EP0291284B1 - Dispositif débiteur-applicateur - Google Patents

Dispositif débiteur-applicateur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0291284B1
EP0291284B1 EP88304246A EP88304246A EP0291284B1 EP 0291284 B1 EP0291284 B1 EP 0291284B1 EP 88304246 A EP88304246 A EP 88304246A EP 88304246 A EP88304246 A EP 88304246A EP 0291284 B1 EP0291284 B1 EP 0291284B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispenser
applicator
substance
base
cover
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
EP88304246A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0291284A3 (en
EP0291284A2 (fr
Inventor
Nancy Ann Willcox
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.)
WILLCOX INTERNATIONAL LLC
Original Assignee
Nancy Ann Willcox
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 Nancy Ann Willcox filed Critical Nancy Ann Willcox
Priority to AT88304246T priority Critical patent/ATE81035T1/de
Publication of EP0291284A2 publication Critical patent/EP0291284A2/fr
Publication of EP0291284A3 publication Critical patent/EP0291284A3/en
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Publication of EP0291284B1 publication Critical patent/EP0291284B1/fr
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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • A45D2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
    • A45D2200/10—Details of applicators
    • A45D2200/1009—Applicators comprising a pad, tissue, sponge, or the like
    • A45D2200/1018—Applicators comprising a pad, tissue, sponge, or the like comprising a pad, i.e. a cushion-like mass of soft material, with or without gripping means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to dispenser-applicators for applying spreadable substances to solid surfaces. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a dispenser-applicator for applying pre-measured convenient amounts of spreadable substances, such as liquids, gels, lotions, and readily melting solids, to surfaces.
  • United States Patent No.3,334,374 discloses an applicator pad having a liquid impermeable back wall, and a liquid permeable front wall with a pocket or storage space being formed between the two.
  • the front wall may be a perforated sheet or an absorbent material.
  • a liquid agent to be applied with the applicator pad is kept in rupturable capsules within the pocket. When the applicator pad is pressed sufficiently firmly against a surface, the capsules are ruptured, and the liquid is applied to the surface through the front wall.
  • US Patent No 2 961 677 in particular discloses a shoe polish dispenser-applicator.
  • This dispenser-applicator takes the form of a rigid base and a pocket sealed to the base containing liquid shoe polish.
  • the pocket is, however, never in contact with the surface to which the shoe polish is to be applied and is in fact coated with a spongy material which acts to distribute the shoe polish.
  • the pocket containing the liquid is pierced with a needle and the liquid is slowly squeezed out into the spongy material.
  • the above dispenser-applicator is provided with a handle and forms the base for the pre-characterising part of Claim 1.
  • United States Patent No. 4,291,697 discloses a cleaning or applicator device which has a frangible capsule of liquid embedded in a relatively flat sponge member.
  • the sponge embedding the capsule is mounted to an elongated handle.
  • pressure is exerted on the sponge to break the embedded capsule, and the liquid is allowed to soak into the sponge.
  • United States Patent No. 4,430,013 describes an applicator for a liquid substance having a foam pad, and a liquid reservoir attached to one side of the pad.
  • the liquid reservoir although made of relatively rigid plastic, has a weakened portion, caused, for example by a slit or scoring, so that pressure exerted in a given direction, or bending of the rigid plastic, breaks the weakened portion. When the weakened portion breaks, the liquid spills into the foam pad and is applied therefrom to a desired surface.
  • the "dispenser package" of the 4,493,574 patent has a flexible pouch adhered to a relatively stiff material.
  • the package may be opened along a fault line or cut pattern in the stiff material by bending or flexing the stiff material in a V shaped pattern.
  • the dispenser package of this patent serves reasonably well for storing and dispensing single doses of liquid substances or liquidy pastes especially in situations where even spreading on a surface is not important.
  • the dispenser package of U.S. Patent No.4,493,574 serves reasonably well for dispensing certain liquidy or liquidy-pasty food condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, or honey.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,493,574 also describes an embodiment of a dispenser package which contains a sponge to catch the liquidy substance when the overlying stiff material is broken along a fault line.
  • This embodiment is said to be suitable for applying the liquidy substance to a surface in a "swab" type application.
  • this device due to its particular configuration and due to the presence of the relatively sharp edges of the broken stiff material, is not well suited for evenly spreading a liquid on any surface.
  • This device is particularly ill suited for an application where the surface (such as a wounded skin) is sensitive to touch, pressure, or damage by the broken stiff material.
  • the device of U.S. Patent No. 4,493,574 is also not well suited for dispensing solid or semi-solid substances, and particularly not suited for relatively evenly dispensing and spreading solid or semi-solid substances on a solid surface, and even less so on an irregular surface.
  • the dispenser-applicator to be described is adapted for dispensing a pre-measured dose or portion of a liquid substance, and for applying the same to smooth or rough, regular or irregular solid surfaces.
