Applicator unit

Abstract

A liquid or pasty agent applicator unit comprising a bottle, a wiper, and an applicator as well as a closure cap for closing the bottle, wherein the applicator can be stuck through the wiper into the bottle to pick up and carry away an amount of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper, when properly mounted, is fully enclosed by the bottle and wherein the wiper is fixed within the bottle by insertion of its snap-in means into a corresponding snap-in means formed by the bottle, wherein the bottle forms two holding means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost holding means is embodied as the snap-in means that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means of the wiper.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

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

[0002] Applicators are usually used to apply mass to a surface to be applied. The mass can be a liquid or pasty agent. Said applicators are mostly part of an applicator unit. Such an applicator unit usually comprises the applicator, a bottle - where the liquid or pasty agent is stored -, a closure cap and a wiper. The wiper usually is part of the bottle or fixed to the bottle in a way and the applicator can be stuck through the wiper to pick up and carry away an amount of said agent in the bottle. The wiper has the task of wiping off excess agent when the applicator is pulled out, so that the "correct" amount of agent always remains on the applicator.

[0003] In modern applicator units, the wiper usually is a plastic part that is fixed on top of the bottle or with a snap-in means on the outside of the bottle or the outside of an inner shell of the bottle. Therefore, the wiper has to reach over the upper edge of the bottle. That is the cause for some disadvantages and restrictions for applicator units. One of the disadvantages is that the closure cap must, in its closed position, overlap the free face of the bottle neck when it carries the wiper, as otherwise the wiper is visible even when the bottle is completely closed, which is usually annoying. However, with a closure cap that overlaps the neck of the bottle, it is all the more difficult to realize a more slender or pin-like design of the applicator unit.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is the object of the invention to provide an applicator unit with a possibility of fixing the wiper to the bottle that gives more freedom in regard to design.SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0005] A solution to this problem is provided by the main claim.

[0006] Here, a liquid or pasty agent applicator unit is proposed, comprising a bottle, a wiper, an applicator as well as a closure cap for closing the bottle. It is preferred that this closure cap is carrying the applicator either directly or indirectly through another part that is interconnected like a connector, for example. The applicator can be stuck through the wiper into the bottle to pick up and carry away an amount of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper - when mounted as intended - is fully enclosed by the bottle. "Fully enclosed" does not mean that the bottle has to be closed on all sides, but does mean that ideally the whole wiper is laying within the bottle and does not exceed the upper end face of the bottle which is where the opening of the bottle is located. Herein, the wiper is fixed within the bottle by insertion of its snap-in means into a corresponding snap-in means formed by the bottle.

[0007] 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 embodied as the snap-in means that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means of the wiper.

[0008] The "lowermost snap-in means" in this case means the snap-in means that is closer to the bottom of the bottle.

[0009] This way, an easy and simple solution can be presented to "hide" the whole wiper being visible or interactable with from the outside - when not directly looking into the bottle or reaching into the bottle. The design of the exterior of the bottle is therefore completely independent from the wiper itself and the wiper does not block or interact with the upper end face of the bottle.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to use this area to install a sealing there. Because the wiper is fixed to the lowermost holding means, the space above that holding means towards the upper end face of the bottle can also be utilized and is utilized in most cases. Here, it is preferred that the uppermost holding means is installed in order to hold the closure cap or a part that is connected to the closure cap and therefore is holding the closure cap indirectly. This way, also the applicator is held. This uppermost holding means can therefore be another possibility to hold the closure cap additionally or (in most cases) alternatively to a thread. So, this second holding means gives another design and / or functional option in how the closure cap can be utilized to close the bottle.

[0011] That way it becomes easy to design a pen-like cosmetic unit whose circumferential jacket surface is fully flush and in one line with the circumferential jacket surface of the closure cap.PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A preferred design option of the applicator unit is that the uppermost holding means of the bottle is embodied as a ring exerting a radial pressure on a plug portion of the closure cap or the plug portion of a connector when being pressed against or into the ring, so that the ring and the plug portion are frictionally coupled. It does not matter if the fictional coupling is taking place between the bottle and connector or the bottle and the closure cap. It is just preferred that it is the component that is holding the applicator which can comprise only the closure cap, the closure cap and the applicator or even another part.

[0013] This way, a simple and secure possibility for closing the bottle for the purpose of resealing the bottle after first opening of the bottle is provided either alternatively or additionally to a thread.

[0014] It is also preferred, that the uppermost holding means is embodied as another snap-in means that is coupled with a corresponding snap-in means of the closure cap or the connector or a plug. Here again a simple and cost-efficient way of fixing the applicator or the part that holds the applicator can be provided. Furthermore, it is possible to close the bottle with a separate plug. In this way, the bottle can be closed also without a closure cap or a connector.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferred that the closure cap or the connector has a clamping section which, when the applicator unit is completely closed, expands into the inner side of the inlet area of the wiper. This clamping section is the section, where the wiper clamps around the connector or closure cap, when the applicator unit is in the fully closed state and the closure cap is preferably in contact with the upper end face of the bottle. The inlet area is that inside area of the wiper facing towards the centre of the bottle and through which the applicator has to pass to enter the bottle. Since it is preferred that the wiper is at least partially flexible, at least in the area of its opening, the clamping section is clamped by the wiper by elastically bending the wiper apart. This way, it can be ensured that the applicator is fixed in place and there is another additional holding means that holds the applicator and the closure cap in place. Furthermore, the necessary wiping effect for the applicator, when being extracted, can be ensured.

[0016] It is furthermore preferred, that the bottle is a tube with a bottle neck or a neckless tube, which has at least one ring-like undercut as a snap-in means on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the wiper and that has preferably a second ring-like undercut as a snap-in means on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the closure cap or the connector or the plug. This uniform shape of the holding means as snap-in means in the form of ring-like undercuts furthermore adds to the simplicity and reliability of the applicator unit according to the invention.

