Applicator

Abstract

An applicator and methods of dispensing liquid. The applicator may include a reservoir with a body and a pad. The body may extend around and form a receptacle. The pad may be attached to the body. An actuator may be movably connected to the reservoir and may include a plunger. The plunger may be movable relative to the body in a first direction to drive the liquid from the receptacle and into the pad and a second direction to move the plunger away from the pad.

Description

BACKGROUND

Liquids, such as gels, soaps, lotions, waxes, pastes, cleaners, detergents, cosmetics, medication, oils, inks, paints, adhesives, and solvents can be applied by a user in a variety of different manners. One application method of application includes the user dispensing the liquid from a container into their hand. The liquid is then applied to the object (such as cleaner or paint) of the skin (such as for medication and soap). It is difficult to transfer the liquid in this manner without getting some of the liquid onto an unintended object, such as the user's clothes. Further, some of the liquid can remain on the user's hands which can then be transferred to the next object that is touched, such as a cell phone, sunglasses, hair brush, etc.

Another issue with the use of the liquids is the amount that is wasted when being applied. For example, a person applying suntan lotion to the skin, a portion of the sun tan lotion remains on the user's hands. This lotion is not transferred to the skin and thus is wasted.

SUMMARY

One aspect is directed to an applicator to contain and dispense liquid. The applicator includes a reservoir with a body and a pad. The body extends around and forms a receptacle with the body including an opposing top side and a bottom side with the top side being open. The pad is attached to the body and that extends across the bottom side with the pad being constructed from a permeable material to allow the liquid to pass. An actuator is movably connected to the reservoir and includes a plunger and a shell. The plunger has a bottom and an outer wall that extends outward from the bottom and with an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the receptacle to fit into the receptacle. The shell is connected to the plunger and movably connected to the body of the reservoir with the shell being movable relative to the body to move the plunger within the receptacle in a first direction to drive the liquid from the receptacle and into the pad and a second direction to move the plunger away from the pad.

In another aspect, the body includes a cylindrical outer wall and a bottom at the second end with the bottom having apertures to dispense the liquid from the receptacle.

In another aspect, threads are positioned on the body and the shell to movably connect the shell to the body.

In another aspect, slits extend through the pad to allow for the liquid to pass.

In another aspect, the outer wall of the plunger has an exterior that is smooth to facilitate movement against an inner wall of the body.

In another aspect, a gasket is positioned between the outer wall of the plunger and the inner wall of the body with the gasket configured to prevent the liquid from leaking from the receptacle when the plunger is moved in the first direction into the receptacle.

In another aspect, the actuator and the reservoir and co-axially aligned.

In another aspect, a cap with a solid bottom is removably connected to the body with the solid bottom sized to extend over and cover the pad.

In another aspect, the pad includes a non-permeable inner pad with openings and a permeable outer pad that extends over the inner pad, the outer pad being exposed.

One aspect is directed to an applicator to contain and dispense liquid. The applicator includes a receptacle formed within an outer wall and a bottom side with the bottom side including apertures and with the receptacle further including an open top side opposite from the bottom side. A plunger is sized to extend through the open top side and into the receptacle with the plunger including an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the receptacle for the plunger to be axially movable within the receptacle. Connectors are positioned at the receptacle and the plunger to movably connected to the plunger to the receptacle and provide for the plunger to axially move relative to the receptacle. A pad extends across the bottom side of the receptacle with the pad including an inner side that faces into the receptacle and an outer side that faces away from the receptacle. The pad is configured for the liquid to move through the pad and be dispensed from the outer side.

In another aspect, the pad is constructed from a permeable material to allow the liquid to pass.

In another aspect, openings extend through the pad to allow for the liquid to pass.

In another aspect, the plunger has an exterior that is smooth to facilitate movement against the outer wall of the receptacle.

In another aspect, a gasket is positioned between the plunger and the receptacle to prevent the liquid from leaking from the receptacle when the plunger is moved axially into the receptacle.

In another aspect, the actuator and the reservoir and co-axially aligned.

In another aspect, a cap with a solid bottom is removably connected to the body with the solid bottom sized to extend over and cover the pad.

In another aspect, the pad includes a non-permeable inner pad with openings and a permeable outer pad that extends over the inner pad, the outer pad being exposed.

