Applicator and method of forming an applicator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator (10), in particular a dental applicator, comprising an applicator head (10) having an applicator tip (14) and an elongated body portion (16), the applicator (10) being made from two parts (12, 16) of different materials and comprising two twists (18, 20), one of the two twists being disposed in a portion of the applicator where the two different parts at least partially overlap one another. The present invention further relates to a method of forming the applicator.

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator, particularly a dental applicator, Tip and an elongated body portion, the applicator being made from two parts of different materials, Bending part Includes two Bending part One of the components is disposed in a portion of the applicator where the two different components at least partially overlap one another. The present invention further relates to a method of forming an applicator.

[0002] Applicators are well known in the dental and medical fields, particularly for treating a patient's gums, teeth, interdental spaces, etc. Applicators can be used to apply fluids such as creams, medicinal solutions, ointments, etc. to a patient's mouth or body part.

[0003] To perform various tasks, applicators generally have applicator tips that are configured to perform precise applications. For example, brushes are known for cleaning between a patient's teeth, and foams are also known for applying dental or medical fluids to areas of the oral cavity. It would be desirable to provide an applicator that can be deformed for a particular application and that reliably maintains its shape after deformation, particularly with respect to hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity.

[0004] Additionally, the applicator tip must be secured to the applicator handle so that neither the applicator tip nor any part of it falls off when the applicator is in use.

[0005] For this reason, the present invention Problem The object of the present invention is to have available an applicator that is simple to use, maintains its shape and form during use, and does not loosen its parts upon use.

[0006] This problem is met by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0007] For example, such an applicator, particularly a dental applicator, has an applicator tip Applicator head having and an elongated body portion, and the applicator is made from two parts of different materials, and the two Bending part are provided, and the two Bending part of one of them is arranged in a part of the applicator where the two different parts at least partially overlap each other.

[0008] By forming an applicator of two parts, particularly an applicator of only two parts, in use Parts are lost re is avoided so that an applicator that is not lost is made available.

[0009] Furthermore, by forming an applicator of two parts of different materials, each part can be adjusted according to its specific use.

[0010] For example, providing an elongated body portion as a handle, particularly Elongated body part when it is made of a material that is harder and less flexible than the applicator head, and thus a more robust material, enables good tactile control of the applicator tip during use of the applicator.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, by providing an applicator head having an applicator tip integrally formed with the applicator tip, the number of different components of the applicator is reduced, and thus 、 the risk that the Parts is lost during use is reduced.

[0012] Such an applicator head formed of a second material can be formed of a material that is softer and / or more flexible than the material of the elongated body portion, and thus can be used more effectively for a specific application.

[0013] Two Bending partBy providing this, it becomes possible to manufacture an applicator that can be easily deformed for a specific use of the applicator to reach hard-to-reach areas in the patient's oral cavity.

[0014] By forming one of the two Bending part in the area of the applicator where two parts of the applicator overlap each other, the applicator is provided with improved stability in this part of the applicator, and as a result, an applicator that can be deformed in a stable shape is provided, and this change in shape is also maintained during the use of the applicator to improve the application result.

[0015] One of the two parts made of different materials may be an elongated body part, and the other of the two parts made of different materials may be an applicator head. Preferably, the applicator head comprises an integrally formed applicator tip. An applicator having such a design is more stable in use and avoids the prior art problems associated with loss of parts of the applicator.

[0016] A part of the applicator head may overlap a part of the elongated body part. In this way, the applicator can be formed, for example, in an injection molding process or Additive manufacturing in a process, and the two parts are removably attached to each other during normal use of the applicator.

[0017] The cross-section of the elongated body part along at least most of the length of the elongated body part is at least substantially formed by one of a triangle and a roulo triangle, or is formed by one of a triangle and a roulo triangle. By forming the applicator in this way, it is ensured that on the surface where the applicator is placed, the applicator tip is not contaminated during use, and further use of the applicator is not required, which does not play a role in increasing the treatment time and cost.

[0018] In this regard, most means more than half of the length of the elongated body portion, specifically more than 70% of the length of the elongated body portion, preferably more than 85%.

[0019] The applicator tip can comprise either a brush with bristles or a foam. Such an applicator tip can be reliably used for different medical and dental applications.

