Applicator for fluid products

Abstract

The applicator is primarily directed to the dispensing and application of fluid products, such as soaps to a person. The applicator is designed for one hand use and is comprised of a base with a cover extending from the base. The base supports a container with the product on an upper surface and has an applicator surface on a lower surface. The base has an aperture of a defined shape on a lower surface to deliver product from the container for application to a person. Depending from the cover is a fitment for applying a force to a surface of the container to cause a valve on the container to open. The fitment is comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion with the relative movement of these portions applying the force on the container to dispense product.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to applicators for the dispensing and the application of fluid products, such as liquid and viscous products, including soaps and lotions applied to a body surface. More particularly, this invention relates to a hand held applicator that has controlled dispensing and application of the fluid products to a surface. Additionally, the applicators can be refilled or can utilize replaceable cartridge units.

The prior art discloses a variety of dispensers and applicators for fluid products, such as soap and lotion personal care products. These are the primary personal care products that utilize dispensers and applicators. These dispensers and applicators include poufs attached to a squeezable container as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,682. The amount of soap dispensed depends on the squeezing force on the container. It would not be usable by persons who could not grip and squeeze the container. U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,322 discloses a liquid dispensing device that has a storage chamber and a metering chamber. The liquid flows from the storage chamber to the metering chamber. The liquid is dispensed from the metering chamber by depressing the metering chamber. This patent requires two chambers for dispensing a given amount of product. U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,321 discloses a hand held applicator of encapsulated liquids. The liquids are in breakable capsules. The capsules are broken by a squeezing of the applicator. The capsules can be replaceable in the applicator. U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,723 discloses a soap dispenser and applicator that has two chambers. A pouch and a sack, each having pores. By squeezing the dispenser/applicator soap is flowed from the sack to the pouch via the sack pores and thence from the pouch to the surface onto which the soap is to be applied. U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,667 discloses a scrubbing implement consisting of a holder with a perforated bottom wall, a foam block, and a rupturable container for a liquid. Upon a force on the container the container is ruptured and the contents flowed into the surrounding foam, and then dispensed through the bottom wall to a plurality of bristles. These patent references are illustrative of dispensers and applicators in the prior art. However, they do not disclose a structure for the positive dispensing of given amounts of product from an applicator. The dispensing is not readily controlled in a single hand. The applicators are not easily held using the palm and fingers of a hand and where a person via a single hand can manipulate a structure to cause fluid to be dispensed from a fluid chamber during use.

The present invention solves the problem of an easy to handle and manipulate applicator and particularly one that is to be used in a bath or shower environment r. In a bath or shower it can be difficult to maintain a grip onto a container of a body wash or shampoo. It also can be difficult to maneuver the container to open it and to dispense an amount onto a sponge, pouf or wash cloth. Using the present invention a body wash or shampoo is contained within the applicator. The body wash or shampoo is within a refillable or replaceable container which is in communication with a surface of the applicator that will apply the body wash or shampoo to a body surface. Within the applicator there is a structure easily manipulated to dispense the body wash or shampoo. This structure is controlled by the fingers of the person's hand that is gripping the applicator/dispenser. The result is an applicator for one hand gripping a body wash or shampoo, dispensing, and applying the body wash or shampoo to a body surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an applicator for fluid products, such as soap and lotion products. The applicator comprises a base, the base having a base region for holding a container for such products, a lower part of the base having at least one aperture of a defined shape. A cover is attached to the base and at least partially enclosing an upper region of the applicator. A fitment depends from the cover and is comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion, one of the inner portion and the outer portion directly or indirectly connected to the cover. One of the inner portion and the outer portion moveably attached to the other whereupon upon the relative movement of the outer portion and the inner portion one of the inner portion and the outer portion moves toward a container located between the base and the cover to thereby apply a force to the container and dispense product from the container through the at least one aperture in the applicator base region.

The outer portion can be attached to the inner portion by treads or a related structure.

A lower surface of the outer portion or of the inner portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense the fluid product.

