MX2008007176A - A method of making, using and applying a composition to an exposed surface - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods of making, using and applying a composition to an exposed surface are disclosed using a disposable applicator. The method of making the disposable applicator includes forming a back sheet and a liquid permeable substrate. The substrate is secured to the back sheet and a composition is applied to the substrate. The composition is capable of being transferred onto an exposed surface by wiping the substrate against the exposed surface. A seal is formed on at least a portion of the back sheet. The back sheet is then folded upon itself such that the seal extends completely around the substrate to protect the composition. The methods of using and applying a composition to an exposed surface include breaking the seal and opening the back sheet, grasping the back sheet in one hand and wiping the substrate onto the exposed surface.

Description

A METHOD FOR MAKING, USING AND APPLYING A COMPOSITION TO AN EXPOSED SURFACE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, there is a need for a sanitary disposable applicator which can be used to apply a composition to an exposed surface and then be discarded. One application of such a disposable applicator is when a mother wishes to apply an ointment or cream directly on the buttocks of a baby for the treatment of a diaper rash. Until now, the mother could apply a cream or ointment to the baby directly on the baby's bottom using her fingers. However, this is messy especially when done in a location far from adequate washing facilities. Additionally, this can be very difficult for a mother to evenly apply the ointment or cream on the affected area of the skin. An alternative for the mother is to apply the cream or ointment for the baby's rash on the inside surface of the infant's diaper. However, some mothers do not feel confident that a sufficient amount of the ointment or cream can be transferred to the baby's skin in the area where the diaper rash is present. Another application of a disposable applicator is to apply medicament in a wound or sore formed in a person's skin. Still other uses for disposable applicators is to apply a variety of different compositions, for example sunscreens, wax for furniture, etc., on the exposed surfaces. The surfaces can be a human body, the skin of an animal or the surface of an inanimate object.

Now a disposable applicator has been invented that can be used to transfer a composition, such as a skin care product, onto an exposed surface, for example, the buttocks of a baby. The disposable applicator can be discarded after a simple use.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION Briefly, this invention relates to a method for making, using and applying a composition or formulation to an exposed surface using a disposable applicator. The method for making a disposable applicator includes forming a back sheet with an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter. The method also includes forming a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter. The first surface of the substrate is then secured to the inner surface of the backsheet. A composition or formulation is applied to the liquid permeable substrate. The composition is capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid-permeable substrate against an exposed surface. The method also includes forming a seal on the inside surface of the back sheet. The backsheet is then folded on itself such that the seal extends completely around the perimeter of the substrate and seals the composition or formulation.

The method for using the disposable applicator for transferring a composition or formulation on an exposed surface includes breaking the seal and opening the backsheet in a flat or relatively flat orientation. The user can then grip the back sheet in one hand and place the liquid-permeable substrate in contact with an exposed surface. The exposed surface can be human skin, the body of an animal, a plant, or the surface of an inanimate object. The disposable applicator is then rubbed onto the exposed surface such that the composition or formulation is transferred on the exposed surface.

The method for applying a composition or formulation to a human skin using a disposable applicator includes breaking the seal and opening the backsheet in a flat or relatively flat orientation. The user can then grasp the back sheet in one hand and place the liquid-permeable substrate in contact with the human skin. The disposable applicator is then rubbed on human skin such that the composition or formulation is transferred to human skin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top view of a disposable applicator showing a liquid permeable substrate having a composition applied therein and secured to a back sheet and having a seal formed on the inner surface of the back sheet which by at least partially surrounds the perimeter of the substrate.

Figure 2 is a right side view of the disposable applicator shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a planar view of the disposable applicator shown in Figure 1 after the backsheet has been bent approximately in the transverse axis Y-Y.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4 showing a chamber formed within the seal.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the disposable applicator shown in Figure 1 describing a finger bag formed by bending the back sheet on itself and having an advertisement appearing on the opposite side of the back sheet.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 taken along line 6-6.

Figure 7 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a disposable applicator showing a liquid-permeable substrate, in an oval form having a composition applied thereon to a back sheet, and having a fully formed seal around the perimeter of the substrate.

Figure 8 is a right side view of the disposable applicator shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a bottom view of the disposable applicator shown in Figure 7 of discloses a finger bag formed by attaching a separate member to the outer surface of the back sheet.

Fig. 10 is a planar view of the disposable applicator shown in Figs. 7 to 9 after the rear sheet has been folded approximately in the transverse axis Y-Y.

Figure 11 is a top view of a disposable applicator having a diamond configuration.

Figure 12 is a top view of the disposable applicator shown in Figure 11 after it has been folded along the transverse axis Y-Y.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart describing a method for making a disposable applicator.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart describing a method for using a disposable applicator.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart describing a method for applying a composition to a human skin using a disposable applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a disposable applicator 10 is shown to have a longitudinal axis X-X, a transverse axis Y-Y, and a vertical axis Z-Z. The disposable applicator 10 includes a back sheet 12 having an inner surface 14 and an outer surface 16. The back sheet 12 also has a perimeter 18. Desirably, the back sheet 12 is impermeable to liquid. By "impervious to liquid" it means that fluid or liquid can not pass through it. More desirably, the backsheet 12 is impervious to moisture. By "impervious to moisture" it means that moisture can not pass through it.

Even more desirably, the backsheet 12 is impervious to steam. By "vapor impermeable" it means that a vapor, gas or air can not pass through it. With steam it is a gaseous state of a substance that is liquid or solid under ordinary conditions. Air is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78%) and oxygen (approximately 21%) with minor amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and other gases.

The backsheet 12 can be formed from a variety of materials, including natural and / or synthetic materials. Desirably, the backsheet 12 is a film, although a non-woven material, a woven material or a combination of materials can be used. The back sheet 12 can be a film formed of a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The backsheet 12 can also be formed from some other thermoplastic film or be a laminate of two or more layers wherein at least one layer is a barrier layer. As used herein, the term "laminate" refers to a structure composed of two or more layers of material that have been adhered or otherwise joined together, such as continuous adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, point bonding, pressure bonding, extrusion coating, ultrasonic bonding or by some other bonding technique known to those skilled in the art.

The backsheet 12 may include one or more barrier layers which may be in the form of a film layer. Additionally, the back sheet 12 can be formed of a metallized material, such as an aluminum foil. A metal is any of a category of electropositive elements that are usually whitish, glossy, and, in transition metals, typically ductile and malleable are superior tensile strength. A thin sheet of aluminum can also be used to form the back sheet 12. These and other specific examples of certain materials that can work well include: a low density polyethylene (LDPE), such as a low density polyethylene film / SURLYN, and a metallized polyethylene terephthalate (MPET), which is a mentalized film laminate. SURLYN is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, which has an office at 1700 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898. These and other materials known to those skilled in the art can be used to form the back sheet 12.

