Abstract: A liquid applicator implement includes a container for freely movable liquid (6), a capillary storage means (16) for temporarily receiving liquid upon a change in air pressure and/or temperature of the environment, an applicator element (12) and a capillary air inlet for compensation in respect of liquid taken from the container. A passage (20) for conveying the liquid entirely or partially bridges over the distance between the container with the liquid (6) and the applicator element (12). The passage is not directly in communication with the storage means (16) and it is of lower capillarity than the storage means (16).

Abstract: A pen point for a marking pen having a pen tip which includes a base portion formed by bundling polyester-type synthetic fibers having a fiber diameter of denier between about 1 and about 10, dipping the bundle in a synthetic resin adhesive and drying and solidifying the bundle. The resulting bundle is molded into a knife cut shape and integrally coated, together with the base portion, with a coating member formed of a thermoplastic synthetic resin, the thickness of said coating member being between about 0.01 and about 2.00 mm. In the present invention, the tip of the pen point for the marking pen is coated with a coating member formed of a thermoplastic synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal or vinyl chloride, whereby the side surfaces in which the ink in the pen point is soaked are not exposed.

Abstract: An ink composition or system for writing instruments constructed with a polyester fiber reservoir and a porous oriented fiber nib. This ink system will write on both black and white surfaces. On black surfaces, it will reveal itself as being opaque and metallic almost iridescent in appearance. On white surfaces, a tint of color is observed with distinct flecks of silver. The ink system is composted of water as a carrier, a permanent water-based binder, a colored pigmented permanent water-based dispersion of sub-micron particle size, a unique aluminum dispersion of specific particle size in a special carrier, a humectant, a surfactant that lowers surface tension, an anti-settling additive, a preservative and a base acting as a pH adjuster.

Abstract: A roller for applying paint or similar coating masses to surfaces or articles. The roller has an inner drum which forms a reservoir for the application mass and which has a peripheral surface which is made rotationally symmetrical to one drum axis, and with an outer drum which is arranged to turn freely and which has first openings in a peripheral surface which surrounds the inner drum.

Abstract: A dispenser for fluid material comprising a cylindrical container with a metering device disposed therein. The container comprises a dispensing end and a closed end, while the metering device forms a dispensing cavity separated from a storage cavity at the dispensing end of the container and a metering cavity formed at the closed end of the container. Movement of the container to a position with the closed end disposed downwardly and then to a position with the dispensing end disposed downwardly is effective to cause fluid to flow from the storage cavity into the metering cavity and be metered in a desired quantity into the dispensing cavity.

Abstract: A hand held cleaning apparatus for cleaning small jobs that includes a supply of cleaning fluid. The apparatus (10) includes a body (12) with a reservoir (13) for storing a supply of a cleaning fluid (15). The body includes an opening (17) that is sealed with a removable cap (16). The cap includes a loop portion (18) that can be used to hang the apparatus on a hook or other protrusion for storage. The body is in operative connection with a cleaning head (14). The cleaning head includes a scrubber (22) comprised of an absorbent material such as a sponge. The scrubber is secured to the cleaning head with a holder tube (26) that extends through a bore (24) in the interior of the scrubber. The cleaning head further includes a fluid pathway (28) between the reservoir and the holder tube that allows fluid to flow from the reservoir into the holder tube. The holder tube includes a plurality of apertures that allow fluid to flow out of the holder tube and into the scrubber.

Abstract: A permeable bag, and an environmentally friendly composition in the bag, for dispensing by handling to condition the hands of a person is provided. The conditioning is primarily for absorption of excess moisture. The use is particularly suited for participating in a sports activity that requires a natural grip of a disc, ball or the like. The composition is a powder derived from sanding oak flooring; the flooring being approximately 7% moisture content. The powder is preferably extra fine, granulated grade and comprised of particles primarily in the range of 75 &mgr;m-95 &mgr;m in size or diameter and having an irregular outer surface. Other desiccant uses primarily include drying other parts of the body, and in packaging and in protecting electrical equipment. A related method of preparing the composition includes sanding the hardwood flooring, maintaining controlled ambient conditions, screening to size and placement in the bag for use.

