Patent Publication Number: US-2009224004-A1

Title: Applicator with an exchangeable container

Description:
The invention relates to an applicator and an exchangeable container containing a liquid or pasty medium, which container can be fastened to the applicator, for oral application of liquid or pasty media, in particular to an animal. 
     Applicators for liquid or pasty media are known for a very wide variety of applications. DE 103 48 186 A1 discloses an injection device for administering a fluid product, for example a medicine, for the treatment of osteoporosis. DE 100 20 591 A1 relates to an applicator for dental material, which applicator has a high degree of dosing accuracy because of a click-and-pull mechanism and a blocking mechanism and is free from secondary flow phenomena. EP 0 806 187 B1 likewise relates to an applicator in the dental sphere, which is intended to avoid repressing the compound to be applied. 
     With these applicators known from the prior art, it is not possible to set different doses. They are therefore not suitable for the application of different doses as may be required, for example, in the treatment of animals if a dose dependent on the particular weight of the animal is to be administered. The object according to the invention is therefore to provide an easy-to-operate applicator for the application of liquid or pasty media. The applicator is to be suitable, in particular, for applying different dosing volumes selected by the user. 
     The solution according to the invention resides in an applicator for the application of liquid or pasty media, containing a housing for receiving a dosing unit and an adapter for fastening a container, for the medium to be applied, to the applicator, a dose setting means, a lever for the application of the apportioned amount, which lever interacts mechanically with the dosing unit and with the dose setting means, the lever being mounted moveably at its proximal end within the housing and the distal end of the lever spreading apart from the housing in the state ready for application, with the distance of the distal end of the lever from the housing being dependent on the dose set. 
     In the vicinity of its proximal end mounted in the housing, the lever has a ball which is in contact with the dosing unit. The dosing unit contains a threaded spindle, a threaded sleeve, a pressure-exerting means, a latching mechanism for the threaded sleeve and a latching mechanism for the threaded spindle. 
     At its front end, the housing has an opening for the fastening of a container, which opening is filled with the medium to be applied. The threaded spindle and the threaded sleeve are mounted coaxially in the housing in such a manner that the external thread of the threaded spindle engages in the internal thread of the threaded sleeve. The ball belonging to the lever is arranged on an axis with the threaded sleeve, threaded spindle and housing opening in such a manner that a movement of the spread-apart, distal end of the lever toward the housing causes a movement of the ball in the direction of the front, open end of the housing. In the process, the ball likewise presses the threaded sleeve with the threaded spindle mounted therein in the direction of the front, open housing end. The movement of the spread-apart, distal end of the lever toward the housing takes place counter to the pressure exerted by the pressure-exerting means such that, when the lever is released, it passes again into the spread-apart position and the ball is removed again from the front, open housing end. Threaded sleeve, ball and pressure-exerting means are mounted with respect to one another in such a manner that the threaded sleeve is pushed with the ball away from the front, open housing end when the ball is removed from the front, open housing end. The threaded spindle has a quick-acting screw thread. As a result, an axial force which acts on the threaded sleeve can be converted into a rotational movement of the threaded sleeve relative to the threaded spindle. When a cartridge is inserted, the latching mechanism for the threaded sleeve permits only a displacement of the threaded sleeve relative to the threaded spindle in the axial direction to the rear end of the housing but not in the opposite direction. When the cartridge is inserted, the latching mechanism for the threaded spindle permits only a displacement of the threaded spindle in the axial direction to the front end of the housing, but not in the opposite direction, and therefore the threaded spindle does not follow the threaded sleeve during the movement toward the rear housing end. Thus, after each lever pressure, the threaded spindle is pushed a section further out of the front end of the threaded sleeve. The latching mechanism for the threaded spindle is connected to the adapter for the cartridge in such a manner that, when the cartridge is removed from the adapter, the latching mechanism for the threaded spindle is simultaneously released and any desired displacement of the threaded spindle in the axial direction relative to the threaded sleeve and to the housing is possible. The length of the threaded spindle is dimensioned in such a manner that, during each application, its front end is moved somewhat further out of the front housing opening. If a container for receiving the medium to be applied is fastened to the adapter at the front end of the housing, then the threaded spindle is pushed further into said container with each application, i.e. with each lever pressure. 
     The dose setting means determines the degree of spreading apart of the lever before an application and therefore the stroke toward the front housing end that is executed by the ball, the threaded sleeve and therefore the threaded spindle. The dose setting means can be a dosing wheel which is fitted on that side of the ball which faces away from the front housing end on an axis with the ball and the front housing opening and delimits the axial movement clearance of the ball. The dosing wheel may also be connected to the threaded sleeve. A scale for the dose can be fitted to the distal end of the lever in such a manner that a larger or smaller part of the scale is visible, depending on the degree of spreading apart of the lever. However, a scale may alternatively also be fitted directly to the dosing wheel or at another suitable location, for example on the outside of the housing. In this case, the lever may be designed in such a manner that, in the bearing position of the lever, the scale is concealed, and, when the lever is pivoted out, the scale is visible, in accordance with the apportioned amount. 
     The lever preferably has a child-proof lock on the housing. The child-proof lock can consist, for example, in that the lever, which initially bears against the housing after an application, can be brought again into the spread-apart position only after a latch-in position of the lever on the housing is overcome. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention, a transmission sleeve with a thread internally and a thread acting in the same direction externally is mounted concentrically between the threaded sleeve and the threaded spindle. The internal thread of the transmission sleeve has a different pitch from the internal thread of the threaded sleeve. The advance of the threaded spindle changes in accordance with the ratio between pitch of the internal thread of the threaded sleeve and pitch of the internal thread of the transmission sleeve. Therefore, when the threaded sleeve is rotated back, the transmission sleeve does not execute a return stroke, and rotation with the threaded sleeve is blocked by a latching element. 
