Internally powered applicator

Abstract

Internally fed applicator (1) with a handle (2) and an applicator unit (6) carried by the handle, into which the agent to be applied is supplied via the handle (2) or shaft into the applicator housing (8), characterized in that the handle (2) or shaft has a filling opening (10) provided in its circumferential side surface, through which a supply line (3) can be guided, which carries the fluid to be applied through the interior of the handle and / or shaft to the applicator housing (8) and delivers it to the applicator unit (6) in the area of ​​the applicator housing (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an internally fed applicator according to the preamble of claim 1, an applicator system according to the preamble of claim 13 and the use of an applicator according to the preamble of claim 14. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] The applicators in question are used to apply thin, usually water-based pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic products. Such applicators typically consist of a handle and a bristle section. The product is distributed over the desired area using the applicator's bristles and a sweeping, rotating motion. Before application, however, the applicator's bristles must first be moistened with the product. There are various methods for applying the product to the bristles. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Regarding the way in which the bristles are brought into contact with the product to be applied, there are essentially two designs for medical or cosmetic applicators.

[0004] The bristles can either be moistened with the product from the outside, or the product can be supplied to the bristles through the inside of the applicator or its handle.

[0005] In the first case, the bristles can be moistened, for example, by immersing the bristle area of ​​the applicator in a container filled with the product to be applied. Alternatively, the product can be dripped onto the bristles using a pipette or similar device.

[0006] Depending on the application, the product to be applied can also be dripped directly onto the desired area and the applicator then only used for distribution.

[0007] Applicators where the bristles are actuated from within the applicator typically have a cavity inside the handle that extends to the bristles. This cavity is filled with the product to be applied and thus also serves as a reservoir. To deliver the product to the bristles, the applicator is held at an angle and / or gently squeezed in the area of ​​the cavity. Depending on how tightly the applicator is squeezed or how long it is held at an angle, more or less product reaches the bristles.

[0008] These applicators are typically disposable products. The product to be applied is filled into the cavity during manufacturing, and after filling, the handle is closed so that the cavity only has one opening to the bristles.

[0009] However, both types of construction have some disadvantages.

[0010] On the one hand, externally applied applicators pose a relatively high risk of contamination. This is especially true for applicators that are repeatedly immersed in a container with the product being applied. With these, there is a risk of contaminating the entire contents of the container. This can lead to problems, particularly with applicators used in the medical or pharmaceutical fields.

[0011] Furthermore, precise dosing can be difficult with applicators that come into external contact with the product being applied. If the applicator bristles are compromised by immersion in a container of the product, it becomes impossible, or at least extremely difficult, to apply a predefined amount of the product to the bristles.

[0012] Depending on the application, there is a risk that an excessive amount of the product will accumulate on the bristles. This can lead to product waste or, in the worst case, misuse.

[0013] However, even with bristles that are coated with the product from the outside, it can be difficult to apply the correct amount of product to the bristles. Either the product must be applied very slowly and carefully, or there is a risk of applying too much product to the bristles.

[0014] Even with internally fed applicators, it is usually difficult to deliver the exact amount of product to the bristles. Inexperienced users, in particular, risk holding the applicator at an angle for too long or—a common problem in practice—pressing too hard, resulting in an excessive amount of product being dispensed onto the bristles.

[0015] Since applicators where the bristles are exposed to the product being applied through the inside of the applicator are usually disposable products, they are also often associated with high waste consumption.

[0016] Especially with externally applied applicators or internally applied applicators that cannot be refilled, old product residue can accumulate at the base of the bristles and then be transferred during subsequent applications. This is unhygienic and can lead to serious problems, for example, in medical settings. THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0017] In view of this, the problem underlying the invention is to provide an applicator that allows for a more precise dosage of the amount of liquid to be applied to the bristles and preferably also a good cleaning possibility of the bristles. THE SOLUTION AFTER THE INVENTION

[0018] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the internally fed applicator.

[0019] Accordingly, the solution to the problem is provided by an internally powered applicator with a handle and / or at least one shaft and an applicator unit carried by the handle or shaft.

[0020] The product to be applied with the applicator unit is fed into the applicator housing via the handle or shaft.

