阅读说明：本技术 具有储集器的多用途非接触式施用器 (Multi-purpose non-contact applicator with reservoir ) 是由 凯西·萨曼戈伊 于 2017-06-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文提供了一种具有储集器的多用途非接触式施用器。该施用器包括至少一个储集器、第一膜、完全容纳在该储集器内的至少一个第二膜、以及衬垫。封闭件限定该至少一个储集器的内部体积,并且该封闭件在该至少一个储集器的近端处具有开口,其中,该开口的边界限定该储集器的周边。另外,该第一膜固定地附接到该封闭件的周边,并且该第一膜在该储集器的周边内具有至少一个易碎孔口。此外,该至少一个第二膜划分该储集器的内部体积,从而在该储集器的内部体积内产生多个不同的体积。最后,该衬垫在该储集器的周边处固定地附接到该储集器。(A multi-purpose contactless applicator having a reservoir is provided herein. The applicator includes at least one reservoir, a first membrane, at least one second membrane completely contained within the reservoir, and a liner. A closure defines an interior volume of the at least one reservoir, and the closure has an opening at a proximal end of the at least one reservoir, wherein a boundary of the opening defines a perimeter of the reservoir. In addition, the first membrane is fixedly attached to the perimeter of the closure, and the first membrane has at least one frangible aperture within the perimeter of the reservoir. Further, the at least one second membrane divides the internal volume of the reservoir, thereby creating a plurality of different volumes within the internal volume of the reservoir. Finally, the gasket is fixedly attached to the reservoir at a periphery of the reservoir.)

1. An applicator device comprising:

at least one reservoir, wherein a closure defines an interior volume of the at least one reservoir, the closure having an opening at a proximal end of the at least one reservoir, wherein a boundary of the opening defines a perimeter of the reservoir;

a first membrane, wherein the first membrane is fixedly attached along a perimeter of the reservoir and the first membrane has at least one frangible aperture within the perimeter of the reservoir;

at least one second membrane fully contained within the reservoir, wherein the at least one second membrane divides the interior volume of the reservoir into a plurality of different volumes, and the at least one second membrane has at least one frangible orifice; and

a gasket, wherein the gasket is fixedly attached along a perimeter of the reservoir.

2. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises indicia that guide a user in use with a suggested optimal grip on the reservoir.

3. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the material comprising the reservoir has a total thickness of 2 mils to 12 mils.

4. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the first film has a total thickness of 5 mils.

5. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the frangible orifice of the first film is a plurality of microperforations.

6. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the frangible aperture of the first membrane is at least one hole covered by a pull tab extending beyond the reservoir.

7. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the frangible orifice is a burst seal within a perimeter of the reservoir, the burst seal being weaker than a seal joining the first membrane, the at least one second membrane, and the gasket to the reservoir.

8. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the frangible orifice of the at least one second film is a plurality of microperforations.

9. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the frangible aperture of the at least one second membrane is at least one hole covered by a pull tab extending beyond the reservoir.

10. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the pad is impregnated with at least one of a dry component or a liquid component.

11. The applicator device of claim 1, further comprising a cover.

12. An applicator device comprising:

a reservoir, wherein a closure defines an interior volume of the reservoir, the closure having an opening at a proximal end of the reservoir, wherein a boundary of the opening defines a perimeter of the reservoir, wherein the interior volume of the reservoir contains at least one of a capsule or an ampoule;

a first membrane, wherein the first membrane is fixedly attached along a perimeter of the reservoir and the first membrane has at least one frangible aperture within the perimeter of the reservoir;

at least one second membrane, wherein the at least one second membrane divides the interior volume of the reservoir, thereby creating a plurality of different volumes; and

a gasket, wherein the gasket is fixedly attached along a perimeter of the reservoir.

13. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the reservoir further comprises indicia that guide a user in use with a suggested optimal grip on the reservoir.

14. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the thickness of the material comprising the reservoir has a total thickness of 2 mils to 12 mils.

15. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the first film has a total thickness of 5 mils.

16. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the frangible orifice is a plurality of microperforations.

17. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the frangible aperture of the first membrane is at least one hole covered by a pull tab extending beyond the reservoir.

18. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the frangible orifice is a burst seal within a perimeter of the reservoir, the burst seal being weaker than a seal joining the first membrane, the at least one second membrane, and the gasket to the reservoir.

19. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the pad is impregnated with at least one of a dry component or a liquid component.

20. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the liner is covered.

Technical Field

The disclosed applicator relates to the field of hand-held liquid applicators.

Background

Application of creams, polishes, removers, repellents or medicaments typically requires the user to place the substance from a container on a cotton ball or swab, or to place the substance directly on the surface to which it is to be applied. Doing so may result in too much material being placed on the surface or on a cotton ball or swab. Furthermore, if the substance comes into contact with the skin or other organs of the user, such direct contact by the user may result in contamination or adverse reactions of the substance. A device that can eliminate possible contamination and adverse reactions would be useful for administering such substances.

Disclosure of Invention

The disclosed applicator is a multi-purpose non-contact applicator having a reservoir. The disclosed applicator includes at least one reservoir, a first membrane, at least one second membrane contained entirely within the at least one reservoir, and a liner. The at least one reservoir is defined by a closure, wherein the closure has an opening at a proximal end of the at least one reservoir. In addition, the boundary of the opening defines a perimeter of the reservoir. Further, the disclosed applicator includes a first membrane fixedly attached to the periphery of the closure and having at least one frangible aperture within the periphery of the at least one reservoir. The disclosed applicator also has at least one second membrane contained entirely within the reservoir. The at least one second membrane divides the internal volume of the reservoir to create a plurality of different volumes within the internal volume of the reservoir. The at least one second membrane further has at least one frangible orifice.

