EP2832256B1 - Simplified closure cap with thread or a bayonet closure and one-piece applicator equipped with the same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a closure cap according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a cosmetic applicator equipped therewith.

Such caps for cosmetic applicators, which consist of a tubular cap body, the interior of which is divided by a plate into two areas on which a stem or shaft is attached, which in turn holds the actual applicator, are widely used in the cosmetics industry.

The US 2011/0088712 A1 and the WO 2006/132459 A1 disclose a closure cap having a tubular cap body and a stem as two separate components.

The plate usually has at the same time the task of forming a sealing surface which is pressed with the closure cap completely closed against the neck of the bottle, or against the edge of the stripper projecting beyond, in order to reliably seal the cosmetic reservoir.

In order to apply the sealing pressure required for this purpose as conveniently as possible, the cap body is generally provided on its inner peripheral surface with a thread profile which projects radially relatively far inwards into the free space enclosed by the cap body. The thread profile forms a holding projection: With the help of this thread profile, the cap can be screwed onto a reservoir provided with a complementary thread groove until the plate rests with the pressure required for a secure seal against the front side of the container neck or this front side cross-scraper.

However, it has long been known that the thread is a really rational production of the cap in the way. The problem is that these caps are usually made by injection molding. For this purpose, one uses an injection mold, which consists of two parts, which between form the mold cavity that forms the cap. To mold the ready-sprayed closure cap, the two mold halves are pulled apart in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the closure cap. However, the cap does not completely free even by the complete pulling apart of the two mold halves. Instead, it first remains attached to the mold half, which provides the core that has formed the internal thread on the inner circumference of the cap body. To remove the cap, it must now be unscrewed from this core in a next step. Since this problem has long been, corresponding automatic machines have long been developed that fully automatically master this screwing down. Nevertheless, the need for such screwing increases the cycle time and forces additional equipment.

A similar problem arises in the production of a cap, which has no thread profile, but a bayonet closure. Such also works with a holding projection, which projects radially inwards into the free space enclosed by the cap body.

In the low-budget area, therefore, caps are used again and again, instead of an internal thread use an elastic Rastwulst, although also protrudes inward, but only so slightly that the cap with the help of the linear movement of a correspondingly strong ejector of which forms the locking mechanism Can be pushed down core, because it can stretch so far elastically that the locking bead from the recess of the mold that has been imaged can be pulled out. Such snap fasteners often do not keep tight in the long term, since it is difficult to permanently apply relatively high forces with the aid of such a snap closure, which act in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and sufficiently bias the sealing surfaces against each other.

In view of this, it is the object of the invention to provide a closure cap which can be produced efficiently, although it is provided with a retaining projection which projects further inwardly into the free space enclosed by the cap body than a mere locking bead.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a plastic injection-molded cap is provided with a tubular cap body which has a longitudinal axis which in many cases (but not always) will at the same time be the axis of symmetry of the cap.

The cap body merges integrally into an at least predominantly radially extending plate.

In this case, the tubular cap body has on its inner circumference at least one holding projection, which, relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular cap body, extends substantially radially inwardly into the space bounded by the cap body free space and indeed more than only slightly - the retaining projection is usually part of a form-fitting Holding mechanism over which a more than insignificant holding force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cap or its associated container can be applied. This holding mechanism is usually a thread or a bayonet closure, otherwise to another holding mechanism that locks so tightly form-fitting that the cap can not be unlocked by pure tensile forces in the direction of the longitudinal axis again.

According to the invention, the plate has a window associated with the at least one holding projection, which is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the closure cap with its associated holding projection. Through this window, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis between the retaining projection and the plate lying space of the side facing away from the retaining projection side of the plate is accessible. This has a very significant advantage in the injection molding of the cap, because the injection mold used for this purpose can be designed so that the Forming the finished molded cap is significantly simplified.

The injection mold can then be designed in such a way that its at least two parts can be moved apart for shaping in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, and thus also the closure cap comes free. This is possible because the region in the closure cap which lies between the holding projection and the plate viewed along the longitudinal axis, and which actually constitutes a so-called undercut from the point of view of a mold maker, does not have to be formed by the molding which is the holding projection facing, but can be formed by the molding, which faces away from the retaining projection and for this purpose has a projecting projection which projects through the window into the undercut between the retaining projection and the plate.

More generally, the invention is that the closure cap is provided with a tubular cap body having a longitudinal axis which integrally merges into a plate extending at least predominantly radially, wherein the tubular cap body has at least one holding projection on its inner circumference, the radially inwardly protrudes into the circumference bounded by the cap body interior (8) and thereby seen from the holding projection facing the front end of the tubular cap body forth forms an undercut, characterized in that the plate has a the at least one retaining projection associated window through which the front projection of the tubular cap body remote from the holding projection has access to the undercut, so that in the production of the end opening facing away from the holding projection, a shaped part is pushed into the region of the undercut can to fill this so that there is no undercut for the other part.

Preferably, the window is designed so that the cross-sectional area of the window is larger than the projection surface of the associated retaining projection in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The allows the projection projecting through the window to become thicker from its free end to its root because it is e.g. B. tapered sideways or pyramid-shaped, which improves its sealing effect about.

Preferably, the plate is positioned in the tubular cap body so as to divide it into two sections, each of which has the shape of a frontally open tube. This improves handling especially in cosmetics applicators decisively because the part of the tubular cap body facing away from the plate forms a counterweight to the applicator, which is fastened to the plate via a shaft or stem, so that the center of gravity of the overall system is more in Direction of the center of the cap moves ("center" seen in relation to the longitudinal axis).

Preferably, the plate transitions into a shaft which carries an applicator or which has a coupling for coupling a shaft carrying an applicator.

The invention further relates to a particularly rational to produce applicator with a handle, a stem and a bristle trim, and a method for producing such an applicator.
In the prior art, the procedure has hitherto consistently been such that, for the purpose of producing cosmetic applicators, a handle, a stem and a bristle carrier are separately manufactured with radially projecting bristles, which are mounted in a subsequent step.

This procedure is expensive. At the same time, this procedure is also not hygienically problematic, because in particular in the area in which the coupling portion of the bristle carrier is fixed in the stem, a narrow gap remains that can not be completely sealed in practice. Remnants of the cosmetic can collect in this gap and, under unfavorable circumstances, promote the fungal or bacterial infestation.

It is the further object of the invention to provide an improvement here.

This object is achieved by a cosmetic applicator, as described in the independent claim 5.