[0021] The internally fed applicator is characterized in that the handle or shaft has a filling opening through which a supply line can be fed from the outside, preferably drop by drop falling onto the supply opening, wherein the supply opening is preferably designed as a drop catcher with a diameter that is at least six times larger than a drop provided for this purpose, or by means of a drip device that closes the reservoir, so that preferably no direct fluid connection to the reservoir containing the product to be applied is required.

[0022] The feed opening is provided in the circumferential surface of the handle or stem.

[0023] The supply line guides the liquid to be applied through the interior of the handle and / or stem to the applicator attachment. In the area of ​​the applicator attachment, the supply line delivers the liquid to the applicator unit.

[0024] The applicator can therefore be filled via the filling opening. Theoretically, this allows for multiple uses of the applicator, but the preferred use of the applicator according to the invention is single-use. The advantage is that there is complete fluid separation between the applicator unit and the storage unit, thus ensuring that the stored liquid remains (as free as possible) from impurities.

[0025] The point is that such an applicator reduces the risk of the bristles being supplied with an excessive amount of the liquid being applied. The amount of liquid applied to the bristles can preferably be controlled twice. First, when filling the applicator through the filling opening, care can be taken to fill it with as little of the actually required amount as possible. This is because the amount of product filled into the handle can be controlled by the capacity of a funnel or container, or a tray molded onto the handle, thus limiting the supply opening.

[0026] Even after filling the applicator, it is still possible to control the amount of liquid that reaches the bristles.

[0027] The applicator according to the invention can be designed such that the injected liquid is conveyed to the bristles by a corresponding inclination of the applicator. Depending on the degree of inclination and / or the duration of holding the applicator in the inclined position, more or less liquid can be conveyed to the bristles. For this purpose, the "hydraulic resistance" that the supply line in the shaft opposes to the flow of the product under the influence of gravity is adjusted accordingly at the factory.

[0028] Instead or additionally, the applicator can be designed so that the amount of product conveyed by the handle is determined by the capillary action of the handle; for this purpose, it is conceivable to provide a wick.

[0029] There is also no contamination of the contents of a container filled with the product to be applied.

[0030] Another advantage of such an applicator is its ease of cleaning. The entire area that came into contact with the liquid can be rinsed with water or a cleaning agent through the filling opening. This also removes any residue of the liquid from the base of the bristles.

[0031] The applicator is preferably shaped like an applicator for applying eyelash serum. However, it is also conceivable that the applicator could be used for applying other products.

[0032] In any case, the term "applicator" includes the handle and / or shaft and the applicator unit. In most cases, it comprises a handle (in the narrower sense), an applicator unit, and a shaft connecting the handle and the applicator unit. It is preferred that the filling opening be formed in the shaft to ensure that the channel between the filling opening and the bristle cover is kept short.

[0033] The term "applicator unit" describes the part of the applicator that both forms the bristles and connects the bristles to the rest of the applicator. The bristles are preferably injection-molded or 3D-printed, and therefore exhibit the appropriate microstructure under a microscope.

[0034] The applicator unit is ideally a separate element from the handle, which is connected to the handle before use.

[0035] The connection between the applicator unit and the rest of the applicator can be either permanent or detachable, depending on the application. The latter is particularly advantageous as it facilitates cleaning or replacement of the applicator unit. The term "applicator bristles" preferably describes the sum of the individual bristles; however, the "applicator bristles" could (although this is not preferred) also be formed by spikes or ridges that do not constitute ordinary bristles. An applicator is "internally fed" if it is at least possible to apply the product to the bristles of the applicator by guiding the product, at least in part, through the interior of the applicator to the bristles.

[0036] The terms "product to be applied" and "liquid to be applied" can be used synonymously. Ideally, this refers to a viscous liquid. However, it is also conceivable that the applicator is designed to be suitable for applying low-viscosity liquids that are similar to water in their flow behavior.

[0037] The preferred product to be applied is one with a viscosity (plate / plate) in the range below 200 mPas or, even better, below 10 mPas. ANOTHER PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0038] Another problem underlying the invention is to provide a system that further facilitates the filling of the liquid to be applied into the applicator. THE FURTHER SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0039] The aforementioned problem is solved with an applicator system consisting of at least one applicator according to the invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the applicator system consists of a reservoir containing the liquid to be applied, which is always completely separate from the applicator system. The reservoir serves to dispense the liquid to the applicator. The liquid is dispensed onto the applicator through the aforementioned filling opening.