The disclosed applicator also refers to an applicator comprising at least one reservoir, a first membrane, at least one second membrane, and a liner. The at least one reservoir is defined by a closure, wherein the closure has an opening at a proximal end of the at least one reservoir. In addition, the boundary of the opening defines a perimeter of the reservoir. Further, the disclosed applicator includes a first membrane fixedly attached to the periphery of the closure and having at least one frangible aperture within the periphery of the at least one reservoir. The disclosed applicator also has at least one second membrane. The at least one second membrane divides the internal volume of the reservoir to create a plurality of different volumes within the internal volume of the reservoir. The at least one second membrane further has at least one frangible orifice.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an upper part of an applicator from a top view.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of an upper portion of an applicator from a bottom view.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of an applicator in an exploded view.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of an upper part of an applicator with multiple reservoirs from a top view.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of an upper portion of an applicator having multiple reservoirs from a bottom view.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of an applicator having multiple reservoirs in an exploded view.

Fig. 7A-7E illustrate example embodiments of applicators having at least one separator in a reservoir.

Fig. 8A-8C illustrate example embodiments of at least one frangible aperture in a first membrane.

Fig. 9 illustrates, from a side view, an example embodiment of an applicator having contents within a reservoir.

Fig. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of an applicator having contents within a reservoir from a top view.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of an applicator having contents within a reservoir from a side view.

Fig. 12 illustrates, from a side view, an example embodiment of an applicator having contents within a reservoir.

Fig. 13 illustrates from a side view an example embodiment of an application having contents in a reservoir.

Fig. 14 illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of an applicator device with contents between two sealing cushions.

Fig. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the applicator device shown in fig. 14.

Detailed Description

The following detailed examples are presented herein for illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are intended to be examples of the disclosed applicators in order to provide and assist those skilled in the art in readily understanding how to make and use the disclosed applicators.

Accordingly, the detailed discussion of one or more embodiments herein is not intended to, and should not be construed to, limit the scope and ambit of patent protection afforded by the disclosed applicators, where the scope of patent protection is intended to be defined by the claims and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, embodiments not specifically addressed herein (such as changes, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements) are considered to be implicitly disclosed by the illustrative embodiments and claims described herein, and thus fall within the scope of the disclosed applicator.

Further, it should be understood that although the steps of the various claimed methods may be shown and described in a sequential or chronological order, the steps of any such method are not limited to being performed in any particular order or sequence unless otherwise indicated. That is, any claimed method steps are contemplated as being capable of being performed in any sequential combination or order while still falling within the scope of the disclosed applicator.

In addition, it is important to note that each term used herein means that a person skilled in the relevant art will understand the meaning of such term based on the context in which it is used herein. It is expected that the meaning of a term as understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will predominate so long as the meaning of the term as used herein differs in any respect from any particular dictionary definition of the term, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art based on the context in which the term is used.

Furthermore, those of skill in the art who review the claims of the disclosed applicators will understand that "a" and "an" each generally mean "at least one" but do not exclude a plurality unless the context indicates otherwise. Also, the term "or" means "at least one of the items" but does not exclude a plurality of the items in the list.

The disclosed applicator is a device that allows the contents to be held apart until the contents are applied to a surface. The applicator also acts as a buffer between the contents of the applicator and the user. In addition, the applicator allows for the different contents of the applicator to be combined in a controlled manner. Also, some contents may cause reaction with the user's skin, and further, the amount of contents packaged in advance ensures that the proper amount of contents is used. The applicator is operated by first applying a force or pressure to the reservoir. The force or pressure applied to the reservoir increases the pressure inside the reservoir causing the contents to apply a force to at least one frangible orifice within a membrane covering the dispensing end of the reservoir. Upon application of sufficient force to the at least one frangible orifice, the orifice bursts, allowing the contents of the reservoir to flow through to the absorbent pad. Once the contents are absorbed on the pad, the contents may then be applied to the desired surface.

Turning now to fig. 1. Fig. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an upper portion of an applicator 20 from a top view. In short, the figure depicts the reservoir 22, the junction 26, the protective membrane 24, and the perimeter 28. The applicator device 21 is assembled by first securing the upper portion of the applicator 20 securely to the first membrane 34. The upper portion 20 and the first membrane 34 are secured together by heat and pressure sealing at the perimeter 28 of the protective membrane 24. The heat and pressure seals ensure that the contents remain sealed within the reservoir 22 when the applicator is not in use or in transit. Next, the gasket 36 is secured to the reservoir 22 such that the first membrane 34 is between the gasket 36 and the reservoir 22. The liner 36 is also secured to the reservoir 22 by heat and pressure sealing at the perimeter 28 of the protective film 24. Similarly, this heat and pressure seal serves to ensure that the contents of the reservoir 22 are absorbed by the liner 36 and do not leak from the side of the applicator. Further, the liner 36 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 22 such that the contents flow through the first membrane 34 and onto the absorbent liner 36 via the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 upon exiting the reservoir 22. The absorbent pad 36 is then soaked with the contents 56 of the reservoir 22 and may then be applied to a surface.

