APPLICATOR

Abstract

An applicator including a main body having at least one compartment in which is stored at least one product, the product being liquid or semi-liquid or solid or gaseous, at least one applicator portion configured to deliver the at least one product to an object, and at least one activation mechanism configured to release the at least one product from the at least one compartment for delivery by the at least one applicator.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems and methods for application of liquid, semi-liquid, solid and/or gaseous products to an object, and in particular is directed to an applicator that operates to deliver such products for medical and/or cosmetic purposes, for example.

BACKGROUND

Conventional applicators, such as those used for application of cosmetics, do not have a compact and unitary structure that is able to both store a liquid product and deliver the liquid product to an object. For example, many conventional applicators have a container portion and an applicator portion, and in use the two portions must be separated so that the applicator portion can be inserted into the container portion to draw in the liquid product and then used to apply the liquid product. This construction also makes it difficult to control the amount of liquid product being delivered to the applicator portion since there is no mechanism to control the delivery. This often results in too much product being drawn into the applicator portion for a particular use, resulting in waste of the product over time.

Further, since conventional applicators are not able to store a liquid product, liquid products that are intended to be applied together as a mixture but need to be kept separate until application cannot be applied using a single applicator. Instead, two separate applicators often need to be used to deliver corresponding liquid products, which then would need to be mixed separate from the applicators, either on the target object or in a separate container, for example.

There is a need for improved systems and methods for application of products.

SUMMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a main body comprising at least one compartment in which is stored at least one product, the product being liquid, semi-liquid, solid and/or gaseous; at least one applicator portion configured to deliver the at least one product to an object; and at least one activation mechanism configured to release the at least one product from the at least one compartment for delivery by the at least one applicator.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one compartment comprises at least two compartments.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one product comprises at least two products, and each one of the at least two products is stored in a corresponding one of the at least two compartments.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one activation mechanism comprises at least two activation mechanisms, and each one of the at least two activation mechanisms is configured to release a corresponding one of the at least two products from a corresponding one of the at least two compartments.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one applicator portion comprises at least two applicator portions, and each one of the at least two applicator portions is configured to deliver a corresponding one of the at least two products to the object.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least two applicator portions differ from one another in construction.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least two applicator portions have the same construction.

In an exemplary embodiment the applicator further comprises an additional activation mechanism configured to mix the at least two liquid or semi-liquid products.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one compartment comprises a seal.

In an exemplary embodiment actuation of the at least one activation mechanism results in breakage of the seal.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one activation mechanism comprises a button, a lever, a switch, or a rotating element.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one applicator portion comprises a brush, a sponge, a valve, or a squeeze applicator.

In an exemplary embodiment the applicator further comprises a battery that powers a pressure device configured to move the at least one product from the at least one container to the at least one applicator portion.

In an exemplary embodiment the pressure device comprises a pump.

In an exemplary embodiment the pump is an electric pump.

In an exemplary embodiment the pump is a manually operated pump.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one applicator portion is a pressurized dispenser.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one applicator portion is configured to deliver the at least one product in aerosol form.

In an exemplary embodiment the at least one applicator portion is configured to deliver the at least one product in a specific direction.

In an exemplary embodiment the applicator is disposable.

In an exemplary embodiment the applicator is recyclable and/or reusable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with references to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing operation of an applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing operation of an applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an applicator, generally designated by reference number 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The applicator 1 has an elongated main body 10, with applicator portions 12, 14 disposed at each end of the main body 10. Separate activation mechanisms 16, 20 may be provided on the main body 10 corresponding to each of the applicator portions 12, 14. In exemplary embodiments, the activation mechanisms 16, 20 may be, for example, buttons, levers, switches or rotating elements, to name a few. As explained further below, actuation of the activation mechanisms 16, 20 results in delivery of a liquid or semi-liquid product to the applicator portions 12, 14. In exemplary embodiments, activation of the applicator 1 may be done manually (e.g., by a user squeezing the activator 1) or automatically (e.g., by a user pressing a button or some other activating mechanism).

