MXPA01000592A - Applicator for applying and distributing substances to target surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of compressible, conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region between said first and second surfaces. The sheet of material has a thickness between the first and second surfaces which decreases when the sheet of material is subjected to an externally-applied force in a direction substantially normal to the first surface. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir extending inwardly of the first surface into the interior of the sheet of material which is at least partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture formed in the first surface which is in fluid communication with the reservoir. Compression of the sheet of material via an externally-applied force substantially normal to said first surface expresses product from the aperture and translational motion of the first surface relative to a target surface applies and distributes said product onto the target surface. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of apertures are associated with corresponding reservoirs forming a delivery zone near one end of a hand-held applicator, and the sheet material is preferably resilient both in compression and in bending to conform to irregular target surfaces. A wide variety of substances are contemplated, including particularly antiperspirant/deodorant products. Other embodiments include a single reservoir feeding a plurality of apertures.

Description

APPLICATOR TO APPLY AND DISTRIBUTE SUBSTANCES TO CERTAIN SURFACES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to applicators for use in coatings of manual application of a substance on a desired desired surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to these applicators that provide both dispatch and distribution functionality and therefore improved product performance BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many types of topical products that are commercially available and / or commonly applied to a desired (determined) surface in the form of a thin film or coating to protect, treat, modify, etc. the determined surface. These products include those in cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals for skin care and other areas for personal care. A common example of this product is the type of antiperspirant / deodorant product, many of which are formulated as sprays, roll-on liquids, gels, creams or solid sticks and comprise an astringent material, eg, zirconium salts or- aluminum, incorporated in a suitable carrier or topical vehicle. These products are designed to provide effective transpiration and control odor as long as they are also cosmetically acceptable during and after application on the axillary area or other areas of the skin. Examples of suitable perforated caps or other means for supplying cutting force for use with these packaged compositions include those known in the art for the application of creams or those delivery means that are otherwise effective for dispensing the compositions of the present invention. to the skin, with the resulting rheology of the extruded product preferably being within the ranges described hereinafter for extruded compositions. Some examples of these perforated caps or other means for supplying cutting force and some dispensing containers for use with the compositions herein are described in U.S. Patent 5,000,356 issued to Johnson et al. on March 19, 1991, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. While the means of supply has proved successful in the application of these substances, in many cases a comparatively complex delivery mechanism is required to dispatch the product for application by means of supply of cutting force. This in turn typically requires a comparatively large can to accommodate not only the desired amount of the product, but also the retention of the product and the delivery mechanism. Economic factors also typically require cans of adequate size for travel for both riser-type and up-lift bar packages that are of considerable weight and occupy a considerable volume, thus limiting the consumer's ability to easily transport these devices. In addition, these constructions for all practical considerations prevent the transport of these devices by a person, for example, in a pocket or a bag of modest size to refill with antiperspirant or personal deodorant during the course of an extended stay out of home.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an applicator that can be held with the convenient, discreet hand to apply substances to certain surfaces. It would also be desirable to provide an applicator that provides a substantially uniform coating of these substances to provide improved product performance. It would also be desirable to provide an applicator that can be used easily and can be produced economically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance on a certain surface. The applicator comprises a practically flat sheet of compressible material, and can be shaped, having first and second opposing surfaces and an inner region between the first and second surfaces. The sheet of the material has a thickness between the first and second surfaces that decreases when the sheet of the material is subjected to a force applied externally in a substantially normal direction towards the first surface. The applicator further includes at least one discrete vessel extending inwardly from the first surface within the sheet of the material that is at least partially loaded with a substance and at least one discrete opening is formed in the first surface that is in fluid communication with the container. The compression of the sheet of the material by means of an externally applied force practically normal to the first surface extracts the product from the opening and the translation movement of the first surface in relation to the determined surface applies and distributes the product on the determined surface . In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of openings are associated with the corresponding containers forming a supply area near one end of an applicator to be held by hand and the sheet of the material is preferably resilient in both compression and bending to conform to irregular determined surfaces. A wide variety of substances are contemplated, including particularly antiperspirant / deodorant products. Other embodiments include multiple feed openings in the individual container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with the claims, which in particular clearly indicate and claim the present invention, it is believed that it will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers identify similar elements and wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an applicator according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an elevated sectional view of the applicator of Figure 1 taken along the line, section 2-2; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the applicator of Figures 1 and 2 which are used to manually apply a coating of a substance to a given surface; Figure 4 is a plan view similar to Figure 1 of another embodiment of an applicator; and Figure 5 is an elevated sectional view similar to Figure 2 of the applicator of Figure 4 taken along section line 5-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Construction of the Applicator Figure 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of an applicator 10 according to the present invention. The applicator 10 comprises a substantially flat sheet of material 20 having a first side 21 and a second side 22, with the first and second sides defining an interior region 23 of the material 20. The first side 21 includes at least one opening 30 and preferably a plurality of openings 30 that form a distribution zone 31. The distribution zone 31 encompasses not only the openings 30 but also the interstitial spaces 32 between the adjacent openings 30. As will be explained hereafter, the presence and construction of the interstitial spaces 32 is believed to play an important role in the distribution performance of the applicator 10 and in turn the performance of the substance distributed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the applicator 10 also includes an optional cover 40 releasably secured to the first side 21 in order to sealingly engage the first surface on the openings 30 and around the openings to obstruct the openings 30 and avoid premature delivery or contamination of the product before its intended use. The cover can couple the first surface around the periphery of the individual openings or around the periphery of the distribution zone 31. The optional cover 40 can comprise a label with instructions or other indications suitable therein. The second side 22 is preferably free of openings and preferably is substantially flat, although for some applications it may be desirable to include some surface topography (such as, for example, a series of small projections that coincide with the locations of the containers 50) at least in the underlying region of the distribution zone 31, to assist the user in properly orienting the applicator. The first surface also preferably includes an optional grip portion 24 that is substantially free of openings and is preferably located adjacent an edge of the applicator. For some application configurations, it may be desirable to include a second dispensing zone remotely from the first release zone, anywhere else on the first surface or on the second applicator surface. As more clearly shown in Figure 2, each of the openings 30 extend inwardly from the first surface 21 into the interior 23 of the sheet of material 20 to form corresponding containers 50 for containing a substance 60 prior to use. Substances suitable for use with the applicators of the present invention will be described in greater detail below. Multiple substances can be used in separate openings and / or containers, in such a way that they remain segregated before the use of the applicator but that they can be mixed together during their use. This can be particularly useful when it is desired to avoid reactions between the components before use and the corresponding degradation or depletion of the active ingredients. Also, it may be desirable to include one or more "empty" openings / containers for any air added to the dispensed product and / or to act as a receiving container to remove excess product from the determined surface. Figure 2 also illustrates the geometrical relationship between the openings 30, the containers 50, the interstitial spaces 32 and the sheet material 20. The openings, which can be of any desired size and shape, each have a peripheral edge resting on the plane of the first surface 21 and defines the limit of the opening. In the case where the sheet of material comprises a cellular structure, the openings are practically larger than the average cell size of the material. The interstitial spaces 32 in this manner are defined as the portion of the first surface 21 located between the peripheral edges of the adjacent openings. The containers are located inwardly of the openings and comprise a recess in the interior of the sheet material. As with the openings, the containers are practically larger than the average cell size of the material when the sheet of material is formed from a cellular structure. The containers may or may not have the same cross-sectional shape in a direction parallel to the first surface 21 as that of the openings 30. The sheet of the material has a total thickness T that is defined as the average distance between the first and second surfaces 21 and 22 opposite measures in a practically normal direction towards the first surface. In the case where the surfaces are co-planar, the thickness T is perpendicular to both surfaces and where the non-planar surfaces have implied the planes of the respective surfaces are defined as an average position of a representative plane passing through. the surface topography. The use of one or more discrete containers opposed to a material impregnated with a generally porous substance, provides a more controlled dosing functionality for the applicators of the present invention. The geometry of the container and the volume can be designed as desired for a final capacity and also a distribution index, in any case in the preferred pre-loaded ponfiguration where the applicator is manufactured and sold with the included product or where the applicator it is manufactured independently of the product and the consumer applies the substance to the applicator. In a given applicator, the distribution zone may include a plurality of openings having different sizes and / or shapes either in a regular pattern or in an irregular pattern and the containers do not need to be loaded at the same level or have the same capacity. The openings can be of any shape in desired cross section and their intersection with the surface, such as oval, elliptical, hexagonal, etc., but a circular cross-sectional shape is preferred herein. The containers 50 extend into the first surface at a depth t. Accordingly, because the containers are formed as voids in the sheet of the material 20, the material is a comparatively thick material in the order of at least about 0.063-0.250 inches compared to the shaping containers of thin engraved materials such as for example, polymer films. The sheet of the material 20 is formed of a material that can be shaped sufficiently to allow the first surface 21 to conform to the determined irregular surfaces and preferably conform in a resilient manner for application in a dynamic environment as the First surface passes over non-flat and irregular surfaces. The material used for the application is also deformable in the thickness direction T to supply and release the substance 60 to the surface determined for application and distribution. The deformation of the sheet of the material 20 in such a manner effectively reduces the volume of the containers 50 in the deformation region, thus extracting the substance from the containers outwards through the openings 30 in contact with the determined surface. The compression deformation in the context of the present invention, as described herein, is defined as the reduction in the T dimension of the material by the application of an external force (or otherwise) in such a way that the first and second Second surfaces are closer together and the inner dimension between them becomes smaller. This should be distinguished from other types of deformable structures in which the surfaces of the material of the structure are moved or rotated relative to each other to reduce the effective thickness of the material. This thickness may be more appropriately characterized as "gauge" rather than "thickness", while the "gauge" of this material will by definition be greater than the "thickness" of the material from which it is made. An example of this structure could be a three-dimensionally recorded film having a plurality of depressions or ribs formed therein. The film initially has a certain thickness or gauge, but after the deformation of the plane of the material, the film has an increase in gauge due to the dimensions of the ribs or depressions. This material can suffer a dimensional reduction in the normal plane for the plane of the material, but only by means of the deformation or destruction of the surfaces and structures outside the plane. In the structures and materials of the present invention, the caliper and thickness are substantially equivalent dimensions and any deviations from the surface planarity in the vicinity of the distribution zone are negligible. Accordingly, as the material itself compresses under the influence of an external force, the first and second surfaces move relative to each other without twisting or otherwise distorting the geometry of the sheet material. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the use of a comparatively thick, substantially flat material with the containers formed in the material instead of using a comparatively thin material that is formed in a non-planar structure, provides an applicator that allows the application of forces to be transferred more evenly towards the surface determined for a more uniform distribution of the substance. This is particularly important when the applied forces can be applied more discretely, for example, by one or more separate fingers, as for most scenarios it is desired not to have the distribution of the resulting product that reflects the pattern of the applied forces. For example, if one holds the applicator pad as shown in Figure 3, it is desired to form a substantially uniform coating of the substance on the determined surface instead of four product lines corresponding to the location of the four fingers. Another important feature for the application of the present invention is the ability of the material to "slide" across the determined surface without coiling or otherwise deforming. This also helps ensure a comparatively uniform distribution of the substance over. the determined surface. Therefore, the selection of suitable materials for the applicator must take into account not only the characteristics of the substance in the terms of shear and other properties, but also the coefficient of friction of the material and the determined surface. The sheet material 20 can be unitary by nature, constructed of a single piece of monolithic material or can comprise two or more layers or sheets of material. In addition, it may be desirable to form the openings and containers in a layer of material, which completely penetrates the sheet of the material and then laminate another layer of a similar or different composition on the second surface of the first piece of material to close the end inwardly. of the containers. A currently preferred construction uses a polyethylene / EVA foam pad with multiple containers / openings of the product hot embossed on one surface. Nevertheless, a wide variety of other materials are contemplated which are within the scope of the present invention and which have physical and / or chemical properties suitable for the intended substance and the intended surface area intended. The foam pad can be cut to the desired shape with a press and a die with a ruler or other suitable means. The substance can be injected, cut or otherwise supplied to the containers. The applicator can be of any desired size and shape, although the shape was presented in Figures 1-3 in dimensions of approximately 2.7"x 2.4" x 0.125"in thickness has a satisfactory test in use, with 38 separate and equally sized containers forming an ellipse having a greater approximate dimension of between about 1.5 and 2.0 inches and a larger dimension of between about 0.9 and 1.3 inches and distributing about 0.4 grams of antiperspirant composition (such as, for example, the one described below). currently preferred aperture size is between about 0.100 and 0.150 inches in diameter with a circular cross-section, an edge-to-edge spacing of between about 0.050 and 0.110 inches, with a practically straight sandwich vessel of similar cross section extending into the Figure 6 represents another embodiment of the present invention in the form of an applicator 200 having dimensions of approximately 2.7"x 2.4" x 0.125"in thickness, which has a proven satisfaction in use. The applicator 200 has 8 equally dimensioned slot-type containers 210 and 1! separated, positioned diagonally at 45 ° within an elliptical area 220 having a greater approximate dimension of between about 1.5 and 2.0 inches and a smaller dimension between about 0.9 and 1.3 inches and distribution of approximately 0.4 grams of the antiperspirant composition (such as the one described later). A container 210 of the currently preferred slit type for the applicator 200 has a length of between about 0.578 and 0.473 inches, a width between about 0.100 and 0.080 inches, with a groove-like cross section with rounded edges, an edge-to-edge spacing between containers 210 of between about 0.220 and 0.080 inches with a substantially straight sandwich container of similar cross section extending therein between about 0.125 and 0.080 inches deep. Figure 7 depicts another embodiment of the present invention in the form of an applicator 300 having dimensions of approximately 2.7"2.4" x 0.125"in thickness, which has a proven satisfaction of use.The 300 applicator has 9 aperture-type containers. channel of varied configuration positioned within an elliptical area 360 having a greater approximate dimension of between about 1.5 and 2.0 inches and a smaller dimension of between about 0.9 and 1.3 inches and distribution of about 0.4 grams of the antiperspirant composition (such as that described below) Applicator 300 has a variation of: containers 310 with 2 channel openings having two openings 340 connected by a single channel 350, containers 320 with 3 channel openings having three openings 340 connected by two channels 350 and containers 330 with 4 channel openings having four openings 340 connected by three channels 350. An aperture. The presently preferred ra 340 is between about 0.165 and 0.135 inches in diameter, with a circular cross section. A currently preferred channel 350 is between about 0.055 and 0.045 inches wide with a rectangular cross section. A presently preferred spacing between the center of the adjacent openings 340 is between about 0.280 and 0.200 inches in length. The edge-to-edge spacing between openings 340 is between about 0.095 and 0.065 inches. Practically straight sandwich containers of similar cross section extending inwardly therebetween from about 0.125 to about 0.080 inches deep. Figure 8 depicts another embodiment of the present invention in the form of an applicator 400 having dimensions of approximately 2.7"x 2.4" x 0.125"in thickness, which has a satisfactory test in use.The applicator 400 has 7 aperture type containers. - varied configuration channel placed diagonally at 45 ° within an elliptical area having a greater approximate dimension of between about 1.5 to 2.0 inches and a smaller dimension of between about 0.9 and 1.3 inches and distribution of approximately 0.4 grams of the antiperspirant composition (such as, for example, as described below.) Applicator 400 has a variation of: 3 aperture-channel containers 410 having three openings 440 connected by two channels 450, 4 aperture-channel containers 420 having four openings 440 connected by three channels 450 and five aperture-channel vessels 430 having five openings 440 connected by four channels 450. A presently preferred aperture 440 is between about 0.165 and 0.135 inches in diameter with a circular cross section. A currently preferred channel 450 is between about 0.055 and 0.045 inches wide with a rectangular cross section. A presently preferred spacing between the center of the adjacent openings 440 is between about 0.280 and 0.200 inches in length. The edge-to-edge spacing between the openings 440 is between about 0.095 and 0.065 inches. The containers are of similar, almost straight, sandwiched cross-section extending inwardly between about 0.125 and 0.080 inches deep. For a given product, an applicator design must be optimized to minimize premature dispatch and to maximize the intentional distribution of the desired product. One method that is believed to prevent premature delivery of the desired product is to maximize the surface area of the containers to which the product will adhere. The product typically has an affinity with the applicator surface; therefore, the product has a tendency to remain inside the containers. However, increasing the surface area of the containers also decreases the amount of the product that will be intentionally distributed later by the consumer. The propensity of the product to remain in the container due to the surface area of the container and the corresponding propensity of the product that will be distributed intentionally by the consumer are inversely related but not necessarily linearly proportional. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that as the surface area of a vessel is increased for a constant vessel volume and depth, this results in a reduction in the premature dispatch but also in a corresponding proportional reduction but not necessarily linearly distributed product intentionally. This theory can be analyzed with reference to a defined dimensional relationship calculated as the [surface area of the container] / [surface area of a cylindrical vessel having the same volume and depth]. It is believed that as the dimensional ratio increases, this results in a reduction in premature dispatch but also in a corresponding, but not necessarily linear, proportional reduction of the product distributed intentionally. To determine the optimum applicator design for a given product, this dimensional relationship can be used to compare several designs. For the modalities illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8, this optimization method was used and it was found that a dimensional relationship ranging from about 1 to 5 had a proven satisfaction in use for the products described herein. As mentioned previously, it is currently preferred that the materials used in the present invention not only be compressible in the thickness direction, but also be shaped in the planar direction in order to adapt to the various surface topographies determined in the time to use. It is also preferred that suitable sheet materials be resilient, preferably both in terms of their compressibility and in terms of their conformability to bending. Resilience is defined compatible with its daily meaning, as is evident by Webster 's Ninth New Collegia te Dictionary, as "the ability of a stretched body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress". The resilience of the material makes it tend to return to its practically flat preference state without deforming its original thickness after compression or bending forces, thus allowing it to take the form of several determined surfaces and even maintain contact in the -surface determined for the distribution of the appropriate substance. The properties of the preferred material, as well as the properties of the currently preferred material, Volara 2E0 1/8"PE / EVA polyethylene / ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (12% VA) fine-cell cross-linked polymer foam, commercially available from Voltek, 100 Shepard Street, Lawrence, MA 01843, are presented in the following table: PROPERTIES Volara 2EO 1/8"Interval Method of Preferred Test Thickness inches 0.125 0.063-0.250 ASTM D-3575 Density pounds / feet 2 rated 2-6 ASTM D-3575 cubic Resistance at 55 min. 40-200 ASTM D-3575 Psi tension (MD)% elongation at 140 min. 100-350 ASTM D-3575 Breaking (MD) Tear Resistance 7 min. 4.5-30 ASTM D-3575 pound / inch (MD) Resistance to Compression Psi 25% deflection 2.5 min. 1.5-1.5 ASTM D-3575 deflection at 50% 9 min. 4-25 ASTM D-3575 % adjustment of 30 max. 0-50 ASTM D-3575 compression A suitable method to quantify the stiffness is the TAPPI T489 om-92, the rigidity of the paper and the cardboard (rigidity tester of the Taber type). The results are presented in gram centimeters or Taber units. The type used; Rigidity tester model 150B Taber V-5. Observation: NO added weight and results measured at 15 degrees of displacement.

