With Flow-regulator Patents (Class 401/205)
  • Publication number: 20080205963
    Abstract: The Body Buffer is a back and body scrubber that holds liquid soap/lotion/oil in the length of the handle, as well as, within the head of the tool, and dispenses the liquid through five rubber valves in the head of the tool; further, the head of the tool attaches to changeable heads including: 1. Mesh head-Terry/cotton covered sponge with a poofie mesh side. 2. Loofah head-Terry/cotton covered sponge pad with a loofah side. 3. Brush head-Plastic/nylon scrubber brush. 4. Terry/cotton covered sponge pad in the shape of geometric oval, animals, fish, and insects. This invention reduces the need to frequently place soap within, or on, the head of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Jennifer Schmidig
  • Publication number: 20080205970
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush is provided that includes a main body that contains a bladder therein that serves to contain a volume of toothpaste. A metered dosing pump is included that controls the flow of toothpaste from the fluid storage region and through a conduit that exits adjacent the bristles of the toothbrush head. Each operation of the metered dosing pump dispenses a measured and controlled amount of toothpaste into the bristles of the toothbrush. In addition to providing a flow of toothpaste, the rear side of the toothbrush may also include an additional “flavor burst” pack module to deliver an additional flavoring or another material, such as fluoride, to the flow of toothpaste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Patent number: 7416357
    Abstract: A dispenser that includes at least one receptacle configured to accommodate at least one applicator, with the receptacle having at least one opening through which the applicator can be withdrawn. At least one applicator is housed in the receptacle, and includes an applicator portion and a grasping element enabling the applicator to be held. The grasping element delineates a reservoir containing a product to be applied, and the applicator is configured so that it must be at least partially deformed in order to pass through the opening in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Laure Thiebaut
  • Patent number: 7416358
    Abstract: An applicator for the application of a product, for example a cosmetic or dermatological product, including a reservoir of which a first side is attached to a finger or mounted to a finger to face the finger. An applicator portion is arranged on a second side of the reservoir opposite the first, and the applicator portion is isolated from the reservoir at least before first use of the applicator. The applicator device further includes a device to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion, for example, in response to an operating action at least during the first use of the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Legendre
  • Publication number: 20080193198
    Abstract: An atomizing fluid dispenser for delivering, via a spray nozzle, a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material for each dispensing operation is disclosed. The fluid dispensing device includes a container with an interior fluid storage region therein. A metering housing, when depressed, generates a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. When the metering housing is depressed a second time a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container, while upon release, the metering housing is refilled by drawing fluid from the fluid storage region. A spray nozzle or atomizer is attached to the exit port of the dispensing device so that the liquid is delivered in metered fashion in spray form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Christopher S. Nesbitt
  • Publication number: 20080181714
    Abstract: The sponge construction (100) includes two layers (102, 104) connected together. A layer of cellulose material (102) and a layer of urethane material (104) are connected to each other. For example, the layer of cellulose material (102) is laminated, bonded or adhered using an adhesive to the urethane material (104). The urethane material (104) is preferably reticulated foam. In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible that the sponge construction (200) integrally includes a dispensing device (202). For example, the dispensing device (202) is preferably a liquid pump (204) that pumps liquid (206) from a storage chamber (210) to location that is suitable for use, such as proximal to the layer of cellulose material (214) and/or the layer of urethane material (216) so that one of the layers (214, 216) can assist in distributing and applying the liquid (206) to be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Fox, James Gaudet, Roger J. LaFlamme
  • Publication number: 20080166174
    Abstract: A pump dispenser has a large ergonomic actuator designed to ergonomically deliver a composition to a substrate in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. The ergonomic design allows the composition to be delivered in a proper aspect ratio to the substrate. The composition can be delivered in such a way that the composition is not aerosolized into the air or delivered to an unintended surface. The method of delivery can be made intuitive to the consumer by providing an actuator skirt that suggests the pumping mechanism or by providing a depiction of a hand or substrate over the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser is also useful for compositions or substrates that are not stable together. The pump dispenser may have a dispensing pad that acts as the pump actuator or alternatively, may have a pump actuator that is separate from the dispensing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy James Kennedy, Tami O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20080145137
    Abstract: A hand-held trim painting tool consists of a cylindrical body holding paint to be dispensed in a reservoir within the cylindrical body, a head attached to the body, a removable paint applicator attached to the head, a mechanism for loading paint into the reservoir, a valve permitting paint to be dispensed from the reservoir, an actuator incrementally opening and closing the valve, and a dispensing rate adjuster to regulate the rate at which paint is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Diversified Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Bruggeman, Stephen Kohs, Dion M. McDevitt
  • Publication number: 20080145136