[0017] It is also preferred that the topside of the wiper, viewed in the axial direction, lies below the upper end face of the bottle by an amount which is at least 40% of the longitudinal extension of the wiper in the axial direction. This way, enough additional space above the wiper is presented in order to provide additional holding means or sealing means.

[0018] Additionally, it is preferred that the bottle is sealed by a removable sealing positioned - seen from the interior of the bottle - behind the wiper. The free space on the upper side of the bottle therefore is utilized to provide a sealing for the bottle. Therefore, the bottle can be provided as a re-buy part at the store and the applicator with the connector and closure cap be reused. This leads to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly use of the applicator unit. "Removable" means that the sealing can be removed as a whole or also only partly and / or that the sealing can be opened for example through a piercing action.

[0019] It is preferred that the removable sealing takes shape of a plastic or metal foil that is welded or glued onto the upper end face of the bottle confining the removal opening of the bottle. This foil can therefore be attached and detached easily and provides the opportunity to offer a sealed bottle with the agent inside to rebuy. The closure cap preferably carries a piercing means, preferably on top of the closure cap, with which this foil can be pierced and that is adjusted to the diameter of the removal opening of the bottle. In this way, at least once a full applicator unit has to be bought in order to comfortably remove the sealing and use a re-buy bottle.

[0020] It is furthermore preferred that the removable sealing is formed as a - preferably integrally formed - bottle extension that can be forcibly separated by means of a breaking zone formed by a weakened area. This furthermore gives a simple opportunity to offer a sealed bottle with the agent inside to rebuy.

[0021] In this case, it is preferred that the bottle extension forming the sealing can be broken away by twisting and forms the male or female part of twist-coupling for that purpose. Analogous to some toothpaste tubes, a simple, effective and easy to break sealing to the bottle can be provided.

[0022] It is furthermore preferred that the female or male part of twist-coupling is formed by the closure cap, preferably the top of the closure cap, or formed by the bottom of the bottle. In this way, a tool-less twisting off of the bottle extension is only possible for those consumers who have bought two refills at the same time or who have previously bought the complete applicator unit altogether and not only a refill.

[0023] It is also preferred that the bottle forms a bottle neck, wherein the wiper is positioned that way within the bottle neck, that the snap-in means of the wiper and the corresponding snap-in means of the bottle are positioned in the middle of the bottle neck, seen in longitudinal direction of the bottle neck. The "middle of the bottle neck" is preferably still fulfilled if the difference to the exact middle of the bottle neck is + / - 15% of the whole bottle neck length, preferably even + / - 5% of the whole bottle neck length. Therefore, enough space over the wiper is provided for further use.

[0024] Further possible configurations, functions and advantages result from the dependent claims and / or the following description of the preferred embodiment and / or with reference to the figures.FIGURE LIST

[0025] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the applicator unit in cut side view. Figure 2 shows a detail view of the central part of the applicator unit of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows the cut side view of the bottle of the first embodiment of the applicator unit. Figure 4 shows the cut side view of the closure cap with its connector and the applicator of the first embodiment of the applicator unit. Figure 5 shows the cut side 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 plug. Figure 6 shows a possible plug for the second embodiment with a male part in cut side view. Figure 7 schematically shows a corresponding female part to the male part shown in Fig. 6 on top of a closure cap in top view. Figure 8 shows another possible plug for the second embodiment with a female part in cut side view. Figure 9 schematically shows a corresponding male part to the female part shown in Fig. 8 on top of a closure cap in top view. Figure 10 schematically shows the bottle of a third embodiment of the applicator unit according to the invention in three-dimensional view. Figure 11 schematically shows a closure cap for the bottle that is shown in Fig. 10 in three-dimensional view. Figure 12 schematically shows the bottle of a fourth embodiment of the applicator unit according to the invention in three-dimensional view. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First embodiment

[0026] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a first embodiment of the applicator unit 1 according to the invention, while Fig. 3 shows its bottle 2 and Fig. 4 its closure cap 5 with the connector 14 and the applicator 4 in single view.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown as a neckless tube with the longitudinal axis A and with closed bottom und open upper end face 18, where the opening is located (see Fig. 3). It has to be mentioned that the bottle 2 does not have to be a neckless tube, but can be - in the same way as described later on - arranged at a necked bottle. The bottle 2 forms two holding means, one above the other on the inside of the bottle 2. The lowermost holding means of the bottle 2 is embodied as a snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The wiper 3 - when properly mounted as intended - is fully enclosed by the bottle 2 and the wiper 3 is fixed within the bottle 2 by insertion of its snap-in means 6 into the corresponding snap-in means 7 formed by the bottle 2 and mentioned above.

[0028] The terms "lowermost", "uppermost", "upper end face", "above" and so on for all the embodiments and figures have to be seen as follows: The side facing the closure cap 5 is the upper side, which is also shown in the figures by being on top of the sheet. The side facing the bottom of the bottle 2 is the lower side, which is also shown in the figures by being in the bottom side of the sheet.

[0029] The wiper 3 itself is preferably a rotationally symmetric part with a snap-in means 6 on its upper side and an opening with an inlet area on its lower side, where the applicator 4 can be stuck through. Preferably, the wiper 3 is slightly flexible at least in the area close to its opening and / or in its inlet area. More on that topic later on.

[0030] The uppermost holding means of the bottle 2 preferably is embodied as a ring 9 that is radially protruding to the inside of the bottle 2 towards the longitudinal axis A.

[0031] This ring 9 is preferably exerting a radial pressure on a plug portion 10 of a connector 14 when being pressed against or into the ring 9, so that the ring 9 and the plug portion 10 are frictionally coupled. It can also be possible that the frictional connection is between the closure cap 5 and the ring 9 or even the applicator 4 and the ring 9, because they altogether form one component, which is the component that the user is actively using to apply the agent that is stored in the bottle 2.

[0032] This component is shown in single view in Fig. 4. The applicator 4 itself preferably comprises a stem 20 und a bristled applicator portion 21 that is loaded with the agent. It has to be mentioned that the embodiments show a bristled applicator. Yet, 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 so on.