     Various embodiments are possible for the adapter for the fastening of a container containing the medium to be applied. Since the container containing the medium to be applied interacts with the adapter, the container, for example a cartridge, is matched to a certain adapter. The interaction of a specially adapted cartridge and adapter is intended to prevent random, unsuitable cartridges being fastened to the adapter, since otherwise wrong or inaccurate doses could occur. The interaction of adapter and container is explained using a cartridge as representative of other possible containers. 
     The cartridge according to the invention, which can be filled or is filled with a liquid or pasty medium, preferably with an animal drug which is to be applied, has a cylindrical housing with a filling opening on the one side and with a tapered region, the mouthpiece, on the other side of the housing. In the case of a filled cartridge, the filling opening is closed by a plunger which, upon application, is displaced successively further into the interior of the cartridge toward the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece has an opening for dispensing the liquid or pasty medium from the interior of the cartridge. The cartridge typically has a volume within the range of from 5 ml to 50 ml, preferably within the range of from 8 ml to 20 ml, particularly preferably from 11 to 13 ml. 
     A cartridge ready for use can be brought with its side closed by the plunger to the adapter in the interior of the housing through the opening at the front end of the housing of the applicator, the passage opening. The passage opening is circular, but has one or more additional openings, as a result of which the diameter of the circular shape is partially increased. The cartridge, which is adapted to a passage opening of this type, correspondingly has, in the region about its circular filling opening, extension pieces which are inverse to the additional openings. The passage opening preferably has two to five, particularly preferably two mutually opposite additional openings. The cartridge correspondingly has two to five, particularly preferably two mutually opposite extension pieces. 
     The adapter is located behind the passage opening. In a first embodiment, the adapter has a lock nut and a pressure-exerting means, for example a compression spring. The lock nut is a tubular sleeve which is mounted displaceably in the axial direction concentrically with the threaded spindle and directly behind the passage opening. 
     The pressure-exerting means presses the lock nut in the direction of the passage opening at the front end of the housing. 
     The cartridge is fastened to the adapter by being guided with its side closed by the plunger to the passage opening such that the extension pieces enter through the additional openings into the interior of the applicator housing. In the process, axial pressure is exerted on the pressure-exerting means in the direction of the rear end of the housing and at the same time the cartridge is rotated in such a manner that the extension pieces come to lie behind the circular regions of the passage opening on the other side of the additional openings where they are clamped or latched in place. 
     The lock nut furthermore has the function in the state ready for use, i.e. when a cartridge is fastened to the adapter, of producing an interlocking connection between the threaded sleeve or the transmission sleeve and the threaded spindle. This takes place by the front end of the threaded sleeve or the transmission sleeve only lying within the tubular sleeve of the lock nut when a cartridge is fastened to the adapter. If a cartridge is not located on the adapter, then the lock nut is displaced by the pressure-exerting-means closure toward the front end of the housing until the front end of the threaded sleeve or of the transmission sleeve is no longer located within the tubular sleeve of the lock nut. The threaded sleeve or the transmission sleeve is slit longitudinally such that it spreads as soon as its front end is no longer held together by the tubular part of the lock nut. This spreading is sufficient in order to undo the close contact between threaded spindle and threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve such that the threaded spindle can then be moved in the axial direction by the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve without carrying along the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve. This axial possibility of moving the threaded spindle relative to the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve is necessary so that, after a used cartridge is removed, the threaded spindle can be pushed back into the housing before a new unused cartridge is fitted. 
     In a second embodiment, the adapter has a lock nut element. The lock nut element is a two-part, tubular sleeve which is mounted rotatably concentrically with the threaded spindle and with the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve and displaceably in the axial direction. On its side facing the passage opening, it has, on its outer extent, one or more grooves or projections which extend in the axial direction and to which a correspondingly adapted cartridge can be coupled. One to eight, particularly preferably two mutually opposite grooves or projections are preferred. On its side facing away from the passage opening, the cartridge has, on its outer circumference, at least one cam which engages in at least one channel which is provided on the inner wall of the housing. The one or more channels run on the inner wall of the housing at an angle within the range of between 90 and 100 degrees, preferably between 90.5 and 95 degrees, with respect to the axial direction. Upon rotation of the lock nut element, the lock nut element is displaced simultaneously in the axial direction, guided by the cam or the cams in the channel. 
     A bushing with a central hole through which the threaded spindle passes is located centrally in the interior of the lock nut element. Upon axial displacement of the lock nut element, the bush is pushed in a direction away from the passage opening of the housing, over that end of the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve which faces the passage opening. Since the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve is of elastic design because of slits and spreads, the displacement of the bushing over the end of the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve produces the interlocking connection between the threaded spindle and the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve. Furthermore, the bushing prevents the occurrence of lateral forces which would obstruct the rotational movement of the threaded sleeve. 
     The cartridge, which is adapted for the second embodiment of the adapter, has, in its inner circumference, in the region of the filling opening, one or more elongate grooves or projections extending in the axial direction. One to eight, particularly preferably two mutually opposite grooves or projections are preferred. The position of these elongate grooves or projections is selected in such a manner that they coincide with the position of the grooves or projections in the outer circumference of the lock nut element, and the cartridge interacts with the lock nut element in accordance with the lock and key principle when it is pushed over the lock nut element. The cartridge therefore has projections in its inner circumference when the lock nut element has grooves on its outer circumference, and vice versa. 
