Applicator unit

Abstract

Applicator unit (1) for a liquid or pasty agent, comprising a bottle (2), a wiper (3) and an applicator (4), as well as a closure cap (5) for closing the bottle (2), wherein the applicator (4) can be inserted into the bottle (2) through the wiper (3) in order to receive and transport away a quantity of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper (3) is completely enclosed by the bottle (2) when properly assembled, and wherein the wiper (3) is fixed within the bottle (2) by inserting its snap-in connection means (6) into a corresponding snap-in connection means (7) formed by the bottle (2), characterized in that the bottle (2) forms two holding means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost holding means is designed as a snap-in connection means (7) which is coupled to the corresponding snap-in connection means (6) of the wiper (3).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator unit according to the preamble of claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Applicators are typically used to apply a substance to a surface to be treated. The substance can be a liquid or a paste. These applicators are usually part of an applicator unit. Such an applicator unit generally includes the applicator, a bottle containing the liquid or paste, a cap, and a wiper. The wiper is usually part of the bottle or attached to it in such a way that the applicator can be inserted through it to draw up and dispense a quantity of the substance from the bottle. The wiper's function is to remove excess substance as the applicator is withdrawn, ensuring that the correct amount of substance always remains on the applicator.

[0003] In modern applicator units, the wiper is usually a plastic part that is attached to the top of the bottle or to the outside of the bottle or an inner sleeve of the bottle with a snap-on fastener. Therefore, the wiper must protrude above the top of the bottle. This leads to several disadvantages and limitations for applicator units.

[0004] One disadvantage is that the cap, in its closed position, must cover the free front of the bottle neck if it carries the wiper, otherwise the wiper is visible even when the bottle is completely closed, which is generally perceived as annoying.

[0005] However, with a cap that overlaps the neck of the bottle, it is all the more difficult to achieve a slimmer or pen-like design for the applicator unit. TASK OF INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide an applicator unit that offers a way to attach the wiper to the bottle, which allows more design freedom. SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0007] A solution to this problem is provided by the main claim.

[0008] Proposed is an applicator unit for a liquid or pasty substance, comprising a bottle, a wiper, an applicator, and a cap for sealing the bottle. Preferably, this cap supports the applicator either directly or indirectly via another component, such as a connector. The applicator can be inserted into the bottle through the wiper to receive and dispense a quantity of the liquid or pasty substance, with the wiper being completely enclosed by the bottle in the intended assembly direction. "Completely enclosed" here does not mean that the bottle must be closed on all sides, but ideally that the entire wiper lies within the bottle and does not protrude beyond its upper end face, i.e., where the bottle opening is located.

[0009] In this case, the wiper is attached inside the bottle by inserting its snap-fit ​​connector into a corresponding snap-fit ​​connector formed by the bottle.

[0010] The applicator unit according to the invention is characterized in that the bottle forms two holding means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost holding means is designed as a snap-fit ​​connecting means which is coupled to the corresponding snap-fit ​​connecting means of the wiper.

[0011] The “lowest snap fastener” refers to the snap fastener that is located closer to the bottom of the bottle.

[0012] In this way, a simple and easily implemented solution can be presented to visually and physically "hide" the entire wiper, making it neither visible nor accessible from the outside – except by looking directly into or reaching inside the bottle. The design of the bottle's exterior is thus completely independent of the wiper, and the wiper does not block or affect the upper end face of the bottle.

[0013] Therefore, this area can be used for attaching a seal. Since the wiper is attached to the lowest retaining element, the space above this retaining element, up to the top face of the bottle, can also be used, and in most cases, this is indeed the case. It is preferred that the uppermost retaining element is designed to hold the cap or a part connected to the cap—and thus indirectly the cap itself. This also holds the applicator. This uppermost retaining element therefore represents another, or (in most cases) alternative, way to hold the cap, for example, compared to a thread.

[0014] This second retaining element thus offers another design and / or functional possibility for how the cap can be used to close the bottle.

[0015] In this way, a pen-like cosmetic object can be easily designed, the circumferential surface of which is completely flush and in line with the circumferential surface of the cap. PREFERRED VERSIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A preferred embodiment of the applicator unit provides that the uppermost retaining element of the bottle is designed as a ring, which exerts radial pressure on a plug-in section of the cap or the plug-in section of a connector when the latter is pressed against or inserted into the ring, so that the ring and the plug-in section are frictionally coupled. It is irrelevant whether the frictional connection is between the bottle and the connector or between the bottle and the cap. It is simply preferred that the component in question is the one that carries the applicator – be it just the cap, the cap together with the applicator, or another component.