[0041] The storage container and the filling opening can be coordinated in such a way that filling through the filling opening is made easier and the most accurate dosage possible is enabled. ANOTHER PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0042] Another problem underlying the invention is the invention of providing a method by which the amount of liquid to be applied by an applicator can be accurately dosed. THE FURTHER SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0043] The aforementioned problem is solved by using an applicator with a capillary according to the invention. The capillary serves to temporarily store a measured dose of the liquid to be applied. This intermediate storage serves to gradually release the temporarily stored liquid dose into the applicator over the duration of the intended application time.

[0044] This allows the advantages of the applicator according to the invention to be optimally utilized. PREFERRED FORMS OF EXECUTION

[0045] There are a number of ways the invention can be designed to further improve its effectiveness or usefulness.

[0046] It is particularly preferred that the filling opening is surrounded by a filling funnel or container.

[0047] Applicators and their stems are usually quite thin. Filling the applicator through the correspondingly small opening can therefore prove difficult. The funnel, on the other hand, makes filling considerably easier.

[0048] A "funnel" is not necessarily a funnel in the classical sense. Rather, the term simply describes a filling opening surrounded by an annular surface that is inclined in such a way that any liquid present on the annular surface flows towards the filling opening due to gravity when the applicator is held as intended.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling device, and in particular the filling funnel of the filling device, are aligned and designed such that their maximum effectiveness is achieved when the applicator is held at an angle. Preferably, the applicator is held with the cover facing downwards and / or ideally with the longitudinal axis of the handle inclined at 20° to 60° to the horizontal. Even better is if the applicator is held with the longitudinal axis of the handle inclined at 40° to 50° to the horizontal.

[0050] As long as the applicator is held or placed flat, the product to be applied can be filled via the filling device. Ideally, the product will not flow, or will flow only minimally, towards the bristles. As soon as the applicator is tilted, the liquid filled into the applicator will flow further towards the bristles. This allows for two levels of control over the amount of liquid applied to the bristles.

[0051] The "greatest possible effectiveness" is achieved when the liquid flowing in through the filling opening flows as efficiently as possible towards the application unit.

[0052] The "filling device" includes the filling opening and the filling funnel.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the supply line is a capillary. This conveys the liquid to be applied, supplied via the filling device, into the applicator housing with a more than negligible time delay.

[0054] The capillary effects occurring in the capillary are advantageous because the product, after flowing through the filling opening into the applicator, does not simply flow uncontrollably towards the bristles and leak out there. Rather, it leaks from the capillary towards the bristles due to an inclined position of the applicator or only slowly. Ideally, the liquid only leaks out when the applicator is squeezed in the area of ​​the capillary.

[0055] A "capillary" is a thin tube or bore in which capillary effects occur.

[0056] Ideally, the filling opening is connected to a storage chamber in which liquid can be temporarily stored. The storage chamber preferably holds the amount required for a single application. The liquid temporarily stored in the reservoir is gradually dispensed into the applicator set via the capillary.

[0057] The liquid is thus poured in such a way that it either immediately, or at least before it reaches the bristles of the applicator, enters the reservoir via the filling opening.

[0058] Especially when the reservoir has a volume corresponding to the amount of liquid required for a single application, the risk of dispensing more liquid to the bristles than necessary is reduced. In any case, the reservoir ensures that the liquid poured into the applicator through the filling opening continues to flow directly to the bristles. Ideally, the liquid is dispensed into the applicator head via the capillary by means of an inclined position and the force of gravity, and / or by gently squeezing the applicator in the area of ​​the capillary or reservoir. Overall, the interaction of the reservoir and capillary thus offers two ways to ensure precise dosing. This effectively prevents incorrect application due to using too much liquid.Preferably, the filling opening is large enough to allow observation of the fill level in the reservoir. This enables more precise dosing. The reservoir can first be carefully filled to the desired level. The amount of liquid dispensed to the applicator can then be controlled by adjusting the applicator's position. Ideally, the filling opening also serves as the access point to the reservoir, through which the liquid flows.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, the capillary preferably runs first in the applicator handle and then in any case through the coupling section with which the applicator unit is coupled to the handle.

