WO2004018012A2

WO2004018012A2 - Applicator and methods of use therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2004018012A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/026043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew H. J. Kim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-20
Filing date: 2003-08-20
Publication date: 2004-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2005-02-20
Also published as: WO2004018012A3; AU2003259939A1; AU2003259939A8

Abstract

An applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces (101,102) and an interior region between the first and second surfaces. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir underneath the first surface (101) which is at least partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture (120) formed in the first surface which is in fluid communication with the reservoir. Compression of the applicator via an externally-applied force (200) substantially normal to the first surface expresses product from the aperture and translation motion of the first surface relative to a target surface applies and distributes the product onto the target surface.

Description

APPLICATOR AND METHODS OF USE THEREFOR

Cross Reference of Applications This application claims priority to provisional application serial number 60/404,836 filed on August 20, 2002 entitled "Applicator and Methods of Use Therefor" which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Field of Invention The present invention relates to applicators for use in manually applying coatings of a substance onto a desired target surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to such applicators which provide both dispensing and portability functionality and therefore enhanced product performance.

Background of Invention There are many types of topical products ("products" herein interchangeably referred to as "substances") that are commercially available and/or commonly applied to a desired target surface in the form of a thin film or coating to protect, treat, modify, etc. the target surface. Such products include those in the skin care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other personal care arenas. One common example of such a product is the antiperspirant/deodorant type of product, many of which are form fated as sprays, roll-on liquids, gels, creams, or solid sticks, and comprise an astringent material, e.g. zirconium or aluminum salts, incorporated into a suitable topical carrier. These products are designed to provide effective perspiration and odor control while also being cosmetically acceptable during and after application onto the auxiliary area or other areas of the skin.

Examples of suitable perforated caps or other shear force delivery means for use with such packaged compositions include those known in the art for application of creams, or those delivery means that are otherwise effective for delivering the composition of the present invention to the skin. Some examples of such perforated caps or other shear force delivery means, and some dispensing packages for use with compositions herein, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,356, issued to Johnson et al. on Mar. 19, 1991 , which description is incorporated herein by reference. While such delivery means have proven successful in applying such substances, in many instances a comparatively complex supply mechanism is required in order to dispense the product for application by shear force delivery means. This in turn typically requires a comparatively large canister to house not only the desired quantity of product but also the product retention and supply mechanism as well. The benefits of leak prevention and ease of use also typically require even travel size canisters for both elevator-type and push-up- stick packages to have considerable weight and occupy considerable volume, thus limiting the ability of the consumer to readily transport such devices. Moreover, such constructions for all practical considerations preclude the carrying of such devices on one's person such as in a pocket or modest-sized purse for replenishment of one's antiperspirant or deodorant during the course of an extended stay away from home. It is desirable to be able to have these products on-hand to be able to use whenever the need arises. But it is undesirable to be seen carrying and using these products, as though the user has some special unwanted odor or perspiration problem. And the size of many of the packages limits how many different products can be carried in a purse or glove compartment, for example. Aerosol packages are good for containing the product and not failing during transport. Small aerosol packages have been developed to be more portable. The disadvantages of these small aerosols include cost of the package, relative large package size, and their size and noise during application make them not discreet for use. Sachets, pouches and similar small packages can be discreet and contain the product, but application of products invariably gets product on hands, or is uncomfortable when the package contacts skin. These are simply small packages, and not truly applicators. Prior art discloses ways of making the packages and applicators with separate handle parts, or with separate/additional dispensing parts that are more comfortable on the skin. Addition of these parts reduce the portability and ease of use, and sometimes require additional packaging for protection, containment, etc. Examples of these types of packages/applicators are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,242, U.S. Pat. No. 4,101 ,053, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,488, U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,535, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,151.

Small canisters, or "sticks" are well known for dispensing antiperspirant and deodorant semi-solids, lipsticks, and the like. The disadvantages of small sticks include the cost of such packaging, the relatively large size that inhibits portability and discreetness, and the difficulty in applying product across large surface areas in the case of small diameter stick. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,408 discloses a cosmetic sample applicator and method of construction with projections on a base support that helps preserve the integrity of a cosmetic coating composition. The cosmetic coating is applied to the skin upon lifting up the protective cover. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,408 does not teach advantages of discreetness, portability in existing carrying devices, and use beyond sampling.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a discreet, convenient hand- held applicator for applying substances to target surfaces.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 A shows a top view of an embodiment according to the present invention. Figures 1 B shows the rear view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 A.