[0017] This provides a simple and safe way to close the bottle, to reseal it after initial opening - either as an alternative or in addition to a threaded connection.

[0018] It is also preferred that the uppermost retaining element is designed as a further snap-fit ​​connecting element which is coupled to a corresponding snap-fit ​​connecting element of the closure cap or connector or plug-in part.

[0019] Here too, a simple and cost-effective way can be provided to attach the applicator or the component that carries the applicator. Furthermore, it is possible to close the bottle with a separate stopper. In this way, the bottle can also be closed without a cap or connector.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred that the cap or connector has a clamping section which, when the applicator unit is fully closed, extends into the interior of the wiper's inlet area. This clamping section is the area where the wiper engages the connector or cap when the applicator unit is fully closed and the cap is preferably in contact with the upper end face of the bottle. The inlet area is that interior part of the wiper that faces the center of the bottle and through which the applicator must be inserted. Since it is preferred that the wiper be at least partially flexible, at least in the area of ​​its opening, the clamping section is held in place by elastic bending of the wiper.

[0021] This ensures that the applicator is fixed in position and that an additional retaining element is present to hold both the applicator and the cap in place. Furthermore, this guarantees the necessary wiping effect when the applicator is withdrawn.

[0022] It is further preferred that the bottle is a tube with a bottle neck or a neckless tube, which has at least one annular undercut as a snap-fit ​​connection means on the inner circumferential surface for receiving the wiper and preferably a second annular undercut as a snap-fit ​​connection means on the inner circumferential surface for receiving the closure cap or connector or stopper.

[0023] Furthermore, this uniform design of the holding means as snap-fit ​​connecting means in the form of ring-shaped undercuts contributes to the simplicity and reliability of the applicator unit according to the invention.

[0024] It is also preferred that the upper surface of the wiper – viewed in the axial direction – lies below the upper end face of the bottle by an amount that is at least 40% of the longitudinal extent of the wiper in the axial direction. This creates sufficient additional space above the wiper to provide further retaining or sealing means.

[0025] Additionally, it is preferred that the bottle be sealed by a removable or punctureable seal located behind the wiper (viewed from inside the bottle). The free space on the top of the bottle is thus utilized to provide a seal. This allows the bottle to be offered as a replacement product, while the applicator, connector, and cap can be reused. This results in more sustainable and environmentally friendly use of the applicator unit. "Removable" means that the seal can be either completely or partially removed and / or opened, for example, by piercing.

[0026] Preferably, the removable or punctureable seal takes the form of a plastic or metal film that is welded or glued to the upper end face of the bottle and seals the bottle's dispensing opening. This film is therefore easy to apply and remove, offering the possibility of offering a sealed bottle containing the product as a refillable item.

[0027] The cap preferably has a piercing element, ideally on its upper surface, which allows the foil to be pierced and is adapted to the diameter of the bottle's dispensing opening. This means that at least one complete applicator unit needs to be purchased to conveniently remove the seal and use a refill bottle.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferred that the removable or punctureable seal is designed as a bottle extension – preferably formed in one piece – which can be forcibly detached by means of a breaking point formed by a weakening zone. This also offers a simple way of offering a sealed bottle containing the product as a refill item.

[0029] It is preferred that the bottle extension forming the seal can be broken off by twisting, forming the male or female part of a screw connection. Similar to certain toothpaste tubes, this provides a simple, effective, and easily removable seal for the bottle.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferred that the female or male part of the swivel connection is formed by the cap, preferably its top, or by the bottom of the bottle. In this way, tool-free removal of the bottle extension is only possible for those consumers who have purchased two refill bottles simultaneously or who have previously purchased a complete applicator unit – and not just one refill bottle.

[0031] It is also preferred that the bottle has a neck, with the wiper positioned within the neck such that the snap-fit ​​connection of the wiper and the corresponding snap-fit ​​connection of the bottle are located at the center of the neck when viewed longitudinally. The "center of the neck" is preferably also defined as an area where the deviation from the exact center is a maximum of + / - 15% of the total length of the neck, and preferably even only + / - 5% of the total length of the neck. This provides sufficient space above the wiper for further use.