Real data: Material of caliber MD CD 1/8"(Voltek #) polyethylene (2A) 65 gm cm 2 PE / EVA 12% VA (2E0) 47 34 PE / EVA 18% VA (2G) 41 32 The preferred limit range for 1/8"thickness, 2PCF foam is: DM test = 75-35 grams centimeters, DT test = 50-25 grams centimeters While Volara 2EO is the material currently preferred, grade materials could be used Volara alternative and alternative foam such as open cell foam, non-crosslinked foam, foam with a range of cell sizes, alternating resins, 100% polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, rubber, urethanes, other ethylene copolymers, copolymers of propylene and other synthetic materials having similar material properties Note, however, that materials that are substantially more rigid or softer may be preferred for some applications, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, the containers have walls that are practically normal to the first surface of the sheet of the material. However, for certain product formulations of the substance that will be distributed to the determined surface, it may be desirable to provide container and opening geometries wherein the containers have side walls and angles other than 90 degrees, such as opening geometries / tapered, funnel-shaped container where the container narrows with increasing inward distance from the first surface or "low-cut" opening geometries where the container widens with increasing inward distance from the first surface. The containers can also be formed with practically flat bottoms (the portion located distantly from the openings and inside the material sheet), or the bottoms of the containers can be radial, depending on the manufacturing method, the choice and the nature of the containers. the substances and sheet materials used. Furthermore, it is preferred that when the sheet of material comprises a porous material, the containers include some suitable means for preventing the migration of the substance into the matrix of the sheet material. A currently preferred method to avoid this migration is to use a closed cell foam material. However, these means may include a waterproof coating or may be other means for making the walls of the container waterproof such as, for example, thermally melting the porous sheet material during the formation of the openings and containers to form a "skin". Additional layers or coatings of polymers such as PET, nylon, etc. can be used. on the walls of the container, the second side 21 of the applicator or other regions where it is desired to limit the penetration of the substance of the material. Any of these treatments or approaches could be designed to suit the particular combination of substance and materials of the applicator. For some applications, it may also be desirable that the internal surfaces of the containers and openings have some degree of surface topography to help fix the substance. Internal structures such as, for example, protrusions, "protuberances", peripheral rings, etc., may also be desirable to aid in the retention of the substance. Various container configurations can be employed without being limited to the form of opening the general shape of the applicator and can be designed as desired to facilitate retention and / or clearance of the substance. Figure 3 provides an illustration of the applicator 10 according to the present invention which is used to apply a substance to a given surface. As shown in Figure 3, the applicator 10 is held by the hand 80 of a user, typically by compressing the applicator between the thumb and the palm with the fingers in contact with the second surface 22 in proximity to the openings 30 and the thumb in contact with the grasping portion 24. The user then places the delivery zone 31 of the applicator 10 in contact with a given surface 90, which may have any surface topography and may be flat or non-planar and applies a force that has the minus a normal force vector component in an F direction that is practically normal to the determined surface 90.