[0060] Since the capillary runs through the coupling section, the liquid to be applied can be delivered to the bristles in a controlled manner. The capillary can be designed to form a tube in the area where it passes through the coupling section of the applicator unit, over which the applicator unit is slid. Alternatively, the handle and the applicator unit could each have a bore that together form the capillary when the applicator unit is assembled as intended.

[0061] The aforementioned “coupling section” of the applicator unit is the area of ​​the applicator unit that is pushed into the handle of the applicator to create a force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the handle.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment, the applicator covering is designed to have a combing or separating effect on the eyelashes.

[0063] For this purpose, the applicator's bristles are evenly distributed. When the applicator is used to apply mascara to the lashes, the bristles can simultaneously help to shape the lashes as desired. Furthermore, the individual bristles can penetrate the spaces between the lashes, thus distributing the product evenly across the opposite sides of the lashes.

[0064] Ideally, the applicator bristles consist of preferably injection-molded bristles, each individually positioned. The individual positioning of the bristles is designed so that each base of a bristle is spaced apart from each base of any other bristle. The bristles are all individually positioned, regardless of their manufacturing process. Ideally, all bristles have a tapered surface.

[0065] Due to the tapered surface of the bristles, their tips are relatively thin, while their bases are thicker in proportion to the tips. The tips are therefore well-suited for penetrating spaces – for example, between the eyelashes. The thicker bases, on the other hand, ensure that the bristles come into contact with the sides of the spaces they have penetrated, distributing the applied liquid evenly across these surfaces. Furthermore, the thicker bases prevent the bristles from being too flexible.

[0066] The fact that the bristles are “positioned individually”, i.e., their feet are spaced apart, does not preclude each foot of a bristle from becoming integral to the applicator unit.

[0067] The terms "foot" of a bristle and "root" of a bristle are synonymous.

[0068] In a further preferred embodiment, the applicator has a flattened and / or widened section at its end facing away from the applicator housing. The flattened and / or widened section is designed such that the applicator, held between two fingers, can be brought to the surface to be treated without the risk of unintentional rotation.

[0069] This allows for safe handling and precise guidance of the bristles along the desired area.

[0070] A "flattened section" is a segment that is thinner than the adjacent segment of the applicator and also has a non-circular cross-section. An "expansion" is a segment that is thicker than the adjacent segment of the applicator and also has a non-circular cross-section.

[0071] The non-circular "cross-section" of the widening or flattening is understood to be a cross-sectional surface that runs parallel to the cross-section of the applicator handle, so that the longitudinal axis of the applicator handle is in any case partially orthogonal to the cross-sectional surface of the non-circular cross-section.

[0072] If the applicator widens at the end, this can, for example, be shaped like a torus whose outer diameter is larger than the diameter of the part of the applicator adjacent to the torus. In this case, the hole in the center of the torus further contributes to safer handling of the applicator, as a finger can be inserted wholly or partially into the hole to prevent unintentional rotation of the applicator.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling funnel has a bowl-shaped section in the form of a steep curve on the side of the distal end of the stem, pointing away from the applicator unit, and / or a pointed drop-guiding surface on the side of the proximal end of the stem, pointing towards the applicator unit.

[0074] The aforementioned bowl section ensures that any drops that hit the shaft above the filling opening flow more quickly into the filling opening.

[0075] The aforementioned drip-guiding surface facilitates the dripping of liquid and preferably has a ship's prow shape, like a ship's bow that extends far upwards. It prevents or hinders drops from running down the outer surface of the shaft and striking the bristle cover from the outside.

[0076] If, during filling, some of the liquid is accidentally poured next to the opening instead of directly into it, the drop-guiding surface ensures that the spilled liquid still flows towards the opening and ultimately into the applicator. This is true at least as long as the applicator is held correctly.

[0077] The droplet guide surface is "bow-shaped" if the projection of the edge bounding the droplet guide surface onto the plane passing through the central longitudinal axis of the applicator and dividing the feed funnel into two symmetrical halves connects a highest point and a lowest point with a concave line. The concavity here refers to the remainder of the feed funnel.

[0078] Ideally, the feed funnel is located closer to the distal end of the stem than to the proximal end.

