GB1571662A

GB1571662A - Liquid applicator

Info

Publication number: GB1571662A
Application number: GB4756/77A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Bristol Myers Co
Current assignee: Bristol Myers Co
Priority date: 1976-02-11
Filing date: 1977-02-04
Publication date: 1980-07-16
Also published as: CH612080A5; NO142200C; DK57777A; DE2705576A1; FI770413A7; NO142200B; SE7701462L; NZ183260A; FR2340870A1; GR66402B; SE416770B; IT1082682B; NL7701351A; FI61794C; AU2179277A; JPS6020004B2; AR211355A1; NO770451L; FI61794B; AU504861B2

Description

(54) LIQUID APPLICATOR (71) We, BRISTOL-MYERS COMPANY, a Corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, of 345 Park Avenue, New York, State of New York, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a liquid applicator, more particularly, a liquid applicator that is especially adapted to apply a liquid to the axilla of humans. The present invention has particular utility in applying liquid antiperspirant or deodorant products to the human axilla.

A large variety of liquid applicators have been disclosed in the prior art. Perhaps one of the most widely used applicators is of the so-called ball roll-on type applicator. These are exemplified in U.S. Patents Nos.

2,749,566; 2,923,957 and 2,998,616 and rely on the fact that the ball rotating in the liquid contained in a bottle picks up the liquid as it dips into the contents of the container and applies it to the body area on which the ball is rolled.

Although these applicators have enjoyed wide use, they have presented some problems. The main problem is that the liquid product tends to accumulate on the ball and crystallize. This often results in unsightly deposits on the ball. Moreover, the ball often becomes "frozen" so that it will not readily rotate when applied to the body area.

It has also been suggested in the prior art to construct liquid applicators which comprise a container for holding the liquid tw be dispensed and an applicator positioned on the open end of the container; the applicator comprising a distortable porous or microporous member. These porous members, in general, are in communication with the liquid contents of the container and they permit the liquid material to flow through its pores. However, these devices ordinarily require that the applicator means be mechanically or otherwise squeezed to deliver the product. Typical devices of this type are described in U.S. Patents Nos. 3,179,972 and 3,482,920. Devices of these types have the disadvantage in that it is almost impos- sible to deliver uniform doses of the liquid contents of the container.This is so because the quantity of material delivered is substantially dependent upon the pressure that is applied when dispensing these materials.

This pressure cannot readily be regulated from one application to another.

It has now been found that the above difficulties may be avoided and a highly effective and useful liquid applicator may be provided if the applicator is made from a rigid sintered porous synthetic plastic resin structure having a plurality of interconnected voids of a size to permit movement of the liquid therethrough upon contact of the applicator with a surface of the human body Accordingly the present invention provides a liquid applicator suitable for use in the application of liquids to a surface of the human body, comprising a container having a body adapted for storing a quantity of the liquid, the container being closed at one end thereof and being provided at the other end thereof with a neck portion having an opening, an annular step spaced below the opening of the neck portion and extending inwardly from the walls of the opening, the annular step being adapted to support an applicator which is releasably secured in the opening of the neck portion, the applicator being formed from a rigid, sintered, porous synthetic plastic resin having a plurality of interconnected voids of a size to permit movement of the liquid therethrough upon contact of the applicator with a surface of the human body and including a collecting channel disposed adjacent the applicator and adapted to collect excess liquid coming through the pores of the applicator and to direct the excess liquid back into the container, when the applicator is directed upwards.

It has also been found that by providing an air vent into the interior of the container in combination with a means for restricting or impeding the flow from the interior of the container to the underside of the sin tered porous applicator, a very suitable dispenser is obtained. This combination of venting and flow restricting means provides for efficient dispensation of the contents of the container as the contents are depleted by use. The combination of venting and flow restricting means also provides superior control over the flow from the interior of the container than that provided by use of a venting means alone.