The container has at least one dispensing channel, wherein the dispensing channel of a defined shape which mates with the defined shape of the at least one aperture of the applicator base region. The at least one dispensing channel extending into the base, wherein the at least one dispensing channel can have a valve responsive to the force on the container to thereby actuate and open the valve at a defined force.

A lower portion of the base can have a surface that is compatible with the surface to which the fluid product is to be applied.

The container dispensing channel has a defined shape which mates with the defined shape of the base aperture, the defined shape can be polygonal, the sides of which are one of equal in length or different in length or of a curved shape such as circular, elliptical or of a compound curved shape.

The cover has at least one opening to allow part of the hand of a person, usually one or more fingers, to contact one of the outer portion or the inner portion.

An applicator for fluid products comprising a base, the base having a region for holding a container for such products, a lower part of the base having at least one aperture of a defined shape. A cover is attached to the base and at least partially encloses an upper region of the applicator. A fitment depends from the cover and comprises an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion is connected to the cover, the outer portion being moveably attached to the inner portion whereupon the relative movement of the outer portion and the inner portion the outer portion moves toward a container between the base and the cover to thereby apply a force to the container and dispense the fluid product from the container through the at least one aperture.

A lower surface of the outer portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense fluid product.

An applicator for fluid products having a base, the base having a region for holding a container for such products, a lower part of the base having at least one aperture of a defined shape. A cover being attached to the base and at least partially enclosing an upper region of the applicator. A fitment depending from the cover and comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion, the outer portion connected to the cover, the inner portion moveably attached to the outer portion whereupon upon the relative movement of the outer portion and the inner portion the inner portion moves toward a container between the base and the cover to thereby apply a force to the container and dispense the fluid product from the container through the at least one aperture.

A lower surface of the outer portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense fluid product.

A method of dispensing and applying a fluid product comprising gripping an applicator comprised of a base, the base having a region for holding a container for such fluid product, a lower part of the base having at least one aperture of a defined shape. A cover is attached to the base and at least partially enclosing an upper region of the dispenser/applicator. A fitment depends from the cover and is comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion, one of the inner portion and the outer portion connected to the cover. One of the inner portion and the outer portion moveably attached to the other whereupon upon the relative movement of the outer portion and the inner portion one of the inner portion and the outer portion moves toward a container located between the base and the cover to contact the container and dispense the fluid product onto the surface onto which product is to be applied, extending at least one finger through a portion of the cover that is not enclosed to contact the outer portion, and move the outer portion relative to the inner portion to thereby dispense the desired amount of fluid product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the applicator for fluid products.

FIG. 2 is top plan view of the applicator with inner features shown in broken lines.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 with the container filled.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 with the container contents having been dispensed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the applicator for fluid products.

FIG. 7 is top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 of the applicator with inner features shown in broken lines.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 7 along line 8-8 with the container filled.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 7 along line 9-9.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 7 along line 8-8 with the container contents having been dispensed.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a second alternative embodiment of the actuating structure of the applicator.

FIG. 12 is top plan view of the applicator of FIG. 11 with inner features shown in broken lines