[0020] The applicator tip may be configured to store liquid therein. In this way, dental fluid can be introduced into the patient's oral cavity for treatment of the target site, or unwanted fluid can be removed from the patient after successful treatment of the patient. By way of example, the applicator tip can be configured to store 6 - 15 mg of dental fluid, preferably 8 - 12 mg of dental fluid.

[0021] Two Bending part of which one may be arranged directly adjacent to the portion of the elongated body portion formed at least substantially by a loop or triangle. In this way, one of them can be formed on a part made of a material with a stable shape and form even after deformation. Its Bending part

[0022] The applicator tip may be a brush with bristles, and the brush and bristles are formed by at least one of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO). In this way, a user - friendly applicator can be made available.

[0023] ​​By way of example, such a material can be Santoprene 8281, and further examples of TPE materials derived from block copolymer groups are, inter alia, CAWITON, THERMOLAST K, THERMOLAST M, Arnitel, Hytrel, Dryflex, Mediprene, Kraton, Pibiflex, Sofprene, and Laprene. Among these styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s) are CAWITON, THERMOLAST K, THERMOLAST M, Sofprene, Dryflex and Laprene. Laripur, Desmopan or Elastollan are examples of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). Sarlink, Santoprene, Termoton, Solprene, THERMOLAST V, Vegaprene or Forprene are examples of TPV materials. Examples of thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO) compounds are ForTecE, Engage and Ninjaflex.

[0024] Two Bending part may be configured to be bent in one direction, particularly only in one direction, such that the applicator tip can be directed upward relative to the elongated body portion. This allows for the formation of a hook-shaped applicator in use, providing sufficient freedom of use of the applicator as the applicator can be bent in one direction at each Bending part which means that it can be bent in one direction.

[0025] Two Bending part of which at least one may be configured as a circumferentially extending groove, for example, the groove having a spherical, circular, elliptical, triangular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. By providing an applicator having such a groove, the user is particularly is able to bend the applicator 360° about the longitudinal axis so as to manipulate the position of the applicator tip for a given desired application.

[0026] The applicator head may be made of a material different from that of the elongated body portion. For example, the applicator head may be made of a material that is softer and / or more flexible than the material of the elongated body portion. This means that the applicator head can be adjusted according to a specific use of the applicator.

[0027] The elongated body portion may be made of either polypropylene or polylactic acid. Such plastics are stable in shape and size even after undergoing a certain amount of deformation.

[0028] The applicator head can include a material selected from the group of members consisting of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), thermoplastic olefin elastomers (TPO), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), and combinations of the foregoing. Such thermoplastic elastomers are, for example, flexible and soft in dental applications and can store fluids.

[0029] The applicator head may be configured to receive a portion of the elongated body portion. This means that, to improve the attachment of the applicator head to the elongated body portion, a portion of the elongated body portion may extend into the applicator head and, in some cases, through a portion of the applicator head.

[0030] A portion of the elongated body portion received within the applicator head can include one or more centering elements. For example, two groups of centering elements that are axially spaced apart from each other are provided. The centering elements enable accurate positioning of the applicator head on the elongated body portion and can also provide rotational security to prevent rotation of the applicator head relative to the elongated body portion.

[0031] Bending part One of which is the applicator head'sThat part parts of the elongated body portion that can be received within the dispenser head and the applicator head. In this way, the second Its is also provided in a part of the applicator having a material property that is harder and more rigid than the applicator head. Bending part Its

[0032] The applicator tip may be a foam applicator tip made of an open-cell foam having pores. Such an applicator tip can be used to dispense dental or medical fluids in a suitable manner.

[0033] The applicator can further comprise a wavy surface or the like. Such a wavy surface can function as a grip for holding the applicator. In this regard, it should be noted that other forms of grips may also be provided that allow for improved gripping of the applicator in use.

[0034] The wavy surface may be provided to cover 5 - 30%, preferably 10 - 25% of the outer surface of the elongated body portion. In this way, the length of the grip can be selected to approximately correspond to the width of 1 - 3 fingers of the user of the applicator.

[0035] The wavy surface can comprise a plurality of peaks and valleys. Such a wavy surface is, for example, easy to manufacture in an injection molding process.

[0036] The applicator can include one or more first injection points. These can advantageously be formed in that part of the mold used to form the elongated body portion.