Such a cosmetic applicator, which is designed in particular as a mascara applicator, is provided with a closure cap designed on its outer side as a gripping surface. The cap is used for sealing a cosmetic reservoir and is designed according to the invention by its plate has at least one window, which is aligned with the at least one holding projection in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The cap merges integrally into a protruding shaft. The stem forms a stem portion and integrally forms a bristle-carrying portion, i. H. the stem portion and the bristle-carrying portion merge seamlessly into one another and are designed as a one-piece component. Here are from the bristle-carrying portion of bristles, which are formed as an integral part of the bristle-carrying portion by being inextricably form-fitting and connected by welding to the bristle-carrying portion. This connection is achieved by the particular embodiment of the bristle-carrying portion. Namely, the bristle-carrying portion is hollow inside and carries sprayed bristles which are integrally connected through the wall of the bristle-carrying portion with a plastic core lining inside the bristle-supporting portion. The closure cap and the shaft (stem portion and bristle carrier) are preferably made of a different plastic material than the plastic core and the bristles. Ideally, these two plastic materials are chosen so that they weld together in the course of spraying the bristles.

According to the invention, the bristles, the stem and the cap thus form a one-piece component. The inventive design of the cap is significantly contributed to the efficient production of the applicator according to the invention, since the molding of the integrally produced applicator is substantially simplified.

The previously required step of inserting a coupling piece of bristle-occupied bristle carrier in a hollow handle and the subsequent permanent fixation of the two said items together deleted. This considerably reduces the cost of the applicator according to the invention, since it can be produced by two successive injection molding processes, which can be carried out fully automatically in succession.

Also, from a hygienic point of view, the applicator according to the invention is advantageous because there are nowhere montagebedingte joints on him, could penetrate into the cosmetic mass to stay there permanently and then u.U. to form a stove for germs.

Wherever there was previously talk of two different plastics, it is preferably so that the first plastic mass that forms the bristles, consists of a plastic that is more flexible in the cold state and / or a better "Bend recovery assets "has as the plastic from which there is the second plastic mass, which preferably forms the cap and / or the shaft. A particularly well-suited for providing the first plastic composition plastic is under the brand name "Grilflex" ® commercially available type of plastic. Polypropylene (PP) is particularly suitable as the second plastic compound.

Also in the area of the bristle lining do not worry about column.

This also applies here, where the bristles are integrally connected to a plastic core lining the bristle-carrying section and locally reach through the wall of the bristle-carrying section. There is everywhere a very close connection between the second plastic material, which forms the bristles and the bristle-carrying portion inside filling plastic material, and the tubular, bristle-carrying portion. There are nowhere left gaps in which bacteria or fungi could settle.

Preferably, the cosmetic applicator is configured such that the cavity of the bristle-carrying portion is open on the end side facing away from the cap of the bristle-carrying portion to the outside. In this way, the plastic mass, which is to break through the wall of the bristle-carrying portion locally and form the bristles, inject particularly free of bubbles.

Ideally, the bristle-carrying portion is designed to have an at least substantially constant wall thickness, ideally ≤1 mm, and more preferably ≤0.75 mm.

In the context of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the handle portion is at least partially hollow and in its interior has a separating portion which pressure-tightly separates its cavity from the cavity of the bristle-carrying portion, such that even under the influence of a several hundred bar amounting injection pressure no breakthrough takes place ,

Ideally, it is provided that the handle portion is solid at its end facing away from the handle and thus forms a separating portion, which accounts for about 1/5 to 1/2 of the total length of the handle portion and ensures a reliable seal. In this way, the stem portion seals reliably even when the cycle times are kept relatively short and the stalk portion injected together with the cap in a first step at the time in which the bristles are injected in a second step, is not fully cooled ,

A particularly reliable and stable construction results when the wall thickness of the bristle-carrying portion increases immediately before the transition of the bristle-carrying portion in the stem portion. Preferably, it is provided that increases the wall thickness of the bristle-carrying portion towards the inside.

In the context of a particularly favorable embodiment, it is alternatively provided that the shaft is continuous inside hollow and in the course of production forms a channel through which the inside of the bristle carrier portion for the purpose of producing the bristles injected plastic mass into the region of the cap, preferably into the region of the outer circumference of the cap, can flow. In this way, a special embodiment of the cap can be achieved particularly efficiently, namely in one operation with the injection of the bristles, preferably in the region of the gripping surface thereof. Typically, the gripping surface of the cap is hereby provided with one or more surface areas consisting of the material of the bristles (compared to the common plastic material of the cap and the stem portion) and therefore improves the feel of the gripping surface - for example by making the gripping surface grippier and not so easily accidentally slips out of hand, for example, because the applicator is still handled after showering wet / clammy fingers.

It has proved to be particularly favorable when the outer diameter AS of the stem portion is substantially or consistently larger than the outer diameter AB of the bristle-carrying portion. The ratio AB / AS is preferably ≦ 0.8, and ideally ≦ 0.7. In this way it is reliably prevented that the bristle stock overloads when passing through the scraper and therefore sooner or later damaged.

An alternative solution to the above problem is as follows:
A cosmetic applicator, especially in the form of a mascara applicator, has a closure surface forming a closure cap for sealing a cosmetic reservoir. The cap is designed as explained above. The closure cap merges into a shaft projecting from it, which terminates in a bristle carrier which has bristles protruding outward from it. Unlike the former solution, the bristle-carrying portion of this solution is designed as a stabilizing core. It is then encapsulated in a second injection molding step with a second plastic compound, so that a sleeve is formed, which surrounds the bristle-carrying section, welded to the entire surface and at the same time from its outer surface forms protruding bristles. According to the invention, the cap and the stem, which comprises the stem portion and the bristle-carrying portion, are made of a first plastic material in one piece and of a material, while the casing and its bristles projecting from it as an integral part are made of a second plastic material and are made of a second material. The applicator thus consists of a total of only one piece.

Wherever there was previously talk of two different plastics, it is preferably so that the first plastic mass that forms the bristles, consists of a plastic that is more flexible in the cold state and / or a better "Bend recovery assets "has, as the plastic from which the second plastic composition, which preferably forms the cap and / or the shaft. A particularly well-suited for providing the first plastic composition plastic is under the brand name "Grilflex" ® commercially available type of plastic. Polypropylene (PP) is particularly suitable as the second plastic compound.

Also, this applicator is very efficient to manufacture, because it consists of a single piece, including the bristles.

Also from a hygienic point of view, such an applicator has significantly improved properties. There is no gap between the stem and coupler of any beam loaded with bristles. Even in the area of the bristle lining, there are no critical gaps, because the sleeve forming the bristles and their stabilizing core are welded together over their entire surface.

As part of a preferred embodiment, it is provided in this second alternative design, just as in the first, that the stem portion at its end facing away from the handle is solid and thus forms a separation section, which is about 1/5 to 1/2 of the total length of Stem section makes. Against this massive stem portion, the mold, which is wrapped around the stabilizing core in a second injection molding step to overmold it with the second plastic compound, the sleeve forms, from which the bristles protrude, be applied with the pressure required to provide a reliable seal.