[0033] The applicator 4 can be held by the closure cap 5 itself directly or indirectly with another part in between, for example the connector 14 as shown in Fig. 4. This connector 14 itself then is holding the applicator 4, preferably in the area of its stem 20, preferably by frictional fit. The closure cap 5 in turn is preferably holding the connector 14, preferably also by frictional fit.

[0034] The connector preferably comprises said - preferably circumferential - plug portion 10 that is interacting with the ring 9 of the bottle 2 (see Fig. 2). This plug portion 10 is preferably ended in its lower direction (facing the bottom of the bottle 2) by a circumferential protrusion 23, preferably in form of a ring, protruding radially outwards, facing away from the longitudinal axis A. This preferably circumferential protrusion 23 is interacting with a preferably circumferential recess, preferably in the form of a chamfer, radius or edge, on the lower side of the ring 9, facing towards the bottom of the bottle 2. This ensures a safer hold of the connector 14 in the friction fit with the bottle 2, because this resistance must first be overcome in order to remove the connector 14 and with it the applicator 4 from the bottle 2.

[0035] Because of this recess and also in order to secure a safe frictional fit only in the plug portion 10, there is directly above the wiper 3 - also in fully closed state of the applicator unit - a ring-like interspace 19 between the connector 14 protruding into the bottle 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the bottle 2 (see Fig. 2).

[0036] In order to leave enough space above the wiper 3 for other installations like a sealing or also other holding means, it is preferred that the topside 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 extension of the wiper 3 in the axial direction.Second embodiment

[0037] Analogous to the first embodiment, also the second embodiment is designed (see Fig. 5).

[0038] In difference to the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown with a bottle neck 22 that can comprise an external thread. The advantages of the features of the second embodiment do not necessarily need a bottle neck and therefore can also be installed at a neckless bottle. The bottle 2 and preferably the bottle neck 22 comprise two holding means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost holding means is embodied as the snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 is preferably designed as a ring-like undercut on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper. The snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3 in the case shown preferably is a circumferential ring-like protrusion.

[0039] The uppermost holding means is preferably embodied as another snap-in means 12 that is coupled with a corresponding snap-in means 13 of a different part. This different part can be the closure cap 5, the connector 14 or a plug 24 - in the case shown in Fig. 5 the plug 24. This uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2 is preferably also designed as a ring-like undercut on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the plug 24. Said plug in the case shown is a rotationally symmetrical body with a circular base area and said snap-in means 13. The snap-in means 13 of the plug 24 in the shown case preferably is a circumferential ring-like protrusion. The plug is therefore placed above the wiper 3 seen in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis A. This plug 24 is a simple way of closing the bottle 2 in order to seal and / or close the bottle also without a closure cap 5 or connector 14. Yet, it is preferred that the plug 24 is just a temporary part that remains on the bottle 2 for example in order to be sold separately from the closure cap 5. It is preferred that the plug 24 then has to be removed by the user in order to get access to the content of the bottle 2. From that moment on, it preferred that the plug 24 is not used anymore and the bottle 2 afterwards is closed by the corresponding closure cap 5 or the connector 14. Therefore, it is preferred that the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2 is suitable for receiving the plug 24 with its snap-in means 13 as intended and also the closure cap 5 or the connector 14 with their snap-in means 6 as intended. The bottle 2 shown in Fig. 5 can therefore hold either a plug 24 or a closure cap 5 or connector 14 (not shown in any Figures).

[0040] So that the wiper 3 can be inserted comfortably into and fixed to the snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2, the lowermost snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 has to be positioned more radially inwards (towards the Longitudinal axis A) than the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2 and / or the radius of the ring-like undercut of the lowermost snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 is bigger than the radius of the ring-like undercut of the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2. This way, the wiper 3 or better its snap-in means 6 does not accidentally slip into the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2. Furthermore, this is also beneficial for the demoulding of the bottle 2 after its manufacture.

[0041] Since the bottle 2 here preferably forms a bottle neck 22, the wiper 3 is positioned that way within the bottle neck 22, that the lowermost snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3 and the corresponding snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 are positioned in the middle area of the bottle neck 22, seen in longitudinal direction of the bottle neck 22.

[0042] Said plug 24 can be designed as it is in Fig. 5, but preferably comprises a means with which it can be pulled out of its snapped-in state and therefore out of the bottle. It is preferred that a tool is needed in order to do so, so that the plug cannot unintentionally be removed from the bottle 2. Examples for the shape of the plug 24 and the corresponding means to unplug it, can be seen in Fig. 6 to Fig. 9.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a first possibility for a plug 24 with a snap-in means 13 and a male part 28. This male part 28 does need a corresponding female part 29. This corresponding female part 29 is preferably installed at the closure cap 5 of the applicator unit 1, preferably on top of the closure cap 5.

[0044] This part schematically can be seen in Fig. 7. In this way, the plug 24 can only be unplugged if one applicator unit 1 and therefore one closure cap 5 is already owned by the user.

[0045] Fig. 8 analogously shows a second possibility for a plug 24 with a snap-in means 13 and a female part 29. This female part 29 does need a corresponding male part 28. This corresponding male part 28 is preferably installed at the closure cap 5 of the applicator unit 1, preferably on top of the closure cap 5. This part schematically can be seen in Fig. 9. In this way, the plug 24 can only be unplugged if one applicator unit 1 and therefore one closure cap 5 is already owned by the user.Third embodiment

[0046] A third embodiment of the applicator unit 1 can be explained with Figure 10 and Figure 11. Fig. 10 shows a bottle 2 of an applicator unit 1. The bottle 2 is sealed by a removable sealing. This removable sealing is formed by a bottle extension 26 that can be forcibly separated my means of a breaking zone 27 formed by a weakened area. In Fig. 10, the bottle 2 also comprises a bottle neck 22 with a thread, which does not have to be the case, when using this kind of sealing.

[0047] The bottle extension 26 forming the removable sealing can be broken away preferably by twisting and forms a male part 28 of twist-coupling for that purpose.