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the applicator of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a third alternative embodiment of the actuating structure of the applicator.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the applicator of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the applicator with a modified attachment of a handle strap.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a fourth alternative embodiment of an applicator with a circular structure.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the applicator of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIGS. 20 to 23 show various shapes for applicator base apertures and container dispensing channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in more detail in its preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is susceptible to various modifications, but all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the applicator 10. The applicator 10 is very useful to apply a cleansing fluid such as a liquid or lotion, inclusive of a body wash or shampoo, to a person. It is primarily useful in personal bathing but can be used for applying moisturizing, sun screen and other lotions or various cosmetics to a person's skin. In addition it can be useful for various cleaning tasks such as for cleaning a variety of household surfaces. In addition it can be used to bathe a pet. The applicator 10 is comprised of a base 12 onto which is attached a cover 14 and an applicator surface 18. The applicator surface which is attached to the lower surface of the base can be of essentially any structure or texture. A foam or sponge is a preferred applicator surface for body washes. A multi-projection surface will be preferred for shampoos. However, a cloth surface can be used, such as a toweling type of a material. The particular use will dictate the type of surface 18. Between the cover 14 and the base 12 is an upper region space 16. Upper region openings 17 in the cover 14 provide access to the upper region space 16 from the exterior. Attached to cover 14 can be a handle strap 24 which is attached to the cover 14 at slit openings 26. The ends of the handle strap 24 can have interfering end projections that hold the ends in the slit openings 26 and under cover 14. Also seen in this view is fitment outer portion 20 with a knurled edge 23 for enhanced gripping during use of the applicator.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of applicator 10 showing some inner features in broken lines. This includes cover attachment openings 29 and fitment part 19 attached to the inner surface of the cover 14. The cover attachment openings are in base 12. Also shown in broken lines is container 30. This applicator 10 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the dispenser of FIG. 2 along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. In addition to what is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown in FIG. 3 in more detail fitment 19 that is connected to the inner surface of cover 14. This fitment 19 can be an integral part of the cover 14 or it can be bonded or otherwise connected to the inner surface of cover 14. Outer portion 20 is connected to the fitment part 19 and is rotatable on fitment part 19. The outer portion has a disc portion 21 with a knurled gripping edge 23. Also shown is inner portion 22 which is connected to the outer portion 20 by threads 40 on the outer portion 20 and threads 39 on inner portion 22. Inner portion 22 is connected to piston surface 36 which has flexible end portion 38 to better conform to the contours of container 30. Container 30 will contain a fluid 31. The container 30 is shown as having one dispensing channel 33. However, it can contain more than one dispensing channel. The dispensing channel 33 has a valve 34 and dispensing opening 32. The dispensing channel 33 interfits into the base channel 37 and opening onto the applicator surface 18. In addition in this view there also is shown openings 29 through which the lower end of the cover 14 attaches. At this lower end is a projection 15 to provide for an interference fit into the base 12 base opening 29. Base opening 29 can be discontinuous around the base 12 in order to not excessively weaken base 12. In addition the cover 14 and the base 12 are separable in a version where the container 30 is replaceable. The fitment is comprised of fitment part 19, outer portion 20 and inner portion 22.

The container 30 sits in a well formed by base sidewall 28 and base bottom wall 27. FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the applicator 10 along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. As in FIG. 2 there is one base channel 37. In this view the flexible end portion 38 of the piston surface 36 is shown to bend and follow the contour of the container 30. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the container being in an essentially full condition. As the outer portion 20 is rotated via the disc 21 and the knurled edge 23 inner portion 22 moves downwardly with inner portion piston surface 36 compressing container 30, the fluid contents 31 are dispensed through container channel 33 and valve 34 to channel opening 32. The flexible edge 38 will conform to the contour of container 30 to assure the full dispensing of the contents of the container. FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the container 30 of FIG. 2 with the contents of the container essentially fully dispensed. The valve of container 30 can be of essentially any structure with suitable valves available from the Liquid Molding division of Seaquist Closures. After the contents of the container have been fully dispensed the container can be refilled, replaced or the applicator itself can be replaced. A preferred embodiment is to replace the container with a new container. This can be accomplished by the removal of the cover 14 from the base 12 and replacing the empty container with a new full replacement container. The cover 14 than is replaced onto the base 12 and the dispenser 10 is available for reuse.

