WO2007019644A1

WO2007019644A1 - Applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2007019644A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kelly Lynch; Shannon Keogh; Garth Ryan
Original assignee: SKL Solutions International Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SKL Solutions International Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-18
Filing date: 2006-08-18
Publication date: 2007-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-18

Abstract

An applicator has a body, a liquid container within the body, an application surface and a port located in or adjacent to the application surface. A liquid communicating passage extends from the liquid container to the port and pumping means are provided for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port. The liquid container contains liquid to be applied by the applicator, the liquid being either contained directly in the container or contained in a replaceable liquid containing package where the liquid container is arranged to hold the replaceable liquid containing package, and the replaceable liquid containing package includes means for connection to the liquid communication passage.

Description

"Applicator"

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2005904487 filed on 18 August 2005, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Introduction

The present invention relates generally to applicators for a broad range of liquids including, by way of example, body lotions, cleaning products, glues, surface coatings and other building products and topical medical treatments and the like and in particular the invention provides an applicator with internal liquid storage and a pump that can be operated with one hand if desired.

Background Sunscreens and other body lotions are often sold in flexible bottles, with a spout such that the lotion can be squeezed from the bottle with one hand, into the palm of the other hand and then spread by hand over the part of the body to which the lotion is to be applied.

Use of such prior art bottles result in the user being left with the lotion on their hands which is undesirable, particularly if the lotion is oily or sticky.

In other activities where messy or harmful substances are required to be applied, or where hygiene is important, prior art solutions have often involved use of supplementary implements, in addition to the dispenser, requiring the use of two hands or in some cases a hand was used to apply a substance even though this may have been unsafe or unhygienic or was otherwise undesirable.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect, an applicator is provided having a body, a liquid container within the body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid container to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port.

The liquid container may either comprise a refillable liquid container which holds only the liquid to be applied or it may be arranged to hold a replaceable liquid containing package. In the case where the liquid container is directly fillable, filling is achieved via a filling port sealingly closable by a cap. On the other hand, if the liquid container is arranged to hold a replaceable liquid containing package, the replaceable liquid containing package is connectable to the liquid communication passage when it is inserted into the liquid container.

According to a second aspect, a replaceable liquid containing package for an applicator is provided, wherein the applicator comprises a body, a liquid container within the body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid container to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port, and the liquid container is arranged to hold the replaceable liquid containing package, replaceable liquid containing package including means for connection to the liquid communication passage.

The replaceable liquid containing package may include at least one frangible connection region which opens to form a connection with the liquid communication passage when the replaceable liquid containing package is inserted into the chamber. The liquid communication passage may also have a tapered end to assist in puncturing the frangible connection region when the replaceable liquid containing package is inserted into the chamber. The replaceable liquid containing package may take the form of a liquid filled reservoir having a closed outer wall at least part of which is flexible.

According to a third aspect, an applicator is provided comprising a body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, liquid inlet means, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid inlet means to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port.

Embodiments of the invention may provide for a separate and replaceable liquid container such that the liquid inlet means is in communication with the liquid container containing liquid to be dispensed by the applicator. In this case the liquid container cooperates with the body of the applicator to attach onto the applicator to maintain the liquid inlet means in communication with a liquid container when in use.

According to a third aspect, a liquid container is provided for an applicator wherein the applicator comprises a body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, liquid inlet means, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid inlet means to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port and the liquid container includes outlet means which co-operate with the inlet means to supply liquid from the liquid container to the applicator.

Preferred embodiments of this liquid container co-operates with the body of the applicator to attach onto the applicator to maintain the liquid inlet means in communication with a liquid container when in use. The liquid container also preferably includes a frangible connection region which opens to form a connection with the liquid inlet means.