Another alternative solution to the above problem is as follows:
The cosmetic applicator, which has in particular in the form of a mascara applicator, comprises a closure surface forming a closure cap, which is formed as described above. The cap merges integrally into a protruding shaft, which in turn integrally forms a stem portion and a bristle-carrying portion. In this case, the bristle-carrying section merges integrally into outwardly projecting bristles and the entire cosmetic applicator has been injection-molded in a single step. In this way, last but not least, bristles can be produced which pass into the bristle carrier without any gap, ie are optimal from the point of view of avoiding microbial contamination.

"Injection molding in one step" in the sense of this alternative solution is understood to mean any production that can take place within one and the same injection mold without first spraying a blank, which is then completely or partially shaped to continue the injection molding process in another mold arrangement.

The requirement that the cosmetic applicator should be injection-molded in one work step initially reads like a process feature that is actually irrelevant to a product claim. In the present case, however, this supposed process feature is an indirect indication of the condition which prescribes a specific condition for the bristles. Especially in the area of the bristles, it is vitally important that the plastic chains untwist in the bristle - forming cavities during insertion and in the direction parallel to the bristles Align the longitudinal axis of the respective bristle. Only then do the bristles show a similarly good bend recovery capacity as the well-known bristles, cut from extruded and optionally subsequently drawn filaments and conventionally held between twisted wires to form a bristle stock. By injection molding, such an orientation of the polymer chains takes place precisely in the region of the bristles, which is why injection-molded bristles differ physically and in terms of their application properties from bristles which were produced, for example, by the method of "rapid prototyping".

If you come closer to the idea of injecting a complete applicator in one step or even with a single shot, then one expects at first very significant problems, since relatively coarse (cap, plate stem) and extremely fine structures must be created simultaneously. Surprisingly, it has been found that with the inherently tricky one-piece injection molding of cap, stem and bristles achieves unexpectedly good results, if one uses a comparison with the fine injection of fine bristles commonly used injection pressure significantly increased injection pressure, at least 900 bar or better still at least 1200 bar. Thus, it may seem that the circumstance compensates for the fact that the plastic mass injected into the comparatively large-volume mold cavity during the integral injection of an entire applicator has to travel longer distances in the same before it can enter the bristle-forming mold cavities and then it has already cooled too much, around which bristles still exist with really good mechanical properties.

It should be noted that it is particularly favorable if the outer diameter of the stem portion is substantially or consistently larger than the outer diameter of the bristle-carrying portion, wherein the ratio is preferably ≤ 0.8, and ideally ≤ 0.7.

Conveniently, the outer diameter of the stem portion is reduced at the transition to the bristle-carrying portion relative to the otherwise encountered outside diameter of the stem portion.

For each of the three alternative solutions mentioned above, it is expedient to provide one or more retaining projections on the closure cap, which are designed such that they engage in Cooperating with one or more container-side holding projections form an applicator quick-release, which is designed as a bayonet closure or preferably as a multi-start short thread and which is designed so that the holding elements with a rotational movement ≤ a 3/8 turn and better still with a rotary motion ≤ a 1 / 4 revolution can be transferred from a fully closed position in a position no longer fixed to each other in the direction of the applicator longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the short thread is formed as a coarse thread with a pitch angle μ of preferably more than 5 °. With the help of such a short thread can be despite the fact that the thread is only a little bit rotated in the closing direction until it has reached its full closed position, a reliable sufficient sealing pressure between the applicator and the associated cosmetic reservoir (in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator).

It has proved to be expedient in all three embodiments, when the plate has an opening which connects the cavity of the stem portion with the adjoining, circumferentially bounded by the cap cavity. This is because a consistently solid stem has proved to be unsuitable because of the high material consumption and the long cooling times.

• Die Figur 1 zeigt einen Vorratsbehälter mit erfindungsgemäßen Haltevorsprüngen gemäß eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels.
• Die Figur 2 zeigt den zur Figur 1 zugehörigen Kosmetikapplikator mit einer Verschlusskappe, die entsprechende Haltevorsprünge aufweist.
• Figur 3 zeigt, wie die Haltevorsprünge des Vorratsbehälters und der Verschlusskappe formschlüssig zusammenarbeiten.
• Die Figur 5 zeigt das Herstellen einer Verschlusskappe in einer herkömmlichen Spritzgussform, wie sie im Stand der Technik bekannt ist.
• Die Figur 6 zeigt das Herstellen einer Verschlusskappe in einer Spritzgussform gemäß der Erfindung.
• Die Figur 7 zeigt eine Detailansicht, die erkennen lässt, wie die Haltevorsprünge zusammenarbeiten.
• Die Figur 8 zeigt eine Seitenansicht entlang des in Figur 7 markierten Schnitts C-C.
• Die Figur 9 zeigt eine Detailansicht, die vom Prinzip her der Ansicht der Figur 7 entspricht, wobei aber die Schnittebene um 90° um die Längsachse L gedreht ist.
• Die Figur 10 zeigt eine Draufsicht von oben.
• Figur 11 zeigt eine perspektivische Schnittansicht der Verschlusskappe, die bereits von den Figuren 7 und 9 gezeigt worden ist.
• Die Figur 12 zeigt wie Schnittfläche der Figur 11 in Seitenansicht.
• Die Figur 12A zeigt einen Schnitt entlang der Längsachse L durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Die Figur 12B zeigt für das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wie Verschlusskappe und der Behälterhals mit den entsprechenden Haltevorsprüngen zusammenarbeiten.
• Die Figur 13 zeigt ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines einstückigen Applikators, der mithilfe der erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusskappe hergestellt worden ist, noch vor dem Anspritzen des Borstenbesatzes.
• Figur 14 zeigt das von der Figur 13 gezeigte erste Ausführungsbeispiel in vollendetem Zustand.
• Die Figur 15 illustriert, was im Sinne der Erfindung unter einer Borste zu verstehen ist.
• Die Figur 16 zeigt eine vergrößerte Detailansicht des von Figur 14 gezeigten Applikators im Bereich des borstentragenden Abschnitts 22.
• Die Figur 17 zeigt, wie bei dem von den Figuren 13 und 14 beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel die Hauptkomponente hergestellt wird.
• Die Figur 18 zeigt für die von Figur 17 dargestellte Hauptkomponente, wie diese teilweise ausgeformt wird, um im nächsten Schritt den Borstenbesatz anzuspritzen.
• Die Figur 19 zeigt ebenfalls die von Figur 17 dargestellte Hauptkomponente, aber nachdem sie in eine Form eingelegt worden ist, die im nächsten Schritt das Anspritzen des Borstenbesatzes gestattet.
• Die Figur 20 zeigt ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines einstückigen Applikators, der nutzbringend mithilfe der erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusskappe hergestellt werden kann.
• Die Figur 21 zeigt eine Hauptkomponente eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels eines einstückigen Applikators, der nutzbringend mithilfe der erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusskappe hergestellt werden kann.
• Die Figur 22 zeigt das dritte Ausführungsbeispiel des besagten einstückigen Applikators im fertigen Zustand.
• Die Figur 23 zeigt die Formanordnung, in der die Hauptkomponente des von Figur 21 gezeigten dritten Ausführungsbeispiels gespritzt wird.
• Die Figur 24 zeigt, wie die mithilfe des Ensembles von Figur 23 gespritzte Hauptkomponente teilweise ausgeformt wird, um eine Form anlegen zu können, die das Anspritzen des Borstenbesatzes gestattet.
• Die Figur 25 zeigt die von Figur 23 beschriebene Hauptkomponente in dem Augenblick, in dem der Teil der Form angelegt worden ist, der das Anspritzen des Borstenbesatzes gestattet.
• Die Figur 26 zeigt ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel eines einstückig und einstofflich hergestellten Applikators, unter Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusskappe.