FIGS. 6 to 10 set out a first alternate embodiment of the applicator 110. In this embodiment there are two base channels for the dispensing of the fluid from the container 130. The inner portion 120 has disc 121 with knurled edge 123. The disc and knurled edge are located at an upper part of the upper region openings 117 in the cover 114, and are rotatable. These are a part of inner portion 120. Otherwise the structure and operation is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first alternate embodiment of the applicator. The applicator 110 is useful to apply a cleansing fluid such as a liquid or lotion to a person. It is primarily useful in personal bathing but can be used for applying moisturizing, sun screen and other lotions to a person's skin. The applicator 110 is comprised of a base 112 onto which is attached a cover 114 and an applicator surface 118. The applicator surface can be of essentially any structure or texture. A foam or sponge is a preferred applicator surface. However, a cloth surface can be used such as a toweling type of a material. Between the cover 114 and the base 112 is an upper region space 116. Upper region openings 117 in the cover 114 provide access to the upper region space 116 from the exterior. Attached to cover 114 is handle strap 124 which is attached to the cover 114 at slit openings 126. The ends of the handle strap 124 can have interfering end projections that hold the ends in the slit openings 126 and under cover 114. Also seen in this view is the inner portion 120 with a knurled edge 123 for enhanced gripping. In this first alternative embodiment the knurled edge 123 is on inner portion 120 while in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 it was on outer portion 20.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of applicator 110 showing some inner features in broken lines. This includes cover attachment openings 129 and fitment 119 attached to the inner surface of the cover 114. Also shown in broken lines is container 130. This applicator 110 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the dispenser of FIG. 7 along line 8-8 of FIG. 7. In addition to what is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 there is shown fitment 119 that is connected to the inner surface of cover 114. This fitment can be an integral part of the cover 114 or it can be bonded or otherwise connected to the inner surface of cover 114. Inner portion 120 is connected to the fitment part 119 and is rotatable on fitment part 119. The inner portion 120 has a disc portion 121 with a knurled edge 123. Also shown is outer portion 122 which is connected to the inner portion 120 by threads 140 on the outer portion 122 and threads 139 on inner portion 120. Outer portion 122 is connected to piston surface 136 which has flexible end portion 138. Container 130 will contain the fluid 131. The container 130 is shown as having two dispensing channels 133. However, it can contain three or more. Each dispensing channel 133 has a valve 134 and dispensing opening 132. The dispensing channels 133 extend interfit into the base channels 137 and dispense fluid product onto the applicator surface 118. In addition there is shown aperture 129 through which the lower end of the cover 114 extends. At this lower end of the cover 114 there is a projection 115 to provide for an interference fit into the base 112 opening 129. Base opening 129 can be discontinuous around the base 112 in order to not excessively weaken base 112. In addition the cover 114 and the base 112 are separable in a version where the container 130 is replaceable. The fitment is comprised of fitment part 119, outer portion 122 and inner portion 120.