Abstract: A cleaning tool (1) intended primarily for cleaning ends of ribbon fibers (17) is designed as a pair of tweezers. At the free ends of the tweezer legs (3) opposite plush pads (13) and opposite cotton or paper pads (15) are provided. The plush pads (13) can be dipped in alcohol before cleaning the ribbon fiber. Then the alcohol is sucked into and held by the plush cloth, whereas the part of the tool, which comprises the wiping/drying pads (15), remains dry. An end of the ribbon fiber (17) is then moved over the pads first contacting the liquid-containing plush pads (13) and thereafter contacting the adjacent dry pads (15). Using the tool the operations of washing and wiping fibers to make them dry can be executed in a single step and in a secure way, so that no particles and solvent residues remain on the end of the ribbon fiber.

Abstract: A portable and compact cigar humidifier has a pull-out member encasing a slab of spongy material. A pair of circular windows cut through opposite walls of the member have a diameter slightly larger than the maximum diameter of a conventional cigar. A circular aperture in the spongy material slab is co-axiallly aligned with the windows, and has a diameter slightly less than the minimum diameter of a conventional cigar. The spongy material is implemented with an aromatic liquid. A cigar can be passed through the windows and aperture to humidify its outer skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleansing system comprising a synthetic detergent bar and a pouf/sponge for holding the bar. By inserting bar inside the pouf, it has been found that lather can be enhanced, even in compositions comprising lather depressing emollients. The bar holder and bar system also help decrease perception of mush.

Abstract: A paint roller with an internal reservoir for receiving and dispensing paint. The interior of the cylindrical roller communicates with the external surface via a plurality of slits running substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the shell. An applicator is laid over the external surface of the shell. Paint of the internal reservoir is dispensed evenly and automatically over the slits.

Abstract: Microporous sintered polymeric materials can be used as the applicator surface for a dispenser if the material is insert molded to a substantially nonporous, relatively rigid frame. Further, the microporous sintered polymeric material should be flexible and have a thickness of less than about 0.060 inch. By being insert molded to substantially nonporous, the gel or lotion is dispensed at a more central location on the applicator surface preventing edge dispensing which leads to wastage and fouling of the container surface. In addition, by the use of a thinner section of microporous sintered polymeric material bonded to a relatively rigid nonporous frame, there is increased flexibility of the microporous sintered polymeric material but with a higher impact strength. Additionally, there is an increased ease in dispensing due to the decreased thickness of the microporous sintered polymeric material.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator has a handle and a dispensing end which, in one embodiment may be detachable. Herbicide is introduced into the handle and flows through the handle to the dispensing end. The dispensing end has a plurality openings through which the herbicide flows. An absorbent sleeve is over the dispensing end to control the herbicide flow. The absorbent sleeve has concentric ridges between which the herbicide is dispensed.

Abstract: An applicator device wherein a handle component has an easily removable sponge component. The sponge component includes a relatively stiff closed cell base layer and one or more relatively compliant, open cell layers laminated thereto. The sponge is retained on the handle by the cooperation of a retaining bead formed in raised section on the handle component with an aperture in the sponge component formed in the base layer.

Abstract: A small sized shallow pouch like container (3) for a dispensible ingredient includes a pair of built-in outwardly pivotable flaps (5 & 7) positioned on opposite sides of the container's outlet end to form a package applicator (1). Squeezing the container's sides with the fingers expresses the stored ingredient through the outlet and onto the applicator flaps. Using the container portion as a finger grip, the flaps may be moved about the desired surface, spreading the dispensed ingredient. In some embodiments the outlet is opened by squeezing the container sides to break a closure seal (19). In others the outlet is unsealed by pulling the flaps apart (19'); by tearing (35) or is unblocked (57) by unfolding the flaps. In a preferred embodiment the container and applicator combination is formed by a pair of flexible foil sheets of substantially identical structure (21 & 23) that are superimposed over one another and partially connected together to define both the container and the applicator.

