Applicator Having a Microstructured Surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a bristle carrier and bristles (1) formed thereon, the surface of the bristles (1) being microstructured at least in segments, in that a plurality of grains (2, 3) protrude haphazardly from the bristle core (4) in the region of the microstructured surface and are connected to the bristle core (4) only along less than 40%, preferably less than 35% of the outer surface thereof, and comprise an average diameter (ØM1, ØM2) of less than or equal to 125 μm, preferably less than or equal to 90 μm.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention preferably relates to an applicator comprising bristles having a microstructured surface. The invention further relates to an option for applicators without bristles.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

In the field of applicators with bristles, a fundamental differentiation is made between wire-core applicators, wherein bristles in the form of short filaments are held clamped between two core wires twisted together, and injection-molded applicators, wherein the core of the applicator is produced with the bristles formed thereon by means of injection molding. An individual bristle cavity is thereby provided for each bristle, in which the plastic material is enclosed for forming the bristle.

Even for injection-molded bristles, a significant problem is that the surface of the bristle is quite smooth and therefore the storage capacity for the corresponding cosmetic material remains limited. For this reason, it has previously typically been attempted to improve the storage capacity of an applicator by means of various embodiments of the spaces between the bristles. Depots are created between the bristles in which increased amounts of material can be stored.

Other proposals relate to using a flocking rather than bristles, said flocking being very absorbent and therefore able to store a significant amount of material. Such applicators are disadvantageous, however, where it is not only necessary to transfer a larger quantity of cosmetic material, but also combing or curling is desired, such as for mascara applicators. The adhesive used for flocking is also disadvantageous. Said adhesive causes a disadvantageous adhesion of small pieces of flocking, whereby the production of a precisely defined surface finish only slightly dependent on random chance is impeded. The adhesive also makes useless any profiling already provided on the raw part by filling in said profiling.

For this reason, bristles have been proposed by PCT application PCT/EP2015/067694, having solid particles embedded in the plastic matrix thereof during injection molding, said particles partially protruding outward past the plastic surface of the injected bristles. This technology as such is very promising in function. For some applications, there is a certain disadvantage in said technology, in that varying the amount by which the solid particles protrude and the protruding geometry is difficult or impossible.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the object of the invention is to achieve further improvement and adjustability of the material storage capacity of the bristles.

The Object Achieved According to the Invention

The object is achieved according to the invention by an applicator having a bristle carrier and bristles formed thereon. The bristles are characterized in that the surface thereof is microstructured. The microstructuring can be applied only in segments, for example in the form of local rings enclosing the bristle in the circumferential direction, or of local stripes extending along the bristle in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof. Most of the surface of the bristle is preferably microstructured, ideally the entire bristle.

The microstructuring occurs in that a plurality of grains protrude haphazardly from the bristle core in the region of the microstructured surface. Haphazard protruding in the sense of the invention is understood to mean a random arrangement, in contrast to an aligned arrangement in rows or matrix-like fields or having a recurring pattern.

Said grains are characterized in that less than 40%, or preferably less than 35%, of the original free exterior surface thereof is connected to the bristle core. The unconnected part of the surface protrudes freely outward and is therefore available for coating with the cosmetic material.

The individual grains have an average diameter of 125 μm and preferably an average diameter of 90 μm.

The average diameter of a grain is defined according to the invention here and everywhere as the diameter of a theoretical least sphere in which said grain can still be inscribed when theoretically disconnected from the bristle core.

Speaking figuratively, the teaching of the invention is that the surface of a bristle is equipped with a certain quantity of “sprinkles” providing a largely controllable degree of roughness. The latter can be utilized intentionally for improving the coatability of the bristle with and/or the adhesion of the cosmetic mass on the bristle. In this manner, the storage capacity of the bristle surface can be purposefully adapted to the corresponding cosmetic to be transferred by the bristle and the rheological properties thereof.

Said surface structure can no longer be controlled by means of injection molding, of course, as such microstructuring would not be feasible. The microstructuring can, however, be produced well by means of the three-dimensional plastic printing process or laser sintering of plastics, known from the field of “rapid prototyping”, or in general by means of a primary layer forming process. Only the fusing times need to be controlled in a skilled manner here, so that a largely smooth surface is not produced by fusing. Instead, the laser beam must be directed and/or focused so as to bond the grains used as the raw material only partially and locally to the bristle core by means of corresponding local fusing. Control can further be achieved by means of the average grain size of the granulate used.