The improved liquid applicator of the present invention avoids some of the problems of the prior art devices, and is adapted to deliver the liquid in convenient and efficient manner and in uniform doses.

The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device of the present invention showing the cap in removed position; Fig. 2 is an exploded and enlarged view, partly in section, of the upper portion of the device shown in Fig. 1 and including an overcap; Fig. 3 is an enlarged, longitudinal crosssectional view of the device shown in Fig.

2 with the shaped applicator in position and with the screw cap partially screwed into position; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view similar to that shown in Fig. 3 with the screw cap screwed into sealing position, the container being inverted to show the relationship of the liquid to the applicator; Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal crosssectional view of the upper portion of another modification of this invention showing venting means in the neck of the container and means below the applicator for restricting the flow of liquid to the undersurface of the applicator; Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal crosssectional view of the upper portion of still another modification of this invention showing venting means cut into the applicator and means for restricting the flow of liquid to the undersurface of the applicator; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the applicator shown in the device of Fig. 6 as it appears when it is removed from its position in the applicator.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals identify the same structure in the various views, a liquid applicator embodied in the present invention is shown at 1 in Fig. 1. This comprises a container shown generally at 3 consisting of a container body section 5 and a container neck 7. Mounted in neck 7 in a manner described in more detail below is applicator 4. A screw cap 9 is provided which is adapted to engage neck 7 as hereinafter described.

In the embodiment illustrated, the container body has an hour glass shape. This is fitted with a transparent removable sleeve 2 that slips over body 5 from below. However, it is obvious that container body 5 may have various shapes without departing from this invention.

Neck 7, on its external surface, is provided below with external threads 11 and above with sealing flange 13. On its internal surface, as best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, neck 7 is provided with steps 15 that serves to support applicator 4. The internal surface of neck 7 tbat extends above step 15 for a short distance is generally at right angles to step 15 and then flares outwardly at 17.

As best seen in Fig. 3, flare 17 serves to form collecting channel 19 when applicator 4 is seated in position on step 15. The internal diameter of neck 7, above and adjacent step 15, is dimensioned to be slightly smaller than the diameter of hemispherical applicator 4. In this fashion, applicator 4 can be releasably maintained in position in neck 7 by a friction fit.

Screw cap 9 is provided on its inner surface below with internal threads 21 that are adapted to mesh with external threads 11 of neck 7. Above and on its internal surface, screw cap 9 has a sealing surface 23 that is designed to form a tight seal when the screw cap is screwed down so that surface 23 abuts against the upper surface of flange 13.

In the modification of this invention illustrated in Fig. 5 the construction is the same as that shown in Figs. 1-4 with a few exceptions. Thus, in this modification a vertically extending vent 31 is cut in the inner wall of neck 7. This is a narrow vertical channel that extends from the base of collecting channel 19 to a point below the undersurface 32 of applicator 4. This brings the space 33 underneath applicator 4 into communication with the atmosphere when screw cap 9 and overcap 8 are removed.

Fitted into neck 7 is a liquid flow restricting means 34. This takes the form in the modification shown in Fig. 5 of a cylindrically shaped basket open at the top having an annular shaped wall 35 and a floor 36. Liquid flow restricting means 34 is secured in neck 7 by means of a friction fit or by any other suitable means.

To permit a restricted flow of liquid from the interior of the container to the underside of applicator 4, one or more openings are provided in floor 36. In the modification shown in Fig. 5 this takes the form of a larger circular opening 37 located at about the geometric center of floor 36 and a smaller circular opening 38 located near the circumference of floor 36.

The modification of this invention illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is similar to that shown in Fig. 5 excepting for the venting means. In this case, a vertical venting channel 40 is cut into the surface of applicator 41 as best seen in Fig. 7. Applicator 41 is in all other respects the same as applicator 4.

When applicator 41 is seated in place on step 15, the inner end 41 of venting channel 40 is positioned inwardly of the inner surface of wall 35. Inner end 41 thus provides an opening into the space below applicator 41 which may communicate with the atmosphere when screw cap 9 and overcap 8 are removed.