     During fitting of the cartridge to the adapter according to the second embodiment, it is rotated in such a manner that the positions of the extension pieces coincide with the position of the additional openings in the passage opening. This means that the position of the grooves or projections on the lock nut element and the grooves or projections on the inner wall of the cartridge simultaneously coincide. Thus positioned, the cartridge is pushed over the lock nut element. During a rotation of the cartridge, the lock nut element executes an axial movement relative to the housing via the interaction of cam and channel. During this movement, the threaded sleeve or transmission sleeve is enclosed and the interlocking connection with the thread of the threaded spindle produced. In their final position, the extension pieces latch into depressions or apertures on the inner wall of the housing. 
     In a further embodiment, the applicator according to the invention also has additional locking of the cartridge in order to prevent strong rotational forces, which act on the cartridge, for example when unscrewing a closure cap (see below) from the mouthpiece of the cartridge, from resulting in the cartridge being released from the adapter. The locking of the cartridge consists in an approximately semicircular latching arc. The latching arc is mounted concentrically in the housing in the region of the adapter and has latching cams which latch to corresponding latching cams on the extension pieces of the cartridge. Furthermore, the latching arc has two sensing devices arranged opposite each other on the ends of the arc. The arcuate shape results in the latching arc being elastic and being able to deform by radial pressure from the outside on the sensing devices in such a manner that the sensing devices come closer to each other. After the sensing devices are released, the latching arc resumes its original shape. In the region of the sensing devices, sawtooth-shaped latching cams are arranged on the inside of the latching arc and both point with their tips in the same rotational direction. 
     The latching arc is arranged in the housing of the applicator in such a manner that the sensing devices come to lie in apertures through the housing and can be operated, i.e. pressed, from outside the housing. If a cartridge is in the latched state, sawtooth-shaped latching cams on the extension pieces of the cartridge engage in the sawtooth-shaped latching cams of the latching arc in such a manner that it is no longer possible to rotate the cartridge back. Only by pressing on both sensing devices at the same time is the latching of the respective latching cams at the two mutually opposite positions released. This takes place in that the sensing devices are compressed to an extent such that the latching cams of the latching arc are displaced into the interior of the housing until the latching cams of the cartridge can be guided on the outside past the latching cams of the latching arc. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge has a closure cap on the mouthpiece. This may be a rotary cap which is known per se, has an internal thread and is screwed onto the mouthpiece, which is provided with an external thread. In a preferred embodiment, the closure cap has a child-proof lock. A closure cap with a child-proof lock can be constructed as follows: the closure cap with a child-proof lock has an outer cylindrical wall and an end wall. The outside diameter of the closure cap corresponds to the outside diameter of the cartridge onto the mouthpiece of which it is to be screwable. An inner cylindrical wall is located concentrically within the outer wall. A thread is located on the inside of the inner wall. On the open side of the closure cap, two mutually opposite cams are located on the end surface of the outer wall. The mouthpiece of the cartridge has an external thread which is matched to the thread on the inside of the inner wall. In that region of the cartridge in which it tapers to the mouthpiece, the wall has an annular edge on the inside of which two mutually opposite, sawtooth-shaped projections are located. When the closure cap is screwed to the cartridge, the cams are guided past the projections and latch behind them such that it is no longer possible to rotate the closure cap back. In order to rotate it back, i.e. in order to unscrew the closure cap, the latching of the cams to the projections has to be overcome. This takes place by the outer wall of the closure cap being compressed in the region of the cams until the cams can be guided on the inside past the projections. This compression and rotation requires some expenditure of force and dexterity and is normally not possible for children. The closure cap described therefore has a child-proof lock. 
     On the outside of the outer wall of the closure cap, structures can be incorporated in the region of the cams, said structures making it possible for the closure cap to grip securely and hold firmly in these regions. 
     The invention furthermore relates to an applicator system containing an above-described applicator to which an above-described cartridge is fastened. The fastening is reversible and therefore an empty cartridge can be replaced by a new full one. Upon each lever pressure (stroke), the cartridge fastened to the applicator is emptied by a predetermined volume by, upon each lever pressure, the plunger being pushed a section further into the cartridge by the threaded spindle, which protrudes out of the housing coaxially with the cartridge. In the process, upon each lever pressure, a dosing volume preferably in the range of from, for example, 0.1 to 2.5 ml is applied, with it being possible for the dose to be varied within, for example, 0.1 ml steps. The applicator system according to the invention is particularly suitable for oral application, very particularly for oral application of a drug to animals. 
     An even greater range of variation of drug doses per lever pressure (stroke) can be achieved by cartridges being used with media which contain various product concentrations, for example three different concentrations of 0.03%, 0.5%, 2.4%, which, given a possible dosing volume of 0.1 to 2.5 ml, corresponds to a dosing range of 0.00009 ml to 0.06 ml. 
     For further variation of the dosing volumes, cartridges with a different diameter can also be used, with then, for each cartridge diameter, a dedicated scale being fitted to the lever or at another suitable location on the applicator. 
     A detailed illustration of the various embodiments of the invention can be gathered from the figures and from the description below. 