[0037] One or more first injection points may be provided in the elongated body portion. In this way, the material of the elongated body portion can be injected into the corresponding mold in that part of the mold designed for the elongated body portion so that the material of the elongated body portion does not have to flow through undesirable regions of the mold.

[0038] One of the one or more first injection points may be provided on the wavy surface. Since the structure of such a wavy surface can be more filamentous than the structure of the elongated body portion, in order for the material to flow more easily within a part of the mold formed to shape the wavy surface, that is, within the grip, it may be necessary to provide an injection point at a position corresponding to that part of the mold where the wavy surface is formed.

[0039] One or more second injection points can be provided. These can preferably be designed to inject a second type of material into the mold of the applicator.

[0040] By way of example, one or more second injection points may be provided on the applicator head. In this way, the second injection point can advantageously be arranged at the position where the injection mold injects the material of the applicator head.

[0041] Advantageously, one or more second injection points are arranged on the Bending part provided in. In this way, the material of the applicator head can Bending part flow more easily around and, in some cases, also flow into at least one region of the first and second types of centering elements.

[0042] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of forming an applicator, in particular a dental applicator, the applicator comprising an applicator tip Applicator head having and an elongated body portion Part to and the applicator is made from two parts of different materials and comprises two Bending part and one of the two Bending part is arranged in a part of the applicator where the two different parts at least partially overlap each other, and the method includes the step of injection molding the elongated body portion and then the step of overmolding a part of the applicator head onto a part of the elongated body portion to injection mold the applicator head.

[0043] In this way, the applicator can be manufactured in a quick, easy and cost-effective manner. Further embodiments of the present invention are described in the drawings attached hereto and / or in the following description of the dependent claims. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings shown in the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

Figure 1a

Figure 1b

Figure 2

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8a

Figure 8b

Figure 8c

[0045] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same or equivalent functions. Any description made in consideration of the direction of the components is made with respect to the positions shown in the drawings, and may of course vary at the actual application positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Figure 1a shows an applicator 10. The applicator 10 includes an applicator tip 14 Applicator head 12 having and an elongated body portion 1 6 to The applicator 10 is made of two parts 16, 12 of different materials. One of the two parts made of different materials is the elongated body portion 16, and the other of the two parts 16, 12 made of different materials is the applicator head 12.

[0047] The applicator further includes a first Bending part 18 and a second Bending part 20, and one of the two Bending part is disposed on a part of the applicator 10 where the two different parts 12, 16 overlap at least partially with each other. 18

[0048] The applicator tip 14 includes a brush 24 having a plurality of bristles 26. The bristles 26 are sized for a particular application. The brush 24 and the bristles 26 are formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The applicator tip 14 is configured to store 5 - 15 mg of a liquid (not shown) therein.

[0049] It should be noted in this regard that the hardness of the applicator head 12 and the applicator tip 14 may be selected within a hardness range from 20 Shore OO to 90 Shore A.

[0050] The bristles 26 can have a diameter selected in the range of 0.1 - 1 mm and / or a length selected in the range of 0.2 - 4 mm.

[0051] The bristles 26 may be cylindrical in shape or may have a frustoconical shape, in which case the diameter is the diameter at half the length of the bristles 26.

[0052] The number of bristles can be selected in the range of 20 - 100, preferably in the range of 30 - 50.

[0053] Figure 1b shows a side view of the elongated body portion 16. The cross-section of the elongated body portion 16 is formed by the triangular shape of the roulette between the front end 20 and the rear end 38. The elongated body portion 16 can have this shape over 60% to 85% of its length L, preferably 75% to 80% of its length. Bending part The applicator head 12 is made of a material different from that of the elongated body portion 16. The elongated body portion 16 may be made of either polypropylene (PP) or polylactic acid (PLA).

[0054] It should be noted that in this regard, the hardness of the elongated body portion 16 may be selected within a hardness range of 45 Shore D hardness to 96 Shore D hardness, preferably 70 Shore D hardness to 90 Shore D hardness.

[0055]

[0056] and provided with first and second types of centering elements 30, 32, and these first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 are The front end 40 of the elongated body portion 16 is to used when molding the applicator head 12 over a part of the elongated body portion 16 to form the applicator head 12 on the elongated body portion 16 aligned centrally . and to provide rotational safety with respect to the elongated body portion 16 in use to prevent rotation of the applicator head 12 with respect to the elongated body portion 16.

