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, Bent section Includes two Bent section 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 the patient's mouth or body parts.

[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 assignment 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 project is met by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0007] For example, such applicators, particularly dental applicators, may have an applicator tip an applicator head having and an elongated body portion, the applicator being made from two parts of different materials, Bent section Equipped with two Bent section One of the components is disposed in a portion of the applicator where the two different components at least partially overlap each other.

[0008] By forming an applicator that is two parts, and especially only two parts, Parts Lost Re To prevent a part of the applicator from coming off during use so that an applicator that is not broken can be used.

[0009] Additionally, by forming the two-part applicator of different materials, each part can be tailored to its particular use.

[0010] For example, the provision of an elongated body portion as a handle may be particularly advantageous if: Long, thin body is made of a harder, less flexible and therefore more robust material than the applicator head, allowing for good tactile control of the applicator tip during use of the applicator.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, a 、 By providing an applicator head with an applicator tip, the number of different components of the applicator is reduced and therefore the applicator can be easily assembled during use. parts The risk of loss is reduced.

[0012] Such an applicator head formed from a second material may, for example, be formed from a softer and / or more flexible material than the material of the elongate body portion and therefore may be more effectively used in certain applications.

[0013] Two Bent sectionThis allows for the manufacture of an applicator that can be easily modified for a particular use of the applicator to reach hard to reach areas within a patient's mouth.

[0014] Two holes are placed in the area of ​​the applicator where the two parts of the applicator overlap each other. Bent section Forming one of these provides the applicator with improved stability in this portion of the applicator, resulting in an applicator that can deform in a stable shape, and this shape change is also maintained during use of the applicator to improve application results.

[0015] One of the two parts made of different materials can be the elongated body portion, and the other of the two parts made of different materials can be the applicator head, preferably with an integrally formed applicator tip. Applicators having such a design are more stable in use and avoid prior art problems associated with loss of applicator parts.

[0016] A portion of the applicator head may overlap a portion of the elongate body portion. In this manner, the applicator may be molded, for example, by an injection molding process or additive manufacturing The two parts can be formed in a process such that they are permanently attached to one another during normal use of the applicator.

[0017] The cross section of the elongate body portion along at least a majority of its length is at least substantially defined by one of a triangle and a Reuleaux triangle, or by one of a triangle and a Reuleaux triangle. Forming the applicator in this manner ensures that the applicator tip does not become contaminated in use on the surface on which it is placed, necessitating the use of additional applicators and serving to increase the time and cost of treatment.

[0018] In this context, most means more than half the length of the elongate body portion, in particular more than 70%, preferably more than 85% of the length of the elongate body portion.

[0019] The applicator tip may comprise one of a brush with bristles and foam, and such an applicator tip can be reliably used for different medical and dental applications.

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

[0021] Two Bent section one of the elongated body portions formed at least substantially by a Reuleaux triangle or a triangle; the In this way, the part may be made of a material that remains stable in shape and form even after deformation. Bent section One of the following can be formed.

[0022] The applicator tip may be a brush with bristles, the brush and bristles being formed from at least one of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO). In this way, an easy-to-use applicator may be made available.

[0023] By way of example, such a material may be Santoprene 8281. Further examples of TPE materials from the block copolymer group are CAWITON, THERMOLAST K, THERMOLAST M, Arnitel, Hytrel, Dryflex, Mediprene, Kraton, Pibiflex, Sofprene, and Laprene, among others. Among these styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), CAWITON, THERMOLAST K, THERMOLAST M, Sofprene, Dryflex, and Laprene are listed. Laripur, Desmopan, or Elastollan are examples of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). 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 Bent section The applicator may be configured to be bent in one direction, and in particular in one direction only, in particular so that the applicator tip can point upward relative to the elongated body portion. This is because the applicator may be configured to be bent in one direction, and in particular in one direction only, in order that in use a hook-shaped applicator or the like is formed, providing sufficient flexibility in use of the applicator. Bent section This means that it can be bent in one direction.