Further design options, effects and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments based on the figures.

• The FIG. 1 shows a reservoir with retaining projections according to the invention according to a first embodiment.
• The FIG. 2 shows the to FIG. 1 associated cosmetics applicator with a closure cap having corresponding retaining projections.
• FIG. 3 shows how the retaining projections of the reservoir and the cap cooperate form-fitting manner.
• The FIG. 5 shows the production of a cap in a conventional injection mold, as is known in the art.
• The FIG. 6 shows the production of a closure cap in an injection mold according to the invention.
• The FIG. 7 shows a detail view that shows how the holding projections work together.
• The FIG. 8 shows a side view along the in FIG. 7 marked section CC.
• The FIG. 9 shows a detail view, which in principle the view of the FIG. 7 corresponds, but the sectional plane is rotated by 90 ° about the longitudinal axis L.
• The FIG. 10 shows a top view from above.
• FIG. 11 shows a perspective sectional view of the cap, already from the FIGS. 7 and 9 has been shown.
• The FIG. 12 shows how to cut the FIG. 11 in side view.
• The FIG. 12A shows a section along the longitudinal axis L by a second embodiment of the invention.
• The FIG. 12B shows for the second embodiment of the invention, as the cap and the container neck cooperate with the corresponding retaining projections.
• The FIG. 13 shows a first embodiment of a one-piece applicator, which has been produced by means of the closure cap according to the invention, even before the injection molding of the bristle trim.
• FIG. 14 shows that from the FIG. 13 shown first embodiment in a completed state.
• The FIG. 15 illustrates what is meant by a bristle in the context of the invention.
• The FIG. 16 shows an enlarged detail of the of FIG. 14 shown applicator in the region of the bristle-carrying portion 22nd
• The FIG. 17 shows, like that of the FIGS. 13 and 14 described embodiment, the main component is manufactured.
• The FIG. 18 shows for the of FIG. 17 shown major component, as this is partially formed to spray the bristle stock in the next step.
• The FIG. 19 also shows the of FIG. 17 shown main component, but after it has been placed in a mold that allows the injection molding of the bristle stock in the next step.
• The FIG. 20 shows a second embodiment of a one-piece applicator, which can be usefully produced by means of the closure cap according to the invention.
• The FIG. 21 shows a main component of a third embodiment of a one-piece applicator, which can be usefully produced by means of the closure cap according to the invention.
• The FIG. 22 shows the third embodiment of said one-piece applicator in the finished state.
• The FIG. 23 shows the mold assembly in which the main component of the FIG. 21 shown third embodiment is injected.
• The FIG. 24 shows how to use the ensemble of FIG. 23 molded main component is partially formed in order to create a shape that allows the injection molding of the bristle trim.
• The FIG. 25 shows the of FIG. 23 described main component at the moment in which the part of the mold has been applied, which allows the injection molding of the bristle trim.
• The FIG. 26 shows a fourth embodiment of a one-piece and einstofflich produced applicator, using the closure cap according to the invention.

The Fig. 1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the invention in the form of a cosmetic or mascara unit, the cap 2 is connected to the reservoir 7 by means of a so-called. Click and close closure.

Such a click-and-close closure is evidently part of the Fig. 1 a plurality of container-side retaining projections 5. The retaining projections 5 are in radially outward direction from the container neck and have in the circumferential direction only a local extent, the radian measure B is preferably less than 1/10 and ideally less than 1/15 of a full circle. In this embodiment, the container-side holding projections 5 have no thread pitch. However, they are preferably at least on the side on which they interact with the corresponding holding projections of the closure cap, spherical or convex. This makes it easier to lock in and out.

The cap 2, which usually forms a gripping surface on its outer side, is evidently the Fig. 2 for a substantial part of a tubular cap body 3, which surrounds an interior 8, ie circumferentially bounded, while the front side each has a free cross-section. How to get along well with the Fig. 2 sees, has the tubular cap body 3 on its inside two cap-side retaining projections 6, which form another part of the click-and-close closure. The holding projections 6 are expediently mounted remotely from the lower end edge of the cap body, so that the lower edge of the cap body forms an apron which substantially obscures the direct view of the holding projections.

The closure cap-side retaining projections 6 protrude in a radially inward direction into the interior 8 enclosed by the cap body 3. Similar to the container-side holding projections 5, the closure cap-side holding projections 6 have only a local extent in the circumferential direction, the radians of which are preferably less than 1/10 and ideally less than 1/15 of a full circle. In this embodiment, the cap-side holding projections 6 have no thread pitch.

The retaining projections 5 and 6 are coordinated in this embodiment so that each of the cap-side holding projections 6 engages the currently associated container-side retaining projection 5 and preferably latched with a form-fitting, as soon as the closed position is completely reached, see. Fig. 3 that illustrates the principle addressed.

In this way, that results from the Fig. 4 shown interaction of the container neck with the cap for so-called. Click-and-close closure.

The Fig. 5 shows what problem arises when one tries to produce such a cap 2 for such a click-and-close closure with the means of the prior art in one piece, instead of producing them from two subsequently assembled to each other items.

Drawn in a continuous black color and therefore easy to recognize here is the one-piece cap 2 with its tubular cap body 3. The enclosed by the tubular cap body 3 interior 8 of the cap is divided by a plate 4 into two separate sections. The plate 4 is used for attachment of the stem, not shown, or shaft, or even goes in one piece into this.

