Abstract
An applicator device including at least one holding section, at least one working tip, and a neck section connecting the holding section and the working tip, the device also includes a base body formed at least partially from a first plastic component, the base body being at least partially overmolded by at least one second plastic component that is softer than the first plastic component. In the region of the working tip, the at least one second plastic component at least partially coats the base body, and the coating includes outwardly projecting, bristle-type cleaning elements.
Claims
1. An applicator device with an upper side and an underside and comprising: at least one holding section; at least one working tip; a neck section connecting the holding section and the working tip; and a base body at least partially formed from a first plastic component, the base body being at least partially overmolded with at least one second plastic component, the at least one second plastic component being softer than the first plastic component, wherein: in the working tip the at least one second plastic component partially coats the base body as a coating, the coating comprises outwardly projecting cleaning elements, and a recess is provided only in the underside, wherein: the recess is provided in the working tip along the longitudinal axis of the base body, and the recess includes an edge closest to an end of the at least one working tip and the edge is spaced away in a longitudinal direction from the end of the at least one working tip.
2. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein: the working tip is triangular in shape, an upper tip of the triangular shape being aligned with the upper side of the applicator device, the upper tip of the triangular shape is formed by a series of vertical cleaning elements, and lower tips of the triangular shape are formed by a series of horizontal cleaning elements.
3. The applicator device according to claim 2, wherein: seen in a front view, on the left and right sides of the triangular shape of the working tip, lamellar-shaped cleaning elements are arranged between the vertical and horizontal cleaning elements, and the vertical and horizontal cleaning elements project further outwards than the lamellar-shaped cleaning elements.
4. The applicator device according to claim 3, wherein: along a direction of the longitudinal axis of the working tip, the vertical and horizontal cleaning elements are arranged offset relative to one another, the lamellar-shaped cleaning elements are arranged in a cross-sectional plane with the vertical cleaning elements, and the horizontal cleaning elements are arranged in pairs opposite one another.
5. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of supports are provided in the working tip, the supports being provided in the form of free spots on the upper side of the base body and in the form of lateral projections of the base body, the lateral projections being enclosed by the coating in a flush manner.
6. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein an additional working tip is arranged at the end of the holding section opposite the working tip.
7. The applicator device according to claim 6, wherein the additional working tip comprises a pincer-shaped plastic element with two gripping jaws and an opening, wherein the gripping jaws have inwardly directed cleaning elements.
8. The applicator device according to claim 6, wherein the additional working tip comprises a brush-shaped or fan-shaped cleaning element made of a thermoplastic elastomer or one or more bundles of bristles.
9. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein an inscription is applied to the holding section and/or the neck portion.
10. The applicator device according to claim 9, wherein the inscription is raised or recessed in the base body and/or in the area around which the second plastic component is injection-molded (injection-molded body).
11. The applicator device according to claim 9, wherein a color pattern is printed on the area around which the second plastic component is injection-molded (injection-molded body).
12. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the working tip has indicator substances, which are detachable during use.
13. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the working tip has a multi-zone structure.
14. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the working tip has an uneven shape.
15. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or the second plastic component comprises a filler with a cooling effect.
16. The applicator device according to claim 15, wherein the filler with the cooling effect is applied together with further fillers with taste.
17. The applicator device according to claim 15, wherein the filler with the cooling effect is a cooling agent such as WS 3, WS 5, WS 23 or WS 32.
18. The applicator device according to claim 15, wherein the filler has an indicator function, the filler being dosed such that the cooling effect diminishes after a predefined time.
19. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the recess is between 10 mm to 25 mm, the depth of the recess is from 0.03 mm to 0.8 mm, and the width of the recess ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.
20. The applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the recess provided in the working tip is a first recess, and a second recess is provided in the neck section, the first recess and the second recess being aligned along the longitudinal axis of the base body.
21. A method for producing an applicator device or a comb of applicator devices by injection molding, wherein: the applicator device has at least one holding section, at least one working tip and a neck section connecting the holding section and the working tip, in a first step a base body is injection molded at least partially from a first plastic component, after a repositioning process, in a second step the base body is partially overmolded with at least one second plastic component as a coating, the at least one second plastic component being softer than the first plastic component, the at least one second plastic component partially coats the base body of the working tip and the coating forms outwardly projecting cleaning elements, a respective repositioning element of an injection molding tool is provided so as to engage in a recess of the neck section of the base body during the repositioning process, after repositioning, during overmolding of the second component, the tip of the base body is held in a centered manner by means of a recess provided only in an underside of the applicator device, the recess being provided in the working tip along the longitudinal axis of the base body, wherein the recess includes an edge closest to an end of the at least one working tip and the edge is spaced away in a longitudinal direction from the end of the at least one working tip.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the base body is held on the upper side and on the lower side by means of one or more holding elements of the injection molding tool when the second plastic component is injected, and the base body being additionally held in each case by lateral projections of the base body relative to the injection molding tool.
23. The method according to claim 21, wherein a filler with a cooling effect is added to the first and/or the second plastic component.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the proportion of filler in the compound is between 3% and 50%.
25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the recess provided in the working tip is a first recess, and a second recess is provided in the neck section, the first recess and the second recess being aligned along the longitudinal axis of the base body.
26. A tool for producing a comb of an applicator device by injection molding with at least a first cavity for injection molding a first plastic component for a base body and a second cavity for injection molding a second plastic component around the base body, wherein the first cavity for the first plastic component is modularly constructed from at least one rear section for at least the base body holding section and at least one front section for at least the base body tip, and the second cavity for the second plastic component is modularly constructed from at least one rear section for at least a holding cover and at least one front section for at least a coating, wherein by means of the modular design the first cavity is configured to be assembled from geometrically differently formed rear sections and from geometrically differently formed front sections, so that different embodiments of the base body holding section can be combined with different embodiments of base body tips.
27. The tool according to claim 26, wherein by means of the modular design the second cavity can be assembled from geometrically differently formed rear sections and from geometrically differently formed front sections, so that different designs of the holding cover can be combined with different designs of the coating.