  • the dispenser-applicator to be described is also adapted for dispensing a pre-measured dose or portion of a solid or semi-solid substance which flows out from the applicator to be applied to any solid smooth or rough, regular or irregular surface, when the surface contacts the applicator and is sufficiently warm to melt the substance inside, or lower its viscosity sufficiently to make the substance flow under application of pressure.
  • the dispenser-applicator for pre-measured or convenient doses of medicinal ointments, solutions, and the like is particularly non-traumatic when used on broken, sensitive or injured skin, superficial wounds, or the like.
  • the dispenser-applicator is also suitable for pre-measured portions (or less) of liquid, gel, creamy, semi-solid or solid substances which can be relatively slowly released in a controlled manner from the applicator onto a surface as a result of applying motion and pressure, or in the case of solids and semi-solids, as a result of applying sufficient heat to the applicator to cause a phase transition or marked drop in the viscosity of the contents of the applicator.
  • a dispenser-applicator for dispensing a substance contained therein to a receiving surface and for spreading the substance on the receiving surface
  • the dispenser-applicator comprising, a substantially rigid base, means on the base by which the applicator can be held by hand, or attached to a machine and a member sealed to the base so as to form a sealed collapsible pocket for containing the substance between said member and the surface of the base; characterised in that the member forming said pocket comprises a thin flexible film adapted to contact the receiving surface and having at least one aperture for dispensing the substance therethrough and onto the receiving surface by application of pressure on the base to collapse the pocket between the surface of the base and the receiving surface; wherein the film is positioned on the base such that as the pocket collapses the film moves toward the surface of the base and wherein the film is sufficiently thin and flexible such that (a) the film itself provides no significant resistance to the pressure applied to the base and essentially all pressure applied to the base transfers to the substance in the pocket (b) the film conforms
  • the substance contained in the pocket may be a liquid, gel, cream, semi-solid or solid.
  • the pocket may also contain a foam or like absorbent material to contain the liquid in its pores and allow it to be dispensed in a more controlled manner than in the absence of such absorbent material.
  • the substance is a gel, cream, semi-solid or solid, it is of such a nature that either application of pressure or heat, or both, causes the substance to melt or substantially decrease its viscosity, or otherwise flow whereby the substance may be dispensed to a surface through the the apertures of the flexible cover.
  • the substance, liquid, gel, cream, lotion, semi-solid, or low melting solid of the above-described nature is applied to a surface after the protective sealing member is removed from its position on the cover sealing the apertures.
  • the flexible cover is then pressed against the surface while the user holds the applicator by the handle.
  • the flexible cover substantially conforms to the surface. If the contents are a liquid, gel, cream, lotion, or other "thixotropic" substance, gentle pressure on the applicator is sufficient to cause the substance to flow out to the surface while the substance is spread on the surface by lateral motion of the applicator.
  • melt surface in this respect means a surface which has a temperature near to, or preferably above, the melting or softening temperature of the solid or semi solid contents of the applicator.
  • a pre-measured portion of solid butter can be readily and conveniently spread on warm or hot corn-on-the-cob with the applicator to be described.
  • the applicator-dispenser device of the present invention is best adapted for storing and dispensing a relatively small amount of a substance which is thereafter desired to be spread, preferably relatively evenly, on a surface (not shown).
  • the dispenser-applicator holds a single convenient portion of the substance, although it should be understood that the user controls dispensing such that only the desired amount need be dispensed.
  • the substance itself can be a liquid, cream, gel, or semi-solid material, the physical properties of which are such that the material flows readily upon application of pressure.
  • Liquid materials naturally flow readily even without pressure.
  • Creams, gels, and like materials generally speaking, flow readily only under pressure; sometimes such materials are "thixotropic" in the sense that their viscosity actually decreases once motion is attained under pressure.
  • Warm surface in this respect means a surface which is of sufficiently high temperature to cause melting, or the above-described viscosity change of the solid substance.
  • the dispenser-applicator of the invention can be used for storing and dispensing liquid, creamy or cream-like, gelatinous, semi-solid or solid substances in a wide variety of fields of application.
  • the substance stored and dispensed by the dispenser-applicator of the invention may be a food item, such as butter, margarine, mustard, ketchup, honey, or liquidy or creamy condiment.
  • the substance may be in the cosmetic or health-care field, for example, a shampoo, body-lotion, or medicinal lotion or ointment.
  • the dispenser-applicator may contain a convenient amount for a one-time application of a household or industrial cleaning agent, or a material which has industrial or like application.
  • the substance may be a small portion (single portion) of adhesive or lubricating oil. It should be specifically understood in this regard that the present invention is not limited by the field of application of the substance which is dispensed from the novel dispenser-applicator.
  • the first preferred embodiment 20 of the dispenser-applicator of the invention included a substantially rigid base 22.