A tangential force or force vector component exerted in the D direction is applied, preferably simultaneously with the application of the normal force F, to move the applicator through the determined surface 90 and to apply a substantially uniform coating of the substance. to the determined surface, preferably in a region that is practically within reach of the supply zone 31 and the distance traveled. The normal and tangential forces can be combined in such a way as to define a total force vector that defines an angle between approximately 0 and 90 degrees of the plane of the first surface. This form of application provides a dispatch of the substance during the distribution phase of the process, instead of the typical extrusion or dispatch of the substances followed by the distribution phase. In a dynamic application environment, such as the one depicted in Figure 3, in contact with a "static" application scenario without relative translational movement, it is believed that the relationship between the openings (where a plurality is used) and the spaces between them is an important consideration in the design of the applicator geometries suitable for particular substances. Each opening has a peripheral edge that is surrounded by a portion of the first surface of sheet material. As the sheet material, at least the first surface thereof, is preferably substantially flat, each opening is surrounded by a substantially flat ring of material which is in contact with the determined surface around the opening and which provides a surface of "friction" to distribute the substance on the determined surface. Where the surface is or becomes flowable at the time of application, this ring of material forms a joint-like surface that helps evenly distribute the product by stimulating the outward flow of product from the openings. Optionally, if a certain amount of surface texture, such as microtexture, is desired, it can be applied to the portions of the first surface between and / or adjacent the openings to assist in the distribution function and / or the aesthetics of the function of application in terms of skin sensation, etc. The applicators of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 3 have corresponding plural openings and plural containers, and preferably a ratio of 1: 1 openings to containers. However, other combinations of openings and containers are also possible such as, for example, supplying multiple containers to each opening or multiple openings supplied by a single container. Figures 4 and 5 represent this alternative modality. The applicator 110 of Figures 4 and 5 has a sheet of material 120 similar to the sheet material 20 of Figures 1 to 3, although distinct from the applicator 10, the applicator 110 has a plurality of openings 130 extending inwardly from the first surface 121 through the interior 123 of the sheet of the material in all the forms through the second side 122, in such a way as to provide a passage that has no obstruction through the sheet of the material 120. In this embodiment , the sheet of the material has a thickness T that is equivalent to the distance t (omitted for clarity). The openings 130 form a distribution zone 131, they are separated by interstitial spaces 132 and preferably though optionally covered by a removable cover 140 which may have instructions or other suitable indications therein. The applicator 110 also includes a backsheet 170 that is attached perpendicularly to the sheet of the material 120 by means of a thermal seal 125 or other suitable sealing technique, the backing sheet 170 cooperates with the seal 125, the sheet of the material 120 and cover 140 for forming at least one and preferably only one container 150 for contacting a product 160 therein. Another variation could include the use of an individual large container in a manner similar to that of Figure 1, although it includes a plurality of "island" projections from the floor of the container to provide a friction surface in contact with the surface analogous to the surface. network of interstitial spaces formed between the multiple discrete openings as shown in Figure 1. The openings of the applicators of the present invention may be sealed before being used in other ways than the use of a cover / label such as, for example, the cover 40/140. For example, the applicators may be sealed / joined together in a face-to-face or rear-to-back relationship such that one surface of one applicator obstructs the openings of the next. Other possible orientations include face-to-face orientations with non-aligned supply zones that overlap other portions of the first surface, face with back, etc. and the pairs of these materials can be packaged in a protective film (foil laminate, metallized polyester, etc.) to form a convenient package. The applicator of the present invention comprises a packaged distribution system having a means for supplying cutting force. Other examples of these delivery systems are well known in the art and typically comprise an enclosed container or container having a means for supplying cutting force such as, for example, a perforated lid or other perforated surface. The means for supplying cutting force subjects the supplied substance to shear forces which neutralize the tendencies of the substance to agglomerate and / or remain in comparatively large or thick deposits and spread across the determined surface. The application of cutting force in combination with the process of supplying the substance is particularly important when the rheology and other characteristics of the product change under the influence of shear forces such as, for example, the substance becomes more flowable under shear stress . An additional analysis of the rheology of the substance follows from here on. Typical cutting force supply means include any rigid or flexible surface, preferably a rigid surface, suitable for joining a package or other product and having a plurality of openings, the openings or holes extending through the thickness of the rigid or flexible surface during which the composition can flow to the intended application site. However, in accordance with the present invention, the applicators described herein provide supply and distribution functionality that meets or exceeds those means for supplying cutting force in a convenient, economical and easy to use manner. 2. Representative Compositions In the present invention, the term "substance" can mean a substance that can flow that practically does not flow before being supplied to a certain surface. "Substance" can also mean a material that does not completely flow, such as, for example, a fibrous material or other interlacing material. "Substance" can mean a fluid or a solid. "Substance" is defined in this invention as any material capable of being maintained in open three dimensional recesses of the applicator material in the absence of forces other than gravity forces. While substances that virtually do not flow before being delivered are currently preferred, substances that can flow or have a higher degree of fluidity can be found suitable for use in the present invention wherein dust covers, seals or the like provide a retention / protection of sufficient substance before use. Adhesives, electrostatic electives, mechanical entanglement, capillary attraction, surface adsorption, van der Waals forces, and friction, for example, can be used to keep substances in the openings and / or containers. The substances are intended to be at least partially released from them when exposed to contact with external forces when the applicator is subjected to externally applied compressive forces. Of current interest in the present invention include substances such as, for example, gels, pastes, creams, lotions, foams, powders, agglomerated particles, granules, microencapsulated liquids, waxes, suspensions, liquids and combinations thereof. The spaces in the three-dimensional structure of the present invention are normally open; whereby it is desirable to have substances that remain in place and that do not run out of the structure without an activation step. Accordingly, the preferred substances are able to remain within the openings and / or containers even in the absence of a dust jacket. The activation step used according to the present invention is the deformation of the three-dimensional structure by compression, which overcomes the tendencies of the substance to remain inside the applicator. Preferred substances include those that can be released from the applicator without the need for solvents (including water, etc.) in order to provide an easy-to-use device. However, this preference should not prevent the use of other suitable substances simply because the use of some degree of solvent may be necessary. . Suitable substances can be anhydrous and perform satisfactorily and desirably in the absence of water.

ANTITRANSPIRANT / DEODORANT COMPOSITIONS The antiperspirant and deodorant substances for use in the applicator of the present invention are compositions that do not flow and that are intended for topical application to the armpit or other suitable areas of the skin. These deodorant and antiperspirant compositions comprise an active ingredient and a suspending or thickening agent incorporated in a suitable liquid carrier. In this context, the term "active" refers to antiperspirant, active deodorant or fragrance active ingredients and includes any known or otherwise safe and effective antiperspirant, deodorant or active fragrance material. The terms "active antiperspirant" and "active deodorant" specifically refer to topical materials that can prevent or eliminate odors and / or moisture by transpiration. The term "fragrance" in the sense in which it is used herein, specifically refers to any topical material that covers or masks odors that result from perspiration or that otherwise gives the composition a desired perfumed scent .