[0079] The liquid being applied therefore has to flow through a shorter section to reach the bristle shoulder. This reduces the time required for an application. Here, the "distal" end of the handle represents the end of the handle facing the applicator trim, while the "proximal" end of the handle represents the other end of the handle. LIST OF FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an applicator according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows the applicator in cross-section. Fig. Figure 3 shows the applicator from above. Fig. Figure 4 shows the applicator in side view. Fig. Figure 5 shows the applicator in a front view. Fig. Figure 6 shows a storage container of an applicator system according to the invention. Fig. Figure 7 shows another preferred embodiment, which differs from the first only in its almond-shaped bristle holder. PREFERRED EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION

[0080] The functionality of the invention will be explained using the Fig. 1-6 are explained using examples.

[0081] The applicator 1 is held by the handle 2. The torus-shaped widening 5 at the proximal end of the handle 2 ensures the safe handling of the applicator 1.

[0082] The individual bristles of the applicator attachment 8 are used to apply a liquid to the desired area.

[0083] To begin the intended use, the liquid to be applied is filled into the applicator 1 or the applicator handle 2 via the filling device 9.

[0084] The filling device 9 comprises a filling opening 10 in the outer circumferential surface of the handle 2 and a filling funnel 11. The filling funnel 11 surrounds the filling opening 10 and is equipped with a droplet-guiding surface 12. Starting from the outermost edge of the filling funnel 11, the droplet-guiding surface 12 extends in a ring shape around the filling opening 10. The individual sections of the annular area of ​​the droplet-guiding surface 12 each have a slope inclined (negative) towards the filling opening.

[0085] The slope of the droplet-guiding surface 12 is greatest in the bowl-shaped area of ​​the filling funnel 11 facing away from the applicator attachment 8 and decreases towards the area of ​​the filling funnel 11 facing the applicator attachment 8. In the section immediately adjacent to the filling opening 10, the droplet-guiding surface 12 can transition vertically into the filling opening 10. In this area, the droplet-guiding surface 12, or the outer edge of the filling funnel 11 surrounding the droplet-guiding surface 12, converges to a point.

[0086] As from the in Fig. As is clearly visible in the sectional view shown in Figure 2, the filling funnel 11 is integrally integrated into the shaft 2. On the side facing away from the applicator attachment 8, the filling funnel 11 has a greater height relative to the filling opening 10 than on the side facing the applicator attachment 8. Starting from the maximum height in the area of ​​the filling funnel 11 that is diametrically opposite the applicator attachment 8, the height of the filling funnel 11 decreases continuously towards the end facing the applicator attachment 8. The decrease in height is not linear, but rather such that the outer edge of the filling funnel 11, which defines the droplet guide surface 12, has a concave curvature. This is visible in the side view in Figure 2. Fig. 4 clearly visible.

[0087] The filling funnel 11 facilitates the filling of the liquid to be applied into the filling opening 10. In this way, even the part of the liquid that is not poured exactly into the filling opening, but onto the droplet-guiding surface, is ultimately directed to the filling opening 10 and enters the interior of the applicator 1.

[0088] After the liquid enters the interior of the applicator handle 2 through the filling opening 10, it collects in the reservoir 4 before being conveyed towards the applicator unit 6 via the supply line 3, which is designed as a capillary 3. The reservoir 4 extends further into the applicator shaft 2 than to its longitudinal axis. The supply line 3, on the other hand, runs approximately coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the applicator shaft 2. This ensures that the liquid flowing into the supply chamber 4 cannot immediately flow further through the supply line 3, but instead first accumulates at the bottom of the supply chamber 4. This allows only a small amount of the liquid to be applied to be filled into the supply chamber 4, which only flows further towards the applicator unit 6 when the applicator 1 is tilted. This ensures that not too much of the liquid to be applied reaches the bristles of the applicator 1.

[0089] The supply line 3 connects the supply chamber 4 to the applicator unit 6. The applicator unit 6 forms, on the one hand, the applicator housing 8 and, on the other hand, the coupling section 7. The coupling section 8 is the part of the applicator unit 6 that is inserted into the shaft 2 of the applicator. The coupling section 7 of the applicator unit has a through-hole in its center. This through-hole is connected to the supply line 3 and directs the fluid coming from there towards the applicator housing 8. The applicator housing 8 is formed by several individual bristles that are integrally integrated into the rest of the applicator unit 6. The liquid arriving there is then applied to the desired location by means of the applicator attachment 8.