The applicator may also include a retractable cover, which covers the application surface, while the applicator is not in use, such that any liquid left on the application surface after use is covered to prevent contamination of the application surface by foreign matter sticking to the surface, and to prevent the liquid from being wiped on to other objects, while the applicator is stored, for example, in a handbag or backpack where it may be contaminated by coming into contact with other objects or in a toolbox where it may be contaminated by coming into contact with other tools etc. Preferably the cover will comprise two retractable cover parts, which are locatable in abutting relationship to cover the application surface while not in use. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the retractable cover also functions as an actuator to operate the pump, which pumps the liquid through the liquid communicating passage to the port. Preferably also, the retractable cover moves in two stages whereby from the covered position, a first stage simply allows the cover to be retracted uncovering the application surface, while the second stage engages the pump actuator mechanism.

Preferably also, the applicator is operable in one hand to pump liquid through the port and to spread the liquid using the application surface. In the preferred embodiment, the retractable cover parts are arranged such that when the applicator is gripped the retractable cover parts are located under the fingertips of the user and can be retracted by the user's fingers through the first, uncovering, stage and the second, pump actuating, stage.

The application surface may simply be a surface of the body, which can be used to spread the liquid. However, the application surface may also have associated spreading means, such as a squeegee like edge or a rippled or textured surface to assist in even spreading of the liquid. Preferably, the application surface comprises a foam pad applied to a surface of the body surrounding the port. Preferably also, the application surface is removably attached to the body to facilitate periodic replacement as the surface becomes dirty or excessively clogged with the liquid being applied. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as

"comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an applicator with its filler cap open and retractable covers in the closed position; Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 with the filler cap closed;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 2 with the retractable covers retracted to expose the application surface;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 3 when viewed from the bottom; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 3, indicating a pumping motion of the retractable covers;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 1, when viewed from the bottom, with the retractable covers in the closed position;

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom half of the applicator of Fig. 1 , from above, showing interior details;

Fig. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bottom half of the applicator of Fig. 1, from above, and from a view point at 90° to that of Fig. 8, showing interior details; Fig. 10 is a cutaway view of the applicator of Fig. 1, through a plane passing through the rotational axis of the retractable covers; and

Fig. 11 is a cutaway view of the applicator of Fig. 1, through a plane passing perpendicularly to the rotational axis of the retractable covers.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an applicator which opens by separating its upper and lower halves, shown in the closed position, and into which is inserted a replaceable liquid filled package; Fig. 13 is a cutaway view of the applicator of Fig. 12, through a plane passing through the rotational axis of the retractable covers, and shown with the replaceable liquid filled package removed;

Fig. 14 is a bottom view of replaceable liquid filled package for the applicator of Figs. 12 and 13; and

Fig. 15 is a cutaway view of the applicator of Fig. 12 and 13, through a plane passing perpendicularly to the rotational axis of the retractable covers, and shown with the replaceable liquid filled package in place.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an applicator comprising an applicator body to which a replaceable liquid container attaches, shown with the liquid container attached;

Fig. 17 is a cutaway view of the applicator of Fig. 16, through a plane passing through the rotational axis of the retractable covers, and shown with the replaceable liquid filled package removed but adjacent to the applicator; Fig. 18 is a cutaway view of the applicator of Fig. 16 and 17, through a plane passing perpendicularly to the rotational axis of the retractable covers, and again shown with the replaceable liquid filled package removed but adjacent to the applicator.

Detailed Description of an Applicator Embodiment Referring to Figs. 1 to 11 a first embodiment of a sunscreen or lotion applicator

10 is illustrated. The applicator is a refillable applicator designed to dispense various personal body lotions and combines both a foam application pad 24 which facilitates even spreading of the lotion and an automatic retractable cover mechanism incorporating a pair of covers 21, 22 designed to minimise accumulation of foreign matter on the application pad 24. The covers 21, 22 of the automatic retractable lid mechanism also act as a pair of "squeezable" handles which become the actuators of a pumping mechanism.

The applicator 10 comprises a body 11, a filler opening 12 communicating with an internal reservoir to store liquid to be applied, and a cap 13, which sealingly engages a lip 14 surrounding the opening 12. The cap 13 is connected to a ring 15 via a hinge strip 16, the ring 15 being sized to co-operate with the lip 14 to retain the cap while open. An indent 18 is provided in the body 11 to enable the user to place a finger under an edge of the cap 13, making it easier to open.

