With Flow-regulator Patents (Class 401/205)
  • Patent number: 6817801
    Abstract: An applicator device for applying treatment fluid to various interior surfaces such as those found in an automobile, which is constructed with an applicator head including a housing having a bottom distribution plate and an applicator pad affixed thereto, and which is configured to complementally and releasably receive an associated fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Valvoline Company, a division of Ashland, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Colburn, Frederick Large, Brooke T. Baxter, Wen-Chen Su, Dan Anderson, William R. Bucknam, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040213628
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed relates to a packaging and application device for a product, specifically a cosmetic product. The device includes a receptacle for cleaning the product having a longitudinal axis and a passageway. The receptacle also includes a porous or fibrous applicator element capable of communicating with the product in the receptacle through the passageway. A dispensing element adapted for opening and closing the passageway. The device further contains a dispensing element adapted for opening and closing the passageway and includes a mobile part rotatable about the longitudinal axis between a first position in which the passage is closed and a second position in which the passage is open. The device also includes a closure cap capable of engaging a dispensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Laure Thiebaut
  • Patent number: 6786667
    Abstract: A single-use applicator contains nail polish remover and an applicator element. A liquid conduit has one end fluidically connected to the applicator element and a point on another end. The nail polish remover is liquid and is contained in a container having a puncturable cover that is located adjacent to the point of the conduit. The applicator element is located in one unit and the liquid is located in a second unit. The two units are threadably connected and when screwed together, the point punctures the cover and fluidically connects the liquid nail polish remover to the applicator element. The applicator is used in the manner of a writing instrument to remove nail polish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Angela M. Thomas, Mark A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040170466
    Abstract: The liquid ink writing instrument has a body containing, from its rear end towards its front end, a reservoir for the ink and a front chamber containing a capillary element for transferring ink coming from the reservoir to a writing head. The front chamber communicates with ambient air. The writing head is fed with ink by the capillary element, and projects from the front portion of the body. The reservoir is separated from the front chamber by a flexible wall having shape memory and provided with slots. The flexible wall acts as a valve suitable for opening when the ratio of the pressure inside the reservoir over the pressure inside the volume of the front chamber facing the valve exceeds a first value, and of reclosing instantly as soon as the ratio becomes less than or equal to a second value, the valve releasing the ink in the form of a jet directed towards the rear face of the capillary element. The first value of the ratio of the pressures is preferably about 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent Bedhome, Jose Duez, Didier Lange
  • Patent number: 6773193
    Abstract: A device for packaging and applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic or a care product, the device comprising a receptacle for containing the substance, said receptacle being provided at the top with an applicator that is permeable to the substance and that has an inside face fed with the substance coming from the receptacle. In the vicinity of the bottom face of the applicator, the device comprises an element that forms an intermediate reservoir that is in permanent communication with the receptacle and that is suitable for retaining a certain quantity of the substance when the device is turned upside-down from a head-up position and is then returned to the head-up position, said intermediate reservoir-forming element also being arranged to enable the substance retained in this way to feed the applicator, at least in certain conditions of use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-François Delage
  • Patent number: 6773194
    Abstract: A soap-dispensing scrubber has a base with a sponge on one side and a reservoir on the other side. The reservoir has an open-ended wall that rotates between a dispensing position, a closed position, and a removable position. In the closed position, a sealing surface closes a soap aperture in the base. Ridges are used to hold the base and the reservoir together. A projection and a recess on the ridges prevent inadvertent rotation of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Libman Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Marco Bizzotto
  • Patent number: 6758620