One aspect is directed to a method of dispensing liquid. The method include: receiving the liquid into a receptacle; attaching a plunger to a body that forms the receptacle; axially moving the plunger into a first end of the receptacle and forcing the liquid out of the receptacle through a second end of the receptacle; moving the liquid through openings in the second end of the receptacle; and moving the liquid through the openings and into a pad that extends across the second end of the receptacle.

In another aspect, the method includes rotating the plunger relative to the receptacle and axially moving the plunger into the first end of the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an applicator that includes a reservoir and an actuator.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an applicator in a closed position.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an applicator in an open position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an applicator.

FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of an applicator.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an applicator.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an applicator with the actuator detached from the reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to an applicator for containing and dispensing liquid. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an applicator 10. The applicator 10 includes an actuator 50 and a reservoir 20 configured to contain the liquid. The actuator 50 is movable relative to the reservoir 20 to force the liquid from the reservoir 20 through one or more outlets 21.

The applicator 10 is sized to be held by a user that is applying the liquid. In one aspect, the applicator 10 includes a height H of between about 2.5 inches and 3.25 inches when in an open position, and a diameter of about 4.2 inches. The applicator 10 can include a circular sectional shape as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Other designs include different shapes and/or sizes.

FIG. 2A includes the applicator 10 in a closed position and FIG. 2B includes an open position. The applicator 10 includes a smaller height in the closed position as the actuator 50 is positioned a greater distance into the reservoir 20. This may occur when the reservoir 20 is empty.

The applicator 10 can be used to dispense a variety of different liquids for a variety of different uses. A variety of different liquids can be used with the applicator 10, including but not limited to gels, soaps, lotions, waxes, pastes, cleaners, detergents, cosmetics, medication, oils, inks, paints, adhesives, and solvents. One specific use is for dispensing suntan lotion. The applicator 10 can be held while the user is applying the suntan lotion to themselves, or to another person. Another specific use is for dispensing wax, such as for waxing a car, boat, or other like object. Other specific uses include but are not limited to dispensing paint for painting an object, and dispensing an adhesive.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded views of the applicator 10 that includes the reservoir 20 and the actuator 50. The reservoir 20 is configured to contain the liquid and includes a main body 30 and a pad 40. The actuator 50 is configured to move the liquid out of the reservoir 20. The actuator 50 includes a plunger 60 and a top shell 70. The applicator 10 also includes various other components as will be explained in more detail below.

The main body 30 includes an outer wall 31 that extends outward from a bottom 32. A receptacle 33 is formed within the outer wall 31 and the bottom 32 and is sized to hold the liquid. One or more apertures 34 extend through the bottom 32 and provide for dispensing the liquid from the receptacle 33. The receptacle 33 includes an open top side 36 to receive the liquid during filling, and also to receive the actuator 50 during use. Threads 35 extend along a portion of the exterior of the outer wall 31 to engage with the actuator 50.

A grip 46 can extend around the outer wall 31 of the main body 30. The grip 46 includes a textured outer surface to facilitate grasping by the user. The textured outer surface can include a variety of different configurations, including but not limited to one or more of protrusions, knurling, indentions, and projections. An extension 48 extends outward from the grip 46 and includes an aperture to attach a lanyard.

The pad 40 is attached to the bottom of the main body 30. The pad 40 can be attached by a lock ring 45 that extends over the pad 40 and engages with the outer wall 31 of the main body 30. Another design includes the pad 40 being secured to the lock ring 45 with an adhesive. The pad 40 is fabricated for the liquid to pass through from the receptacle 33 to an outer surface of the pad 40 for dispensing. The pad 40 can be constructed of a permeable material to allow for the movement of the liquid. The pad 40 can also include openings 41 that allow the liquid to pass. The bottom surface 47 of the pad is soft for comfort when contacting against the skin of the user during application of sun tan lotion, or to prevent scratching when contacting against the surface of an object such as a car during waxing. FIGS. 3 and 4 include a single-piece pad 40. This pad 40 can be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to cotton, synthetic fibers, foam, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pad 40 that includes an inner pad 42 and an outer pad 43. The inner pad 42 includes openings 41 fabricated as slits that allow for the passage of the liquid. The inner pad 42 can be constructed from a permeable material that allows for the liquid to pass through at other locations in addition to the openings 41, or can be constructed from a non-permeable material in which the liquid passes just through the openings 41. The pad 40 also includes the outer pad 43 that receives the liquid from the inner pad 42. The outer pad 43 can be a permeable material to allow the passage of the liquid and/or can include openings.