  • the base 22 does not have to be absolutely rigid. If the dispenser-applicator is to be applied to a curved surface, the base 22 may be semi-rigid as as to allow the user to contour the base by applying finger pressure thus causing the dispenser-applicator to conform somewhat to the underlying curved surface. It should be understood that in this document, the term "substantially rigid” is meant to include semi-rigid and rigid.
  • the base 22, as shown, is rectangular in the horizontal plane, although this shape is not critical and any other shape may be used.
  • the base 22 is preferably made of plastic and can be made by such conventional technology as thermoforming or injection molding.
  • metal such as a thin aluminum stamping
  • metal such as a thin aluminum stamping
  • selection of material for the base 22 depends on the type of application, that is, the type of substance to be stored in the dispenser-applicator.
  • rigid polyvinyl chloride (pvc) may be suitable for the base 22; for certain medicinal and food distributing applications other plastics, such as a rigid polyester or high impact polystyrene, may be used.
  • the material and thickness be chosen to provide the desired rigidity or semi-rigidity, that the material be compatible with the contents and provide adequate chemical and physical barrier properties, that the material be compatible with the cover material in terms of chemical stability, and that the cover and base be bondable to each other in surface-to-surface contact or by means of an intermediate material.
  • the base is, where it is desired to leave minimal residual contents in the dispenserapplicator, and where the surface of application is relatively flat along the area of contact between the dispenser-applicator and said surface, that the inner surface of the base should be substantially flat.
  • a dispenser-applicator is to be made specifically for use on a particular convex curved surface, for example, a cylindrical surface such as a pipe, or a spherical surface such as a ball
  • the base can be formed with an inherent curvature so as to substantially conform to the surface of application as the cover collapses. Inverse curvature of the base to fit concave surfaces is also possible.
  • a handle 24 is affixed to one side of the relatively flat base 22.
  • the handle 24 is bar shaped, and is integrally constructed, for example, molded, with the base 22.
  • the purpose of the handle 24 is to enable the user (not shown) to conveniently hold and gently press the dispenser-applicator 20 against a surface (not shown) to which the contents are to be applied.
  • the handle 24 may be configured for optimum gripping by, or attachment to, a machine rather than by human hands.
  • the base may be bonded to the handle so as to make the base substantially rigid by virtue of being affixed to the handle, even though the material of the base may be flexible or resilient.
  • the handle may be hollow and the base may be a member stretched between two opposite ends of the handle.
  • a flexible cover 26 is affixed to the base 22 on the side which is opposite to the location of the handle 24.
  • the flexible cover 26 preferably comprises a relatively thin sheet of plastic material, for example, 2.00 mil thick film of polyester.
  • the cover 26 may also be a multi-layered film rather than a single layer.
  • the cover 26 may be a metallized plastic film, or a laminate of foil and film, or a film possessing multiple layers of different types of plastic with or without metal.
  • Selection of material for the flexible cover 26 also depends on the particular field of application, or stated differently, on the type of substance dispensed by the applicator-dispenser device of the invention. For example, where it is required to have a cover 26 possessing relatively low water vapor transmission and low oxygen transmission, a dual layer film such as polypropylene/ polyvinylidene chloride is one choice, or another choice is metallized polyester. There are still additional choices with substantially equivalent properties. A certain degree of flexibility, sufficient to collapse under gentle pressure while the contents are dispensed, compatibility with the stored substance, and adequate tear strength and abrasion resistance for the intended application are important requirements for the flexible cover 26.
  • the stored substance bears the reference numeral 28 on the drawing Figures.
  • plastic or metallized plastic materials are chosen in accordance with the state of packaging arts, for the base 22 and cover 26, such that they possess the physical/chemical barrier properties required to store the specific desired contents, and such that they possess the respective mechanical requirements described above for rigidity or flexibility.
  • the materials are also selected on the basis of characteristics required to accomplish the bond or seal between cover and base, and to tolerate any processing regimen required, such as heating or various methods of sterilization. Many choices of materials exist for each application of the dispenser-applicator.
  • the base 22 comprises 10 to 15 mil thick (near the periphery) semi-rigid polyester
  • the cover 26 is a flexible 2 mil thick composite film of polyester/polyvinylidene chloride, the later surface of which is coated with a heat sealant layer of low density polyethylene.
  • the cover and base are affixed together by sealing the periphery with heat and pressure (heat-sealing).
  • heat sealing includes all techniques where heat is directly applied or induced in opposed surfaces such that at least part of the underlying material is melted so as to bond the opposed surfaces together.
  • heat sealing in the present description includes the techniques of ultrasonic welding, dielectric heating, and radio-frequency welding.
  • the flexible cover 26 is bonded to the periphery of one side of the base 22 by a suitable adhesive.
  • an adhesive 30 is shown between the cover and the base.