Active Antiperspirant Compositions Antiperspirants for use in the applicator of the present invention comprise an antiperspirant active suitable for application to human skin. The antiperspirant active can be solubilized in the antiperspirant compositions or can be suspended as an undissolved or precipitated solid. The concentration of the antiperspirant active in the antiperspirant compositions should be sufficient to provide the desired odor and moisture control of the selected antiperspirant composition. The antiperspirant compositions described herein comprise an antiperspirant active agent at concentrations between about 0.5% and 60%, preferably between about 0.5% and 50%, more preferably between about 5% and 35% by weight of the selected antiperspirant composition. All percentages by weight are calculated on an anhydrous metal salt base exclusive of water and any complexing agents such as, for example, glycine, glycine salts or other complexing agents. The antiperspirant active for use in the antiperspirant compositions described herein includes any compound, composition or other material having an antiperspirant activity. Preferred antiperspirant actives include the astringent metal salts, especially the inorganic and organic salts of aluminum, zirconium and zinc, as well as mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are aluminum and zirconium salts such as, for example, aluminum halides, aluminum hydroxyhalides, zirconyl oxyhalides, zirconyl hydroxyhalides and mixtures thereof. Preferred aluminum salts for use in antiperspirant compositions include those that are in accordance with the formula: Al2 (OH) aClb «x H20 where a is between about 2 to 5; the sum of a and b is approximately 6; x is between about 1 and 6; and where a, b and x can have non-integer values. Particularly preferred are aluminum chlorhydroxides referred to as "5/6 basic hydrochloride", where a = 5, and "2/3 basic hydrochloride", where a = 4. The processes for preparing the aluminum salts are set forth in U.S. Patent 3,887,692, Gilman, issued June 3, 1975; U.S. Patent 3,904,741, Jones et al., issued September 9, 1975; U.S. Patent 4,359,456, Gosling et al., issued November 16, 1982; and British Patent Specification 2,048,229, Fitzgerald et al., published December 10, 1980, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Mixtures of aluminum salts are described in British Patent Specification 1,347,950, Shin et al., Published February 27, 1974, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference. Preferred zirconium salts for use in antiperspirant compositions include those that are in accordance with the formula: ZrO (OH) 2_aCla-x'H20 where a is any number that has a value between approximately 0 and 2; x is between about 1 and 7; and where a and x can have both non-integer values. These zirconium salts are described in Belgian Patent 825,146, Schmitz, issued August 4, 1975, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred zirconium salts are those complexes that additionally contain aluminum and glycine, commonly known as ZAG complexes. These ZAG complexes contain aluminum chlorhydroxide and zirconyl hydroxy chloride in accordance with the formulas described above. These ZAG complexes are described in U.S. Patent 3,679,068, Luedders et al., Issued February 12, 1974; British Patent Application 2,144,992, Callaghan et al., published March 20, 1985; and U.S. Patent 4,120,948, Shelton, issued October 17, 1978, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The antiperspirant active can be formulated as particulate solids in the form of dispersed solid particles having a preferred average particle size or diameter of less than about 100 μm, more preferably between about 2 μm and 50 μm, even more preferably between approximately 0.4 μm and 40 μm. The antiperspirant compositions described herein may comprise a solubilized antiperspirant active, preferably an antiperspirant active solubilized in an anhydrous system. The concentration of the antiperspirant active solubilized in the antiperspirant composition preferably varies between about 0.1% and 35%, more preferably between about 0.5% and 25%, even more preferably between about 1% and 17%, still of greater preferably between about 6% and 17% by weight of the selected antiperspirant composition (percentages by weight are calculated on an anhydrous metal salt base exclusive of water and any complexing agents such as, for example, glycine, glycine salts or other agents complexants).

Active Deodorant The deodorant compositions for use in the applicator of the present invention comprise an active deodorant at concentrations ranging from about 0.001% to 50%, preferably from about 0.01% to 20%, most preferably from about 0.1% and 10%, even more preferably, between about 0.1% and 5% by weight of the selected deodorant composition. These deodorant actives can include any known deodorant active or otherwise safe and effective, suitable for topical application to human skin. Deodorant actives suitable for use in the deodorant compositions described herein include any topical material that is known or otherwise effective in preventing or eliminating odors associated with perspiration. These deodorant actives are typically antimicrobial agents (for example, bactericides, fungicides), malodor absorbing materials or combinations thereof. Preferred deodorant actives are antimicrobial agents, non-limiting examples thereof include cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, cetyl pyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, diisobutyl phenoxy ethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, sodium N-lauryl sarcosine, N-palmetyl sarcosine sodium, lauroyl sarcosine, N-myristoyl glycine, potassium N-lauryl sarcosine, trimethyl ammonium chloride, sodium-aluminum chlorohydroxy lactate, triethyl citrate, tricetylmethyl ammonium chloride, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy diphenyl ether (triclosan), 3,4,4'-t-riclorocarbanilide (trichlorocarbonate), diaminoalkyl amides such as, for example, L-lysine hexadecyl amide, citrate heavy metal salts, salicylate and pyroctose, especially salts of zinc and acids thereof, heavy metal salts of pyrithione in particular zinc pyrithione, zinc phenolsulfate, farnesol and combinations thereof. Other active deodorants include odor absorbing materials such as, for example, carbonate and bicarbonate salts including, carbonates and bicarbonates, ammonium and tetraalkylammonium. Sodium and potassium salts of these odor absorbing materials are preferred.

Fragrance Suitable fragrances for use herein include any topical material that is known or otherwise effective to mask odors associated with perspiration or that otherwise provide the substance compositions with a desired perfume aroma. These fragrances include any perfume or perfume chemical suitable for topical application on the skin. The fragrance material can be used alone or in combination with the active antiperspirant or active deodorant. The concentrations of the fragrance material in general vary between about 0.001% and 50%, preferably between about 0.01% and 20%, more preferably between about 0.1% and 10%, even more preferably between about 0.1% and 5% by weight of the selected antiperspirant or deodorant composition. The concentration of the fragrance in the antiperspirant or deodorant compositions must be effective to provide the desired aroma characteristics or to mask odors, where malodors are inherently associated with the composition itself or are associated with the development of bad odors. odors from human perspiration. Also, the fragrance and all the carriers that accompany it should not impart excessive itching to the skin, especially on cracked or irritated skin at previously exposed levels. The fragrance will typically be in the form of water-insoluble perfumes that are solubilized in the antiperspirant or deodorant compositions described herein. The fragrances are made by those skilled in the art in a wide variety of fragrances and intensities. Typical fragrances are described in Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals), Vol. I and II (1969); and Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin (1960). U.S. Patent 4,322,308 and U.S. Patent 4,304,679, both incorporated herein by reference, disclose fragrance components insofar as in general they include, but are not limited to: volatile phenolic substances (such as, for example, , iso-amyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate and red thyme oil); essence or extract oils (such as, for example, geranium oil, patchouli oil and pip oil); citrus oils; extracts and resins (such as, for example, benzoin resinoid and opoponaco resinoid); "synthetic" oils (such as, for example, Bergamot 37 and 430, Geranium 76 and Pomeransol 314); aldehydes and ketones (such as, for example, B-methyl naphthyl ketone, p-t-butyl-A-methyl-hydrocinnamic aldehyde and p-t-amyl cyclohexanone); polycyclic compounds (such as, for example, coumarin and ß-naphthyl methyl ether); esters (such as, for example, diethyl phthalate, phenylethyl phenylacetate, non-anolyte-1: 4). The fragrances also include esters and essential oils derived from floral materials and fruits, citrus oils, pure materials, aldehydes, resinoids, notes of musk and other animals (for example, natural isolates of civet, castor and musk), balsamic, etc. and alcohols (such as, for example, dimyrcetol, phenylethyl alcohol and t and rahidromuguol). Examples of these useful components as fragrances herein include decyl aldehyde, undecyl aldehyde, undecylenic aldehyde, lauric aldehyde, aldehyde to cinnamic acid, ethyl methyl phenyl glycidate, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, myristic aldehyde, nonalactone, nonyl aldehyde, octyl aldehyde, undecalactone, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, benzaldehyde, vanillin, heliotropin, camphor, para-hydroxy phenolbutanone, 1,1,3,4,4,6 hexamethyl tetrahydronaphthalene of 6-acetyl, alpha-methyl ionone, gamma-methyl ionone and amyl-cyclohexanone and mixtures of these components. Other suitable fragrances are those that mask or help to mask odors associated with perspiration (hereinafter referred to as odor masking fragrances), some non-limiting examples of which are described in U.S. Patent 5,554,588, the U.S. Pat. of the United States 4,278,658, United States Patent 5,501,805 and Patent Application EP 684 037 Al, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Odor masking fragrances are those having a Deodorizing Value of at least about 0.25, more preferably between about 0.25 and 3.5, even more preferably between about 0.9 and 3.5, as measured by the Deodorant Value Test described in Patent Application EP 684 037 Al.

The fragrance for use herein may also contain diluent solubilizers or solvents that are well known in the art. These materials are described in Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals), Vol. I and II (1969). These materials typically include small amounts of dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, C 1 -C 6 alcohols and / or benzyl alcohol.