A cap 80 is sized to extend over the pad 40 to protect the pad 40 and also prevent the inadvertent dispensing of liquid. The cap 80 includes outer walls 81 and a solid bottom 82. The outer walls 81 are sized to engage with the outer walls 31 of the main body 30. The outer walls 81 can include interior threads that engage with exterior threads on the outer wall 31. The outer wall 81 can also be sized to provide a friction fit with the outer wall 31. A flange 83 can extend outward from the outer wall 81. The flange 83 can be contacted by a user to remove the cap 80 from the main body 30.

The actuator 50 includes the plunger 60 and the top body 70. The actuator 50 interacts with the reservoir 20 to dispense the liquid to the user.

The plunger 60 is sized to extend into the receptacle 33 of the main body 30 and force the liquid out of the main body 30. The plunger 60 includes an outer wall 61 that extends outward from a bottom 62. A diameter of the outer wall 61 is slightly less than an inner diameter of the receptacle 33 of the main body 31. This provides for the plunger 60 to axially move through the receptacle 33 of the main body 31 and force the liquid out of the receptacle 33. The exterior of the outer wall 61 can be smooth to facilitate movement against the interior surface of the outer wall 31. An indent 64 can extend around the outer wall 61 and is sized to receive a gasket 63. The gasket 63 extends radially outward beyond the outer wall 61 to prevent liquid from leaking out from the receptacle 33 when the plunger 60 is moved into the receptacle 33.

The plunger 60 can also include a neck 65 that extends axially upward from the bottom 62 and within the outer wall 61. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the neck 65 can extend axially outward beyond the outer wall 61. Threads or ridges 66 can be positioned at the distal end to engage with the top body 70.

The top body 70 is connected to the plunger 60 at the neck 65. The top body 70 includes an outer wall 71 that extends outward from a top 72. The diameter of the outer wall 71 is larger than the diameter of the outer wall 61 of the plunger 60. The inner surface of the outer wall 71 includes threads that engage with the threads 35 on the outer side of the outer wall 31.

The outer side of the top 72 can include a recess 73 that receives a top cap 75. The top cap 75 can provide a decorative aspect and may include various colors and surface design features. Feet 76 can extend axially outward and engage with corresponding grooves in the top 72 of the top body 70 to attach the top cap 75 to the top body 70. The top cap 75 and grip 46 can include the same color and be different from a remainder of the components to provide an aesthetically pleasing design.

In use, the actuator 50 is removed from the reservoir 20 as illustrated in FIG. 6. This occurs by unscrewing the threads on the top body 70 from the threads 35 on the outer surface of the main body 30. Once removed, the receptacle 33 is exposed. In this orientation, the receptacle 33 can be filled with the liquid. Once filled, the actuator 50 is reattached to the reservoir 20. This includes engaging the threads of the top body 70 and main body 30.

When the device 10 is not in use, the cap 80 is attached over the pad 40. This prevents liquid that may be on the pad 40 from inadvertently getting onto any objects. This can also keep the pad 40 from drying out which could cause it to become hardened and/or brittle.

To use the device 10, the cap 80 is removed from the main body 30. Once removed, the actuator 50 is moved into the reservoir 20 to force the liquid out of the reservoir 50. Specifically this includes rotating the plunger 60 and top body 70 relative to the main body 30 and pad 40. This rotation causes the top body 70 to axially move into the main body 30 due to the threaded engagement. This in turn causes the plunger 60 to move into the receptacle 33 and force the liquid out of the receptacle 33. The liquid then moves into and through the pad 40 so that it can be applied as needed.

The top body 70 can be periodically rotated as needed to move additional amounts of liquid out of the receptacle 33 and into the pad 40. One aspect includes the threads of the main body 30 and top body 70 being configured such that a predetermined amount of rotation results in a predetermined amount of liquid being forced out of the receptacle 33 and into the pad 40. In one specific aspect, two ounces of liquid can be moved out of the receptacle 33 when the top body 70 rotates a predetermined amount relative to the main body 30.

In one aspect, the engagement between the main body 30 and the top body 70 can provide for tactile and/or audible feedback to the user upon a predetermined amount of rotation. By way of example, the threads 35, 74 can include a gap, ribs, or extensions that contact together during rotation and that cause a tactile/audible output when rotated pass each other.