The outer surface 16 of the backsheet 12 can also be made or constructed to have a coarse or rough texture or to have a granular, fibrous or abrasive surface. This rough texture is the opposite of a smooth, slippery or flat surface, which serves to limit slippage when the disposable applicator 10 is held in a person's hand or between a person's thumb and one or fashions of his fingers. The method for using the disposable applicator 10 will be explained later.

Referring to Figure 2, the back sheet 12 has a thickness "t" which is relatively thin. The thickness "t" of the backsheet 12 can be less than about 3 millimeters. Desirably, the thickness "t" of the backsheet 12 can be less than about 1.0 millimeter. More desirably, the thickness "t" of the backsheet 12 can be less than about 0.1 millimeter. The back sheet 12 can also be flexible and have a soft feel at hand. The back sheet 12 can be colored or have no color. A white color typically conveys a clean, sanitary appearance and is desirable for a disposable applicator 10 that is designed to come into contact with human skin.

The backsheet 12 can be formed from a variety of synthetic or natural film / polymer dispersible water dispersing or forming materials or combinations including, but not limited to: PVP-based polymers (e.g., polyvinyl pyrrolidone) ), polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol (polyox), xanthan gum, polyquaternary polymers, pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, gum of tragacanth, guar gum, gum acacia, gum arabic, polyacrylic acid, methylmetacylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylase, higher amylase starch, hydroxypropylated higher amylase starch, dextrin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, levan , elsinan, collagen, zein, glutan, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein and mixtures thereof.

The back sheet 12 can also be manufactured to be friendly to the environment. For example, backsheet 12 can be made biodegradable. By "biodegradable" it means that the backsheet 12 is capable of being decomposed by natural biological processes. Illustrative examples include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following polymers: polyhydroxyalkonates, polylactic acid, and polyglycolic.

Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, the disposable applicator 10 also includes a substrate 20 having a first surface 22 and a second surface 24. The substrate 20 also has a perimeter 26, see Figure 1. The perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 also It may be equal to or be smaller than the perimeter 18 of the backsheet 12. Desirably, the perimeter of the substrate 26 is at least about 50% smaller than the perimeter 18 of the backsheet 12. More desirably, the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 is at least about 25% smaller than the perimeter 18 of the back sheet 12. Even more desirably, the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 is at least about 5% smaller than the perimeter 18 of the back sheet 12.

Referring again to Figure 2, the first surface 22 of the substrate 20 is secured to the inner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 by a joint 28. The joint 28 can be a hot melt adhesive, a cold melt adhesive, a cohesive, a glue, an ultrasonic joint, a pressure joint, a thermal bond, a fusion bond, a heat and / or pressure bond, a chemical bond, a mechanical fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener, or by any another medium known to those with skill in art. Desirably, the joint 28 is formed by an adhesive that can be applied as a continuous bead or line. Alternatively, the adhesive can be applied as intermittent spots, in a swirl pattern or in some other design or unique pattern. The adhesive can be applied to the customer in a variety of ways using commercially available equipment, sprinkler heads, nozzles, and so on. The first surface 22 of the substrate 20 is secured to the inner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 such that the inner surface 14 abuts the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Desirably, the inner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 extends completely around of the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. More desirably, the inner surface 14 of the backsheet 12 extends outwards at least about 5 millimeters or more from the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20.

Referring again to Figure 1, it has been found that when the backsheet 12 has a geometric configuration (eg, rectangular, square, etc.) with separate ends 30 and 32, and sides 34 and 36 separated apart, and when the substrate 20 also has a geometric configuration (eg, rectangular, square, etc.) with ends 38 and 40 spaced apart, and sides 42 and 44 spaced apart, the distance di between the ends 38 and 40 of the substrate 20 and the ends 30 and 32 adjacent to the backsheet 12 should be equal to or greater than the distance d2 between the sides 42 and 44 of the substrate 20 and the adjacent sides 34 and 36 of the back sheet 12. This separation is advantageous as it provides a suitable surface area of the inner surface 14 of the back sheet 12 which can be used by a person to grasp, hold and / or puncture the back sheet 12 between the thumb and one or more fingers of the thumb or of it in order to grab and move er the disposable applicator 10 during use. More will be mentioned about this feature later.

The substrate 20 can be formed from a variety of materials that are permeable to liquid or that are treated or coated to be permeable to liquid. By "permeable to liquid" it means that a liquid can penetrate through all or part of the material. The substrate 20 can be made of biodegradable materials such as cellulose, chitin, and the like. The substrate 20 can be observed as a supply member that is capable of receiving a composition or formulation 46, retaining or grasping the composition or formulation 46 for a period of time, and then at a later or prescribed time releasing or releasing the composition. or formulation 46 to another surface a member. The substrate 20 may be a non-woven fabric. As used herein, the term "non-woven fabric" means a fabric having a natural, synthetic or synthetic natural or synthetic fiber or yarn structure which is interwoven, but not in an identifiable, repeatable manner. Non-woven fabrics can be formed by a variety of processes, such as meltblowing processes, spinning processes, a hydroentanglement process, a wet laying process, a laying process with air, in processes of united carded tissue, et cetera.

The substrate 20 can also be a bonded carded fabric. As used herein, the term "bonded carded fabric" refers to a fabric that is made of basic fibers which are usually purchased in bales. The bales are placed in a fiber / picker unit which separates the fibers. Then, the fibers are sent through a carding or combing unit which additionally breaks apart and aligns the basic fibers in a machine direction in order to form a fibrous nonwoven fabric oriented in the machine direction. Once the tissue has been formed, it is then joined by one or more of several joining methods. A bonding method is the bonding with powder wherein a powder adhesive is distributed through the tissue and then activated, usually by heating the fabric and the adhesive with hot air. Another bonding method is pattern bonding where hot calendered rolls or ultrasonic bonding equipment is used to join the fibers together, usually in a bonding pattern located through the fabric, and / or alternatively, the tie may be united through its entire surface, if desired. When using bicomponent basic fibers, continuous air bonding equipment is, for many applications, especially advantageous.

