EP0197281B1 - Dispositif pour appliquer des liquides - Google Patents

Dispositif pour appliquer des liquides Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0197281B1
EP0197281B1 EP19860102514 EP86102514A EP0197281B1 EP 0197281 B1 EP0197281 B1 EP 0197281B1 EP 19860102514 EP19860102514 EP 19860102514 EP 86102514 A EP86102514 A EP 86102514A EP 0197281 B1 EP0197281 B1 EP 0197281B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
applicator
valve
liquid
closure
seal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19860102514
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0197281A3 (en
EP0197281A2 (fr
Inventor
Leon V. Kremer
Ronald E. Keiras
Michael G. Knickerbocker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Flocon Inc
Original Assignee
Flocon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Flocon Inc filed Critical Flocon Inc
Publication of EP0197281A2 publication Critical patent/EP0197281A2/fr
Publication of EP0197281A3 publication Critical patent/EP0197281A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0197281B1 publication Critical patent/EP0197281B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K5/00—Pens with ink reservoirs in holders, e.g. fountain-pens
    • B43K5/18—Arrangements for feeding the ink to the nibs
    • B43K5/1818—Mechanical feeding means, e.g. valves; Pumps
    • B43K5/1827—Valves
    • B43K5/1836—Valves automatically closing
    • B43K5/1845—Valves automatically closing opened by actuation of the writing point
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/042—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/0072—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/002—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces with feed system for supplying material from an external source; Supply controls therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44D—PAINTING OR ARTISTIC DRAWING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PRESERVING PAINTINGS; SURFACE TREATMENT TO OBTAIN SPECIAL ARTISTIC SURFACE EFFECTS OR FINISHES
    • B44D3/00—Accessories or implements for use in connection with painting or artistic drawing, not otherwise provided for; Methods or devices for colour determination, selection, or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables
    • B44D3/22—Implements or apparatus for special techniques, e.g. for painting lines, for pouring varnish; Batik pencils