In an example embodiment, the reservoir 22 may also contain a junction 26. The junction 26 is disposed on the reservoir 22 and may, in some embodiments, take the form of a ridge, a cavity, or a recess. These joints 26 may provide ergonomic comfort and, in another embodiment, may provide guidance as to how and where to apply the pressure required to burst the frangible apertures 48, 50, 52 in the capsule 56 within the reservoir 22, the separation membrane 40 within the reservoir 22, or the first membrane 34 between the reservoir 22 and the liner 36, all of which utilize at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 to access the liner 36.

In an example embodiment, the first membrane 34 includes at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 that allows the contents 56 of the reservoir 22 to access the liner 36. In order to access the gasket 36, at least one frangible orifice 48, 50, 52 must be ruptured or burst. In order to rupture or burst the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52, a force or pressure must be applied to the reservoir 22. In one embodiment, such applied force or pressure may be applied directly to the junction 26 on the reservoir 22. In another embodiment, the force or pressure may be applied anywhere on the reservoir 22. Upon application of force or pressure to the reservoir 22, internal pressure builds within the reservoir 22, which in turn causes the frangible apertures 48, 50, 52 to rupture or burst.

In one embodiment, the frangible orifice is a plurality of microperforations 48 visible in fig. 8A. In such an embodiment, the microperforations 48 are spaced 1 mm to 3 mm apart and preferably have a burst or burst strength of 0.5psi to 1 psi. In one embodiment, the plurality of microperforations 48 form an X-pattern. The X pattern, when torn, creates a larger opening through which liquid can flow. However, in some embodiments, other geometric patterns may be used. In still other embodiments, the frangible aperture is a plurality of macro-perforations.

In another embodiment, the frangible aperture 50 is a set of seals 50, as can be seen in fig. 8B. In this embodiment, the first film 34 does not have microperforations. In practice, there is a pair of U-shaped differential seal lines. To produce this example embodiment, a sheet of the first film 34 is aligned against the corresponding end of the upper portion of the applicator 20 and sealed in two steps. The form/fill/seal apparatus seals the two layers with a first pressure around about 7/8 of the perimeter 28. The device then seals the remainder 1/8 of perimeter 28 with a weaker seal in the form of a U-shaped wire. By applying force or pressure to the reservoir, the contents 56 of the reservoir 22 or the air within the reservoir 22 will cause the weaker seal to rupture or burst. Once the weaker seal is ruptured or blown, the contents 56 of the reservoir 22 can flow to the liner 36. In an exemplary embodiment, a force or pressure of 0.5psi to 1psi will cause the weaker seal to rupture or burst. In other embodiments, the second weaker seal may take a different shape, such as, but not limited to, a triangular or oval shape. In yet another embodiment, the second weak seal may be a fluid continuation of the shape of the first seal. In this embodiment, there may be an identifying mark on the upper portion of the applicator 20 to indicate the location of the weaker seal.

In yet another embodiment, the frangible aperture is a hole 52 covered by a pull tab 54, as can be seen in fig. 8C. The pull tab 54 extends beyond the perimeter 28 and, once pulled, creates an opening 52 that allows the contents of the reservoir 22 to flow to the absorbent pad 36. The pull tab 54 may be used with any embodiment of the frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 and is configured to allow fluid communication between the contents of the reservoir 22 and the liner 36 when displaced during use. In another embodiment, the frangible aperture is a hole 52 not covered by a pull tab 54. In this embodiment, the aperture 52 may comprise a piece that allows the contents to travel through the aperture 52, but only after the necessary amount of pressure or force is applied to the upper portion of the applicator 20. In another embodiment, this piece may also allow the contents to travel in only one direction, i.e., from the reservoir 22 to the liner 36. In this embodiment, the pieces that are allowed to travel in only one direction protect the reservoir 22 from backflow and possible contamination.

The size and shape of the reservoir 22 may vary depending on the contents 56 within the reservoir 22 and the intended use of the applicator. In one embodiment, the reservoir 22 may take the form of a circle. In another embodiment, the reservoir 22 may take the form of a square or rectangle. In yet another embodiment, the reservoir 22 may take the form of a truncated pyramid or a truncated cone. In another embodiment, the reservoir 22 may take the form of a "T". In some example embodiments, the shape of the upper portion of the applicator 20 has rounded edges. Applicator devices 21 having such rounded edges are gentler on the user's hand. In another example embodiment, the upper portion of the applicator has square and angled edges. Applicator devices 21 having such square or angled edges minimize manufacturing waste. The overall size of the applicator device 21 varies depending on the use of the applicator device 21. In one example embodiment, the applicator device 21 is 50.8mm square to fit the user's hand. These are merely example embodiments and, thus, should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure, as the shape and size of the reservoir 22 will vary depending on the contents within the applicator and the intended use of the applicator.