[0048] Fig. 11 shows a schematic closure cap 5 for the bottle 2 from Fig. 10. This closure cap comprises the corresponding female part 29 of twist-coupling, preferably on the top of the closure cap 5. Therefore, a tool-less twisting off of the bottle extension can be performed. This mechanism is known already for example in opening toothpaste tubes.Fourth embodiment

[0049] Fig. 12 schematically shows a bottle 2 of the fourth embodiment of the applicator unit 1. This bottle 2 comprises a removable sealing in the shape of a metal foil 25 that is glued to the upper end face of the bottle 2 and therefore sealing its removal opening. This metal foil 25 can either be designed that is does not radially protrude the outer contour of the bottle 2 in the area of its removal opening or - as it is shown in Fig. 12 - the metal foil 25 can at least partly protrude radially over the outer contour of the bottle 2 in the area of its removal opening. If it is wanted, the metal foil 25 can at least partly protrude this much that the metal foil 25 can be removed by hand by just pulling it off the bottle. It is also preferred that the metal foil 25 does not protrude or at least not as much as to grab the protruding part by hand. Therefore, for example a piercing means is needed in order to open the bottle 2. This piercing means is preferably also provided by the closure cap 5.REFERENCE LIST

[0050] 1Applicator unit 2Bottle 3Wiper 4Applicator 5Closure cap 6Snap-in means of the wiper 7Snap-in means of the bottle (lowermost) 8Not assigned 9Ring 10Plug portion 11Stem of the applicator 12Another snap-in means of the bottle (uppermost) 13Snap-in means of the closure cap or connector 14Connector 15Clamping section 16Not assigned 17Topside of the wiper 18Upper end face of the bottle 19Ring-like interspace 20Stem 21Bristled applicator portion 22Bottle neck 23Circumferential protrusion 24Plug 25Metal foil 26Bottle extension 27Breaking zone 28Male part 29Female part ALongitudinal axis

Examples

first embodiment

First embodiment

[0026]Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a first embodiment of the applicator unit 1 according to the invention, while Fig. 3 shows its bottle 2 and Fig. 4 its closure cap 5 with the connector 14 and the applicator 4 in single view.

[0027]In the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown as a neckless tube with the longitudinal axis A and with closed bottom und open upper end face 18, where the opening is located (see Fig. 3). It has to be mentioned that the bottle 2 does not have to be a neckless tube, but can be - in the same way as described later on - arranged at a necked bottle. The bottle 2 forms two holding means, one above the other on the inside of the bottle 2. The lowermost holding means of the bottle 2 is embodied as a snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The wiper 3 - when properly mounted as intended - is fully enclosed by the bottle 2 and the wiper 3 is fixed within the bottle 2 by insertion of its snap-in means 6 into...

second embodiment

Second embodiment

[0037]Analogous to the first embodiment, also the second embodiment is designed (see Fig. 5).

[0038]In difference to the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown with a bottle neck 22 that can comprise an external thread. The advantages of the features of the second embodiment do not necessarily need a bottle neck and therefore can also be installed at a neckless bottle. The bottle 2 and preferably the bottle neck 22 comprise two holding means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost holding means is embodied as the snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 is preferably designed as a ring-like undercut on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper. The snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3 in the case shown preferably is a circumferential ring-like protrusion.

[0039]The uppermost holding means is preferably embodied as another snap-in means 12 th...

third embodiment

Third embodiment

[0046]A third embodiment of the applicator unit 1 can be explained with Figure 10 and Figure 11. Fig. 10 shows a bottle 2 of an applicator unit 1. The bottle 2 is sealed by a removable sealing. This removable sealing is formed by a bottle extension 26 that can be forcibly separated my means of a breaking zone 27 formed by a weakened area. In Fig. 10, the bottle 2 also comprises a bottle neck 22 with a thread, which does not have to be the case, when using this kind of sealing.

[0047]The bottle extension 26 forming the removable sealing can be broken away preferably by twisting and forms a male part 28 of twist-coupling for that purpose.

[0048]Fig. 11 shows a schematic closure cap 5 for the bottle 2 from Fig. 10. This closure cap comprises the corresponding female part 29 of twist-coupling, preferably on the top of the closure cap 5. Therefore, a tool-less twisting off of the bottle extension can be performed. This mechanism is known already for example in opening tooth...

FIELD OF INVENTION

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

[0002] Applicators are usually used to apply mass to a surface to be applied. The mass can be a liquid or pasty agent. Said applicators are mostly part of an applicator unit. Such an applicator unit usually comprises the applicator, a bottle - where the liquid or pasty agent is stored -, a closure cap and a wiper. The wiper usually is part of the bottle or fixed to the bottle in a way and the applicator can be stuck through the wiper to pick up and carry away an amount of said agent in the bottle. The wiper has the task of wiping off excess agent when the applicator is pulled out, so that the "correct" amount of agent always remains on the applicator.

[0003] In modern applicator units, the wiper usually is a plastic part that is fixed on top of the bottle or with a snap-in means on the outside of the bottle or the outside of an inner shell of the bottle. Therefore, the wiper has to reach over the upper edge of the bottle. That is the cause for some disadvantages and restrictions for applicator units. One of the disadvantages is that the closure cap must, in its closed position, overlap the free face of the bottle neck when it carries the wiper, as otherwise the wiper is visible even when the bottle is completely closed, which is usually annoying. However, with a closure cap that overlaps the neck of the bottle, it is all the more difficult to realize a more slender or pin-like design of the applicator unit.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is the object of the invention to provide an applicator unit with a possibility of fixing the wiper to the bottle that gives more freedom in regard to design.SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0005] A solution to this problem is provided by the main claim.

[0006] Here, a liquid or pasty agent applicator unit is proposed, comprising a bottle, a wiper, an applicator as well as a closure cap for closing the bottle. It is preferred that this closure cap is carrying the applicator either directly or indirectly through another part that is interconnected like a connector, for example. The applicator can be stuck through the wiper into the bottle to pick up and carry away an amount of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper - when mounted as intended - is fully enclosed by the bottle. "Fully enclosed" does not mean that the bottle has to be closed on all sides, but does mean that ideally the whole wiper is laying within the bottle and does not exceed the upper end face of the bottle which is where the opening of the bottle is located. Herein, the wiper is fixed within the bottle by insertion of its snap-in means into a corresponding snap-in means formed by the bottle.