As mentioned above, the applicator is shown at 4 or 41 in the various views of the drawings. In the embodiments illustrated applicators 4 and 41 each take the form of a shaped hemispherical structure. This form of the applicator is especially suitable for the application of liquids to the axilla of humans.

The materials used to fabricate the applicator 4 or 41 of this invention are highly important aspects thereof. Thus, as pointed out above, the applicator is a rigid, sintered porous synthetic plastics resin having a plurality of interconnected voids of a size to permit movement of the liquid therethrough upon contact of the applicator with a surface of the human body. They are formed as interconnected aggregates of united partiches of said synthetic resin. Moreover, they constitute a substantially uniform cohesive reticular structure which extends from surface to surface of the applicators Through the use of such materials in making the applicator element of 4 or 41 of the present invention, a uniform and controlled rate of flow of the liquids from the interior of the container is made possible.

As a consequence, any undue wetting of the area to which the applicator is applied is avoided. This controlled flow of liquid is accomplished by the fact that the passage of the liquid through the applicator is largely by means of the capillary action of the pores that are present in the materials. This capillary action can be regulated by reguZ lating the size of the pores.

Moreover, the use of these materials in constructing the applicator element of 4 or 41 makes it possible to tailor the applicator to the viscosity of the liquid to be dispensed from the container. By selecting the appropriate pore size relative to the viscosity of the liquid, a desired rate of flow of product can be obtained.

A number of sintered synthetic plastics materials are known in the prior art which may be used in fabricating the applicator element 4 or 41 of the present invention.

Among these mention may be made of sintered resins of the following type: high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride resins (fluorocarbons). Several of these materials are available commercially under the Trade Mark "Porex" porous plastics.These materials are identified in the Table below together with some of their characteristics: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS Coefficient of Density at 40% Average Pore Size Polymer Thermal Expansion Void Volume in Microns Low Density 10--20 x 10- .56 g/cc 70, 120 Polyethylene IN/IN/ "C Up to 1700F High Density 11-13x10-5 .6 g/cc 10, 35. 70, 120 Polyethylene IN/IN/ "C Up to 2000F Ultra high molecular 13x10-6 .58 g/cc 10, 20 weight polyethylene IN/IN/ C Up to 2000F Polypropylene 5--10x10- .54 glec 125, 250, 300, 500 IN/IN/"C Up to 2500F Fluorocarbon 5-10- 1.05 gIec 25, 35, 49 (PVF2) IN/IN/"C (polyvinylidene Up to 3000F fluoride) Similar materials are also disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 3,055,297 and 3,778,495.

The pore size of applicator 4 or 4' may vary somewhat depending on the particular liquid that is to be dispensed. Generally, the more viscous the product, the larger will be the pore size. Ordinarily, however, for the most usual applications, this will be in the range of from about 10 to 500 microns and preferably from about 20 to 200 microns.

For solutions, the pore size is advantageously of the order of from about 20 to 35 microns; whereas, for lotions, this will be in the range of from about 150 to 200 microns.

U.S. Patent No. 3,403,961 discloses a device for distribution of liquids which includes a pad made of porous flexibility deformable material that is to serve as the applicator. The specification also suggests that the applicator may be of a "porous and rigid nature", and furthermore that the applicator may be "a cap of naturally porous material which is of material made porous by a plurality of small holes". The kind of material the patentee has in mind is not specified. However, it is clear that this is not a teaching of the use of the sintered porous resins used in this invention.

Any of a variety of materials may be used in fabricating the container 3 and screw cap 9 of the present invention. Generally, these will be made of resilient synthetic plastics resins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

In use the container body 5 is filled with liquid and then the applicator 4 or 41 is pushed into p]ace so that it rests on step 15.