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid applicator device for applying an applicator liquid to a surface, comprising: a liquid container; an inner subassembly; an outer subassembly; said inner subassembly including a valve body, a valve element, a valve seal and bias means; means connecting said valve body to said valve seal with said bias means raising said valve element into sealing engagement with said valve seal; said outer subassembly including a valve closure and a surface applicator; said valve closure having a first and a second end with an internal closure cavity extending therebetween; said surface applicator having a proximal end and a distal end with said surface applicator being disposed in said internal closure cavity of said valve closure; means connecting said valve closure to said valve body with said proximal end of said surface applicator engaging said valve element and with said distal end of said surface applicator extending external said second end of said valve closure for applying the applicator liquid to the surface; means connecting said first end of said valve closure to said
  • the liquid applicator device of the above mentioned type is known from DE-A-3 303 341.
  • a mouth piece is screwed on the neck of a container.
  • An applicator wick is slideably guided within the mouth piece.
  • Colour ink can be supplied to the applicator wick by means of a valve consisting of a housing, an insert, a valve rod and a helical spring.
  • the housing and the insert are provided with outer flanges which are clamped between the upper face of the container neck and the downwardly directed surface of the mouth piece.
  • the lower end of the spring engages the bottom of the valve housing, whereas the upper end of the spring is supported on an annular shoulder of the valve rod of which a sealing surface of it is pressed against a sealing surface of the valve insert.
  • the sealing surfaces form the valve seat and a passage for the ink fluid.
  • the wick may be formed of plastic as to avoid that the ink and particularly the solvents of it can escape through the valve seat to the outer atmosphere.
  • the applicator wick can be mounted within a sleeve-shaped holder having an outer shoulder at its distal end. The wick is securely mounted within the holder which is slideably mounted within the mouth piece.
  • the holder and advantageously also the wick are seated on the front face of the valve rod so that smoother wick material can be used since the shoulder of the holder can be put on to the applicator surface whereby the holder is moved into the mouth piece activating the valve rod against the spring.
  • This guiding effect can be achieved through the shoulder without compression of the wick tip by a respective inclined position of the applicator device in relation to the applicator surface.
  • US-A 3 640 631 discloses a marking applicator comprising a container having a fluid reservoir therein and a marking nib extending out of the other end of the container for applying fluid or ink to a surface.
  • Said nib being disposed in a cylindrical holder having a central bore therein with at least two shoulders therein with one forming a valve seat.
  • a valve plunger is secured to said nib and disposed within said bore.
  • Said valve plunger has two sealing surfaces thereon with one adapted to seat against one of said shoulders.
  • Spring biasing means normally maintain said valve plunger in a closed position seated upon said shoulder.
  • a secondary reservoir is disposed within said valve plunger and in communication with said nib and an annular channel being provided between said valve plunger and said central bore.
  • a bypass passage is disposed in said holder adjacent said central bore for applying fluid to the exterior of said nib when said valve plunger is unseated.
  • FR-A 1 016 052 discloses a nail-polish applicator the housing of which encloses a cavity closed at one end by a screw cap and being at the other end in communication with a chamber through an orifice surrounded by a shoulder.
  • the distal end of the chamber is closed by a piece having a longitudinal bore.
  • the piston is mounted within said chamber and rigidly connected to a rod which is longitudinally guided within said closure piece at the distal end of said chamber.
  • the piston is engaged by one end of a spiral spring the other end of which engages the lower surface of the annular shoulder between the cavity enclosing the polish and the chamber.
  • the distal end of the piston rod extends beyond the closure piece into a brush mounted on the outer end of said closure piece.
  • the piston providing together with the closure piece a valve is moved inwardly into the chamber so that the nail polish can flow through an annular channel surrounding the piston rod and wicking the brush so that the polish can be applied onto said finger nail.
  • US-A 3 640 631 shows a marking pen, the holding of which forms a container having a closed end and an open end. Adjacent the closed end is a fluid reservoir. Adjacent the open end is a cylindrical holder having a central bore extending therethrough.
  • the member is secured to the interior of the casing by suitable means and has its outer surface tapered adjacent its upper end so that it can be press fitted into the end of the casing.
  • the interior of the bore comprises an enlarged upper section which tapers inwardly.
  • a cap is press fitted over the holder.
  • the reduced section of the bore is provided with a longitudinally extending drilled passage therein which extends from a point adjacent the tapered seating surface to a point in spaced relationship with the annular shoulder.
  • a marking tip extends loosely through the section of the bore and has its outer end extending a substantial distance beyond the end of the holder so that the tip can be readily used for marking with fluid.
  • the interior end of the nib is press fitted into a cylindrical recess provided in the lower part of the valve plunger.
  • the interior of the valve plunger is provided with a reduced bore therein above the recess which forms a secondary reservoir in communication with the exterior of the valve plunger through a drilled passage.
  • the exterior surface of the valve plunger disposed in the section of the bore is of substantially less diameter than that of the bore section so as to provide an annular channel for fluid therearound.
  • the valve plunger is provided with an outwardly flared rim or shoulder adapted to form a seal with bore section.
  • the upper end of the valve plunger is provided with an outwardly flared rim adapted to seat against the tapered surface of the holder so as to form a fluidtight seal therewith.
  • a spring is mounted over the stem of the valve plunger and is maintained in place by an annular retainer disc that is snapped into a recess in the top of the holder.
  • writing, marking and applicator devices of the prior art did not permit the assembly of the applicator mechanism independent of the final assembly at a filling plant.
  • the unit price for liquid applicator devices has been unnecessarily high.
  • the applicator device of the present invention allows for the fabrication and assembly of the applicator device mechanism from a single manufacturing site. Thereafter, the applicator device mechanism may be shipped to a filling plant whereat the liquid container may be filled with an applicator liquid. The applicator device mechanism may then be sealed to the filled liquid container. Furthermore, the improved applicator device of the present invention permits a user to separate the applicator device mechanism from a depleted liquid container without disassembling the applicator device mechanism. Consequently, the applicator device of the present invention could be refilled by the user to thereby extend the utility of applicator device and to further reduce the overall cost of the use of the applicator device.
  • valve assembly we have improved the valve assembly through the incorporation of a superior sealing member interposed between the valve and the surface applicator which totally eliminates the need for a foam ring or foam disk sealer as required by most of the prior art devices.
  • novel sealing member of the present invention provides liquid seal between the valve and the surface applicator heretofore unknown in the art.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid wherein the applicator device mechanism may be constructed independently of the liquid container and subsequently coupled to the filled liquid container to form the completed applicator device.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid having an increased ease of assembly herein unknown in the prior art.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid which is more economical than the prior art applicator devices through the incorporation of component parts which permit the applicator device mechanism to be assembled by an assembly machine independent of the liquid container.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid which permits a user to separate the applicator device mechanism from a depleted liquid container without disassembling the applicator device mechanism for enabling the applicator device to be refilled by the user.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing liquids such as inks, dyes, paints or chemicals and dispensing a wide variety of other types of viscous and non-viscous liquid products such as glues, insect repellants, oils, greases, lubricants, coating and the like.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a surface applicator which permits a user to disperse the dispensed liquid on the surface.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a valve for sealing the liquid container of the applicator device to prevent evaporation of the liquid in the liquid container.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a valve that is moveable into an open position upon a user depressing a substantially rigid surface applicator on a surface.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a valve that is moveable into an open position upon a user depressing a valve actuator for applying the liquid on a surface by a flexible surface applicator.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid which provides an improved support for a surface applicator in the form of a fiber tip.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid for use with a surface applicator in the form of a flexible applicator such as a paint brush or the like.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a liquid container, a valve closure, a valve body, a valve element and bias means for sealing the liquid container and for dispensing and dispersing the liquid on the surface upon movement of the valve element into an open position.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid which is convenient for painting, marking, or applying a liquid to a surface.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a novel sealing member having a superior seal between the valve and the surface applicator.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a novel sealing member which is yieldable for maintaining a seal between the valve and a surface applicator irrespective of lateral movement or bending of the surface applicator relative to the valve.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid incorporating a novel sealing member which is suitable for use with a liquid dispensing device having either a fiber tip surface applicator or a brush surface applicator.