    Abstract: A metered dose dispensing dabber device includes a dabber main housing having a container attachment for affixing the device to a container, a metered dosage reservoir, a hollow dip tube, a metered dosage reservoir outlet, and a valve. The main housing has a base divider wall, this base divider wall having an underside and top side. Further, the base divider wail is closed to prevent liquid from passing from the underside to the top side. The metered dosage reservoir has enclosed walls and is located above the top side of the divider wall. The hollow dip tube passes through the base divider wall and extends downwardly therefrom for insertion into a container. The dip tube also extends upwardly to a predetermined height in the metered dosage reservoir to establish a fill level. The metered dosage reservoir outlet is located on a metered dosage reservoir wall opposite the dip tube. The valve is located in the reservoir outlet, in proximity to the dip tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Valley Design, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Harrold
  • Publication number: 20040114986
    Abstract: A writing instrument has a felt pen core held in a leading holder at the leading end of a pen shaft. The pen core is movable along the longitudinal direction of the pen shaft and is pressed in the longitudinal direction to supply ink stored in an ink storage chamber inside the pen shaft to the pen core. A base end portion includes a projection with a tapered outer side surface that narrows the projection in the tail direction. The projection is lower than an engaging portion and is movable along the longitudinal direction between the engaging portion and the leading end of the pen shaft. A notch is formed in a base-end surface of the base end portion and extends in the upper direction. The projection undergoes an elastic deformation to narrow the width of the notch, thereby narrowing a maximum width of the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: KURETAKE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuo Ishida
  • Publication number: 20040114988
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution are disclosed. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
  • Publication number: 20040105715
    Abstract: A cleaning utensil comprises a hollow, liquid-receiving handle (10) having an outlet (38), a cleaning head (12) in registry with the outlet (38) and an actuator (42) provided on the handle (10) for opening and closing the outlet (38), the actuator (42) including a valve member (54) which for opening and closing the outlet (38). The outlet (38) may be provided in a surface which interfaces with a detachable shoe (20) provided with a cleaning or scouring element (34, 36, 25) or elements, the shoe (20) having an aperture (40) which registers with the outlet (38) so as to allow liquid to flow to the cleaning/scouring element(s) (34, 36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Duncan Spelman, Carl Stone, Darren Brian Trowsdale
  • Publication number: 20040086321
    Abstract: An applicator for an anti-microbial solution includes an aerosol container and an applicator pad assembly having a hollow arm. The hollow arm has a proximal end attached to an aerosol cap and a distal end having a flanged arm plate to receive a foam applicator pad. The aerosol cap is removably attached to the aerosol container. A solution flow control is in communication with the aerosol container for selectively dispensing the anti-microbial solution. The aerosol container holds the anti-microbial solution under pressure and flow is controlled by a pressure-sensitive flow control tab. The control tab activates the flow of the anti-microbial solution from the aerosol container through the hollow handle to the foam pad and then to the patient. The control tab may be actuated by touch or by pressure applied to the applicator pad. An optional flow control feature, in addition to the control tab, is a slit formed in the foam pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Jonathan Karl Burkholz, Minh Quang Hoang
  • Patent number: 6729786
    Abstract: Applicators and a method of coloring a liquid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid applicator having a flexible hollow body within which a liquid-filled, glass ampoule is received. The liquid applicator also has porous element containing colorant positioned such that when the ampoule is fractured, the liquid flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the liquid as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Mediflex Hospital Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Tufts, Jesus Flores, Manuel Guzman
  • Patent number: 6726385
    Abstract: A handled device that aids one in applying tanning oil, lotion or sun screen to their back region and other hard-to-reach areas. The long handle portion allows the user to reach the desired area with enhanced ease. The long handle portion includes an elongated handle that supports a head with a flat applicator pad constructed of a sponge-like material. The head includes a reservoir that the user fills with the preferred tanning lotion or oil. Connected to a squeeze pump located on the handle opposite the head, the user pressurizes the reservoir, causing the lotion/oil to be forced through exit apertures to the applicator pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Angela Holman Borowski