Suspension or Thickener The antiperspirant and deodorant compositions for use in the applicator of the present invention comprise a suspending or thickening agent to help provide the compositions with the viscosity or hardness of the desired product or otherwise assist in suspending any solids or solvents. dispersed liquids within the compositions. Suitable suspending agents or thickeners include any material known or otherwise effective to provide suspension or thickening properties to the compositions or which otherwise provide structure to the shapes of the final product. These suspending agents or thickeners include gelling agents and thickening or viscosity agents, polymeric or non-polymeric, or inorganic. Most of these materials will typically include organic solids, silicone solids, crystalline or other gelling materials, inorganic particulates such as, for example, clays or silicas or combinations thereof. The concentration and type of suspending agent or thickener selected for use in antiperspirant and deodorant compositions will vary depending on the desired product form, viscosity and hardness. For most suspension agents or thickeners suitable for use in the compositions described herein, the concentration of these suspending agents or thickeners will typically vary between about 0.1% and 35%, more typically between about 0.1% and 20%. % by weight of the selected antiperspirant or deodorant composition. Suitable gelling agents for use as suspending agents or thickeners herein include, but are not limited to: fatty alcohols, fatty alcohol esters, fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, esters and amides of fatty acids or hydroxy fatty acids, ethers of fatty acids , ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated fatty acids, waxes, boiler materials, dibenzylidene alditols, lanolinol materials, other amide and polyamide gelling agents and their corresponding salts. All these gelling agents preferably have a fatty alkyl entity having between about 14 and 60 carbon atoms, more preferably between about 20 and 40 carbon atoms and which can be saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear or cyclic. The term "substituted" in the sense in which it is used herein refers to chemical entities known or otherwise effective for binding to gelling agents or other compounds. These constituents include those listed and described in C. Hansch and A. Leo, Subs tigens Constr e ts for Corxela ti on Analyzes in Chemi s try and Bi olgy (1979), whose listing and description are incorporated in the present as a reference. Examples of these substituents include, for example: alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, oxo, nitro, amino, aminoalkyl (for example, aminomethyl, etc.), cyano, halo, carboxy, alkoxyacetyl (for example, carboethoxy, etc.) , thiol, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl (eg, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, etc.), imino, thioxo, hydroxyalkyl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, and combinations thereof. The term "corresponding salts" in the sense in which it is used herein refers to cationic salts formed in any acid group (eg, carboxyl) or anionic salts formed in any basic group (e.g., amino), any of which are suitable for topical application to human skin. Many of these salts are known in the art, examples of which are described in World Patent Publication 87/05297, Johnston et al., Published September 11, 1987, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Fatty alcohols suitable for use in the antiperspirant compositions described herein include those compounds which are solid under ambient conditions and which have between about 8 and 40 carbon atoms. These gelling agents are wax-like materials that are more typically used at concentrations ranging from about 0.1% to 25%, preferably between about 3% and 20% by weight of the selected antiperspirant composition. Specific examples of fatty alcohols for use herein include, but are not limited to, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and the available Unilins of Petrolite such as Unilin 550, Unilin 700 Unilin 400, Unilin 350, and Unilin 325. Non-limiting examples of suitable alcohol esters fatty acids for use in the antiperspirant compositions described herein include tri-isostearyl citrate, ethylene glycol di-12-hydroxystearate, tri-stearyl citrate, stearyl octanoate, stearyl heptanoate, tri-lauryl citrate. Suitable fatty acids for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, fatty acid and hydroxy or alpha hydroxy fatty acids having from about 10 to 40 carbon atoms, examples of which include acid 12-hydroxy tearic, 12-hydroxylauric acid, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, behenic acid, euric acid, stearic acid, caprylic acid, lauric acid, isostearic acid, combinations thereof and salts thereof. Some preferred examples of fatty acids suitable for use herein are described in U.S. Patent 5,429,816 issued to Hofrichter et al. on July 4, 1995; and U.S. Patent 5,522,136 issued to Motley on September 3, 1996, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Some commercial examples of fatty acids include, but are not limited to, Unicid 400 available from Petrolite. Non-limiting examples of fatty acid salts for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include those compounds wherein the fatty acid entity has between about 12 and 40 carbon atoms, preferably between about 12 and 22 atoms carbon, more preferably between about 16 and 20 carbon atoms, still more preferably about 18 carbon atoms. Salt-forming cations suitable for use with these gelling agents include metal salts such as, for example, alkali metals, for example, sodium and potassium and alkaline earth metals, for example, magnesium and aluminum. Sodium and potassium salts of higher preference are sodium stearate, sodium palmitate, potassium stearate, potassium palmitate, sodium myristate, aluminum monostearate and combinations thereof. The most preferred is sodium stearate. Ethoxylated gelling agents suitable for use in the antiperspirant compositions described herein include, but are not limited to: Unithox 325, Unithox 400, Unithox 450, Unithox 480, Unithox 520, Unithox 550, Unithox 720 and Unithox 750 (all of which are available from Petrolite. ), pareth-3 from C2o to C0 and combinations thereof. Fatty acid esters suitable for use in the antiperspirant compositions described herein include ester waxes, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides and combinations thereof. Glyceride esters are preferred. Non-limiting examples of suitable ester waxes include stearyl stearate, stearyl behenate, palmityl stearate, stearyl octyldodecanol, cetyl esters, cetearyl behenate, behenyl behenate, ethylene glycol distearate, ethylene glycol dipalmitate, and beeswax. Examples of commercial ester waxes include Kester waxes from Koster Keunen, Crodamol SS from Croda and Demalcare SPS from Rhone Poulenc. Preferred are glyceryl tribehenate and other triglycerides, wherein at least about 75%, preferably about 100%, of the esterified fatty acid entities of the other triglycerides each have between about 18 and 36 carbon atoms and wherein The molar ratio of glyceryl tribehenate to the other triglycerides is between about 20: 1 and 1: 1, preferably between about 10: 1 and 3: 1, more preferably between about 6: 1 and 4: 1. The esterified fatty acid entities may be saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, but are preferably linear, saturated, unsubstituted ester entities derived from fatty acid materials having from about 18 to 36 carbon atoms . The triglyceride gellant preferably has a preferred melting point of less than about 110 ° C, preferably between about 50 ° C and 110 ° C. Preferred concentrations of the triglyceride gelling agents vary between about 4% and 20%, more preferably between about 4% and 10% by weight of the selected antiperspirant composition. Specific examples of preferred triglyceride gelling agents include but are not limited to: tristearin, hydrogenated vegetable oil, trihydroxystearin (Trixcin® R, available from Rheox, Inc.), rapeseed oil, castor wax, fish oils, tripalmiten, Syncrowax® HRC and Syncrowax® HGL-C (Syncrowax® available from Croda, Inc.). Other suitable glycerides include, but are not limited to, glyceryl stearate and glyceryl distearate. Amide gelling agents suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include monoamide gelling agents, diamide gelling agents, triamide gelling agents, and combinations thereof, non-limiting examples of which are included cocoamide MEA (monoethanolamide), stearamide, oleamide, MEA oleamide, tallow amide monoethanolamide and n-acylamino acid amide derivatives described in U.S. Patent 5,429,816, issued to Hofrichter et al. on July 4, 1995, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable amide gelling agents are described in U.S. Patent 5,429,816 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 771,183, filed December 20, 1996, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The concentrations of the amide gelling agents preferably vary between about 0.1% and 25%, more preferably between about 1% and 15%, even more preferably between about 1% and 10% by weight of the antiperspirant composition or deodorant. Other gelling agents suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include waxes or wax-like materials having a melting point above 65 ° C, more typically between about 65 ° C and 130 ° C, examples of which include, but are not limited to: waxes such as, for example, beeswax, carnauba, myrtle, candelilla, montan, ozocerite, ceresin, hydrogenated castor oil (castor wax), synthetic waxes, microcrystalline waxes. Castor wax is preferred within this group. Other waxes with high melting point are described in U.S. Patent 4,049,792, Elsnau, issued September 20, 1977, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suspending agents or thickeners suitable for use in the antiperspirant compositions described herein include suspending agents or particulate thickeners such as, for example, clays and colloidal pyrogenic silica pigments. Other known or otherwise effective particulate suspension or thickeners can also be used in the compositions of the substance described herein. The concentrations of these suitable particulate thickeners preferably range from about 0.001% to 15%, more preferably from about 1% to 15%, even more preferably from about 1% to 8% by weight of the antiperspirant composition. selected Preferred are colloidal pyrogenic silica pigments, a common example of which is Cab-O-Sil®, a submicroscopic pyrogenic particulate fumed silica. Suitable clay suspending agents or thickeners include montmorillonite clays, examples of which include bentonites, hectorites, and colloidal magnesium aluminum silicates. These and other suitable clay suspending agents are preferably hydrophobically treated, and when treated in this manner they will generally be used in combination with a clay activator. Non-limiting examples of suitable clay activators include propylene carbonate, ethanol and combination thereof. The amount of the clay activator will typically vary from about 25% to 75% by weight clay, more typically from about 40% to 60% by weight of the clay.

Liquid Carrier The antiperspirant and deodorant compositions for use in the applicator of the present invention comprise a liquid carrier that is a liquid under ambient conditions, wherein the liquid carrier comprises one or more combinations of liquid carrier or combinations of carrier liquids and dissolved carrier solids. that in any of these combinations is in liquid form under ambient conditions. The concentrations of the liquid carrier in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions will vary with the type of liquid carrier selected, the type of suspending agent or thickener used in combination with the liquid carrier, the type of product form desired, etc. Preferred concentrations of the liquid carrier vary from about 1% to 90%, preferably from about 10% to 80%, most preferably from about 20% to 70% by weight of the selected antiperspirant and deodorant composition. The antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein may be formulated as aqueous or anhydrous compositions. For an aqueous formulation, the compositions may further comprise between about 10% and 75% by weight of water, preferably between about 10% and 60% by weight of water, even more preferably between about 15% and 50% in weight of water. For an anhydrous formulation, the compositions will contain less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, even more preferably less than about 3%, still more preferably less than about 1%, and most preferably zero percent by weight of free or added water.

The liquid carrier comprises one or more liquid carriers suitable for topical application to human skin. These liquid carriers include any topically safe and effective carrier liquid, organic, silicone-containing or fluorine-containing, volatile or non-volatile, polar or non-polar, provided that the resulting combination of carrier materials forms a solution or other liquid homogeneous or dispersion of liquid at the selected processing temperature of the composition. Processing temperatures for the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions typically range from about 28 ° C to 250 ° C, more typically from about 28 ° C to 110 ° C and even more typically from about 28 ° C to 100 ° C. The term "volatile" in the sense in which it is used herein refers to those materials having a vapor pressure as measured at 25 ° C of between about 0.01 mmHg and 6 mmHg, preferably of between about 0.02 mmHg and 1.5 mmHg and an average boiling point at a pressure atmosphere (1 atm) of less than about 250 ° C, preferably less than about 235 ° C at 1 atmosphere (atm) of pressure.