Turning now to fig. 2. This figure illustrates, from a bottom view, an example embodiment of an upper portion of an example applicator 20 having at least one reservoir 22. In short, the figure depicts the reservoir 22, the dispensing end 30, the protective membrane 24, the perimeter 28 of the protective membrane 24, and the sealing area 32. As described above, the first membrane 34 is fixedly attached to the upper portion of the applicator 20. The first membrane 34 is attached to the upper portion of the applicator 20 by means of heat and pressure sealing. The first film 34 is heat and pressure sealed to the upper portion of the applicator 20 along the perimeter 28 of the protective film 24, thereby creating a sealed area 32. The sealing region 32 ensures that the contents within the reservoir 22 remain in the reservoir 22 prior to use and during transport or storage. In another embodiment, the first film 34 and the at least one second film 40 may be sealed to the upper portion of the applicator 20 using other thermal welding techniques including, but not limited to, hot gas welding, hot wedge welding, extrusion welding, hot plate welding, infrared welding, and laser welding. In another embodiment, the first membrane 34 and the at least one second membrane 40 may be sealed to the upper portion of the applicator 20 using mechanical welding techniques including, but not limited to, spin welding, stir welding, vibration welding, and ultrasonic welding. In yet another embodiment, the first film 34 and the at least one second film may be sealed to the upper portion of the applicator 20 using electromagnetic welding techniques including, but not limited to, resistance/plug/electrofusion welding, induction welding, dielectric welding, and microwave welding.

Once the applicator device 21 is ready for use, the at least one frangible orifice 48, 50, 52 is ruptured or burst, as discussed above. Once the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 is ruptured or burst, the contents 56 of the reservoir 22 can flow through the dispensing end 30 to the liner 36. The at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 can be placed anywhere within the perimeter 28 of the upper portion of the applicator 20. In some embodiments, the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 is placed in a centralized region along with the other frangible apertures 48, 50, 52 to deliver a targeted amount of the content 56 from the reservoir 22 to a specific portion of the liner 36. In some other embodiments, the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 is evenly spaced throughout the first membrane 34 within the perimeter 28 of the protective membrane 24 to allow the liner 36 to evenly absorb the contents 56 of the reservoir 22. This embodiment may be used, for example, in medical applications, such as pre-operative sterilization procedures. In one embodiment, an antimicrobial agent may be disposed within the reservoir 22, for example. In the same embodiment, the evenly spaced at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 will allow the pad 36 to be evenly coated with antimicrobial agent, thereby ensuring that the area to be cleaned prior to the procedure is evenly coated with antimicrobial agent.

Turning now to fig. 3 and 6. These figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an applicator device 21 in an exploded view. These figures show the upper portion of the applicator 20, the first membrane 34 and the liner 36. Each of these three elements is produced at a different station of a form/fill/seal apparatus known in the art, and then heat and vacuum sealed together into one unit. Specifically, the upper portion of the applicator 20 is shaped from a roll of formed film. The shaped film is a coextruded composite that should be liquid impermeable, rigid enough to hold its own shape, but flexible enough to yield under the pressure of a user's finger. In the example, the upper portion of the applicator 20 is extruded from a thermoplastic material. For example, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic material may be polyethylene and polypropylene, polyethylene and polyamide, polypropylene and polyamide, and polyethylene carbonate. In some example embodiments, these materials may be of medical grade to ensure certain criteria are met for medical and pharmaceutical applications of the applicator device. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to ensure that the material selected to create the upper portion of the applicator 20 prevents microbial contamination, oxidation, evaporation, or moisture. Furthermore, for certain medical applications, it is important that the contents of the applicator device 21 be kept free from sunlight. Thus, in some example embodiments, the thermoplastic material selected to make the upper portion of the applicator is colored or completely darkened to ensure that sunlight or light does not contact the contents 56 of the reservoir 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper portion of the applicator 20 is 5 mils (mil) thick. In another embodiment, the upper portion of the applicator 20 is 2 mils to 12 mils thick. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the upper portion of the applicator 20 is determined by one skilled in the art relative to the specific contents 56 of the reservoir 22.

An exemplary embodiment of a method to create the applicator device 21 is as follows. A roll of material for the upper portion of the applicator 20 is loaded into one station of the form/fill/seal apparatus. The material is spread into a sheet form and then pressed into the desired three-dimensional shape. The forming section of the apparatus presses out the upper multiple rows and columns of the applicator 20 from a single sheet. The sheet passes to a second station where each reservoir is filled with a predetermined amount of contents 56. This sheet then passes to a third station, in which the roll of material to be used for the first film is waiting. The material for the first film is rolled onto the sheet of filled reservoir and heat and pressure sealed. Thereby enclosing the contents 56 within the upper portion of the applicator 20. The closed upper portion of the applicator 20 then proceeds to a fourth station where a roll of liner 36 material is waiting. The apparatus unfolds the pad into a sheet and places it on top of the dispensing end 30 of the upper portion of the applicator 20. The three layers then travel as a single sheet to a fifth station where the liner 36 is heat and pressure sealed to the first film 34 side. Finally, the sheet of applicator device 21 passes to a sixth station where the sheet is torn and cut into individual units.

Furthermore, the first film 34 and the separation film 40 are extruded from a thermoplastic material. For example, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic material may be polyethylene and biaxially oriented polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester, polypropylene and biaxially oriented nylon, polypropylene and biaxially oriented polypropylene, polypropylene and polyester, and polypropylene and biaxially oriented nylon. In some embodiments, these materials may be of medical grade to ensure certain criteria are met for medical and pharmaceutical applications of the applicator device. The thickness of the polyethylene and polypropylene may be any thickness understood in the art to be effective for the particular configuration used for the applicator device 21. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness is between about 1 mil to 4 mils thick, or in other embodiments about 2 mils thick. The thickness may be varied by one skilled in the art to optimize the storage and rupture requirements of the particular contents 56 of the reservoir 22. In some embodiments, the biaxially oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented nylon, and polyester are desirably 50 gauge, although other gauges may be used to optimize storage and rupture requirements of the contents 56 of the reservoir 22.