The container 130 sits in a well formed by base sidewall 128 and base bottom wall 127. FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the applicator 110 along line 9-9 of FIG. 7. There are two openings 117 in the cover 214 for access to disc 121 and knurled edge 123. In this view the flexible end portion 138 of the piston 136 is shown to bend and follow the contour of the container 130. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the container being in an essentially full condition. As the outer portion 120 is rotated via the disc 121 and the knurled edge 123 outer portion 122 moves downwardly with outer portion piston surface 136 compressing container 130, the liquid or lotion contents 131 are dispensed through channels 133 and valves 134. The flexible edge 138 will conform to the contour of container 130 to assure the full dispensing of the contents of the container. FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the container of FIG. 7 with the contents of the container 130 essentially fully dispensed. After the contents of the container have been fully dispensed the container can be refilled, replaced or the dispenser itself can be replaced. A preferred embodiment is to replace the container with a new container. This can be accomplished by the removal of the cover 114 from the base 112 and replacing the empty container with a new full replacement container. The cover 114 then is replaced onto the base 112 and the dispenser 110 is available for reuse.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are views of a second alternate embodiment of the applicator. FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the applicator and FIG. 12 a top plan view with inner components in broken lines. The lower part of this second alternative embodiment remains essentially the same as in prior FIGS. 1 to 10. The base 212 of this applicator 210 contains a well formed by base sidewall 228 and base bottom wall 227. An applicator surface 218 is attached to bottom sidewall 227. The well holds the container 230 which has dispensing channel 233 with dispensing opening 232. The base bottom wall 227 has base channel 237 into which container dispensing channel 233 interfits. The container channel 233 also has a valve 234. The cover 214 will be fitted to the base 212 in the same manner as in FIGS. 1 to 10. The cover 214 has fitment inner portion 241 directly connected to the inner surface of the cover 214. This cover inner portion 241 can be a continuous or discontinuous ring structure. Outer portion 243 is threadedly attached to the inner portion 241. This is via threads 239 on the inner portion and threads 240 on the outer portion 243. The piston surface 245, which contacts the container 230 has piston prong 242 extending upwardly from the upper surface. On an upper surface of the piston prong 242 is a projection 244 which provides an interference fit with projection 246 on a lower part of the outer portion 243. Upon the outer portion 243 being rotated the piston surface 245 is moved downwardly to compress the container 230 and to dispense fluid 231 from the dispensing channel 233 through dispensing channel opening 232. FIG. 13 is a side elevation view which shows the applicator 210 in this embodiment in a form for the addition of a handle and subsequent use. The fitment is comprised of inner portion 241 and outer portion 243.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are views of a third alternative embodiment of the applicator. The lower part is essentially the same as in prior FIGS. 1 to 10. The base 312 of this applicator 310 contains a well formed by base sidewall 328 and base bottom wall 327. Applicator surface 318 is attached to bottom wall 327. The well holds the container 330 which has dispensing channel 333 with dispensing opening 332. The base bottom wall 327 has base channel 337 into which the container dispensing channel 333 interfits. The container dispensing channel has valve 334. The cover 314 will be fitted to the base 312 in the same manner as in FIGS. 1 to 10. The cover 314 has fitment part 354 directly connected to the inner surface of the cover 314. This fitment part 354 can be a continuous or discontinuous ring structure and has an interfering projection 355 at a lower end. Outer portion 350 is indirectly connected to fitment part 354 and is threadedly attached to the inner portion 352. This is via threads 339 on the inner portion 352 and threads 340 on the outer portion 350. The outer portion 350 has an interfering projection 351 to interact with interfering projection 355 on fitment part 354. The piston surface 345 contacts the container 330. Upon the outer portion 350 being rotated the piston surface 345 attached to inner portion 352 is moved downwardly to compress the container 330 and to dispense liquid or lotion 331 from the container 330. FIG. 15 is a side elevation view which shows the applicator 310 in this embodiment in a form for the addition of a handle and subsequent use. The fitment is comprised of fitment part 354, inner portion 360 and outer portion 350.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of applicator 410 which is similar to that of FIG. 1 but with the handle strap 424 attached to cover 414 in a differing orientation. Handle strap is attached at openings 426. It is attached at a 0 degree and 180 degree orientation in contrast to the 90 degree and 270 degree orientation of FIG. 1. Either orientation can be used. However, the orientation of FIG. 1 is preferred. There is shown in this view the applicator surface 418. There is a base 412 with an upper region space 416 and an upper region opening 417. Also shown is outer portion 420 with knurled gripping edge 423.

FIGS. 17 to 19 disclose a fourth alternative embodiment which is a circular shaped applicator 510. As is seen in these figures there is an applicator surface 518 which can be of a composition as in the applicators of the prior embodiments. There is a cover 514 with upper region space 516 delineated by upper region opening 517. Parts within the cover are shown in broken lines in FIG. 17. There is inner portion 560 of the fitment and outer portion 550 of the fitment. Outer portion 550 has knurled gripping edges 552. There is a container 530 containing a fluid product 531. The container 530 has a dispensing channel 533 which interfits into base channel 537. Within dispensing channel 533 is a valve 534. The container 530 sits in a well formed by bottom wall 527 and sidewall 528. Sidewall 528 depends from base wall 512. The outer portion 550 has a container contact surface bottom wall 545. The outer portion 550 and the inner portion 560 are threadedly attached by threads 539 on the inner portion 560 and threads 540 on the outer portion 550. This circular embodiment may be easier for handicapped adults and for children to grip and to use. It can be of varying diameters. It can have a strap handle but being of a circular shape and usually of a smaller size a strap handle may not be needed. The fitment is comprised of inner portion 560 and outer portion 550.

