US20080028552A1

US20080028552A1 - Single use applicator

Info

Publication number: US20080028552A1
Application number: US11/300,389
Authority: US
Inventors: Nicholas Powley; Tara Einis
Original assignee: Applicability Inc
Current assignee: Applicability Inc
Priority date: 2005-12-14
Filing date: 2005-12-14
Publication date: 2008-02-07
Also published as: WO2007070847A2; US20070130708A1; WO2007070847A3

Abstract

A single-use applicator for amorphous substances comprising a base panel impermeable to the amorphous substance, a retentive layer secured to the base panel, an amorphous substance suffused throughout the retentive layer, and a thin, flexible cover that is unaffected by the amorphous substance and secured to the base panel to seal the retentive layer in an enclosed space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to product applicators, more specifically, to applicators for greasy and/or powdered solids and amorphous substances such as deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, lubricants, skin care cosmetics, medications, ointments, suntan lotions, and paints.
2. Description of the Related Art
The purpose of an applicator is to provide a user with a method for applying a specific and/or limited amount of a substance that is difficult or messy to handle, or that requires special packaging. Deodorants and antiperspirants, creams, lotions, lubricants, and skin care medications are examples of the former and a two-part epoxy is an example of the later. Current applicators are typically made without regard to portability, disposability, and single-use application. These relatively large storage containers/applicators are inconvenient for people needing to travel with the applicator or only requiring a limited amount of the substance on a single occasion. Existing single-use applicators are expensive to manufacture and often contain moving parts. Some currently available single-use packages for these substances work well for portability, but lack a tidy means for substance application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable, disposable, single-use applicator for amorphous substances and the like.
The single-use applicator of the present invention has a layer of retentive material bonded to one side of a base panel. The retentive material is suffused with an amorphous substance and sealing under a cover. The applicator is intended for use with creams, gels, powders, and other amorphous substances.
The area of the base panel to which the retentive material is adhered is impervious to the substance. The percentage of the base panel that holds the substance can be any proportion of the overall panel. Preferred materials include synthetic resin films and metal foils. Optionally, the base panel includes a handle that projects out from the base panel. Optionally, the base panel includes textured surfaces and/or imprinted graphics, words, or logos.
The retentive layer is composed of a porous material that can retain the substance without substantial product loss, but expels the substance when used in its intended manner. The retentive layer material depends on the substance and holds enough for at least one use.
The method for bonding the retentive material to the base panel depends upon the materials and is accomplished by well-known adhesive techniques.
After the retentive layer is suffused with the substance, it is sealed with a removable cover. The cover is preferably composed of a foil of metal such as an aluminum alloy, a plastic, or a laminate of metal and plastic. The adhesive is strong enough to maintain a hermetic seal, but weak enough so that the cover can be manually peeled from the base panel.
Other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following drawings and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the applicator of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the applicator of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 1 taken along the line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the applicator of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the applicator of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 5 taken along the line 6-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The single use applicator 10 of the present invention is constructed by bonding a layer of retentive material 14 to one side of a base panel 12, suffusing the retentive material 14 with an amorphous substance 30, and sealing the retentive material 14 under a cover 16 so that the substance 30 remains in the retentive material 14 and free from contamination. Alternatively, the amorphous substance 30 is applied directly to one side of the base panel 12. The applicator 10 is intended for use with creams, gels, powders, and other amorphous substances.
The base panel 12 is a sheet composed of materials that are flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. The area 26 to which the retentive material 14 is adhered is non-porous, not wettable by water, and is insoluble in water and the substance 30.
Typical flexible, impermeable sheets are synthetic resin films. These resin films include polyolefins and polyvinyl copolymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylchloride-vinylidene chloride and the like. The chlorinated polyvinyl copolymers are highly resistant to degradation caused by exposure to either water- or alcohol-based fluids. The base panel 12 may also be composed of metal foils such as an aluminum alloy, a plastic, or a laminate of metal and plastic. A base panel 12 made from these materials is flexible, has strength characteristics sufficient to resist tearing and piercing under normal manufacturing and handling stresses, is nonwettable by water, and can be sterilized and colored. The preferred thickness of the base panel 12 is from about 0.5 mils to about 80 mils.
Optionally, the base panel 12 extends beyond the retentive material attachment area 26 to form a handle 28. Optionally, the handle 28 and/or the surface 20 of the base panel 12 opposite that of the retentive layer 14 may include textured surfaces, grips extending from the surface, and/or imprinted graphics, words, or logos.
The retentive layer 14 is composed of a porous material, such as gauze cotton, prepared cotton, other organic fibers such as wood fibers, rayon, open-meshed cloth of varying degrees of fineness, woven and non-woven synthetic fibers, and foamed polymers such as polyurethane. These materials maintain their integrity when moistened. The retentive layer 14 is sufficiently retentive to store and apply a useable amount of substance 30. The retentive layer 14 is able to contain the substance 30 without extensive or substantial product loss (i.e., dripping), but expels the substance 30 when the proper pressure is applied or used in its intended manner.