Figures 1C and 1D show cross sectional views of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A and B. Figure 1E is another top view of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1A - 1D.

Figures 2A - 2C show a side views of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2D show a top view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A - 2C.

Figures 3A - 3C show another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3A shows a top view of this embodiment while Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C show side views of the embodiment.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region (or reservoir) between said first and second surfaces. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir underneath the first surface 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 applicator 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 one embodiment, an applicator provides a foldable cover sheet which aids in the containment of the substance until application during which time the cover sheet aids in maintaining the aperture through which the substance traverses for application. A wide variety of substances are contemplated, including but not limited to skin care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other personal care arenas.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing "a substance" includes a mixture of two or more substances. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

"Substance" or "substances" may include such products include those in the skin care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other personal care arenas. One common example of such a product is the antiperspirant/deodorant type of product, many of which are form fated as sprays, roll-on liquids, gels, creams, or solid sticks, and comprise an astringent material, e.g. zirconium or aluminum salts, incorporated into a suitable topical carrier. These products are designed to provide effective perspiration and odor control while also being cosmetically acceptable during and after application onto the auxiliary area or other areas of the skin. Additional or alternative substances that could be used include soft solid antiperspirant product formulation consisting of antiperspirant active, thickeners, solvents, and perfume. Other suitable materials for the substance include antiperspirant liquid formulations, other liquids, lotions, creams, semi- solids, and even solids (as a powder). When using a liquid substance it may be appreciated that a liquid-absorbing material, (e.g. sponge) may be placed within reservoir to contain said liquid substance until compression is asserted applicator for dispensing. Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 A - 1 E depict one embodiment of the applicator 100 according to the present invention. Applicator 100 comprises a substantially planar sheet of material 105 having a first surface 101 and a second surface 102, with the first and second surfaces defining an interior region (or reservoir) 500 of the material 105. Interstitial spaces 121 are defined between adjacent apertures 120 or 125 depending on whether the apertures are folded or closed 120 or open 125 allowing access to and from the interior region 500 of the applicator 100.

FIG. 1A shows the applicator 100 having a perimeter 115 defining the shape of the applicator 100. Extending across opposite sides of the perimeter 115, there exists a fold 110 of the material 105 of the first surface 10 . Further, this first surface fold 110 has apertures 120 in closed state separated by an interstitial region 121.

According to the side view this embodiment shown in FIG. 1B and the cross-sectional side view 1C, a second surface 102 of the applicator 100 also creates a second fold 130 on the second surface 102 of the applicator 100 on the opposite and corresponding side of the first fold 110 of the first surface 101 of the applicator 100. However, contrast to the applicator the first fold 110, the second fold 130 does not have apertures within the fold. In this state, a substance 550 is contained within the interior region 500 of the applicator 100.

In FIG. 1C, each first fold 110 and second fold 130 is shown as created by an adhesive 300. The inside 101 A of the first surface 101 of the material 105 is held together by an adhesive 300 to create the first fold 110. Similarly, the inside 102A of the second surface 102 is held together by an adhesive 300 to create the second fold 130. Types of adhesives that may be used are commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

When the applicator 100 is in use, a normal force 200 or a force applied perpendicular to the direction of the first fold 100 and second fold 130 of the applicator is applied as shown in FIG 1A and FIG. 1D. FIG. 1 D shows the applicator 100 ready for use after the force 200 has been applied. The inside surface 101 A of the first surface 101 of the first fold 110 detaches from the adhesive 300 in response to the applied force 200. Similarly, the inside surface 102A of the second surface 102 of the second fold 130 detaches from the adhesive 300. The result is that an open aperture 125 is created on the first surface of the applicator 100 through which a substance 550 resident in the interior region 500 can now exit through the aperture 125. FIG. 1E shows a top view of the applicator 100 with open aperture 125 created by the unfolding of the first fold 110 unfolding on the first surface 101 of the applicator 100.

In further embodiments of this invention, there may be an optional but not necessary enhancer 400 attached to the first surface 101 of the applicator that covers the first fold 110 such that once the apertures. Enhancers aid in the distribution and application of the substance 550 through the at least one open aperture 125 of the applicator 100. Examples of physical enhancers include cloth, gauze, and sponge. Chemical enhancers include surfactants and/or materials that act as surfactants. Enhancers of the present invention can also be a combination of physical and chemical enhancers. Other examples commonly known to those skilled in the art will become evident by those practicing the invention and are anticipated by the present invention.