  • the present invention is characterized by a tubular portion slideably receiving said surface applicator for forming a liquid seal between said proximal end and said distal end of said surface applicator during movement of said surface applicator parallel to said longitudinal length of said surface applicator; and a resilient plastic extending portion unitary with said valve seal for flexibly mounting said tubular portion with said internal closure cavity of said valve closure to maintain the liquid seal between said tubular portion and said surface applicator during deformation of said surface applicator perpendicular to the longitudinal length thereof.
  • Another improvement of the invention is related to an applicator device for applying a liquid from a liquid container to an applicator surface, comprising in combination: a valve comprising a valve body, a valve element, a valve seal and biasing means; a valve closure having a first and a second end with an internal closure cavity extending therebetween; a surface applicator having a proximal end and a distal end with said surface applicator being disposed in said internal closure cavity of said valve closure; means connecting said valve closure to said valve with said proximal end of said surface applicator engaging said valve element and with said distal end of said surface applicator extending external said second end of said valve closure; said valve element being movable between a closed position and an open position for respectively inhibiting and permitting the flow of the applicator liquid from the liquid container to said surface applicator; said bias means biasing said valve element into said closed position with said valve element being in sealing engagement with said valve seal; characterized in that said valve seal having an extending portion for supporting a substantially tubular
  • Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of the present invention illustrating a liquid applicator device 10 comprising a liquid container 12, a dispensing mechanism 14 and an overcap 16.
  • the dispensing mechanism 14 includes a surface applicator 18 shown as a fiber tip for applying an applicator liquid to a surface (not shown) upon the depression of the fiber tip 18 against the surface.
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1.
  • the liquid container 12 is preferably constructed of a non-permeable metallic or plastic substance and is provided with a closed end 22, an open end 24 and cylindrical side walls 26.
  • the open end 24 is adapted to receive and store a quantity of applicator liquid.
  • the marking liquid may be formed of opaque particles suspended in a carrier liquid.
  • the applicator device 10 may include agitator means 28 shown as a single ball but a plurality of balls or a metal slug may be disposed within the liquid container 12.
  • the agitator means 28 is formed of a metallic substance having a specific gravity significantly greater than the carrier liquid and with the metallic material being selected to minimize any chemical reaction with the carrier liquid.
  • the agitator means 28 disburses the suspended opaque particles within the carrier liquid in the event that the suspended opaque particles have become precipitated or settled from the carrier liquid.
  • the dispensing mechanism 14 includes an inner subassembly 31 and an outer subassembly 32 as also shown in Figs. 2-4.
  • the inner subassembly 31 includes a valve body 34, bias means shown as a spring 36, a valve element 38 and a valve seal 40.
  • the outer subassembly 32 comprises a valve closure 42, the surface applicator or fiber tip 18 and a foam collar 43.
  • the valve body 34, the valve element 38, the valve seal 40 and the valve closure 42 are preferably formed of a plastic material or complementary plastic materials.
  • the bias means is shown in this embodiment as a compression coil spring 36 which is preferably formed of stainless steel or another suitable material to preclude or minimize chemical reaction with the applicator liquid. Although the bias means has been shown as a compression coil spring 36 in the drawings, it should be understood that various other bias means may be used such as an integral plastic spring as disclosed in United States Patent 4,471,893.
  • the valve body 34 is a cup-shaped configuration having a bottom face 44, cylindrical side walls 46 and an enlarged annular open top having a shoulder 48.
  • the bottom face 44 of the valve body 34 is of a generally triangular shape defining voids 49 between the apices 49A of the triangle as shown in Fig. 5.
  • the valve body 34 is provided with aperture means shown in this embodiment as a plurality of liquid passing apertures including an axial hole 50 and a plurality of slots 52.
  • the hole 50 is disposed in the bottom face 44 whereas the plurality of slots 52 are formed transversely in the peripheral sidewalls 46 of the valve body 34.
  • the slots 52 are located adjacent the voids 49 to form large flow openings 53 between the inside surface of the liquid container 12 and the valve body 34 to facilitate the flow of the applicator liquid therebetween.
  • a plurality of spring orientating ribs 54 are formed in the valve body 34 and extend between an inside surface of the cylindrical sidewalls 46 and an inside surface of the bottom face 44 as shown in Fig. 3, 4, and 6.
  • the orientation ribs 54 enable the positioning of the coil spring 36 on a projection 56 extending from the bottom face 44 of the valve body 34.
  • the projection 56 surrounds the axial hole 50 and frictionally engages the inner diameter of an inner spring end 60 of the coil spring 36.
  • the inner diameter of an outer spring end 62 of the coil spring 36 is adapted to frictionally engage a projection 64 extending from the valve element 38.
  • the valve element 38 is formed in a cup-like configuration, with a closed face 72 and with circumferential side walls 74 and an open end 76. As also shown in Fig. 7, strengthening ribs 78 are located within the valve element 38 and extend from an inner surface of the closed face 72 to the open end 76 and terminate in the projection 64 which matingly engages the inner diameter of the outer end 62 of the coil spring 36.
  • a sealing surface 80 is formed on a flared peripheral shoulder located on an open end 76 of the valve element 38.
  • a flexible sealing seat 82 is formed on the inner end of the valve seal 40. The diameter of the sealing surface 80 is greater than the diameter of the sealing seat 82.
  • Spring 36 urges the reciprocal valve element 38 into a closed position as shown in Fig.
  • the valve element 38 may be moved to an open position as shown in Fig. 4 whereat the sealing surface 80 of the valve element 38 is displaced from the sealing seat 82 of the valve seal 40 to permit the the flow of applicator liquid therethrough.
  • the depression of fiber tip 18 will compress the spring 36 and displace the sealing surface 80 from the sealing seat 82 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the sealing surface 80 is made flexible by virtue of the thickness of the material and by virtue of the selection of the valve seat material.
  • the valve element 38 has a point 86 for receiving and positioning an inner end of the surface applicator 18.
  • the valve seal 40 is generally cylindrically shaped and is provided with a circumferential shoulder 84 of a diameter greater than the remainder of the valve seal 40.
  • the valve seal 40 is inserted into the valve body 34 with the valve element 38 and spring 36 located therebetween.
  • the shoulder 84 of the valve seal 40 engages with the shoulder 48 of the valve body 34 to limit the depth of penetration of the valve seal 40 into the valve body 34.
  • the shoulder 84 is substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the annular shoulder 48 of the valve body 34 enabling the first subassemly 31 to be inserted into the second subassembly 32.
  • the annular projection 88 extends from the valve seal 40 whereas an annular recess 90 is disposed in the valve body 34.
  • the annular projection 88 is received within the annular recess 90 in an interlocking engagement to couple the valve seal 40 to the valve body 34 to form the independent inner subassembly 31 of the dispenser mechanism.
  • the valve seal 40 is preferably a plastic material such as polyethylene or other similar moldable material which will assume a rigid shape but be slightly more flexible than the polypropylene of the valve body 34 and valve element 38 to allow the inner and outer subassemblies 31 and 32 to be readily snapped together.
  • the outer subassembly 32 may be fabricated independently of the inner assembly 31 and the liquid container 12.