[0025] Two Bent section At least one of the grooves may be configured as a circumferentially extending groove, for example, the groove having a spherical, circular, elliptical, or triangular cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. By providing an applicator with such a groove, the user Especially The applicator can be bent 360° about its longitudinal axis so that the position of the applicator tip can be manipulated for a specific desired application.

[0026] The applicator head may be made from a different material to the elongate body portion, for example the applicator head may be made from a softer and / or more flexible material than the material of the elongate body portion, which means that the applicator head can be tailored to the particular use of the applicator.

[0027] The elongate body portion may be made from one of polypropylene and polylactic acid, which plastics remain stable in shape and size even after undergoing some deformation.

[0028] The applicator head can comprise a material selected from the group 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 thereof. Such thermoplastic elastomers are flexible and soft for use in dental applications, for example, and can store fluids.

[0029] The applicator head may be configured to receive a portion of the elongated body portion, meaning that a portion of the elongated body portion may extend into, and possibly through, the applicator head to improve attachment of the applicator head on the elongated body portion.

[0030] The portion of the elongate body portion that is received within the applicator head can include one or more centering elements, for example, two groups of centering elements that are axially spaced from one another. The centering elements enable accurate positioning of the applicator head on the elongate body portion and can also provide rotational safety to prevent rotation of the applicator head relative to the elongate body portion.

[0031] Bent section One of the features is the applicator head. That part and an elongated body portion received within the applicator head. the In this way, the second Bent section is the thickness of the applicator, which has harder and more rigid material properties than the applicator head. the It can also be provided in parts.

[0032] The applicator tip may be a foam applicator tip made from open-cell foam having fine pores, which may be used to dispense dental or medical fluids in an appropriate manner.

[0033] The applicator may further comprise a wavy surface or the like, which may act as a grip for holding the applicator, and in this regard it is noted that other grip configurations may likewise be provided which allow for an improved grip on the applicator in use.

[0034] The wavy surface may 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 correspond approximately to the width of one to three fingers of a user of the applicator.

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

[0036] The applicator may include one or more first injection points, which may be advantageously formed in that portion of the mold used to form the elongate body portion.

[0037] One or more first injection points may be provided in the elongate body portion such that the material for the elongate body portion can be injected into a corresponding mold at that portion of the mold designed for the elongate body portion, such that the material for the elongate body portion does not have to flow through undesired areas of the mold.

[0038] One of the one or more first injection points may be provided on the wavy surface. Because the structure of such a wavy surface may be more thread-like than the structure of the elongated body portion, it may be necessary to provide the injection point at a location corresponding to the portion of the mold where the wavy surface is formed, i.e., the grip, where the material is formed to more easily flow into that portion of the mold.

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

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

[0041] Advantageously, the one or more second injection points are arranged on the applicator head. Bent section In this way, the material of the applicator head may be Bent section and possibly also in the region of at least one of the first and second types of centering elements.

[0042] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming an applicator, particularly a dental applicator, the applicator comprising an applicator tip. an applicator head having and an elongated body portion minutes The applicator is made of two parts of different materials and has two Bent section Equipped with two Bent section one of which is disposed in a portion of the applicator where the two different parts at least partially overlap each other, and the method includes the steps of injection molding the elongated body portion, and then injection molding the applicator head, with a portion of the applicator head being overmolded onto a portion of the elongated body portion.

[0043] In this way, the applicator can be manufactured in a quick, easy and cost-effective manner. Further embodiments of the invention are described in the drawings attached hereto and / or in the following description of the dependent claims. The invention is explained in more detail below by means of embodiments and with reference to the illustrated drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 is a side view of the applicator and its elongated body portion. [Figure 1b] FIG. 2 is a side view of the applicator and its elongated body portion. [Figure 2] FIG. 1b is a view of an applicator head of the applicator of FIG. 1a. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1c is a side view of the connecting portion of the elongate body portion of FIG. 1b. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1c is a perspective view of a connecting portion of the elongate body portion of FIG. 1b. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1b is a front view of the applicator of FIG. 1a. [Figure 4b] FIG. 1c is a peripheral view of the elongated body portion of FIG. 1b. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a further applicator head. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a further applicator head. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a further applicator head. [Figure 8a] A further type of applicator. [Figure 8b] A further type of applicator. [Figure 8c] A further type of applicator.