The injection mold to be used for one-piece production consists of a first mold half 9 and a second mold half 10, as can be seen from the different hatching is. For shaping after sufficient cooling of the molding, the two mold halves in the direction of the arrows P must be pulled apart parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the cap. Here, the problem arises that the cap-side projections 6 form an undercut H, which prevents the cap from the second mold half 10 can be removed, see. Fig. 5 ,

How this problem is solved according to the invention, which shows Fig. 6 ,

The plate has for each retaining projection 6, a window 11 which is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the closure cap with its associated retaining projection 6. In this case, the free cross-sectional area of the window 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L is at least as large as the projection of the projecting retaining projection in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In the present case, the free cross-sectional area of the window 11 is even larger, for the same reasons yet to be explained ,

It should be noted at this point that each of the windows 11 actually has only a local extent, both radially and peripherally, so that the plate 4 is connected in one piece to the cap body 3 wherever no window 11 can be found.

How to be good on the basis of Fig. 6 can recognize, make it the window 11 possible to provide the first mold part 9 with tongues 12, each passing through their associated window 11 and fill at least the space that can not be filled by the second mold part 10, if it should be avoided in that, on account of the holding projections, an undercut H is produced which prevents the finished molded cap from being peeled off from the second shaped part 10.

On closer inspection of the Fig. 6 It can also be seen why previously the free cross-sectional area of each window 11 in the present case is greater than the projection surface of its associated retaining projection 6 - it is extremely convenient, the tongues 12 of the first mold half 9 conical or wedge-like perform at least on its radially inward surface 13, since in this way a particularly reliable sealing pressure with the correspondingly shaped mating surfaces 14 of the second mold half 10 can be achieved.

For the same reason, it is particularly expedient (though not mandatory) to carry out the side faces of each tongue pointing conically or wedge-like in each case in the circumferential direction.

As a result, it should be noted that the free cross-sectional area of the windows 11 is greater at least in the radial direction than the projection surface of the holding projections 6, while ideally is even greater in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction than the projection surface of the holding projections 6.

Furthermore, it is important that the window 11 does not extend too far in a radially inward direction, so that an undisturbed, circumferentially completely self-contained sealing portion 15 remains on the plate 4 despite the window or windows. This sealing portion 15 can be pressed against a corresponding counter surface on the neck of the cosmetic reservoir or on the neck overlapping collar of the scraper and thereby seals the cosmetic reservoir tight.

Preferably, this sealing portion 15 has the shape of a self-contained annular disc, which lies between the shank neck of the plate 4 and the projection of the holding projections 6, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cap level, or level crowd.

On the basis of the previous comments on the FIGS. 5 and 6 can now easily understand what the FIGS. 7 and 8 reveal.

The Fig. 7 shows a section through which equipped with a scraper 16 reservoir 7, on which by means of the click-and-close closure, a closure cap 2 is attached, which merges integrally into a shaft or stem approach.

Good to see the holding projections 5 and 6, the form-fitting hold one behind the other and so create the remaining on the plate 4 sealing portion 15 tight against the collar 17 of the scraper 16, which engages over the end face 18 of the container neck.

Good to see are also the window 11, of which preferably two pieces are provided at diametrically opposite locations.

The FIG. 8 shows what you can see when you look at it from the right side along the line CC in Fig. 7 guided section looks.

It can be seen here again more clearly the interaction of a container-side holding projection 5 with a closure cap-side holding projection 6. It can also be seen, in particular, how the closure cap-side holding projection 6 forms a detent recess, in which the convex contact surface of the container-side holding projection 5 hugs, so that a positive locking is realized ,

Good to see is also the closure cap-side holding projection 6 associated window 11th

The Fig. 9 also shows a section through the already from Fig. 7 shown, equipped with a scraper 16 reservoir 7, on which by means of the click-and-close closure, a cap 2 is attached. The cutting plane, however, is opposite the cutting plane, which is the Fig. 7 shows, rotated 90 ° in the longitudinal axis (L).

Good to see here is the undisturbed, in this area no window having plate. 4

The Fig. 10 shows a view from above in the of Fig. 7 shown cap. Well visible are the two windows 11, through which the respective aligned with them Shut-off cap-side retaining projections 6 can be seen whose projection area is each slightly smaller than the free cross-sectional area of the relevant window 11th

The Fig. 11 finally shows again a perspective view of the invention belonging to cap.

It can be clearly seen here that one of the preferably two windows 11 and its alignment with the holding section 6 lying below it in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), while the other window has fallen away through the cut. Also clearly visible are the sealing portion 15 and the fact that the plate 4 is undisturbed over other areas, so it is not interrupted by a window.

The Fig. 12 shows in principle the same as the Fig. 11 , but in a flat view from the side.

Here, the preferred embodiment of the closure cap-side holding projections 6 can be seen particularly well. Unlike the container-side holding projections 5, the closure cap-side retaining projections 6 are preferably not designed as all sides completely free projecting wings, which are connected only on a single page. Rather, the closure cap-side holding projections 6 preferably go on one side into a stop 19 for the container-side stop projections on, which prevents over-rotation, through which the already fixed cap 3 would come free again. The stopper 19 provides a defined closed position of the cap 3 relative to the reservoir 7, so that the cap 3 and the reservoir 7 in the fully closed state readily provide a visually appealing image even if they are not round.

Ideally, the closure cap-side holding projections 6 essentially form the shape of a L, which is connected with its one side edge to the inner surface of the closure cap 3, one leg of which is the actual retaining projection forms, which engages under the retaining projection 5 of the container and the other leg forms the said stop projection 19.

The FIGS. 13 and 14 show a second embodiment of the invention.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the closure cap and the container-side holding projections are each provided here with a slope, so that they act in the manner of a screw. Apart from that, there is functional identity with the first embodiment, so that what is said for the first embodiment also applies to this second embodiment, unless otherwise stated below.

The Figs. 12A and 12B show the windows 11, which are already on hand of the Fig. 6 allow the described production method.

It is important that the holding projections, even if they have a slope, each extend over only a small part of the circumference, preferably in the limits that have already been described for the first embodiment.

The already described in detail annular disc-like configuration of the sealing portion 15, which is preferably realized even in this embodiment, may be smaller or possibly even omitted when the plate passes into a cone D, the fixed by the threading action of the retaining projections 6 in the correspondingly trained Inner circumference of the scraper is pressed, as the the Fig. 12B illustrated.

The rationally producible with the involvement of the cap according to the invention applicators invention

The cap according to the invention is predestined to be used in the construction of one-piece applicators, in which the Cap, whose plate, the adjoining stem or stem, as well as the bristle carrier and its bristle trimming consist of a single piece, which is injection-molded in a single or two successive steps.

First Applicator Type

The following is first on hand of the FIGS. 13 to 16 an embodiment is described in which the one-piece applicator is produced by means of a special injection molding process, in which the bristles are made by shooting through the wall of the bristle-carrying portion.