  • this illustration is also meant to convey bonding in a broader sense, so that item 30 on the drawing may also represent a layer of heat-sealant material which has been melted and thereby bonded to the cover and the base; or alternately, the cover and the base materials have been fused together directly by heat and pressure and item 30 is indicative of the zone of fusion.
  • the flexible cover 26 may itself comprise a film including a heat sealable layer, and may be attached to the base 22 by heat sealing.
  • the base rather that the cover may have an integral layer of material which provides the capability for heat-sealing.
  • another embodiment is where neither the cover nor base inherently possess a heat-sealant layer, but rather a thin film heat-sealant layer, capable of being sealed both to the cover and the base, is independently introduced between cover and base as part of the assembly process to manufacture the invention.
  • state-of-the-art plastic article manufacturing and packaging techniques, machinery, and material may be employed for manufacturing the dispenser-applicator devices of the present invention.
  • state-of-the-art metal-forming methods may be employed.
  • the flexible cover 26 forms, together with base 22 a pocket or storage space wherein the substance 28 is contained.
  • a plurality of holes or appertures 32 are shown in the flexible cover 26. The purpose of the holes or appertures 32 is to permit the substance 28 to flow out of the applicator 20 when it is desired to spread the substance 28 on a receiving surface (not shown).
  • the first preferred embodiment 20 has only three holes 32. It should be expressly understood, however, in this connection, that the number of holes or apertures 32 in the flexible cover 26, and their size and spacing depend on the nature of the substance 28, the characteristics of the surface to which the substance is to be applied, the typical pressure used during application and on the desired rate and pattern of flow of the substance 28 from the dispenser applicator 20.
  • a protective sealing member 34 is shown in contact with the bottom of the flexible cover 26 of the first preferred embodiment 20.
  • the protective sealing member may be only lightly adhered or, alternately, bonded in place, to provide a leak-proof seal, as described in detail below.
  • the sealing member 34 may be necessary only for sanitary reasons, that is, to keep the surface of the cover 26 clean.
  • the protective sealing member 34 may be omitted altogether provided the dispenser-applicator (singularly or multiply) is contained within a clean container, such as a pouch or bag which itself protects against contamination.
  • the sealing member 34 is only lightly adhered to the cover 26 by weak interactive forces which occur between the respective materials of the sealing member 34 and the cover 26. These weak interactive forces, primarily electrostatic or hydrophobic in nature, are commonly termed “cling". The “cling” may also be caused (in full or in part) by the presence of a small amount of the contents between the cover 20 and the sealing member 34.
  • the protective sealing member 34 is needed not only to keep the cover 26 clean but also to seal the apertures 32 in a leak-proof manner and thereby to retain the substance 28 in the dispenser-applicator 20.
  • the protective sealing member 34 may be made from several types of materials, but is generally a thin plastic film, for example, 0.6 mil thick polyvinylidene chloride. Because generally speaking, the sealing member 34 must have the same chemical barrier properties as the cover 26, it is, generally speaking, selected from the same materials.
  • the protective sealing member 34 is of course, removably, or peelably, attached to the flexible cover 26, so that it can be removed before the substance 28 is to be dispensed from the applicator 20 of the invention.
  • the protective sealing member 34 is a plastic film coated either with a heat-sealant layer (such as polyethylene) or with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
  • the area, geometry, and exact location of the seal about the periphery of the perforations is variable. What is important is that the seal be sufficient to prevent the contents from escaping through the seal to the exterior.
  • the thickness and type of film chosen for the protective sealing member 34 depends, in part, on the required barrier properties and method of bonding the protective member 34 to the cover 26.
  • the material chosen must possess sufficient tensile strength such that it does not tear when being peeled away from the cover.
  • the material must also possess sufficient cohesive strength that it does not suffer a cohesive failure and separate internally when peeled away from the cover. Such materials and characteristics are well known in the art of plastic film packaging, both for heat-sealed films and adhesively sealed films.
  • the substance 28 is solid butter which flows out of the applicator 20 only when the applicator touches a surface (not shown) sufficiently hot to melt or soften the butter.
  • the protective sealing member 34 is conveniently a piece of waxed paper which is "bonded" to the substantially flat bottom of the flexible cover by “cling” caused, at least in part, by the presence of a thin film of butter.
  • a cover 26 is comprised primarily (and on the external surface) of polyvinylidene chloride.
  • a suitable protective member 34 is a piece of SARAN WRAP® (Dow Chemical), which is an approximately 0.6 mil thick film of polyvinylidene chloride. This material has the property of clinging to itself. Any residual butter on the surface of the cover does not interfere with the clinging together of this specified cover and this specified protective member.
  • the cover is made of a 2 mil thick dual-layer film of polyester and polyvinylidene chloride.
  • the protective sealing member is of the same basic composition as the cover, but also possesses a thin layer of polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene surface provides the heat-sealant layer and allows the protective member to be heat-sealed to the cover in a peelable seal.