Once the open apertures 125 have been created, the user of the applicator 100 may apply the substance 550 contained in the interior region 500 onto the target desired surface. The substance 550 passes from the interior region 500 through the at least one aperture opening 125 by compression of the applicator 100 via an externally-applied force substantially normal to the first surface 101. This results in the substance 550 exiting the interior region 500 through the at least one aperture opening 125. The translational motion of the first surface 101 relative to a target surface (not shown) applies and distributes the substance 550 onto the target surface.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the applicator 100 of the material 105 includes a foldable cover tab extension 700 of the first surface 101 as shown in FIGS. 2A - 2D. According to this embodiment, the first surface 101 further comprises of a first surface layer 710 and a second surface layer 720. An extension 700 defines the overlapping edge 755 of the first surface layer 710 with respect to the second surface layer 720. It is noted that the extension 700 can act as a removable and re-attachable center that initially holds the first surface layer 710 with respect to the second surface layer 720 until the aperture is opened. In the dormant state, the first surface layer 710 attaches to the second surface layer 720 by overlapping contact of the extension 700. The edge 755 attaches to the second surface layer 720 via an adhesive 300. As shown in FIG. 2B, an open aperture 125 is created in the first surface

101 of the applicator 100 when the extension 700 is detached from the second surface layer 720 by the user. The open aperture 125 maintained by an adhesive 300 found on top edge 750 of the extension tab 700. The top edge 750 then attaches to the first surface layer 710 of the first surface 101 via the adhesive 300.

Once the aperture 125 is opened and maintained opened, the substance 550 can pass from the interior region 500 through the at least one aperture opening 125 by compression of the applicator 100 via an externally-applied force substantially normal to the first surface 101. This results in the substance 550 exiting the interior region 500 through the at least one aperture opening 125. The translational motion of the first surface 101 relative to a target surface (not shown) applies and distributes the substance 550 onto the target surface.

According to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3A - 3C, the applicator 100 comprises of a material 105 that has a removable and re-attachable center 800 with a first end tab 810 and a second end tab 820 that extends beyond the body of the applicator 100 including its support 900. Additionally, the applicator 100 is attached on its second surface 102 to a backing sheet or support 900. The support 900 can be made of a stiffer and more rigid or similar material as the applicator 100. The interior region 500 is defined by the first surface 101 and a second surface 102 as with the other embodiments of the present invention.

The first end tab 810 and the second end tab 820 overhang and extend beyond the support 900. That is, the end tabs are not initially attached to the support 900. The first end tab 810 according to this embodiment has a first tab side 811 attached to an exposed adhesive 300. Similarly, the second end tab 820 has a first tab side 821 also attached to an exposed 300.

The removable and re-attachable center 800 is attached to the first surface 101 of the applicator 100 via a temporary seal 850 that can be easily be broken by intentional application of force by the user. The temporary seal 850 can be a perforation as shown in FIG 3A or any other similar type known to those of ordinary skill in the art including an adhesive such as glue, solvent bonding or tape. The removable center 800 is initially contiguous with the first surface 101 of the applicator 100 prior to creation of the open aperture 125 for use.

To create the open apertures in this embodiment of the invention, the user pulls on an end tab rupturing the temporary seal 850. The user then reattaches the removable center by attaching the exposed adhesive 300 of the tabs 810, 820 back to the applicator 100 or the support 900 as shown in FIG. 3C. The open aperture 125 is then created by the removable center 800 being only attached to the applicator 100 via the adhesive 300 attachment of the end tabs 810, 820. Once the open apertures 125 have been created, the user of the applicator 100 may apply the substance 550 contained in the interior region 500 onto the target desired surface. The substance 550 passes from the interior region 500 through the at least one aperture opening 125 by compression of the applicator 100 via an externally-applied force substantially normal to the first surface 101. This results in the substance 550 exiting the interior region 500 through the at least one aperture opening 125. The translational motion of the first surface 101 relative to a target surface (not shown) applies and distributes the substance 550 onto the target surface. "Material" as used herein can be open cell foam, non-crosslinked foam, foam with a range of cell sizes, alternate resins, 100% polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, rubber, urethanes, other ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers, non-wovens, films, apertured films, woven materials, and other materials having similar material properties as well as peelable seal materials such as adhesive coated films or laminates made from paper, plastic, foil, or other metallized films, and combinations of these or similar materials.

Moreover, the material can be sufficiently conformable to enable the first surface 101 or the applicator 100 in general to conform to irregular target surfaces, and is resiliently conformable for application in a dynamic environment as the first surface 101 passes over non-planar and irregular surfaces. The applicator 100 is also conformable in the direction of thickness to supply and deliver the substance 550 to the target surface for application and distribution. Deformation of applicator 100 in such a manner effectively reduces the volume of reservoir or interior region 500 in the region of deformation, thus expressing the substance 550 from reservoir 500 outwardly through apertures 125 into contact with the target surface.