Description
(1) It shows:
(2) FIG. 1: a perspective view of a single applicator device according to a first embodiment of the invention (from the top);
(3) FIG. 2: a perspective view of a single applicator device according to a first embodiment of the invention (from the bottom);
(4) FIG. 3: a top view of the applicator device according to FIG. 1;
(5) FIG. 4: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 1;
(6) FIG. 5: a top view of the applicator device according to FIG. 1;
(7) FIG. 6: a rear view of the applicator device according to FIG. 1;
(8) FIG. 7: a front view of the applicator device according to FIG. 1;
(9) FIG. 8: a sectional view along line A-A of the applicator device according to FIG. 6;
(10) FIG. 9: a sectional view along line B-B of the applicator device according to FIG. 7;
(11) FIG. 10: a cross section through the working tip along line C-C in FIG. 3 (without support);
(12) FIG. 11: a cross section through the working tip along the line D-D in FIG. 3 (with support);
(13) FIG. 12: a cross section through the neck section along the line E-E in FIG. 3;
(14) FIG. 13: a cross section through the holding section along line F-F in FIG. 3;
(15) FIG. 14: a top view of the base body of an applicator device according to the first embodiment of the invention;
(16) FIG. 15: a side view of the base body according to FIG. 14;
(17) FIG. 16: a bottom view of the base body according to FIG. 14;
(18) FIG. 17: a sectional view through the base body along the longitudinal axis L according to FIG. 14;
(19) FIG. 18: a top view of a comb of six applicator devices according to the first embodiment of the invention;
(20) FIG. 19: a bottom view of the comb according to FIG. 18;
(21) FIG. 20: a cut in the area of the connection between two applicator devices along the line G-G according to FIG. 18;
(22) FIG. 21: a top view of a comb of six base bodies according to the first embodiment of the invention;
(23) FIG. 22: a bottom view of the comb according to FIG. 21;
(24) FIG. 23: a cut in the area of the connection between two applicator devices along the line H-H according to FIG. 21;
(25) FIG. 24: a top view of a single applicator device according to a second embodiment of the invention;
(26) FIG. 25: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 24;
(27) FIG. 26: a bottom view of the applicator device according to FIG. 24;
(28) FIG. 27: a sectional view through the applicator device along the longitudinal axis L according to FIG. 26;
(29) FIG. 28: a top view of the base body of an applicator device according to the second embodiment of the invention;
(30) FIG. 29: a side view of the base body according to FIG. 28;
(31) FIG. 30: a bottom view of the base body according to FIG. 28;
(32) FIG. 31: a longitudinal section through the base body along the longitudinal axis L according to FIG. 30;
(33) FIG. 32: a top view of a single applicator device according to a third embodiment of the invention;
(34) FIG. 33: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 32;
(35) FIG. 34: a bottom view of the applicator device according to FIG. 32;
(36) FIG. 35: a top view of the base body of an applicator device according to the third embodiment of the invention;
(37) FIG. 36: a side view of the base body according to FIG. 35;
(38) FIG. 37: a bottom view of the base body according to FIG. 35;
(39) FIG. 38a: a top view of an applicator device according to a fourth embodiment, which has two sides with a working tip;
(40) FIG. 38b: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 38a;
(41) FIG. 39a: a top view of an applicator device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention which has two sides with a working tip;
(42) FIG. 39b: a top view of an applicator device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention which has two sides with a working tip;
(43) FIG. 39c: a top view of an applicator device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention which has two sides with a working tip;
(44) FIG. 40a: a top view of an applicator device according to an eighth version of the invention with a screen tip (foremost cleaning elements longer and at an angle, flaps back in use);
(45) FIG. 40b: a top view of an applicator device with a modified umbrella tip;
(46) FIG. 41a: a top view of an applicator device according to a ninth embodiment of the invention which has a multi-zone working tip (three or more zones in the working tip);
(47) FIG. 41b: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 41a;
(48) FIG. 41c: a top view of an applicator device with another multi-zone working tip;
(49) FIG. 41d: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 41c;
(50) FIG. 42a: a top view of an applicator device according to a tenth embodiment of the invention with a combined working tip (bristles and abrasive elements);
(51) FIG. 42b: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 42a;
(52) FIG. 42c: a top view of an applicator device having a further multi-zone working tip (bristles and abrasive elements);
(53) FIG. 42d: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 42c;
(54) FIG. 43a: a top view of an applicator device according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention with an uneven working tip;
(55) FIG. 43b: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 43a;
(56) FIG. 43c: a top view of an applicator device with a further uneven working tip (waveform);
(57) FIG. 43d: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 43c;
(58) FIG. 44a: a top view of an applicator device according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention having an elongated holding portion (better holding);
(59) FIG. 44b: a side view of the applicator device as shown in FIG. 44a;
(60) FIG. 44c: a side view of another applicator device with an extended holding section;
(61) FIG. 45a: a top view of an applicator device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention with a modified base body;
(62) FIG. 45b: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 45a;
(63) FIG. 46a: a side view of an applicator device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention;
(64) FIG. 46b: a top view of the applicator device according to FIG. 46a;
(65) FIG. 47a: a top view of an applicator device according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention, which has two sides with a working tip;
(66) FIG. 47b: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 47a in a first variant;
(67) FIG. 47c: a side view of the applicator device according to FIG. 47a in a second variant;
(68) FIG. 48: a top view of an applicator device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention with a modified base body and a further working element;
(69) FIG. 49a: a side view of a handle extension part for an applicator device;
(70) FIG. 49b: a top view of the handle extension part according to FIG. 49a;
(71) FIG. 49c: a rear view of the handle extension part according to FIG. 49a;
(72) FIG. 49d: a 3D view of the handle extension part according to FIG. 49a;
(73) FIG. 50a: a side view of a handle extension part for an applicator device with an inserted applicator device;
(74) FIG. 50b: a top view of the handle extension part for an applicator device with inserted applicator device according to FIG. 50a;
(75) FIG. 50c: a rear view of the handle extension part for an applicator device with inserted applicator device according to FIG. 50a;
(76) FIG. 50d: a 3D view of the handle extension part for an applicator device with inserted applicator device according to FIG. 50a;
(77) FIG. 51: schematically shown modularity of the injection mold in a rear view of the applicator device in a first variant;
(78) FIG. 52: schematically shown modularity of the injection mold in a rear view of the applicator device in a first variant;
(79) FIG. 53: Schematically shown modularity of the injection mold in a rear view of the applicator device in a second variant;
(80) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the upper side of a first embodiment of the applicator device according to the invention.
(81) The applicator device 1 is essentially divided into the holding section 2, the working tip 4 and the neck section 3 connecting the working tip 4 with the holding section 2. The working tip 4 comprises a coating 33 made of a soft component, wherein the coating 33 forms several cleaning and/or polishing elements in the form of vertical cleaning elements 35a, horizontal cleaning elements 35b and lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 (polishing lamellae), which are arranged between the vertical and horizontal cleaning elements 35a, 35b.
(82) The holding section 2 comprises a holding cover 31 made of soft component, which covers the major part of the holding section 2 and which forms several nubs 31a, which are intended to provide a better grip for the finger(s) which are supposed come into contact with the holding cover during use.
(83) The part of the holding section 2 not covered by the soft component is formed of a hard component and is mainly referred to as the base body holding section 11. The base body holding section 11 merges into the base body neck section 12, which is at least partially covered by a neck cover 32 made of soft component. The base body neck section 12 then merges into the tip of the base body (not shown here), which is surrounded by the coating 33 of soft component.
(84) In addition, a holding projection 16 made of hard component is provided at the end of the holding section 2 facing the neck section 3, which is injection-molded by the soft component.
(85) In FIG. 1 and the other figures in which the different sections are shown, the separation seam is not shown, in each case. This would be formed in the area between the holding section 2 and the neck section 3 and between the neck section 3 and the working tip 4.