  • a user grips the handle 24 with thumb and forefinger, and with the other hand removes the protective sealing member 34 from the flexible cover 26, thereby exposing the holes or apertures 32.
  • the contents of the dispenser-applicator 20 are then forced to slowly flow out to a desired surface (not shown) by gently pressing the flexible cover against the surface (not shown) and moving laterally about the desired surface so as to distribute the content over the desired area. More particularly, when the substance is a cream, gel, lotion, or the like, then the pressure exerted by the user (not shown) in conjunction with motion about the surface is sufficient to slowly and gradually squeeze the contents out of the applicator 20 and substantially control the distribution of the contents about the surface.
  • the substance 28 in the dispenser-applicator is a low melting solid, such as butter
  • the solid (butter) first melts because of its contact with a warm or hot surface (not shown) and the resulting melted butter flows out of the applicator through the holes 32.
  • the flexible cover 26 gradually collapses as the substance is released from the dispenser-applicator, so that virtually all of the substance can be squeezed out of the applicator 20.
  • the perforations of the cover are located at or near the extreme periphery of the cover rather than centrally, then when the full dispenser-applicator is applied to either a smooth surface or a rough surface, the perforations will be generally above the level of the surface. Then as pressure is applied, the contents will be squeezed out of the dispenser-applicator in directions away from its periphery at some elevation above the surface.
  • the dispenser-applicator can be configured so as to substantially dispense its contents without lateral motion. However, subsequent lateral motion would be required if it is desired to redistribute the contents about the surface. Therefore, the preferred way to use the dispenser-applicator to accomplish relatively uniform surface distribution of contents is typically to apply pressure and lateral motion simultaneously.
  • the cover 26 collapses and moves toward the inner surface of the base 22, so as to approximate this surface; thus, in the preferred embodiments, this inner surface of the base 22 is flat, or nearly flat, such that as the cover 26 approximates this surface, there is little or no "dead volume" in which the contained substance might be trapped and therefore inaccessible. This characteristic of minimal dead volume gains in importance as the contents gain in cost.
  • the cover is shown as a formed film, and is produced by conventional means such as thermoforming.
  • the film comprising the cover can be formed into its final shape prior to insertion of the contents, for example, by thermoforming.
  • the cover is initially a stretchable flat film, and concomitant with the filling operation becomes stretched into its final configuration.
  • the cover can be an initially shrinkable film larger than needed in final form, is partially or completely bonded to the periphery of the base, and at some step subsequent or concomitant to the filling operation, is shrunk into its final smaller configuration.
  • Figure 5 shows a second preferred embodiment 36 of the dispenser-applicator of the present invention.
  • the second preferred embodiment 36 differs from the first preferred embodiment 20 only in the construction of the handle 24.
  • the handle 24 is a separate piece of substantially rigid plastic and is not integrally constructed with the base 22. Rather, it is attached to the base 22, for example, by use of a suitable adhesive (not shown).
  • the handle may be configured in a variety of shapes and attached or bonded to the base in a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art of plastic article manufacturing. What is important about the handle is that it be configured and sized adequately for gripping with fingers (or for attachment to a machine) and that it be rigid enough to allow the user to control the motion of the dispenser-applicator.
  • Figures 8 and 9 show a third preferred embodiment 38 of the dispenser-applicator of the present invention for use with liquid contents.
  • the protective sealing member 34 is an elongated strip of material which covers and peelably seals the apertures 32 in a leak-proof seal.
  • the size of the sealing member 34 shown here is much smaller than that of the first preferred embodiment 20 shown on Figures 6 and 7, which is a relatively large rectangular piece of material.
  • the protective sealing member 34 can be of various size in relation to the size of the cover 26. In Figure 6, it is shown of sufficient size to substantially cover the cover 26. In Figure 8, it is shown as an approximately rectangular narrow strip, sealing the holes in the cover 26 but covering only a small portion of the cover 26. The latter was done for clarity in illustrating that the protective sealing member is not necessarily large.
  • the protective member can be so small as to just cover or seal the holes 32 with a small surplus to allow a finger grip for peeling, or large enough to totally overlap all portions of the cover 26.
  • the choice of size and shape depends on the degree of sanitary precaution necessary and manufacturing considerations.
  • the third preferred embodiment 38 is that, enclosed within the rigid base 22 and the flexible cover 26, it contains an absorbent foam 40, sponge, or like material. Consequently, the third preferred embodiment 38 is eminently suitable for storing and dispensing low viscosity liquid materials. Such liquids are squeezed out of the absorbent foam 40 through the apertures 32 as the user (not shown) presses the applicator against the surface (not shown) to which the liquid substance 28 is to be applied.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment 42 of the invention.
  • This embodiment 42 is highly suitable for storing and dispensing certain medicinal lotions or other materials in situations where the surface of the flexible cover 26 must be kept relatively clean.