The substrate 20 may also be spunbonded, spun bonded laminate (SBL) or bicomponent spunbond. As used herein, the term "spin-linked" refers to the small diameter fibers which are formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of usually circular, fine capillaries of a spinning organ, with the diameter of the extruded filaments being rapidly reduced, such as by the methods and apparatuses shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,340,563 issued to Appel et al., and in U.S. Patent No. 3,692,618 granted to Dorschner et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,802,817 issued to Matsuki et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,338,992 to Kinney, U.S. Patent No. 3,341,394 issued to Kinney; and U.S. Patent No. 3,542,615 to Dobo and others, each of which is incorporated by reference and made part thereof.

Additionally, the substrate 20 can be a meltblown. As used herein, the term "melt blown" refers to the fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of usually circular, thin capillary vessels such as filaments or fused strands into streams (eg, air) of high speed gas converging which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce its diameter. The diameter of the meltblown can be reduced to microfiber diameter. Then, the meltblown fibers are transported by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collection surface to form a randomly dispersed meltblown fabric. Such process is described in several patents and publications that include Report NRL 4364, "Manufacture of Super Fine Organic Fibers" by B.A. Wendt, E.L. Boone and D.D. Fluharty; Report NRL 5265, "An Improved Device for the Formation of Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers" by K.D. Lawrence, R.T.

Lukas, J.A. Young; and U.S. Patent No. 3,849,241 issued November 19, 1974 to Butin et al., which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The substrate 20 can additionally be formed of HYDROKNIT. The HYDROKNIT is a non-woven, hydraulically entangled, high-pulp composite fabric which is taught and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5, 284,703. A process for making the HYDROKNIT is taught and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,389,202. Both of these patents are incorporated by repellency and are part of here. The HIDROKNIT is a registered trademark of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, which has an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956. The substrate 20 can also be formed from an air-laid nonwoven, a coform, or a variety of other materials known to those with skill in the art. The non-woven fabric laid with air is a fabric made by an air-forming process in which the fibers are distributed by air currents to give a random orientation within the fabric and the fabric has isotropic properties. The coform is a material made of a mixture of wood pulp fibers and polypropylene fibers. The coform and air-laid materials are commercially available from a variety of vendors.

The substrate 20 can be constructed from one or more layers arranged in a manner or horizontally or vertically. By "vertical" it means that one layer is placed vertically above another layer. By symmetric "horizontal" one layer is placed next to another layer; for example, the substrate "A" next to the substrate "B". In the horizontal arrangement, each substrate does not have to be constructed of similar synthetic materials.

The composition or formulation 46 is applied to the liquid permeable substrate 20. The composition or formulation 46 permeates the structure of the liquid permeable substrate 20 and is therefore temporarily retained therein. By "temporary" it means that the composition or formulation 46 can be maintained or retained by the substrate until needed. This period of time can be one or more seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years. The composition or formulation 46 is of such consistency and characteristic that it is capable of being transferred from the substrate 20 to an exposed surface by rubbing or moving the liquid permeable substrate 20 against the exposed surface. The exposed surface may be an area or part of a human body, such as the skin or hair. The exposed surface may also be an area or part of the body of an animal, which includes its skin, hair or fur. Additionally, the exposed surface may be an area or part of a natural plant, flower, tree, etc. Additionally, the exposed area it can be an inanimate object, such as a piece of furniture, the hood of a car, a utensil to eat, a cloth, a rug, clothes, etc.

The composition or formulation 46 can be a variety of articles including but not limited to aqueous solutions, ointments, creams, emulsions, solvents, etc. The composition or formulation 46 can be any of a variety of skin treatments that can be delivered in effective amounts of the substrate 20 to human skin. Such treatments for the skin include but are not limited to alpha and / or beta hydroxyl acids, analgesics, antimicrobials, antibodies, anti-acne, anti-irritants, antigens, anesthetics, anti-inflammatory substances, antioxidants. , antiadherents, antipruritic materials, astringents, botanicals, botanical strata, buffers, chelators, cleansing compositions, emollients, exfoliants, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, derivatives of each of the three previous articles, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, growth factors, irritant sequestrants, skin lightening agents, hair care compositions, depilatory compositions, shaving aids, fragrances, metal salts, microbial growth factors, microorganisms, odor absorbers, oxidants, probiotics, moisturizers, color cosmetics, vasoconstrictors, muscle relaxers, lubricants, sunscreens, insect repellents, skin protectants, surfactants, vitamins, absorbents of volatile organic compounds ( VOC), the material for altering the skin and / or the energy of the hair surface, and the like can be supplied alone or in any number of permutations or combinations.

The composition or formulation 46 can also be in the physical form of a liquid, a powder, a lotion, a gel, a cream, an emulsion, a soft solid, a semi-solid and even a solid. The composition or formulation 46 can be a liquid, a semi-solid or a solid at a certain temperature, for example, 70 ° F (Fahrenheit). The composition or formulation 46 can be a Newtonian fluid or a non-Newtonian fluid. A Newtonian fluid is a fluid in which the viscosity does not change as the applied basic force changes. A Newtonian fluid is a fluid in which the viscosity changes with the basic force applied. As a result, non-Newtonian fluids may not have a well-defined viscosity. The composition or formulation 46 can be a medicament, a petroleum gel, a high viscosity product, an ointment having a gel-like consistency, etc.

It has been found that for many composition or skin care formulations that these tend to work better when they are homogeneous. Additionally, it is important that a skin care formulation or composition rapidly de-emulsify upon application to the skin and that it is not re-emulsified. Additionally, for a skin care formulation or composition it should also be manufactured such that it has the ability to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.

The composition or formulation 46 can include one or more additives, such as a lubricant that can reduce abrasion when the skin, a colorant to impart a particular color, or a fragrance which can provide a pleasant odor. These and other additives known to those skilled in the art can be used.

It should also be understood that any of a variety of non-skin care compositions or formulations may be supplied from the substrate 20 of the disposable applicator 10. These include but are not limited to hard surface disinfectants, ultraviolet protectants (UV). ), sunscreens, sanitizers, polymer conditioners, waxes, scouring agents, cleaning solutions, cleaners, degreasers, adhesives, lubricants, dirt repellents, water repellents , pesticides, insect repellents, baits for pests, bleaching agents, antimicrobials, acids, bases, fragrances, pesticides, and the like. For some compositions or formulations not for skin care, they do not have to be homogeneous or exhibit the aforementioned desirable characteristics in a composition or formulation for skin care.

