an upper portion of the housing unit, is convexly curved. The convexly curved portion of the inner contour 44a has a greater curvature than the concavely curved portion of the inner contour 44a. The application volume 29a has a cross section that has a continuously decreasing height in the direction of the head line 40a starting from the baseline 41a.

The application volume 29a extends through all central separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a. The outer separating elements form a lateral wall of the application volume 29a. The flanks of the separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a have a triangular structure. Starting from the tips, each of the flanks has an upper leg and a lower leg. The upper leg of the flank forms the top side 43a. The lower leg forms the underside 42a. The top side 43a and the underside 42a therefore form a portion of the wall of the application volume 29a. A hair that has been introduced into the application gap 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a therefore enters the application volume 29a, which is partially enclosed by the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

The application volume 29a and the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a transition into one another in a subregion 30a. The subregion 30a extends in the direction of the head line 40a starting from the baseline 41a.

The application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a have an application size that is intended for separating the hairs. The bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a, which are provided for guiding the hairs to be left untreated past the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, have a bypass size that is larger at least by a factor of 4 than the application size of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a. The number of hairs onto which the application agent is applied upon passing through the separation unit 11a is therefore greater at least by a factor of 20 than the number of hairs that remain untreated, i.e. for each treated hair there are at least 20 untreated hairs. The application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a have an opening width 21a that is greater at least by a factor of 5 than an opening width 22a of the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a. In FIG. 2, only the opening width 21a of the application gap 13a and the opening width 22a of the bypass space 16a are provided with a reference character.

A gap width 62a of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a is constant along the entire depth of the application gap 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a. The opening width 21a of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a at the head line 40a is greater than the gap width 62a. In the region of the head line 40a, the opening width 21a transitions continuously into the gap width 62a. The application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a have the gap width 62a in the region of the baseline 41a in particular. The opposing flanks of adjacent separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a extend parallel to one another. The gap width 62a of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a is between 0.4 millimeter and 0.7 millimeter. Basically the gap width can also be less than 0.4 millimeter.

The opening width 22a of the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a is greatest in the region of the head line 40a. The opening width 22a of the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a decreases successively in the direction of the baseline 41a. In the region of the head line 40a in particular, the opening width 22a of the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a is greater approximately by a factor of 20 than the opening width 21a of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a. A distance between the two tips of one of the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a is therefore greater by a factor of 5 or more than the distance between opposing tips of adjacent separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

The gap width 62a of the application gap 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a is less than a barrier width beyond which the application agent 10a is prevented from emerging due to adhesive forces. The application agent 10a has a surface tension resulting from the adhesive forces. The gap width 62a of the application gap 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a is so small in the subregion 30a, in which the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a and the application volume 29a transition into one another, that properties of the application agent 10a, such as surface tension, adhesion or cohesion, prevent the application agent 10a from emerging from the application volume 29a during non-use, i.e. in particular during storage.

The application volume 29a occupies only a portion of the volume occupied by the housing unit 32a. In addition to the application volume 29a, the applicator device comprises a depot volume 31a, which is connected to the application volume 29a. The depot volume 31a occupies a portion of the housing unit 32a that adjoins the separation unit 11a.

The portion of the housing unit 32a formed as the depot volume 31a is designed as a handle. The applicator device is intended for use with one hand. A user who would like to guide the applicator device through hairs grips the housing unit 32a in the region in which the depot volume 31a is disposed.

The housing unit 32a is made of an inelastic plastic. The dimensionally stable housing unit 32a prevents the application agent 10a from being pressed out via the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a during use, in particular when the housing unit 32a is gripped by the operator. The housing unit 32a is rigid.