  • a protective cover 44 (possessing no apertures) is removably attached by heat sealing, adhesive, or by some other suitable means known in the art, to the periphery of the base 22.
  • the protective cover 44 encloses the flexible cover 26 and the protective sealing member 34.
  • the cover 44 may be rigid, and may be snap-fitted to the base. Such a rigid cover is not intended to be leak-proof.
  • the handle 24 and base 22 of the dispenser-applicator are not protected from contamination. It is intended that the fourth embodiment 42 would most likely be used in a situation where a quantity of clean individual dispenser-applicators are contained as a group within another clean container such as a protective pouch or box.
  • the protective cover 44 is typically a tough flexible plastic film, such as 4 mil thick polyester, or a rigid plastic film, such as 18 mil thick Kodar R PETG copolyester (Eastman Chemical).
  • the configuration of the seal between the protective cover 44 and base 22, as shown in Figure 11, is only one possible variation, and the concept of using a protective cover 44, as shown, should be understood not to be limited by the specific embodiment 42.
  • the geometry of the protective cover 44 and the filled dispenser-applicator is such that when the protective cover 44 is a thin tough film, it is suitable for peelable removal by peeling back from one end of the base 22, such that the film 44 collapses and everts as it is pulled back so as to pass over the cover 26.
  • the protective cover 44 is a rigid film, it is removably attached to the base 22 in such a way that it can be pulled completely down and away in order to avoid interference and impingement on the cover 26.
  • FIGS 12, 13, and 14 illustrate a fifth preferred embodiment 48 of the dispenser-applicator of the present invention.
  • the fifth preferred embodiment 48 several pockets are formed by attaching one or more flexible covers 26 to the base 22.
  • Four pockets are illustrated here by way of example.
  • Each pocket 49 contains a substance 28 to be stored and dispensed with the applicator 48.
  • the contents of the several pockets 49 may be identical with one another.
  • the several pockets contain individual components of multi-component systems, for example, the separate components of a multi-component adhesive system.
  • Each flexible cover 26 has one or more apertures 32 on the bottom of each pocket 49, and the apertures or holes 32 for each pocket 49 are sealed preferably with a single protective sealing member 34, as is shown on Figure 13, although each pocket could have its own individual protective sealing member.
  • Use of the fifth preferred emodiment 48 for dispensing and applying one or more substances 28 from all pockets 49 at the same time is self explanatory in light of the foregoing description and the drawing Figures.
  • the fifth preferred embodiment with identical contents in each pocket is particularly useful for distributing the contents onto an extremely rough or irregular surface.
  • FIGs 15 and 16 illustrate a sixth preferred embodiment 50 of the dispenser-applicator of the invention.
  • the sixth emodiment 50 has an outer enclosure 52 which provides a microbial barrier and is capable of maintaining sterility of the handle 24, the base 22, and the flexible cover 26, and also of the contents 28 and of the protective sealing member 34.
  • the enclosure 52 is made, for example, from two pieces of plastic, bonded (for example, glued or heat sealed) to one another, as is shown on the cross-sectional view of Figure 16.
  • the enclosure 52 is intended to provide a microbial barrier to maintain sterility while simultaneously providing some physical protection to the dispenser-applicator.
  • the enclosure 52 is comprised of two components: a rigid container 54 substantially deep such that the entire dispenser-applicator is contained within its volume, and a tough lidstock 56 which is peelably sealed to the container 54.
  • the container 54 can be made, for example, of thermoformed 18 mil thick Kodar R PETG copolyester (Eastman Chemical), with a lidstock 56 of "Kenpeel 124" (Kenpack Converters), a heat sealable 4 mil thick co-extruded film of high density polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.
  • Such an enclosure can be heat-sealed and is suitable for radiation sterilization. This enclosure is appropriate under circumstances where it is desired to utilize gamma radiation to sterilize the dispenser-applicator.
  • a seventh preferred embodiment 58 of the dispenser-applicator of the present invention is disclosed.
  • the seventh preferred embodiment 58 is similar in many respects to the first preferred embodiment, with the following noteworthy differences.
  • One edge 60 of the base 22 contains a plurality of notches 62, whereas the other edge 64 has a curved-up lip shape.
  • the notched edge 60 is utilized to "scrape" the surface upon which the contents have already been deposited, and thereby to form relatively evenly spaced rows of the contents on the surface, and with relatively uniform thickness of each row.
  • the curved-up lip 64 is used where it is desired to spread the substance further on the surface, particularly in an atraumatic manner.
  • the sealing member 34 is affixed to the cover 26 prior to the insertion of the contents into the cover.
  • Two principal methods for inserting the contents into the cover 26 are mentioned. In the first method, the contents are inserted into the unattached cover, and subsequently bonding of the cover to the base is accomplished. This method is particularly useful for, but not limited to, solids or semi-solids, or very viscous materials.