    
    
     
       FIGURES AND EXAMPLES 
         FIG. 1  shows an exterior view of a first embodiment of the applicator with the lever pivoted out to the maximum 
         FIG. 2  shows an interior view of a first embodiment of the applicator with the lever bearing against it 
         FIGS. 3   a , b show an interior view of a first embodiment of the applicator with the lever pivoted out to the maximum, and a view of a detail 
         FIG. 4  shows an interior view of a first embodiment of the applicator with the lever bearing against it 
         FIG. 5  shows an exterior view of a second embodiment of the applicator with the lever bearing against it 
         FIG. 6  shows an interior view of a second embodiment of the applicator with the lever bearing against it 
         FIG. 7  shows an interior view of a second embodiment of the applicator with the lever pivoted out to the maximum 
         FIGS. 8   a , b show an interior view of a variant of the first embodiment of the applicator with the stroke-type transmission 
         FIG. 9  shows a cartridge 
         FIG. 10  shows the mouthpiece region of a cartridge 
         FIGS. 11   a , b show the closure cap and the mouthpiece region of a cartridge 
         FIG. 12  shows a slit transmission sleeve 
         FIG. 13  shows a variant of the adapter for the cartridge 
         FIG. 14  shows the locking of the cartridge for fastening the cartridge to the applicator 
         FIGS. 15   a - c  show views of details of the mechanism of the locking of the cartridge 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 1 to 4  show a first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention. 
     The applicator  100  has an elongate housing  10  for receiving a dosing unit. At its front end, the housing  10  has a passage opening  25  (also see  FIG. 3   b ). An adapter for the fitting of a container, for example a cartridge  14  for the liquid or pasty medium, is located in the region of the passage opening  25 . 
     At its rear end, the housing  10  has an opening  26  for a dosing wheel  2 . In the region of the opening  26 , a nut thread  27 , in which the dosing wheel  2  is mounted rotatably, is fitted on the inside at the rear end of the housing  10 . The dose for application is set via the dosing wheel  2 . 
     The lever  1  is used for the application of the apportioned amount and is mounted moveably at its proximal end  21  within the housing  10 . In  FIG. 1 , the distal end  22  of the lever  1  is spread apart from the housing  10 , with the distance of the distal end  22  of the lever  1  from the housing  10  being dependent on the dose set. The lever  1  is connected rotatably to the housing  10  at a fulcrum  4 . 
     A scale  16  is fitted to the distal end  22  of the lever  1  and is located relative to the fulcrum  4  on a sector of the circular path of a circle, the radius of which corresponds to the distance between fulcrum  4  and the point  221  at which the scale  16  is fitted to the lever  1 . The scale  16  is located to a greater or lesser extent within or outside the housing  10 , depending on the degree of spreading apart of the lever  1 . At high doses, a higher proportion of the scale  16  is located outside the housing  10 , and, correspondingly, a smaller part at low doses. 
     The lever  1  has a ball  3  which is in contact with the dosing wheel  2 , on the one hand, and the dosing unit. The dosing unit contains a threaded spindle  9 , a threaded sleeve  8 , a compression-spring dosing means  7 , a latching mechanism for the threaded sleeve  8  and a latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  9 . 
     The compression-spring dosing means  7  is mounted between a ring  29 , which is connected fixedly to the housing  10 , and the rear end of the threaded sleeve  8  in such a manner that it exerts axial pressure on the rear end of the threaded sleeve  8  in the direction of the rear end of the housing  10 . 
     The threaded spindle  9  has a quick-acting screw thread. As a result, an axial force which acts on the threaded sleeve  8  can be converted into a rotational movement of the threaded sleeve  8  relative to the threaded spindle  9 . 
     When the cartridge  14  is inserted, the latching mechanism for the threaded sleeve  8  permits only a displacement of the threaded sleeve  8  relative to the threaded spindle  9  in the axial direction to the rear end of the housing  10 , but not in the opposite direction. When the cartridge  14  is inserted, the latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  9  permits only a displacement of the threaded spindle  9  in the axial direction to the front end of the housing  10 , but not in the opposite direction. The latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  9  is connected to the adapter for the cartridge  14  in such a manner that, when the cartridge  14  is removed from the adapter, the latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  9  is simultaneously released and any desired displacement of the threaded spindle  9  in the axial direction relative to the threaded sleeve  8  and to the housing  10  is possible. 
     The latching mechanism functions as follows: when axial pressure is applied to the sleeve  5 , which is secured against rotation and therefore permits only a movement in the axial direction, a frictional connection is produced by the ball  3 , by the friction in relation to the end surface of the threaded sleeve  6 , and therefore rotation of the threaded sleeve  8  is prevented. Alternatively, a toothing which produces an interlocking connection can be provided on the end surfaces of the sleeve  5  and threaded sleeve  8 . During the return stroke, the compression-spring dosing means  7  presses axially onto the sleeve  5 . The interlocking connection or frictional connection is released by the axial play of the sleeve  5  between the threaded sleeve  8  and the knob  6 . The threaded sleeve  8  can rotate back. 
       FIGS. 1 ,  3   a  and  4  show a cartridge  14  which is fastened to the front end of the housing  10  via the adapter.  FIG. 9  shows an individual view of the cartridge. That end of the cartridge  14  which faces the applicator  100  has an opening  31  for filling the cartridge  14 , which opening is closed by a plunger  13  in the state ready for use. The other end of the cartridge  14  tapers to form a mouthpiece  28  which is closed by a closure cap  15 . 
     To set the dose, the dosing wheel  2  is rotated out of the housing  10  in the nut thread  27 . The compression-spring dosing means  7  presses against the rear end of the threaded sleeve  8 , which is in turn in contact with the sleeve  5 , the knob  6  and the ball  3 . With the dosing wheel  2 , the ball  3  with the sleeve  5  and the knob  6  is displaced in the axial direction toward the rear end of the housing  10 . By displacement of the ball  3  in the direction of the rear end of the housing  10 , the lever  1  pivots outward via the fulcrum  4  and, with increasing axial displacement, spreads apart at its distal end  22  ever more from the housing  10 . The dose set can be gathered from the scale  16 . 