Abstract: A product applicator assembly including a container for containing the product to be dispensed. The container includes an outlet for the product. A product applicator is in communication with the container. The applicator has an outer application surface and is borne by a support fixed onto the product outlet of the container. The support includes an elastically deformable fixing device which keeps the applicator member fixed onto the support.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a device and the method of making same, which device functions both as a containment system for a product having either liquid, semi-liquid, solid or semi-solid characteristics, and as an applicator that can be used to deliver and apply the product to a surface in a convenient, economical and simple manner. The device includes an applicator pad that has a front surface that comes in contact with the desired surface to thereby apply the product thereto. A product impermeable backing layer is bonded to a rear surface of the applicator pad and a packet can be placed in position to release the product into the applicator pad through an aperture formed in the backing layer. A multi-purpose label is used to seal the packet in place, protects the user's hands, provides printed information to the user, provides the user with a device gripping surface and can also function to seal and/or reseal the applicator device.

Abstract: A single use, disposable lotion applicator comprising an applicator located inside a container. The applicator is filled with lotion. An applicator removal means facilitates easy removal of the applicator from the container. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a vial filled with lotion is located inside the applicator.

Abstract: A perfume stick having a fragile core tube holding a liquid perfume and mounted in a flexible plastic outer tube, the flexible plastic outer tube having a bottom end covered with a cotton tip, the liquid perfume flowing out of the core tube to the cotton tip for application when the perfume stick is bent by hand to break the core tube.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve used for printing and marking, having a valve body with an end wall which defines an aperture and a spring biased valve element disposed within the valve body to open and close the aperture. A spring element is coupled to the tubular body adjacent the circular wall, the spring element and the wall defining a chamber for receiving a fluid metered through the aperture of the valve body when the aperture is opened, the spring element having at least one aperture communicating with the chamber. A porous member is affixed to the spring element such that the porous member covers the aperture in the spring element. The porous member transfers the fluid received in the chamber to a surface in the form of a printed geometric image.

Abstract: A unique two piece, hand held, device having an ergonomic and ambidextral hand holder with a detachable, and/or interchangeable, sponge-like, image imprinting element is disclosed. The imprinting element is preferably made of a unitary piece of a sponge body having an ornamental design embossed into the printing face. The embossed printing face is dipped into a paint and the paint is transferred to the desired surface by pressing the printing surface of the sponge body against the surface to be decorated.

Abstract: A bottle (1) for storing a fluid and for applying the fluid to a human body comprises a container (2) having an opening; and an elongated rod member (11) having a longitudinal axis, the rod member (11) being located in the opening, and the rod member being slidable along its longitudinal axis relative to the container (2) and being sealed against the container (2) so that an inner end of the rod member (11) is located within the container (2) and an outer end of the rod member (11) is located outside the container (2). The rod member (11) has at least one duct (15) extending at least partially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod member (11), the at least one duct (15) forming a fluid connection between an outlet at the outer end of the rod member (11) and an orifice that is situated within the container.

Abstract: A coloring fluid-containing marking device which sufficiently withstand practical use and, after use, its molded members can be biologically degraded in soil. The marking device comprises a coloring fluid container molded from an aliphatic polyester resin, and a coloring fluid containing a solvent mainly comprising an aliphatic hydrocarbon and/or an alicyclic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A section of sponge-like cleaning material partially enclosed within a rigid casing to form a cleaning surface that is contoured to simultaneously contact the edge and sides of a windshield wiper blade; being movable back and forth along the length of a wiper blade by a hollow handle that can be used to store cleansing fluid directly or in a squeeze-type dropper.