(86) In FIG. 2, the bottom part of the applicator device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention is now illustrated in perspective.
(87) The support cover 31 can be seen, which runs around the rear end of the holding section 2 and forms an oval ring there. The inside of the oval ring and the outer edge of the holding section 2 is in turn formed by the base body holding section 11—i.e. except for the rear section around which the holding cover 31 is made of soft component. A recess 15a is made in the underside of the neck section 3, more precisely in the underside of the base body neck section 12. This recess 15a serves as a holding element when the base body 10 is repositioned from a first cavity of the injection mold to a second cavity of the injection mold. The recess 15a is preferably undercut in order to ensure a particularly secure hold, which results in forced demolding.
(88) The neck section is followed by the working tip 4, which comprises the base body tip 13 and the coating 33, whereby the base body tip 13 is at least partially surrounded by the coating 33. However, the frontmost tip 34 of the coating 33 preferably completely surrounds the front part of the base body tip 13 in order to avoid possible injuries to the gums when threading in the applicator device 1. In addition, the underside of the working tip 4, more precisely the underside of the body tip 13, has a recess 15, which is intended for the insertion of a centering element, which interacts with the supports 14a and 14b to ensure a uniform injection-molding with the soft component of the coating 33 or the injection-molding body 30. The injection-molding body 30 comprises the entire soft component with which the base body 10 is injection-molded, i.e. it is formed by the holding cover 31, the neck cover 32 and the coating 33.
(89) FIG. 3 shows a top view of the upper side of the applicator device 1 according to FIG. 1. In the area of the working tip 4, the design of the coating 33 can be seen more precisely. The coating 33 forms in particular two rows of horizontal cleaning elements 35b, which decrease in length slightly towards the free end of the working tip. In addition, on the top of the coating 33 or working tip 4, vertical cleaning elements 35a are formed, which stand vertically upwards. To the left and right of the vertical cleaning elements 35a, lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 are arranged, which also decrease in length towards the free end of the working tip.
(90) On the upper side of the working tip 4, three supports 14a can also be seen, which are generally flat and which serve as points of engagement for the corresponding holding pins of the injection mold when the soft component for the coating 33 or for the injection-molding body 30 is molded around the tip of the base body 13. In the case of the supports 14a, the hard component of the tip of the base body 13 is exposed and surrounded by the coating 33. The distance between the rear support 14a and the center support 14a is designated X.sub.1. The distance between the center support 14a and the front support 14a is designated X.sub.2. The distance ratio X.sub.1 to X.sub.2 is preferably between 1.5 to 1 and 2.5 to 1, the most preferred distance ratio is about 2 to 1. The neck cover 32 of the base body neck section 12 merges in the direction of the rear end into the holding cover 31, which surrounds the holding projection 16 of the base body holding section 11. The nubs 31a of the holding cover 31 are arranged in several rows of different row lengths, the center row running along the longitudinal axis L of the applicator device 1. The longitudinal rows are preferably arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L.
(91) FIG. 4 shows a side view of the applicator device 1 according to FIG. 3. In particular, it can be seen that the vertical cleaning elements 35a along the longitudinal axis L of the working tip 4 increase in length in the direction of the free end or the frontmost tip 34 of the working tip 4, with the base body tip 13 simultaneously tapering in the direction of the free end, so that a substantially horizontal height profile results for the vertical cleaning elements 35a. In a preferred embodiment, the height profile of the vertical cleaning elements 35a has a slight inclination towards the free end or the frontmost tip 34 of the working tip 4.
(92) In the area of the base body holding section 11, which is covered with the nubs 31a, the base body holding section 11 has a concave bulge 17, 18 on both its upper and lower sides, which improves grip ergonomics.
(93) In the area of working tip 4, one can also see the free spots in the coating 33, which result from the supports 14a. Finally, the reference mark 14b designates a lateral projection of the base body tip 13, which is surrounded flush by the coating and which serves as a lateral support in the injection mold during the injection of the soft component.
(94) The holding section 2 has a length of l.sub.2, the neck section 3 a length of l.sub.3 and the working tip 4 a length of l.sub.4. The lengths l.sub.2+l.sub.3+l.sub.4 together make up the total length of the applicator device 1. Preferably, the length l.sub.4 is slightly larger than length l.sub.2 and the length l.sub.2 is somewhat larger than the length l.sub.2. With a total length of about 5 cm, for example, the length l.sub.2 is about 1.7 cm, the length l.sub.3 about 1.3 cm and the length l.sub.4 about 2 cm.
(95) FIG. 5 shows a top view of the underside of the applicator device 1 as shown in FIG. 2. The holding cover 31 in the form of an oval ring in the area of the base body holding section 11, as well as the recess 15a in the base body neck section 12, can be seen. At the frontmost tip 34 of the working tip 4 or the coating 33, the base body tip 13 is completely enclosed by the coating 33, as already explained above. The length l.sub.8 of this frontmost tip 34, which completely encloses the front end of the base body tip 13, ranges from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.
(96) The diameter of the working tip D.sub.1 at the free end (measured on the soft component, without cleaning elements) is about 0.75 mm as an example for a smaller product; the diameter of the working tip D.sub.2 in the area of the last neck-side cleaning elements is about 1.4 mm. The outside diameter of the working tip D.sub.3 (with cleaning elements) at the free end is about 1.5 mm; the outside diameter of the working tip D.sub.4 in the area of the last neck-side cleaning elements is about 3 mm.
(97) A rear view of the inventive applicator device 1 according to FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The back of the base body holding section 11 and the holding cover 31, which surrounds the back of the base body holding section 11 in the form of a centrally arranged strip, can be seen. On the upper side of the base body holding section 11, the vertical cleaning elements 35a can be seen in the center, and on the left and right of them the nubs 31a of the holding cover 31 on the upper side of the base body holding section 11 can be seen.
(98) A front view of the inventive applicator device 1 according to FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 7. The working tip 4 has a triangular shape in front view (as well as in cross-section), the upper tip 5 of the triangular shape being aligned with the upper side of the applicator device 1 and formed by the vertical, preferably bristle-shaped, cleaning elements 35a. The lower tips of the triangular shape 6 and 7 are each formed by the horizontal, preferably bristle-shaped, cleaning elements 35b.
(99) In each case, lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 are clamped between the vertical cleaning elements 35a and the horizontal cleaning elements 35b, which preferably do not project as far outwards as the vertical and horizontal cleaning elements 35a, 35b. The lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 thus form the right side 8 of the triangular form and the left side of the triangular form 9. On the upper side of the base body holding section 11, nubs 31a of the holding cover 31 can be seen on the left and right of the vertical cleaning elements 35a.
(100) FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view along the line A-A as shown in FIG. 6. In the area of the holding section 3, the base body holding section 11 has the concave bulge 17 on its upper side and the concave bulge 18 on its lower side. The retaining cover 31 has nubs 31a on the upper side and encloses the rear end of the base body holding section 11. At the end of the base body holding section 11 facing the base body neck section 12, an area with the soft component of the holding cover 31 is again visible on the underside, which is caused by the oval ring which the holding cover 31 forms on the underside of the base body holding section 11.