[0032] Further possible configurations, functions and advantages will result from the dependent claims and / or the following description of the preferred embodiment and / or with reference to the figures. LIST OF FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the applicator unit in a side section. Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the central area of ​​the applicator unit. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows the section view of the bottle of the first embodiment of the applicator unit. Fig. Figure 4 shows the section view of the closure cap with its connector and the applicator of the first embodiment of the applicator unit. Fig. Figure 5 shows the section view of the bottle of a second embodiment of the applicator unit, wherein only the bottle of said applicator unit is shown and the bottle is closed by a stopper. Fig. Figure 6 shows a possible plug for the second embodiment with a male part in a sectional side view. Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a corresponding female counterpart to the one in Fig. 6. Male part shown on the top of a closure cap in top view. Fig. Figure 8 shows another possible plug for the second embodiment with a female part in sectional view. Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows a corresponding male counterpart to the one in Fig. 8 Female part shown on the top of a closure cap in top view. Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows the bottle of a third embodiment of the applicator unit according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. Fig. Figure 11 schematically shows a closure cap for the in Fig. 10 bottles shown in a three-dimensional view. Fig. Figure 12 schematically shows the bottle of a fourth embodiment of the applicator unit according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. PREFERRED VERSIONS First version

[0033] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the applicator unit 1 according to the invention, while Fig. 3 whose bottle 2 and Fig. 4. Show the end cap 5 with the connector 14 and the applicator 4 in a single view.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown as a tubular bottle without a neck with longitudinal axis A and with a closed bottom and an open upper end face 18, on which the opening is located (see Fig. 3) It should be noted that the bottle 2 does not necessarily have to be a tubular bottle without a neck, but can also be designed as a bottle with a neck, in the same way as described later. The bottle 2 forms two retaining elements, one above the other, on its inner surface. The lower retaining element of the bottle 2 is designed as a snap-fit ​​connector 7, which is coupled to the corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 6 of the wiper 3. When properly and correctly installed, the wiper 3 is completely enclosed by the bottle 2, and the wiper 3 is fixed inside the bottle 2 by inserting its snap-fit ​​connector 6 into the corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 7 formed by the bottle 2.

[0035] The terms "lowest", "uppermost", "upper end face", "above", etc., are to be understood as follows for all embodiments and figures: The side facing the cap 5 is the top, which is shown in the figures by its position at the top of the sheet. The side facing the bottom of the bottle 2 is the bottom, which is shown in the figures by its position at the bottom of the sheet.

[0036] The wiper 3 itself is preferably a rotationally symmetrical component with a snap-fit ​​connection 6 on its upper surface and an opening with an inlet area on its lower surface through which the applicator 4 can be inserted. Preferably, the wiper 3 is slightly flexible, at least in the area near its opening and / or in the inlet area. Further details will be described later.

[0037] The uppermost retaining element of the bottle 2 is preferably designed as a ring 9, which projects radially inwards – towards the longitudinal axis A – into the bottle 2. This ring 9 preferably exerts radial pressure on a plug section 10 of a connector 14 when the latter is pressed against or into the ring 9, so that the ring 9 and plug section 10 are frictionally coupled to each other. It is also possible that the frictional connection exists between the cap 5 and the ring 9 or even between the applicator 4 and the ring 9, since these components together form a unit that constitutes the component actively used by the user to apply the agent stored in the bottle 2.

[0038] This component is in single view in Fig. Figure 4 illustrates this. The applicator 4 itself preferably comprises a handle 20 and a bristle area 21 loaded with the agent. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments show a bristle-covered applicator. However, the applicator 4 according to the invention can also be any other type of applicator, such as a flocked applicator, an unflocked applicator, a hollow applicator, and the like.

[0039] The applicator 4 can be held either directly by the closure cap 5 or indirectly via another intermediate part, for example the one in Fig. 4 connector 14 shown. This connector 14 preferably holds the applicator 4 in the area of ​​its stem 20, preferably by frictional engagement.

[0040] The end cap 5, in turn, preferably holds the connector 14, also preferably by frictional engagement.