The depot volume 31a and the application volume 29a are decoupled from one another at least partially with respect to flow. A separating unit 33a is disposed between the depot volume 31a and the application volume 29a. In a region in which the depot volume 31a adjoins the application volume 29a, the inner contour 44a of the housing unit 32a has a constriction, through which the application agent 10a can autonomously flow only under certain circumstances, due to the adhesive forces thereof. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner contour 44a of the housing unit 32a has two opposing shoulders 46a, 47a, which form the constriction. The two shoulders 46a, 47a are separated by a distance of approximately 4 millimeters in this exemplary embodiment.

The constriction forms a passage opening 48a. The application agent 10a can flow from the depot volume 31a into the application volume 29a through the passage opening 48a. The passage opening 48a is shaped as a slit in this exemplary embodiment. The passage opening 48a has an extension, perpendicularly to the transverse extension direction 39a, which corresponds to the distance between the two shoulders 46a, 47a. Parallel to the transverse extension direction 39a, the passage opening 48a has an extension that is substantially greater than the extension perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 39a. The extension of the passage opening 48a parallel to the transverse extension direction 39a is greater than 1 centimeter. It is approximately 2.5 centimeters in the exemplary embodiment shown. The passage opening 48a can basically have other shapes as well. In particular, an embodiment having a plurality of adjacently disposed passage openings, in the form of holes, for example, is also feasible.

The applicator device comprises a pump unit 34a in order to convey the application agent 10a from the depot volume 31a into the application volume 29a, or to at least support automatic filling of the application volume 29a. The pump unit 34a comprises a movable pump element 35a, which is provided to induce a turbulent flow or vibrations at least in the region of the separating unit 33a.

The pump element 35a is installed in the depot volume 31a in a freely movable manner. The pump element 35a is designed as a sphere. The pump element 35a has a diameter that is greater than the extension of the passage opening 48a perpendicular to the transverse extension direction. The pump element 35a therefore cannot reach the application volume 29a from the depot volume 31a via the passage opening 48a.

In addition, an additional pump element can be disposed in the application volume 29a. Alternatively it is also feasible for the pump element 35a to have an extension that allows it to travel through the passage opening 48a into the application volume.

The pump element 35a is a mixing element. Movement of the pump element 35a in the depot volume 31a induces a turbulent flow in the depot volume 31a, by way of which the application agent 10a is mixed. The pump element 35a is moved by a user who moves the housing unit 32a with a shaking motion. It is therefore possible to carry out a mixing procedure, in particular of a multiple-component agent, within the housing unit 32a.

For filling, the housing unit 32a comprises a refilling opening and the applicator device comprises a closing element 37a that closes the refilling opening 36a. The entire applicator device is reusable, i.e. the closing element 37a in particular can be used multiple times. Basically it is also feasible to design the applicator device partially or entirely as a disposable product.

The refilling opening 36a has a diameter that is greater than an extension of the pump element 35a. When the applicator device is manufactured, the pump element 35a can therefore be installed in the housing unit 32a through the refilling opening 36a after the housing unit 32a has been completely formed. The housing unit 32a is preferably manufactured in a single production step via thermoplastic deformation of a crude part. Basically it is also feasible, however, to initially design the housing unit 32a having multiple components, which are subsequently joined via a suitable connection procedure to form one component. Individual parts are preferably connected to one another in a bonded manner, and so the housing unit 32a is one piece.

The applicator device is guided through the hair in order to apply the application agent 10a. Due to the design of the separation unit 11a, the application agent 10a is applied to one of 20 hairs at most. The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a separate the hairs while the applicator device is guided through the hairs. The first portion of the hairs is guided through the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a. The second portion comes to rest in the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a. If the applicator device is guided through more hairs than the bypass spaces 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a and the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a can accommodate, some of the hairs pass under the applicator device or over the applicator device.

Some of the hairs that are introduced into the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a enter the application volume 29a. The application agent 10a is therefore not applied to all the hairs that are disposed in the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a. The application agent 10a is applied only to individual hairs, i.e. after the applicator device is used, only a few hairs of a strand comprising a plurality of hairs are provided with the application agent 10a.