Further Object of the Invention

A further object of the invention is to achieve further improvement and adjustability of the material storage capacity of applicators without bristles.

The Further Object Achieved According to the Invention

The further object is achieved by an applicator having a particularly structured cosmetic application surface. A cosmetic application surface is understood here to be a surface associated with a delicate applicator, the actual applicator body thereof (without handle and closure cap) fitting into a theoretical cylinder having a radius of 2 cm and a length of 8 cm.

Said cosmetic application surface can be a surface made of individual surfaces formed by bristle surfaces, together with the individual surfaces present between the bristles in the region of the bristle field. Said surface, however, is preferably here the cosmetic application surface of an applicator designed having no protruding bristles, fingers, or pins.

The cosmetic application surface according to the invention is characterized in that the surface thereof is microstructured. The microstructuring can be applied only in segments, for example in the form of local rings enclosing the applicator in the circumferential direction, or by local islands preferably disposed as a regular pattern on the entire cosmetic application surface. The cosmetic application surface is preferably mostly microstructured, ideally the entire cosmetic application surface.

The microstructuring occurs here as well in that a plurality of grains protrude haphazardly from the bristle core in the region of the microstructured surface. Haphazard protruding in the sense of the invention is understood to mean a random arrangement, in contrast to an aligned arrangement in rows or matrix-like field or having a recurring pattern.

Said grains are characterized in that less than 40%, or preferably less than 35%, of the original free exterior surface thereof is connected to the bristle core. The unconnected part of the surface protrudes freely outward and is therefore available for coating with the cosmetic material.

The individual grains have an average diameter of ≤125 μm and preferably an average diameter of ≥90 μm. The average diameter of a grain is defined according to the invention here and everywhere as the diameter of a theoretical least sphere in which said grain can still be inscribed when theoretically disconnected from the bristle core.

Speaking figuratively, the teaching of the invention is that the cosmetic application surface is equipped with a certain quantity of “sprinkles” providing a largely controllable degree of roughness. The latter can be utilized intentionally for improving the coatability of the cosmetic application surface with and/or the adhesion of the cosmetic mass on the cosmetic application surface. In this manner, the storage capacity of the cosmetic application surface can be purposefully adapted to the corresponding cosmetic to be transferred by the cosmetic application surface and the rheological properties thereof.

Said surface structure can no longer be controlled by means of injection molding, of course, so that the production notes given above apply here as well.

Preferred Potential Embodiments

In the two cases indicated above, it has been found to be advantageous that the set of grains used for microstructuring the surface comprises first grains, or is even made entirely thereof, having an average diameter of greater than or equal to 30 μm and preferably greater than or equal to 40 μm. This is because such grains, small but not too small, are able in most cases to produce particularly good contact between the typical cosmetic material and the bristle microstructured by means of said grains.

It can be advantageous in some cases that a plurality of second grains are distributed between or at the first grains, protruding from the bristle core according to the invention and/or protruding from the first grains in a corresponding manner, the average diameter thereof being 30 μm or preferably 25 μm. Spreading such second, smaller bodies can help to further increase the wettable surface and then delay dripping of critical cosmetic substances, for example.

As discussed above, the bristle need not comprise microstructuring according to the invention over the entire surface thereof. It can be sufficient if the bristle surface comprises an area of 1 mm² in each case at which at least five, preferably at least eight grains protrude in the manner indicated above.

For microstructuring over a large area, said dimension is ideally maintained over the entire or at least most of the microstructured surface.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous if an undercut is present at least locally, preferably of at least 70% all around, between the point at which the first grain is connected to the bristle core along the circumference thereof or at the circumference thereof, and the maximum circumference of the first grain protruding outward. In this way, said grain can dip like an anchor positively into the layer of cosmetic material carried by the bristle and thereby ensure good retention of the cosmetic material.

The retaining function implemented by the microstructured surface relative to the cosmetic material can be further improved in that a plurality of grains comprising an undercut of the type described can be found over an area of 1 mm² and are disposed directly adjacent to each other. The grains should thereby not touch each other, but rather be spaced a very small distance apart above—as seen substantially in the radial direction—the region in which said grains are bonded to a bristle core, from where the spacing thereof increases up to the region at which said grains are bonded to the core.