In contrast, the term "non-volatile" in the sense in which it is used herein refers to those materials that do not have a measurable vapor pressure under 1 atmosphere of pressure, at about 50% relative humidity to about 25. ° C. The term "non-polar" in the sense in which it is used herein refers to those materials having a solubility parameter of less than (cal / cm 3) or .5 preferably of about 5.0 (cal / cm, 3,) 0u. "5 ° to less than 8.0 (cal / cm3) 0.5, more preferably from about 6.0 (cal / cm3) 0" 5 to 7.60 (cal / cm3) 0.5. The solubility parameters for the liquid carrier and other liquid materials described herein are determined by methods well known in the chemical arts to establish the relative polar character of a solvent or other material. A description of the solubility parameters and means to determine them is described by C.D. Vaughan, "Solubility Effects in Product, Package, Penetration and Preservation" 103 Cosmetics and Toiletries 47-69, October 1988; and C. D. Vaughan, "Using Solubility Parameters in Cosmetics Formulation," 36 J. Soc. Cosmetic Chemists 319-333, September / October, 1988, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of suitable silicone-containing liquid carriers include volatile or non-volatile silicones, modified or organofunctional silicones and combinations thereof. The volatile silicone carriers can be cyclic, linear or branched chained silicones having the volatility requirement defined herein. The non-volatile silicones are preferably linear silicones. Carriers of modified silicone or organofunctionals include polyalkylsiloxanes, polyalkylarylsiloxanes, polysters, siloxanes, polyethersiloxane copolymers, polyfluorosiloxanes, polyaminosiloxanes and combinations thereof. The modified silicone carriers are typically liquid under ambient conditions, and have a preferred viscosity of less than about 100,000 centistokes, more preferably less than about 500 centistokes, even more preferably between about 1 centistoke and 50 centistokes and more preferably between about 1 centistoke and about 20 centistokes. These modified silicone carriers are generally known in the chemical arts, some examples of which are described in 1 Cosme ti cs, Sci in ce and Technology 27-104 (M. Balsam and E. Sagarin ed. 1972); U.S. Patent 4,202,879, issued to Shelton on May 13, 1980; U.S. Patent 5,069,897, issued to Orr on December 3, 1991; whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. Suitable modified silicone carriers include, but are not limited to: compounds or materials such as, for example, those defined above and which are generally characterized as follows: silicone polyethers or silicone glycols (such as, for example, dimethicone copolyol); polyethers linked with alkyl and silicone (such as, for example, Goldschmidt EM-90 or EM-97); siloxane surfactants of a pendant / rake / comb configuration, silicone surfactants of a trisiloxane configuration and silicone surfactants of ABA / alpha-omega block copolymers (such as, for example, polyoxyalkylenes, polyoxyethylene or polyoxyethylene / ethoxylated or ethoxylated polyoxypropylene) / propoxylated); emollients of aromatic substituted silicone (such as, for example, phenyl, alpha-methylstyryl, styryl, methylphenyl, alkylphenyl); silicone copolymers with other functional groups include: hydrogen, alkyl, methyl, amino, t-rifluoropropyl, vinyl, alkoxy, arylalkyl, aryl, phenyl, ethyryl, polyethers, esters, carboxy-lobes; alkylmethyl siloxanes or silicone waxes (such as, for example, hexyl, octyl, lauryl, cetyl, stearyl); nonionic functional siloxane copolymers with terminal groups which are silanol or trimethylsilyloxy; nonionic functional siloxanes with structure groups that are trisiloxane or linked methicone; nonionic silicone surfactants; tetraethoxysilane; tetramethoxysilane; hexametoxy silicone; oxmethoxytrisiloxane; silicone emulsifiers; silicone or siloxane resins, alkyl silicone resins, polyoxyalkylene silicone resins; MQ resins such as, for example, Shiseido / Shin-et su for example, Japanese Patent Application JP86143760 or Walker Chem. 6MBH (described in EP722970); alkoxysiloxanes; alkoxysilanes; meticones (polymethylalkysiloxanes); and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of modified silicone carriers suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include the following modified silicones available from Dow Corning: Cosmetic Grade Fluid DC-556 (phenyl trimethicone); Emulsion DC-1784; DC-AF emulsion; Emulsion DC-1520-US; Fluid DC-593 (Dimethicone [y] Trimethylsiloxysilicate); Fluid DC-3225C (Cyclomethicone [y] Copolyol Dimethicone); DC-1401 (Cyclomethicone [and] Dimethiconol); Powder DC-5640; DC-Q2-5220 (Dimethicone Copolyol); DC Q2-5324 (Dimethicone Copolyol); Cosmetic wax DC-2501 (Copolyol Dimethicone); Fluid DC-2502 (Cetil Dimethicone); Wax DC-2503 (Stearyl Dimethicone); Volatile Fluid DC-1731 (Caproyl Trimethicone); DC-1-3563 (Dimethiconal); DC-X2-1146A (Cyclomethicone [and] Dimethiconol); DC-7224 (Trimethylsilyllamodimetone); Fluid DC-X2-1318 (Cyclomethicone [y] Vinyl dimethicone); fluid DC-QF1-3593A (Trimethylsiloxysilicate) and combinations thereof. Other non-limiting examples of suitable modified silicone carriers include the following modified silicones available from General Electric: GE CF-1142 (Methylphenyl Siloxane Fluid); GE SF-1328; GE SF-1188 (Dimethicone copolyol); GE SF-1188A, and combinations thereof. Other non-limiting examples of suitable modified silicone carriers include the following modified silicones available from Goldschmidt: Abil EM-90 (silicone emulsifier); Abil EM-97 (polyether siloxane); Tegomer H-Si 2111, H-Si 2311, A- Si 2120, A-Si 2320, C-Si 2141, C-Si 2341, E-Si 2130, E-Si 2330, V-Si 2150, V-Si 2550 , H-Si 6420, H-Si 6440, H-Si 6460 (Copolymers of Alpha-Omega Dimethicone) and combinations thereof. Other non-limiting examples of suitable modified silicone carriers include the following: Masil 756 from • PPG Industries (Tetrabutoxypropyl Trisiloxane); Silicate Cluster of Olin (Tris [tributoxisiloxy] met ilsilane); silicone copolymer F-754 (dimethicone copolymer of SWS Silicones); and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicones suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions herein are described in Todd et al .; "Volatile Silicone Fluids for Cosmetics", Cosmetics and Toiletries, 91: 27-32 (1976), whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. Among these preferred volatile silicones are cyclic silicones having between about 3 and 7, more preferably between about 4 and 5 silicone atoms. More preferred are those that agree with the formula: wherein n is between about 3 and 7, preferably between about 4 and 5, more preferably 5. These volatile cyclic silicones in general have a viscosity value of less than about 10 centistokes. All viscosity values described herein are measured or determined under ambient conditions, unless otherwise specified. Volatile silicones suitable for use herein include, but are not limited to: Cyclomethicone D-5 (commercially available from G.E. Silicones); Dow Corning 344, and Dow Corning 345 (commercially available from Dow Corning Corp.); GE 7207, GE 7158 and Fluids of Silicone SF-1202 and SF-1173 (available from General Electric Co.); SWS-03314, SWS-03400, F-222, F-223, F-250, F-251 (available from SWS Silicones Corp.); Volatile Silicones 7158, 7207, 7349 (available from Union Carbide); Masil SF-V (available from Mazer); and combinations thereof. The non-volatile silicone carriers for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein are preferably linear silicones that include, but are not limited to: those that are in accordance with any of the formulas: where n is greater than or equal to 1. These linear silicone materials will generally have viscosity values of up to about 100, 100,000 centistokes, preferably less than about 500 centistokes, more preferably between about 1 centistoke and 200 centistokes, even of "greater preference of between about 1 centistoke and 50 centistokes, as measured under ambient conditions. Suitable volatiles for use herein include, but are not limited to: hexamethyldis iloxane; Rhodorsil Oils 70047 (available from Rhone-Poulenc); Masil SF Fluid available from Mazer; Dow Corning 200, Dow Corning 225, Dow Corning 1732, Dow Corning 5732, Dow Corning 5750 (available from Dow Corning Corp.); Silicone fluids of SF-96, SF-1066 and SF18 (350) (available from G.E. Silicones); Velvasil and Viscasil (available from General Electric Co.); Silicone L-45, Silicone L-530, Silicone L-531 (available from Union Carbide); Siloxane F-221 and Siloxane Fluid SWS-101 (available from SWS Silicones); and combinations thereof. The antiperspirant and deodorant compositions preferably comprise a combination of volatile and non-volatile silicone materials, most preferably a combination of volatile and non-volatile silicone carrier liquids. Non-limiting examples of suitable combinations of these silicone materials are described in U.S. Patent 5,156,834 (Beckmeyer et al.), The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of polar organic liquid carriers suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include monohydric and polyhydric alcohols, fatty acids, mono and dibasic carboxylic acid esters with monohydric and polyhydric alcohols, polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes, esters of polyalkoxylated alcohols and combinations thereof. Preferably, these liquid carriers are also liquid immiscible in water under ambient conditions. Other suitable water-immiscible polar organic carriers of solvents for use herein are described in Cosmetics Science, and Technology, Vol. 1, 27-104, edited by Balsam and Sagarin (1972); U.S. Patent 4,202,879, issued to Shelton on May 13, 1980; and U.S. Patent 4,816,261 issued to Luebbe et al. on March 28, 1989, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other liquid carriers suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include organic, water-miscible, polar, anhydrous liquid carriers or solvents, examples of which include short-chain alcohols, such as, for example, ethanol and solvents. glycol such as, for example, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, t-propylene glycol, etc. Other suitable similar solvents also include polyalkoxylated carriers such as, for example, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, combinations and derivatives thereof, etc. Non-limiting examples of polar solvents suitable for use herein are described in U.S. Patent 5,429,816, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable polar solvents include phthalate co-solvents, benzoate co-solvents, cinnamate esters, secondary alcohols, benzyl acetate, phenyl alkane and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of non-polar liquid carriers suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions herein include petroleum, petrolatum, isohexadecane, isododecane, various hydrocarbon oils such as, for example, the Isopar or Norpar series available from Exxon Corp., Permethyl series available from Perspersé and the Soltrol series available from Phillips Chemical and any other liquid or organic carrier solvent, miscible in water, polar or non-polar, known or otherwise effective for topical application to human skin. Other liquid carriers suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein include fluorine-containing liquid carriers such as, for example, fluorochemicals, including fluorosurfactants, fluorotelémeros and perfluoropolyethers, some examples of which are described in Cosmetics & Toiletries, Using Fluorinated Compounds in Topical Preparations, Vol. 111, pages 47-62, (Oct. 1996), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. More specific examples of these liquid carriers include, but are not limited to, perfluoropolyimethyl-isopropyl ethers, perfluoropolypropyl ethers, fluorinated telomer of acrylamide, fluorinated amide surfactants, perfluorinated thiol surfactants. Other more specific examples include, but are not limited to: the polyperfluoroisopropyl ethers available from Dupont Performance Chemicals under the trade name Fluortress® PFPE oils and the series of fluorosurfactants available from Dupont Performance Chemicals under the tradename Fluorosurfactants Zonyl®.