The amount of the composition or formulation 46 that is applied to or impregnated in the substrate 20 may vary depending on the physical size of the substrate 20, the material of which it is constructed, the chemical constitution of the composition or formulation 46, the physical nature of the composition or of the formulation 46, the temperature at which the disposable applicator 10, etc. is stored. However, as an example, when the disposable applicator 10 is designated to deliver a cream or ointment for the diaper rash, a sufficient amount must be applied to the substrate 20 so that from between about 0.2 grams to about 2. grams of formulation or composition for skin care can be delivered to the skin of a person. Desirably, at least one gram of the skin care or formulation composition will be delivered to the person's skin. When the composition or formulation is a diaper rash cream, more than one gram of the cream should be applied to the substrate 20 to ensure that at least one gram of the diaper rash cream will be transferred to the baby's skin. The actual amount of the composition or The formulation that has to be applied to the substrate 20 will depend on a number of factors, including the intended use of the formulation, the viscosity of the cream, whether it is homogeneous, whether it is semi-solid at room temperature, etc. Diaper rash cream is a topical protective barrier agent that is applied to the baby's skin, for example the buttocks, and acts between the skin and any waste of the body to prevent the skin from being damaged.

A variety of vehicles for delivering any one of the composition or formulation identified above 46 from the substrate 20 of the disposable applicator 10 is provided. This includes but is not limited to ointments, macroemulsions, microemulsions or nanoemulsions, creams, suspensions, solutions and the like. Vehicles can contain water but anhydrous vehicles are also provided. In certain embodiments, these vehicles may also include encapsulation technologies, such as liposomes, colloidosomes, coated particles and other methods known to those skilled in the art. The application of the composition or formulation 46 to any anatomical site on the human body, the body of an animal or an inanimate object is included.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable applicator 10 further includes a seal 48 which is formed on the inner surface 14 of the lower sheet 12.

The seal 48 can be a seal that can be broken or a seal that can not be broken. Desirably, seal 48 is a seal that can be broken. The seal 48 can be formed by applying one or more sealing technologies, such as with adhesive, cohesive, glue, an ultrasonic bond, a chemical bond, a thermal bond, a fusion bond, a bond with heat and pressure, etc. ., to the inner surface 14 of the lower sheet 12. Desirably, the seal 48 is an adhesive bond. The seal 48 must be positioned at least about 10 millimeters inward from the perimeter 18 of the lower sheet 12. Desirably, the seal 48 must be placed at least about 5 millimeters inward from the perimeter 18 of the lower sheet 12. More desirably, the seal 48 should be placed at least about 1 millimeter away from the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Even more desirably, the seal 48 should be placed at from between about 1 to about 5 millimeters outwardly from the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Even more desirably, the seal 48 is positioned from at least about 3 millimeters outwardly from the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20.

In Figures 1 and 2, the seal 48 is a line of continuous adhesive having the first and second ends 50 and 52. The thickness and height of the seal 48 may vary depending on the size, height and configuration of the substrate. 20. The seal 48 extends approximately halfway around the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 and on a side of the Y-Y transverse axis. The seal 48 now extends at least about 50% around the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 and crosses the transverse axis Y-Y. The reason for this configuration is that the backsheet 12 is bent over itself in the fold line 54, which is approximately aligned with the transverse axis Y-Y, the seal 48 will be attached to the remaining part of the inside surface 14 and therefore will extend completely around the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. This incorporation saves on the amount of adhesive that has to be used to form the seal 48. The seal 48 functions to prevent the composition or formulation 46 that has been applied to the substrate 20 leak or seep out and also to prevent air moisture and possible contaminants from reaching inside the substrate 20 and in some way detrimentally affect the composition or formulation 46.

The ability of the seal 48 to form an air permeable cover around the substrate 20 allows one to maintain the stability of certain compositions or formulations 46 such as anaerobic bacteria and antioxidants. In addition, one can maintain the stability of other compositions or formulations unstable to oxygen 46.

Referring now to figures 3 and 4, the seal 48 provides a temporary seal in the sense that it is designed to be broken when one pulls on the ends opposite 30 and 32 of the lower sheet 12. The pulling action will break the seal 48 and allow the lower sheet 12 to be opened in a flat orientation, as shown in Figure 1. When the lower sheet 12 is bent over itself along the fold line 54, a chamber or cavity 56 is formed around the substrate 20 which encloses the substrate and the composition or formulation applied thereto. In Figure 4, one can see that the ends 30 and 32 of the lower sheet 12 are slightly spaced above the exterior of the seal 48. This separation facilitates easy opening of the lower sheet 12 by allowing the user to grasp each end 28 and 30 and pull the two ends 28 and 30 and separate them. This pulling action will cause the seal 49 to break or separate from itself and / or from the inner surface 14 of the lower sheet 12. When this occurs, the chamber or cavity 56 will open and the substrate 20 with its composition or formulation applied 46 will be exposed. The lower sheet 12 should be completely open to its planar configuration, for example its original configuration before it was bent.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, an alternate embodiment of a disposable applicator 10 'is shown. Similar numbers as used in Figures 1-4 will be used for the common elements together with the bonus symbol ("-) to simplify the understanding of the invention." In Figure 5, the disposable applicator 10 'is shown having a bottom sheet 12 'with an interior surface 14' and a outer surface 16 '. The lower sheet 12 'is longer in length than the lower sheet 12 which is shown in Figures 1-4. The lower sheet 12 'also has a perimeter 18'. A substrate 20 ', see Figure 6, includes a first surface 22' and a second surface 24 '. The substrate 22 also has a perimeter 26 '. The first surface 22 'of the substrate 20' is attached to the first surface 14 'of the lower sheet 12' by a fastener 28 '. The fastener 28 'may be an adhesive or any of the other fastening means recited above with reference to Figures 1-4. The lower sheet 12 'has the spaced apart ends 30' and 32 'and the spaced apart sides 34' and 36 '. The substrate 20 'also has the spaced apart ends 38' and 40 ', see Figure 6, and the spaced apart sides that are not visible from Figures 5 or 6. A composition or formulation 46' is applied to the permeable substrate to the liquid 20 '. The disposable applicator 10 'further includes a seal 48' which is formed on the inner surface 14 'of the lower sheet 12'. The seal 48 'can be a seal that can be broken or a seal that can not be broken. Desirably, the seal 48 'is a seal that can be broken. The seal 48 'can be formed by applying the adhesive, cohesive, glue, an ultrasonic bond, a chemical bond, a thermal bond, a fusion bond, a bond with heat and pressure, etc., to the inner surface 14' of the lower sheet 12 '. Desirably, seal 48 'is an adhesive bond. In contrast to the seal 48 shown in figures 1 and 2, the seal 48 'in FIG. 6 extends completely around the trimeter 26' of the substrate 20 '. The seal 48 'is positioned around the perimeter 26' of the substrate 20 '. The seal 48 'is located from between about 1 to about 15 millimeters away from the perimeter 26' of the substrate 20 '. More desirably, the seal 48 'is positioned at least about 3 millimeters away from the perimeter 26' of the substrate 20. In Figure 6, the seal 48 is shown as a line of continuous adhesive.