Typically, the thickness of the retentive layer 14 depends upon the material and surface area of the applicator 10. Different materials are used appropriately for the application of various substances 30. The retentive layer 14 holds enough substance 30 for at least one use/application. The actual amount that the retentive layer 14 holds depends upon the substance 30 and the amount necessary to perform its function adequately, and will typically be in 1 to 10 ml range. For example, when the substance 30 is a deodorant, the retentive layer 14 will be able to hold 1 to 10 ml of the deodorant.
The method for bonding the retentive material 14 to the base panel 12 depends upon the materials of which the base panel 12 and retentive layer 14 are made, and is accomplished by standard techniques well-known in the art of adhesives. The bond is resistant to degradation caused by exposure to the substance 30. To achieve a good bond, it is a common practice to first degrease or rinse the retentive layer surface 18 of the base panel 12 by an organic solvent such as acetone or methyl ethyl acetone. Degreasing prepares the surface 18 for bonding.
Because the preferred retentive materials are porous, capable of absorbing liquefied polymers, and allow the evaporation of vapor, most of the standard joining methods using adhesives with or without solvents can be used. A preferred method for joining the base panel 12 to the retentive layer 14 is to apply a thin coat of a molten polyolefin, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polybutylene, onto the retentive layer surface 18 by extrusion, apply the retentive layer 14 contiguously to the retentive layer surface 18, and press them together before the coat solidifies. Alternatively, instead of applying a thin coat of polyolefin by extrusion, the standard rolling technique of direct gravure can be used to print the thin coat to selected areas of the retentive layer surface 18. Optionally, the retentive layer 14 is precoated with a polymer. The molten polyolefin absorbed into the retentive layer 14 will anchor to the base panel 12 and, when cooled, will bind the retentive layer 14 and the base panel 12 together.
Alternatively, the retentive layer 14 is joined to the base panel 12 by applying a solid powder polyolefin to the retentive layer surface 18 of the base panel 12, placing the retentive layer 14 on top of the powder, and subjecting the two to a high-pressure heat seal.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the substance 30 applied directly to the base panel 12. Texturing on the base panel 12 or other supplementary geometries may assist in the fixation of the substance 30 to the base panel 12. Optionally, the substance may be adhered in series of shapes including, but not limited to, rows, dots, letters and numbers, and symbols.
After the retentive layer 14 is suffused with the substance 30, it is sealed into an enclosed space 22 between the base panel 12 and a removable cover 16. The space 22 is hermetic so that the retentive layer 14 remains moist and uncontaminated by external agents. The space 22 remains hermetic for an extended period of time that represents the shelf life of the applicator 10, which includes the period of time from the installation of the cover 16, through transportation and storage, to use, when the cover 16 is removed. The cover 16 can be large or small enough to cover the base panel in its entirety or any portion thereof.
The cover 16 is a planar sheet that is preferably composed of a foil of metal such as an aluminum alloy, a plastic, or a laminate of metal and plastic. The cover 16 is robust enough to maintain integrity while being subjected to normal stresses throughout transportation, storage, and handling. The cover 16 is unaffected by water and the substance 30 during the shelf life of the applicator 10.
The adhesive used to adhere the cover 16 to the base panel 12 is strong enough to maintain the hermetic seal, but weak enough so that a small amount of tensional stress, such as that caused by manually peeling the cover 16 from the base panel 12, will cause the adhesive to fracture, allowing the cover 16 to be separated from the base panel 12. The adhesive is unaffected by water and the substance 30 during the shelf life of the applicator 10. Adhesive materials include urethanes and polyurethanes.
The embodiment 80 of FIG. 4 can be used with substances that would stick to the cover during removal. The substance 86 is positioned in a capsule 88 between the base panel 82 and a capsule cover 84. The peripheral seam 94 between the base panel 82 and capsule cover 84 has a weakened section 90 adjacent to an application region 92 of the base panel 82. Prior to application, the capsule 88 is pressed so that the substance 84 ruptures the weakened section 90 and squeezes onto an application region 92.
The embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 can be used when there is more than one substance 62, 64. The substances 62, 64 are separated by positioning them in the space between the base panel 52 and a capsule cover 66. The capsule cover 66 is adhered to the base panel 52 around the edge and at a line between the substances 62, 64, as at 72, creating two capsules 68, 70 to house the substances 62, 64. Prior to application, the two capsules 68, 70 are pressed so that the two substances 62, 64 are squeezed through a weakened area 76 of the cover/base panel seam and onto the mixing area 60 under the cover 56. The substances 62, 64 are mixed together by massaging the mixing area with the fingers on the cover 56 and base panel 52. Alternatively, the substances 62, 64 are mixed after removing the cover 56 by using an optional wand 74 that is removably attached to the base panel 52. Alternatively, the substances 62, 64 are mixed using the cover 56 after it is removed. Optionally, the cover 56 and the capsule cover 66 are a single sheet.
Optionally, the adhesive may be re-sealable to enable multiple uses of the applicator 10. Resealable adhesives materials include acrylics.
Optionally, the cover 16 is vacuum-sealed to alleviate the need for strong adhesives that would prevent easy removal of the cover.
Optionally, there is a finger tab 24 extending from one edge of the cover 16 that can be grasped between a thumb and finger for ease and convenience in removing the cover 16 from the base panel 12.
Optionally, the base panel 12 and the cover 16 are composed of the single sheet that is folded over.
Optionally, the cover 16 may include textured surfaces and/or imprinted graphics, words, or logos. The printed graphics may include postage.
Optionally, the applicator 10 is encased in a foil or plastic pouch for increased protection, marketing/product design, and/or ease of transportation.
Optionally, the applicator is tessellated for ease of manufacturing and distribution.
Thus it has been shown and described an applicator which satisfies the objects set forth above.
Since certain changes may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter described in the foregoing specification and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An applicator for an amorphous substance comprising:

a. a base panel that is impermeable to said amorphous substance and having a peripheral edge;

b. a cover composed of a thin, flexible sheet that is unaffected by said amorphous substance;

c. a cover securing means for securing said cover to said base panel such that a hermetically closed space is created between said base panel and said cover, said cover securing means having a tensional stress resistance that permits manual removable of said cover from said base panel; and

d. said amorphous substance being located within said hermetically closed space.

2. The applicator of claim 1 further comprising a retentive layer and a retentive layer securing means for securing said retentive layer to said base panel within said hermetically closed space, said amorphous substance suffused throughout said retentive layer.

3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said base panel includes a handle.

4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said cover includes a finger tab to facilitate removal.

5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said base panel and/or said cover is adapted to receive graphics.

6. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said base panel and/or cover is textured.

7. An applicator for an amorphous substance comprising:

c. a cover securing means for securing said cover to said base panel such that a hermetically closed space with a peripheral seam is created between said base panel and said cover;

d. said amorphous substance being located within said hermetically closed space; and

e. said peripheral seam having a weakened portion wherein squeezing said cover and said base panel adjacent to said closed space causes said weakened portion to rupture and expel said amorphous substance.

8. The applicator of claim 7 wherein said base panel includes a handle.

9. The applicator of claim 7 wherein said base panel and/or cover is adapted to receive graphics.

10. The applicator of claim 7 wherein said base panel and/or cover is textured.

11. A method of producing an applicator for an amorphous substance comprising the steps of:

a. providing a base panel that is impermeable to said amorphous substance and that has a peripheral edge;

b. positioning a quantity of said amorphous substance on said base panel; and

c. securing a cover that is composed of a thin, flexible sheet that is unaffected by said amorphous substance to said base panel such that said amorphous substance is contained within a hermetically closed space between said base panel and said cover, said cover securing means having a tensional stress resistance that permits manual removable of said cover from said base panel.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of securing a retentive layer having a peripheral edge to said base panel such that said retentive layer peripheral edge is spaced inwardly from said base panel peripheral edge, and suffusing said amorphous substance throughout said retentive layer prior to securing said cover.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said base panel is provided with a handle.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein said cover is provided with a finger tab to facilitate removal.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising imprinting graphics on said base panel and/or said cover.

16. The method of claim 11 further comprising texturing said base panel and/or said cover.