(101) The base body neck section 12 is provided with the neck cover 32 and on the underside of the base body neck section 12, the recess 15a for the repositioning process can be seen schematically. In the area of the working tip 4, the coating 33 here covers the upper side of the base body tip 13. The vertical, preferably bristle-shaped, cleaning elements 35a are preferably equally spaced on the upper side of the base body tip 13.
(102) The frontmost tip 34 completely encloses the base body tip 13 at the frontmost end, which, as already mentioned, serves to protect against injuries when inserting the applicator device 1.
(103) On the underside of the base body tip 13, the recess 15 can be seen schematically, which serves as a centering aid during injection molding of the soft component. Between the neck section 12 and the body tip 13, there is a transition area 19 which has no recess. The tip of the base body 13 tapers towards the frontmost end 34.
(104) FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view along the lines B-B as shown in FIG. 7. In the area of the holding section 2, the bottom of the oval groove 24 in the base body retaining section 11 can be seen, which has two through holes 20 in the rear area that are filled with the soft component of the holding cover 31. Another soft component of the holding cover 31 is located at the rear end of the base body support section 11.
(105) At the transition from the neck section 12 to the tip 13 of the base body, a taper 22 is provided in the hard component of the base body 10, which is injection-molded flush with the coating 33. In the area of the working tip 4, one can also see the pairwise opposite arrangement of lateral projections 14b of the base body tip 13 as well as the pairwise opposite-facing arrangement of the horizontal cleaning elements 35b, which are arranged alternately with the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36. Only in the area between the front three pairs of horizontal cleaning elements 35b are no lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 provided. The frontmost tip 34 completely encloses the base body tip 13 at the front.
(106) FIG. 10 shows a cross-section through the working tip along the line C-C according to FIG. 3. The horizontal cleaning elements 35b and the vertical 30 cleaning elements 35a can be seen together with the base body tip 13, the coatings 33 which partially surround the base body tip 13 and the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36. The horizontal cleaning elements 35b, the vertical cleaning elements 35a and the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 together form a triangular shape, which is modelled on the natural interdental shape and thus allows a very targeted cleaning of the problem zones in the interdental spaces. The vertical cleaning elements 35a clean in the proximal area. The horizontal cleaning elements 35b clean along the gum line and thus prevent gingivitis. The lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 help to thoroughly remove food residues as well as discolorations. The underside of the base body tip 13 is free of coating and thus forms a gliding zone, by means of which the gums are gently massaged and stimulated during cleaning. The recess 15 in the underside of the base body tip 13 is clearly visible.
(107) FIG. 11 shows a cross-section through the working tip along the line D-D in FIG. 3. Again, the triangular shape spanned by the vertical cleaning elements 35a, the horizontal cleaning elements 35b and the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 can be seen, whereby the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 are in one plane with the vertical cleaning elements 35a, i.e. in this view behind the horizontal cleaning elements 35b. On its upper side, the base body tip 13 is free of coating 33, since one of the supports 14a is arranged here. On the underside of the base body tip 13, the recess 15 is again visible. The glide zone on the underside of the triangular shape is even more pronounced here, which is due to the conical shape of the basic body tip 13 and the working tip 4.
(108) FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section through the neck section along the line E-E in FIG. 3. The neck cover 32, which fills a corresponding channel 21 on the upper side of the base body neck section 12, can be seen. On the underside of the base body neck section 12, the recess 15a for the repositioning step from the first cavity of the tool to the second cavity of the tool is visible.
(109) Behind the cutting plane are the vertical cleaning elements 35a, the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 and the horizontal cleaning elements 35b.
(110) FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section through the holding section along the line F-F in FIG. 3, i.e. at the front end of holding section 2. The holding cover 31 with a nub 31a can be seen on the upper side of the base body holding section 11, which extends from the left to the right edge of the base body retaining section 11 as well as on the underside of the base body holding section 11 in the area of the oval groove 24. Above the nub 31a, the holding projection 16 can still be seen, as well as a vertical cleaning element 35a.
(111) FIG. 14 shows a top view of the base body 10 of an inventive applicator device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention, i.e. without the injection-molded body. In the area of the base body holding section 11, a recess 23 is provided at the rear end for the soft component of the holding cover 31, which is directed to the back side at this point, among other things. On the right and left side at the back, oblong through holes 20 are made in the base body holding section 11, which serve to allow the soft component of the holding cover 31 to flow onto the underside of the base body holding section 11 in order to fill the oval groove on the underside of the base body holding section 11. The holding projection 16 serves as a contact point for the user's thumb, as a further anchorage for the soft component and as a support in the injection mold. The channel 21 is inserted in the base body neck section 12, which extends to the taper 22 in the transition area to the base body tip 13.
(112) On the upper side of the base body tip, the three supports 14a are shown schematically (these are actually not visible in the base body, as the supports lie flat on the base body and are only effective in the second injection molding step, the injection-molding, anyway), whereby the distance from the rear support to the center support is marked X.sub.1 and the distance from the center support to the front support is marked X.sub.2. The distance ratio X.sub.1 to X.sub.2 is preferably between 1.5 to 1 and 2.5 to 1; preferably, it is about 2 to 1. In general, it can be said that, even in the case of more than three supports, the distances between the individual supports decrease towards the foremost end of the base body tip 13. In this way, a particularly secure centering of the base body tip during injection molding with the soft component in the second tool cavity can be guaranteed.
(113) It can be seen again that the base body 10, i.e. especially the tip of the base body 13, tapers along the longitudinal axis L of the base body 10. In addition, the opposite supports 14b in the form of lateral projections are arranged approximately in the center of the tip of the base body 13, which also serve as a centering aid during injection molding with the soft component. The lateral projections 14b are supported on the side wall of the cavity.
(114) FIG. 15 shows a side view of the base body 10 according to FIG. 14. The base body holding section 11 has the concave bulge 17, which reaches approximately to the holding projection 16 on the upper side. The base body neck section 12 has a substantially constant diameter up to the taper 22 in the transition area to the base body tip 13. The supports 14a are shown as flat areas on the top of the base body tip 13 (although, as already mentioned, they are not visible). The lateral projection/support 14b is also shown, the height is indicated by h.sub.1. The frontmost end of the base body tip 13 has a gradation 25 for complete coating by the soft component in this area.
(115) FIG. 16 illustrates an underside view of the base body 10 as shown in FIG. 14. In the area of the underside of the base body holding section 11, the oval groove 24 with the slot-like through holes 20 can be seen, which is surrounded by the edge of the base body holding section 11. At the rear end of the base body section 11, a recess 23 is also provided which, like the oval groove 24 and the through holes 20, is filled with soft component. Furthermore, the width b.sub.1 and the length 1.sub.s (in the direction of the longitudinal axis) of the lateral projection/lateral support 14b is shown.