The one-piece applicator according to the invention consists of an inventively designed cap 2, which is integrally connected to a shaft 20, see. FIG. 13 , The shaft 20 has a longitudinal axis which is identical to the cap longitudinal axis L and is therefore also denoted by the reference L. The shaft 20 is in turn subdivided into two sections with different functionality and consists in one piece of a stem portion 21 and a bristle-carrying portion 22, see. FIG. 1 , The stem portion 21 provides for the sufficient spatial distance between the bristle trim and the handle formed by the cap 2, which is required to give the applicator desired by the users application behavior. The bristle-carrying portion 22 serves to anchor the bristle trim, which allows the order of the cosmetic and preferably consists of at least 300 bristles, which in Fig. 14 are shown only rudimentarily. Said sections are formed by a unitary "main component" called injection molded part 31; So they are jointly designed as a one-piece component, in so far as is on the FIG. 13 which shows the main component 31. Such a main component 31 can be produced very efficiently. As soon as it has been provided with the bristle stock in a next process step, the applicator is finished. one laborious assembly of a brush part to a handle is not required.

As the FIGS. 13 and 14 show, the closure cap 2 is preferably formed by a tube open at both ends, which ideally in the direction of its side facing away from the bristle facing, has a larger diameter. The cap 2 carries here on its side facing the applicator on its inner side retaining projections 6, which in this embodiment have no slope here.

As a connecting member between the shaft 20, or its stem portion 21 and the cap 2 preferably serves a plate 4. This extends substantially in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis L and is configured as already described above. The plate is preferably positioned to divide the tubular cap body forming the closure cap 2 into two sections, the length of the portion facing the applicator preferably being about 1/3 the length of the portion facing away from the applicator. The plate 4 preferably has a central plate opening 32. The plate opening 32 makes it possible for a mold core to be able to pass through the plate, which ensures that the shaft 20 can be hollowed out in the area of its stem section 21, and possibly a sealing cone for sealing forms relative to the scraper, the corresponding cavity carries the reference numeral 31st

However, the stem portion 21 is not necessarily formed hollow over its entire length. Instead, it is preferably designed so that its distal end, that is to say the end cap 2, is made solid. Preferably, the stem portion 21 is at least on a length LL (see. Fig. 14 ) formed massive, which accounts for at least 1/6, better still at least 1/4 of its total length. In this way it is reliably prevented that the plastic compound injected in the second step for forming the bristles breaks through the barrier in the stem section which is still warm during short cycle times and penetrates uncontrollably in the direction of the closure cap 2.

Ideally, the outer diameter of the stem portion 21 decreases in the region of its distal, the cap 2 facing away from the end, also that can be seen from the figures.

At the distal end of the stem portion 21 integrally connects the bristle-carrying portion 22, as him in particular the FIG. 13 makes it recognizable. The bristle-carrying portion 22 is an initially hollow tube, which consists of the same material as the stem portion 21. However, the wall thickness of the bristle-carrying portion 22 is generally lower, it is preferably at most 60%, better less than 40% the wall thickness of the stem portion 21. At the transition between the stem portion 21 and the bristle-carrying portion 22, the wall thickness of the bristle-carrying portion 22 preferably increases toward the inside, cf. Fig. 13 ,

Of the bristle-carrying portion 22 are substantially radially outwardly directed bristles 23 from, as the FIG. 14 hinted at. In reality, the bristle spacings are smaller and the number of bristles is significantly greater, since at least 300 bristles of the type in question will normally be found on the applicator, and in some cases even more than 600 bristles may be provided. The effective diameter of the preferably substantially round bristles in the region of their foot is typically in the range between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably in the range between 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm.

The bristles 23 are injection-molded bristles, that is to say bristles which have received their shape through the corresponding cavity of an injection mold into which they are usually injected at high pressure, which will be discussed in greater detail below. The injection molding according to the invention also gives the bristles their relevant physical application properties, since injection-molded bristles which have been produced by the method relevant to the invention show the polymer chains forming the bristles a special orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bristle.

By the term "bristles" are preferably addressed such order organs, as in FIG. 15 shown. Each of these bristles 23 preferably has a substantially conical mantle. Usually, a cone angle α is found between 0.5 ° and 2.5 °, cf. FIG. 15 , Due to the already mentioned orientation of the polymer chains, these bristles are usually very flexible. They can therefore typically reversibly be deflected under the influence of the forces which normally occur during the application, so that their tip is removed from the rest position by a distance S which corresponds to at least three times, and better still at least five times the diameter of the bristle without the bristle permanently deformed.

The bristles 23 are injection-molded in that the bristle-forming plastic compound is injected under correspondingly high pressure into the cavity 24 of the bristle-carrying portion 22. This bristle-forming plastic mass, which is preferably a plastic mass that is different from that from which the main component 31 has been made, breaks through the wall of the bristle-carrying portion 22 at all those points where seen in the radial direction behind the Bristle-bearing wall of section 22 is an empty, bristle-forming cavity. She shoots in this way in the said cavity. Thus arise bristles which pass through the wall of the bristle-carrying portion 22 and are integrally connected to the solid core, which fills the cavity 24 of the bristle-carrying portion 22 in a finished brush and welded thereto, see. FIGS. 14 and 16 , As a result, the plastic compound that forms the bristles, and the plastic that forms the bristle-carrying portion 22, very intimately connect; There are no microscopically small joints left, which may possibly encourage colonization by fungi or bacteria. Ideally, it is so that the plastic mass that forms the bristles 23, consists of a plastic that is more elastic and / or has a lower Shore hardness than the plastic from which the FIG. 1 shown main component 31 of the applicator consists.

How the manufacturing process for the applicator according to the invention proceeds, can best be seen from the FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 recognize.

In a first method step, the main component 31 is injected as a one-piece component, wherein when spraying the cap 2 is moved, as described above with reference to Fig. 6 described, which, however, in the 17 to 19 drawing is not expressed. For this purpose, preferably the of Fig. 17 shown used multi-part mold. The mold consists of the mold main part 25 and the first slider 26, which forms the windows 11, as in Fig. 6 shown. The mold further consists of the first mold side member 27 for forming the bristle-carrying portion 22 and the second slider 28 serving the same purpose. The second slider 28 is sealingly guided in the first mold side member 27. It is noteworthy that the parting line between the mold main part 25 and the first mold side part 27 is preferably located in a plane which intersects the stem part 21 where it is solid. In this way, a particularly good seal can be ensured. In this form, the plastic material, which forms the main component, injected and preferably from the side on which the first slider 26 is located.