The liquid stored in the applicator is held in a reservoir in an upper part of the body 11, and a window 17 is provided in the side of the body 11 to allow viewing of the level of liquid in the reservoir. A pair of covers 21, 22 are pivotably connected to the body 11 by the pivot mechanisms 23, allowing the covers to be moved, in the direction 'A', between a closed or covering position as seen in Figs. 1 and 2 and an open or retracted position as seen in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. With the covers retracted as seen in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the application pad 24 is visible and in Fig. 4 a port 25 is visible, through which the liquid is pumped.

The retractable covers 21, 22 are provided with finger grips 26, which enable the applicator to be gripped by the user solely by their fingertips alone, and with the covers retracted as seen in Fig. 5, they may be moved in an oscillatory motion 'B', to operate the pump.

After application of liquid is completed, the retractable covers. 21, 22 may be allowed to retract in the direction 'C, to cover the application pad 24.

Referring to Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, the applicator assembly is housed in a body 11 , comprising body halves 31 and 41. The upper body half 31 forms an upper part of the liquid reservoir and includes the filler opening 12 and a slot 32 in which the reservoir window 17 is located. The upper body half, 31 also includes an open recess 33, formed in its edge, which cooperates with a similarly shaped closed recess 43 in the lower body half 41 to create a pivot mounting aperture.

A base portion of the liquid reservoir cooperates with the upper body half 31 to form a liquid tight reservoir which may be filled through the opening 12. The base portion includes a floor 72 and wing members 73 extending upwardly from the floor to isolate the reservoir from the pivot mechanism. A pump cylinder 74 and a spring housing 75 are also formed in the floor 72 and project upwardly into the reservoir. A pump lid 77 fits over the cylinder 74 and retains an upper pump valve element 76, which operates as a one-way valve to prevent liquid returning to the reservoir from the pump cylinder 74. A pump piston 64 slides in the cylinder 74 and is driven by a pump actuator 62, to which it is connected. A lower pump valve, 63 is located within the piston, with valve seals 65, 66 located under openings 81, 82 in the piston 64, to provide a one-way valve function to prevent liquid passing through the piston 64 when the piston is moved down in the cylinder 74, while allowing liquid to pass through the piston, when the piston is moved up in the cylinder. The pump spring 59 operates between the top of the spring housing 75 and the pump actuator 62 to bias the piston 64 and the pump actuator 62 to a lower or retracted position.

A liquid inlet tube 28 fits over a spigot 78 projecting from the pump lid 77 and passes through a retention bracket 79, which locates the lower end of the tube 28 in close proximity to the floor 72 of the reservoir, such that when the pump operates, liquid is drawn through the inlet tube 28 into the pump cylinder 74 through the upper pump valve 76. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the tube 28 may be replaced by a moulded passage in combination with the (slightly modified) pump lid 77, that runs along side the pump cylinder 74 to the liquid reservoir floor 72, thereby avoiding the possibility of the tube 28, which is visible through the opening 12, being dislocated by a user.

The lower body half 41 includes a substantially flat lower surface 44, and an inwardly projecting tubular guide member 42 on which the pump actuator 62 is guided. The guide member also acts as the passage between the pump and the port 25, whereby liquid passing through the piston and pump actuator from the inlet tube 28 and pump cylinder 24 passes through the centre of the guide member 42 to the port 25. The port 25 extends through the foam application pad 24 which is attached to the flat lower surface 44 of the lower body half 41.

A pump disk 56 is rotatably mounted on the tubular guide, and includes a pair of arcuate openings 86 each ending at the base of a respective upwardly extending cam surface 67, each of which co-operates with one of a pair of downwardly extending cam surfaces 68 on the bottom of the pump actuator 62. When the pump disc 61 is rotated to engage the respective cam surfaces 67, 68, further rotation of the pump disc causes the pump actuator to lift and thereby lift the piston 64. The downwardly extending cam surfaces 68 on the bottom of the pump actuator 62 travel in the arcuate openings 86 prior to engaging the upwardly extending cam surfaces 67 of the pump disc 61.