The application device comprises a cover unit 49a for transport or storage. The cover unit 49a is intended to be slid onto the separation unit 11a. The cover unit 49a, having been placed on the separation unit 11a, encloses and/or closes the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a. The cover unit 49a has a width, which is smaller, at least in subregions, than a width of the separation unit 11a oriented along the transverse extension direction 39a. In an installed state, the cover unit 49a applies a force onto the outer separating elements 23a, 28a that is oriented in the direction of the central separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a.

The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a are partially flexible. The outer separating elements 23a, 28a and the adjoining separating elements 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a are bent inward by way of the installed cover unit 49a. When the cover unit 49a is installed, the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a therefore have a gap width that is almost zero. The cover unit 49a prevents the application agent 10a from emerging by compressing the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a and by enclosing the separation unit 11a.

The separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a have flexibility such that they are intended to be deformed coley by a force that acts on the separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a when the applicator device is guided through the hairs. When the applicator device is guided through the hairs, the individual application gaps can therefore have a different gap width. Basically, the gap width of the application gaps 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a can also be changed from the outside, for example via a force applied from the outside onto the flexible separating elements 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a.

Two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are depicted in FIGS. 3 through 5. The descriptions that follow are substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein reference can be made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with respect to components, features and functions that remain the same. In order to differentiate the exemplary embodiments, the letter “a” in the reference characters used for the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is replaced by the letters “b” and “c” in the reference characters for the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 through 5. It is also basically possible to refer to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with respect to components that remain the same, in particular with respect to components having the same reference characters.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of an applicator device for applying an application agent 10b to hair. The applicator device comprises a separation unit 11b, which has a comb-like structure having a plurality of application gaps 13b, only some of which are shown and which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent 10b, and having a plurality of bypass spaces, which are intended for guiding some of the hairs past the application gap 13b. Similar to the application gaps that are not shown in greater detail, the application gap 13b has an application size that is larger at least by a factor of 5 than a bypass size of the bypass spaces.

The separation unit 11b comprises a plurality of separating elements 25b, of which only a few are shown as well. One of the application gaps 13b is disposed between every two separating elements 25b. The applicator device further comprises a housing unit 32b. The housing unit 32b and the separating elements 25b enclose an application volume 29b, into which the hairs enter upon entering the application gap 13b. The application gaps 13b, only some of which are shown, transition into the application volume 29b in a subregion 30b. In addition, the housing unit 32b encloses a depot volume 31b.

The housing unit 32b has a droplet-shaped inner contour 44b, which can be depicted schematically by a circular part and a triangular part. The circular part forms the depot volume 31b. The triangular part forms the application volume 29b.

The applicator device comprises a separating unit 33b for partially decoupling the application volume 29b from the depot volume 31b. The separating unit 33b comprises separating elements 50b, 51b, which are mounted on the housing unit 32b. The separating elements 50b, 51b form a constriction. The application agent 10b is prevented from flowing out of the application volume 29b back into the depot volume 31b in particular by way of the separating elements.

The separating elements 50b, 51b form a labyrinth structure. The separating elements 50b, 51b are formed as web-like structures that are mounted on the housing unit 32b. The two separating elements 50b, 51b are disposed opposite one another on the inner contour 44b of the housing unit 32b. They are integral with the housing unit 32b.

In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiment, a pump unit was omitted in the applicator device shown. It is also basically feasible to install a pump element in the depot volume that is preferably designed as a sphere and is freely movable in the depot volume 31b.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention. The applicator device is provided for the simultaneous application of different application agents 10c, 52c onto hair. The applicator device comprises a separation unit 11c, which has a comb-like structure. The separation unit 11c comprises a plurality of application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c, which are provided for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent 10c, 52c, and a plurality of bypass spaces 17c, 18c, 19c, 20c, which are provided for guiding some of the hairs past the application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c. The application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c have an application size that is larger at least by a factor of 5 than a bypass size of the bypass spaces.