Abstract: A wall covering removal system for removing material from a surface comprising a scarifying apparatus for scarifying a material, having a handle, a scarifying assembly coupled to a first end, and a first scraper blade coupled to a second end, and a liquid dispensing and cleaning apparatus for wetting the scarified material, including a dispensing device coupled in liquid communication with a reservoir for dispensing liquid through a spray nozzle, a cleaning device coupled to the dispensing device, including a support member coupled to the dispensing device and positioned so as to avoid hindering a liquid sprayed from the nozzle of the dispensing device and a cleaning member coupled to the support member so as to extend forwardly of the dispensing device.

Abstract: A device for applying lotions, creams and similar substances to any part of the body, particularly to the back and other difficult-to-reach areas is provided. The applicating device comprises three basic components: a one-piece frame having an elongated handle portion at one end and a reservoir retaining means at the distal end thereof, a pressure applying lid having top, central and bottom portions and a removable flexible reservoir having a porous, permeable or perforated applicator surface. The pressure applying lid and retaining means are configured to interact thereby advancing the lotion through the applicator surface. The applicator surface has a convex curvature which is substantially identical to the curvature of the bottom portion of the pressure applying lid, thereby minimizing waste of the lotion.

Abstract: A compact single use applicator is disclosed having a dry medication (e.g, a dehydrated or lyophilized astringent disinfectant that is adapted to treat ache and has been reduced to a powder) stored in a flexible mixing chamber. Liquid diluents are stored in first and second flexible chambers. Fluid communication between the diluents in the first and second chambers and the dry medication in the mixing chamber is blocked by normally closed, pressure activated fluid paths. By compressing the first and second chambers, corresponding hydraulic pressures are generated in the diluents thereof which force open the pressure activated paths. Accordingly, the diluents in the first and second chambers are introduced under pressure to the dry medication in the mixing chamber to rehydrate and reactivate the medication. The reconstituted multi-constituent liquid medication is then supplied from the mixing chamber to a dispensing chamber via another normally closed pressure activated fluid path.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing liquids which comprises, a thin walled elongated tube like plastic container which has an ampule therein which contains liquid to be dispensed. The container has an opening at one end with a sponge thereon, and a slide ring activator mounted to the tube, which is restrained from longitudinal movement by positioning bumps, which slide ring for applicator activation is rotated about the tube's axis to apply inwardly directed forces on both sides of the ampule to cause it to break, and liquid to flow to the opening, and thence to the sponge from which it is applied.

Abstract: This describes a portable non-pressurized anti-static device for eliminating static cling on clothes on which static electricity has built up. An absorbent material impregnated with an anti-static solution is supported by a frame. A cover, when in place, prevents the anti-static solution from being rubbed off or otherwise removed from the absorbent material until it is ready to be used. When static cling occurs, the wearer removes the cover and rubs the impregnated material against the area of the clothes affected, thereby removing the static electricity.

Abstract: A compact, single-use stylus applicator is disclosed having a dry medication (e.g. a dehydrated topical astringent disinfectant that is adapted to treat acne and has been reduced to crystalline form by lyophilization) stored in a first chamber. A liquid diluent is stored in a second chamber. Fluid communication between the first and second chambers is blocked by a barrier. By compressing the second chamber, a corresponding hydraulic pressure is generated in the diluent which defeats the fluid blocking integrity of the barrier. Accordingly, the diluent in the second chamber is introduced under pressure to the dry medication in the first chamber to rehydrate and activate the acne medication. The reconstituted multi-constituent liquid medication is absorbed by a stylus-shaped swab so as to be applied directly to a tissue area as a topical treatment for acne or other skin disorders.