    Abstract: A nib arrangement has a reversible, elongated nib body of porous material with opposite substantially identical, shaped writing ends that are both shaped for depositing a fluid saturating the nib body, onto a surface as the writing end rubs along the surface, the nib body being structured to be reversibly mounted in an instrument for supplying the fluid to the nib with either writing end extending outwardly of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: George Korper
  • Publication number: 20080138142
    Abstract: A disposable paint masking product/item/tool consisting of an aqueous based paintable, peelable liquid solution contained in a hand held applicator intended for the purpose of masking any window glass, door glass, or other conducive surface when painting muntins, sash, rails, stiles or any trim that might be adjacent to such window or door glass. The solution, which air dries, acts as a paint barrier on above mentioned surfaces to protect from stray paint when adjacent surfaces such as muntins, sash, etc. are intended to be painted, then peels off upon completion. The solution resides in a disposable cylindrical-like container of resilient material (squeeze tube, aerosol can or other) and is despensed through a detachable head cap (threaded or friction attached) of molded plastic material or other having an affixed porous applicator pad at the end surrounded on all four edges by non-porous material so as to prevent the application of the masking solution onto the muntins, stiles, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene Pressman
  • Patent number: 7384208
    Abstract: The present invention is a flow-thru cosmetic dispenser and applicator that comprises a means for controlling the flow of product from a reservoir to an applicator tip. The flow control means comprises wedge structures attached to biased hinges. The wedge structures move on the hinges in response to the removal or placement of a closure. The movement of the wedges alternately opens and pinches-off a deformable conduit in which the product flows. The invention includes means for converting any ordinary cosmetic container into a flow-thru container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: EL Management Corp.
    Inventors: Herve F. Bouix, Jonathan T. Thayer
  • Publication number: 20080121246
    Abstract: It is intended to provide an applicator, by which a line with a constant width can be accurately and easily drown on the nail either by the dominant hand or the non-dominant hand, in enjoying nail art (i.e., painting nails), in particular, French nail. Namely, an applicator for nail art (1) comprising the main applicator part made of porous material, a raised fabric material or a brush-like material, which is capable of absorbing and retaining a liquid, provided with a nail guide member (3) for leading a nail tip and a nail application member (4) which is attached to the nail guide member (3) and has a flat surface suitable for the application. In a preferred case, two or more pairs of the nail guide member and nail application member are employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Yuko Saito, Masumi Mitsunaga
  • Patent number: 7377710
    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: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert P. Zaspel, Kent W. Lageson, Claude E. Cybulski
  • Patent number: 7344328
    Abstract: A fluid applicator designed for liquid, cream, or lotion products is easily adaptable for oval shaped containers and other shaped heads, including circular containers. An inner housing is inserted into an outer housing with covering material, such as fabric and/or foam, located between the two housings. The covering material is tightly secured by the two housings. The two housings are permanently attached, preferably by sonic welding to form a subassembly. The inner housing may be formed with or without a domed top surface. A foam pad may be placed over the container's orifice, held in place by a covering material that is placed over the foam pad. Alternatively, depending upon the product dispensed, the foam and fabric covering material elements may be eliminated and replaced by a domed plastic insert with an array of multiple apertures to deliver high viscosity products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Unique Dispensing Systems
    Inventor: Brian J McAuley
  • Patent number: 7338225
    Abstract: A refillable pen has a sponge tip and dispenses paint through the tip onto a substrate to repair a blemished paint surface when the sponge tip is pressed against the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jerri L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7318682
    Abstract: An apparatus for using liquids in bathing, to be used as a cleanser in bathing, comprises a pouf attached by a support to a squeezable container that contains a bathing liquid such as a liquid bathing detergent, a liquid soap, or either or both of these, combined with lotions or the like. When the squeezable container is squeezed, it delivers liquid from the squeezable container to the pouf to apply the liquid to the skin of the bather. A check valve admits replacement air to the squeezable container but keeps the liquid in when the squeezable container is not squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Todd A. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20070217860
    Abstract: A tube-shaped cosmetics container for discharging cream-type cosmetics, and more particularly, to a tube-shaped container containing cream-type cosmetics, an intermediate member, and a cap. When the cap is opened, the discharger is opened, and when closed, the discharger is sealed, which makes the discharge of cream-type cosmetics easy. And when not in use, an intermediate member is pressed by being thread coupled, thereby the discharger is naturally sealed so that the discharge of cream-type cosmetics contained in the tube-shaped container is prevented, by which cream-type cosmetics is less wasted, and a clean state is always kept by preventing contamination of surrounding areas of the cosmetic container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Young-Kwang Byun
  • Publication number: 20070212161
    Abstract: A pool tile cleaning device (1) having a hollow handle (2) and a cleaning head (3) on a distal end (20). The handle (2) acts as a cleaning product reservoir (25) and is attached to the cleaning head (3). The cleaning head (3) has a scrubbing means (5) located thereupon in order to effectively remove dirt and grime from pool tiles. The device (1) is gravity fed and provides a continuous distribution of cleaning product through the handle (2) to the cleaning head (3). A metering valve (17) is located at the distal end of the handle (20), behind the cleaning head (3), so as to control the amount of cleaning product that is distributed onto the cleaning head (3). A purge valve (10) is used in conjunction with the device (1) to permit air to enter the reservoir (25) as the cleaning product exits the reservoir (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Karen A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7241065