The separation unit 11c comprises a plurality of separating elements 23c, 24c, 25c, 26c, 27c, 28c. One of the application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c is disposed between every two separating elements 23c, 24c, 25c, 26c, 27c, 28c. The applicator device further comprises a housing unit 32c. The housing unit 32c encloses a plurality of depot volumes 31c, 53c, into which the different application agents 10c, 52c are introduced. The different application agents 10c, 52c are in the form of different tints. Basically, however, highly diverse application agents can be applied to the hair simultaneously.

The housing unit 32c of the application device, which is integral with the separation unit 11c, has an L-shaped form. The housing unit 32c comprises a short leg, which forms the separation unit 11c, and a long leg, in which the depot volumes 31c, 53c are disposed. The depot volumes 31c, 53c are therefore disposed at a distance from the separation unit 11c, in which the application agents 10c, 52c are applied to the hair.

The applicator device comprises a guiding unit 54c for applying the application agents 10c, 52c introduced into the depot volumes 31c, 53c onto the portion of the hairs that pass through the application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c. The guiding unit 54c is provided for guiding the application agents 10c, 52c from the depot volumes 31c, 53c to the hairs disposed in the separation unit 11c. The guiding unit 54c comprises a plurality of application points 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c and a plurality of channels 60c, 61c. Each of the channels 60c, 61c connects one of the depot volumes 31c, 53c to the application points 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c assigned to the corresponding depot volume 31c, 53c. The application points 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c are all disposed on a baseline 41c of the separating elements 23c, 24c, 25c, 26c, 27c, 28c of the separation unit 11c.

The channels 60c, 61c have a mean diameter that is greater than a barrier width. The different application agents 10c, 52c flow therethrough nearly unobstructed from the depot volumes 31c, 53c to the application points 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c. Since the application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c have a gap width that is smaller than the barrier width, the application agents 10c, 52c fill the application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c only in the region of the application points 55c, 56c, 57c, 58c, 59c. When the applicator device is guided through, some of the hairs are separated and introduced into different application gaps 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c in which the two application agents are then applied to the hairs

In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown in greater detail, the channels are formed using a porous material, which is intended to direct the different application agents. Wicking materials, such as fibrous materials, for example, are feasible as porous material. As an alternative, however, a sintered material or another material that appears suitable to a person skilled in the art can be used.

The depot volumes 31c2, 53c of the application unit are refillable. The applicator device comprises a refilling opening 36c and a closing element 37c for the refilling opening.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

• 10 application agent
• 11 separation unit
• 12 application gap
• 13 application gap
• 14 application gap
• 15 application gap
• 16 application gap
• 17 bypass space
• 18 bypass space
• 19 bypass space
• 20 bypass space
• 21 opening width
• 22 opening width
• 23 separating element
• 24 separating element
• 25 separating element
• 26 separating element
• 27 separating element
• 28 separating element
• 29 application volume
• 30 subregion
• 31 depot volume
• 32 housing unit
• 33 separating unit
• 34 pump unit
• 35 pump element
• 36 refilling opening
• 37 closing element
• 38 usage direction
• 39 transverse extension direction
• 40 head line
• 41 baseline
• 42 underside
• 43 top side
• 44 inner contour
• 45 outer contour
• 46 shoulder
• 47 shoulder
• 48 passage opening
• 49 cover unit
• 50 separating element
• 51 separating element
• 52 application agent
• 53 depot volume
• 54 guiding unit
• 55 application point
• 56 application point
• 57 application point
• 58 application point
• 59 application point
• 60 channel
• 61 channel
• 62 gap width

Claims

1. An applicator device for applying at least one application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c) to hairs, comprising a separation unit (11a; 11b; 11c), which forms at least two application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c), which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c),

characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an opening width that is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than a distance between the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c).

2. The applicator device according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the opening width of the at least one application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) is intended for separating hairs.