Further, in some embodiments, the liner 36 is formed from polyester, polyester blended with regenerated cellulose fibers, polypropylene blended with cellulose pulp, and cotton. In some example embodiments, these materials may be of medical grade to ensure certain criteria are met for medical and pharmaceutical applications of the applicator device. Further, in one exemplary embodiment, the pad 36 may be made of surgical sponge. In another example embodiment, the pad 36 may vary in abrasiveness depending on the intended use of the applicator device 21. In some embodiments, the liner 36 is cut to the perimeter 28 of the upper portion of the applicator 20. Further, the thickness of the pad 36 may be any thickness that those skilled in the art will appreciate as useful for a particular applicator device 21. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness is between about 0.2mm to 2.5mm or 30gsm to 65 gsm.

The liner 36 not only serves to absorb the contents of the reservoir 22, but in some embodiments may be impregnated with the contents 56 to react with the contents 56 contained within the reservoir 22. In one embodiment, the liner 36 may be impregnated with a dry substance, such as a powder, for subsequent reaction with the liquid contents within the reservoir 22. In another embodiment, the pad 36 may be soaked in a liquid that is then dried and then combined with the contents 56 of the reservoir 22 at the time of use of the applicator. Further, in one embodiment, the cushion 36 has a covering over it. The covering over the pad 36 serves to prevent contamination of the pad 36. Further, in some embodiments, the covering is used to prevent any dry contents impregnated in the pad 36 from reacting with the environment or any other reagents. The cover may be removably placed over the applicator device 21 in several ways. In one embodiment, the cover is snapped onto the applicator device 21 to cover the pad 36. To retain the covering in the embodiment where the covering is snapped on, the protective film 24 receives a ridge around the perimeter 28 that allows the covering to be removably retained. In another embodiment, ridges extending around the perimeter 28 may also be used to allow the cover to be placed over the liner 36 using a groove and lip approach. In this embodiment, the ridge extending around the perimeter 28 may have a lip or groove to releasably engage the cover. In another embodiment, the ridges do not extend around the perimeter 28 in a continuous configuration. In effect, the ridges have space to allow placement by discontinuities in the ridges, and then twist to the locked position.

In another embodiment, a threaded cap is used to removably retain the cover over the cushion. In this embodiment, the perimeter 28 of the applicator device 21 will serve as a guide for placing the threaded cap over the liner 36. To ensure that the perimeter 28 of the applicator device 21 is strong enough to engage the threads of a threaded cap, the sealing area 32 may be made thicker in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the liner 36 includes threads to engage threads on the inside of the cover. In yet another embodiment, the cover is a film that may be placed over the wet pad 36. In this embodiment, the cover may have an elastic material around its perimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic material around the perimeter will allow the cover to stretch over the perimeter 28 of the applicator device 21 and then return to its resting size, which is less than the perimeter 28 of the applicator device 21. In another embodiment, the covering is a film that is releasably applied to the wet pad 36. In this embodiment, the cover may be peeled away from the liner 36 because the close fit of the cover to the liner has an effect on the hydrophilicity of the film. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover has one side releasably engaging the wet pad 36 and the other side sealed to not allow any contents of the wet pad to flow through. Thus, even if the pad 36 is wet, the applicator device 21 may still be stored and handled. The exemplary embodiment of this cover allows the pad 36 to be impregnated with liquid or gel contents rather than a solid dry substance, thereby further expanding the use and applicability of the applicator device 21. Further, the cover may be retained by any means well known in the art, such as a hinge, whereby a single use may be followed by a cover for subsequent use of the applicator device.

In yet another embodiment, the cover hermetically seals the gasket 36. The hermetic seal above the cushion 36 will allow the applicator device 21 to be hermetic and limit possible contamination of the contents of the applicator device 21 and the cushion 36. Example embodiments having a hermetically sealed cover may allow for pharmaceutical and medical applications of the applicator device 21. In an example embodiment of a hermetically sealed cover, the cover may be a foil sealed along the perimeter 28 of the reservoir 22. This hermetically sealed cover will ensure that the contents 56, as well as the pad 36, will remain free of contamination and ensure sanitary conditions when the applicator device 21 is used in a medical or pharmaceutical environment. Also, this seal made of foil will allow any contents on the gasket to remain in the dark, preventing exposure to light.

Turning now to fig. 4. An example embodiment of an upper portion of an applicator 20 having multiple reservoirs 22 is shown from a top view. In short, a plurality of reservoirs 22, protective films 24, perimeters 28, and junctions 26 are depicted. Similar to fig. 1, in one example embodiment, the plurality of reservoirs 22 are extruded from the protective film 24. Thus, the protective film 24 prevents contact with the liner 36 and allows for easy use with the applicator device 21. Further, the first film 34 is fixedly attached to the protective film 24 by means of heat and pressure sealing. The gasket 36 is then fixedly attached to the protective film 24 by heat and pressure sealing.