  • the outer subassembly 32 of the first embodiment includes the surface applicator 18 shown as a substantially rigid fiber tip, the valve closure 42 and a foam disk shown in this embodiment as a cylindrical foam collar 43.
  • the fiber tip 18 is a cylindrically shaped member formed of a highly compacted fibrous material such as polyester or other similar material having properties which enable the fiber tip 18 to hold the original shape when moistened with the applicator liquid while simultaneously being capable of passing the applicator liquid from a proximal or an inner end 98 to a distal or an outer end 100 of the fiber tip 18 by capillary action.
  • the valve closure 42 is a hollow element with an outer portion 104 having tip centering ribs 106 on the inner surface adapted to be frictionally engaged by the surface applicator 18 to position and support the surface applicator 18.
  • a central cylindrical portion 108 of the valve closure 42 is adapted to receive the foam collar 43.
  • the foam collar 43 is formed as a hollow cylinder with an inner circumferential surface adapted to frictionally receive the surface applicator 18 therein.
  • the exterior surface of the foam collar 43 is adapted to be frictionally received by the inner surface of the central portion 108 of the valve closure 42.
  • a cylindrical disk may be disposed within the central portion 108 for contacting the inner end 98 of the surface applicator 18. In the case when a foam disk is used in place of the foam collar 43, the inner end 98 of the surface applicator 18 engages the foam disk.
  • the surface applicator 18, valve closure 42 and the foam collar 43 comprise the independent outer subassembly 32.
  • the valve closure 42 has an inner portion 110 having a diameter greater than the remainder of the valve closure 42 which is provided with a circumferential inner recess 112 capable of receiving and positively retaining an annular projection 114 extending from the valve body 34 of the inner subassembly 31.
  • the shoulder 84 of the valve seal 40 engages with shoulder 113 of the valve closure 42. Accordingly, the inner and outer subassemblies 31 and 32 may be joined together into a snap locking engagement by an automatic machine process.
  • the applicator dispensing mechanism 14 is joined to the container 12 in this embodiment by a press fit engagement.
  • the exterior diameter 115 of the valve closure 42 is tapered to be inserted into the open end 24 of the container 12.
  • the exterior surface of the valve closure 42 is also provided with a shoulder 116 for engaging with the open end 24 of the container 12 to axially limit the movement of the dispensing mechanism 14 relative to the container 12.
  • the overcap 16 includes an inner end 120 having an internal diameter selected for a friction fit with the valve closure 42.
  • the shoulder 116 of the valve closure 42 limits the movement of the overcap 16 on the valve closure 42.
  • the overcap 16 has a closed outer end 122 positioned to avoid contact with the surface applicator 18 when the overcap 16 is positioned on the valve closure 42 as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the overcap 16 may be provided with external gripping ribs 124 for aiding in the removal of the overcap 16 by a user.
  • the valve closure 42 and the overcap 16 are preferably formed of acetal or a similar moldable material which will inhibit evaporation of any carrier liquid or solvent within the applicator material.
  • the valve closure 42 and the overcap 16 are more rigid than the other elements of the applicator dispensing mechanism 14.
  • the foam disk or collar 43 is preferably formed of an open cell, foaminous material to provide controlled flow of applicator liquid therethrough.
  • the foam disk or collar 43 also functions as a reservoir to provide applicator liquid to a larger surface area of the surface applicator 18.
  • the foam collar 43 further eliminates the need for keeping the valve mechanism continuously open during the dispensing process.
  • the foam disk or collar 43 like all of the other elements of the liquid applicator device 10, is fabricated from a material which will not be adversely affected chemically when contacted by the applicator liquid.
  • the foam disk or collar 43 is located in a liquid chamber 128 defined by the valve element 38, the valve closure 42 and surface applicator 18 whereby depression of the rigid fiber tip 18 will compress the spring 36 to separate the sealing surface 80 of the valve element 38 from the sealing seat 82 of the valve seal 40 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the separation of the sealing surface 80 of the valve element 38 from the sealing seat 82 of the valve seal 40 permits the flow of the applicator liquid by action of gravity from the container 12 through valve body 34 to the liquid chamber 128 and then to the surface applicator 18.
  • the release of the depressing pressure from the rigid fiber tip 18 will return the sealing surface 80 of the valve element 38 into sealing engagement with the sealing seat 82 of the valve seal 40 as shown in Fig. 3 to inhibit the flow of the applicator liquid from the container 12 to the rigid fiber tip 18.
  • Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 2-7.
  • the liquid dispensing mechanism 10A is identical to the mechanism heretofore described with similar parts being labeled with similar reference numerals followed by the letter A.
  • the valve seal 40A includes an extending portion 150A having an inwardly projecting wall 152A for contacting the surface applicator 18A.
  • the extending portion 150A and the inwardly projecting wall 152A create a chamber 128A which functions as a liquid reservoir for the inner end 98A of the rigid fiber tip 18A to replace the reservoir created by the foam collar 43 in Figs. 2-4.
  • the inwardly projecting wall 152A acts as a seal for the liquid chamber 128A and prevents the flow of the applicator liquid along the side of the surface applicator 18A.
  • the projecting wall 152A further stabilizes the felt tip 18A.
  • Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate in greater detail the method of assembling the liquid applicator devices of the present invention as described heretofore and described hereinafter.
  • Fig. 10 shows the coil spring 36 being frictionally attached to the cup-shaped body 34 with the inner diameter of the inner spring end 60 being received on the projection 56 of the inner surface of the bottom face 44 of the valve body 34.
  • the projection 64 extending from the valve element 38 is then axially placed into a frictional relationship with the inner diameter of the outer spring end 62 of the spring 36.
  • the valve seal 40 is then axially press fit against the shoulder 48 of the valve body 34 with recess 90 of the valve body 34 receiving projection 88 of the valve seal 40 as best shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
  • Fig. 10 shows the coil spring 36 being frictionally attached to the cup-shaped body 34 with the inner diameter of the inner spring end 60 being received on the projection 56 of the inner surface of the bottom face 44 of the valve body 34.
  • the projection 64 extending from the valve element 38 is then axially placed
  • the cylindrical foam collar 43 is frictionally located over the surface applicator 18 and the outer end 100 of the surface applicator 18 is inserted into the internal centering ribs 106 of the cylindrical valve closure 42.
  • the outer end 100 of the surface applicator 18 is exposed for applying the liquid to the surface whereas the inner end of the surface applicator within the valve closure 42 is adapted to contact the closed face 72 of the valve element 38.
  • the inner subassembly 31 and the outer subassembly 32 are mated to one another with shoulder 84 of the valve seal 40 engaging shoulder 113 of the valve closure 42 and with the projection 114 of the valve body 34 being received within the recess 112 of the valve closure 42 as best shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
  • the overcap 16 may optionally be inserted onto the completed applicator dispensing mechanism 14 comprising the inner subassembly 31 and the outer subassembly 32.
  • the applicator dispensing mechanism 14 comprising the inner and outer subassemblies 31 and 32 and preferably with the overcap in place may then be shipped to a filling plant wherein the applicator liquid is placed within the container 12.
  • the exterior diameter 115 of the valve closure 42 is press fit into the open end 24 of the container 12 as shown in Figs. 1-9.
  • the liquid applicator devices 10A is fabricated and assembled in a manner similar to the first embodiment.
  • the inner subassembly 31A is fabricated in a similar manner.
  • the outer subassembly 32A the step of inserting the foam collar 43 is omitted from the fabrication process.
  • the inner end 98A of the surface applicator 18A is axially inserted into the extending wall 152A of the valve seal 40A.
  • the inner subassembly 31A and the outer subassembly 32A are mated to one another as heretofore described.
  • the liquid applicator device of the present invention may readily be used for marking or writing in a manner similar to conventional writing devices or may readily be used to apply other liquids such as perfumes, chemicals, lubricants or most any other desired liquid.
  • the surface applicator 18 With the removal of the overcap 16, the surface applicator 18 is exposed for applying the applicator liquid on the desired surface in a conventional manner.
  • the user can supply additional applicator liquid to the surface applicator 18.
  • the additional applicator liquid is supplied to the surface applicator 18 by holding the applicator device 10 with a surface applicator 18 below the container 12 and simultaneously depressing the fiber tip 18 against a surface.
  • the surface applicator 18 will slide axially into the valve closure 42 thereby axially moving the valve element 38 against the force of the spring 36 to separate the sealing surface 80 of the valve element 38 from the sealing seat 82 of the valve seal 40.