[0041] The connector preferably comprises the aforementioned - preferably circumferential - plug-in section 10, which interacts with the ring 9 of the bottle 2 (see Fig. 2) This plug-in section 10 is preferably closed on its underside, which faces the bottom of the bottle, by a circumferential projection 23, preferably in the form of a ring that projects radially outwards – away from the longitudinal axis A. This preferably circumferential projection 23 interacts with a preferably circumferential recess, preferably in the form of a chamfer, a radius, or an edge, which is located on the underside of the ring 9 and faces towards the bottom of the bottle 2. This ensures a more secure hold of the connector 14 in frictional engagement with the bottle 2, since this resistance must first be overcome in order to remove the connector 14 and thus the applicator 4 from the bottle 2.

[0042] Due to this indentation and also to ensure a secure frictional connection only in the area of ​​the plug section 10, there is – even in the fully closed state of the applicator unit – an annular gap 19 directly above the wiper 3 between the connector 14 projecting into the bottle 2 and the inner circumferential surface of the bottle 2 (see Fig. 2).

[0043] In order to create sufficient space above the wiper 3 for further components such as a seal or additional retaining means, it is preferred that the upper surface 17 of the wiper 3 – viewed in the axial direction – lies below the upper end face 18 of the bottle 2 by an amount that is at least 40% of the longitudinal extent of the wiper 3 in the axial direction. Second embodiment

[0044] The second embodiment is designed analogously to the first embodiment (see Fig. 5).

[0045] In contrast to the first embodiment, the bottle 2 here is provided with a bottle neck 22, which may have an external thread. However, the advantages of the features of the second embodiment do not require a bottle neck and can therefore also be realized with a bottle without a bottle neck. The bottle 2, and preferably the bottle neck 22, comprise two retaining means, one above the other, the lower retaining means being designed as a snap-fit ​​connector 7, which is coupled to the corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 6 of the wiper 3. The snap-fit ​​connector 7 of the bottle 2 is preferably designed as an annular undercut on the inner circumferential surface to receive the corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 6 of the wiper. In the embodiment shown, the snap-fit ​​connector 6 of the wiper 3 is preferably a circumferential, annular projection.

[0046] The uppermost retaining element is preferably designed as a further snap-fit ​​connector 12, which is coupled to a corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 13 of another component. This other component can be the end cap 5, the connector 14, or a plug 24 – in the case shown, in Fig. 5 of the stopper 24. This uppermost snap-fit ​​connection 12 of the bottle 2 is preferably also designed as an annular undercut on the inner circumferential surface for receiving the stopper 24. The stopper shown is a rotationally symmetrical body with a circular base and the aforementioned snap-fit ​​connection 13. In the embodiment shown, the snap-fit ​​connection 13 of the stopper 24 is preferably a circumferential, annular projection. The stopper is therefore located in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis A above the wiper 3.

[0047] This stopper 24 provides a simple way to close and / or seal the bottle 2 – even without a cap 5 or a connector 14. However, it is preferred that the stopper 24 is intended only as a temporary component, for example, to allow the bottle 2 to be sold separately from the cap 5. Preferably, the stopper 24 must then be removed by the user to access the contents of the bottle 2. Ideally, from that point on, the stopper 24 should not be used again, and the bottle 2 should subsequently be closed with the appropriate cap 5 or connector 14. Therefore, it is preferred that the uppermost snap-fit ​​connector 12 of the bottle 2 is suitable for receiving both the stopper 24 with its snap-fit ​​connector 13 and the cap 5 or connector 14 with their respective snap-fit ​​connectors 6.

[0048] The in Fig. The bottle 2 shown in figure 5 can therefore optionally accommodate a stopper 24 or a cap 5 or a connector 14 (not shown in the figures).

[0049] To ensure that the wiper 3 can be easily inserted into and secured in the snap-fit ​​connector 7 of the bottle 2, the lowest snap-fit ​​connector 7 of the bottle 2 must be positioned radially further inwards (towards the longitudinal axis A) than the uppermost snap-fit ​​connector 12 of the bottle 2, and / or the radius of the annular undercut of the lowest snap-fit ​​connector 7 must be larger than the radius of the annular undercut of the uppermost snap-fit ​​connector 12. This prevents the wiper 3 or its snap-fit ​​connector 6 from accidentally snapping into the uppermost snap-fit ​​connector 12 of the bottle 2. This is also advantageous for demolding the bottle 2 after production.