It is particularly advantageous if the microstructuring of the surface is controlled so that least 25%, preferably at least 30%, of the exposed surface of the bristle is in the region of a radial undercut. The term “exposed surface” thereby defines a surface freely accessible from the outside along any path. Said path need not be a straight path, but a path not crossed by any other grains, but always running through the air space. An undercut is a free space from which no straight-line path leads out in the purely radial direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bristle.)

It can be particularly advantageous not only to equip the bristles with the microstructure described above but optionally also to equip the bristle carrier, in the region thereof free of bristles and lying between the surrounding bristles protruding from the bristle carrier, with a microstructured surface of the type described above. In this manner, the coatability and material storage capacity of the bristle carrier can also be adjusted.

Applicators characterized in that the applicator core or bristle carrier is a cast, extruded, or injection-molded plastic part, or a metal part having bristles applied thereto in layers, have proven to be particularly advantageous. Particularly inexpensive production can be achieved if the plastic injection-molded part or the metal part is already equipped with a set of bristles (e.g., by encapsulating or embedding filaments) and only additional bristles or specialized bristles are added by means of a primary layer forming process, and/or existing bristles are provided with the microstructured surface according to the invention by means of simple coating using the primary layer forming process.

This is particularly also the case where applicators having no bristles, such as for use as a lip applicator, are provided with the microstructured surface according to the invention.

It is particularly advantageous here to use applicator blanks formed by injection molding or another primary forming process, in order to produce a finished applicator by applying the microstructured surface according to the invention to the blank by means of the primary layer forming process. To the extent that the microstructured surface according to the invention is to be preferably applied only locally, recesses are preferably provided in the applicator blank and filled in by the primary layer forming process. Particularly good anchoring of the microstructured surfaces according to the invention can thereby be achieved, as well as a sharp boundary between the microstructured regions and regions having conventional surface properties.

Protection is also requested for the production of such an applicator, and/or for the production of an applicator having the structured surface according to the invention.

Protection is further claimed for an applicator characterized in that part of the bristles are injection-molded bristles, between which additional bristles have been installed subsequently by means of a primary layer forming process, and for a method for producing such an applicator.

Therefore protection is also claimed for methods for producing an applicator, including of the type described above, characterized in that an applicator core or bristle carrier is produced as an injection-molded part and subjected to a treatment and preferably a corona treatment prior to applying the bristles in layers, said treatment increasing the surface tension of said applicator or bristle carrier and preferably set up for increasing the polar portion of the surface tension.

It is thereby particularly advantageous if the surface tension of the material of said applicator or bristle carrier is adjusted to be greater than the surface tension of the material being applied.

Protection is also claimed, in conjunction with the previously claimed features but also as isolated protection completely independent of previously claimed features, for an applicator having an edge layer comprising a proportional contact area of less than or equal to 50% measured to a depth of 2/10 mm and preferably to a depth of 4/10 mm, at least wherever said layer is structured beyond the surface roughness, said roughness ranging up to +/− 2/1000 mm. The measurement is performed in that a straight line is placed on the outermost surface of the edge layer, optionally from one surface peak to the immediately adjacent surface peak. From there, a measurement is made radially inward by said amount, namely 2/10 mm or preferably 4/10 mm. The proportion of “air” measured within said strip is, on average, at least equal to or greater than the proportion of plastic measured within said strip.

In general, the applicator is preferably implemented as a single material where said applicator has the surface structure according to the invention, that is, is made of a single plastic material.

Further modes of action, advantages, and potential embodiments arise from the following embodiment example described in the figures.

LIST OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment example of a bristle microstructured according to the invention in the region of the tip thereof, where a substantial part of the tip has broken off, depicted by the view of the hatched bristle core.

FIG. 2 shows a detail magnification from the left flank of the microstructured bristle tip according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the substantial dimensions of a bristle according to the invention and the lateral deflectability thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates the application of the invention to a lip applicator having no bristles whatsoever.

FIG. 5 shows the application of the invention to another lip applicator also having no bristles whatsoever but also having a macroscopic structure, wherein a partial section view having the front part cut away is depicted here.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES

First Embodiment Example

FIG. 1 shows the top part of a bristle made of plastic for forming the edging of a bristle applicator according to the invention.