  • the applicator liquid may then flow from the container 12 under the influence of gravity through the slots 52 and hole 50 of the valve body 34 around the sealing surface 80 of the valve element 38 into the liquid chamber 128 for contacting the surface applicator 18.
  • the foam collar 43 in the liquid chamber 128 functions as a seal to preclude the flow of applicator liquid other than through the surface applicator 18.
  • the foam collar 43 also assists in conveying the applicator liquid to a broader surface area of the surface applicator.
  • the second embodiment 10A is void of the foam collar 43 and therefore the applicator liquid flows directly into a liquid chamber 128A for contacting the inner end 98A of the surface applicator 18.
  • the projecting wall 152A precludes the movement of the applicator liquid therebeyond.
  • the additional applicator liquid migrate along the entire length of the surface applicator 18 by capillary action. Accordingly, an operator can maintain an optimum amount of the applicator liquid on the outer end 100 of the surface applicator 18 over an extended period of time.
  • Figs 10 and 11 also show a variation of the first embodiment wherein the valve closure 42T also comprises threads 160 for engaging with threads 162 on the container 12T.
  • the use of a threaded engagement between the valve closure 42T and the container 12T enables the operator to unscrew the applicator dispensing mechanism 14 from the container 12T and to refill the container 12T with the applicator liquid.
  • the dispensing mechanism may be readily separated from the container 12T, if desired, and refilled with applicator liquid and then be reassembled. During such process, the elements of the dispensing mechanism 14 are retained in an assembled condition independent of the coupling to the container 12T.
  • the dispensing mechanism would not be maintained in an assembled condition since the interconnection between the container and dispensing mechanism secures the elements of the dispensing mechanism.
  • a press fit and a threaded engagement have been shown herein, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various means may be incorporated for securing the container to the dispensing mechanism 14.
  • Fig. 12 is an elevational view of a third embodiment of the present invention illustrating a liquid applicator device 10B comprising a liquid container 12B, a dispensing mechanism 14B and an overcap 16B.
  • the dispensing mechanism 14B includes a surface applicator 18B shown as a flexible brush for applying an applicator liquid to the surface.
  • Fig. 13 is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 12.
  • the dispensing mechanism 14B includes an inner subassembly 31B and an outer subassembly 32B which are also shown in Figs. 14 and 15.
  • the inner subassembly 31B includes a valve body 34B, bias means shown as a spring 36B, a valve element 38B and a valve seal 40B.
  • the outer subassembly 32B comprises a valve closure 42B, the surface applicator brush 18B and the foam collar 43B.
  • the third embodiment of Figs. 12-15 is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-7 with similar parts being labeled with the same reference numerals followed by the letter B.
  • the surface applicator comprises a valve actuator 180B and a brush 182B disposed within the valve actuator 180B.
  • the valve actuator 180B is preferably formed of a plastic tubular material with the fibers of the brush 182B being retained within the valve actuator 180B by means well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the valve actuator 180B includes a single actuator orifice 184B or a plurality of valve actuator orifices 184B disposed adjacent the proximal or inner end 98B of the valve actuator 180B.
  • the valve actuator orifice 184B enables the passage of the actuator liquid from the foam collar 43B to the fibers of the brush 182B.
  • the applicator liquid may then flow by capillary action from the inner end 98B to the outer end 100B of the valve actuator 180B to migrate to a distal end 186B of the brush 182B.
  • the valve actuator 180B is movable within the outer portion 104B of the valve closure 42B and is guided by the ribs 106B in a manner similar to the fiber tip 18 of Figs. 1-11. Since the brush 182B is flexible, the valve actuator 180B is used to move the valve element 38A from the closed position as shown in Fig. 14 to the open position as shown in Fig. 15.
  • the valve actuator 180B may be conveniently moved by pressing the outer end 100B of the valve actuator 180B against a surface such as an edge of the overcap 16B or any other convenient surface.
  • the applicator mechanism 14B and the function of the valve element 38B operates in the same manner as the applicator mechanism 14 and the valve element 38 previously described with reference to Figs. 1-7.
  • Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention which is similar to the third embodiment shown in Figs. 12-15 with similar parts being labeled with the same reference numerals follow by the letter C.
  • the surface applicator comprises a valve actuator 180C and a brush 182C disposed within the valve actuator 180C.
  • the valve actuator 180C includes a valve actuator orifice 184C disposed adjacent a proximal or inner end 98C of the valve actuator 180C.
  • the valve actuator orifice 184C enables the passage of the actuator liquid from the liquid chamber 128C formed by the extending portion 150C and the projecting wall 152C to the fibers of the brush 182C.
  • the applicator liquid may then flow ,by capillary action from the proximal or inner end 98C through a distal or outer end 100C of the valve actuator 180C to a distal end 186C of the brush 182C.
  • the valve actuator 180C is movable within the outer portion 104C of the valve closure 42C and is guided by the ribs 106C in a manner similar to Figs. 12-15.
  • the projecting wall 152C of the extending portion 150C form a sliding seal with the valve actuator 180C to direct the applicator liquid to the valve actuator orifice 184C.
  • the valve actuator 180C is used to move the valve element 38C from the closed position as shown in Fig.
  • the valve actuator 180C includes a contact member 188C shown in greater detail in Figs. 18 and 19.
  • the contact member 188C is shown as a disk integrally formed with the tubular portion of the valve actuator 180C but it should be understood that the contact member 188C may take various forms and shapes and may be an independent unit secured to the tubular portion of the valve actuator 180C by various means.
  • the contact member 188C aids the user by providing a large area in which to contact a surface for displacing the valve actuator 180C inwardly to displace the valve element 38C as heretofore described.
  • the applicator mechanism 14C and the function of the valve element 38C operates in the same manner as the applicator mechanism 14A and the valve element 38A previously described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9.
  • Fig. 20 is a side view partially in section of a fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a liquid applicator device 10P comprising a liquid container 12D, an applicator mechanism 14D and an overcap (not shown).
  • the applicator mechanism 14D includes a surface applicator 18D for applying the applicator liquid to the surface.
  • the surface applicator 18D has been shown comprising a brush 182D, other surface applicators may be used including the fiber tip 18 shown in Figs. 1-7.
  • valve closure 42D also comprises threads 130D for engaging with threads 132D on the liquid container 12D.
  • threads 130D for engaging with threads 132D on the liquid container 12D.
  • the applicator device 10D also includes a flexible wall container 12D which is preferably a flexible plastic container enabling the user to reduce the internal volume of the container 12D by squeezing or otherwise flexing the container sidewall 26D.
  • the applicator mechanism 14D in combination with the flexible wall container 12D allows the user to dispense the applicator liquid under pressure.
  • the dispensing of the applicator liquid under pressure enables the dispensing of viscous liquids such as glues, gels and other viscous materials.
  • viscous liquids such as glues, gels and other viscous materials.
  • Fig. 21 is a side elevational view partially in section of a sixth embodiment of the present invention illustrating an applicator device 10E having a first surface applicator 18 on one end 24 of a liquid container 12E and a second surface applicator 18E on a second end 24E of the liquid container 12E.
  • the first applicator mechanism 14 and the first surface applicator 18 are identical to the first or second embodiments shown in Figs. 1-11 whereas the second applicator mechanism 14E and the second surface applicator 18E utilize a brush applicator device as shown in Figs. 12-15.
  • the liquid container 12E contains a common applicator liquid for dispensing through each of the first and second surface applicators 18 and 18E.
  • Fig. 22 is a side elevational view partially in section of a seventh embodiment of the present invention illustrating an applicator device 10F having a first surface applicator 18F on one end 24F of a liquid container 12F and a second surface applicator 18G on a second end 24G of the liquid container 12F.
  • the liquid container 12F contains an intermediate wall 138F to separate the liquid container 12F into a first and a second container portion 141F and 141G to respectively receive a first and a second applicator liquid for dispensing through the first and second surface applicators 18F and 18G, respectively.
  • the intermediate wall 138F may be an independent unit which is inserted into a tubular container or may be integrally formed with the container.
  • Fig. 23 and 24 are side sectional views in a closed and an open position of an eighth embodiment of the invention illustrating a liquid marking device ION which is similar to the mechanism described in Figs. 8 and 9 with similar parts being labeled with similar reference numerals followed by the letter H.
  • the valve seal 40H includes an extending portion 150H having a flexible mounting wall 151H for flexibly supporting a tubular portion 152H.