Abstract: Described is a refilling container for refilling a writing, painting or drawing implement, a cosmetic applicator implement or the like, wherein the implement (44) comprises an applicator member (48) which projects out of a casing and which has a capillary conveying action, for a fluid of relatively low viscosity, a reservoir for the fluid, which is in fluid communication with the applicator member (48), and a vent passage (78) in the vicinity of the applicator member (48). The refilling container (10) is provided with a neck portion (58). The implement (44) to be refilled can be inserted with its applicator member (48) and with a casing portion (46) adjoining the applicator member (48), into the neck portion (58) of the refilling container, in such a way that the neck portion (58) is sealed off by the casing portion (46) and a fluid communication is formed through the vent passage (78) between the refilling container (10) and the reservoir in the implement (44).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a package for containing and dispensing a solid article including powders and solid objects, and/or flowable substances such liquids, gels and dispersions. When the ends of the package are forced together, a backing sheet is separated from receptacle units to expose openings through which the contents can be dispensed from interior chambers in the package.

Abstract: An applicator for coating materials, such as shoe polish, is made with a relatively rigid open cell foam coating pad. The foam has an average of from 12 to 25 pores per linear centimeter with an average pore size being from 0.4 to 2 microns. The pad rigidity can be provided by a hard material per se or by having a flexible porous foam material compressed from its original volume to from 1/10th to 1/20th its original volume. The coating pad has less than a 20% compression when subjected to a 400 gm/cm.sup.2 pressure. The coating pad can be used with a pigmented coating material or polish with an average particle size of from 0.4 to 1 micron.

Abstract: A marking device for marking numbers on tickets of games of chance, such as "throw-away" bingo tickets, includes a container having a mouth and a porous applicator body mounted into the mouth. An aqueous, translucent, vibrant colored, substantially freely flowing liquid ink composition is contained in the container, and is applied to the game-of-chance tickets through the porous applicator body. The ink contains, in the aqueous medium, a dyed melamine copolymer resin which is known and available in the trade under the DAYGLO mark. The dyed melamine copolymer pigment provides the unusually bright color to the ink composition of the invention.

Abstract: An aqueous permanent coloring composition for a marking instrument includes a pigment, an alkali soluble acrylic resin, and a volatile pH regulant. The composition optionally includes a drying agent, an adhesion promoter, and/or a preservative. The composition is useful as a permanent ink or paint and has good fugitivity from skin.

Abstract: A flexible bottle which serves as a fluid cleaning reservoir includes a cap that has a crosshead supporting a cleaning fluid absorbing material. A flow passageway is provided in the cap and feeds cleaning fluid to the absorbing material when the bottle is squeezed and the cap is distorted to open the flow passageway. The absorbent material has a longitudinal slit in its end surface through which a windshield wiper blade can be moved for cleaning the blade. A cover is mounted on the crosshead when the tool is stored. The device can also be used to clean the windshield.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ink reservoir containing a polyester fiber, such as a poly(ethylene terephthalate) fiber, having at least one continuous groove. The surface of the groove of the fiber is preferably rougher than the surface outside the groove. The ink reservoirs are useful for use with aqueous inks and have improved ink transport properties.

Abstract: A cleaning device having a pad having a scrubber layer of porous material, a liquid impervious sheet or surface substantially covering a rear surface of the scrubber layer, a blotter layer of absorptive material extending over the sheet or surface on a side opposite the scrubber layer, and a rupturable packet containing a liquid active material associated with the scrubber layer. The device has an instrument having a head attached to an elongated handle, and a device for releasably attaching the head to the scrubber layer and blotter layer.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a plurality of liquids, such as for tanning, at the same time to the human body. The applicator includes a handle and an applicator head at the top of the handle. The head receives a pad for contact with the body where the liquids are to be applied. The handle has at least two chambers for separately containing the liquids. The liquids are fed from the chambers to the applicator pad for application to the body upon contact with the pad.

Abstract: A device for cleaning contact lenses is disclosed which has a tubular or pen-like reservoir having an abradant tip having an external surface which is complementary to the general shape of a surface of a contact lens. A lens support member for supporting a contact lens during the cleaning process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid applicator includes a case for containing a liquid and an applying member, housed in the case, for applying the liquid. The case is broken to expose the applying member, thereby allowing application of the liquid via the applying member. The shape of the distal end face of the applying member is formed to be substantially rhombic or elliptic so that the thickness in one direction is larger than the thickness in another direction perpendicular to the one direction. By moving the distal end face of the applying member in the another direction perpendicular to the one direction, the liquid can be applied on a wide affected part within a short time period.