[0050] Since the bottle 2 preferably forms a bottle neck 22, the wiper 3 is positioned within the bottle neck 22 such that the lowest snap-fit ​​connection means 6 of the wiper 3 and the corresponding snap-fit ​​connection means 7 of the bottle 2 are arranged in the middle area of ​​the bottle neck 22 - viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] The aforementioned plug 24 can indeed be used in the Fig. The stopper is designed in the form shown in Figure 5, but preferably includes a means by which it can be pulled out of its locked position and thus out of the bottle. Preferably, a tool is required for this, so that the stopper cannot be unintentionally removed from the bottle 2. Examples of the design of the stopper 24 and the corresponding means for pulling it out are shown in the following. Fig. Numbers 6 to 9 are shown.

[0052] Fig. Figure 6 shows a first embodiment of a plug 24 with a snap-fit ​​connection 13 and a male part 28. This male part 28 requires a corresponding female counterpart 29. This female counterpart 29 is preferably provided on the closure cap 5 of the applicator unit 1, preferably on the top side of the closure cap 5. This part is shown schematically in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the plug 24 can only be removed if the user already has an applicator unit 1 - and thus a closure cap 5.

[0053] Fig. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a plug 24 with a snap-fit ​​connection 13 and a female part 29. This female part 29 requires a corresponding male counterpart 28. This male counterpart 28 is preferably provided on the closure cap 5 of the applicator unit 1, preferably on the top side of the closure cap 5. This part is shown schematically in Fig. Figure 9 shows that in this case too, the plug 24 can only be removed if the user already has an applicator unit 1 - and thus a sealing cap 5. Third embodiment

[0054] A third embodiment of the applicator unit 1 can be described based on the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Explain. Fig. Figure 10 shows a bottle 2 of an applicator unit 1. The bottle 2 is sealed by a removable or detachable seal. This removable or detachable seal is formed by a bottle extension 26, which can be forcibly detached by means of a fracture point formed by a weakening zone 27. Fig. 10 The bottle 2 also has a threaded bottle neck 22 - however, this is not absolutely necessary when this type of seal is used.

[0055] The bottle extension 26 forming the seal can preferably be broken off by twisting and for this purpose forms a male part 28 of a swivel joint.

[0056] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic cap 5 for the bottle 2 made of Fig. 10. This cap has the corresponding female part 29 of the rotary connection, preferably on the top of the cap 5. This allows the bottle extension to be unscrewed without tools. This principle is already known, for example, from opening certain toothpaste tubes. Fourth embodiment

[0057] Fig. Figure 12 schematically shows a bottle 2 of the fourth embodiment of the applicator unit 1. This bottle 2 has a removable or punctureable seal in the form of a metal foil 25, which is glued to the upper end face of the bottle 2 and thus closes its dispensing opening.

[0058] This metal foil 25 can either be designed so that it does not project radially beyond the outer contour of the bottle 2 in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, or - as in Fig.Figure 12 shows that the metal foil 25 extends at least partially radially beyond the outer contour of the bottle 2 in the area of ​​the dispensing opening. If desired, the metal foil 25 can protrude far enough to be removed by hand simply by peeling it off the bottle.

[0059] Preferably, however, the metal foil 25 does not protrude, or at least not so far as to be graspable by hand. In such a case, a piercing tool is required, for example, to open the bottle 2. This piercing tool is preferably also provided by the cap 5. REFERENCE LIST 1 applicator unit 2 bottles 3 scrapers 4 Applicator 5 Cap 6 Snap-fit ​​connection means of the wiper 7 Snap fasteners of the bottle (bottom one) 8 Not assigned 9 Ring 10 Plug section 11. Applicator handle 12. Additional snap-fit ​​connection of the bottle (topmost) 13 Snap-in fasteners of the closure cap or connector 14 connectors 15 clamping section 16 Not assigned 17 Top side of the scraper 18 Upper end face of the bottle 19 Ring-shaped space 20 stems 21 Bristle-covered applicator area 22 bottlenecks 23 lap lead 24 plugs 25 metal foil 26 bottle extension 27 Fracture point 28 Male part 29 Female part A Longitudinal axis