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate operation of the activation mechanisms 16, 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Two (or more) different types of liquids or semi-liquids 30, 40 (or potentially powders, gases and/or other solid substances inclusive of solids) may be stored within corresponding compartments within the main body 10. The compartments may be separated by a barrier 50, and each compartment may be bound by a corresponding seal 32, 42. In this example, the activation mechanisms 16, 20 are buttons disposed on the sides of the applicator 1 and operatively connected to corresponding camming elements 17, 21, which in turn are in sliding contact with corresponding pins or rods 19, 23. The buttons 16, 20 may be biased outwards relative to the main body 10 by, for example, springs. The pins or rods 19, 23 (or other activating elements) are capable of movement in the Y-direction (referring to the reference frame in the lower right-hand corner of the drawing sheet). For example, the pins or rods 19, 23 may be slidably disposed within the applicator portions 12, 14, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3B, depression of the button 16 in the X-direction results in movement of the camming element 17 also in the X-direction, which in turn results in movement of the pin or rod 19 in the Y-direction into engagement with the seal 32. The end portion of the pin or rod 19 that engages with the seal 32 preferably terminates in a sharpened point so that contact of the pin or rod 19 with the seal 32 results in puncturing of the seal 32, which in turn allows the first liquid or semi-liquid 30 to freely move through the seal 32 and into contact with the applicator portion 12 where the first liquid or semi-liquid 30 may be delivered to an object. In the same way, the second liquid or semi-liquid 40 may be delivered through the seal 42 to the opposite applicator portion 14 through operation of the button 18, camming element 21 and pin or rod 23.

In exemplary embodiments, the activation mechanisms 16, 20 may be configured to allow a gradual, immediate, and/or selective percent mixing of the two or more substances held within the applicator.

In exemplary embodiments, the activations mechanisms 16, 20 may be configured to puncture the two or more compartments, while one or more other activation mechanisms may be configured to regulate flow volume, mix percentages, flow direction, flow speed, and flow width.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator portions 12, 14 may have the same or differing construction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the applicator portion 12 may include a brush, while the applicator portion 14 may include a sponge. This allows for two different types of liquid or semi-liquid products to be applied using the same applicator 1, either at the same time or at different times. In general, the applicator portions 12, 14 may include any type of applicator mechanism, such as, for example, a brush, a sponge, a one-way valve, and a squeeze applicator, to name a few.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator portions 12, 14 may include reservoirs to temporarily hold and transport product from the compartments of the main body 10 to the applicator mechanisms.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator portions 12, 14 may be fixed or interchangeable with other types of applicator portions, and/or various types of applicator mechanisms may be located along the body of the applicator.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator portions 12, 14 may include various types of applicator mechanisms each configured to deliver different types of substances from the various compartments within the applicator. In this regard, in exemplary embodiments, each compartment may have an individual or a shared activation mechanism and/or applicator portion.

FIGS. 2A shows an applicator, generally designated by reference number 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As in the previously described embodiment, the applicator 100 includes a main body 110, an applicator portion 112 and an activation mechanism 116. The applicator 100 in this embodiment has only one applicator portion 112 so as to be more compact in size.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate operation of the activation mechanisms 116 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A liquid or semi-liquid 130 may be stored within a compartment within the main body 110, with the compartment bound by a seal 132. In this example, the activation mechanism 116 is a button disposed at a proximal end of the applicator 100. The button 116 is operatively connected to a pin or rod 119. The pin or rod 119 extends in the Y-direction through the compartment that holds the liquid 130. The button 116 may be biased outwards relative to the main body 110 by, for example, a spring. The pin or rod 119 is capable of movement in the Y-direction (referring to the reference frame in the lower right-hand corner of the drawing sheet).

As shown in FIG. 4B, depression of the button 116 in the Y-direction results in movement of the pin or rod 119 in the Y-direction into engagement with the seal 132. The end portion of the pin or rod 119 that engages with the seal 132 preferably terminates in a sharpened point so that contact of the pin or rod 119 with the seal 132 results in puncturing of the seal 132, which in turn allows the liquid or semi-liquid 130 to freely move through the seal 132 and into contact with the applicator portion 112 where the liquid or semi-liquid 130 may be delivered to an object.