  • the tubular portion 152H is flexibly mounted within the internal closure cavity 108H of the valve closure 42H by a resiliency in the plastic of the flexible mounting wall 151H located between the tubular portion 152H and the valve seal 40H.
  • the tubular portion 152H slidably receives the surface applicator 18H and forms a liquid tight seal between the proximal end 98H and the distal end 100H of the surface applicator 18H and prevents the flow of the applicator liquid along the side of the surface applicator 18H.
  • the extending portion 150H, the flexible mounting wall 151H and the tubular portion 152H create a chamber 128H which functions as a liquid reservoir for the inner end 98H of the surface applicator 18H to replace the reservoir created by the foam collar 43 in Figs. 2-4.
  • the surface applicator 18H is substantially cylindrical with the tubular portion 152H having a cylindrical inner orifice 153H for slidably receiving the substantially cylindrical surface applicator 18H.
  • the flexible mounting wall 151H is integrally formed with the valve seal 40H, the extending portion 151H and the tubular portion 152H and is secured to a central area of the tubular portion 152H.
  • the tubular portion 152H comprises an inner tubular portion 156H and an outer tubular portion 158H.
  • the resiliency in the plastic of the flexible mounting wall 151H enables the tubular portion 152H to pivot within the internal closure cavity 108H of the valve closure 42H to maintain the liquid tight seal between the tubular portion 152H and the surface applicator 18H irrespective of any deformation of the surface applicator 18H.
  • the extending portion 150H, the flexible mounting wall 151H and the tubular portion 152H stabilizes the inner end 98H of the surface applicator 18H.
  • Fig. 25 illustrates a side sectional view of the liquid applicator device 10H for applying an applicator liquid to a surface 160H.
  • Fig. 25 also Illustrates an operator applying excessive pressure to the surface applicator 18H as the surface applicator 18H is pressed against a surface 160H causing deformation of the surface applicator 18H.
  • the flexible mounting wall 151H enables the pivoting of the tubular portion 152H within the internal closure cavity 108H as shown in Fig. 25 to maintain a liquid tight seal between the tubular portion 152H and the surface applicator 18H irrespective of any deformation of the surface applicator 18H.
  • an excessive pressure applied to the present invention does destroy the seal and does result in excess liquid leaking along the outer surface of the surface applicator 18H.
  • the embodiment shown in Figs. 23-25 provide superior performance to the prior art applicator devices and eliminate the inconvenience caused by leaking which was a major disadvantage of the prior art marking devices.
  • Fig. 26 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of the seal shown in Figs. 8 and 9 whereas Fig. 27 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of the seal shown in Figs. 23-25.
  • the tubular portion 152I is void of an inner tubular portion and comprises only an outer tubular portion 158I.
  • the tubular portion 152J comprises both an inner tubular portion 156J and an outer tubular portion 158J.
  • the tubular portion 152K is void of an inner tubular portion and comprises a modified outer tubular portion 158K.
  • the tubular portion 152L comprises an inner tubular portion 156I and is void of an outer tubular portion.
  • the various embodiments set forth in Figs. 26-29 illustrate different structures which are preferably used with different surface applicators and different applicator liquids.
  • the tubular portion 152J shown in Fig. 27 has the greatest axial length and is the most suited for use with nonviscous liquids and/or surface applicators having a liquid impermeable valve actuator such as the valve actuator 180B shown in Figs. 12-15.
  • the greater axially length of the tubular portion 152J provides a greater distance for non-viscous liquids to migrate along the side of the surface applicator 18J.
  • the greater axially length of the tubular portion 152J provides increased surface tension to inhibit the migration of non-viscous liquids along the side of the surface applicator 18J.
  • the greater axially length of the tubular portion 152J produces greater friction between the tubular portion 152J and the surface applicator 18J and accordingly requires a stronger spring to properly return the sealing surface into sealing engagement with the sealing seat 82J.
  • the embodiment shown in Figs. 26 and 29 have equivalent axial lengths with the tubular portion 152I having only the outer tubular portion 158I and with tubular portion 152L having only the inner tubular portion 156L.
  • the embodiments shown in Figs. 26 and 29 provides suitable sealing for non-viscous liquids without requiring stronger springs to properly return the sealing surfaces into sealing engagement with the sealing seats 82I and 82L.
  • the tubular portion 152K has the least axial length and is the most suited for viscous liquids and/or surface applicators without a liquid impermeable valve actuator such as the valve actuator 180B shown in Figs. 12-15.
  • the outer tubular portion is undercut at 161K to define an annular seal 159K for engaging the surface applicator 18K.
  • the shorter axially length of the tubular portion 152K produces the least friction between the tubular portion 152K and the surface applicator 18K. Accordingly, the embodiment shown In Fig. 28 provides suitable sealing for viscous liquids and requires the weakest springs to properly return the sealing surface into sealing engagement with the sealing seat 82K.
  • each of the embodiments shown in Figs. 26-29 provide a superior seal to the foam collar or disk 43 shown in Figs. 1-4.
  • the applicator liquid will attempt to migrate along the sides of the surface applicator.
  • the valve condition in this specification exists when the applicator device is in an operating position and the surface applicator is depress against the applicator surface for an extended period of time.
  • the applicator liquid tends to migrate or flood along the sides of the surface applicator.
  • the applicator liquid that ultimately floods or migrates along the sides of the surface applicator results in an excessive amount of applicator liquid being applied to the applicator surface.
  • the excessive amount of applicator liquid that is applied to the applicator surface is extremely undesirable since the excessive amount of applicator liquid is uncontrolled by the surface applicator and is accordingly uncontrollable by an operator.
  • a test was devised to determine the amount of excessive applicator liquid that ultimately floods or migrates along the sides of the surface applicator and is deposited on the applicator surface.
  • the test measured the weight loss of the applicator device with the applicator liquid within the liquid container when the applicator device was subjected to an open valve condition multiple times.
  • the weight loss represents the weight of the applicator liquid that is applied to the applicator surface.
  • An applicator device having a higher weight loss will have a higher amount of excessive applicator liquid that floods or migrates along the sides of the surface applicator and is deposited on the applicator surface.
  • Table A illustrates the results of a test between the applicator device 10 shown in Figs. 1-4 incorporating the foam collar 43 and the applicator device 10H having the tubular portion 152H shown in Figs. 23-25.
  • Each of the applicator devices 10 and 10H were filled with the same quantity of applicator liquid and were each intermittently (1) weighed, (2) subjected to an open valve condition for fifteen seconds, (3) subjected to a closed valve condition and (4) weighed.
  • Each of the applicator devices 10 and 10H was subjected to the open valve condition thirty-six (36) times.
  • the above test illustrates that the applicator device 10H having the tubular portion 152H shown in Figs. 23-25 had significantly less weight loss than the the applicator device 10 shown in Figs. 1-4 incorporating the foam collar 43.
  • the applicator device 10H lost a total weight of 0.21 grams of applicator liquid whereas the applicator device 10 lost a total weight of 0.86 grams of applicator liquid. Since the amount of applicator liquid lost (0.21 grams) by the applicator device 10H was sufficient to provide a suitable coating on the applicator surface, then the amount of applicator liquid lost (0.86 grams) by the applicator device 10 that is greater than 0.21 grams represents the excessive amount of applicator liquid that is applied to the applicator surface.
  • applicator device 10H produces a more efficient use of the applicator liquid than the the applicator device 10. Accordingly, applicator device 10H will have a longer useful life than the the applicator device 10.
  • FIG. 27 has the greatest axial length and experienced the least weight loss.
  • the embodiments shown in Figs. 26 and 29 have equivalent axial lengths and experienced an equal weight loss which was greater than the weight loss experienced by the embodiment shown in Fig. 27.
  • the embodiment shown in Fig. 28 has the least axial length and experienced the greatest weight loss.
  • each of the embodiments shown in Figs. 26-29 providing a superior seal to the foam collar or disk 43 shown in Figs. 1-4.
  • the present invention is primarily suited for the application of a marking liquid such as ink, paint or the like to a writing surface, the present invention also finds many other useful functions in the dispensing or application of other liquid.
  • the present inventions may be used to apply a variety of liquid such as insect repellants, perfumes, lubricants, chemicals or any other suitable liquids.
  • the various embodiments set forth herein may be altered and interchanged to produce an applicator device for a particular use as should be well known to those skilled in the art.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)