In some aspects as illustrated in FIG. 5, the main body 30 does not include a bottom. The pad 40 is connected to the main body 30 and directly receives the liquid.

In one design as illustrated in FIG. 4, the pad 40 is secured to the lock ring 45. The lock ring 45 includes apertures to allow the passage of the liquid as does the bottom 32 of the main body 30. The lock ring 45 can be rotated relative to the main body 30 to control the passage of liquid. The lock ring 45 can be positioned to align the apertures and allow for movement of the liquid. The lock ring 45 can also be positioned to misalign the apertures and prevent or reduce the movement of liquid.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present disclosure may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An applicator to contain and dispense liquid, the applicator comprising: a reservoir comprising: a body that extends around and forms a receptacle, the body comprising an opposing top side and a bottom side with the top side being open;a pad attached to the body and that extends across the bottom side, the pad being constructed from a permeable material to allow the liquid to pass;an actuator that is movably connected to the reservoir, the actuator comprising: a plunger with a bottom and an outer wall that extends outward from the bottom and with an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the receptacle to fit into the receptacle;a shell connected to the plunger and movably connected to the body of the reservoir, the shell being movable relative to the body to move the plunger within the receptacle in a first direction to drive the liquid from the receptacle and into the pad, and a second direction to move the plunger away from the pad.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a cylindrical outer wall and a bottom at the second end, the bottom comprising apertures to dispense the liquid from the receptacle.

3. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising threads positioned on the body and the shell to movably connect the shell to the body.

4. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising slits that extend through the pad to allow for the liquid to pass.

5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the outer wall of the plunger has an exterior that is smooth to facilitate movement against an inner wall of the body.

6. The applicator of claim 5, further comprising a gasket positioned between the outer wall of the plunger and the inner wall of the body, the gasket configured to prevent the liquid from leaking from the receptacle when the plunger is moved in the first direction into the receptacle.

7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the actuator and the reservoir and co-axially aligned.

8. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a cap with a solid bottom, the cap being removably connected to the body with the solid bottom sized to extend over and cover the pad.

9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises a non-permeable inner pad that includes openings and a permeable outer pad that extends over the inner pad, the outer pad being exposed.

10. An applicator to contain and dispense liquid, the applicator comprising: a receptacle formed within an outer wall and a bottom side, the bottom side comprising apertures, the receptacle further comprising an open top side opposite from the bottom side;a plunger sized to extend through the open top side and into the receptacle, the plunger comprising an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the receptacle for the plunger to be axially movable within the receptacle;connectors positioned at the receptacle and the plunger to movably connected to the plunger to the receptacle and provide for the plunger to axially move relative to the receptacle;a pad that extends across the bottom side of the receptacle, the pad comprising an inner side that faces into the receptacle and an outer side that faces away from the receptacle, the pad configured for the liquid to move through the pad and be dispensed from the outer side.

11. The actuator of claim 10, wherein the pad is constructed from a permeable material to allow the liquid to pass.

12. The actuator of claim 10, further comprising openings that extend through the pad to allow for the liquid to pass.

13. The applicator of claim 10, wherein the plunger has an exterior that is smooth to facilitate movement against the outer wall of the receptacle.

14. The applicator of claim 10, further comprising a gasket positioned between the plunger and the receptacle to prevent the liquid from leaking from the receptacle when the plunger is moved axially into the receptacle.

15. The applicator of claim 10, wherein the actuator and the reservoir and co-axially aligned.

16. The applicator of claim 10, further comprising a cap with a solid bottom with the cap being removably connected to the body with the solid bottom sized to extend over and cover the pad.

17. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises a non-permeable inner pad that includes openings and a permeable outer pad that extends over the inner pad, the outer pad being exposed.

18. A method of dispensing liquid, the method comprising: receiving the liquid into a receptacle;attaching a plunger to a body that forms the receptacle;axially moving the plunger into a first end of the receptacle and forcing the liquid out of the receptacle through a second end of the receptacle;moving the liquid through openings in the second end of the receptacle; andmoving the liquid through the openings and into a pad that extends across the second end of the receptacle.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising rotating the plunger relative to the receptacle and axially moving the plunger into the first end of the receptacle.