FIGS. 20 to 23 set out coordinating shapes for applicator the base channels (37; 137; 237; 337; 537) and the interfitting shape of the container dispensing channels (33; 133; 233; 333; 533). In this way the applicators can be made to be specific to particular fluid products. Applicators can be made to be specific for body washes, shampoos and various lotions. They also can be made to be specific for the application of products to pets or for cleaning various surfaces. Pet grooming is an area that needs applicators for the application of pet bathing products as well as skin treatment products. The applicator surface will usually differ for a particular use. Refill containers need to be specific as to the use. They must be specific as to the applicator. For instance a personal care body wash will be specific to a particular applicator as will a shampoo. Lotions also will be specific to particular applicators. FIG. 20 shows the base channel and the dispensing channel to be circular. In FIG. 21 they are both square. In FIG. 22 they are rectangular with curved side surfaces. And in FIG. 23 they are solely rectangular. The dispensing channels for each of FIGS. 17 to 20 are 33a, 33b 33c and 33d; the base channels are 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d; the dispensing channels openings are 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d; and the valves are 34a, 34b, 34c and 34d. The range of possible shapes is limitless. The only criteria is that the shapes be readily moldable.

In use, in any of the embodiments where there is a handle grip, a person slides his/her hand between the handle strap and the cover and grips the applicator near the base. Then with one or more fingers the knurled edge of the inner or outer portion, depending on the embodiment, is rotated to dispense the desired amount of fluid from the container in the applicator and onto the applicator surface. Although any finger can be used to rotate the outer portion a very useful finger is the thumb. The amount desired can be adjusted during use, such as in a bath or shower, by additional turns of the outer portion which will dispense more fluid from the container. After use the applicator can be easily rinsed and stored. The upper region openings are designed to allow sufficient water to enter and exit to rinse the applicator prior to storage.

As noted the dispensed fluid can be a body wash, shampoo or lotion. However, the applicator is most useful in bath and shower environments. The applicator is easy to grip and to manipulate to dispense desired amounts of the fluid onto an applicator surface. However, as previously noted the applicator can be used for other than bathing. It can be used to apply lotions. It also can be used to wash pets by having the appropriated applicator surface. For pets it can include a comb-like surface. For cleaning surfaces such as kitchen and bath surfaces it can have a stiff foam or a bristle surface. It also can be used to clean vehicle. In this latter use it would have a foam applicator surface. The applicator can be used broadly for many cleaning activators. A primary advantage is one hand easy gripping and dispensing of the contained fluid. Other advantages will become more evident through extended use.

The applicators and containers can be of any flexible material such as thermoplastics inclusive of polyethylenes, polypropylenes and polyesters. The containers can be made with the dispensing channel and the valve then inserted. The container can be refillable or a single use container. In either use the cover can be removed and the container accessed. The container can be refilled through a refill port or it can be removed from the applicator well and replaced with a new full container. The containers can be made by any known techniques including thermoforming and blow molding. The parts of the applicator, except for the applicator surface, usually will be injection molded. After being molded they will be assembled. The applicator surface will be purchased from the supplier of the particular applicator surface that is needed. This is attached to the applicator base. One technique for attachment is through the use of adhesives.

Claims

1. An applicator utilizing one hand for manually dispensing and applying fluid products to a surface comprising a base, the base having a region for holding a container for such products, the container having at least one dispensing channel of a defined shape, a lower part of the base having at least one base channel of a defined shape coordinated with the defined shape of the dispensing channel, a cover attached to the base and at least partially open in the region of the applicator above the container, the opening of a size to receive at least one finger, a fitment depending from the cover and comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion, one of the inner portion and the outer portion connected to the cover, one of inner portion and the outer portion moveably attached to the other whereupon the relative movement of the outer portion and the inner portion one of the inner portion and the outer portion moves toward the container to thereby apply a force to the container and dispense the fluid product from the container through the at least one dispensing channel and the at least one base channel, whereby at least one of the inner portion and the outer portion can be contacted by the at least one finger through the opening in the at least partially open cover and manipulated for relative movement to manually dispense product during the process of applying the fluid product to the surface.

2. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein the applicator has a shape that has one of a circular periphery and a generally rectangular periphery.

3. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein the outer portion is moveably attached to the inner portion by threads.

4. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein a lower surface of the outer portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense the fluid product from the container.

5. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein a lower surface of the inner portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense the fluid product from the container.

6. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein the container has more than one dispensing channel of a defined shape on a lower surface, the more than one dispensing channel of a defined shape interfitting into more than one base aperture.

7. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein the at least one dispensing channel has a valve responsive to the force on the container to thereby actuate the valve at a defined force and to close the valve upon the cessation of the force.

8. An applicator as in claim 1 whereon a lower portion of the base has a surface that is compatible with the surface to which the fluid product is to be applied.

9. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein the container dispensing channel has a non-circular defined shape which mates with a non-circular defined shape of the base channel.

10. An applicator as in claim 9 wherein the defined shape of the base channel is polygonal, the sides of which are one of equal in length or different in length.

11. An applicator as in claim 9 wherein the container is replaceable in the applicator.

12. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein the cover has at least one opening to allow at least a part of the hand of a person to contact one of the inner portion or the outer portion.

13. An applicator utilizing one hand for manually dispensing and applying fluid products to a surface comprising a base, the base having a region for holding a container for such products, the container having a dispensing channel, a lower part of the base having at least one base channel of a defined shape, a cover attached to the base and at least partially open in the region of the applicator above the container, the opening of a size to receive at least one finger, a fitment depending from the cover and comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion connected to the cover, the outer portion moveably attached to the inner portion whereupon the relative movement of the outer portion and the inner portion the outer portion moves toward the container between the base and the cover to thereby apply a force to the container and dispense the fluid product from the container through the at least one dispensing channel and the at least one base channel, whereby the outer portion can be contacted by the at least one finger through the opening in the at least partially open cover and manipulated for relative movement with the inner portion to manually dispense product during the process of applying the fluid product to the surface.

14. An applicator as in claim 13 wherein a lower surface of the outer portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense product.

15. An applicator as in claim 13 wherein the container dispensing channel has a shape which mates with the defined shape of the base channel.

16. An applicator utilizing one hand for manually dispensing and applying fluid products to a surface comprising a base, the base having a region for holding a container for such products, the container having a dispensing channel, a lower part of the base having at least one base channel of a defined shape, a cover attached to the base at least partially open in the region of the applicator above the container, the opening of a size to receive at least one finger, a fitment depending from the cover and comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion, the outer portion connected to the cover, the inner portion moveably attached to the outer portion whereupon the relative movement of the outer portion and the inner portion the inner portion moves toward the container between the base and the cover to thereby apply a force to the container and dispense the fluid product from the container through the at least one dispensing channel and the at least one base channel, whereby the inner portion and the outer portion can be contacted by the at least one finger through the opening in the at least partially open cover and manipulated for relative movement to manually dispense product during the process of applying the fluid product to the surface.

17. An applicator as in claim 16 wherein a lower surface of the inner portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense the fluid product.

18. An applicator as in claim 16 wherein the container dispensing channel has a defined shape which mates with the defined shape of the base channel.

19. A method utilizing on hand for dispensing a fluid product from the applicator of claim 1 comprising inserting into the base having a base channel of the applicator a container having a dispensing channel that interfits into the base channel, gripping the cover with a hand, the base having an applicator surface, and contacting the applicator surface with the surface onto which the fluid product is to be applied, extending at least one finger through a portion of the cover that is partially open to contact one of the inner portion and the outer portion, and rotate the portion contacted by the at least one finger relative to the other portion to dispense the desired amount of the fluid product onto the applicator surface to manually dispense product during the process of applying the fluid product to a surface.

20. An applicator as in claim 1 wherein the container is replaceable.