     Under the axial pressure of the compression-spring dosing means  7  toward the rear end of the housing, the threaded sleeve  8  is screwed to the rear on the thread of the threaded spindle  9 . In this case, the threaded sleeve  8  is mounted rotatably via the sleeve  5  and knob  6 . The threaded spindle  9  is prevented the means for securing the threaded spindle  9  against rotation from rotating with the threaded sleeve  8 . Only the threaded sleeve  8  is therefore pushed axially to the rear. 
     For the application, the distal end  22  of the lever  1  is pressed in the direction of the housing  10 . In the process, the ball  3  is displaced in the axial direction counter to the pressure of the compression-spring dosing means  7  to the front end of the housing  10 . With the ball  3 , the sleeve  5 , the knob  6  and the threaded sleeve  8  are moved axially in the direction of the front end of the housing  10 . On account of the latching mechanism for the threaded sleeve  8 , the threaded spindle  9  is displaced axially with the threaded sleeve  8  in the direction of the front end of the housing. The latching mechanism for the threaded sleeve  8  does not permit any relative rotation between threaded spindle  9  and threaded sleeve  8  in this direction while the guide for the threaded spindle  9  permits a movement in the direction of the front end of the housing  10 . 
     The threaded spindle  9  presses against the plunger  13  of the cartridge  14  which is fastened to the adapter at the front end of the housing  10 . The plunger  13  is therefore moved into the cartridge  14  and, for its part, presses the amount of medium corresponding to the dose set out of the cartridge  14  through the mouthpiece  28 . 
     After the lever  1  is released, it pivots out again under the pressure of the compression-spring dosing means  7  in accordance with the dosing volume previously set by means of the dosing wheel  2 . In this case, as described above, the threaded sleeve  8  is screwed further to the rear on the thread of the threaded spindle  9  by the axial force of the compression-spring dosing means  7 . The threaded spindle  9  is prevented by the means of securing the threaded spindle  9  from rotation from being screwed axially to the rear with the threaded sleeve  8 . 
     The application is made either as described above again, or a smaller or larger dosing volume can be set via the dosing wheel  2 . The fact that the setting of a smaller volume does not trigger the applicator can be explained as follows: 
     the dosing wheel  2  has a cylinder which, when a smaller volume is set, presses by means of the ball  3  onto the knob  6 . This pressure causes the knob  6  to be displaced forward with the threaded sleeve  8 . The interlocking or frictional connection is released. The threaded sleeve  8  is screwed forward without carrying out a stroke on the threaded spindle  9 . 
     After a first dose and every further dose is set, upon every actuation of the lever  1  the threaded spindle  9  is pushed further in the axial direction out of the front end of the housing  10 . 
       FIGS. 5 to 7  show a second embodiment of the applicator according to the invention. 
     The applicator  200  has an elongate housing part  210  for receiving a dosing unit and a housing part  220  which protrudes from the elongate housing part  210  in the central region thereof and is shaped in the form of a handle. At its front end, the housing part  210  has a passage opening  225  and, in the region of the passage opening  225 , an adapter for fitting a container, for example a cartridge  214  for the liquid or pasty medium. 
     A dosing wheel  202  is mounted rotatably within the housing part  210  via the threaded spindle  209 . The dose for the application is set via the dosing wheel  202 . 
     The lever  201  is used for the application of the apportioned mount and is mounted moveably at its proximal end  221  in the transition region between housing part  210  and the housing part  220  protruding therefrom. In  FIG. 7 , the distal end  222  of the lever  201  is spread apart from the protruding housing part  220 , with the distance of the distal end  222  of the lever  201  from the housing part  220  being dependent on the dose set. The lever  201  is connected rotatably to the housing parts  210  and  220  at a fulcrum  204 . 
     A scale  216  is fitted to the distal end  222  of the lever  201  and lies relative to the fulcrum  204  on the sector of the circular path of a circle, the radius of which corresponds to the distance between fulcrum  204  and the point  221  at which the scale  216  is fitted to the lever  201 . The scale  216  is located to a greater or lesser extent within or outside the housing part  220 , depending on the degree of spreading apart of the lever  201 . At higher doses, a higher proportion of the scale  216  is located outside the housing part  220 , and, correspondingly, at lower doses a smaller part. However, a scale may alternatively also be fitted directly to the dosing wheel  202  or at another suitable location. 
     The lever  201  has a ball  203  which is in contact with the dosing unit. The dosing unit contains a threaded spindle  209 , a threaded sleeve  208 , a dosing wheel  202 , which is part of the threaded sleeve  208 , and a latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  209 . 
     The compression-spring dosing means  207  is mounted between a web  229 , which is connected fixedly to the housing part  210  or  220 , and the proximal end  221  of the lever  201  in such a manner that it exerts an axial pressure on the ball  203  in the direction of the front end of the housing part  210 . 
     When the cartridge  14  is inserted, the latching mechanism for the threaded sleeve  202  permits only a displacement of the threaded sleeve  202  relative to the threaded spindle  209  in the axial direction to the rear end of the housing  210 , but not in the opposite direction. When the cartridge  14  is inserted, the latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  9  permits only a displacement of the threaded spindle  9  in the direction to the front end of the housing  10 , but not in the opposite direction. The latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  9  is connected to the adapter for the cartridge  14  in such a manner that, when the cartridge  14  is removed from the adapter, the latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  9  is simultaneously released and any desired displacement of the threaded spindle  9  in the axial direction relative to the housing  210  and to the threaded sleeve  208  is possible. 
       FIG. 7  shows a cartridge  14  which is fastened to the front end of the housing part  210  via the adapter. 