3. The applicator device according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the separation unit (11a; 11b; 11c) has a comb-like structure having at least one bypass space (17a, 18a, 19a, 20a; 17c, 18c, 19c, 20c), which is provided for guiding some of the hairs past at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c).

4. The applicator device according to claim 2,

characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an application size that is smaller at least by a factor of 2 than a bypass size of the at least one bypass space (17a, 18a, 19a, 20a; 17c, 18c, 19c, 20c).

5. The applicator device according to claim 3,

characterized in that

the opening width of the at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than an opening width of the at least one bypass space (17a, 18a, 19a, 20a; 17c, 18c, 19c, 20c).

6. The applicator device according to claim 3,

characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps has a gap width (62a), in at least one subregion (30a), that is smaller than a barrier width beyond which the application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c) is prevented from emerging.

7. An applicator device for applying an application agent (10a; 10b) to hairs, comprising a separation unit (11a; 11b), which has at least two separating elements (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a; 25b), which form at least one application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b), which is provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent (10a; 10b),

characterized by

at least one application volume (29a; 29b) enclosed at least partially by at least one of the separating elements (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a; 25b), which is provided for receiving at least some of the hairs introduced into the application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b).

8. The applicator device according to claim 7,

characterized in that

the application volume (29a; 29b) and the at least one application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b) transition into one another at least in a subregion (30a; 30b).

9. The applicator device according to claim 7,

characterized by

at least one further separating element (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a; 25b) and at least one further application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b), which transitions into the application volume (29a; 29b) in at least one subregion (30a; 30b).

10. The applicator device according to claim 7,

characterized by

a depot volume (31a; 31b), which is connected to the application volume (29a; 29b).

11. The applicator device according to claim 7,

characterized by

a substantially dimensionally stable housing unit (32a; 32b), which is provided for preventing excess pressure of the application agent (10a; 10b) at least during use.

12. The applicator device according to claim 10,

characterized by

a separating unit (33a; 33b), which is provided for at least partially decoupling the application volume (29a; 29b) from the depot volume (31a; 31b) with respect to flow.

13. The applicator device at least according to claim 10,

characterized by

a pump unit (34a) comprising at least one pump element (35a), which is freely movable within the depot volume (31a) and is provided for at least supporting the filling of the application volume (29a) with the application agent (10a).

14. The applicator device according to claim 7,

characterized by

a refilling opening (36a; 36c) and a closing element (37a; 37c), which is provided for closing the refilling opening.

15. An applicator device for applying an application agent (10a; 10b) to hairs, comprising a separation unit (11a; 11b), which comprises at least two separating unit (23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a; 25b), which form at least one application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b), which is provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent (10a; 10b),

characterized in that

the application gap has a gap width (62a) in at least one subregion (30a) that is smaller than 1.0 millimeter.

16. A method for applying an application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c) to hairs, in which an application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c) is applied to some of the hairs as the hairs pass through a separation unit (11a; 11b, 11c), and in which some of the hairs are guided past the application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c),

characterized in that

the application agent (10a; 10b; 52c) is applied to one of 10 hairs at the most,

in particular a method having an applicator device comprising a separation unit (11a; 11b; 11c), which forms at least two application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c), which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c),

characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an opening width that is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than a distance between the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c).

17. A method for applying an application agent (10) to hairs, in which an application agent (10a; 10b) is applied to some of the hairs by the hairs being guided through at least one application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b),

characterized in that

at least some of the hairs enter an application volume (29a; 29b) upon passage through the application gap (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13), in particular a method having an applicator device comprising a separation unit (11a; 11b; 11c), which forms at least two application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c), which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent (10a; 10b; 10c, 52c),

characterized in that

at least one of the application gaps (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c) has an opening width that is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than a distance between the application gabs (12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a; 13b; 12c, 13c, 14c, 15c, 16c).