(116) The base body neck section 12 includes the recess 15a for the repositioning process. In the transition area of the base body neck section 12 to the tip of the base body 13, the taper 22 is again visible. The taper 22 is followed by the underside of the tip of the base body 13, into which the recess 15 is inserted. The recess 15 is preferably designed in a continuous groove; however, it can also be formed by several groove-shaped recesses separated from each other by webs. The lateral supports or projections 14b are again located approximately in the center of the tip of the base body 13.
(117) FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view through the base body 10 along the longitudinal axis L in FIG. 14. The base body section 11 has a concave bulge 17, 18 on both its upper and lower sides, whereby the concave bulge 17 runs on the upper side approximately from the rear inner edge of the base body holding section to the holding projection 16 and whereby the lower concave bulge runs between the front and rear end of the oval groove in the lower side of the base body holding section 11. The recess 23 at the rear end of the base body holding section is connected to the rear end of the oval groove 24 or merges into the rear end of the oval groove 24.
(118) The channel 21 of the base body neck section 12 runs approximately from the front side of the holding projection 16, through the recess 15a on the underside of the base body neck section 12 to the transition area 19, which has no recess. The recess 15 is provided on the underside of the base body tip 13, which extends approximately up to the gradation at the foremost tip 25 or the free end of the base body tip 13.
(119) FIG. 18 now shows a top view of a comb 50, which consists of six individual applicator devices 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The individual applicator devices 1 are connected to each other via connections 51 on the outside of the base body holding sections 11. The further embodiment of the individual applicator devices 1 corresponds to that described in connection with the preceding FIGS. 1 to 17.
(120) With a view to producing the base body 10 or the whole comb 50, an injection point for the hard component is provided in the injection mold, preferably in the rear area of the cavity (or the base body holding section 11), preferably chosen so that the soft component covers the injection point of the hard component. In contrast, in connection with the injection of the soft component, one injection point is provided for each individual applicator device 1.
(121) FIG. 19 shows an underside view of comb 50 as shown in FIG. 18. The embodiment of the underside of the individual applicator devices 1 again corresponds to the preceding FIGS. 1 to 17. As can be seen, the connection 51 between the individual applicator devices 1 is formed in the form of an elongated (possibly also oval) web made of hard component. It preferably has a thickness that allows the user to easily remove a single applicator device 1 from the comb 50 by bending and/or turning it. The distance a.sub.1 of the applicator devices in the connecting area is preferably from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and even more preferably from 0.15 mm to 0.7 mm. Measured from the center to the center of the holding sections, the distance a.sub.2 between adjacent applicator devices 1 is from 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 7.5 mm to 9.5 mm.
(122) FIG. 20 shows a section in the area of connection 51 between two applicator devices 1 along the line G-G in FIG. 18. The connection preferably has a length l.sub.1 of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 4 mm, and a height b.sub.1 of 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.
(123) FIGS. 21 and 22 each show a top view and a bottom view of a comb consisting of six base bodies 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention, which in turn are connected to each other by joints 51 on the outer sides of the base body holding sections 11. The embodiment of the individual base bodies 10 otherwise corresponds to the preceding FIGS. 1 to 17.
(124) FIG. 23 illustrates a section in the area of connection 51 between two applicator devices 1 along the line H-H in FIG. 21. Connection 51 is again in the form of the long web with the length l.sub.1 mm and a width b.sub.1. Otherwise, the embodiment of the individual base bodies corresponds to the preceding FIGS. 1 to 17.
(125) FIG. 24 illustrates a top view of a single applicator device 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of the neck section 3 and the working tip 4 corresponds to that described in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 17.
(126) In other words, the differences in the present case are concentrated on the holding section 2, which, unlike the first embodiment of the invention, is not oval in shape but has a substantially octagonal shape, which merges into the neck section 3.
(127) The base body holding section 11 has two opposing lateral holding projections 28a and two opposing rear holding projections 28b. The holding cover 31 is accordingly molded around the lateral holding projections 28a and around the rear holding projections 28b, so that it encompasses the base body holding section 11 at five points (twice at the sides and once at the rear). The holding cover 31 has a corrugation which is formed from individual ribs 31b, which are preferably arranged symmetrically to one another in the form of arrow patterns. Since the base body holding section 11 does not have a holding projection 16 in this embodiment, the neck cover 32 passes directly over into the holding cover 31. In other words, the holding cover 31 is only limited in the front area of the base body support section 11 by the front holding projections 28c, which in turn transition into the base body neck section 12.
(128) In FIG. 25, a side view of the applicator device is illustrated as shown in FIG. 24. The holding cover 31 encloses the lateral holding projection 28a on both sides of the base body holding section 11. On the upper side of the base body holding section 11, the ribbed structure 31b of the holding cover 31 extends between the rear holding projections 28b and the front holding projections 28c in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.
(129) FIG. 26 shows a bottom view of the applicator device 1 as shown in FIG. 24, showing how the holding cover 31 also encloses the lateral holding projections 28a on the underside, which thus ensure secure anchoring for the holding cover 31. In addition, the holding cover 31 is also injection-molded around the rear end of the base body holding section 11, which provides a further support.
(130) FIG. 27 is a sectional view through the applicator device 1 along the longitudinal axis L according to FIG. 26. It can be seen that also in this embodiment the base body holding section 11 has a concave bulge 17, 18 on both the upper and lower sides, which improves the ergonomics of the grip area.
(131) The injection-molding body 30, consisting of the holding cover 31, the neck cover 32 and the coating 33 with the frontmost tip 34 runs in cross-section continuously from the front to the rear end of the applicator device 1, with the holding cover 31 around the rear end. In contrast to the cross-section of the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, no holding projection 16 is arranged here in the area of the longitudinal axis L.
(132) FIGS. 28 to 30 show a top view, a side view and a bottom view of the base body 10 of an applicator device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention. It can be seen that the lateral recesses 23a on the upper and lower side of the base body holding section 11 run around the lateral holding projections 28a and virtually constrict them. The recess 23 at the rear end of the base body holding section 11 separates the two rear holding projections 28b from each other. The front holding projections 28c pass over into the base body neck section 12, where the channel 21 is formed for the neck cover 32. This structure also allows a very good holding of the soft component on the base body 10.
(133) FIG. 31 illustrates a longitudinal section through the base body 10 along the longitudinal axis L according to FIG. 30. It can be seen here that, due to the concave bulges 17, 18 on the upper and lower sides of the base body support section 11, as well as due to the lateral notches 23a, the lateral support projections 28a protrude over the correspondingly slimmed area of the base body support section 11.
(134) The front holding projections 28c extend into the channel 21 of the neck section 12. The rear holding projection 28b protrudes from the cut surface of the base body holding section on the upper side and at the rear end. The rear end of the base body holding section 11 has a gradation 29 analogous to the tip of the base body, which serves to better hold the soft component.