Compressive deformation in the context of the present invention, as described herein, is defined as a reduction in the dimension of the applicator 100 by application of an external force (or otherwise) such that the volume of reservoir 500 is reduced. This is to be distinguished from other types of deformable structures wherein surfaces of the material or structure are translated or rotated relative to each other to reduce the effective thickness of the applicator. However, such structures may also be used to carry out the present invention.

One important characteristic for applicators of the present invention is the ability of the material to "glide" across the target surface without rolling up or otherwise becoming distorted. This also helps to ensure a comparatively even substance distribution on the target surface. Accordingly, selection of suitable applicator materials should account for not only the substance characteristics in terms of shear and other properties, but also the coefficient of friction of the material with product and the target surface.

The sheet of material 105 may be unitary in nature, constructed from a single monolithic piece of material, or may comprise two or more layers or plies of material. One construction of an embodiment utilizes a polyethylene/EVA foam pad for the sheet of material. However, a wide variety of other materials are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention having suitable physical and/or chemical properties for the intended substance and intended target surface.

As mentioned previously, it is presently preferred that the applicator of the present invention is not only compressible in the thickness direction but also conformable in the planar direction so as to accommodate various target surface topographies in use. Suitable sheet materials may also be resilient, both in terms of their compressibility and in terms of their bending conformability. Resilience is defined consistent with its everyday meaning, as evidenced by Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, as "the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused esp. by compressive stress." Resilience of the material causes it to tend to return to its undeformed, preferably substantially planar state and original thickness after compressive or bending forces, thereby enabling it to conform to various target surfaces and yet maintain target surface contact for proper substance distribution. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications that are within the scope of the invention. The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of devices and applications that may be common to those of ordinary skill in the art. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface, said applicator comprising:

(a) a substantially planar sheet of conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region between said first and second surfaces;

(b) at least one discrete reservoir underneath said first surface;

(c) a substance at least partially filling said reservoir; and

(d) at least one discrete aperture formed in said first surface, said aperture being in fluid communication with said reservoir;

whereby compression of said applicator via an externally-applied force substantially normal to said first, surface expresses said product from said aperture and translational motion of said first surface relative to a target surface applies and distributes said product onto said target surface.

2. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said substance fills said aperture to a level at least equal to said first surface.

3. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir defines an interior volume which decreases when a thickness of said sheet of material is reduced by an externally-applied force.

4. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said applicator includes a plurality of apertures.

5. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said applicator includes a plurality of reservoirs.

6. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said applicator includes a plurality of apertures and a corresponding plurality of reservoirs, each of said apertures being in fluid communication with one of said reservoirs.

7. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said aperture fully penetrates said first and second surfaces and said reservoir is formed between said second surface and a backing sheet peripherally joined thereto.

8. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir extends inwardly of said first surface into the interior of said sheet of material but does not penetrate said second surface.

9. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said sheet material is resilient in compression.

10. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said sheet material is resilient in bending.

11. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said sheet material comprises a close-cell foam material.

12. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said applicator includes a plurality of reservoirs and a corresponding plurality of apertures, and wherein said reservoirs include multiple diverse substances.

13. An applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface, said applicator comprising:

(a) a substantially planar sheet of compressible, conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region between said first and second surfaces, said sheet of material having a thickness between said first and second surfaces which decreases when said sheet of material is subjected to an externally-applied force in a direction substantially normal to said first surface;

(b) at least one discrete reservoir underneath said first surface;

(c) a substance at least partially filling said reservoir;

(d) at least one discrete aperture formed in said first surface, said aperture being in fluid communication with said reservoir; and

(e) a removable and re-attachable center having opposed first and second surfaces, said second surface being in contact with said sheet of material whereby said center provides containment of said prior to application; whereby compression of said applicator via an externally-applied force substantially normal to said first surface expresses said product from said aperture and translational motion of said first surface relative to a target surface applies and distributes said product onto said target surface.

14. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said substance is an antiperspirant, deodorant, lotion, cream, or cosmetic.

15. The applicator of claim 13, wherein a liquid-absorbing material is positioned within said reservoir substance in order to contain a liquid substance.

16. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein said substance is an antiperspirant, deodorant, lotion, cream, or cosmetic.

17. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein a liquid-absorbing material is positioned within said reservoir substance in order to contain a liquid substance.