[0007] 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 embodied as the snap-in means that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means of the wiper.

[0008] The "lowermost snap-in means" in this case means the snap-in means that is closer to the bottom of the bottle.

[0009] This way, an easy and simple solution can be presented to "hide" the whole wiper being visible or interactable with from the outside - when not directly looking into the bottle or reaching into the bottle. The design of the exterior of the bottle is therefore completely independent from the wiper itself and the wiper does not block or interact with the upper end face of the bottle.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to use this area to install a sealing there. Because the wiper is fixed to the lowermost holding means, the space above that holding means towards the upper end face of the bottle can also be utilized and is utilized in most cases. Here, it is preferred that the uppermost holding means is installed in order to hold the closure cap or a part that is connected to the closure cap and therefore is holding the closure cap indirectly. This way, also the applicator is held. This uppermost holding means can therefore be another possibility to hold the closure cap additionally or (in most cases) alternatively to a thread. So, this second holding means gives another design and / or functional option in how the closure cap can be utilized to close the bottle.

[0011] That way it becomes easy to design a pen-like cosmetic unit whose circumferential jacket surface is fully flush and in one line with the circumferential jacket surface of the closure cap.PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A preferred design option of the applicator unit is that the uppermost holding means of the bottle is embodied as a ring exerting a radial pressure on a plug portion of the closure cap or the plug portion of a connector when being pressed against or into the ring, so that the ring and the plug portion are frictionally coupled. It does not matter if the fictional coupling is taking place between the bottle and connector or the bottle and the closure cap. It is just preferred that it is the component that is holding the applicator which can comprise only the closure cap, the closure cap and the applicator or even another part.

[0013] This way, a simple and secure possibility for closing the bottle for the purpose of resealing the bottle after first opening of the bottle is provided either alternatively or additionally to a thread.

[0014] It is also preferred, that the uppermost holding means is embodied as another snap-in means that is coupled with a corresponding snap-in means of the closure cap or the connector or a plug. Here again a simple and cost-efficient way of fixing the applicator or the part that holds the applicator can be provided. Furthermore, it is possible to close the bottle with a separate plug. In this way, the bottle can be closed also without a closure cap or a connector.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferred that the closure cap or the connector has a clamping section which, when the applicator unit is completely closed, expands into the inner side of the inlet area of the wiper. This clamping section is the section, where the wiper clamps around the connector or closure cap, when the applicator unit is in the fully closed state and the closure cap is preferably in contact with the upper end face of the bottle. The inlet area is that inside area of the wiper facing towards the centre of the bottle and through which the applicator has to pass to enter the bottle. Since it is preferred that the wiper is at least partially flexible, at least in the area of its opening, the clamping section is clamped by the wiper by elastically bending the wiper apart. This way, it can be ensured that the applicator is fixed in place and there is another additional holding means that holds the applicator and the closure cap in place. Furthermore, the necessary wiping effect for the applicator, when being extracted, can be ensured.

[0016] It is furthermore preferred, that the bottle is a tube with a bottle neck or a neckless tube, which has at least one ring-like undercut as a snap-in means on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the wiper and that has preferably a second ring-like undercut as a snap-in means on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the closure cap or the connector or the plug. This uniform shape of the holding means as snap-in means in the form of ring-like undercuts furthermore adds to the simplicity and reliability of the applicator unit according to the invention.

[0017] It is also preferred that the topside of the wiper, viewed in the axial direction, lies below the upper end face of the bottle by an amount which is at least 40% of the longitudinal extension of the wiper in the axial direction. This way, enough additional space above the wiper is presented in order to provide additional holding means or sealing means.

[0018] Additionally, it is preferred that the bottle is sealed by a removable sealing positioned - seen from the interior of the bottle - behind the wiper. The free space on the upper side of the bottle therefore is utilized to provide a sealing for the bottle. Therefore, the bottle can be provided as a re-buy part at the store and the applicator with the connector and closure cap be reused. This leads to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly use of the applicator unit. "Removable" means that the sealing can be removed as a whole or also only partly and / or that the sealing can be opened for example through a piercing action.

[0019] It is preferred that the removable sealing takes shape of a plastic or metal foil that is welded or glued onto the upper end face of the bottle confining the removal opening of the bottle. This foil can therefore be attached and detached easily and provides the opportunity to offer a sealed bottle with the agent inside to rebuy. The closure cap preferably carries a piercing means, preferably on top of the closure cap, with which this foil can be pierced and that is adjusted to the diameter of the removal opening of the bottle. In this way, at least once a full applicator unit has to be bought in order to comfortably remove the sealing and use a re-buy bottle.

[0020] It is furthermore preferred that the removable sealing is formed as a - preferably integrally formed - bottle extension that can be forcibly separated by means of a breaking zone formed by a weakened area. This furthermore gives a simple opportunity to offer a sealed bottle with the agent inside to rebuy.

[0021] In this case, it is preferred that the bottle extension forming the sealing can be broken away by twisting and forms the male or female part of twist-coupling for that purpose. Analogous to some toothpaste tubes, a simple, effective and easy to break sealing to the bottle can be provided.

[0022] It is furthermore preferred that the female or male part of twist-coupling is formed by the closure cap, preferably the top of the closure cap, or formed by the bottom of the bottle. In this way, a tool-less twisting off of the bottle extension is only possible for those consumers who have bought two refills at the same time or who have previously bought the complete applicator unit altogether and not only a refill.

[0023] It is also preferred that the bottle forms a bottle neck, wherein the wiper is positioned that way within the bottle neck, that the snap-in means of the wiper and the corresponding snap-in means of the bottle are positioned in the middle of the bottle neck, seen in longitudinal direction of the bottle neck. The "middle of the bottle neck" is preferably still fulfilled if the difference to the exact middle of the bottle neck is + / - 15% of the whole bottle neck length, preferably even + / - 5% of the whole bottle neck length. Therefore, enough space over the wiper is provided for further use.