(135) FIG. 32 shows a top view of a single applicator device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, too, the neck section 3 and the working tip 4 are identical with the first and the second embodiment of the invention, which were described in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 31. The differences are rather in the area of the holding section 2, which will be explained in more detail in the following.
(136) The holding section 2 comprises the base body holding section 11 and the holding cover 31 with nubs 31a, which are preferably oval. In the front area of the base body support section 11, the holding cover 31 forms a soft component holding point 39, which forms the transition to neck section 3. The holding point 39 is formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L together with the holding cover 31, while the lateral edge holding point 39 is formed from the hard component of the base body support section 11.
(137) FIG. 33 shows a corresponding side view of the applicator device 1 as shown in FIG. 32, in which in particular the lateral extension of the holding cover 31 or holding point 39 is shown. Parts of the holding point 39, which are made of hard components, extend only approximately to the center of the side wall of the holding section 2, whereas the holding cover 31 completely covers the side wall.
(138) FIG. 34 also shows a bottom view of the applicator device 1 as shown in FIG. 32. Here, it can be seen that the holding cover 31 on the underside encloses a central recess 26 of the underside of the base body holding section 11 on the sides and at the rear end, whereby the holding cover 31 substantially forms a V-shape. The central recess 26 is designed as a projection in the base body holding section 11, a recess is formed around this element, which is filled with soft component, so that the central recess 26 only becomes visible as such in the end product. The central recess 26 on the underside of the base body holding section 11 is designed in the form of an elongated oval, which may taper slightly towards the rear end of the base body holding section 11. This in turn creates a geometry for the thumb support, namely in the form of a concave bulge.
(139) FIGS. 35 to 37 show a top view, a side view and a bottom view of the base body of the applicator device as shown in FIGS. 32 to 34. On the top side, the base body holding section 11 has a centrally arranged holding projection 16 and two lateral holding projections 28a, which also partly surround the rear part of the base body holding section. At the end of the base body holding section 11 facing the base body neck section 12, front holding projections 28c are provided, in the area of which a lateral indentation 27 is provided, in each case, which serves to accommodate soft components. The lateral bulges filled with the soft component then form the holding point 39.
(140) Between the lateral holding projections 28a and the front holding projection 28c, there are lateral recesses 23a provided, around which the soft component is injected. A further recess 23 is provided in the rear area of the base body holding section 11, around which the soft component is also injected to ensure good anchoring. In other words, in the present embodiment the rear and lateral recesses 23, 23a, the holding projection 16 on the upper side and the central projection 26 on the underside of the base body holding section 11 serve as anchoring structures for the soft component, or as support structures when the base body is injection-molded.
(141) FIGS. 38a and 38b show a top view and a side view of an applicator device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the applicator device 1 has one working tip each at both ends. The right or front end of the applicator device 1 has a neck section 3 and a working tip 4, as already described for the previous embodiments.
(142) On the left or rear side, the applicator device 1 has an additional working tip 4′ in the form of a toothpick 40. The toothpick 40 is formed from the hard component in this case, but it can also be completely or only partially covered with a soft component. The holding cover 31 has curved ribs 31c, each of which are aligned towards working tip 4 and working tip 4′ respectively, so that a secure hold can be guaranteed when using the two working tips 4, 4′.
(143) Two curved ribs 31c for each side are shown. There may also be three, four or five ribs, depending on the length of the holding section 2 and the size of the individual ribs 31c. The ribs 31c are formed in one piece with the soft component of the holding cover 31, the neck cover 32 and the coat 33. As shown in the side view according on FIG. 38b, the holding section 2 has a concave bulge 17, which in turn is intended for the finger rest for ergonomic reasons.
(144) FIGS. 39a to c show a fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment of the present invention, whereby these differ from FIGS. 38a to b only with regard to the second working tip 4′. FIG. 39a illustrates a brush-like or fan-like element 41 as the second working tip 4′, which serves in particular to clean the gum line. This can be formed from one or more bundles of conventional, extruded bristles or injected bristles. It is also possible that the element 41 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (i.e. full flat or one piece).
(145) FIG. 39b shows a similar second working tip 4′, whereby element 42 has a notch to allow it to work a little into the interdental spaces, if necessary. Here too, as already described for FIG. 39a, conventional, extruded bristles or injection-molded bristles can be used. Furthermore, it is also possible that element 42 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (i.e. full flat or one piece).
(146) As shown in FIG. 39c, the additional working tip 4′ comprises a pincer-shaped plastic element 43 with two gripper jaws 44 and an opening 45, with cleaning elements 46 projecting inwardly from the gripper jaws 44. The cleaning elements 46 preferably project radially inwards in order to achieve the best possible cleaning effect. This applicator device 1 is preferably used for implant cleaning.
(147) FIG. 40a shows a top view of an applicator device 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. The working tip 4 has here as the frontmost tip an umbrella tip 34′, which has several cleaning elements 35b′ arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis L. The cleaning elements 35b′ are preferably directed forward at an angle of about 45° and are slightly longer than the other horizontal cleaning elements 35b. During use, especially when entering an interdental space, these cleaning elements 35b′ fold back and thus develop an additional cleaning effect.
(148) According to FIG. 40b, the frontmost tip is in the form of an umbrella tip 34″, which has several cleaning elements 35b″, which are arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis L, and in fact exactly the opposite way round as with the umbrella tip 34′, according to FIG. 40a. The cleaning elements 35b″ are oriented to the rear and are preferably arranged at an angle of about 45° to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator device 1. Here, the cleaning elements 35b″ fold back, especially when pulled out of an interdental space and thus develop an additional cleaning effect.
(149) FIGS. 41a and 41b show a top view and a side view of an applicator device 1 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the working tip 4 has a multi-zone structure. The working tip 4 is divided into three zones Z1, Z2 and Z3. The zones Z1 and Z3 correspond to the usual described structure. In zone Z2, however, the horizontal cleaning elements 35b each have a convex curved profile in the horizontal plane, which results in a bulge-like shape for zone Z2 in the top view. The vertical cleaning elements 35a and the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 also form a convex profile, which completes the bulge-shaped horizontal profile of the horizontal cleaning elements 35b and also completes a convex profile in the vertical plane. In this way, a particularly strong cleaning effect can be achieved in the middle zone Z2.
(150) However, the bulge-shaped zone Z2 can also be arranged in the front or rear area of the working tip, i.e. in the position of zone Z1 or Z3. Furthermore, two or three bulge-shaped zones Z2 are also provided, which replace zones Z1 and Z3, if necessary.
(151) FIGS. 41c and 41d show a top view and a side view of an applicator device 1 with another multi-zone working tip 4.
(152) Here. the working tip 4 has five zones Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and Z5, whereby zones Z1 and Z5 have the usual structure described above. The middle zones Z2, Z3 and Z4, on the other hand, each have an arrow-shaped profile of the horizontal cleaning elements 35b and the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36, i.e. they are shorter when viewed from the rear to the front. Furthermore, in side view, the cleaning elements 35a and the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 have an arrow-shaped vertical profile, i.e. they become shorter when viewed from the rear to the front. Again, a particularly powerful cleaning effect is provided in the middle of the working tip 4. Here too, however, zones Z1 and/or Z5 can be designed like zones Z2 to Z4 and the positions of the zones can change. For example, “normal” zones Z1, Z5 can be arranged between the arrow-shaped profiles.