In one embodiment, multiple reservoirs 22 are used to hold the same contents 56. In another embodiment, multiple reservoirs 22 are used to hold two different contents 56. In yet another embodiment, multiple reservoirs 22 are used to hold two different contents 56 that cannot be combined prior to use of the applicator's contents 56. In some embodiments, multiple reservoirs 22 allow for greater control over the combination and distribution of the content 56. In some embodiments, pressure or force may be applied to multiple reservoirs 22 simultaneously or one at a time. The contents 56 may be controllably released from the selected reservoir 22 onto the liner 36 by applying pressure or force to one reservoir 22 at a time. For example, in one embodiment, the liner 36 may be impregnated with a dry substance so as to engage the contents 56 of one of the plurality of reservoirs 22. This control allows the substances in the reservoir 22 and the liner 36 to react and interact in a controlled manner. In another embodiment, the contents 56 of the multiple reservoirs 22 must be kept separate prior to use of the applicator. In this embodiment, the contents 56 in the multiple reservoirs 22 are two different substances that must be combined prior to administration to achieve the desired effect.

Turning now to fig. 5. This figure illustrates an example embodiment of an upper portion of an applicator 20 having multiple reservoirs 22 from a bottom view. In short, the dispensing end 30, the protective membrane 24, the reservoir 22, the perimeter 28, and the sealing region 32 are depicted. Similar to fig. 2, the first film 34 is heat and pressure sealed to the perimeter 28 of the protective film 24, thereby forming the sealed region 32. The sealed region 32 ensures that the contents 56 within the reservoir 22 are contained prior to use and during transport or storage. In one embodiment, there is only one heat and pressure seal along the perimeter 28 of the protective film 24. In this embodiment, the contents 56 of the reservoirs 22 may be identical. In another embodiment, the contents 56 may be different contents, but can be combined prior to use. In yet another embodiment, there is another heat and pressure seal that separates the two reservoirs 22 to create two different volumes, one for each respective reservoir 22. In this embodiment, the applicator device 21 may contain two different contents 56 that must be kept separate prior to use of the applicator device 21. In one embodiment, the first membrane 34, which is heat and pressure sealed to the protective membrane 24, has at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 that can burst or rupture to allow the contents 56 to flow from the reservoir 22 through the first membrane 34 to the absorbent pad 36. In some embodiments, the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 is a plurality of microperforations 48 (fig. 8A) or holes 52, with a pull tab 54 (fig. 8) covering the holes 52. In one embodiment, two different contents 56 are mixed together in the absorbent pad 36. In yet another embodiment, the pad 36 is impregnated with a dry substance. The plurality of reservoirs 22 have contents 56 to be mixed with the dry substance impregnated in the pad 36.

Turning now to fig. 7A to 7E. These figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an applicator having at least one separation membrane 40 within the reservoir 22, viewed from the side. The separation membrane 40 is used to create at least one volume 42, 44, 46 within the volume of the reservoir 22. In an example embodiment, creating more than one volume 42, 44, 46 may be used to separate different contents 56 that cannot be combined prior to use of the applicator. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one separation membrane 40 is used to control the combination of contents 56 to prepare a solution for placement on a selected surface.

Fig. 7A and 7B depict example embodiments of a vertical separation membrane 40 and a horizontal separation membrane 40, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the separation membrane 40 includes at least one frangible aperture 48, 50 to allow the contents of one volume 42, 44, 46 to combine with the contents 56 of another volume 42, 44, 46. In this exemplary embodiment, the pressure required to rupture or burst the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50 of the separation membrane 40 may be less than the pressure required to rupture or burst the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50 of the first membrane 34 to ensure that the separation membrane 40 allows the contents 56 to mix before the contents 56 flow to the absorbent pad 36. However, in another example embodiment, the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50 in the first membrane 34 may require less pressure to rupture or burst than the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50 of the separation membrane 40. In this embodiment, one content 56 of the reservoir 22 may be applied to a surface, followed by a second content 56 at some later point in time. For example when several layers of varnish are applied on the floor or when several layers of facial cleanser are applied. Another example use may be when a multi-step acne medication is administered, which requires different types of medications to be administered at different times. Where there are a plurality of different volumes 42, 44, 46 within the reservoir 22, the applicator may contain a plurality of different medicaments that will be administered one after the other by varying the pressure required to burst or rupture the at least one frangible orifice 48, 50.

Fig. 7C, 7D, and 7E depict some example embodiments of the reservoir 22 containing a plurality of volumes 42, 44, 46 created by at least one separation membrane 40. Similar to fig. 7A and 7B, the separation membrane 40 allows the reservoir 22 to contain a variety of contents 56 that cannot be mixed or must be mixed immediately prior to use of the applicator device 21. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, at least one separation membrane 40 has at least one frangible aperture 48, 50 to allow contents 56 within the plurality of volumes 42, 44, 46 to mix together before being absorbed by the liner 36.

Turning now to fig. 9, 10, 11 and 12. These figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an applicator device 21 showing possible contents 56 within the reservoir 22. Briefly, an embodiment of the upper portion of the applicator 20, an exemplary embodiment of the contents 56, and the reservoir 22 are depicted. These figures show one embodiment of the contents 56 in the reservoir 22, which is a capsule 56. However, in some embodiments, the contents 56 within the reservoir 22 may be a liquid, a gel, a powder, a capsule, an ampoule, a pellet, a crystalline solid, or a combination thereof. Fig. 9 and 10 show various views of an exemplary embodiment of an upper portion of the applicator 20 having at least one capsule containing contents 56. Fig. 11 and 12 show various views of an example embodiment of an upper portion of an application 20 having a plurality of capsules containing contents 56.