[0045] In the following, the same reference numerals are used for parts having the same or equivalent functions. Any description made in view of the orientation of components is made relative to the position shown in the drawing, which may of course vary in the actual application position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0047] The applicator is Bent section 18 and 2 Bent section 20 and two Bent section one of 18 is disposed in a portion of the applicator 10 where the two different parts 12, 16 at least partially overlap one another.

[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 bristles 26 are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The applicator tip 14 is configured to store 5-15 mg of liquid (not shown) therein.

[0049] In this regard, it is noted that the hardness of the applicator head 12 and applicator tip 14 may be selected in the hardness range from 20 Shore 00 to 90 Shore A.

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

[0051] The bristles 26 may be cylindrical in shape or may have the shape of a truncated cone, in which case the diameter is half the diameter of 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] FIG. 1b shows a side view of elongated body portion 16. A cross section of elongated body portion 16 shows a second Bent section The shape is formed by a Reuleaux triangle between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 38. The elongated body portion 16 may have this shape over 60-85% of its length L, preferably over 75-80% of its length.

[0054] The applicator head 12 is made from a different material than the elongated body portion 16. The elongated body portion 16 may be made from one of polypropylene PP and polylactic acid PLA.

[0055] In this regard, it is noted that the hardness of the elongated body portion 16 may be selected in the hardness range of 45 Shore D to 96 Shore D, preferably 70 Shore D to 90 Shore D.

[0056] The front end 40 of the elongated body portion 16 , comprising first and second types of centering elements 30, 32, the first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 being It is used to mold the applicator head 12 over a portion of the elongated body portion 16, and to secure the applicator head 12 to the elongated body portion 16. to center Alignment However, a rotational safety is provided on the elongated body portion 16 to prevent rotation of the applicator head 12 relative to the elongated body portion 16 in use. do.

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

[0058] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the brush 24 of the applicator 10 of Figure 1. The second type of centering elements 32 can be seen not only as they extend into the applicator head 12, but also as they penetrate the applicator head 12.

[0059] In contrast, the first type of centering element 30 only extends into the applicator head 12 but does not penetrate it.

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

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

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

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

[0064] In this connection, it is noted that the width of the second type of centering elements 32 along the longitudinal axis A may be chosen 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 connected to the applicator tip 14 and the first Bent section It is placed between 18.

[0066] Both the first and second types of centering elements 30 , 32 are formed as rectangular structures that engage the applicator head and prevent 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, with the outer portions of the second type of centering elements 32 forming part of the continuous outer surface 44 .

[0068] The applicator head 12 is a second Bent section The diameter tapers between 20 and the applicator tip 14 .

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

[0070] 4a and 4b show close-up views of the triangular shape of applicator 10, with FIG. 4a showing applicator tip 14 attached and FIG. 4b showing applicator tip 14 detached from elongated body portion 16.

[0071] 1st Bent section 18 is a connecting portion 36, i.e., the portion of the applicator 10 where the applicator head 12 is overmolded onto the elongated body portion 16. the The second part is placed Bent section 20 is disposed only on the elongated body portion 16.

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

[0073] The first type of centering element 30 is connected to the second type of centering element 32. Crossing , and a longitudinal axis A of the applicator 10 extending parallel to the main extension direction of the applicator 10. As if crossing The first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 are arranged relative to each other. To cross By disposing the bearing at the position, safety against rotation can be improved.

[0074] The second type of centering elements 32 are 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 arranged so as to be in contact with the first type of centering element 30 and the second type of centering element 32. Bent section It is placed between 22.

[0076] In this regard, it should be noted that the spacing between the first type of centering elements 30 and the second type of centering elements 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 centering elements 30 and two second type centering elements 32 are provided in each group, with each centering element 30, 32 in each group being positioned on either side of the elongated body portion 16.