  • Publication number: 20040071492
    Abstract: A container-applicator for fluid products, for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, comprising, at the mouth of a container, an applicator provided with a spongy-matrix body that is arranged proximate to an opening controlled by a valve element that can be operated from the outside of the container body, the valve element comprising a cap body that can be actuated rotationally in order to pass from a closed position to an open position of the opening and/or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Fulvio Reggiani
  • Publication number: 20040071493
    Abstract: A grooming device especially adapted for removing polish from finger nails. The device is compact, portable and resembles a writing pen in general appearance. A refillable reservoir defines a distal end of the device. A removable closure functions to provide access to the reservoir. The closure also functions as a storage receptacle for extra applicator tips. A felt tip is adapted to absorb polish removal fluid flowing slowly from the reservoir whereby the fluid may easily be applied to the applicator tip and nails for removal of polish therefrom. A removable cap closes the device. The cap is provided with a replaceable nail file/buffer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Nicole Hendrix-Stavropoulos
  • Publication number: 20040047674
    Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing flowable products comprising a receptacle for storing the flowable product, and a combination closure and applicator integral with the receptacle, where the closure is operable to open and close the receptacle and the applicator to apply the product directly to the desired surface; and a method for applying the cosmetic compositions to the desired surface using the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn Robert Geardino, Manharbhai Kantibhai Patel, Barry Hutton, Michael Corcoran, William Heron, Lou Ann Christine Vena, Melissa Jamie Miczewski, Maxine Gayle Moore
  • Patent number: 6702497
    Abstract: A cleaning device (100) for smooth surfaces, especially for cleaning windows. The inventive cleaning device comprises a handle (1) and a contact element (10) that is mounted on one end of said handle (1) and that extends in a substantially transversal direction to the handle (1). The contact element is provided with a cleaning surface element (4) on at least the one front face thereof that contacts the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning surface element can be wetted with a cleaning liquid in a controlled manner. A zone (5) is provided behind the cleaning surface element for the distribution and temporary storage of the cleaning liquid. The handle (1) is linked with a blade element (8) that is part of the contact element. The front face of said blade element is detachably linked with a direct removing element (7) that carries the cleaning surface element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dieter Tien
  • Publication number: 20040028457
    Abstract: An implement for cleaning, polishing, sanding or other rubbing action which comprises a hollow handle (2) adapted to accommodate a cleaning fluid, polish, lubricant or other fluid and having a head (1) to which the fluid may be dispensed from the handle (2) through a dispensing aperture (6), the head (1) comprising a cleaning or polishing pad or brush or the like (11), the implement having a fluid dispensing flow regulating means comprising a plunger (5) which in use projects from the head (1) through the dispensing aperture (6) and into the hollow interior of the handle (2), the plunger (5) being operated by pressing the head against a surface to advance the plunger (5) to open up the dispensing aperture (6) for dispensing of the fluid, wherein the head (1) is mounted to the handle (2) in such a way as to bend and thereby pre-stress a resiliently flexible part (4) of the head (1) from which the plunger (5) projects to resiliently bias the plunger (5) to retract and occlude the dispensing aperture (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Barrie Abram David Levison
  • Patent number: 6688795
    Abstract: A product package includes a disposable applicator pad assembly. The applicator pad assembly has a porous foam pad with an elastomer strip bonded to the perimeter of the pad. The elastomer strip is compressed between a retaining ring and the package to impermeably secure the pad assembly to the package. A cap is provided to cover the applicator pad. A sealing skirt depending from the cap is dimensioned to contact an inner annular portion of the strip in sealing engagement to prevent evaporation and to protect the applicator pad and package contents from contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: E-L Management Corp.