[0057] The applicator head is molded on a part of the elongated body portion 16 with a layer thickness selected in the range of 0.05 to 3 mm, preferably 0.1 to 2 mm.

[0058] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the brush 24 of the applicator 10 of Figure 1. It can also be seen that the second type of centering element 32 not only extends into the applicator head 12 but also penetrates through the applicator head 12.

[0059] ​In contrast, the first type of centering element 30 only extends within the applicator head 12 and does not penetrate through the applicator head 12.

[0060] The heights of the first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A can be selected in the range of 0.05 to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2 mm.

[0061] In this regard, it should be noted that the length of the first type of centering element 30 transverse to the longitudinal axis A may be selected in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 5 mm.

[0062] In this regard, it should be noted that the width of the first type of centering element 30 parallel to the longitudinal axis A may be selected in the range of 0.01 to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 1 mm.

[0063] In this regard, it should be noted that the length of the second type of centering element 32 along the longitudinal axis A may be selected in the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 2 cm.

[0064] In this regard, it should be noted that the width of the second type of centering element 32 along the longitudinal axis A may be selected in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm.

[0065] The second type of centering element 32 is arranged between the applicator tip 14 and the first Bending part and 18.

[0066] Both the first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 are engaged with the applicator head and are formed as a rectangular structure that prevents the movement of the applicator head relative to the elongated body portion 16.

[0067] When the applicator head 12 is formed on the elongated body portion 16, a continuous outer surface 44 of the applicator 10 is formed, and an outer portion of the second type of centering element 32 forms a part of the continuous outer surface 44.

[0068] The applicator head 12 tapers in diameter between the Bending part 20 and the applicator tip 14.

[0069] FIG. 3a shows a side view of the elongated body portion 16, and FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the connecting portion 36 of the elongated body portion 16. The applicator head 12 is injection molded onto the elongated body portion 16 over the length of the connecting portion. The length of the connecting portion 36 is selected as 10 to 30% of the length L of the elongated body portion 16 between the front end 40 and the rear end 38.

[0070] FIGS. 4a and 4b show enlarged views of the triangular shape of the applicator 10. FIG. 4a shows the attached applicator tip 14, and FIG. 4b shows the applicator tip 14 removed from the elongated body portion 16.

[0071] The first Bending part 18 is disposed in the connecting portion 36, that is, the portion of the applicator 10 where the applicator head 12 is overmolded onto the elongated body portion 16, and the second Its 20 is disposed only on the elongated body portion 16. Bending part 20 is disposed only on the elongated body portion 16.

[0072] Both the first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 protrude from the outer surface 42 of the connecting portion 36.

[0073] The first type of centering element 30 centers the second type of centering element 32 Cross-cutting and also the longitudinal axis A of the applicator 10 that extends parallel to the main extension direction of the applicator 10. So as to cross-cut By arranging the first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 relative to each other So as to cross in this way, the safety against rotation can be improved.

[0074] The second type of centering element 32 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the applicator 10.

[0075] The two types of centering elements 30, 32 are arranged axially spaced apart from each other, and the second type of centering element 32 is between the first type of centering element 30 and the second Bending part 22.

[0076] It should be noted in this regard that the distance between the first type of centering element 30 and the second type of centering element 32 along the longitudinal axis A may be selected in the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3 cm.

[0077] In the illustrated example, two first type of centering elements 30 and two second type of centering elements 32 are provided in respective groups, and each centering element 30, 32 of each group is arranged on both sides of the elongated body portion 16.

[0078] It should be noted in this regard that 1 to 4 of such first and second type of centering elements 30, 32, that is, one or one first and four second type of centering elements 30, 32 can be provided respectively from each centering element 30, 32.

[0079] The second Bending part 20 is arranged directly adjacent to the portion of the elongated body portion 16 formed at least substantially by the triangle of the rouleau. Its portion.

[0080] Two Bending part18 and 20 can be bent at any angle in a 360° radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, while being configured to bend in one direction. The triangular body enables the applicator 10 to be placed on a flat surface without rolling off, and the applicator 10 can be arranged on the flat surface with the applicator tip 14 facing outward from the flat surface, that is, with respect to the elongated body portion 16.

[0081] First and second Bending part 18 and 20 are each configured as circumferentially extending grooves 22. The groove 22 can have a cross-section that is one of spherical, circular, elliptical, and triangular, which traverses the longitudinal axis A of the applicator 10.