The lower body half also includes recesses 43 in its edge, as mentioned above, which co-operate with the similar recesses in the edge of the upper body half 31 to form pivot recesses in which the pivots attaching the retractable covers 21, 22 are located. The inner wall 45 of the recesses 33, 43 includes a circular opening 46 which forms part of the pivot and through which the pivot pin 51 extends. The substantially circular ends 53, 54 on each of the retractable covers are sized to sit within one another and within the recesses 33, 43 in the body 11. The circular ends 53 at one end of each cover 21, 22 are provided with circular openings 87 while the opposite ends 54 are provided with hexagonal openings 56. On the inside of each of the recess walls 45 is located a respective pump gear 52 which has a square opening 83. A gear pin 55 extends through the pump gear 52 and the retractable cover ends 53, 54, with a square section 84 of the gear pin 55 engaging the square opening 83 in the pump gear and a hexagonal section 57 in the gear pin 55 engaging the hexagonal opening 56 in the end 54 of the retractable cover. The pivot pin 51 engages with the gear pin 55 to hold the pivot mechanism together. Pivotal movement of each of the retractable covers 21, 22 from the covering position causes a respective pump gear 52 to rotate in unison with the associated retractable cover (one cover rotatably connected to each pump gear). The teeth 58 of the pump gears 52 engage with teeth 85 on the pump disk 61 to cause the pump disk to rotate in response to rotation of the covers 21, 22. When the covers and their respective pump gear have rotated through approximately 80°, the cam surfaces 67, 68 begin to engage and further rotation causes the piston 64 to rise, while subsequent releasing of the covers 21, 22 causes the piston 64 to fall again under force of the pump spring 59. The rotation of the pump disk 61 in response to the opening of the retractable covers 21, 22 also tensions the spring 69 acting between the pump disk and the body 11. When the retractable covers 21, 22 are released, the spring 69, biases the pump disk 61 "^■ back to its original position and this in turn drives the covers toward their closed position as seen in Figs. 1, 2 and 6.

Therefore it will be seen that the pump is driven and controlled externally via the retractable covers 21, 22. The retractable covers in their natural/closed position act as a cover to protect the user from spilling lotion when not in use.

As discussed above, the covers engage with the pump mechanism, via a series of gears, such that when the covers are retracted/pivoted to approx 80° from their original position the pump piston 64 is caused to start moving. As the covers are retracted through the final 25° of their travel (i.e. the final 25 ° of rotation before the covers meet at the top and stop) they pump approx 1 to 1.5ml of lotion.

A second embodiment of an applicator is illustrated with reference to Figs. 12, 13, 14 and 15, which show the body 11, comprising a lower body half 41 separably joined or joined by a hinge to an upper body half 131 which forms an upper part of a liquid chamber 110 into which a replaceable liquid filled package 101 is inserted. A latch 112 is provided to hold the two body halves 41, 131 closed such that depressing the latch disengages the two halves. The reservoir window 17 is located in the upper body half, 131 to permit monitoring of the replaceable liquid filled package 101 for the purpose of replacement when empty. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in most respects and where reference numerals used in Figs 12, 13, 14 and 15 are the same as in earlier drawings the earlier description applies. Areas of difference are described below.

A floor member 72, and wing members 73 extending upwardly from the floor member, combine to form a base portion of the chamber 110 to isolate the replaceable liquid filled package 101 from the pivot and pump mechanism. A spigot 178 projects from the pump lid 77. In this case an inlet tube is not required as the spigot 178 is inserted through a wall of the replaceable liquid filled package 101 such that when the pump operates, liquid is drawn through the spigot 178, directly from the replaceable liquid filled package 101, and into the pump cylinder 74 through the upper pump valve 76.

The replaceable liquid filled package 101 comprises a closed bag of the liquid to be applied, the bag having predominantly flexible walls 102. A connection region of the replaceable liquid filled package 101 is defined by an annular reinforcing element 103, attached to the surface of the wall 102 and defining a frangible region 105. The annular reinforcing element may be of any material which will prevent tearing of the wall 102 beyond the frangible region 105 but will preferably be significantly more rigid than the wall 102 and may for example be a piece of cardboard or rigid plastic.