Once this plastic mass has cooled sufficiently far, preferably the second slider 28 is pulled first and then the first mold side part 27 is removed, see. Fig. 18 , The first mold side part 27 is ideally designed in several parts, so that the individual components of the mold side part 27 can be pulled apart in different directions, as indicated by the arrows 29 and 30 roughly. Still further, the main component is preferably not formed in this stage of the process, that is, the other components of the mold remain in position relative to each other.

Preferably, the components of the injection mold, which now still contain the main component, are rotated in order to bring the bristle-carrying section 22 to the side of the injection point in order to be able to later connect the mold surrounding it to the injection point.

The freed by the removal of the first mold side member 27 region of the main component is now inserted into a second mold side part 29, as the FIG. 19 shows. This second mold side part 29 preferably also consists of a plurality of components, which are moved in the radial direction relative to each other to the main component, and also can be lifted off this again. The key is that this second mold side member 29 is equipped with cavities 30 for the formation of the bristles, such as the FIG. 19 roughly represented.

These cavities 30 are initially still empty and their mouths are first laid through the wall of the bristle-carrying portion 22. In a next step, the bristle-forming plastic compound is injected into the cavity 24 of the bristle-carrying section 22 from the side of the arrow E forth. The plastic mass exerts such a large pressure on the wall of the bristle-carrying section 22 from the inside that the plastic mass finally breaks through the wall of the bristle-carrying section 22 wherever the wall bridges the mouth of a bristle-forming cavity 30. In this way, the plastic mass shoots into the bristle-forming cavities. Once this is done, wait until this second plastic mass has solidified enough to retain its shape. Then the finished applicator is completely formed.

In this embodiment, the shaping takes place such that the second mold side part 29 is segmented like a piece of cake, so that the individual parts of the mold side part 29 can be moved apart in the radial direction so as to be able to mold the bristles without breakage. Then, the first, contrary to the representation in the 17 to 19 in accordance with the Fig. 6 trained slide 26 pulled. Finally, the finished applicator is ejected from the mold main part, which goes smoothly thanks to the above-described embodiment of the holding projections.

The key point is that one obtains a completely finished applicator by this procedure in one go, without having to remove and remove individual components from the injection molding system another station must be transported to assemble them there.

Another embodiment of the invention shows the FIG. 20 , This embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment just described in detail, so that what is said there also applies to this second embodiment, unless otherwise indicated by the differences described below.

The second embodiment is characterized in that in him the shaft 20 is hollow on the entire length inside. Unlike the first embodiment, therefore, the second embodiment has no separation section, which is made massive.

Unlike of Fig. 20 Drawn, the cap 2 is designed in this embodiment, as described above.

The omission of the solid separating section makes it possible to create a channel through which the second plastic mass K, which is injected to form the bristles, flows through the shaft 20 into the region of the closure cap 2. Preferably, the second plastic mass K even flows into the region of the outer circumference of the closure cap and forms there, for example, a haptically and / or visually particularly attractive gripping surface.

In this way, it is possible to produce a particularly advantageous gripping surface on the closure cap 2 in a particularly efficient way, namely by spraying the bristles in one operation. If necessary, care must be taken to ensure that the third slide 31, which is used to carry out the second injection step, in which the bristles are formed, instead of the first slide 26, the window 11 covers, so that the second plastic mass does not fall into the range Undercut can reach, which has become free by pulling the first slider 26, see. also Fig. 6 ,

Second applicator type

The just described one-piece applicator and the just described "two-shot" injection molding process for the production of a total one-piece applicator are not the only possibility for the beneficial use of the above-described cap.

Rather, alternatively, there is also the possibility of a modified two-shot injection molding process, which proceeds as will be described immediately afterwards and produces a corresponding applicator. Since the applicator just described and the modified applicator now to be described differ only by details with regard to their bristle lining, the same applies to the further exemplary embodiment described above for the preceding exemplary embodiment, unless otherwise indicated by the differences described below.

It will again be the first of Fig. 21 shown injected main component 31, which forms the already mentioned functional sections, including the inventively designed cap according to Fig. 6 , However, the bristle-carrying portion 22 is now designed as a rule solid rod, which is used for anchoring and usually also for stabilizing aufzuspritzenden in the next step bristle trim, which allows the order of the cosmetic.

It is ensured that the main component 31 between its bristle-carrying portion 22 and its stem portion 21 has a sufficient diameter jump. As a rule of thumb, the diameter of the bristle-bearing portion should be less than 0.5 times the diameter of the stem portion prior to spraying the bristles.

The bristle-carrying portion 22 is in the finished applicator preferably from a sleeve aufgespritztem on him and Surrounded with plastic welded to the entire surface - just the plastic that forms the bristles. Thus, on the finished applicator are substantially radially outwardly directed bristles 23, such as the FIG. 22 hinted at. In reality, the bristle distances are also lower and the number of bristles is significantly larger, it also applies to what already said above.

The bristles 23 are injection-molded bristles, that is to say bristles which have received their shape through the corresponding cavity of an injection mold into which they are usually injected at high pressure, which will be discussed in greater detail below. By injection molding according to the invention, the bristles also receive their relevant application properties, because in injection-molded bristles, which have been prepared by the method relevant to the invention, the polymer chains forming the bristles have a special orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bristle. This usually requires that when spraying the bristles with a correspondingly high injection pressure is used. Preferably, the injection pressure is ≥ 900 bar. In this case, each of the bristle-forming cavities is preferably deaerated at several points, namely ideally not only at the end of the bristle-forming channel, but also between the beginning and the end of each bristle-forming channel.

For the production of this second one-piece type of applicator, the production method described above for the first type of applicator is used, but using a first slide-side first mold part 27 and a modified mold side part 29, as far as is understood FIGS. 23 to 25 to refer, which make the difference visible. The second mold side part has in the region of the bristle-carrying portion 22 of the main component 31 has a Formhautkavität which has a slightly larger inner diameter than the bristle-carrying portion 22 of the main component. The bristle-forming cavities extend from this main mold cavity in the radial direction. In this way, by the injection of the second plastic compound on the outside of the bristle-carrying portion, a sheath of the bristle-carrying portion, of which the bristles 23 directly depart without first breaking through a wall of the bristle-carrying portion 22.

Third applicator type

Finally, there is a third possibility to produce a novel applicator using the cap according to the invention.

This applicator is made entirely from a single plastic material, from the cap to the bristle.

In that regard, on the Fig. 26 directed. The applicator has a cap 2, which is designed as described above, and which merges into a shaft 20 in one piece. The shaft 20 in turn consists of one piece of the shaft portion 21 and the likewise integrally adjoining bristle-carrying portion 22, see. Fig. 26 , The bristle-carrying portion 22 together with the bristles 23, the stem portion 21, the plate 4 and the cap 2 have been injected together "with a shot" of the same material, which is why everything consists of one piece.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous in this embodiment to select an increased injection pressure of ≥ 900 bar for injection molding. Incidentally, the bristle cavities should be designed accordingly, their largest diameter should be smaller by at least a factor of 10, better the factor 15 than its largest extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bristle. Preferably, each of the bristle-forming cavities is vented at a plurality of spaced apart locations.