[0082] In the direction traversing the longitudinal axis A, the second Bending part width of the groove 22 of 20 is Bending part 18 greater than the width of the groove 22 of the first

[0083] In this regard, it should be noted that the width of the groove 22 of the second Bending part 20 can be selected in the range of 1% to 5% of the length L of the applicator 10.

[0084] In this regard, it should be further noted that the second Bending part 20 is arranged at a length corresponding to 10 to 30% of the length L of the applicator 10.

[0085] In this regard, it should be further noted that the width of the groove 22 of the first Bending part 18 is selected in the range of 0.2 to 1% of the length of the applicator 10.

[0086] In this regard, it should be further noted that the first Bending part 18 is arranged at a length corresponding to 2 to 10% of the length L of the applicator 10.

[0087] FIG. 5 shows a view of a further applicator 10 having a foam applicator tip 14 made from an open-cell foam having pores 34. The material of the applicator tip 14 made of foam may be any of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), and combinations of the foregoing.

[0088] FIG. 6 shows a view of a further applicator head 12. The applicator tip 14 has four jaws 44 that form a cage 46 capable of collecting fluid when the applicator 10 of FIG. 6 is in use.

[0089] The jaws 44 are connected to each other at each end, are curved in shape, and converge at a tip 48 at the farthest point of the applicator 10.

[0090] FIG. 7 shows a view of a further applicator head 12. The applicator tip 14 is a brush 24 having bristles 26. In contrast to the brush 24 having bristles 26 shown in connection with FIGS. 1 - 4, the bristles 26 extend only in two directions that are parallel to each other and are oriented longitudinally rather than radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0091] A method of forming the applicator 10 can include the step of injection molding an elongate body portion 16 and then injection molding an applicator head 12 over a portion of the elongate body portion 16.

[0092] When using the applicator 10, the user determines the location where the applicator 10 is intended to be used and then, even if the target site is difficult to reach, before using the applicator tip 14, the first and second Bending part 18, 20 One of the applicator tips 14 can be bent at least once with respect to the elongate body portion 16.

[0093] Figures 8a - 8c show a further type of applicator 10. This applicator 10 has a wavy surface 46. Such a wavy surface 46 can be advantageously used by the user of the applicator 10 to grip the applicator 10 in an improved way.

[0094] The wavy surface 46 is provided so as to cover approximately 20% of the outer surface of the elongated body portion 16. In this regard, it should be noted that it can be arranged to cover 5 - 30%, preferably 10 - 25% of the outer surface of the elongated body portion 16.

[0095] The wavy surface 46 has a plurality of peaks 52 and valleys 54. In the illustrated example, 13 peaks 52 and 12 valleys are provided. In this regard, it should be noted that respective numbers of peaks 52 and valleys 54 selected in the range of 5 to 40 can be provided. Generally, it is desirable that when the number of peaks 52 provided is one more than the number of valleys 54, i.e., when 6 peaks are provided, 5 valleys 54 can be provided, and when 40 peaks 52 are provided, 39 valleys 54 can be provided.

[0096] As can also be seen from Figure 8a, two first injection points 48 and one second injection point 50 are provided. The first injection point 48 is provided on the elongated body portion 16, and the second injection point 50 is provided on the applicator head 12.

[0097] As can be seen from the enlarged view of Figure 8b, one of the first injection points 48 is provided on the wavy surface 46, and the second injection point 50 is provided at 18 arranged on the applicator head 12. Bending part 18 is provided.

[0098] In this regard, the term injection point refers to where the material of each component is injected into the mold to form the applicator 10. Structure and This structure it should be noted that it remains visible on the outer surface of the applicator 10 within the region where the material of each is injected into the mold to form the corresponding part of the applicator 10.

[0099] Figure 8c shows the position remaining after the formation of each part, Structure i.e., a side view of the applicator of Figure 8b showing their injection points 48, 50.

[0100] Each injection point 48, 50 is where Provided in the vicinity of the filamentous component and formed such that when the material has the highest temperature and pressure at the injection nozzle, the material flows out best from this point from the injection nozzle (not shown), that is,[ the material is ejected from the nozzles Or and into these filamentary components in the best possible way. Formed to flow in .