The antiperspirant compositions described herein may further comprise dimethiconol as an optional liquid carrier. Preferred dimethiconol concentrations vary between about 0.1% and 50%, more preferably between about 1% and 35%, even more preferably between about 2% and 20% by weight of the selected antiperspirant composition. Dimethiconols suitable for use as an optional liquid carrier include those corresponding to the formula: wherein n is a number having a value of zero or greater, preferably between about 1 to about 100, more preferably between about 1 and 50, even more preferably between about 1 and 10. Non-limiting examples of Suitable dimethiconols include Masil® SFR 70, Mazol® SFR 18,000, Mazol® SFR 50,000, Mazol® SFR 100, Mazol® SFR 150,000, Mazol® SFR 750, Mazol® SFR 2000, and Mazol® SFR 3500, all available from PPG / Specialty Chemicals; Unisil SF-R available from Universal Preservative; and combinations thereof. Other available dimethiconols include Abil® OSW 12, OSW13, Abil® OSW 15 and Abil® CK, all available from Goldschmidt; Dow Corning® 1401 Fluid, Dow Corning® Q2-1403 Fluid, Dow Corning® X2-1286 Fluid, all available from Dow Corning; Tri-Sil HGC 5000 available from Tri-K Industries; and combinations thereof.

Optional Components The antiperspirant and deodorant compositions for use in the applicator of the present invention may additionally comprise one or more optional components that may modify the physical or chemical characteristics of the compositions or serve as additional "active" components when deposited on the skin. The composition may also comprise optional inert ingredients. Many of these optional materials are known to be used in antiperspirant, deodorant and other skin care compositions and can be used in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein, provided that these optional materials are compatible with the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions described herein. essential materials described herein, or that otherwise do not unduly harm the performance of the product. Non-limiting examples of optional ingredients suitable for use in the antiperspirant and deodorant compositions herein include pH regulating agents; additional emollients; humectants; dyes and pigments; medicines; emulsifiers; chelators; distribution agents; conservatives; waste masking agents; auxiliaries for bleaching; and softening agents such as, for example, aloe vera, allantoin, D-panthenol, avocado oil and other vegetable oils and lichen extract.

Rheology One embodiment of the antiperspirant compositions described herein are antiperspirant creams having a select rheology profile. The rheology profile as defined herein is a combination of delta tension values of the select product (dyne / cm2) and tension to produce static (dyne / cm2) for the antiperspirant cream compositions. The methods for measuring or determining each of these essential features of the rheology profile are described in detail hereinafter. The rheology methodologies are carried out at 27 ° C, 15% relative humidity, unless otherwise specified. 1. Methodology: delta tension and tension to produce static To determine the delta voltage values and to produce static tension for the antiperspirant cream compositions, the compositions are analyzed using a Rheometrics Dynamic Tension Rheometer (available from Rheometrics Inc., Piscatawany, New Jersey , USA) with data collection and analysis performed using Rhios 4.2.2 software (also available from Rheometrics Inc., Piscatawany, New Jersey, USA). The rheometer is configured in a parallel plate design using a 25 mm top plate (available as part number LS-PELT-IP25 from Rheometrics Inc., Piscatawany, New Jersey, E.U.A).

The temperature control is adjusted to 37 ° C. The analysis of the antiperspirant cream is carried out in the default test mode "Voltage Sweep: stable sweep". The rheometer settings are initial tension (1.0 dyne / cm2), final voltage (63,930 dynes / cm2), voltage increase (100 dynes / cm2), and a maximum time per data point (5 seconds). The term "tension to produce static" in the sense in which it is used herein, refers to the minimum amount of tension (dyne / cm2) that must be applied to the antiperspirant cream composition to move the top plate of the Rheometer. of Rheometrics Dynamic Tension at a distance of approximately 4.2 micro radians according to the methods of analysis described herein. In other words, the tension to produce static represents the point in a voltage sweep analysis (described herein) of a product at which point the rheometer is first able to measure the viscosity of the product. The term "delta tension" in the sense in which it is used herein is determined to subtract the tension to produce static from the dynamic production tension of a composition. The dynamic production tension is the point at which the measured viscosity begins to decrease rapidly. This can easily be determined by finding the last voltage value where the increase between the voltage values is 100 dyne / cm2. In other words, the delta tension of the composition represents the increasing amount of stress that must be applied to the composition, beyond the static production tension of the composition, to substantially liquefy the composition. The antiperspirant cream composition is evaluated for its rheological characteristics after the composition has been packaged in the applicator device of the present invention. A portion of the composition is carefully removed from the applicator so that the product is subjected to a minimum shear stress and in particular so that it is not allowed to twist or otherwise be reconfigured to a shape other than that of the portion that has been removed. of the composition. The portion is carefully placed in plates on the bottom plate of the rheometer taking care to minimize the application of stress by shear stress on the placement section. The area of the placed section is at least approximately the size of the top plate to ensure adequate contact between the two plates during the test. The upper plate is then lowered to the lower plate and placed approximately 2 mm above the lower plate and therefore approximately 1 mm from the section of the product which is placed in plates on the lower plate. The upper plate is further lowered at a minimum speed towards the lower plate and placed at approximately 1,000 (± 0.002) mm above the lower plate, at which point the product is placed gently between each of the upper and lower plates and he gets in touch with them. The excess product extending out from and around the plates placed parallel is gently removed using a spatula and taking care to subject the product placed between the plates to a minimum or no additional shear stress of the spatula. The solvent-protective pad on the rheometer is saturated with the type of liquid carrier corresponding thereto of the test product. The solvent protector is lowered onto the parallel plates to avoid the loss of solvent from the test product that is placed between the plates during the analysis. The product is ready at this time for the rheological analysis and the determination of the dynamic tension, the tension to produce static and the delta tension. The samples of the product are subjected to a rheological test and an evaluation according to the methodology described in the above. The data from the analysis described above can be plotted as viscosity (pascal • sec.) On a logarithmic scale on the applied linear tension (dyne / cm2). The starting point at which the instrument measures a viscosity of the stress to produce static (ie, the lowest voltage at which the instrument shows a viscosity that is not zero). The dynamic production tension is the point at which the measured viscosity begins to decrease rapidly. This can easily be determined by finding the last voltage value where the increase between voltage values is 100 dyne / cm2. The delta voltage is then determined by subtracting the voltage for static production of the voltage for dynamic production. The antiperspirant cream compositions have a stress value to produce static of at least about 4,000 dyne / cm2, more preferably at least about 8,000 dyne / cm2, even more preferably at least about 40,000 dyne / cm2. The maximum static stress values for the compositions are preferably less than about 120,000 dyne / cm2, more preferably less than about 63,000 dyne / cm2. The delta tension value of the antiperspirant cream compositions is between about 300 dyne / cm2 and 8,000 dyne / cm2, preferably between about 1,000 dyne / cm2 and 6,000 dyne / cm2, more preferably between about 1,000 dyne / cm2 and 5,000 dyne / cm2. A delta voltage below the minimum level can result in a syneresis of the solvent during the supply of shear force, while a value greater than the maximum mentioned can result in one. non-uniform distribution of the product on the skin and a reduced spreading ability on the skin, especially on the hairy areas of the skin. The delta tension values, therefore, mentioned herein provide a uniform creamy product that shows minimal or no syneresis of the solvent, a uniform distribution on the skin and an especially good distribution on and through the hairy areas of the skin. the skin.

COMPOSITIONS FOR CARE OF THE SKIN Another suitable category of substances that is believed to be suitable for use with the applicators of the present invention is the class of compositions which are generally referred to as skin care compositions. These compositions include those intended to treat or modify human skin in terms of structure, condition or appearance. By way of example only and without being construed as limiting, an area of current interest in the skin care area relates to compositions designed to direct the emission associated with the onset of wrinkles of the skin. Representative compositions of this area include salicylic acid technologies, such as those described in published PCT applications, jointly assigned WO 92/09737 and WO 92/09739, both published June 10, 1993 and WO 92/08741 , published April 29, 1993. Another area of current interest is niacinamide-containing skin care compositions, such as those described in published PCT applications WO 96/17672, published May 15, 1997 and WO 97/06680, published October 30, 1997. All of these publications are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable compositions include those described in commonly assigned U.S. Patents 5,720,961, 5,707,635, 5,703,026, 5,700,451, 5,683,706, 5,674,509 and 5,665,364, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

COMPOSITIONS FOR HAIR CARE The applicator of the present invention can also be used for topical application for hair care therein. Hair care products that can be applied include shampoos, conditioners to rinse, conditioners that do not rinse and remain in the hair, dyes, sprays to stylize the hair, gels and mousses or foams. Shampoos, used for hair cleaning, generally comprise one or more surfactant, thickener or suspension agents, perfumes and optionally conditioning or styling agents. Typical shampoos are disclosed in Reissue US Pat. No. 34,584, Grote et al., Issued April 12, 1994; U.S. Patent No. 5,756,436, Royce et al., May 26, 1998; U.S. Patent No. 5,648,323, Coffindaffer et al., issued July 15, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,612,301, Inman, issued March 18, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,573,709, Wells, issued November 12, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,151,210, Steuri et al., issued September 29, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 4,704,272, Oh, issued November 3, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,705,681, Maes et al., issued November 10, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,387,090, Bolich Jr. Et al., Granted on June 7, 1993; U.S. Patent No. 4,379,753, Bolich Jr., issued April 12, 1983; and U.S. Patent No. 4,345,080, Bolich. et al., issued August 17, 1982. Hair conditioning products in general are used to apply conditioning agents to hair after shampooing to improve detanglement and / or to provide a soft feel to hair. Typical rinsing conditioners are set forth in U.S. Patent No. 5,667,771, Carballada et al., Issued September 16, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,482,703, Pings, issued January 9, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,106,609, Bolich Jr. et al., granted on April 21, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,104,646, Bolich Jr. et al., granted on April 14, 1992; and U.S. Patent No. 4,387,090, Bolich Jr. issued June 7, 1983. Typical non-rinsing conditioner products are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,674,478, Dodd et al., October 7, 1997. Styling products such as hair as for example, sprays for spray and non-aerosol hair, mousses and gels are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,750,122, Evans et al., May 12, 1998; U.S. Patent No. 5,730,966, Torgerson et al., March 24, 1998; U.S. Patent No. 5,674,478, Dodd et al., October 7, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,658,557, Bolich Jr. et al., granted on August 19, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,166,276, Hayama et al., issued November 24, 1992; and U.S. Patent No. 5,753,216, Leitch et al., issued May 19, 1998. Hair dyeing products have been generally disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,679,114, Haning et al., granted on October 21, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,597,386, Igarashi et al., issued January 28, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,435,810, Prota et al., issued July 25, 1995; U.S. Patent No. 5,356,439, Schultz et al., issued October 18, 1994; U.S. Patent No. 4,183,366, Bartuska et al., issued January 15, 1980; and U.S. Patent No. 4,200,432, Kalopissis et al., issued April 29, 1980.