Claims (21)

  1. Dispositif applicateur de liquide (10H) pour appliquer un liquide d'applicateur sur une surface, comprenant :
       un réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) ;
       un sous-assemblage interne (36H, 34H, 34J ; 151H ; 151J ; 38H ; 38J) ;
       un sous-assemblage externe (42H ; 42J ; 18H ; 18J) ;
       ledit sous-assemblage interne incluant un corps de vanne (34H ; 34J), un élément de vanne (38H ; 38J), une étanchéité de vanne (40H : 40J) et un moyen de poussée (36H) ;
       un moyen qui connecte ledit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) à ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) avec ledit moyen de poussée (36H) qui exerce une poussée sur ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) pour l'amener en engagement d'étanchéité avec ladite étanchéité de vanne ;
       ledit sous-assemblage externe incluant une fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) et un applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ;
       ladite fermeture de vanne (42H : 42J) ayant des première et seconde extrémités, une cavité de fermeture interne (108H) s'étendant entre ;
       ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ayant une extrémité proximale (98H) et une extrémité distale (100H), ledit applicateur de surface étant disposé dans ladite cavité de fermeture interne (108H ; 108J) de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) ;
       un moyen qui connecte ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J), ladite extrémité proximale (98H) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) engageant ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) et ladite extrémité distale (100H) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) s'étendant à l'extérieur de ladite seconde extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) pour appliquer le liquide d'applicateur sur la surface ;
       un moyen qui connecte ladite première extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) ; et
       ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) déplaçant ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) depuis ladite position d'étanchéité jusqu'à une position ouverte suite à la dépression de ladite extrémité distale dudit applicateur de surface sur la surface en permettant l'écoulement du liquide d'applicateur depuis ledit réservoir jusqu'audit applicateur de surface ;
    caractérisé par :
       une partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) qui reçoit par glissement ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) pour former une étanchéité au liquide (40H ; 40J) entre ladite extrémité proximale (98H) et ladite extrémité distale (100H) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) lors du mouvement dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) parallèlement à ladite longueur longitudinale dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ; et
       une partie en plastique élastique (150H ; 150J ; 151H ; 151J) qui fait corps avec ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) pour monter de manière flexible ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) avec ladite cavité de fermeture interne (108H) de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) afin de maintenir l'étanchéité au liquide entre ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) et ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) lors de la déformation dudit applicateur de surface perpendiculairement à sa longueur longitudinale.
  2. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) est sensiblement flexible pour disperser le liquide d'applicateur sur la surface (160H).
  3. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
       ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) est sensiblement cylindrique ; et
       ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) inclut un orifice interne cylindrique (153H) pour recevoir par glissement ledit applicateur de surface sensiblement cylindrique (18H).
  4. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit moyen qui connecte ladite première extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit réservoir (12H ; 12J) inclut ladite fermeture de vanne qui est emmanchée en force à l'intérieur d'une extrémité ouverte dudit réservoir (12H ; 12J).
  5. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite partie en extension plastique élastique (150H ; 150J) est fixée à une zone généralement centrale de ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J).
  6. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite partie en extension plastique élastique (150H ; 150J) est formée de manière à faire corps avec une extrémité de ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) et à lui être fixée.
  7. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) est sensiblement rigide.
  8. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) est une pointe en fibres.
  9. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
       ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) est un applicateur flexible ; et
       un dispositif d'actionnement de vanne rigide coopère avec ledit applicateur flexible (18H ; 18J) pour déplacer ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) depuis ladite position fermée jusqu'à ladite position ouverte suite à la dépression dudit dispositif d'actionnement de vanne sur une surface (160).
  10. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit applicateur de surface flexible (18H ; 18J) est un applicateur à brosse.
  11. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit moyen qui connecte ladite première extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) inclut un engagement par ajustage serré.
  12. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit réservoir (12H ; 12J) est sensiblement rigide.
  13. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit réservoir (12H ; 12J) inclut un moyen pour réduire le volume dudit réservoir afin de forcer le liquide d'applicateur qui provient dudit réservoir (12H ; 12J) au travers de ladite ouverture d'applicateur jusqu'audit applicateur de surface lorsque ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) est dans ladite position ouverte.
  14. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 13, dans lequel ledit moyen pour réduire le volume dudit réservoir (12H ; 12J) inclut ledit réservoir qui a une paroi de réservoir flexible élastique.
  15. Dispositif applicateur pour appliquer un liquide depuis un réservoir de liquide sur une surface, comprenant en combinaison :
       une vanne ayant un corps de vanne (34H ; 34J), un élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) et une étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) ;
       ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) ayant une surface d'étanchéité pour coopérer avec ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) ;
       un moyen qui connecte ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) audit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) ;
       ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) étant mobile entre une position fermée dans laquelle ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) engage ladite surface d'étanchéité de ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) et une position ouverte dans laquelle ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) est déplacé de ladite surface d'étanchéité de ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) ;
       un moyen de poussée (36H ; 36J) pour imprimer une poussée audit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) pour l'amener dans ladite position fermée ;
       une fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) ayant des première et seconde extrémités, une cavité de fermeture interne (108H ; 108J) s'étendant entre ;
       un applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ayant une longueur longitudinale qui se termine en une extrémité proximale (98H) et en une extrémité distale (100H) ;
       ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) étant disposé dans ladite cavité de fermeture interne (108H ; 108J) de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) ;
       un moyen qui connecte ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J), ladite extrémité proximale (98H ; 98J) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) engageant ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) et ladite extrémité distale (100H ; 100J) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) s'étendant à l'extérieur de ladite seconde extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) ;
       un moyen qui connecte ladite première extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) pour permettre l'écoulement du liquide depuis le réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) jusqu'audit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) ;
       ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) étant mobile longitudinalement le long de ladite longueur longitudinale suite à la dépression de ladite extrémité distale (100H ; 100J) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) sur la surface (160H) pour déplacer ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) depuis ladite position fermée jusqu'à ladite position ouverte afin de permettre l'écoulement du liquide depuis ledit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) jusqu'audit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ;
       une partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) qui reçoit par glissement ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) pour former une étanchéité au liquide entre ladite extrémité proximale (98H ; 98J) et ladite extrémité distale (100H ; 100J) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) lors dudit mouvement longitudinal dudit applicateur de surface ; et
       ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) ayant une partie en extension plastique élastique d'un seul tenant (150H ; 150J) pour monter de manière flexible ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) à l'intérieur de ladite cavité de fermeture interne (108H ; 108J) de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) afin de maintenir ladite étanchéité au liquide entre ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) et ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) lors de la déformation dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) qui est due à un mouvement latéral dudit applicateur de surface.
  16. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit moyen qui connecte ledit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) à ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) inclut un évidement disposé dans un élément pris parmi ledit corps de vanne (34H) et ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H) pour recevoir une projection qui s'étend depuis l'autre des éléments parmi ledit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) et ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J).
  17. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit moyen qui connecte ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) inclut un évidement qui est disposé dans un élément pris parmi ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) et ledit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) pour recevoir une projection qui s'étend depuis l'autre élément parmi ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) et ledit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J).
  18. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 15, dans lequel :
       ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) comprend une surface d'étanchéité annulaire ; et
       ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) comprend un épaulement annulaire pour s'engager avec ladite surface d'étanchéité annulaire.
  19. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 15, incluant en outre un moyen d'ouverture localisé dans ledit corps de vanne (34H ; 34J) pour permettre l'écoulement du liquide d'applicateur depuis ledit réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) jusqu'audit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J).
  20. Dispositif applicateur selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit moyen pour connecter ladite première extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit réservoir (12H ; 12J) inclut un moyen de filetage.
  21. Dispositif applicateur pour appliquer un liquide depuis un réservoir de liquide jusqu'à une surface d'applicateur, comprenant en combinaison :
       une vanne comprenant un corps de vanne (34H ; 34J), un élément de vanne (38H ; 38J), une étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) et un moyen de poussée (36H ; 36J) ;
       une fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) ayant une première extrémité et une seconde extrémité, une cavité de fermeture interne (108H ; 108J) s'étendant entre ;
       un applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ayant une extrémité proximale (98H ; 98J) et une extrémité distale (100H ; 100J), ledit applicateur de surface étant disposé dans ladite cavité de fermeture interne (108H ; 108J) de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) ;
       un moyen qui connecte ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) à ladite vanne, ladite extrémité proximale (98H ; 98J) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) engageant ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) et ladite extrémité distale (100H ; 100J) dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) s'étendant à l'extérieur de ladite seconde extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) ;
       ledit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) étant mobile entre une position fermée et une position ouverte pour respectivement empêcher et permettre l'écoulement du liquide d'applicateur depuis le réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) jusqu'audit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ;
       ledit moyen de poussée (36H ; 36J) imprimant une poussée audit élément de vanne (38H ; 38J) pour l'amener dans ladite position fermée, ledit élément de vanne étant en engagement d'étanchéité avec ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) ;
       ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) ayant une partie en extension (150H ; 150J) pour supporter une partie sensiblement tubulaire (152H ; 152J) ;
       ladite partie tubulaire (152H ; 152J) recevant par glissement ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) pour former une étanchéité au liquide entre ;
       un moyen qui connecte ladite première extrémité de ladite fermeture de vanne (42H ; 42J) audit réservoir de liquide (12H ; 12J) en permettant audit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) de déplacer ledit élément de vanne (18E ; 18J) de ladite position d'étanchéité jusqu'à une position ouverte suite à la dépression de ladite extrémité distale dudit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) sur la surface d'applicateur (160H), ce qui permet l'écoulement du liquide d'applicateur depuis ledit réservoir (12H ; 12J) jusqu'audit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) ;
    et
       ladite partie en extension (150H ; 150J) de ladite étanchéité de vanne (40H ; 40J) supportant de manière flexible ladite partie tubulaire (150H ; 150J) pour maintenir l'étanchéité au liquide entre ladite partie tubulaire (150H ; 150J) et ledit applicateur de surface (18H ; 18J) indépendamment de toute déformation dudit applicateur de surface.
EP19860102514 1985-02-27 1986-02-26 Dispositif pour appliquer des liquides Expired - Lifetime EP0197281B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US70610085A 1985-02-27 1985-02-27
US706100 1985-02-27
US74153785A 1985-06-05 1985-06-05
US741537 1985-06-05