As previously mentioned, the diameter of the hemispheric applicator 4 or 41 is made slightly larger than the internal diameter of neck 7 just adjacent and above step 15. To apply the liquid material, the container is inverted as shown in Fig. 4. This brings the liquid in contact with the bottom surface of applicator 4 or 41. In this position, under the influence of the capillary action of the pores of applicator 4 or 9, the liquid enters the applicator and flows through it at an even and controlled rate. It reaches the surface relatively quickly and is applied to the part of the body in contact with the applicator 4 or 41.

After use the container is turned upright and stored. Ordinarily, the liquid will drain back into the container through the pores.

However, if an excess of liquid accumulates on the surface of applicator 4 or 41, it runs down and collects in collecting channel 19.

This prevents excess liquid from flowing down the outside surface of neck 7. When the applicator is stored after use, collecting channel 19 serves as temporary reservoir. The liquid contained in channel 19 will then drain back into container body 5 through the pores of applicator 4 or 41.

As an optional feature, the present liquid dispenser may also be provided with a flexible overcap 8. This may be slipped over screw cap 9 and held in position by engaging the lower margin of screw cap 9.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A liquid applicator suitable for use in the application of liquids to a surface of the human body, comprising a container having a body adapted for storing a quantity of the liquid, the container being closed at one end thereof and being provided at the other end thereof with a neck portion having an opening, an annular step spaced below the opening of the neck portion and extending inwardly from the walls of the opening, the annular step being adapted to support an applicator which is releasibly secured in the opening of the neck portion, the applicator being formed from a rigid, sintered, porous synthetic plastic resin having a plurality of interconnected voids of a size to permit movement of the liquid therethrough upon contact of the applicator with a surface of the human body and including a collecting channel disposed adjacent the applicator and adapted to collect excess liquid coming through the pores of the applicator and to direct the excess liquid back into the container, when the applicator is directed upwards.

2. A liquid applicator as claimed in claim 1 in which the applicator means is in the form of a hemisphere and is adapted for application to the axilla of human beings.

3. A liquid applicator as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which includes a flange which extends outwardly on the external surface of the neck portion.

4. A liquid applicator as claimed in claim 3 which is provided with a cap that fits over the neck portion and engages the flange in a sealing relationship.

5. A liquid applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the pore size of the applicator is in the range of from 10 to 500 microns.

6. A liquid applicator as claimed in claim 5 in which the pore size of the applicator is in the range of from 20 to 200 microns.

7. A liquid applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including venting means for venting the interior of the container to the atmosphere and means for restricting the flow of liquid from within the interior of the container to the applicator.

8. A liquid applicator as claimed in claim 7 in which the restricting means comprises a perforated barrier spaced below the applicator, the perforated barrier defining a space below the applicator which is separated from the space of the interior of the container.

9. A liquid applicator as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 in which the venting means comprises at least one vertically extending channel cut in the applicator.

10. A liquid applicator as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 in which the venting means comprising at least one vertically extending channel cut into the interior surface of the neck portion.

11. A liquid applicator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. then drain back into container body 5 through the pores of applicator 4 or 41. As an optional feature, the present liquid dispenser may also be provided with a flexible overcap 8. This may be slipped over screw cap 9 and held in position by engaging the lower margin of screw cap 9. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A liquid applicator suitable for use in the application of liquids to a surface of the human body, comprising a container having a body adapted for storing a quantity of the liquid, the container being closed at one end thereof and being provided at the other end thereof with a neck portion having an opening, an annular step spaced below the opening of the neck portion and extending inwardly from the walls of the opening, the annular step being adapted to support an applicator which is releasibly secured in the opening of the neck portion, the applicator being formed from a rigid, sintered, porous synthetic plastic resin having a plurality of interconnected voids of a size to permit movement of the liquid therethrough upon contact of the applicator with a surface of the human body and including a collecting channel disposed adjacent the applicator and adapted to collect excess liquid coming through the pores of the applicator and to direct the excess liquid back into the container, when the applicator is directed upwards.