     To set the dose, the dosing wheel  202  and therefore the threaded sleeve  208  are rotated and therefore displaced axially to the rear end of the housing part  210  via the thread of the threaded spindle  209 . The ball  203  is displaced with the threaded sleeve  208  likewise in the axial direction to the rear end of the housing part  210 . By displacement of the ball  203  in the direction of the rear end of the housing part  210 , the lever  201  pivots out via the fulcrum  204  and, with increasing axial displacement of the ball  203 , spreads apart ever more from the housing part  220 . The dose set can be gathered from the scale  216 . 
     The threaded spindle  209  is prevented by the latching mechanism for the threaded spindle  209  from being displaced axially to the rear with the threaded sleeve  208 . 
     For the application, the lever  201  is pressed in the direction of the housing part  220 . In the process, the ball  203  is displaced in the axial direction to the front end of the housing part  210 . The threaded sleeve  208  and the threaded spindle  209  move with the ball  203  axially in the direction of the front end of the housing part  210 . 
     The threaded spindle  209  presses against the plunger  213  of the cartridge  14  which is fastened to the adapter at the front end of the housing part  210 . The plunger  13  is therefore moved in the cartridge  14  and, for its part, presses the amount of medium corresponding to the dose set out of the cartridge  14  through the mouthpiece  28 . 
     For another application, a desired dosing volume can be set again by the dosing wheel  203 . After setting and application of a first dose and every further dose, each time the lever  201  is actuated the threaded spindle  209  is pushed further in the axial direction out of the front end of the housing part  210 . 
     In the previously described embodiments of the invention, the advance of the threaded spindle  9 ,  209  is dependent on the travel of the ball upon a lever pressure, the stroke, and on the pitch of the quick-acting screw thread of the threaded sleeve  8 ,  208 . Furthermore, the advance of the threaded spindle per lever pressure can be varied by a transmission means which is arranged concentrically between the threaded sleeve  8 ,  208  and the threaded spindle  9 ,  209 . 
     Such an embodiment with stroke transmission is described using the example of the applicator  800  from  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b . In the case of the applicator  800  in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , the adapter is not located on the passage opening  825  at the front end of the housing  80 , but rather is located in the interior of the housing  80 . A cartridge  814 , which is fitted to the applicator  800 , is therefore located partially within the housing  80 . The dosing unit in the applicator  800  has a dosing wheel  802 , a ball  803 , a threaded spindle  809 , a compression-spring dosing means  807  and a threaded sleeve  808  which interact in the manner described for the adapter  100  in  FIGS. 1-4 . The lever for the dosing operation is not shown for this embodiment. 
     A slit transmission sleeve  817  (also see  FIG. 12 , shown here without a thread) with a thread located on the inside and a thread acting in the same direction (for example, both right-hand threads) located on the outside is mounted concentrically between the threaded sleeve  808  and the threaded spindle  809 . The transmission sleeve  817  has an annular widening  830  in its central region. The transmission sleeve  817  is mounted rotatably in the housing  80 . The transmission sleeve  817  interacts by means of its annular widening  830 , which has a sawtooth-shaped structuring on its outer circumference, with a latching element  818  in such a manner that, for the transmission sleeve  817 , only a rotation in a direction opposed to the thread direction (for example left rotation in the case of a right-hand thread on the inside and outside) is possible, but not in the reverse direction. 
     The internal thread of the transmission sleeve  817  has a different pitch from the internal thread of the threaded sleeve  808 . The advance of the threaded spindle  809  changes in accordance with the ratio between pitch of the internal thread of the threaded sleeve  808  and pitch of the internal thread of the transmission sleeve  817 . 
     If the internal thread of the threaded sleeve  808  (and also the external thread of the transmission sleeve  817 ) has, for example, a pitch of 5 mm, a stroke of 10 mm produces two revolutions of the transmission sleeve  817 . If the internal thread of the transmission sleeve  817  (and the thread of the threaded spindle  809 ) has, for example, a pitch of 10 mm, then, with two revolutions of the transmission sleeve  817 , the threaded spindle  809  is moved forward by 20 mm. A transmission ratio of the original stroke of 1:2 is produced therefrom. 
     So that the transmission sleeve  817  does not execute a return stroke when the threaded sleeve  808  is rotated back, the reverse movement is blocked by the latching element  818 . 
     The adapter for the fastening of the cartridge  14  can be arranged on the passage opening  25  at the front end of the housing  10  ( FIGS. 3   a ,  4 ) or else in the interior of the housing  80 , as shown in  FIGS. 8   a, b . The functioning of the adapter is described below by way of example with reference to the embodiment of the applicator from  FIG. 3   a.    
     The adapter in the applicator  100  has a compression-spring closure  11  and a lock nut  12 . The lock nut  12  is a tubular sleeve which is mounted displaceably in the axial direction concentrically with the threaded spindle  9  and directly behind the passage opening  25 . The passage opening  25  has a circular shape which is interrupted at two mutually opposite locations, the additional openings  39 , and has a somewhat larger diameter at these additional openings  39  than in the circular region ( FIG. 3   b ). 
     At its front end facing the passage opening  25 , the lock nut  12  has an annular widening, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the circular passage opening  25 . 
     The lock nut  12  has, on its inner wall, an annular thickening, the clear opening of which corresponds to the diameter of the threaded spindle  9 . 
     In the state ready for use, i.e. when a cartridge  14  is fastened to the adapter, the front end of the threaded sleeve  8  is located within the tubular sleeve of the lock nut  12 . The annular thickening on the inner wall of the lock nut  12  stops an axial displacement of the threaded sleeve  8  in the direction of the front end of the housing  10 . 