Due to the injection molding according to the invention, in particular under the mentioned, increased injection pressure, the bristles also receive their relevant application properties, because in injection-molded bristles, which have been prepared according to the relevant process for the invention, the polymer chains forming the bristles have a special orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis the bristle.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

cosmetic applicator

2

cap

3

tubular cap body

4

Plate

5

Retaining projections, container side

6

Retaining projections, closure cap side

7

reservoir

8th

Interior of the cap

9

first half of the mold

10

second mold half

11

window

12

Tongue of the first half of the mold

13

radially inward surface of the tongue

14

Counter surface of the second mold half

15

sealing portion

16

scraper

17

Collar of the scraper

18

Face of the container neck

19

Stop the cap-side holding projections

20

shaft

21

stem portion

22

Bristle-bearing section

23

bristles

24

Cavity of the bristle-carrying section

25

Form main part

26

first slide

27

first form part

28

second slider

28 *

arrow

28 **

arrow

29

second mold main part

30

Cavities for forming the bristles

31

main component

31a

third slide

32

plate opening

33

Cavity of the shaft

B

arc

P

Motion arrow injection mold

H

undercut

D

sealing cone

S

Deflection of the bristle from the rest position

e

Injection arrow

K

second plastic mass

AS

Outer diameter of the stem section

FROM

Outer diameter of the bristle-carrying section

L

Longitudinal axis of the applicator

α

cone angle

Claims (13)

1. An injection-molded plastic closure cap (2), comprising a tubular cap body (3) with a longitudinal axis (L), which transitions integrally into a plate (4) that extends at least predominantly in a radial direction, wherein the tubular cap body (3), on its inner circumference, has at least one retaining projection (6) that protrudes radially inward into the inner space (8) that is circumferentially delimited by the cap body (3), and, as a result, forms an undercut when viewed from the end opening of the tubular cap body (3) facing towards the retaining projection, characterized in that the plate (4) transitions integrally into a shaft (20) which supports an applicator, or that the plate (4) transitions integrally into a coupling means for coupling thereto a shaft that supports an applicator, and that the plate (4) has a window (11) that is associated with the at least one retaining projection (6) and through which access is provided to the undercut from the end opening of the tubular cap body (3) facing away from the retaining projection (6), and the window is aligned with the retaining projection (6) associated with it, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the closure cap (2).
2. The injection-molded plastic closure cap (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the window (11) is greater than the projected area of the retaining projection (6) associated therewith, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).
3. The injection-molded plastic closure cap (2) according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the plate (4) divides the tubular cap body (3) into two portions, each of which has the shape of a tube that is open at an end face.
4. A cosmetics applicator (1), particularly in the form of a mascara applicator, with a closure cap (2) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, which forms a grip surface, for tightly sealing a cosmetics storage container (7), which cap transitions integrally into a shaft (20) protruding from it, which in turn integrally forms a stem portion (21) and a bristle-carrying portion (22), wherein the bristle-carrying portion (22) as such is configured to be hollow inside and carries injection-molded bristles (23) which, through the wall of the bristle-carrying portion (22), are integrally connected to a plastic core that lines or fills the bristle-carrying portion (22) inside, wherein the closure cap (2) and the shaft (20) are preferably composed of a different plastic material than the plastic core within the bristle-carrying portion (22) and the bristles (23).
5. The cosmetics applicator (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the cavity (24) of the bristle-carrying portion (22), at the end face of the bristle-carrying portion (22) facing away from the closure cap (2), is open towards the outside at an end face.
6. The cosmetics applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the bristle-carrying portion (22) has an at least substantially constant wall thickness of ≤ 0.3 mm and ideally of ≤ 0.25 mm, and the stem portion (21), in its hollow region, preferably has a wall thickness of ≤ 2 mm.
7. The cosmetics applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the stem portion (21) is at least partially hollow and has a dividing portion that separates its cavity tightly from the cavity (24) of the bristle-carrying portion (22).
8. The cosmetics applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the stem portion (21), at the end thereof facing towards the bristle-carrying portion, is massive along a dividing portion, which amounts to approx. 1/5 to 1/2 of its total length.
9. The cosmetics applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the wall thickness of the bristle-carrying portion (22) increases directly before the transition of the bristle-carrying portion (22) into the stem portion (21), preferably in such a manner that the wall thickness of the bristle-carrying portion (22) increases towards the inside.
10. The cosmetics applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 4 to 9, characterized in that inside, the shaft (20) is hollow all the way through and forms a conduit through which the plastic compound, which is injected into the inside of the bristle-carrying portion (22) for the purpose of producing the bristles, can flow into the region of the closure cap (2), preferably into the region of the outer circumference of the closure cap.
11. A cosmetics applicator (1), particularly in the form of a mascara applicator, with a closure cap (2) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, which forms a grip surface, for tightly sealing a cosmetics storage container (7), which cap transitions integrally into a shaft (20) that protrudes from it and ends in a bristle-carrying portion (22) having bristles (23) protruding from it towards the outside, characterized in that the bristle-carrying portion (22) is configured as a solid pin, which, at least along its circumference and preferably also on its end face, is covered by a sleeve that is welded thereto and forms the bristles, wherein the closure cap (2) and the shaft (20), which includes the stem portion (21) and the bristle-carrying portion (22), are composed, integrally and with a single material, of a first plastic material, and the sleeve and its bristles are composed, integrally and with a single material, of a second plastic material.
12. A cosmetics applicator (1), particularly in the form of a mascara applicator, with a closure cap (2) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, which forms a grip surface, for tightly sealing a cosmetics storage container (7), which cap transitions integrally into a shaft (20) protruding from it, which in turn integrally forms a stem portion (21) and a bristle-carrying portion (22), wherein the bristle-carrying portion (22) transitions integrally into bristles (23) protruding from it, wherein the entire cosmetics applicator (1) has been injection-molded in a single process step.
13. The cosmetics applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap is configured in such a way that, in cooperation with a corresponding container-side counterpart, it forms a quick-fastening applicator closure, which is configured as a bayonet closure or as a single- multi-start short thread and designed such that the retaining projection or projections of the closure cap and the retaining projection or projections of the container can be transferred from a fully closed position into a position no longer fixing the closure cap to the container in the direction of the longitudinal applicator axis by means of a rotary movement ≤ 3/8 of a turn and, better yet, with a rotary movement ≤ 1/4 of a turn.

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