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0197281A2 EP0197281A2 (fr) 1986-10-15
EP0197281A3 EP0197281A3 (en) 1987-10-07
EP0197281B1 true EP0197281B1 (fr) 1991-09-11

Family

ID=27107625

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19860102514 Expired - Lifetime EP0197281B1 (fr) 1985-02-27 1986-02-26 Dispositif pour appliquer des liquides

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0197281B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU5584186A (fr)
DE (1) DE3681317D1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1986005144A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2612089B1 (fr) * 1987-03-09 1991-07-12 Dior Christian Parfums Procede et dispositif de maintien de meche pour des applicateurs type feutre de compositions visqueuses, de preference des peintures ou vernis comprenant la disposition de la meche a l'interieur d'un element tubulaire rigide selon un emmanchement serre, applicateur incorporant un tel dispositif et element tubulaire
JPH0621745Y2 (ja) * 1987-05-08 1994-06-08 三菱鉛筆株式会社 液状体の筆記又は塗布用器具に於けるバルブ装置
CN1030048A (zh) * 1987-06-24 1989-01-04 侯燕宁 多用笔
GB2206782A (en) * 1987-07-08 1989-01-18 Chun Shiung Lee Writing brush
EP0625378B1 (fr) * 1993-04-27 1999-08-25 Sakura Color Products Corporation Applicateur de liquide et méthode de fabrication
CN1052445C (zh) * 1993-11-30 2000-05-17 百龙企业有限公司 涂抹器
GB2318974A (en) * 1996-04-12 1998-05-13 Helix Ltd Reservoir applicator:cleaning fluid
NL1005227C2 (nl) * 1997-02-10 1998-08-11 Cornelis Van Buuren Houder voor een vloeistof met een doseertuit.
JP3312316B2 (ja) * 1997-11-28 2002-08-05 ぺんてる株式会社 ノック式塗布具
NL1016156C2 (nl) 2000-09-12 2002-03-13 Frank Van Der Horst Kwast en werkwijze voor het aanbrengen van een vloeistof op een substraat.
EP2454104A4 (fr) * 2009-07-14 2013-07-24 Flocon Inc Dispositif applicateur de liquide
US9675788B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2017-06-13 Golf Rite Products, LLC Handheld topical applicator
US9327545B2 (en) * 2012-10-26 2016-05-03 Golf Rite Products, LLC Handheld precise liquid marker
JP6595819B2 (ja) * 2014-07-03 2019-10-23 三菱鉛筆株式会社 筆記具

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1016052A (fr) * 1950-04-06 1952-10-31 Pinceau-réservoir pour vernis à ongles
US2996750A (en) * 1959-04-06 1961-08-22 Cholet Bertram Fountain pen
US3233275A (en) * 1963-09-18 1966-02-08 Sheaffer W A Pen Co Writing implement
US3468611A (en) * 1966-05-10 1969-09-23 Lawrence T Ward Liquid applicator
US3640631A (en) * 1969-09-26 1972-02-08 Piro Sotir Marking pen
US4157874A (en) * 1978-04-10 1979-06-12 Freeman Transfer Printing Co. Dye marking device
EP0069151A4 (fr) * 1981-01-14 1983-05-16 Michael G Knickerbocker Assemblage formant valve avec ressort en plastique integre.
DE3303341A1 (de) * 1983-02-02 1984-08-02 Revell Plastics GmbH, 4980 Bünde Geraet zum auftragen einer farbigen fluessigkeit
US4569612A (en) * 1984-04-12 1986-02-11 Gilbert Schwartzman Liquid applicator and valve therefor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0197281A3 (en) 1987-10-07
DE3681317D1 (de) 1991-10-17
AU5584186A (en) 1986-09-24
EP0197281A2 (fr) 1986-10-15
WO1986005144A1 (fr) 1986-09-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4792252A (en) Liquid applicator device
EP0197281B1 (fr) Dispositif pour appliquer des liquides
US4685820A (en) Applicator device
US4841996A (en) Applicator device for a liquid product, nail varnish in particular
US4496258A (en) Writing pen with space behind nib
EP1250194B1 (fr) Pointe d'applicateur de liquide
US6056470A (en) Side-push type of container
US4029422A (en) Dispenser for air drying liquid coating
US7581544B2 (en) Applicator and a device for applying a cosmetic
US4848947A (en) Liquid applicator device with tilt valve
CA2767743C (fr) Dispositif applicateur de liquide
US20070020032A1 (en) Fluid applicator instrument
US7086799B1 (en) Marker
US7972075B2 (en) Applicator
EP2825393B1 (fr) Applicateur de liquide de précision
US4040753A (en) Applicator instrument
EP0357456A2 (fr) Récipient pour liquide
US4976564A (en) Implement for applying liquid
EP3113959B1 (fr) Dispositif applicateur de liquide
US3551065A (en) Valving construction for felt nib marking devices
US3192552A (en) Liquid applicator
CA1309382C (fr) Applicateur de liquide
GB2172797A (en) Writing instrument
US11858289B2 (en) Applicator
JPS6337100Y2 (fr)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19871112

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19890127

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FLOCON, INC.

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19910911

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19910911

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19910911

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19910911

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3681317

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19911017

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

EN Fr: translation not filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19920131

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20050223

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050429

Year of fee payment: 20

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20060225