A part of the lower sheet 12 'is bent in the line of doubles 58' on itself so that the outer surface 16 'is bent and overlaps another section of the outer surface 16' of the lower sheet 12 '. This bent part has a pair of side edges 60 'and 62' which are then sealed to form a bag 64 ', see Figures 5 and 6. The bag 64' is located between the outer surface 16 'of the lower sheet 12' . The side edges 60 'and 62' of the folded portion of the bottom sheet 12 'can be sealed or bonded using a hot melt adhesive, a cold melt adhesive, a cohesive, an adhesive, an ultrasonic bond, a pressure bond, a thermal bond, a fusion bond, a heat and pressure bond, a chemical bond, a mechanical fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener or by any other means known to those skilled in the art. Desirably, the side edges 60 'and 62' are sealed by an ultrasonic joint. The unions forming the bag 64 'must be stronger than the seal that can be broken 48' to ensure that the bag 64 'will not break in case the user inserts his fingers inside the bag 64' while the disposable applicator 10 'is in the separate position and then use your fingers that are placed inside the bag 64 'to help cause the seal 48' that can break to break.

The bag 64 'is dimensioned and shaped to allow a user of the disposable applicator 10' to insert at least one finger or digit of his hands comfortably inside the bag 64 '. By "digit" is meant a thumb. Desirably, two fingers and / or a digit of a hand can be inserted into the 64 'bag. More desirably, three or four fingers and / or a digit of a hand can be inserted into the 64 'pocket. The function of the bag 64 'is to allow the user to insert one, two, three or four fingers or digits inside the bag 64' so that the user can move or clean the substrate 20 'of the disposable applicator 10 against of an exposed surface. Even when the control of the disposable applicator 10 or 10 'is better achieved using the fingers, it is also possible for the user to achieve this with any digit, including his thumb. The exposed surface may be your skin, the skin of another person, such as the skin of a child or an elderly landlady, the body of an animal, or the surface of an object. When the substrate 20 'is cleaned against the exposed surface, the composition or formulation 46 ', see Figure 6, will be transferred from the substrate 20' on the exposed surface. It is anticipated that the user may apply a downward pressure or force on the backsheet 12 'upon rubbing to assist in transferring the composition or formulation 46' onto the exposed surface.

The disposable applicator 10 'further has an advertisement 66' printed, formed or attached to a remaining part of the outer surface 16 'of the lower sheet 12'. The advertisement 66 'may include letters, words, graphic symbols, icons, marks, instructions for use, safety instructions, instructions for a suitable disposition of the disposable applicator 10', etc. The advertisement 66 'may be printed or engraved on the outer surface 16 of the lower sheet 12' or it may be in the form of a label or patch which is fastened to the outer surface 16 'of the lower sheet 12'. Various ways of printing, engraving or building labels are known to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to Figures 7-10, another embodiment of a disposable applicator 10"is shown. Similar numbers as used in Figures 1-6 will be used for the common elements together with the symbol () to simplify the understanding of the invention. In Figure 7, the disposable applicator 10"is shown having a lower sheet 12" with an inner surface 14"and an outer surface 16".

The lower sheet 12 '' is similar in length to the lower sheet 12 which is shown in Figures 1-4. The lower sheet 12"also has a perimeter 18". A substrate 20"is also present, which includes a first surface 22", see Figure 8, and a second surface 24". The substrate 22"also has a perimeter 26" better illustrated in Figure 8. In Figure 7, the substrate 20"has an oval configuration as opposed to a rectangular configuration, shown in Figures 1-6. It should be noted that the substrate 20, 20 'and 20"may have any desired geometric shape. The first surface 22"of the substrate 20" is attached to the first surface 14"of the lower sheet 12" by a fastener 28". The fastener 28"may also be an adhesive or any other fastening means recited above with reference to Figures 1-6. The lower sheet 12"has the spaced apart ends 30" and 32"and the spaced apart sides 34" and 36". The substrate 20"also has spaced apart ends 38 'and 40', see Figure 6, and the spaced apart sides which are not visible in Figure 5 or 6. A composition or formulation 46" is applied to the substrate. liquid permeable substrate 20 ''. Disposable applicator 10"also includes a seal 48" which is formed on inner surface 14"of lower sheet 12". The seal 48 '' can be a seal that can be broken or a seal that can not be broken. Desirably, seal 48 '' is a seal that can be broken. The seal 48 '' can be formed by applying the adhesive, cohesive, glue, an ultrasonic bond, a chemical bond, a bond thermal, a fusion junction, a bond with heat and pressure, etc., to the inner surface 14"of the lower sheet 12". Desirably, the seal 48"is a bond of adhesive. Contrary to the seal 48 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seal 48"in FIGS. 7 and 8 extends completely around the perimeter 26" of the substrate 20". The seal 48"is located from between about 1 to about 15 millimeters away from the perimeter 26" of the substrate 20". Even more desirably, the seal 48"is positioned at least about 3 millimeters away from the perimeter 26" of the substrate 20". In Figures 7 and 8, the seal 48"is shown as a continuous line of adhesive.

Referring to Figs. 7-9, the disposable applicator 10"also differs from the embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 6 in that it has a bag 64" formed by securing a separate piece of material 68". The separate piece of material 68"is secured to the outer surface 16" of the lower sheet 12", see FIG. 7, by the connecting lines 70", 72"and 74", see figure 9. Union line 70"is located on one side of end 30" and union lines 72"and 74" are located on one side of sides 36"and 34", respectively. The union lines 70 '', 72 '' and 74 '' can be formed by using an adhesive, glue, ultrasonic bonds or any of the other bonding mechanisms described above in relation to the fasteners 28, 28 'and 28". As stated above with Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the seams forming the bag 64"must be stronger than the seal that can be broken 48" to ensure that the bag 64"does not break before the seal 48 'is broken. 'that can be broken.