    Inventors: Christophe Jacob, Herve F. Bouix
  • Patent number: 6682246
    Abstract: A container-applicator for fluid products, particularly for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, comprising, at the mouth of a container body, an applicator provided with a spongy matrix body that can be extracted for washing and is arranged proximate to a passage for connection to the inside of the container body. The passage for connection to the inside of the container body is controlled by a valve element that can be operated from the outside of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Fulvio Reggiani
  • Patent number: 6676322
    Abstract: An applicator tip for dispensing a polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material which is porous, absorbent or adsorbent and includes a polymerization or cross-linking initiator. The initiator initiates polymerization or cross-linking when the polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material is dispensed through the applicator tip. The polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material may be applied to a variety of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Leung
  • Patent number: 6672784
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent E. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
  • Patent number: 6663309
    Abstract: A replaceable cleaning head for a cleaning utensil includes a rigid core having a handle end and a working end, coupling structure on the handle end of the core adapted to be coupled to an associated handle, and a flexible, resilient, porous, absorbent cleaning medium mounted on the core and covering the core except for the coupling structure. The head may be hollow, and threadedly connectable to an end of a hollow handle for defining a fluid reservoir, the head having an orifice for providing communication between the reservoir and the cleaning medium. The cleaning medium has axially alternating circumferential recesses and projections facilitating axial compression and expansion of the medium to draw fluid from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah A. Zamansky, John L. Callendrille
  • Patent number: 6659671
    Abstract: Provided is an ink introducing tube which realizes a stabilized ink supply from an ink tank located at the rear portion of a felt pen into a tip at the front end thereof, and a writing instrument incorporating it. On the inner peripheral wall of an ink introducing tube through which an ink tank is communicated with a tip located at the front end, a plurality of protrusions are formed to provide therebetween a passage for downward flow which utilizes the capillary action of the protrusions, and the interior space of the ink introducing tube which is surrounded by the tips of the plural protrusions is formed as a large space so that the capillary action can take place. Thus, the flow of air to the ink tank moves upwardly through the interior space while changing into air foam during the ascent, whereas the ink flows downward while being retained between the protrusions. Therefore, replacement of the ink by the air can be performed smoothly whereby ink blobbing is prevented and flawless writing is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Tsukasa Felt Shoji Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Fukami, Shigeo Yamada
  • Patent number: 6641320
    Abstract: A liquid applicator device comprising an applicator liquid container and a liquid dispensing mechanism. The device has a valve element movable disposed between an open position and a closed position for controlling the flow of the applicator liquid from the container. The liquid dispensing mechanism has a hollow cylindrical portion for supporting an applicator tip. The inner end of the applicator tip communicates with the valve element. An axial displacement of the applicator tip moves the valve element into the open position for enabling the applicator liquid to migrate through the applicator tip for applying the liquid to a surface. The improvement comprises a recess cooperating with a retainer for preventing the removal of the applicator tip from the liquid applicator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Richard W. Ballot, Stephan M. Ballot
  • Publication number: 20030170067
    Abstract: A container-applicator for fluid products, particularly for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, comprising, at the mouth of a container body, an applicator provided with a spongy matrix body that can be extracted for washing and is arranged proximate to a passage for connection to the inside of the container body. The passage for connection to the inside of the container body is controlled by a valve element that can be operated from the outside of the container body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Fulvio Reggiani
  • Patent number: 6616019
    Abstract: An applicator for dispensing adhesive material, includes a container body, and an applicator tip, where the adhesive material is located in the container body in a non-contacting relationship with the applicator tip prior to dispensing said adhesive material. The applicator tip has a proximal open end open toward said container body for attachment to the container body, a distal end having at least one orifice, a restrictive flow portion located between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flow reducing portion located between the restrictive flow portion and the distal end. The applicator tip defines a fluid flow channel from the proximal end to the distal end and through the restrictive flow portion and the flow reducing portion, where the applicator tip permits the adhesive material to pass through the applicator tip and exit the applicator tip at the at least one orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Keith R. D'Alessio, Michael F. Brady, Anthony S. Voiers