In some embodiments, the capsule 56 contains a liquid, gel, crystalline solid, or powder. Further, in some embodiments, the capsule 56 may be a soft shell capsule made of a gelatin material. In another embodiment, the capsule may be made of a non-gelatin material. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to eject the capsule 56 by squeezing the reservoir 22. In another embodiment, the capsule 56 may be dissolvable. In this embodiment, the dissolvable capsule will begin to dissolve upon contact with the lysing agent within the reservoir 22. Thus, in an embodiment of the applicator device 21, an example application of the capsule 56 as the content 56 may be a capsule 56 with a powder inside the capsule and a liquid within a reservoir with the capsule 56. Once the capsule 56 is ejected, the powder can interact with the liquid and react to produce a substance to be applied to a selected surface. In another example embodiment, the situation may be reversed; the capsule 56 may contain a liquid and a powder may be in the volume of the reservoir 22. In this embodiment, the capsule 56 will be ejected and the liquid can then react and interact with the powder before application on the selected surface. However, the foregoing example embodiments should not be construed as limiting the application of the capsule 56 to the contents 56 within the reservoir 22. In the foregoing example embodiments, any of the previously mentioned example contents 56 may be replaced. Furthermore, the contents 56 of the capsule 56 and the contents 56 in the volume of the reservoir 22 will determine the material and consistency of the capsule 56 to best meet the objectives of a particular applicator device 21.

In another example embodiment, a capsule or ampoule containing the contents 56 may be placed within the second volume within the interior volume of the reservoir 22. In this example embodiment, the remaining volume of the reservoir 22 may be filled with the liquid to be frozen. Once frozen, the liquid will keep the capsule or ampoule cool until use. In one application, the frozen liquid may be thawed immediately prior to use, or in another application, the frozen liquid may be thawed over time to preserve the contents of the capsule or ampoule, for example, during shipping. Although the above examples discuss the administration of a frozen liquid to keep a capsule or ampoule with contents 56 frozen, this should not be considered as limiting the use of the frozen liquid within the reservoir 22. In another example, the reservoir 22 may be divided into multiple volumes, with the volumes between the multiple volumes being frozen liquid or gel that acts as a buffer between the multiple volumes. In this example, the chilled liquid may also be used to cool multiple volumes within the reservoir 22.

In yet another example embodiment, the contents 56 within the reservoir 22 may be stored within an ampoule, which in another example embodiment is disposed in the interior volume of the reservoir. The ampoule may be made of glass or plastic. Traditionally, access to the contents of an ampoule is obtained by breaking the ampoule. However, when the ampoule is broken, the glass fragments may cut the area in which the contents of the ampoule are used or enter. Accordingly, certain embodiments take steps to prevent such problems.

In one embodiment, the ampoule is placed in a sponge, for example. A sponge with an ampoule inside is placed in the reservoir 22. The sponge has a porosity to allow the contents 56 of the ampoule to pass through while safely retaining the glass fragments within the sponge. To break the ampoule, in one embodiment, force or pressure is applied to the sponge from both sides of the reservoir 22 to crush the ampoule. In another embodiment, a sponge with an ampoule is placed within the reservoir 22 at an angle such that force or pressure need only be applied from one side of the reservoir 22 to seize the ampoule and allow the contents to flow into the reservoir 22. Further, in some embodiments, a sponge with an ampoule may have other types of contents within the reservoir 22. Examples of possible inclusions 56 are discussed above.

In another embodiment, at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 is sized to allow only minimal contents to pass through, rather than tearing and creating a large hole to remain in first film 34. By limiting the size of the contents passing through the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52, in some embodiments, the ampoule need not be in a sponge. The smaller size of the at least one frangible aperture 48, 50, 52 will retain all fragments of the ampoule in the reservoir 22 while allowing the contents of the ampoule to flow through the first membrane 34 into the liner 36. This embodiment also has the advantage of ensuring that the contents 56 of the reservoir 22 do not leach into the liner 36 until fully mixed with the rest of the contents in the reservoir 22.

In yet another embodiment, the ampoule is fixedly positioned within the reservoir 22 at an angle due to the at least one separation membrane 40. The at least one separation membrane 40 may ensure that the ampoule is held at a particular angle to ensure that a force or pressure applied to the reservoir 22 will cause the frangible neck of the ampoule to break and allow the contents to flow out. In another embodiment, the ampoule is placed at an angle and held in place with at least one separation membrane 40, and a hard blunt is attached to the interior of the reservoir and positioned such that the hard blunt rests on the frangible neck of the ampoule. Thus, a slight force or pressure applied to the point on the reservoir where the hard, blunt object is attached will contact and rupture the frangible neck of the ampoule, allowing the contents to flow out. In some embodiments, the ampoule may also be placed vertically within the reservoir 22 with the tip facing the dispensing end 30 and held tightly in place with the at least one separation membrane 40.