The spigot 178 is tapered to a point 111 and when the replaceable liquid filled package 101 is inserted into the chamber 110, the point 111 of the spigot 178 is located against the frangible region 105 of the replaceable liquid filled package 101 and the frangible portion is pressed onto the point 111 causing the point to open the frangible region creating a connection between the replaceable liquid filled package 101 and the spigot 178. Preferably the inner edge 104 of the annular element is sized to closely cooperate with the spigot 178 to provide a light seal, however as the pump operates to remove liquid from the replaceable liquid filled package 101, there is not generally any excessive pressure at the connection to cause leakage.

The sponge 24 in this embodiment is also replaceable and is located and held in place inside an outer flange 121 projecting from the flat bottom 44 of the lower body half 41. The sponge 24 may also be retained by double sided tape or a light adhesive, or additional mechanical retention may be provided if required.

A second embodiment of an applicator is illustrated with reference to Figs. 16, which shows the body 241 separably joined to a replaceable liquid container 231. Figs. 17 and 18 show the applicator 200 and the replaceable liquid container 231 in section and separated from one another. Latches 211 depend from the liquid container 231 and engage with undercuts 213 in the internal upper edge of the body 241 to attach the liquid container 231 to the body 241. Buttons 212 are provided to release the latch allowing the liquid container to be removed from the body 241.

A reservoir window 17 is optionally located in the wall of the liquid container 231 to permit monitoring the contents for the purpose of replacement when empty. This embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments in most respects and where reference numerals used in Figs 16, 17 and 18 are the same as in earlier drawings the earlier description applies. Areas of difference are described below.

In this embodiment the floor member 72, and wing members 73 extending upwardly from the floor member in the body 241, combine to form an upper wall which closes the body 241 to protect the pivot and pump mechanism.

A spigot 178 again projects from the pump lid 77. However in this case the spigot 178 is inserted through a frangible plug or other sealable port in the replaceable liquid container 201 such that when the pump operates, liquid is drawn through the spigot 178, directly from the replaceable liquid container, and into the pump cylinder 74 through the upper pump valve 76.

The replaceable liquid container 231 comprises a rigid body which mates with the body 241 of the applicator and has a co-operating shape. A connection region of the replaceable liquid container 231 is defined by a frangible plug 205 located in a port 206 in the liquid container 231. The port 206 is located in a well 207 which fits over the projecting pump assembly of the applicator. As illustrated in Fig. 17, the well 207 may be closed by a cover or plug 208 before use to protect the frangible plug 205 from contamination or rupture during storage and transport.

As in the previous embodiment the spigot 178 is tapered to a point 111 and when the replaceable liquid filled package 231 is connected to the body 241, the point 111 of the spigot 178 is located against the frangible region 205 of the replaceable liquid container 231 and the frangible portion is pressed onto the point 111 causing the point to open the frangible region creating a connection between the replaceable liquid container 231 and the spigot 178.

In summary the advantages of the preferred embodiment of the applicator are:- • The unit is refillable.

• The retractable cover mechanism means that it is protected from damage to pads and/or ingress of dirt or grime automatically.

• The user need not apply the lotion or other substance to their hands before applying to the desired area, or employ another spreading device or tool. • Application pad offers a large surface area for quicker application.

• Level window allows user to determine level of reservoir.

• The unit has a unique compact shape.

• Pumping mechanism does not rely on gravity to distribute the lotion and can be used in any orientation. • Each pump supplies a metered dose of lotion reducing waste from excessive applications. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An applicator comprising a body, a liquid container within the body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid container to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port.

2. The applicator of claim 1 further comprising a retractable cover, which is locatable to covers the application surface, while the applicator is not in use.

3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein the cover comprises two retractable cover parts, which are locatable in abutting relationship to cover the application surface while not in use.

4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein the retractable cover parts retract to uncover the application surface and when retracted and also function as actuators to operate the pumping means.