[0024] Further possible configurations, functions and advantages result from the dependent claims and / or the following description of the preferred embodiment and / or with reference to the figures.FIGURE LIST

[0025] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the applicator unit in cut side view. Figure 2 shows a detail view of the central part of the applicator unit of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows the cut side view of the bottle of the first embodiment of the applicator unit. Figure 4 shows the cut side view of the closure cap with its connector and the applicator of the first embodiment of the applicator unit. Figure 5 shows the cut side 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 plug. Figure 6 shows a possible plug for the second embodiment with a male part in cut side view. Figure 7 schematically shows a corresponding female part to the male part shown in Fig. 6 on top of a closure cap in top view. Figure 8 shows another possible plug for the second embodiment with a female part in cut side view. Figure 9 schematically shows a corresponding male part to the female part shown in Fig. 8 on top of a closure cap in top view. Figure 10 schematically shows the bottle of a third embodiment of the applicator unit according to the invention in three-dimensional view. Figure 11 schematically shows a closure cap for the bottle that is shown in Fig. 10 in three-dimensional view. Figure 12 schematically shows the bottle of a fourth embodiment of the applicator unit according to the invention in three-dimensional view. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First embodiment

[0026] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a first embodiment of the applicator unit 1 according to the invention, while Fig. 3 shows its bottle 2 and Fig. 4 its closure cap 5 with the connector 14 and the applicator 4 in single view.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown as a neckless tube with the longitudinal axis A and with closed bottom und open upper end face 18, where the opening is located (see Fig. 3). It has to be mentioned that the bottle 2 does not have to be a neckless tube, but can be - in the same way as described later on - arranged at a necked bottle. The bottle 2 forms two holding means, one above the other on the inside of the bottle 2. The lowermost holding means of the bottle 2 is embodied as a snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The wiper 3 - when properly mounted as intended - is fully enclosed by the bottle 2 and the wiper 3 is fixed within the bottle 2 by insertion of its snap-in means 6 into the corresponding snap-in means 7 formed by the bottle 2 and mentioned above.

[0028] The terms "lowermost", "uppermost", "upper end face", "above" and so on for all the embodiments and figures have to be seen as follows: The side facing the closure cap 5 is the upper side, which is also shown in the figures by being on top of the sheet. The side facing the bottom of the bottle 2 is the lower side, which is also shown in the figures by being in the bottom side of the sheet.

[0029] The wiper 3 itself is preferably a rotationally symmetric part with a snap-in means 6 on its upper side and an opening with an inlet area on its lower side, where the applicator 4 can be stuck through. Preferably, the wiper 3 is slightly flexible at least in the area close to its opening and / or in its inlet area. More on that topic later on.

[0030] The uppermost holding means of the bottle 2 preferably is embodied as a ring 9 that is radially protruding to the inside of the bottle 2 towards the longitudinal axis A.

[0031] This ring 9 is preferably exerting a radial pressure on a plug portion 10 of a connector 14 when being pressed against or into the ring 9, so that the ring 9 and the plug portion 10 are frictionally coupled. It can also be possible that the frictional connection is between the closure cap 5 and the ring 9 or even the applicator 4 and the ring 9, because they altogether form one component, which is the component that the user is actively using to apply the agent that is stored in the bottle 2.

[0032] This component is shown in single view in Fig. 4. The applicator 4 itself preferably comprises a stem 20 und a bristled applicator portion 21 that is loaded with the agent. It has to be mentioned that the embodiments show a bristled applicator. Yet, 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 so on.

[0033] The applicator 4 can be held by the closure cap 5 itself directly or indirectly with another part in between, for example the connector 14 as shown in Fig. 4. This connector 14 itself then is holding the applicator 4, preferably in the area of its stem 20, preferably by frictional fit. The closure cap 5 in turn is preferably holding the connector 14, preferably also by frictional fit.

[0034] The connector preferably comprises said - preferably circumferential - plug portion 10 that is interacting with the ring 9 of the bottle 2 (see Fig. 2). This plug portion 10 is preferably ended in its lower direction (facing the bottom of the bottle 2) by a circumferential protrusion 23, preferably in form of a ring, protruding radially outwards, facing away from the longitudinal axis A. This preferably circumferential protrusion 23 is interacting with a preferably circumferential recess, preferably in the form of a chamfer, radius or edge, on the lower side of the ring 9, facing towards the bottom of the bottle 2. This ensures a safer hold of the connector 14 in the friction fit with the bottle 2, because this resistance must first be overcome in order to remove the connector 14 and with it the applicator 4 from the bottle 2.

[0035] Because of this recess and also in order to secure a safe frictional fit only in the plug portion 10, there is directly above the wiper 3 - also in fully closed state of the applicator unit - a ring-like interspace 19 between the connector 14 protruding into the bottle 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the bottle 2 (see Fig. 2).

[0036] In order to leave enough space above the wiper 3 for other installations like a sealing or also other holding means, it is preferred that the topside 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 extension of the wiper 3 in the axial direction.Second embodiment

[0037] Analogous to the first embodiment, also the second embodiment is designed (see Fig. 5).

[0038] In difference to the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown with a bottle neck 22 that can comprise an external thread. The advantages of the features of the second embodiment do not necessarily need a bottle neck and therefore can also be installed at a neckless bottle. The bottle 2 and preferably the bottle neck 22 comprise two holding means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost holding means is embodied as the snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 is preferably designed as a ring-like undercut on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper. The snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3 in the case shown preferably is a circumferential ring-like protrusion.