The length LAE of a bristle according to the invention is typically between 3 mm and 10 mm. The maximum bristle diameter DB of a bristle according to the invention is typically between 0.01 mm and 0.05 mm.

The bristle according to the invention is preferably flexible, that is, able to be deflected laterally. The flexibility is typically great enough that the tip of the bristle can be reversibly elastically laterally deflected by the forces arising during application by at least four times, preferably six times, the amount BT of the maximum bristle diameter (measured above any fillet where the bristle transitions into the bristle carrier), as shown in FIG. 3.

It is particularly advantageous if the bristle tapers down from the base to the tip thereof, preferably at an average taper angle AP of 0.2° to 10°.

Applicators according to the invention typically have between 75 and 750 bristles of the type described here. It is further noted that the plastic of the bristles need not be identical to the plastic of the bristle carrier, even if the bristles and bristle carrier transition into each other as a single part. It can further be advantageous to produce the bristle from different plastics along different regions. It has been found to be advantageous, for example, to produce the bristles from a particularly elastic plastic in the base region thereof, in order to produce a type of joint at said point about which the bristle can be pivoted back and forth.

For the bristle shown in FIG. 1, only the region of the bristle tip has the microstructuring according to the invention. Further isolated regions of the bristle could additionally have such microstructuring. For example, the one or more rings spaced apart from each other as described above and enclosing the circumference of the bristle could also be thus equipped. For some other applications, it is particularly advantageous to provide the entire bristle with the microstructuring according to the invention.

Second Embodiment Example

A second embodiment example of the invention is shown in the top half of FIG. 4, and a third embodiment example in the bottom half of FIG. 4. Depicted is a lip applicator. The blank of said lip applicator is preferably produced as an injection-molded part. The lip applicator has then been equipped with a microstructured surface according to the invention in segments in the manner described above.

For the case of the second embodiment example, the end face 6 of the lip applicator, intended for taking up from the store a certain quantity of the cosmetic to be applied and for applying the same to the lips, has been equipped according to the invention.

As can be seen here, first regions 7 microstructured according to the invention are provided at the edge of the end face 6. Said regions 7 are preferably microstructured such that the cosmetic to be applied adheres particularly well thereto. In this manner, smudging can be prevented or delayed, as it would otherwise be likely to occur that a certain amount of the viscous cosmetic received adhesively by the end face at first would slip off and then drip over the edge of the end face.

The adhesion can be further improved if second (typically 5 to 25 in count) microstructured regions 8 are also present. Said further microstructured regions 8 are preferably implemented as islands separate from each other, each of which ideally individually comprises a circular, oval, elliptical, or plum-shaped surface extent.

The microstructured surface in the present embodiment example preferably takes up only a minority of the surface intended as the application surface (typically the end face).

The third embodiment example is depicted in the bottom half of FIG. 4.

For the case of the third embodiment example, the end face 6 of the lip applicator, intended for taking up from the store a certain quantity of the cosmetic to be applied and for applying the same to the lips, has also been equipped according to the invention. For this purpose, microstructured regions 9 are present, here having the shape of concentric or equidistantly spaced rings. Conventional regions 10 can also be provided in the shape of rings between the microstructured regions.

The present arrangement can also have an extremely positive effect on the mass storage and mass discharge behavior. For a corresponding design of the surface structure according to the invention, the microstructured regions 9 can take up an increased quantity of the cosmetic from the store and transport the same to the skin area to be treated. During application, part of the mass stored by the microstructured regions is then first forced into the conventional regions and then particularly quickly transferred therefrom to the skin area to be treated.

It is noted that the microstructured surface according to the invention and a macroscopic surface structure can overlap spatially and can preferably also reinforce each other in effect. This is evident from the fourth embodiment example, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Macroscopically raised regions 11 are implemented here on the lip applicator. The structures here protrude in any case by at least 0.8 mm (FIG. 5, dimension A) at least in a direction opposite the immediate surrounding area thereof (FIG. 5, dimension W) spaced apart by a maximum of 3 mm on both sides along said direction. Because the raised region of FIG. 5 is additionally provided with the microstructured surface according to the invention, the material storage capacity of the valleys 12 is significantly increased.