5. The applicator of claim 4 wherein the retractable cover parts move in two stages whereby from the covered position, a first stage of movement uncovers the application surface, and in a second stage of movement the cover parts engage with an actuator mechanism of the pumping means.

6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the cover parts are located relative to the body to be able to be gripped and operable in one hand to be retracted and to pump liquid through the port.

7. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the application surface is a surface of the body.

8. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the application surface comprises a spreading means.

9. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the spreading means is a squeegee blade.

10. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the spreading means comprises a rippled or textured surface.

11. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the spreading means comprises a foam pad applied to a surface of the body surrounding the port.

12. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the spreading means is removably attached to the body.

13. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the liquid container comprises a chamber within the body, the chamber being tillable via a filling port sealingly closable by a cap.

14. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the liquid container is arranged to hold a replaceable liquid containing package, connectable to the liquid communication passage.

15. The applicator of claim 14 wherein the replaceable liquid containing package includes at least one frangible connection region which opens to form a connection with the liquid communication passage when the replaceable liquid containing package is inserted into the liquid container.

16. The applicator of claim 15 wherein the liquid communication passage has a tapered end to puncture the frangible connection region when the replaceable liquid containing package is inserted into the liquid container.

17. A replaceable liquid containing package for an applicator, wherein the applicator comprises a body, a liquid container within the body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid container to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port, and the liquid container is arranged to hold the replaceable liquid containing package, the replaceable liquid containing package including means for connection to the liquid communication passage.

18. The replaceable liquid containing package of claim 17 comprising a liquid filled reservoir having a closed outer wall at least part of which is flexible.

19. The replaceable liquid containing package of claim 17 or 18 wherein the removable container includes at least one frangible connection region which opens to form a connection with the liquid communication passage when the liquid container is inserted into the chamber.

20. An applicator comprising a body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, liquid inlet means, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid inlet means to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port.

21. The applicator of claim 20 wherein the liquid inlet means is in communication with a liquid container containing liquid to be dispensed by the applicator.

22. The applicator of claim 21 wherein the liquid container co-operates with the body of the applicator to attach onto the applicator to maintain the liquid inlet means in communication with a liquid container when in use.

23. The applicator of claim 20, 21 or 22 further comprising a retractable cover, which is locatable to covers the application surface, while the applicator is not in use.

24. The applicator of claim 23 wherein the cover comprises two retractable cover parts, which are locatable in abutting relationship to cover the application surface while not in use.

25. The applicator of claim 24 wherein the retractable cover parts retract to uncover the application surface and when retracted and also function as actuators to operate the pumping means.

26. The applicator of claim 25 wherein the retractable cover parts move in two stages whereby from the covered position, a first stage of movement uncovers the application surface, and in a second stage of movement the cover parts engage with an actuator mechanism of the pumping means .

27. The applicator of claim 26 wherein the cover parts are located relative to the body to be able to be gripped and operable in one hand to be retracted and to pump liquid through the port.

28. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 27 wherein the application surface is a surface of the body.

29. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 28 wherein the application surface comprises a spreading means.

30. The applicator of claim 29 wherein the spreading means is a squeegee blade.

31. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the spreading means comprises a rippled or textured surface.

32. The applicator of claim 29 wherein the spreading means comprises a foam pad applied to a surface of the body surrounding the port.

33. The applicator of claim 29 wherein the spreading means is removably attached to the body.

34. A liquid container for an applicator wherein the applicator comprises a body, an application surface, a port located in or adjacent to the application surface, liquid inlet means, a liquid communicating passage extending from the liquid inlet means to the port and pumping means for controllably moving liquid from the liquid container through the communicating passage to flow out through the port and the liquid container includes outlet means which co-operate with the inlet means to supply liquid from the liquid container to the applicator.

35. The liquid container of claim 34 wherein the liquid container co-operates with the body of the applicator to attach onto the applicator to maintain the liquid inlet means in communication with a liquid container when in use.

36. The liquid container of claim 34 or 35 wherein the liquid container includes a frangible connection region which opens to form a connection with the liquid inlet means.