     The compression-spring closure  11  is mounted between a ring  30 , which is connected fixedly to the housing  10 , and the rear end of the lock nut  12  in such a manner that it exerts axial pressure on the rear end of the lock nut  12  in the direction of the front end of the housing  10 . 
     If there is not a cartridge on the adapter, then the lock nut  12  is displaced by the compression-spring closure  11  toward the front end of the housing  10  until the front end of the threaded sleeve  8  is no longer located within the tubular sleeve of the lock nut  12 . The threaded sleeve  8  is slit longitudinally such that it spreads as soon as its front end is no longer held together by the tubular part of the lock nut  12 . This spreading is sufficient in order to undo the close contact between threaded spindle  9  and threaded sleeve  8  such that the threaded spindle  9  can then be moved in the axial direction through the threaded sleeve  8  without carrying along the threaded sleeve  8 . 
     The cartridge  14  ( FIG. 3   a ,  FIG. 9 ) has a cylindrical wall  21 . That end of the cartridge  14  which faces the applicator  100  has an opening  31  for filling the cartridge  14 , which opening is closed by a plunger  13  in the state ready for use. The other end of the cartridge  14  tapers to form a mouthpiece  28  which is closed by a closure cap  15 . In the region of the opening  31 , the wall  21  of the cartridge  14  is widened to form a ring  33 . The diameter of the ring  33  corresponds to the diameter of the passage opening  25  of the applicator  100 . At two mutually opposite locations, the ring  33  is widened by the extension pieces  34 . The diameter of the cartridge  14  in the region of the extension pieces  34  corresponds to the inside diameter of the additional openings  39  in the passage opening  25  (see  FIG. 3   b ). 
     The cartridge  14  is fastened to the applicator  100  by being guided with the opening  31  onto the passage opening  25  such that the extension pieces  34  enter the interior of the housing  10  through the additional openings  39 . In the process, axial pressure is exerted on the compression-spring closure  11  in the direction of the rear end of the housing  10  and the cartridge  14  is simultaneously rotated through 90 degrees, with the result that the extension pieces  34  come to lie behind the circular passage opening  25  and are clamped or latched into place there. 
     The cartridge  14  is normally removed from the applicator  100  when its content has been consumed, i.e. when the threaded spindle  9  has been pushed to a maximum extent out of the front end of the housing  10 . In this case, it is rotated through 90 degrees under slight pressure against the compression-spring closure  11  such that the latch-in position is overcome and the extension pieces  34  come free in the additional openings  39 . Before a further cartridge  14  is fitted, the threaded spindle  9  has to be pushed back again into its initial position in the housing  10 . This is possible by the threaded sleeve  8  being slit longitudinally. As long as a cartridge  14  is located on the applicator  100 , the longitudinally slit threaded sleeve  8  is held together by the lock nut  12 . If the lock nut  12  is released because the cartridge  14  is removed from the adapter, the threaded sleeve spreads slightly and the threaded spindle  9  can be pushed back without rotation under axial pressure. 
     A variant of the adapter is described with reference to the embodiment of the applicator according to  FIGS. 8   a , b. However, the variant may also analogously be combined with the embodiment of the applicator according to  FIG. 3   a . In a departure from the above-described embodiment, in the variant the locking of the cartridge  814  does not take place with the aid of a spring but rather by means of a lock nut element  819 . In the case of the applicator  800  according to  FIG. 8   a , the passage opening  825  is designed analogously to that in the case of the applicator  100  according to  FIG. 3 , in circular form with additional openings  39  (see  FIG. 3   b ). 
     In this variant, the adapter on the applicator  800  (also see  FIG. 13 ) has a lock nut element  819  and a bushing  820 . The lock nut element  819  is mounted rotatably in the housing  80 . The lock nut element  819  is a two-part, tubular sleeve which is mounted displaceably in the axial direction concentrically with the threaded spindle  809  and with the transmission sleeve  817 . On its side facing the passage opening  825 , it has, on its outer circumference, grooves which extend in the axial direction and to which a correspondingly adapted cartridge  814  can be coupled. On its side facing away from the passage opening  825 , it has, on its outer circumference, a cam  821  which engages in a channel  822  which is provided on the inner wall of the housing  80 . The channel  822  runs on the inner wall of the housing  80  at an angle α to the axial direction, with α, as shown in  FIG. 13 , lying between 90 and 100 degrees, preferably between 90.5 and 95 degrees. 
     Upon a rotation of the lock nut element  819 , the lock nut element  819  is simultaneously displaced in the axial direction, guided by the cam  821  in the channel  822 . A bushing  820  with a central hole through which the threaded spindle  809  fits is located centrally in the interior of the lock nut element. Upon axial displacement of the lock nut element, the bushing  820  is pushed in a direction away from the passage opening  825  over that end of the transmission sleeve  817  which faces the passage opening  825 . Since the transmission sleeve (also see  FIG. 12 ) is designed elastically by means of slits  831  and spreads, the displacement of the bushing  820  over the end of the transmission sleeve  817  produces the interlocking connection between the threaded spindle  809  and the transmission sleeve  817 . 