[0090] Fig. Figure 6 also shows a container 13 for the liquid to be applied, which is closed by a lid 14. The container 13 and the applicator 1 together form an applicator system.

[0091] Fig. Figure 7 shows another preferred embodiment, which differs from the first only in its almond-shaped bristle carrier, which has a bristle covering on its circumferential surface instead of only on its front. MISCELLANEOUS

[0092] Protection is also sought for an internally fed applicator with a handle and an applicator unit carried by it, which supplies the agent to be applied via the handle into the applicator bristles, which is special in that the handle has a filling opening provided in the surface of its distal end (away from the bristle edge) and through which a supply line can be guided, which directs the liquid to be applied through the interior of the handle to the applicator cover and releases it to the applicator unit in the area of ​​the applicator cover. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 applicator 2 handles 3 Supply line / capillary 4 Storage room 5 Extension (of the applicator handle) 6 applicator units 7 Coupling section 8 Applicator cover or more precisely bristle trim 9 Filling device 10 Filling opening 11 Filling funnels or funnels 12 Droplet conduction surface 13 storage containers 14. Lid of the storage container

Claims

[1] Internally fed applicator (1) with a handle (2) and an applicator unit (6) carried by the handle, into which the substance to be applied is supplied via the handle (2) or stem into the applicator casing (8), characterized by , that the handle (2) or shaft has a filling opening (10) provided in its circumferential side surface, through which a supply line (3) can be guided, which carries the fluid to be applied through the interior of the handle and / or shaft to the applicator cover (8) and delivers it to the applicator unit (6) in the area of ​​the applicator cover (8). [2] Internally fed applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the filling opening (10) is limited by a filling funnel (11). [3] Internally fed applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the filling device (9) and in particular the filling funnel (11) is aligned and designed so that its maximum effectiveness is achieved when the applicator (1) is held at an angle, preferably with the cover (8) facing downwards and / or ideally with an inclination of the longitudinal axis of the handle of 20° to 60°, preferably of 40° to 50°, to the horizontal. [4] Internally fed applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the supply line (3) is a capillary (3) which releases the fluid to be applied, which is filled into it via the filling device (9), into the applicator housing (8) with a time delay. [5] Internally fed applicator (1) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the filling opening (10) is connected to a reservoir (4) which preferably holds at most the quantity for a single application process and in which liquid can be temporarily stored, which is gradually dispensed via the capillary (3) into the applicator casing (8). [6] Internally fed applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the filling opening (10) is so large that the fill level of the storage container (4) can be observed through it. [7] Internally fed applicator (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the capillary (3) preferably first runs in the applicator stem (2) and then in any case through the coupling section (7) with which the applicator unit (6) is coupled to the stem (2). [8] Internally fed applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the applicator cover (8) is designed to have a combing or separating effect on the eyelashes. [9] Internally fed applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the applicator covering (8) consists of preferably injection-molded bristles which, regardless of their method of manufacture, are all individually positioned such that each foot of one bristle is spaced apart from each foot of another bristle, the bristles optimally all having a tapered side surface. [10] Internally fed applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the applicator (1) has a flattening and / or widening (5) at its end facing away from the applicator cover (8), which is designed in such a way that the applicator (1), held between two fingers, can be brought to the surface to be applied without any risk of unintentional rotation of the applicator (1). [11] Internally fed applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the filling funnel (11) has on the side of the distal shaft end facing away from the applicator unit (6) a tapered drip guide surface (11) preferably in the shape of a ship's bow, which facilitates the dripping of liquid. [12] Internally fed applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the feed funnel (11) is located closer to the distal end of the shaft (2) than to the proximal end. [13] Applicator system comprising at least one applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a reservoir (13) which is always completely separate from the reservoir and contains the liquid to be applied in order to dispense the liquid through the filling opening (10) onto the applicator (1). [14] Use of an applicator (1) with a capillary (3) according to one of the preceding claims for the intermediate storage of a metered quantity of liquid in order to gradually release it into the applicator casing (8) over the duration of the intended application time.

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