The use of an ampoule to help keep the contents 56 separate within the reservoir 22 is important for use of the example embodiment of the applicator device 21 in a medical or pharmaceutical environment. In some cases, in a medical or pharmaceutical setting, administering a solution requires mixing the two solutions prior to use. In these environments, an ampoule is often useful because it allows the substances to be held in the same container but prevents the substances from mixing. The use of an ampoule in the reservoir 22 of the applicator device 21 will allow multiple contents to be held together within the internal volume of the reservoir, but held apart until they are used. For example, in an example embodiment, the ampoule may contain a powder that will be reconstituted with the liquid contained within the interior volume of the reservoir 22. After the ampoule is broken, the powder will mix with the liquid and once the solution has interacted for a sufficient time, the solution can be applied to the desired surface. In another example embodiment, a plurality of ampoules may be housed within the interior volume of the reservoir 22, with each of the plurality of ampoules housing a different content. These example embodiments may be used for medical applications, such as disinfecting a portion of a body prior to surgery, disinfecting tools to be used during surgery, or even disinfecting a table in a laboratory. Further, example embodiments may be used to administer a paretic solution produced by combining the contents of an ampoule with the contents within the interior volume of a reservoir prior to a procedure or procedure to be performed in a hospital or laboratory. In general, in some embodiments, the use of an applicator device 21 having an ampoule may address many of the storage instability issues of the contents 56 in certain medical or pharmaceutical applications.

Turning now to fig. 13. The example embodiment of the applicator device 21 having the example embodiment of the content 56 within the reservoir 22 is illustrated from a side view. An applicator device 21, a reservoir 22, an example embodiment of the contents 56 as a capsule 56, and an example embodiment of the contents 56 as a crystal 56 are depicted. In one embodiment, the crystals 56 may be, for example, salt crystals. In an exemplary embodiment, the crystal 56 is fixed on top of the reservoir 22, and the capsule 56 is located below the crystal 56 in the reservoir 22. The capsule 56 may, for example, contain a liquid that reacts with the crystal 56 to form a solution that will be absorbed by the pad 36 and then placed on a selected surface. In another embodiment, the capsule 56 may contain a gel or powder that reacts with the crystals to form a solution.

Turning now to fig. 14 and 15. These figures illustrate an example embodiment applicator device 21 without a reservoir 22 having a content 56 between two gaskets 36 sealed along the perimeter 28. A plurality of sealing liners 36, an exemplary embodiment of the contents 56, a sealing perimeter 28, and a label 58 are depicted. Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate an example embodiment where the contents 56 may be stored in the liner 36 without the need for attaching the reservoir 22. In an alternative embodiment, the contents 56 may be stored in the pad 36 in a capsule, and also stored in the plurality of reservoirs 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the contents 56 are stored between two liners 36. Thus, the gasket 36 performs the same function as the reservoir 22; the contents 56 are contained until they are ready for use. In this exemplary embodiment, the contents 56 are disposed within at least one capsule. At least one capsule is then placed between the plurality of sealing pads 36. With the contents 56 between the plurality of sealing liners 36, in some embodiments, both sides of the plurality of sealing liners 36 may now be used. In some embodiments, the capsule must be burst in order to expose the contents 56 of the capsule. To burst the capsule, in some embodiments, a force or pressure may be applied to the plurality of sealing pads 36 by pressing a surface of the plurality of sealing pads 36 or a desired application surface of the contents 56 within the plurality of sealing pads 36. In another embodiment, the capsule is dissolved by encountering a liquid. In some embodiments, the capsules may have the same contents or in other embodiments different contents 56, depending on the use of the applicator device. Capsules with different contents may be spaced apart in a manner that is also dictated by the use and understood by those skilled in the art to be appropriate. In one embodiment, a plurality of sealing gaskets 36 are sealed along the perimeter 28 to create the sealed area 32. The sealing area 32 ensures that the capsule does not encounter contaminants prior to use. Thus, there is no risk of the capsule being dissolved and releasing the contents 56 beforehand.

To further prevent contamination, in another embodiment, the plurality of sealing liners 36 have a label 58 affixed along a side of the plurality of sealing liners 36. An exemplary embodiment of a plurality of sealing liners 36 with labels is depicted in fig. 15. Labels 58 may be placed on the sides of the plurality of pads 36 in any manner understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in an example embodiment, the labels 58 may be fixedly attached to the plurality of pads 36. In another embodiment, the label 58 may be removably attached to the plurality of pads 36. In yet another exemplary embodiment, label 58 covers a portion of the sides of plurality of sealing liners 36. In another embodiment, label 58 covers the entire side of plurality of sealing liners 36. In yet another embodiment, label 58 is disposed on at least one side of the plurality of sealing liners 36. Moreover, in other embodiments, the label 58 may be placed in other locations in different sizes and geometries, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Further, labels 58 disposed on the sides of the plurality of sealing liners 36 may serve multiple purposes depending on the desired application and based on the knowledge of one skilled in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the label 58 is used as an additional means of ensuring that the contents 56 remain free of contamination. In another embodiment, the tag 58 may be used for advertising. In yet another embodiment, the label 58 may be used to display information about the contents 56 within the plurality of pads 36. In embodiments where more than one content 56 is present in the plurality of pads 36, the label 58 or labels 58 may be used to show the user where a particular capsule containing a particular content 56 is located by placement and indication on the label 58.

While preferred embodiments of the applicator device have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and variations may be made thereto, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosed applicator device. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the disclosed applicator, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the disclosed applicator device.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", or the term "comprises" or variations such as "comprising" or "comprises", or the term "includes" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", or the term "having" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, the addition of one or more features to any claim embodiment should be considered within the scope of the disclosed applicator device in interpreting the scope of the claims, provided that the essential features of the disclosed applicator device as claimed are included in this embodiment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the applicator devices described herein are susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the disclosed applicator device includes all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope. The disclosed applicator devices also include all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

Accordingly, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the applicator device. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the applicator to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosed applicator device.