     The cartridge  814  (see, for example,  FIGS. 8   a ,  13 ) differs from the cartridge  14  ( FIG. 9 ) in that, in its inner circumference, in the region of the opening  31 , it has one or more elongate projections  823  extending in the axial direction. The position of these elongate projections  823  is selected in such a manner that they coincide with the position of the grooves in the outer circumference of the lock nut element  819  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     When the cartridge  814  is fitted, the cartridge  814  is rotated such that the positions of the extension pieces  34  coincide with the position of the additional openings  39  in the passage opening  825 . This means that the position of the grooves on the lock nut element  819  and the projections  862  on the inner wall of the cartridge  814  coincide at the same time. Thus positioned, the cartridge  814  is pushed over the lock nut element  819 . With a rotational movement of the cartridge  814  through, for example, 90 degrees, the lock nut element  819  executes an axial movement relative to the housing  80  via the interaction of cam  921  and channel  822 . During this movement, the transmission sleeve  817  is enclosed and the interlocking connection with the thread of the threaded spindle  809  produced. The bushing  820  also prevents lateral forces from acting on the bearing of the transmission sleeve  817 . 
     In their final position, the extension pieces  34  latch into depressions or apertures on the inner wall of the housing  80 . 
     The cartridge  814  is normally removed from the applicator  800  when its content has been consumed, i.e. when the threaded spindle  809  has been pushed to a maximum extent out of the front end of the housing  80 . To remove it, the cartridge  814  is rotated with slight pressure until the latch-in position of the extension pieces  934  on the housing  80  is overcome and the lock nut element  819  has moved back in the axial direction onto the passage opening  825  into the initial position prior to the fitting of the cartridge  814 . 
     Before a further cartridge  814  is fitted, the threaded spindle  809  has to be pushed back again into its initial position in the housing  80 . As long as a cartridge  814  is fastened in the applicator  800 , the longitudinally slit transmission sleeve  817  is held together by the bushing  820 . If the lock nut element  819  is moved axially, however, in the direction of the passage opening  825 , the bushing  820  at some point no longer engages around the end of the transmission sleeve  817 , and the transmission sleeve  817  spreads slightly and the threaded spindle  809  can be pushed back without rotation under axial pressure. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11   a  show a closure cap  15  with a child-proof lock for closing the mouthpiece  28  of the cartridge  14 ,  814 . The closure cap  15  has an outer cylindrical wall  70  and an end wall  79 . The outside diameter of the closure cap  15  corresponds to the outside diameter of the cartridge  14 . An inner cylindrical wall  76  is located concentrically within the outer wall  70 . A thread  71  is located on the inside of the inner wall  76 . On the open side of the closure cap  15 , two mutually opposite cams  74  are located on the end surface of the outer wall  70  and at a small distance from the outside of the outer wall  70 . On the outside of the outer wall  70 , structures  75  are incorporated in the region of the cam  74  and permit secure gripping and firm holding of the closure cap  15  in these regions. 
     The mouthpiece  28  of the cartridge  14 ,  814  has threaded wings  72  ( FIGS. 10 ,  11   b ) which are arranged in such a manner that they engage in the thread  71  when the closure cap  15  is screwed to the mouthpiece  28 . In that region of the cartridge  14  in which it tapers to the mouthpiece  28 , the wall  21  forms an annular edge  77 , on the inside of which two mutually opposite, sawtooth-shaped projections  73  are located. When the closure cap  15  is screwed to the cartridge  14 , the cams  74  are guided past the projections  73  and latch behind them such that rotation back is no longer possible. To rotate it back, i.e. to unscrew the closure cap, the latching of the cams  74  on the projections  73  has to be overcome. This takes place by the outer wall  70  of the closure cap  25  being compressed in the region of the cams  74  until the cams  74  can be guided on the inside past the projections  73 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the applicator  100  or  800 , the adapter for fastening the cartridge  14  or  814  additionally comprises an approximately semicircular latching arc  910  for locking the cartridge  14 ,  814 . The latching arc ( FIGS. 14 ,  15   a - c ) is mounted concentrically in the housing  10 ,  80  and has latching cams  915  which latch with corresponding latching cams  875  on the extension pieces  34  on the cartridge  14 ,  814 . 
     The function of the latching arc  910  in conjunction with the applicator  800  in the embodiment according to  FIGS. 8   a, b  and with a cartridge  814  is described below. It goes without saying that the function of the latching arc  910  can be implemented in precisely the same manner in conjunction with the other applicator embodiments described herein. 
       FIG. 14  shows the approximately semicircular latching arc  910  with the two sensing devices  920  arranged opposite each other. By means of the arcuate form, the latching arc  910  is elastic and can be deformed by radial pressure from the outside on the sensing devices  920  in such a manner that the sensing devices  920  come closer to each other. After the sensing devices  920  are released, the latching arc  910  resumes its original shape. In the region of the sensing devices  920 , sawtooth-shaped latching cams  920 , which both point with their tips in the same direction of rotation, are arranged on the inside of the latching arc  910 . 
       FIGS. 15   a - c  show how the latching arc  910  is arranged in the housing  80  of the applicator  800 . In this case, the cartridge  814  is shown in the unlatched position in  FIG. 15   a  and in the latched position in  FIG. 15   c . The sensing devices  920  are arranged in apertures through the housing  80  of the applicator  800  in such a manner that they can be operated, i.e. pressed, from outside the housing. 
     In the latched state (also see  FIG. 15   b ), the sawtooth-shaped latching cams  875  on the extension pieces  39  of the cartridge  814  engage in the sawtooth-shaped latching cams  915  of the latching arc  910  in such a manner that rotation of the cartridge  814  back is no longer possible. Only by pressing on both sensing devices  920  simultaneously is the latching of the respective latching cams  975  and  915  at the two mutually opposite positions released. This takes place by the sensing devices  920  being compressed until the latching cams  915  of the latching arc  910  are displaced into the interior of the housing  800  until the latching cams  875  of the cartridge  814  can be guided on the inside past the latching cams  915  of the latching arc  910 .