(153) FIGS. 42a and 42b show a top view and a side view, respectively, of an applicator device 1 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the working tip has a combination of the usual horizontal cleaning elements 35b, the usual lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 and—instead of the usual vertical cleaning elements 35a—longitudinal vertical abrasive elements 37. The longitudinal vertical abrasive elements 37 are bent and point alternately to the left and right side. The longitudinal vertical abrasive elements 37 can also all point in the same direction or in any order, sometimes to the left and sometimes to the right. In side view, the long vertical abrasive elements 37 have a roof or triangular design. The longitudinal vertical abrasive elements 37 preferably do not reach to the frontmost tip 34, but leave a free space for threading. With the longitudinal vertical abrasive elements 37, a particularly efficient cleaning of the proximal area can be achieved.
(154) FIGS. 42c and 42d show a top view and a side view of an applicator device 1 with abrasive elements 38, which has a multi-zone structure. The working tip 4 comprises three zones Z1, Z2 and Z3, whereby zone Z1 has the usual structure described above. Zone Z2 has lateral abrasive elements 38, which extend from the bottom of the working tip to the top of the tip. Between the lateral abrasive elements 38 there are (preferably) no vertical cleaning elements 35a.
(155) The lateral abrasive elements 38 have approximately the same extension as the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36. Zone Z3, which extends to the penultimate tip 34, is free of cleaning elements. In principle, it is conceivable that zone Z3 also has abrasive elements 38. The abrasive elements are preferably similar to the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36, but are thicker. It is also conceivable that the lamella-shaped cleaning elements 36 in zone Z1 are replaced by lateral abrasive elements 38.
(156) FIGS. 43a to d show a top view and a side view of two applicator devices with an uneven working tip 4. The working tips 4 otherwise have the usual structure described above.
(157) The working tip 4 as shown in FIG. 43 a and b has a slightly curved shape when viewed from the side and may also be inclined downwards at the same time. This means that the thickness of the working tip 4 does not decrease linearly in the direction of the frontmost end 34, but shows a stronger decrease in the middle area, which then becomes linear again in the area in front of the frontmost tip 34. Correspondingly, the underside of the working tip is not straight, but shows a similar vibration as the top side (which however is somewhat less strong).
(158) In FIGS. 43c and d, working tip 4 has a wavy or serpentine shape in top view, whereas otherwise the cleaning elements 35a, 35b and the cleaning elements 36 have the design described above. In the side view, the working tip 4 does not have a curved or wave-shaped geometry, but is designed with a linearly decreasing thickness (i.e. conical) as usual.
(159) FIGS. 44a and 44b show a top view and a side view of an applicator device 1 according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention. This applicator device 1 has an extension 2′ of the holding section 2 compared to the applicator devices described above, which is connected to the rear end of the holding section 2. The holding cover 31′ of the extension 2′ again has several, preferably two, curved ribs 31c′, which are preferably directed outwards. The holding section 2 and the extension of the holding section 2′ each have a concave bulge 17 and 17′ respectively on the upper side.
(160) In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 44c, the extension 2′ of the holding section 2 has a concave bulge 17′ at the top, whereas the holding section 2 is straight at the top, but has a concave bulge 18 at the bottom (and the extension 2′ does not). However, it is also conceivable that the underside of the holding section extension 2′ has a concave bulge and the upper side of the holding section extension 2′ either also has a bulge 17′ or is straight.
(161) FIGS. 45a and 45b show a side view and a top view, respectively, of an applicator device 1 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. This applicator device 1 has a modified basic shape, whereby the neck section 3 and the working tip 4 do not project straight from the holding section 2. In comparison to the embodiments shown so far, the neck section 3 is not symmetrically designed here, but has a straight form on one side and a curvature K on the other side.
(162) The working tip 4 has the usual design (i.e. as described in FIGS. 1 to 17), but is arranged so that it is rotated by 90° in relation to the neck and holding section 3, 2 compared to the previous embodiments. This is due to the fact that this applicator device 1 is held vertically between thumb and index finger during use. Therefore, the applicator device 1 has a concave bulge 17, 18 on both sides of the holding section 2, as shown in the top view in FIG. 45b. In this way, an ergonomically favorable hold can be provided.
(163) Finally, FIGS. 46 and 46b show a top and side view of an applicator device 1 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention. Here, the holding section 2 has a suction cup 47 at its rear end, which serves to place the applicator device 1 vertically. The suction cup 47 is preferably made of soft component and has a cavity 48 (dotted line), by means of which the required negative pressure can be generated. Instead of the suction cup 47, however, a normal stand without suction effect can also be provided. Such a stand is preferably made of a hard component.
(164) FIGS. 47a, 47b and 47c show a top view and a side view of a first and a second variant of an applicator device 1 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention. Compared to the previously described applicator devices, this applicator device 1 has an extension of the holding section 2, which is connected to the rear end of the holding section 2. A polishing element 46′ is formed on the extension. This polishing element can, for example, be designed as convex curvature as shown in variant 1 in FIG. 47b, or as shown in variant 2 in FIG. 47c, as an element with a polishing element edge 46″. The base shape is identical for both variants, so that the top view in FIG. 47a applies to both.
(165) FIG. 48 shows a top view of an applicator device 1 according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. This applicator device 1 has a modified base shape, with the neck section 3 and the working tip 4 not protruding straight from the holding section 2. The neck section 3 is not symmetrically designed here, but has a straight shape on one side and a curvature K on the other side.
(166) The working tip 4 has the usual design (i.e. as described in FIGS. 1 to 17), but compared to the previous embodiments, it is rotated by 90° in relation to the neck and holding section 3, 2. This is due to the fact that this applicator device 1 is held vertically between thumb and index finger during use. In this way an ergonomically favorable hold can be provided. A tongue cleaner edge 46″′, which is formed from soft components, is designed as a further functional element and is arranged in the bulge K.
(167) FIGS. 49a to 49d show a handle extension part 60 in different views, without inserted applicator device 1. In addition to the receiving area 61, an access opening 62 is shown, which is required for the manufacture of the fixing element 63. The feed-through opening 64 is also shaped and serves to hold the applicator device together with the fixing element 63.
(168) FIGS. 50a to 50d show the handle extension part 60 from FIGS. 49a to 49d with the applicator device 1 inserted. For mounting in the handle extension part 60, the applicator device 1 is guided with the working tip through the feed-through opening 64 and then clamped with the free end of the holding section between the fixing element 63 and a surface of the receiving area 61. This allows the use of the applicator device 1 with handle extension part 60.