  • Patent number: 6607325
    Abstract: A writing instrument of the present invention has an ink chamber 2 formed inside a main body 1 of the writing instrument, a writing element 5 provided on a front end portion of the main body 1 of the writing instrument, a reservoir chamber 10 which is formed between the ink chamber 2 and the writing element 5 and communicates with the atmosphere and with the writing element 5, a plurality of walls 14 and 14a which partitions the reservoir chamber 10 and the ink chamber 2 and further partitions the ink chamber 10 into a plurality of small chambers in the axis direction, and an ink supply member 16 which penetrates the plurality of walls and supplies ink from the ink chamber 2 to the writing element 5, where each of the walls is provided with a communication hole 15 capable of holding the ink by capillary force, and these communication holes are sealed with an ink membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Hics Corporation
    Inventor: Jiro Hori
  • Publication number: 20030152414
    Abstract: An apparatus for spreading liquid materials comprises: a provision unit for providing the liquid material; a guiding unit, coupled to the provision unit, for providing a flow path of the liquid materials; and an absorption unit, covering one portion of the guiding unit, for absorbing the liquid materials supplied from the guiding unit and applying the liquid materials to a designated region of a body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Kyung-Jin Yu
  • Patent number: 6588961
    Abstract: A semi-enclosed applicator, such as a mitt, for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The mitt has a first layer, a second layer in face-to-face contact with the first layer, and a third layer in face to face contact with the second layer. The first and second layers are positioned to form a cavity to allow for a product dispensing reservoir to be placed. The first layer, second layer and reservoir are removably attached to the third layer for removal by the user after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Isabelle Lafosse-Marin, Carl Phillip Haney, Pedro Miguel Mendoza
  • Patent number: 6588962
    Abstract: A gap checking device includes a housing, a plunger, and a paint applicator. The housing defines a paint reservoir in which a proximal end of the plunger is received. The plunger is movable between a closed position sealing the reservoir and an open position permitting the release of paint from the reservoir. When the plunger is open, paint flows along the plunger toward a distal end of the plunger. The paint applicator, which is disposed near the distal end of the plunger, is specially shaped and sized to check a gap between a pair of surfaces, such as the gap in an end surface of a control shaft. To check the gap, the distal end of the plunger is inserted into the gap, and the device housing is forced toward the end surface. The distal end of the housing moves axially toward the end surface of the control shaft. If the gap is not too small, the end surface of the control shaft engages the paint applicator and is thereby coated with paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: David Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20030123921
    Abstract: This invention relates to an instrument, preferably a marking instrument, for applying a fluid to a surface and particularly, though not exclusively, to a writing pen, including a marker pen, or a brush, especially an artist's brush. Other types of brushes are contemplated, such as those for applying cleaner, mouthwash or perfume to teeth. The instrument (2) comprises a tip (6), a holder for the tip (4), a cartridge (14) containing the fluid mounted within or connectable to the holder (4), and a manually-operable spray pump arrangement (10) for repeatedly dispensing a predetermined amount of the fluid under pressure from the cartridge (14) to the tip (4) of the instrument (2). A disposable or re-fillable cartridge for the instrument is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ashraf Mahfouz Abbas
  • Publication number: 20030123922
    Abstract: An applicator comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Sakura Color Products Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuaki Kabayashi
  • Patent number: 6572297
    Abstract: A liquid marker system utilizes three primary components to permit marking of lines of various widths from a single nib. The three components are a porous nib, a transfer wick and a squeezable container. Operation relies on different squeeze pressures applied to the housing to produce different line widths from the single nib as the nib is moved across a marked surface. The porous wick provides a resistance to flow until the bottle is squeezed and then supplies a minimum of capillary flow to the nib. The user squeezes the container to overcome the resistance of the wick. No venting of the container interior is required because the wick and nib system allows the passage of air into the container when the container is returned to its unstressed (i.e., un-squeezed) condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: George W. Korper
  • Publication number: 20030099501