OTHER SUBSTANCES While much of the foregoing discussion has focused on particular substances such as, for example, antiperspirant compositions that have proven to be suitable for use with applicators in accordance with the present invention, it should be understood that the principles of the present invention they are applied to other applicator / substance combinations where the applicator is designed to take into account the particular characteristics of the substance and the nature of the application environment. For example, it is believed that other compositions such as, for example, sunscreens, kitchen products such as, for example, fats, oils and butters, waxes such as, for example, shoe polish and the like and other substances may be suitable for used with the applicators as described herein. According to the present invention, the substance used in combination with the deformable material exhibits a selection of physical properties that allow it to be dispatched from its protected orientation within the three-dimensional structure and applied to the determined surface. This office may be partial or substantial or totally complete by nature. To facilitate this release, the properties of the substance that are believed to be important include the relative affinity of the substance for the surface determined against that of the deformable material and the apparent viscosity or flowability of the substance after the activation of the three-dimensional structure . It is currently believed that the substance should adhere preferentially to the surface determined to a greater degree than the deformable material and / or to a greater extent than for other portions of the substance itself. Stated differently, the substance has a greater affinity for the determined surface than for itself and / or for the deformable sheet material. The substances may inherently possess viscosity and flow characteristics that allow their release from their protected location within the sheet material or may require a viscosity modification or allow release and dispersion. Viscosity modification can be obtained by selecting substances that undergo a change in viscosity in response to the selected activation mode. For example, for a mechanical activation such as for example, a compression force may be desirable, and preferably, substances which are commonly referred to as "shear thinning" (pseudoplastic) substances are used. Examples of these substances include polymer solutions, many gels and pastes such as, for example, toothpastes and body creams, paints, gelled wool dyes, etc. Other materials behave as shear thinning materials only after reaching or exceeding a certain threshold shear stress (tension provided). These materials are commonly referred to as Bingham plastic materials, and a common example of a substance that exhibits this behavior is the type of condiment known as ketchup. Some of the factors that are believed to influence the adhesion or affinity of the substance for the determined surface include: electrostatic or electrical charges; chemical bonds through hydrogen bonding, covalent bonding, ionic bonding, partial ionic bonds (partial dipolar attraction), van der Walls forces, osmotic forces, etc .; capillary pressure (suction); adsorption; absorption; vacuum / suction; etc. Other important factors include the wettability of the substance on the determined surface, as it is reflected by the contact angle of the substance on the determined surface. To facilitate the distribution or dispersion of the substance on the determined surface, in particular to neutralize the tendency of the substance to remain in a localized distribution pattern given the localized orientation on the deformable substance, it is currently preferred to use substances that are made to be wettable on the determined surface. Other factors that can help in the dispersion or distribution of the substance on the determined surface include the use of substances that exhibit a shear thinning behavior, as well as a mechanical distribution action provided by the user of the composite sheet material impart a lateral mechanical movement after the activation but before the removal of the deformable material from the determined surface. This lateral mechanical action can also provide additional interaction with the substance such as, for example, for shear thinning substances and can provide additional benefits such as, for example, foam production, foam generation, rubbing / abrasion action, etc. Successful dispersion occurs when a portion of the deposited or dispatched substance subsequently coats a portion of the determined surface where the substance was not originally deposited. At the time of removal of the sheet material from the determined surface, at least some of the substance remains located on the determined surface, preferably in a substantially uniform form. As discussed in the foregoing, a wide variety of substances can be selected for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Representative substances for illustrative purposes include cleaning agents such as, for example, soaps and detergents, emollients such as for example, lotions, medicinal agents such as, for example, ointments, anti-inflammatory creams, etc., products for the care of the health and beauty among which are included antiperspirants, deodorants, cosmetics, fragrances and the like. Other more diverse applications for this sheet material include applicators for automotive and household products, such as, for example, lubricants, colorants, protectors such as, for example, oils and waxes, adhesives, preservatives and the like, as well as applications oriented to foods such as, for example, condiments (mustard, ketchup, etc.). Multiple substances can also be used that are not only protected from inadvertent contact, but segregated from each other initially (on the same side or in opposition to the faces of the sheet material) and mixed during the activation process or during subsequent operations of dispatch and / or dispersion. This arrangement may be particularly useful for substances that beneficially interact with each other (e.g., co-distribution epoxies, catalyzed reactions, etc.) to provide additional functionality to each other and / or to the determined surface. It may also be desirable to provide a progressive or sequential distribution of the substance to make up the geometry of the applicator or the properties of the substance to provide an initial application followed by additional progressive dispatch with the passage of time, increased pressure, etc. 3. Manufacturing Methods The applicators of the present invention can be manufactured in any manner suitable for the intended geometry and the intended materials and substances involved. By way of example, for the currently preferred foam materials mentioned in the foregoing, the configurations of Figure 1 can be manufactured by forming the plurality of openings and containers by thermal etching with a heated die to the desired depth, then either injecting the substance inside the containers or flood the substance inside / above the applicator and cut the substance in excess. A label or seal is then applied over the distribution area and secured by thermal or adhesive means. The applicator can then be cut with the die for the final shape or alternatively the step of die cutting can be carried out at the time of the formation of the containers or any other suitable arrangement of the steps. The substance can be heated or otherwise flowable for this process if necessary. For an embodiment with an individual container like that of Figure 4, the application surface can be manufactured in a similar manner, the backing sheet can be attached perimetically by thermal or other means and the substance can be injected into the container from an individual source or multiple sources if desired. While the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended to cover all the appended claims These modifications are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. CLAIMS 1. An applicator for applying and distributing a substance on a given surface, the applicator comprises: (a) a substantially flat sheet of material that can be compressed or shaped having first and second opposed surfaces and an inner region between the first and second second surfaces, the sheet of the material has a thickness between the first and second surfaces that decreases when the sheet of the material is subjected to a force applied externally in a direction substantially normal to the first surface; (b) at least one discrete vessel extending inwardly from the first surface in the interior ... of the sheet of material; (c) a substance that at least partially fills the container; and (d) at least one discrete opening formed in the first surface, the opening is in fluid communication with the container; wherein the compression of the sheet of the material by means of an externally applied force practically normal to the first surface removes the product from the opening and the translational movement of the first surface in relation to the determined surface applies and distributes the product on the determined surface.
2. 2. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a plurality of openings forming a distribution zone adjacent to one end of the applicator.
3. 3. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the substance fills the container at a level at least equal to that of the first surface.
4. 4. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the container defines an interior volume that decreases when the thickness is reduced by an externally applied force.
5. 5. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a plurality of openings.
6. 6. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a plurality of containers.
7. 7. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a plurality of openings and a corresponding plurality of containers, each of the openings being in fluid communication with one of the containers.
8. 8. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the opening completely penetrates the first and second surfaces and the container is formed between the second surface and a backing sheet peripherally attached thereto.
9. 9. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the container extends into the first surface inside the sheet of the material but does not penetrate the second surface.
10. 10. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the container extends into the first surface inside the sheet of material at a distance that is less than the thickness.
11. 11. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the sheet material is resilient at the time of compression.
12. 12. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the sheet material is resilient at the time of bending.
13. 13. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the sheet material compresses a closed cell foam material.
14. 14. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a removable cover sheet for closing the opening before use.
15. 15. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a plurality of containers and a plurality of corresponding openings and wherein the containers include various multiple substances.
16. 16. An applicator for applying and distributing a substance on a given substance, the applicator comprises: (a) a substantially flat sheet of material that can be compressed, shaped, having first and second opposed surfaces and an inner region between the first and second surfaces; (b) at least one discrete opening extending inward from the first surface within the sheet of the material at a distance that is less than the distance between the first and second opposing surfaces to form a corresponding product container.
17. 17. The applicator according to Claim 16, wherein the material that can be compressed, formed comprises a closed cell foam material.
18. 18. A method for manufacturing an applicator for applying and distributing a substance on a given surface, the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substantially flat sheet of material that can be compressed, shaped, having first and second opposing surfaces and a inner region between the first and second surfaces, the sheet of the material has a thickness between the first and second surfaces that decreases when the sheet of the material is subjected to a force applied externally in a direction substantially normal to the first surface; (b) forming at least one discrete vessel extending into the first surface inside the sheet of the material; (c) at least partially filling the container with a substance; and (d) forming at least one discrete opening in the first surface, the opening is in fluid communication with the container.
19. 19. The method according to Claim 18, wherein the container is formed by thermal etching.
20. 20. The method according to Claim 18, wherein the substance is injected into the interior of the container.
21. 21. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the container is a slot-type container.
22. 22. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the container is an aperture-channel type container.
23. 23. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the container is an aperture-channel type container placed diagonally at an angle of 45 °.
24. 24. The applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the container has a dimensional ratio of about 5 or less. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance on a certain surface. The applicator comprises a substantially flat sheet of material that can be compressed, shaped, having first and second opposed surfaces and an inner region between the first and second surfaces. The sheet of the material has a thickness between the first and second surfaces that decreases when the sheet of the material is subjected to a force applied externally in a direction substantially normal to the first surface. The applicator further includes at least one discrete vessel extending into the first surface within the sheet of the material that is at least partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete opening formed in the first surface that is in communication fluid with the container. The compression of the sheet of the material by means of an externally applied force practically normal to the first surface extracts the product from the opening and the translational movement of the first surface in relation to the determined surface applies and distributes the product on the determined surface. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of openings is associated with the corresponding containers forming a distribution zone near an end of a hand-held applicator and the sheet material is preferably resilient to both compression and bending to conform to irregular determined surfaces. A wide variety of substances are contemplated, among which are particularly antiperspirant / deodorant products. Other embodiments include a single container that feeds a plurality of openings.