[0101] It should also be noted that the grip shown in the form of the wavy surface 46 in Figures 8a - 8c can also be formed on other types of applicators 10 shown above. Similarly, other types of applicators can also The first and second injection points respectively existing in the region of the applicator 10, which improve efficiency and improve the results,[ advantageously inject the material into the molds for forming each part . and can have first and second injection points.

Explanation of Signs

[0102] 10 Applicator 12 Applicator head 14 Applicator tip 16 Elongated body part 18 First Bending part 20 Second Bending part 22 Groove 24 Brush 26 Bristle 28 Foam 30 First type of centering element 32 Second type of centering element 34 Pore 36 Connection part 38 Rear end of 16 40 Front end of 16 42 Outer surface of 36 44 Claw 46 Wavy surface 48 First injection point 50 Second injection point 52 Peak 54 Valley A Longitudinal axis The length of L16

Claims

**Claim 1**: An applicator (10) comprising an applicator head (12) having an applicator tip (14) and an elongated body portion (16). The applicator head (12) is configured to receive a part of the elongated body portion (16). The applicator head (12) and the elongated body portion (16) are made of different materials from each other. The applicator (10) comprises two bent portions (18, 20). An applicator (10), wherein one of the two bent portions (18) is disposed at a part of the applicator (10) where the applicator head (12) and the elongated body portion (16) at least partially overlap each other. **Claim 2** The applicator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the elongated body portion (16) is at least substantially formed by one of a triangle and a lozenge-shaped triangle in at least more than half of the length (L) of the elongated body portion (16). **Claim 3**: The applicator (10) according to claim 2, wherein one of the two bent portions (18, 20) is disposed directly adjacent to a part of the elongated body portion (16) that is at least substantially formed by the lozenge-shaped triangle. **Claim 4** The applicator tip (14) comprises one of a brush (24) having bristles (26) and a foam (28), and / or The applicator tip (14) is configured to store liquid therein. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. **Claim 5** The applicator (10) according to claim 4, wherein the applicator tip (14) is a foam applicator tip (14) made of an open-cell foam having pores (34). **Claim 6** The applicator tip (14) is a brush (24) having bristles (26), and the brush (24) and the bristles (26) are formed by at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and a thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO). The applicator (10) according to claim 4. **Claim 7** The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the two bent portions (18, 20) are configured to be bent in one direction such that the applicator tip (14) faces upward with respect to the elongated body portion (16).

8. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the two bent portions (18, 20) is configured as a groove (22) extending around the applicator (10), and the groove (22) has a circular, elliptical, or triangular cross-section that crosses the longitudinal axis (A) of the applicator (10).

9. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elongated body portion (16) is made of one of polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA).

10. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the applicator head (12) includes a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), and combinations of the foregoing.

11. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a part of the elongated body portion (16) received in the applicator head (12) includes one or more centering elements (30, 32) to prevent rotation of the applicator head (12) with respect to the elongated body portion (16).

12. The applicator (10) according to claim 11, wherein two groups of centering elements (30, 32) spaced apart axially from each other are provided on a part of the elongated body portion (16) received in the applicator head (12).

13. The applicator (10) according to claim 12, wherein one of the bent portions (18) is disposed on a part of the applicator head (12) and on a part of the elongated body portion (16) received in the applicator head (12).

14. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or more first injection points (48) are provided on the elongated body portion (16).

15. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a corrugated surface (46) on the outer surface of the elongated body portion (16).

16.

15. The applicator (10) according to claim 15, wherein the corrugated surface (46) is provided so as to cover 5 to 30% of the outer surface of the elongated body portion (16).

17. The applicator (10) according to claim 16, wherein the corrugated surface (46) is provided so as to cover 10 to 25% of the outer surface of the elongated body portion (16).

18.

15. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the corrugated surface comprises a plurality of ridges (52) and valleys (54).

19. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein one or more first injection points (48) are provided on the corrugated surface (46).

20. The applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein one or more second injection points (50) are provided on the applicator head (12).

21.

20. The applicator (10) according to claim 20, wherein the one or more second injection points are provided at the bent portion (18) disposed on the applicator head (12).

22. A method of forming the applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising: injecting and molding an elongated body portion (16); then overmolding a part of the applicator head (12) onto a part of the elongated body portion (16) and injecting and molding the applicator head (12). A method comprising the above steps.

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