    Abstract: To provide a direct liquid type writing instrument capable of being used without running-over of ink even in an environment in which an internal pressure is higher than an external pressure. There are included an ink reservoir containing ink, a junction core extending on a center axis, and a pen body provided integrally on a tip end side of the junction core. The ink reservoir includes a main ink reservoir, a pen core chamber in which the junction core is disposed, and a sub ink reservoir which is provided between the main ink reservoir and the pen core chamber and communicates with the main ink reservoir via a small hole. Between the sub ink reservoir and the pen core chamber, an opening/closing valve is provided to normally isolate the pen core chamber from the sub ink reservoir and to be operated so that the pen core chamber communicates with the sub ink reservoir when the pen body is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Fukushima, Yoshio Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6551000
    Abstract: An improved container contains a housing containing at least one aperture and a treatment composition located within the housing. The combination of the treatment composition and the housing has a mess factor of from about 3.6*10−4 to about 1.1*10−11. When the housing is in a prepared state and squeezed, the treatment composition exits the housing from the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Manivannan Kandasamy, Aya Nakao, Masaki Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 6547467
    Abstract: A microapplicator for dispensing and applying an adhesive or sealant material comprises a handle portion, an applicator tip connected to the handle portion, and a microreservoir at the applicator tip arranged to hold a small amount, about 20 microliters or less, of an adhesive/sealant material until dispensing. In embodiments, the applicator tip has a width of about 1 mm. The microapplicator may include a second reservoir, containing the adhesive/sealant material, that is arranged to supply the adhesive/sealant material to the microreservoir at the applicator tip. The second reservoir may comprise a frangible ampoule disposed in the handle portion, a container, such as a syringe, connected to the handle portion, or the handle portion itself. The applicator tip may comprise one of a polymer loop, a spatula, a rolling ball, a grate, a porous material, such as a swab, a foam pad or a mesh, and a brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Julian A. Quintero
  • Patent number: 6547471
    Abstract: An applicator for local application of a liquid to a person's skin. The applicator includes a porous dome, a chamber under the dome, a squeeze bottle providing a reservoir containing the liquid, and a tube from the squeeze bottle to the chamber. The porous dome has pores sized to provide liquid transport therein by capillary action. The chamber provides a location for liquid in position to be transported into dome. Increased pressure in the reservoir from squeezing the bottle causes liquid to flow from the reservoir through the tube to the chamber, and decreased pressure in the reservoir from releasing the bottle causes excess liquid in the chamber to flow from the chamber through the tube to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William E. Tucker, William T. O'Connor, Timothy G. Kerrissey, Steven M. Bourque
  • Publication number: 20030068191
    Abstract: A writing instrument of the present invention has an ink chamber 2 formed inside a main body 1 of the writing instrument, a writing element 5 provided on a front end portion of the main body 1 of the writing instrument, a reservoir chamber 10 which is formed between the ink chamber 2 and the writing element 5 and communicates with the atmosphere and with the writing element 5, a plurality of walls 14 and 14a which partitions the reservoir chamber 10 and the ink chamber 2 and further partitions the ink chamber 10 into a plurality of small chambers in the axis direction, and an ink supply member 16 which penetrates the plurality of walls and supplies ink from the ink chamber 2 to the writing element 5, where each of the walls is provided with a communication hole 15 capable of holding the ink by capillary force, and these communication holes are sealed with an ink membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Jiro Hori
  • Patent number: 6543950
    Abstract: A hand-controlled back brush includes a handle and an arm portion that are rotatably connected to each other at their respective bevel front end and bevel rear end, so that the handle could be rotated relative to the arm portion within the range from zero to 180 degrees to shift from a position in alignment with the arm portion to a desired angular position relative to the arm portion for easy brushing of a user's back. The hand-controlled back brush is also provided with a bath cream container that is conveniently compressible with a thumb to supply a controlled amount of bath cream to a sponge fixed to a front end of the back brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Yung-Kuang Huang
  • Patent number: 6536977
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing shaving liquids/gels. The dispenser has a tubular member and a closure member. The closure member is fitted above the tubular member with the help of threaded grooves. The tubular member of the dispenser has indentations to provide a firm grip of the dispenser especially when used in bath or shower. In order to dispense the liquid, openings are formed on the tubular member and the closure member. The closure member can be rotated from a use position, where the openings are aligned with each other, to a non-use position where the openings are opposite each other. A nylon mesh sponge is attached to the closure member to aerate and foam the liquid and to avoid wetting of hands while the shaving liquid/gel is being applied to the affected area of skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Marsha Hammel
  • Patent number: 6536970