[0078] In this regard, it should be noted that one to four of such first and second types of centering elements 30, 32 may be provided, i.e. one or four first and four second types of centering elements 30, 32 from each centering element 30, 32, respectively.

[0079] Second Bent section 20 is an elongated body portion 16 formed at least substantially by a Reuleaux triangle. the is located immediately adjacent to the portion.

[0080] Two Bent section18, 20 are configured to bend in one direction while being able to bend at any angle radially through 360° relative to the longitudinal axis. The triangular body shape allows the applicator 10 to rest on a flat surface without rolling off, and the applicator 10 can be placed on a flat surface with the applicator tip 14 pointing outward from the flat surface, i.e., relative to the elongated body portion 16.

[0081] First and second Bent section 18, 20 are each configured as a circumferentially extending groove 22. Groove 22 may have one of a spherical, circular, elliptical, and triangular cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis A of applicator 10.

[0082] In a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A, the second Bent section The width of the groove 22 of 20 is Bending section 18 The width of the groove 22 is larger than that of the groove 22.

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

[0084] In this regard, the second Bent section It is further noted that 20 is disposed at a length corresponding to 10 to 30% of the length L of the applicator 10.

[0085] In this regard, the first Bent section It should further be noted that the width of the grooves 22 of 18 is selected in the range of 0.2 to 1% of the length of the applicator 10 .

[0086] In this regard, the first Bent section It is further noted that 18 is disposed at a length corresponding to 2 to 10% of the length L of the applicator 10.

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

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

[0089] The claws 44 are connected to each other at each end, are curved in shape, and meet at a tip 48 at the distal-most point of the applicator 10 .

[0090] Figure 7 shows a further view of the 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 Figures 1 to 4, the bristles 26 extend only in two directions parallel to each other and arranged oppositely relative to the longitudinal axis A, rather than radially relative to the longitudinal axis A.

[0091] A method of forming the applicator 10 may include injection molding the elongated body portion 16 and then injection molding the applicator head 12 over a portion of the elongated body portion 16 .

[0092] When using the applicator 10, the user determines where the applicator 10 is intended to be used and then applies the first and second pressures to the applicator tip 14 before using the applicator tip 14, even if the target site is difficult to reach. Bent section One of 18, 20 allows the applicator tip 14 to bend at least once relative to the elongated body portion 16.

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

[0094] The undulating surface 46 is provided to cover approximately 20% of the exterior surface of the elongated body portion 16. In this regard, it should be noted that the undulating surface 46 may be disposed to cover 5-30%, preferably 10-25%, of the exterior surface of the elongated body portion 16.

[0095] The wavy surface 46 comprises 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 any number of peaks 52 and valleys 54 selected from the range of 5 to 40 may be provided. It is generally desirable for the number of peaks 52 provided to be one more than the number of valleys 54, i.e., if six peaks are provided, five valleys 54 may be provided, and if 40 peaks 52 are provided, 39 valleys 54 may be provided.

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

[0097] As can be seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 8b, one of the first injection points 48 is provided on the corrugated surface 46 and a second injection point 50 is located on the applicator head 12. Bent section It will be established on the 18th.

[0098] In this context, the term injection point refers to the point where the material of each component is injected into the mold to form the applicator 10. structure refers to, This structure Note that the remaining portions remain visible on the exterior surface of the applicator 10 in the areas where the respective materials were injected into the mold to form the corresponding portions of the applicator 10 .

[0099] Figure 8c shows the remaining parts after the formation of each part. structure 8b shows a side view of the applicator of FIG. 8b showing the locations of the injection points 48, 50.

[0100] Each injection point 48, 50 is Located near the thread-like element and configured so that the material will best flow out of the injection nozzle (not shown) at this point when the material has the highest temperature and pressure at the injection nozzle, i.e. The material is injected into the nozzle Lu or These filamentous components are best suited to Formed to flow in .