  • the cover is partially bonded to the base 22 and the contents are injected (for example, through a hollow tube) through the remaining non-bonded periphery between the cover and base. Peripheral bonding is then completed.
  • This method is particularly useful for liquids or low viscosity materials.
  • Other filling methods are also possible.
  • the rigid base could possess a small hole through which a smaller diameter tube is inserted to inject material into the cover, while air from the cover simultaneously vents out of the hole. The small hole can then be sealed with a drop of a suitable adhesive.
  • the base 22 is held in an inverted position relative to Figure 1, the desired material is loaded onto the inner surface of the base, and subsequently the cover is positioned from above, and is bonded to the base 22.
  • the invention is not limited to a particular size. Exemplary sizes for certain specific applicators and for preferred embodiments are given below. In those applications where a temperature differential between the dispenser-applicator and the surface is used to melt or lower the viscosity of the contents of the dispenser-applicator, in order to create more rapid heat transfer the numerical ratio of the average width of the cover to the depth of the cover would be large, for example, on the order of 5 or 10 to 1. A relatively small version of the dispenser-applicator can be used for buttering a cob of corn.
  • one set of representative dimensions for a "butterer" intended to butter one cob of corn are: handle height 10-15mm base, 30-40 mm square depth of cover, 5-7 mm width of perimeter seal, 4-6 mm
  • the cover possesses, for example, three holes, each approximately 0.7 mm in diameter, located more or less centrally and approximately 5 mm from each other.
  • a larger version of the dispenser-applicator can be used to apply a medicinal ointment to the back of a burn victim, for example: handle height, 30-40mm base, 80-100mm square depth of cover, 15-20mm width of perimeter seal, 5-10mm. Hole size, quantity, and spacing in this embodiment, depdends on factors as discussed elsewhere in this application.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
  • Photographic Developing Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur pour la distribution sur une surface réceptrice d'une substance contenue à l'intérieur et pour l'étalement de la substance sur la surface réceptrice, ce dispositif distributeur-applicateur comprenant une base (22) substantiellement rigide, un moyen (24) prévu sur la base par lequel le dispositif applicateur peut être tenu à la main ou attaché à une machine, et un organe (26) réuni hermétiquement à la base de manière à former une poche écrasable étanche pour contenir la substance entre cet organe et la surface de la base, caractérisé en ce que l'organe constituant ladite poche comprend un mince film flexible (26) adapté pour venir en contact avec la surface réceptrice et ayant au moins une ouverture (32) pour la distribution de la substance à travers elle et sur la surface réceptrice par l'application d'une pression sur la base pour l'écrasement de la poche entre la surface de la base et la surface réceptrice, dans lequel le film est disposé sur la base de manière que, à mesure que la poche est écrasée, le film se déplace en direction de la surface de la base et dans lequel le film est suffisamment mince et flexible pour que (a) le film lui-même n'oppose aucune résistance significative à la pression appliquée à la base et essentiellement toute la pression appliquée à la base soit transférée à la substance se trouvant dans la poche, (b) le film se conforme à la configuration de la substance contenue dans la poche quand la pression est appliquée et reste à la configuration de la substance contenue dans la poche quand la pression est supprimée et (c) le film répartit sur la surface réceptrice la pression appliquée et étale la substance sur cette surface réceptrice à mesure que le dispositif distributeur-applicateur est déplacé en travers de la surface réceptrice.
  2. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le film mince flexible est un film flexible en matière plastique.
  3. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, comprenant un moyen d'obturation (34) attaché de manière amovible à l'extérieur du film mince flexible (26) pour fermer hermétiquement au moins une ouverture.
  4. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, comprenant un couvercle protecteur (44) attaché de manière amovible à l'extérieur du dispositif distributeur-applicateur pour protéger le film mince flexible.
  5. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 3, comprenant un couvercle protecteur attaché de manière amovible à l'extérieur du dispositif distributeur-applicateur pour protéger le film mince flexible (26) et l'organe d'obturation (34).
  6. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 4 ou la revendication 5, dans lequel le couvercle protecteur comprend un moyen de rangement (54, 56) pouvant contenir ce dispositif distributeur-applicateur.
  7. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 4 ou la revendication 5, dans lequel le couvercle protecteur est monté de manière étanche et amovible sur le dispositif distributeur-applicateur d'une manière substantiellement étanche aux fuites.
  8. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le côté de la base faisant face à la poche est substantiellement plat.
  9. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le film mince flexible est fixé hermétiquement à la base de manière à former une pluralité de poches et dans lequel il existe au moins une ouverture dans chaque partie du film constituant chaque poche.
  10. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une substance est présente dans la poche.
  11. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la substance comprend un liquide ou un liquide visqueux.
  12. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la substance comprend un gel, une crème ou une matière thixotropique.