Abstract: The disclosed combination includes an oil container, an applicator assembly, and a removable cap. The applicator assembly includes a tube through the top of the container, a drain receptacle surrounding the tube above the container, and a porous applicator tip on the drain receptacle and over the end of the tube. Oil flows through the tube, to and from the applicator tip. One applicator tip includes ridges with a channel or groove between them. Another has a periphery with convex and concave portions. These tip configurations facilitate oiling of various surfaces. The device is effective to provide oil to the tip for application of a film of oil on a desired surface, and to drain excess oil from the tip back into the container.

Abstract: A mopping system comprising a scoop pan with a two stage ramp for conveying liquid waste material to an open topped container and a mop support for releasably captively supporting a mop having a mop head, whereby the scoop pan can be manipulated by the mop. The ramp has two serially disposed ramps separated by a gully. The container may lead to a removable storage container or may be arranged to receive and support a liner into which the liquid or waste material passes from the ramp. The mop handle includes storage for liquid to be fed to a foam pad on the mop head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ink reservoir containing a polyester fiber, such as a poly(ethylene terephthalate) fiber, having at least one continuous groove. The surface of the groove of the fiber is preferably rougher than the surface outside the groove. The ink reservoirs are useful for use with aqueous inks and have improved ink transport properties.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent cap means fitting over the applicator surface of a device for applying liquid materials to the skin with a poromeric applicator surface.

Abstract: A pen-like eyeglass cleaner includes a hollow pen body having a first end and a second end, a wiping tip of absorbent material disposed on the first end of the pen body, a detergent container mounted detachably in the pen body, an amount of detergent held in the container, a roll of cleaning cloth mounted detachably in the pen body, and a cap which is sized to firmly cover the first end of the pen body and has a clip secured thereto. A magnifying glass is mounted detachably on the second end of the pen body. A screwdriver is mounted detachably on the clip.

Abstract: An improved mopping system useful in cleaning a surface, the mopping system includes in combination a handle having a mop head at one end thereof, a container attached to the handle and holding a dispensable liquid, a valve mechanism for dispensing liquid from the container to a surface, a rotatable absorbent belt for removing liquid from the surface, a scrubber for scrubbing the surface, pressure bar for removing liquid from the absorbent belt and a reservoir associated with the rotatable absorbent belt for storing dirty liquid removed from the floor surface in a container separate from the container carrying the dispensable liquid.

Abstract: An applicator device for the application of a liquid or pasty material includes a handle and an applicator detachably mounted on the handle, the applicator having a sealed chamber containing the liquid or pasty material. A manually operated release on the handle is operable to break the seal of the sealed chamber and to provide for release and application of such material from the applicator onto a desired site.

Abstract: A liquid applicator as provided which is particularly useful in applying pre-operative surgical scrubs or paints to skin. The article is provided with an inner layer of porous metering material and an outer layer of open-cell foam sponge material which regulate the flow of liquid therethrough to provide acceptable wetting of the foam sponge while preventing dripping therefrom. The applicator includes an air vent spaced from the applicator head to allow air to flow into the applicator while liquid is being dispensed.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 904,788, filed Sept. 4, 1986, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 798,989, filed 11/18/85, now abandoned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pine tar applicator for applying pine tar to an athlete's hands and sports equipment to provide a more secure grip. The pine tar applicator includes an elongate chamber disposed between two end caps. Alternately, the pine tar applicator includes an absorbant foam roller disposed on an elongate support element. A sleeve slips over the chamber or support element and is sealed shut when the applicator is not in use. A fastener is provided at one end cap to allow the applicator to be conveniently hung from a backstop, fence or the like, providing easy access for the player.