    Abstract: A lotion applicator having a flexible container holding a quantity of lotion which terminates at one end in a threaded neck for threadably receiving a discharge nozzle conducting lotion or the like through the neck. The discharge member includes an aperture projection adapted to insertably pass through an opening in a closure cap, so as to permit the discharged lotion to exit the container and the cap. The discharge projection has a closed position when inserted through the opening in the cap and a discharge position within the cap, so as to permit the lotion to exit the discharge member and pass through the unoccupied aperture in the cap for flow into an elongated applicator arm. The arm includes a threaded coupling for engaging with the discharge cap and extends outwardly from the container in a cantilevered manner to terminate in an application member having a plurality of openings in communication with an elongated passageway extending from the discharge cap through the arm to the applicator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Hauser, Lance A. Hauser
  • Patent number: 6533484
    Abstract: A solution applicator comprising a solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the applicating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Johnson Osei, Jerry Newbrough
  • Publication number: 20030049069
    Abstract: The present invention is a solution applicator comprising a solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the applicating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Johnson Osei, Jerry Newbrough
  • Patent number: 6523550
    Abstract: An application device for applying a wide variety of lotions and creams to the body. The application device includes a head portion that includes a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between the top and bottom walls such that a chamber is defined. The bottom wall includes a plurality of holes extending therethrough. A solution is positioned in the chamber. A handle member is integrally coupled to a central portion of the top wall. The handle member includes a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. An absorbent member for absorbing the solution from the chamber through each of the holes in the bottom wall is securably attached to an outer surface of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: John McCormick
  • Publication number: 20030031501
    Abstract: An applicator (1) for applying a liquid stored in a container (10) to a work surface, said applicator comprising: an applicator portion (2); a catchment cup (3) connected to and fluidly communicating with the applicator portion (2); and a connector portion (4) connectable to and fluidly communicating with the container (10) and the catchment cup (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Ray Eadie
  • Patent number: 6505986
    Abstract: An applicator system, for use in delivering a flowable composition, comprising; (a) container including an inner collapsible layer distinct from an outer deformable layer, the inner collapsible layer defining a reservoir, and the outer deformable layer being separated from the inner collapsible layer by a buffer zone; (b) a dispenser including a first passageway distinct from a second passageway, the first passageway being in communication with the buffer zone and the second passageway being in communication with the reservoir; and (c) valve means operable to control entry of air into the buffer zone through the first passageway and exit of flowable composition from the reservoir through the second passageway; wherein the valve means is of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Reuben Earl Oder
  • Patent number: 6503017
    Abstract: An ink regulating apparatus in a pen, injection molded from high-density plastic grains, comprised of three or more than three gradations retreating downward by control of density in the molding process with the lowest one tapered to slowly and gradually deliver the ink when inserted into a pen-holder to prevent ink leakage, warrant fluent writing and leaves no residual ink when the pen is discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Chou Liu
  • Patent number: 6503016
    Abstract: A device for applying a fluid, notably a writing pen or cosmetic pencil, includes a tubular shaft, a fluid container that is positioned therein, a tip, and a conducting system for the fluid. The container ensures constant pressure equalization with the atmosphere by having its front and rear ends each being fluidically connected to the atmosphere. At the rear end of the container a ventilation opening is positioned. The ventilation opening opens into the container interior containing the fluid and is sealed by a semi-permeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: A.W. Faber-Castell Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jürgen Raps, Jochen Griesheimer, Daniel Baum
  • Publication number: 20020192011
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for dispensing an adhesive material, such as a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerizable or cross-linkable monomer material, includes a container body, and a porous applicator tip having a proximal end that is attached to the container body, and a distal end located away from the container body, wherein the adhesive material is located in the container body in a non-contacting relationship with the applicator tip prior to dispensing the material. A flow pattern of the adhesive material within or on the applicator tip is controlled by providing one or more cuts in the applicator tip to alter flow properties of the adhesive material through the applicator tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventors: John Bobo, Michael F. Brady, Jeffrey G. Clark, William M. Cotter, Daniel L. Hedgpeth, Timothy P. Hickey, Jerry Jonn, Jon Moseley, Julian Quintero