Applicator, in particular mascara brush

Abstract

In an applicator, in particular a mascara brush, comprising a plurality of bristles that are secured between at least two twisted wires, it is provided, with a view to the possibility of implementation of completely new properties without the need of giving up the proven manufacturing processes and associated equipment, that in addition to the bristles a stiffening element is provided that extends in the region of the freely projecting bristles and is interspersed with the bristles.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An applicator, in particular a mascara brush, comprising a plurality of bristles that are secured between at least two twisted wires, wherein in addition to the bristles ( 2 ) a stiffening element ( 7 ) is provided that extends in the region of the freely projecting bristles and is interspersed with the bristles ( 2 ).  
     
     
         2 . An applicator according to    claim 1   , wherein the stiffening element ( 7 ) is designed like a helical spring.  
     
     
         3 . An applicator according to    claim 2   , wherein the diameter of the helical spring ( 7 ) is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the trim formed by the bristles ( 2 ).  
     
     
         4 . An applicator according to    claim 1   , wherein a container is provided for mascara fluid to be applied and on the container opening a wiper device with wiper lips ( 10 ) that incorporate a free passage for the brush, wherein the diameter of the free passage of the wiper lips ( 10 ) is≦the diameter of the stiffening element ( 7 ).  
     
     
         5 . An applicator comprising a stiffening element according to    claim 1   , wherein the stiffening element ( 7 ) at the same time also functions as the applicator.  
     
     
         6 . An applicator according to    claim 4   , wherein the stiffening element ( 7 ) has a supporting core.  
     
     
         7 . An applicator according to    claim 5   , wherein the stiffening element ( 7 ) is designed self-supporting.  
     
     
         8 . An applicator according to    claim 7   , wherein a central stem functioning as an inner wiper is provided that extends through the stiffening element ( 7 ) when the applicator is not in use.