[0039] The uppermost holding means is preferably embodied as another snap-in means 12 that is coupled with a corresponding snap-in means 13 of a different part. This different part can be the closure cap 5, the connector 14 or a plug 24 - in the case shown in Fig. 5 the plug 24. This uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2 is preferably also designed as a ring-like undercut on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the plug 24. Said plug in the case shown is a rotationally symmetrical body with a circular base area and said snap-in means 13. The snap-in means 13 of the plug 24 in the shown case preferably is a circumferential ring-like protrusion. The plug is therefore placed above the wiper 3 seen in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis A. This plug 24 is a simple way of closing the bottle 2 in order to seal and / or close the bottle also without a closure cap 5 or connector 14. Yet, it is preferred that the plug 24 is just a temporary part that remains on the bottle 2 for example in order to be sold separately from the closure cap 5. It is preferred that the plug 24 then has to be removed by the user in order to get access to the content of the bottle 2. From that moment on, it preferred that the plug 24 is not used anymore and the bottle 2 afterwards is closed by the corresponding closure cap 5 or the connector 14. Therefore, it is preferred that the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2 is suitable for receiving the plug 24 with its snap-in means 13 as intended and also the closure cap 5 or the connector 14 with their snap-in means 6 as intended. The bottle 2 shown in Fig. 5 can therefore hold either a plug 24 or a closure cap 5 or connector 14 (not shown in any Figures).

[0040] So that the wiper 3 can be inserted comfortably into and fixed to the snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2, the lowermost snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 has to be positioned more radially inwards (towards the Longitudinal axis A) than the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2 and / or the radius of the ring-like undercut of the lowermost snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 is bigger than the radius of the ring-like undercut of the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2. This way, the wiper 3 or better its snap-in means 6 does not accidentally slip into the uppermost snap-in means 12 of the bottle 2. Furthermore, this is also beneficial for the demoulding of the bottle 2 after its manufacture.

[0041] Since the bottle 2 here preferably forms a bottle neck 22, the wiper 3 is positioned that way within the bottle neck 22, that the lowermost snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3 and the corresponding snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 are positioned in the middle area of the bottle neck 22, seen in longitudinal direction of the bottle neck 22.

[0042] Said plug 24 can be designed as it is in Fig. 5, but preferably comprises a means with which it can be pulled out of its snapped-in state and therefore out of the bottle. It is preferred that a tool is needed in order to do so, so that the plug cannot unintentionally be removed from the bottle 2. Examples for the shape of the plug 24 and the corresponding means to unplug it, can be seen in Fig. 6 to Fig. 9.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a first possibility for a plug 24 with a snap-in means 13 and a male part 28. This male part 28 does need a corresponding female part 29. This corresponding female part 29 is preferably installed at the closure cap 5 of the applicator unit 1, preferably on top of the closure cap 5.

[0044] This part schematically can be seen in Fig. 7. In this way, the plug 24 can only be unplugged if one applicator unit 1 and therefore one closure cap 5 is already owned by the user.

[0045] Fig. 8 analogously shows a second possibility for a plug 24 with a snap-in means 13 and a female part 29. This female part 29 does need a corresponding male part 28. This corresponding male part 28 is preferably installed at the closure cap 5 of the applicator unit 1, preferably on top of the closure cap 5. This part schematically can be seen in Fig. 9. In this way, the plug 24 can only be unplugged if one applicator unit 1 and therefore one closure cap 5 is already owned by the user.Third embodiment

[0046] A third embodiment of the applicator unit 1 can be explained with Figure 10 and Figure 11. Fig. 10 shows a bottle 2 of an applicator unit 1. The bottle 2 is sealed by a removable sealing. This removable sealing is formed by a bottle extension 26 that can be forcibly separated my means of a breaking zone 27 formed by a weakened area. In Fig. 10, the bottle 2 also comprises a bottle neck 22 with a thread, which does not have to be the case, when using this kind of sealing.

[0047] The bottle extension 26 forming the removable sealing can be broken away preferably by twisting and forms a male part 28 of twist-coupling for that purpose.

[0048] Fig. 11 shows a schematic closure cap 5 for the bottle 2 from Fig. 10. This closure cap comprises the corresponding female part 29 of twist-coupling, preferably on the top of the closure cap 5. Therefore, a tool-less twisting off of the bottle extension can be performed. This mechanism is known already for example in opening toothpaste tubes.Fourth embodiment

[0049] Fig. 12 schematically shows a bottle 2 of the fourth embodiment of the applicator unit 1. This bottle 2 comprises a removable sealing in the shape of a metal foil 25 that is glued to the upper end face of the bottle 2 and therefore sealing its removal opening. This metal foil 25 can either be designed that is does not radially protrude the outer contour of the bottle 2 in the area of its removal opening or - as it is shown in Fig. 12 - the metal foil 25 can at least partly protrude radially over the outer contour of the bottle 2 in the area of its removal opening. If it is wanted, the metal foil 25 can at least partly protrude this much that the metal foil 25 can be removed by hand by just pulling it off the bottle. It is also preferred that the metal foil 25 does not protrude or at least not as much as to grab the protruding part by hand. Therefore, for example a piercing means is needed in order to open the bottle 2. This piercing means is preferably also provided by the closure cap 5.REFERENCE LIST

[0050] 1Applicator unit 2Bottle 3Wiper 4Applicator 5Closure cap 6Snap-in means of the wiper 7Snap-in means of the bottle (lowermost) 8Not assigned 9Ring 10Plug portion 11Stem of the applicator 12Another snap-in means of the bottle (uppermost) 13Snap-in means of the closure cap or connector 14Connector 15Clamping section 16Not assigned 17Topside of the wiper 18Upper end face of the bottle 19Ring-like interspace 20Stem 21Bristled applicator portion 22Bottle neck 23Circumferential protrusion 24Plug 25Metal foil 26Bottle extension 27Breaking zone 28Male part 29Female part ALongitudinal axis

Examples

first embodiment

First embodiment

[0026]Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a first embodiment of the applicator unit 1 according to the invention, while Fig. 3 shows its bottle 2 and Fig. 4 its closure cap 5 with the connector 14 and the applicator 4 in single view.