[0101] It should also be noted that the grip shown in the form of wavy surface 46 in Figures 8a-8c can also be formed on the other types of applicators 10 shown above. Similarly, other types of applicators may also be First and second injection points, respectively, in the area of ​​the applicator 10, to increase efficiency and improve results, The material can be advantageously injected into a mold to form the respective part. R , may have a first and a second injection point. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10 Applicator 12 Applicator Head 14 Applicator Tip 16 Long, thin body 18 First Bent section 20 Second Bent section 22 Groove 24 brushes 26 Coarse Bristles 28 Foam 30 First type of centering element 32 Second type of centering element 34 pores 36 Connection 38 16 rear end 40 16 front end 42 36 exterior 44 Claws 46 Wavy Surface 48 First injection point 50 Second injection point 52 mountains 54 Valley A longitudinal axis L 16 length

Claims

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 portion of the elongated body portion (16); the applicator head (12) and the elongated body portion (16) are made of different materials; The applicator (10) comprises two bends (18, 20), An applicator (10) wherein one of the two bends (18) is disposed in a portion of the applicator (10) where the applicator head (12) and the elongated body portion (16) at least partially overlap each other.

2. 2. The applicator (10) of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the elongated body portion (16) over at least half of the length (L) of the elongated body portion (16) is at least substantially defined by one of a triangle and a Reuleaux triangle.

3. An applicator (10) as described in claim 2, wherein one of the two bends (18, 20) is positioned directly adjacent to the portion of the elongated main body portion (16) that is at least substantially formed by the Reuleaux triangle.

4. the applicator tip (14) comprises one of a brush (24) having bristles (26) and foam (28); and / or The applicator (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the applicator tip (14) is configured to store a liquid therein.

5. 5. The applicator (10) of claim 4, wherein the applicator tip (14) is a foam applicator tip (14) made from open-cell foam having pores (34).

6. 5. The applicator (10) of claim 4, wherein the applicator tip (14) is a brush (24) having bristles (26), the brush (24) and bristles (26) being formed from at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and a thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO).

7. 7. The applicator (10) of claim 1, wherein the two bent portions (18, 20) are configured to be bent in one direction so that the applicator tip (14) faces upward relative to the elongated body portion (16).

8. 8. An applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the two bends (18, 20) is configured as a groove (22) extending around the periphery of the applicator (10), the groove (22) having a circular, elliptical or triangular cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) of the applicator (10).

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

10. 10. The applicator (10) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the applicator head (12) comprises 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.

11. An applicator (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the portion of the elongated body portion (16) received within the applicator head (12) is provided with one or more centering elements (30, 32) to prevent rotation of the applicator head (12) relative to the elongated body portion (16).

12. An applicator (10) as described in claim 11, wherein the portion of the elongated body portion (16) received within the applicator head (12) is provided with two groups of centering elements (30, 32) axially spaced apart from each other.

13. An applicator (10) as described in claim 12, wherein one of the bent portions (18) is positioned in a portion of the applicator head (12) and in a portion of the elongated body portion (16) that is received within the applicator head (12).

14. An applicator (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the elongated body portion (16) is provided with one or more first injection points (48).

15. An applicator (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a wavy surface (46) on the outer surface of the elongated body portion (16).

16. The applicator (10) of claim 15, wherein the undulating surface (46) covers between 5 and 30% of the outer surface of the elongated body portion (16).

17. An applicator (10) as described in claim 16, wherein the wavy surface (46) is provided to cover 10 to 25% of the outer surface of the elongated body portion (16).

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

19. An applicator (10) as described in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein one or more first injection points (48) are provided on the wavy surface (46).

20. An applicator (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the applicator head (12) is provided with one or more second injection points (50).

21. 21. The applicator (10) of claim 20, wherein the one or more second injection points are provided in the bend (18) disposed in the applicator head (12).

22. A method of forming an applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising: injection molding an elongated body portion (16); then injection molding the applicator head (12) with a portion of the applicator head (12) overmolded onto a portion of the elongated body portion (16); A method comprising:

Images