The disposable applicator 10"also has a fold line 54" aligned approximately with the transverse axis Y-Y, although this does not have to be so placed. The disposable applicator 10"is designed to be folded along the fold line 54" in order to seal the substrate 20"with the seal that can be torn 48". In addition, the disposable applicator 10"has an advertisement 66" printed, formed or joined to a remaining portion of the outer surface 16"of the lower sheet 12". The advertisement 66 '' may include the letters, words, graphic symbols, icons, marks, instructions for use, safety instructions, instructions for a suitable disposition of the disposable applicator 10 '' etc. The advertisement 66 '' may be printed or engraved on the outer surface 16 '' of the lower sheet 12 '' or it may be in the form of a label or patch which is attached to the outer surface 16 '' of the lower sheet 12 ''. Various forms of printing, engraving or construction of labels are known to those skilled in the art. When the disposable applicator 10"is folded along the fold line 54" and the frangible seal 48"is secure, the disposable applicator 10" will acquire the configuration shown in Figure 10.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there is shown another embodiment of a disposable applicator 10 '' 'having a diamond or square configuration with a longitudinal axis X-X and a transverse axis Y-Y. Disposable applicator 10 '' 'includes a lower sheet 12' '' having an inner surface 14 '' ', an inner surface 16' '' and a perimeter 18 '' '. The perimeter 18 '' 'includes the sides 78, 80, 82 and 84. A substrate 20' '' is secured to the inner surface 14 '' 'of the lower sheet 12' '' by any of the means described above. The substrate 20 '' 'has a perimeter 26' '' which is spaced inward from the perimeter 18 '' ', even though the perimeters 18' '' and 26 '' 'may be coterminous if desired. Disposable applicator 10 '' 'also includes a seal 48' '' formed outwardly from perimeter 26 '' 'of substrate 20' ''. The seal 48 '' 'can be a seal that can be broken or a seal that can not be broken. Desirably, seal 48 '' 'is a seal that can be broken. The disposable applicator 10 '' 'is designed to be folded along a fold line 76. In Figure 12, the fold line 76 is aligned along the Y-Y transverse axis, even though it has to be A) Yes. Once the disposable applicator 10 '' 'is folded along the fold line 76, the sides 78 and 80 will overlap the sides 82 and 84 respectively. This creates a triangular configuration as shown in Figure 12. When the disposable applicator 10 '' 'is folded over itself along the fold line 76, the seal 48' '' will adhere either to itself or to the surface inner 14 '' 'of the lower sheet 12' '' along two sides. In Figure 12, the seal 48 '' 'is aligned along two sides 78 and 80 of the triangular configuration.

It must be recognized that the seal that can be broken 48 '' 'can be an adhesive that extends along at least two of the sides 78 and 80 or of the sides 82 and 84, located on one side of the fold line 76, similar to the seal that can be broken Desirably, the shatter seal 48 '' 'will desirably extend slightly beyond fold line 76 to ensure that the folded disposable applicator 10' '' is sealed along two sides that are aligned at an angle to the fold line 76. By placing the seal that can be broken 48 '' 'over half or slightly more than half of the bottom sheet 12' '', one can save on the amount of adhesive that it is required to be used to make the disposable applicator 10 '' 'and this can reduce the cost of the finished product.

It should also be recognized that any of the disposable applicators 10, 10 ', 10"or 10"' may use an adhesive secured to the outer surface 16, 16 ', 16"or 16"' of the respective lower sheet 12. , 12 ', 12' 'or 12' ''. The adhesive may exhibit a residual tack. A label can then be removably attached to the adhesive so that when the label is removed, the adhesive will allow a user to grip the disposable applicator 10, 10 ', 10' 'or 10' '' in one hand and maintain improved control of the disposable applicator 10, 10 ', 10"or 10"'.

METHOD Methods for making a disposable applicator, using the disposable applicator, and applying a composition to an exposed surface with the disposable applicator will now be described.

Referring to Figure 13, there is shown a flow diagram which shows a method for making a disposable applicator 10, 10 ', 10"or 10"'. The disposable applicator 10, 10 ', 10"or 10"' has a longitudinal axis X-X, a transverse axis Y-Y, and a vertical axis Z-Z. The method includes the steps of forming a lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' having an inner surface 14, 14 ', 14"or 14"', an outer surface 16, 16 ', 16 '' or 16 '' 'and a perimeter 18, 18', 18 '' or 18 '' '. The lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' can be formed of a nonwoven material having a narrow thickness. Desirably, the thickness of the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' is less than about 3 millimeters. The lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' can be made vapor impermeable, impermeable to moisture or impermeable to liquid. The decision to make the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' impermeable to vapor, moisture or liquid will depend on the composition or formulation 46, 46 'or 46"which is applied to the substrate 20, 20 ', 20' 'or 20' ''. A liquid permeable substrate 20, 20 ', 20"or 20"' is also formed which has a first surface 22, 22 'or 22", a second surface 24, 24' or 24" and a perimeter 26, 26 ', 26' 'or 26' ''. The perimeter 26, 26 '. 26 '' or 26 '' 'of the substrate 20, 20', 20 '' or 20 '' 'respectively, is desirably smaller than the perimeter 18, 18', 18 '' or 18 '' 'of the lower sheet 12 , 12 ', 12"or 12' '' respectively.

The method includes securing the first surface 22, 22 'or 22"of the liquid permeable substrate 20, 20' or 20", respectively, to the inner surface 14, 14 ', 14"or 14"' of the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12 '' or 12 '' 'respectively. The liquid permeable substrate 20, 20 ', 20"or 20"' can be secured using an adhesive, glue, ultrasonic or any other means known to those skilled in the art. When the liquid permeable substrate 20, 20 ', 20"or 20"' is secured or attached to the lower sheet 12, 12 '. 12"or 12" 'respectively, the inner surface 14, 14', 14"or 14" 'of the lower sheet 12, 12', 12"or 12" 'respectively, extends around the perimeter 26, 26 ', 26' 'or 26' '' of the substrate 20, 20 'or 20"respectively. The inner surface 14, 14 ', 14"or 14"' of the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' respectively, may extend completely around or be cotérmina with the perimeter 26, 26 ', 26 '' or 26 '' 'of the respective substrate 20, 20', 20 '' or 20 '' '.

The method further includes applying a composition or formulation 46 to the liquid permeable substrate 20, 20 ', 20"or 20"' respectively. The composition or formulation 46, 46 'or 46"can be applied or coated onto a surface of the liquid-permeable substrate 20, 20', 20" or 20"'or it can penetrate and impregnate the liquid-permeable substrate. 20, 20 ', 20' 'or 20' ''. The composition or formulation 46, 46 'or 46"is capable of being transferred onto an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid permeable substrate 20, 20', 20" or 20"'against the exposed surface. The cleaning action can be done with little or no pressure or applied pressure. For example, the substrate permeable to liquid 20, 20 ', 20' 'or 20' '' can be rubbed or moved on an exposed surface, such as human skin, while applying a pressure or applied force varying from between about 0.01 pounds per square inch ( psi) at around 5 pounds per square inch. The force or pressure can be applied by the user of the disposable applicator 10, 10 ', 10"or 10"' or by a carer who is applying the composition or formulation 46, 46 'or 46". Desirably, the cleaning movement is achieved while using an applied force ranging from between about 0.01 pounds per square inch to about 3 pounds per square inch. More desirably, the cleaning movement is achieved while using an applied force ranging from between about 0.02 pounds per square inch to about 2 pounds per square inch. Even more desirably, the Cleaning movement is achieved while using an applied force ranging from between about 0.25 pounds per square inch to about 1 pounds per square inch.