Claims

[1] Applicator unit (1) for a liquid or pasty agent, comprising a bottle (2), a wiper (3) and an applicator (4) and a cap (5) for closing the bottle (2), wherein the applicator (4) can be inserted into the bottle (2) through the wiper (3) to receive and convey a quantity of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper (3) is completely enclosed by the bottle (2) when properly assembled and wherein the wiper (3) is fixed inside the bottle (2) by inserting its snap-fit ​​connection (6) into a corresponding snap-fit ​​connection (7) formed by the bottle (2), characterized by , that the bottle (2) forms two retaining means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost retaining means is designed as a snap-fit ​​connecting means (7) which is coupled to the corresponding snap-fit ​​connecting means (6) of the wiper (3). [2] Applicator unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the uppermost retaining means of the bottle (2) is designed as a ring (9) which exerts a radial pressure on a plug section (10) of the closure cap (5) or of a connector (14) when the latter is pressed against or into the ring (9), so that ring (9) and plug section (10) are frictionally coupled to each other. [3] Applicator unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the uppermost retaining means is designed as a further snap-fit ​​connecting means (12) which is coupled to a corresponding snap-fit ​​connecting means (13) of the closure cap (5), the connector (14) or a plug (24). [4] Applicator unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the closure cap (5) or the connector (14) has a clamping section (15) which extends into the inside of the inlet area of ​​the wiper (3) when the applicator unit (1) is fully closed. [5] Applicator unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bottle (2) is a tube with a bottle neck (22) or a neckless tube, which has at least one annular undercut as a snap-fit ​​connection means (7) on the inner circumferential surface for receiving the wiper (3) and preferably a second annular undercut as a snap-fit ​​connection means (12) on the inner circumferential surface for receiving the closure cap (5), the connector (14) or the stopper (24). [6] Applicator unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the upper surface (17) of the wiper (3) - viewed in the axial direction - lies below the upper end face (18) of the bottle (2) by an amount which is at least 40% of the longitudinal extent of the wiper (3) in the axial direction. [7] Applicator unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - even in the fully closed state of the applicator unit (1) - there is an annular space (19) directly above the wiper (3) between the circumference of the closure cap (5) or connector (14) projecting into the bottle (2) and the inner circumferential surface of the bottle (2). [8] Applicator unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the applicator (4) has a stem (20) which is a short stem with an axial length of less than 50% of the axial length of the bristle-covered applicator area (21). [9] Applicator unit (1), preferably, but not exclusively according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a bottle (2), a wiper (3), an applicator (4) and a cap (5) for closing the bottle (2), wherein the applicator (4) can be inserted into the bottle (2) through the wiper (3) to receive and convey a quantity of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper (3) is completely enclosed by the bottle (2) when properly assembled and wherein the wiper (3) is fixed inside the bottle (2), characterized by , that the bottle (2) is sealed by a removable or punctureable seal arranged behind the wiper (3). [10] Applicator unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the removable or punctureable seal is in the form of a plastic or metal foil (25) which is welded or glued onto the upper end face (18) of the bottle (2) and closes the dispensing opening of the bottle (2). [11] Applicator unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the removable or punctureable seal is designed as a bottle extension (26) which can be forcibly detached by means of a fracture point formed by a weakening zone (27). [12] Applicator unit (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the bottle extension (26) forming the seal can be detached by twisting and forms the male part (28) or female part (29) of a swivel joint for this purpose. [13] Applicator unit (1) according to claim 12, characterized by, that the female part (29) or male part (28) of the rotary connection is formed by the cap (5), preferably its top, or by the bottom of the bottle (2), so that tool-free twisting of the bottle extension (26) is only possible for consumers who have purchased two refill packs at the same time or who have previously purchased the complete applicator unit (1) and not just a refill pack. [14] Applicator unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bottle (2) forms a bottle neck (22), wherein the wiper (3) is positioned within the bottle neck (22) such that the snap-fit ​​connection means (6) of the wiper (3) and the corresponding snap-fit ​​connection means (7) of the bottle (2) are arranged in the middle region of the bottle neck (22) - viewed in the longitudinal direction. [15] Applicator unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the lowest snap fastener (7) of the bottle (2) is positioned radially further inwards than the uppermost snap fastener (12) of the bottle (2) and / or the radius of the annular undercut of the lowest snap fastener (7) of the bottle (2) is larger than the radius of the annular undercut of the uppermost snap fastener (12) of the bottle (2).

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