  13. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la substance comprend un onguent médicinal, un produit alimentaire, un adhésif, un lubrifiant ou un agent de nettoyage.
  14. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la substance comprend un solide qui devient capable de couler sous pression à la suite du contact du film flexible mince avec la surface réceptrice.
  15. Dispositif distributeur-applicateur selon la revendication 14, dans lequel la substance est un solide qui fond quand le film flexible vient en contact avec une surface réceptrice qui est plus chaude que la substance.
EP88304246A 1987-05-15 1988-05-11 Dispositif débiteur-applicateur Expired - Lifetime EP0291284B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88304246T ATE81035T1 (de) 1987-05-15 1988-05-11 Zufuhr-auftragsgeraet.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5091087A 1987-05-15 1987-05-15
US50910 1993-04-20

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0291284A2 EP0291284A2 (fr) 1988-11-17
EP0291284A3 EP0291284A3 (en) 1989-05-24
EP0291284B1 true EP0291284B1 (fr) 1992-09-30

Family

ID=21968250

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88304246A Expired - Lifetime EP0291284B1 (fr) 1987-05-15 1988-05-11 Dispositif débiteur-applicateur

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0291284B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2666961B2 (fr)
AT (1) ATE81035T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU619467B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA1306444C (fr)
DE (1) DE3874956T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2035285T3 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6257785B1 (en) 1999-08-06 2001-07-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Semi-enclosed applicator utilizing a selectively-activatible sheet material for dispensing and dispersing a substance onto the surface of a target object

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US5440774A (en) * 1992-08-28 1995-08-15 Cole; William L. Disposable individual gelled instant toothbrush and sealed brush pod therefor
US5348153A (en) * 1992-08-28 1994-09-20 Cole William L Disposable individual gelled instant toothbrush
GB9319789D0 (en) * 1993-09-24 1993-11-10 Speedarrive Projects Limited Method and apparatus for forming a guide coat
GB9506529D0 (en) 1995-03-30 1995-05-17 Speedarrive Projects Limited Apparatus for forming a guide coat and replacement parts thereof
FR2748002B1 (fr) 1996-04-24 1998-06-12 Oreal Poche de conditionnement d'un produit pateux ou pulverulent, procede de fabrication et accessoire utilisant une telle poche
US6508604B1 (en) 1999-03-19 2003-01-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Article comprising a cell system
US6443936B1 (en) 1999-08-06 2002-09-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article having improved adhesive system to provide flexibility and breathability
US6508602B1 (en) 1999-10-08 2003-01-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface
US6588961B2 (en) 2001-02-26 2003-07-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface
US20080267689A1 (en) * 2007-04-27 2008-10-30 Soller Douglas A Liquid applicator

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BE557925A (fr) * 1956-06-04
US3334374A (en) * 1964-12-28 1967-08-08 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Applicator pad
GB1081624A (en) * 1965-03-18 1967-08-31 Chiswick Products Ltd Improvements in or relating to applicators for liquids, pastes or other flowable substances
US3896808A (en) * 1974-07-08 1975-07-29 Roman Szpur Dispensing and applicating device and production of same
US4183684A (en) * 1977-11-29 1980-01-15 Marion Health & Safety, Inc. Fluid dispensing unit
US4240760A (en) * 1978-07-21 1980-12-23 Brewster Laboratories, Inc. Foam scrubbing device incorporating a cleanser
US4308633A (en) * 1979-07-02 1982-01-05 Huffel Phillip L Van Wax applicator laminate
US4291697A (en) * 1980-04-18 1981-09-29 Stephen Georgevich Cleaning and application device for medical purposes
JPS5855985U (ja) * 1981-10-12 1983-04-15 株式会社　ダイエン 印刷用フイルムの整理棚
DE3267688D1 (en) * 1981-11-02 1986-01-09 Nihon Smart Kk Sheet assembly for polishing work
US4643725A (en) * 1985-07-01 1987-02-17 Marilyn Schlesser Combination package and applicator
US4648506A (en) * 1985-09-06 1987-03-10 Land O'lakes, Inc. Package with spreader for spreadable material

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6257785B1 (en) 1999-08-06 2001-07-10 The Procter & Gamble Company Semi-enclosed applicator utilizing a selectively-activatible sheet material for dispensing and dispersing a substance onto the surface of a target object

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2666961B2 (ja) 1997-10-22
DE3874956D1 (de) 1992-11-05
AU619467B2 (en) 1992-01-30
ES2035285T3 (es) 1993-04-16
AU1612688A (en) 1988-11-17
DE3874956T2 (de) 1993-03-11
EP0291284A3 (en) 1989-05-24
ATE81035T1 (de) 1992-10-15
JPH0191869A (ja) 1989-04-11
CA1306444C (fr) 1992-08-18
EP0291284A2 (fr) 1988-11-17

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