[0027]In the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown as a neckless tube with the longitudinal axis A and with closed bottom und open upper end face 18, where the opening is located (see Fig. 3). It has to be mentioned that the bottle 2 does not have to be a neckless tube, but can be - in the same way as described later on - arranged at a necked bottle. The bottle 2 forms two holding means, one above the other on the inside of the bottle 2. The lowermost holding means of the bottle 2 is embodied as a snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The wiper 3 - when properly mounted as intended - is fully enclosed by the bottle 2 and the wiper 3 is fixed within the bottle 2 by insertion of its snap-in means 6 into...

second embodiment

Second embodiment

[0037]Analogous to the first embodiment, also the second embodiment is designed (see Fig. 5).

[0038]In difference to the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown with a bottle neck 22 that can comprise an external thread. The advantages of the features of the second embodiment do not necessarily need a bottle neck and therefore can also be installed at a neckless bottle. The bottle 2 and preferably the bottle neck 22 comprise two holding means, one above the other, wherein the lowermost holding means is embodied as the snap-in means 7 that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3. The snap-in means 7 of the bottle 2 is preferably designed as a ring-like undercut on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the corresponding snap-in means 6 of the wiper. The snap-in means 6 of the wiper 3 in the case shown preferably is a circumferential ring-like protrusion.

[0039]The uppermost holding means is preferably embodied as another snap-in means 12 th...

third embodiment

Third embodiment

[0046]A third embodiment of the applicator unit 1 can be explained with Figure 10 and Figure 11. Fig. 10 shows a bottle 2 of an applicator unit 1. The bottle 2 is sealed by a removable sealing. This removable sealing is formed by a bottle extension 26 that can be forcibly separated my means of a breaking zone 27 formed by a weakened area. In Fig. 10, the bottle 2 also comprises a bottle neck 22 with a thread, which does not have to be the case, when using this kind of sealing.

[0047]The bottle extension 26 forming the removable sealing can be broken away preferably by twisting and forms a male part 28 of twist-coupling for that purpose.

[0048]Fig. 11 shows a schematic closure cap 5 for the bottle 2 from Fig. 10. This closure cap comprises the corresponding female part 29 of twist-coupling, preferably on the top of the closure cap 5. Therefore, a tool-less twisting off of the bottle extension can be performed. This mechanism is known already for example in opening tooth...

Claims

1. A liquid or pasty agent applicator unit (1) 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 stuck through the wiper (3) into the bottle (2) to pick up and carry away an amount of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper (3), when properly mounted, is fully enclosed by the bottle (2) and wherein the wiper (3) is fixed within the bottle (2) by insertion of its snap-in means (6) into a corresponding snap-in 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 embodied as the snap-in means (7) that is coupled with the corresponding snap-in means (6) of the wiper (3).

2. The applicator unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the uppermost holding means of the bottle (2) is embodied as a ring (9) exerting a radial pressure on a plug portion (10) of the closure cap (5) or a connector (14) when being pressed against or into the ring (9), so that the ring (9) and the plug portion (10) are frictionally coupled.

3. The applicator unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the uppermost holding means is embodied as another snap-in means (12) that is coupled with a corresponding snap-in means (13) of the closure cap (5), the connector (14) or a plug (24).

4. The applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap (5) or the connector (14) has a clamping section (15) which, when the applicator unit (1) is completely closed, expands into the inner side of the inlet area of the wiper (3).

5. The applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottle (2) is a tube with a bottle neck (22) or a neckless tube, which has at least one ring-like undercut as a snap-in means (7) on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the wiper (3) and that has preferably a second ring-like undercut as a snap-in means (12) on the inner peripheral surface for receiving the closure cap (5), the connector (14) or the plug (24).

6. The applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the topside (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 extension of the wiper (3) in the axial direction.

7. The applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is directly above the wiper (3) also in fully closed state of the applicator unit (1) a ring-like interspace (19) between the circumference of the closure cap (5) or the connector (14) protruding into the bottle (2) and the inner peripheral surface of the bottle (2).

8. The applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator (4) comprises a stem (20) that is a short stem with an axial length of less than 50% of the axial length of the bristled applicator portion (21).

9. The applicator unit (1) preferably, but not only according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a bottle (2), a wiper (3), and an applicator (4) as well as a closure cap (5) for closing the bottle (2), whereas the applicator (4) can be stuck through the wiper (3) into the bottle (2) to pick up and carry away an amount of said liquid or pasty agent, wherein the wiper (3), when properly mounted, is fully enclosed by the bottle (2) and wherein the wiper (3) is fixed within the bottle (2), characterized in that the bottle (2) is sealed by a removable sealing positioned behind the wiper (3) .

10. The applicator unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the removable sealing takes shape of a plastic foil or metal foil (25) that is welded or glued onto the upper end face (18) of the bottle (2) confining the removal opening of the bottle (2).

11. The applicator unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the removable sealing is formed as a bottle extension (26) that can be forcibly separated by means of a breaking zone (27) formed by a weakened area.

12. The applicator unit (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the bottle extension (26) forming the sealing can be broken away by twisting and forms the male part (28) or female part (29) of twist-coupling for that purpose.

13. The applicator unit (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the female part (29) or male part (28) of twist-coupling is formed by the closure cap (5), preferably the top of the closure cap (5), or formed by the bottom of the bottle (2), so that a tool-less twisting off of the bottle extension (26) is only possible for those consumers who have bought two refills at the same time or who have previously bought the complete applicator unit (1) altogether and not only a refill.

14. The applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottle (2) forms a bottle neck (22), wherein the wiper (3) is positioned that way within the bottle neck (22), that the snap-in means (6) of the wiper (3) and the corresponding snap-in means (7) of the bottle (2) are positioned in the middle of the bottle neck (22), seen in longitudinal direction of the bottle neck (22).

15. The applicator unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lowermost snap-in means (7) of the bottle (2) is positioned more radially inwards than the uppermost snap-in means (12) of the bottle (2) and / or the radius of the ring-like undercut of the lowermost snap-in means (7) of the bottle (2) is bigger than the radius of the ring-like undercut of the uppermost snap-in means (12) of the bottle (2).

Images