In exemplary embodiments, the pin or rod may have a screw conveyor design or other type of design to propel the contents out of the compartment of the main body.

In exemplary embodiments, the body of the applicator may be made of a flexible material (e.g., plastic) to allow for a user to squeeze the applicator to deliver its contents

FIG. 2B shows the same applicator 100 as that shown in FIG. 2A, except that the applicator portion 112 has been modified to be a brush. In general, the applicator portion 112 may include any type of applicator mechanism, such as, for example, a brush, a sponge, a one-way valve, and a squeeze applicator, to name a few. The applicator portion 112 may include a reservoir to temporarily hold and transport product from the compartment of the main body 110 to the applicator mechanism.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may contain a solution, such as, for example, a medication cream or hair coloring. The solution may be a semi-liquid (e.g., a liquid containing solid particles), viscous liquid or a free-flowing liquid.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may contain solid, powder and/or gaseous substances.

In exemplary embodiments, a user may activate the applicator by, for example, pushing on a button, twisting/pressing on the bottom of the applicator, or by activating some other type of mechanism.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may be electrically activated.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may be activated by release of compressed gas.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may be activated by a spring mechanism.

In exemplary embodiments, activation of the applicator results in breakage of a seal that releases the product. Some products, such as, for example, a hair coloring mixture, may be activated by the mixing of two or more components that are held in separate compartments within the applicator. This may be done by, for example, providing an activation mechanism that is actuated to break a barrier between the two compartments, resulting in mixture of the two components. A second activation mechanism may then be actuated to break a seal that allows the mixture to flow to the applicator portion. Alternatively, puncture of the barrier and seal may be performed using a single activation mechanism.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may include a battery that operates a pressure device to aid in movement of the liquid, solid or gaseous substance from its compartment to the applicator portion. The pressure device may be, for example, a pump (potentially allowing for delivery of a spray, for example).

In exemplary embodiments, because the applicator is compact in size and thus can be carried in a pocket, purse or briefcase, for example, the applicator may be used to administer a liquid product (e.g., coloring for a small area of hair or a medication cream or a tooth whitening substance) at any place or time (such as just prior to a meeting).

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may be disposable.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may be used by multiple specialties where a controlled release of a substance or medication is desired, particularly when such application is confined to a very small space (such as ENT, dermatology, dental, pediatrics, emergency medicine, radiation medicine, ob/gyn, radiology).

Now that embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon can become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly.

Claims

1. An applicator comprising: a main body comprising at least one compartment in which is stored at least one product, the product being liquid or semi-liquid or solid or gaseous;at least one applicator portion configured to deliver the at least one product to an object; andat least one activation mechanism configured to release the at least one product from the at least one compartment for delivery by the at least one applicator.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one compartment comprises at least two compartments.

3. The applicator of claim 2, wherein the at least one product comprises at least two products, and each one of the at least two products is stored in a corresponding one of the at least two compartments.

4. The applicator of claim 3, wherein the at least one activation mechanism comprises at least two activation mechanisms, and each one of the at least two activation mechanisms is configured to release a corresponding one of the at least two products from a corresponding one of the at least two compartments.

5. The applicator of claim 4, wherein the at least one applicator portion comprises at least two applicator portions, and each one of the at least two applicator portions is configured to deliver a corresponding one of the at least two products to the object.

6. The applicator of claim 5, wherein the at least two applicator portions differ from one another in construction.

7. The applicator of claim 5, wherein the at least two applicator portions have the same construction.

8. The applicator of claim 3, further comprising an additional activation mechanism configured to mix the at least two products.

9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one compartment comprises a seal.

10. The applicator of claim 9, wherein actuation of the at least one activation mechanism results in breakage of the seal.

11. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one activation mechanism comprises a button, a lever, a switch, or a rotating element.

12. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one applicator portion comprises a brush, a sponge, a valve, or a squeeze applicator.

13. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a battery that powers a pressure device configured to move the at least one product from the at least one container to the at least one applicator portion.

14. The applicator of claim 13, wherein the pressure device comprises a pump.

15. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator is disposable.