Depending on the rheology of the cosmetic material to be applied, it can be sensible to alternatively equip only the valleys 12 with the microstructured surface according to the invention, or to additionally equip the valleys 12 with the microstructured surface.

Details of the Microstructuring Used for the Embodiment Examples

The details of the microstructuring according to the invention (for a bristle in the example) can be seen well in FIG. 2.

As is evident, the bristle has a bristle core 4. The bristle core 4 can have a homogenous microstructure or a grained microstructure. A homogenous microstructure can also mean that local air inclusions or local gaps are present (not shown in the drawing), as long as said features do not reduce the strength and elasticity of the bristle to the extent that the bristle no longer exhibits the flexibility indicated above.

The embodiments below apply analogously to an applicator without bristles. Said applicator can also comprise a corresponding applicator core having a homogenous microstructure or a grainy microstructure. A homogenous microstructure, in this case, can also mean that local air inclusions or local gaps are present (not shown in the drawing) as long as said inclusions or gaps do not substantially reduce the strength and elasticity of the bristle.

The following applies analogously for both embodiment examples:

As is evident, a plurality of grains 2, 3 protrude from the surface of the bristle in the microstructured region. As can be seen well in FIG. 2, said grains have a free outer surface, that is, the outermost local limit of the outer surface forming the bristle here. The shortest theoretical intersecting surface area by means of which each grain could theoretically be cut off from the bristle core 4, is less than 40% of the free outer surface of each grain for the grains 2, 3 essential to the invention.

The grains have a certain size. How this size is determined can also be seen well in FIG. 2. A theoretical sphere is formed in which the grain to be measured is inscribed. The radius of the smallest possible sphere in which the grain (as measured optically) can be inscribed is the average diameter ØM of the grain. Said average diameter ØM is ≤125 μm for the grains according to the invention.

Differentiation is thereby preferably made between larger first grains 2 and smaller second grains 3. Said two types of grains can also be seen well in FIG. 2. The larger grains 2 are characterized in that said grains have an average diameter ØM of at least 30 μm.

In contrast, the preferably additionally present, smaller grains 2 are characterized in that said grains have an average diameter ØM of <30 μm and preferably even <25 μm.

As can be easily understood from FIG. 2, the microstructuring according to the invention forms a wildly rugged surface having many undercuts sized so as to be filled in by the cosmetic material. In this manner, many protrusions and recesses result, at which the cosmetic material can adhere. Therefore, even if the cosmetic material is set up so as to not easily coat a smooth surface smoothly, said surface can be well loaded with the cosmetic material.

The retaining effect can be further increased if the production method is set up so that grains occur immediately adjacent to each other but do not make contact.

Said grains are then advantageously bonded to the bristle core such that the spacing again increases from the point at which said grains are spaced apart by the least distance KA from each other to the region B where said grains are bonded to the bristle core.

In this manner, opposing undercuts are formed and exhibit particularly a good retention effect.

Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 2 just above the center of the figure and is marked with reference numbers.

Wherever an applicator core or bristle carrier is produced as a prefabricated part, particularly as an injection-molded part, in order to apply a structured surface or bristles thereto in layers it is sensible to subject the surface of said blank to a treatment for preparing the same in order to ensure good adhesion of the material to be applied. This applies not least when said blank is made of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester.

Suitable treating methods here include corona treatment and possibly alternatively fluoridation or flame or plasma treatment. The objective of said methods is to increase the polarity of the surfaces, whereby the coatability and chemical affinity are increased significantly.

Corona treatment is typically performed “in line” at the end of the production process for the blank. The blank, such as a cylindrical bristle carrier without bristles, is thereby subjected to a high-voltage electrical discharge. Said discharge occurs between a grounded, polished plate or roller made of steel or aluminum and an insulated electrode nearby.

Depending on the field of application, the use of an insulated roller and non-insulated electrodes is also possible.

The bristle carrier thereby rotates about the electrode. The electrode is supplied by a high-frequency generator at an alternating voltage of 10 to 20 kV and a frequency between 10 and 60 kHz.