(169) FIGS. 51, 52 and 53 schematically show the modularity of the injection molding tool. In the rear view an applicator device is shown, which is manufactured in two cavities, whereby the different sections of the injection molding cavity are shown schematically with dotted lines.
(170) FIG. 51 shows a first variant of the modular design of the injection molding tool. The variant consists of three sections of the injection molding cavity. The rear section 52 of the injection molding cavity forms the base body holding section in a first form in the first cavity and the holding cover in a second mold in the second cavity. The front section 53 of the injection molding cavity forms in a first form in the first cavity the base body tip and in a second form in the second cavity the coating. Between them, the fixed neck section 54 is arranged as the middle section. This serves to move the base body of the applicator device from the first to the second cavity. From the first to the second cavity only the front side changes here. This fixed neck section 54 is designed as a repositioning device.
(171) The modularity is designed in such a way that the rear and front sections of the injection molding cavities 52, 53 are interchangeable and the fixed neck section 54 does not change. A simple model change is possible, since only non-moving cavities are replaced. The interchangeability offers the possibility to design applicator fixtures with different holding sections and with different working tips, whereby the neck section remains the same in each case.
(172) FIG. 52 shows a second variant of the modular design of the injection molding tool. The variant consists of two sections of an injection molding cavity. The rear section 55 of the injection molding cavity forms in a first form in the first cavity the base body holding section and the neck section and in a second form in the second cavity the holding cover and the neck section. The front section 53 of the injection molding cavity forms the base body tip in a first form in the first cavity and the coating in a second form in the second cavity.
(173) The repositioning device is integrated in the area of the rear section 55 of the injection molding cavity. This allows the base body of the application device to be moved from the first to the second cavity. The only advantage of the modularity here is the interchangeability of the front section 53 of the injection molding cavity, i.e. different working tips with the same holding and neck section can be formed.
(174) FIG. 53 shows a third variant of the modular design of the injection mold tool. The variant consists of two sections of an injection molding cavity. The rear section 52 of the injection molding cavity forms the base body holding section in a first form in the first cavity and the holding cover in a second form in the second cavity. The front section 56 of the injection molding cavity forms the neck section in a first form in the first cavity and the base body tip and the neck section and the coating in a second mold in the second cavity.
(175) The repositioning device is integrated in the area of the front section 56 of the injection molding cavity. This allows the base body of the applicator device to be moved from the first to the second cavity. The only advantage of the modularity here is the interchangeability of the rear section 52 of the injection molding cavity, i.e. different holding sections can be formed with the same neck section and the same working tips.
(176) It goes without saying that the design variants described and shown here serve only as examples of applicator devices within the meaning of the present invention. Within the scope of the present invention, in particular the individual described and shown holding sections, neck sections, working tips, additional working tips and extensions can be combined with each other without leaving the subject matter of the invention.
(177) The feature descriptions for specific figures can of course be transferred to other figures that show the same or similar features and where the features may not be described in the same detail.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
(178) 1 Applicator device 2 Holding section 2′ Extension holding section 3 Neck section 4 Working tip 4′ Additional working tip 5 Upper tip of the triangular shape 6 Lower tip of the triangular shape (left) 7 Lower tip of the triangular shape (right) 8 Right side of the triangular shape 9 Left side of the triangular shape 10 Base body 11 Base body holding section 11′ Extension base body holding section 12 Base body neck section 13 Base body tip 14a Supports (free spots) 14b Supports (lateral projections) 15 Recess(es) underside of the base body tip 15a Recess underside of the base body neck section 16 Holding projection 17 Concave bulge upper side of the holding section 17′ Concave bulge upper side of the extension 18 Concave bulge lower side of the holding section 19 Transition area (without recess) 20 Through holes in the base body holding section 21 Channel base body neck section (upper side) 22 Taper/transition 23 Recess at the rear end of the base body holding section 23a Lateral recesses at the base body holding section 24 Oval groove at the lower side of the base body holding section 25 Gradation 26 Central recess (lower side of the base body holding section) 27 Lateral indentations in the base body holding section 28a Lateral projections 28b Rear holding projections 28c Front holding projections 29 Gradation (at the rear of the base body holding section) 30 Injection-molding body 31 Holding cover 31′ Holding cover extension 31a Nubs of the holding cover 31b Ribbed structure/ribs of the holding cover 31c Curved ribs/ribs of the holding cover 31c′ Curved ribs of the holding cover extension 32 Neck cover 33 Coating 34 Frontmost tip 34′ Frontmost tip (umbrella form) 34″ Frontmost tip (arrow form) 35a Vertical cleaning elements 35b Horizontal cleaning elements 35b′ Cleaning elements umbrella tip 35b″ Cleaning elements arrow tip 36 Lamella-shaped cleaning elements 37 Vertical abrasive elements 38 Lateral abrasive elements 39 Holding point 40 Toothpick-like element 41 Brush or fan-like element 42 Notched brush or fan-shaped cleaning element 43 Gripper-shaped element 44 Gripper jaws 45 Opening 46 Cleaning elements 46′ Polishing element 46″ Polishing element edge 46″′ Tongue cleaner edge 47 Suction cup 48 Cavity 50 Comb made of individual applicator devices 50′ Comb made of individual based bodies 51 Connection 52 Rear section of the injection molding cavity (in the first cavity for the base body holding section, in the second cavity for the holding cover) 53 Front section of the injection molding cavity (in the first cavity for the base body holding section, in the second cavity for the coating) 54 Fixed neck section of the injection molding cavity 55 Rear section of the injection molding cavity (in the first cavity for the base body holding section and neck section, in the second cavity for the holding cover and neck section) 56 Front section of the injection molding cavity (in the first cavity for the base body tip and neck section, in the second cavity for the coating and neck section) 60 Handle extension part 61 Receiving area 62 Access opening 63 Fixing element 64 Feed-through opening a1 distance in connecting area a2 Distance center—center b.sub.1 Height connection b.sub.2 Width lateral projection D.sub.1 Diameter working tip (measured on soft component, at the free end) D.sub.2 Diameter working tip (measured on soft component, in the area of the last cleaning elements) D.sub.3 Diameter working tip (outer diameter with cleaning elements, at the free end) D.sub.4 Diameter working tip (outer diameter with cleaning elements, in the area of the last cleaning elements) h.sub.1 Height of the lateral protrusions K Curvature neck section l.sub.1 Length connection l.sub.2 Length holding section l.sub.2′ Length extended holding section l.sub.3 Length neck section l.sub.4 Length working tip l.sub.5 Length lateral projection l.sub.6 Length recess underside base body tip l.sub.7 Length recess underside base body holding section l.sub.8 Length frontmost tip l.sub.s Length of the supports (lateral projections) in longitudinal direction L Longitudinal axis of the applicator device/working tip X.sub.1 Distance rear—center support (upper side) X.sub.2 Distance center—front support (upper side) Z1-5 Zones of the working tip or the coating A-A Intersection line B-B Intersection line C-C Intersection line D-D Intersection line E-E Intersection line F-F Intersection line G-G Intersection line H-H Intersection line