The method also includes forming a seal 48, 48 ', 48' 'or 48' '', desirably a seal that can be broken, on the inner surface 14, 14 ', 14"or 14"' of the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12 '' 'respectively. The seal 48, 48 ', 48"or 48"' can be formed before or after the composition or formulation 46, 46 'or 46"is applied to the liquid permeable substrate 20, 20', 20". or 20 '' 'respectively. The seal 48, 48 ', 48' 'or 48' '' may be partially extended around the perimeter 18, 18 ', 18' 'or 18' '' of the substrate 20, 20 ', 20' 'or 20' '' respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the seal 48, 48 ', 48"or 48"' can be extended completely around the perimeter 18, 18 ', 18' 'or 18' '' of the substrate 20. , 20 ', 20' 'or 20' '' respectively, as shown in figures 7 and 11.

Still further, the method includes folding the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12", or 12"' on itself. The lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12' 'or 12' '' can be folded either before or after the seal 48, 48 ', 48' 'or 48' '' is formed depending on the structure of the disposable applicator respective 10, 10 ', 10"or 10"'. The lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' can be bent along the transverse axis or along the transverse axis Y-Y of the disposable applicator 10, 10 ', 10"or 10". ', see figures 3, 4, 10 and 12. In figures 3, 4, 10 and 11 the transverse axis of the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12' 'or 12' '' is the transverse axis Y-Y of the applicator disposable 10, 10 ', 10' 'or 10' ''. When the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' is bent on itself, the seal 48, 48 ', 40"or 48"' will completely extend around the perimeter 26, 26 ', 26 '' or 26 '' 'of the substrate 20, 20', 20 '' or 20 '' '. A chamber 56 is formed within an area encompassed by seal 48, 48 ', 48"or 48"' once the lower sheet 12, 12 ', 12"or 12"' is folded along of the transverse axis XX. The seal 48, 48 ', 48' 'or 48' '' functions to seal the composition or formulation 46 of the outside air.

In Figures 6, 7, 8 and 11, the seal 48 ', 48' 'and 48' '' extends completely around the perimeter 26 ', 26' 'or 26' '' respectively, of the liquid permeable substrate 20 '. , 20 '' or 20 '' 'before the lower sheet 12', 12 '' or 12 '' 'is bent. This means that the seal 48 ', 48' 'or 48' '' also extends completely around the perimeter 26 ', 26' 'or 26' '' respectively, of the liquid permeable substrate 20 ', 20' 'or 20' '' after the lower sheet 12 ', 12' 'or 12' '' is bent. As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the seal 48 'or 48"also functions to seal the composition or formulation 46' or 46" from the outside air.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9, a 64 'or 64"bag may optionally be formed on the surface outer 16 'or 16"of the lower sheet 12' or 12 I I respectively. In Figures 5 and 6, the bag 64 'is formed by folding the outer surface 16' of the lower sheet 12 'on itself. The side edges 60 'and 62' of the lower sheet 12 'can be secured or attached to the outer surface 16' of the lower sheet 12 'by an adhesive or by an ultrasonic joint. In Figures 8 and 9, an alternate method for forming the bag 64"is shown in which a piece of separated material 68" is attached or secured to the outer surface 16"of the lower sheet 12". In any embodiment, the bags 64 'and 64"are sized to allow a user to insert one or more of their fingers or thumbs of a hand into them to facilitate movement or rubbing of the substrate 20' or 20 '' on an exposed surface. Desirably, the bag 64 'or 64"will be sized to easily and loosely receive two or three fingers and / or a thumb of the user's hand. When the 64 'or 64"bag is able to comfortably cover two, three, or even four fingers and / or one thumb of the user's hand, the disposable applicator 10, 10 'or 10"can be easily moved back and forth, in a circular motion or in some other movement, over the exposed surface such as a human foot, without the fingers and / or thumb being dislodged from the bag 64 'or 64". This feature increases the utility of the disposable applicator 10, 10 'or 10".

Referring to Figures 5, 9 and 10, disposable applicators 10 'and 10"also include an advertisement 66' or 66". The advertisement 66 'or 66"may be printed, engraved or otherwise formed on the outer surface 16' or 16" of the lower sheet 12 'or 12", respectively. Alternatively, the advertisement 66 'or 66"may be in the form of a label or patch that is joined to the outer surface 16' or 16" of the respective lower sheet 12 'or 12". The advertisement 66 'or 66' 'may function to provide information to the user. Such information may include the name of the manufacturer, the manufacturer's brand and / or the brand name of the product. In addition, the advertisement 66 'or 66' 'may provide instructions on how to use the product and / or security information for the user. In addition, the advertisement 66 'or 66' 'can provide instructions on how to properly dispose the disposable applicator 10' or 10 '' etc.

Turning now to Figure 14, there is shown a flow diagram which contains a method of using the disposable applicator 10, 10 'or 10". The method includes breaking the seal 48, 48 'or 48"by pulling on the opposite ends 30 and 32, 30' and 32 'and 30" and 32"of the respective lower sheet 12, 12' or 12 ''. By simultaneously applying a separating force to both halves of the lower sheet 12, 12 'or 12", the seal 48, 48' or 48" can be broken without tearing or destroying the material from which the sheet is constructed. back 12, 12 'or 12". The amount of force of The spacing necessary to open the seal 48, 48 'or 48"may be adjusted during manufacture of the disposable applicator 10, 10' or 10". The force required to open the seal 48, 48 'or 48"should not be so large that it causes a difficulty for the end user to open the disposable applicator 10, 10' or 10".

The lower sheet 12, 12 'or 12"is then opened in a relatively flat orientation. This flat orientation is comparable to the orientation exhibited by the lower sheet 12, 12 'or 12"before being bent. For the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the user will align one or more of his fingers and / or thumb, desirably three fingers on the outer surface 16 of the lower sheet 12. The user will also place his thumb and finger small on the inner surface 14 of the lower sheet 12. By doing this, the user will be able to easily grip the disposable applicator 10 and move it back and forth in a circular motion, or in some other movement, on the exposed surface .