REFERENCE LIST

• 1 Bristle
• 2 First grain
• 3 Second grain
• 4 Bristle core
• 5 Undercut
• 6 End face of the lip applicator (application surface)
• 7 (First) region having a microstructured surface
• 8 (Second) region having a microstructured surface
• 9 (Additional) region having a microstructured surface
• 10 Conventional region
• 11 (Macroscopically) raised region
• 12 Valley
• R Radial direction
• B Region in which a grain is bonded to the bristle core 4
• KA Least distance between 2 directly adjacent grains
• L Longitudinal axis of a bristle
• ØM Average diameter of a grain
• ØMax Maximum circumference of a grain
• LAE Bristle length
• DB Bristle diameter, max
• BT Amount by which a bristle can be reversibly deflected
• AB Average cone angle/taper angle of a bristle

A Dimension by which the raised region is raised W Dimension of distance between the raised region and a non-raised region (valley)

Claims

1. An applicator having a bristle carrier and bristles (1) formed thereon, characterized in that the surface of the bristles (1) is microstructured at least in segments, in that a plurality of grains (2, 3) protrude haphazardly from the bristle core (4) in the region of the microstructured surface and are connected to the bristle core (4) only along less than 40%, preferably less than 35% of the outer surface thereof, and comprising an average diameter (ØM1, ØM2) of less than or equal to 125 μm, preferably less than or equal to 90 μm.

2. An applicator having a cosmetic application surface,

characterized in that the cosmetic application surface is microstructured at least in segments, in that a plurality of grains (2, 3) protrude haphazardly from the cosmetic application surface in the region of the microstructured surface and are connected to the cosmetic application surface only along less than 40%, preferably less than 35% of the outer surface thereof, and comprising an average diameter (ØM1, ØM2) of less than or equal to 125 μm, preferably less than or equal to 90 μm.

3. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that the grains (2, 3) comprise first grains (2) or are made entirely of first grains (2) having an average diameter (ØM1) of at least 30 μm and preferably at least 40 μm.

4. The applicator according to any one of the claims 1 through 3, characterized in that a plurality of second grains (3) are haphazardly distributed between or on the first grains (2) and protrude from the bristle core (4) according to claim 1 and/or in a corresponding manner from the first grains (2), and the average diameter (ØM2) thereof is less than or equal to 30 μm, preferably less than or equal to 25 μm.

5. The applicator according to any one of the claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the bristle surface comprises in any case an area of 1 mm2 at which at least 5, preferably at least 8 first grains (2) protrude as described above.

6. The applicator according to any one of the claims 1 through 5, characterized in that an undercut (5) is present at least locally, preferably of at least 70% all around, between the point at which a first grain (2) is connected to the bristle core (4) along the circumference thereof and the maximum circumference (Max) of the first grain (2) protruding outward.

7. The applicator according to claim 6,

characterized in that on an area of 1 mm2, a plurality of grains (2) having an undercut and directly adjacent to each other are present, and the grains (2) do not touch each other, but rather the least distance (KA) between said grains occurs above the region (B) at which said grains are bonded to the bristle core—substantially as seen in the radial direction (R)—from which point the distance between said grains increases until the region (B) at which said grains are bonded to the bristle core (4).

8. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least 30% of the free surface of the microstructured bristle segment is present in the region of a radial undercut (5).

9. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristle carrier comprises a free surface in a region without bristles, between surrounding bristles, and is microstructured at least in segments, in that a plurality of first grains protrude from the bristle core in the region of the microstructured surface and are connected to the bristle core along less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, of the outer surface thereof, and comprise an average diameter of less than or equal to 125 μm, preferably less than or equal to 90 μm.

10. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator core or bristle carrier is an injection-molded plastic part or a metal part without bristles or having bristle stubs, having bristles applied thereto in layers.

11. The applicator according to claim 9,

characterized in that part of the bristles are injection-molded bristles between which additional bristles have been installed subsequently by means of a primary layer forming process.

12. An applicator, preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying proportion of the edge layer of the applicator is 50% measured down to a depth of 2/10 mm and preferably to a depth of 4/10 mm.

13. A method for producing an applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that an applicator core or bristle carrier is produced as an injection-molded part and subjected to a treatment and preferably a corona treatment prior to applying the bristles in layers, said treatment increasing the surface tension of said applicator or bristle carrier and preferably set up for increasing the polar portion of the surface tension.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the surface tension of the material of said applicator core or bristle carrier is adjusted to be greater than the surface tension of the material being applied.