For the two embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 and 7-10, respectively, the user will be able to insert one, two or three of his fingers into the 64 'or 64"bag after the seal that can be broken 48 'or 48"has been broken and the lower sheet 12' or 12" respectively has been opened in a planar orientation. The user will then place his finger thumb and small finger on opposite sides of inner surface 14 'or 14"of lower sheet 12' or 12" respectively. Alternatively, the user will insert four of his fingers into the bag 64 'or 64"and place his thumb on one side of the inner surface 14' or 14" of the lower sheet 12 'or 12"respectively . By doing this, the user will be able to easily grasp the disposable applicator 10 'or 10' and move it back and forth in a circular motion, or in some gold movement on the exposed surface. The rubbing motion will also allow the composition or formulation 46 'or 46"to be transferred from the liquid permeable substrate 20' or 20" onto the exposed surface. Desirably, the exposed surface is human skin and the composition or formulation 46 'or 46"is a medicament in the form of an ointment, sage or cream that can be applied to the skin to soothe and / or heal it.

Referring now to Figure 15, there is shown a flowchart which teaches a method for applying a composition or formulation to the composition., 46 'or 46"on the human skin using the disposable applicator 10, 10' or 10", respectively. This method includes breaking the seal 48, 48 'or 48"and opening the lower sheet 12, 12' or 12", respectively, in a relatively flat orientation. The user will then grasp the lower sheet 12, 12 'or 12"in one hand using the technique described above, which depends on the design and construction of the disposable applicator 10, 10' or 10". He liquid permeable substrate 20, 20 'or 20"is placed in contact with and rubbed on human skin. The rubbing action may also include a back and forth movement, a circular motion or some other movement as determined by the user. When the liquid permeable substrate 20, 20 'or 20"is rubbed onto the human skin, the composition or formulation 46, 46' or 46" will be transferred to the human skin. A uniform or even distribution of the composition or formulation 46, 46 'or 46"on the skin can be obtained in this manner.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it will be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Therefore, this invention is intended to encompass all those alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (21)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A method for making a disposable applicator comprising the steps of: a) forming a lower sheet having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter; b) forming a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter; c) securing said first surface of said liquid-permeable substrate to said inner surface of said lower sheet; d) applying a composition to said liquid-permeable substrate, said composition being capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid-permeable substrate against said exposed surface; e) forming a seal on the inner surface of said lower sheet; Y f) folding said lower sheet onto itself so that the seal extends completely around the perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition.

2. The method as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said lower sheet is formed of a vapor impermeable material.

3. The method as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the lower sheet is formed of a material impervious to moisture.

4. The method as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the lower sheet is formed of a material impermeable to liquid.

5. The method as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the seal is formed before the composition is applied to said liquid-permeable substrate.

6. The method as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the lower sheet has a transverse axis and said lower sheet is bent along said transverse axis.

7. The method as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that a chamber is formed within an area encompassed by said seal once said lower sheet is folded along said transverse axis.

8. The method as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said lower sheet is formed of a film.

9. The method as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that said film is a polyolefin film.

10. A method for using a disposable applicator formed of a lower sheet, a liquid permeable substrate, a composition and a seal, said lower sheet having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter, said liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter, and said first surface being secured to said lower surface of said lower sheet so that said inner surface extends around said perimeter of said substrate; said composition applied to said liquid-permeable substrate; and said seal is formed on the inner surface of the lower sheet and said lower sheet is bent over itself so that said seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition, said method comprises the steps of: a) breaking said seal and opening said lower sheet in a relatively flat orientation; b) grasping said lower sheet in at least one hand and placing the liquid-permeable substrate in contact with an exposed surface; Y c) cleaning said liquid permeable substrate on said exposed surface so that said composition is transferred to said exposed surface.

11. The method as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that a bag is formed on said lower sheet by bending said lower sheet on itself, said bag being sized to receive at least one digit of a user, and after that said seal is broken, said user inserts a digit inside the bag as to be able to wipe said liquid-permeable substrate on said exposed surface.

12. The method as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said lower sheet is secured to itself by adhesive to form said bag.

13. The method as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said lower sheet is secured to itself by an ultrasonic connection to form said bag.

14. The method as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that said bag is formed on said lower sheet by securing a piece of material separated to said lower sheet, said bag being sized to receive at least one finger of a user.

15. The method as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that said cleaning is accomplished using an applied force ranging from between about 0.01 pounds per square inch to about 5 pounds per square inch.

16. A method for applying a composition to human skin using a disposable applicator including a lower sheet having an interior surface, an upper surface and a perimeter, a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter, and said first surface being secured to said inner surface of said lower sheet; a composition applied to said liquid-permeable substrate; and a seal formed on said inner surface of said lower sheet and said lower sheet is folded on itself so that the seal extends completely around said perimeter of the substrate to protect said composition, said method comprises the steps of: a) breaking said seal and opening said lower sheet in a relatively flat orientation; b) grasping said lower sheet with one hand and placing said liquid-permeable substrate in contact with said human skin; Y c) rubbing said liquid permeable substrate on said human skin so that the composition is transferred to the human skin.

17. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that said cleaning is accomplished using an applied force ranging from between about 0.01 pounds per square inch to about 5 pounds per square inch.

18. The method as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that the applied force varies from between about 0.1 pounds per square inch to about 3 pounds per square inch.

19. The method as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said applied force varies from between about 0.2 pounds per square inch to about 2 pounds per square inch.

20. The method as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that said outer surface of said lower sheet contains a bag which is sized to receive at least two fingers of a user, and after said seal is broken, said user inserting at least two fingers into said bag to be able to wipe said liquid-permeable substrate on said human skin.

21. A method for making a disposable applicator comprising the steps of: a) forming a lower sheet having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter; b) forming a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter; c) securing said first surface of said liquid-permeable substrate to said inner surface of said lower sheet; d) applying a composition to said liquid-permeable substrate, said composition being capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by cleaning said liquid-permeable substrate against the exposed surface; e) folding said lower sheet on itself; Y f) forming a seal around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition. SUMMARY The methods for making, using and applying a composition to an exposed surface using a disposable applicator. The method for making the disposable applicator includes forming a lower sheet and a liquid permeable substrate. The substrate is secured to the bottom sheet and a composition is applied to the substrate. The composition is capable of being transferred onto an exposed surface by rubbing the substrate against the exposed surface. A seal is formed on at least a part of the bottom sheet. The lower sheet is then folded on itself so that the seal extends completely around the substrate to protect the composition. Methods for using and applying a composition to an exposed surface include breaking the seal and opening the lower sheet, grasp the bottom sheet in one hand and rub the substrate on the exposed surface.