    Abstract: An applicator usable to color antiseptics is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator includes a flexible hollow body containing antiseptic to be applied. The applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that the antiseptic flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the antiseptic as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Enturia, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Tufts, Jesus Flores, Manuel Buzman
  • Patent number: 7210870
    Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a product that flows under pressure. The applicator has an exterior top surface, an exterior sidewall, and a base. The applicator has a chamber which constitutes a reservoir for holding the product to be dispensed. The reservoir has a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall. The applicator has an orifice for dispensing product, and the orifice connects the top surface to the top wall. The chamber has a disk capable of traveling through the chamber forcing product through the orifice as it travels through the chamber. The disk has a product contact surface that contacts a major portion of the top surface when the travel of the disk is complete so that product remaining in the chamber is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Cosmetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Diane C. Breidenbach, Laurence W. Mille
  • Patent number: 7198421
    Abstract: An elongated sealed container with a self-contained opening means fully enclosed within the container to release a fluid sealed within the container when the container is bent at or near the enclosed opening means. Once the enclosed opening means is opened, the fluid sealed within the elongated sealed container may be released for application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Tawei Tsao, Shun-I Pan, Garry Tsaur
  • Patent number: 7182540
    Abstract: A hand-held washing device comprises a pouf and a fluid dispenser secured to the pouf. The fluid dispenser comprises a fluid reservoir and a nozzle with a discharge outlet. The nozzle may be integrally formed with the fluid reservoir, or may be a separate component that is removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Roger Sorrell
  • Patent number: 7182536
    Abstract: Hand-held applicators for applying antiseptic are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hand-held applicator having at least one flexible elongated hollow body within which at least two antiseptic-filled ampoules are received, and a mechanism for fracturing the ampoules to release the antiseptic for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Medi-Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Tufts, Manual Guzman, Jesus Flores
  • Patent number: 7182541
    Abstract: This liquid applicator provides a container having a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a closure having a passage with a partition dividing the passage into first and second portions and providing a valve opening. A plunger provides a valve element which has an intermediate tapered portion received within the partition opening to provide flow of liquid from the container. A spring overfits the plunger and engages a retainer at the end of the closure and a nib interfits the closure first passage to engage the plunger to provide longitudinal movement of the plunger to open the valve assembly to dispense liquid from the container and into the nib when pressure is applied to move the plunger out of the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: U-Mark, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco F. Ziniti, Garry L. Staub, Thomas J. Kutsch
  • Patent number: 7114871
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Laure Thiebaut
  • Patent number: 7101105
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Fulvio Reggiani
  • Patent number: 7086799
    Abstract: An improved writing marker, which may be suitable for distribution of various writing liquids to the writing surfaces. The device has a barrel for containing the writing liquid, and a mechanism for application of the liquid upon the writing surface. A barrel has an open end through which it is connected to a marker's body to provide a flow into the closure formed by the inner surfaces of the mechanism for the application of the writing liquid that further comprises a stem member configured into a stem closure which is secured within the marker's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Arro-Mark Company LLC
    Inventors: George Pappageorge, Javier Rueda
  • Patent number: 7048459
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Conte
    Inventors: Vincent Bedhome, José Duez, Didier Lange
  • Patent number: 7044674
    Abstract: Multi purpose hand held cleaning device comprising a gun shaped handle portion, a first tubular portion perpendicularly attached at one end to the handle portion, a U shaped frame attached at the opposite end, the legs of the U frame terminating in transverse roller bearings, a second hollow tube placed concentrically inside the first hollow tube, one end of the second hollow tube terminating in a sponge member, the first hollow tube having a slot so that a trigger member attached to the second hollow tube can slidably fit within the slot, the second hollow tube enclosing a compression spring. A preferred embodiment includes the handle being hollow so as to be capable of retaining a cleaning fluid and an internal fluid pump activated by an external trigger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventors: Marcia A. Dixon, Kenneth A. Tarlow
  • Patent number: 7044673
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge type applicator which can prevent the application liquid from flowing back from the applying portion into the cartridge and which is suitable for use with a high viscosity application liquid. This applicator includes an advancing mechanism or piston mechanism made up of a sealing plug disposed inside a cylindrical cartridge tank for constituting the rear end wall of the tank, and a rod member attached to the sealing plug for causing the sealing plug to move in the axial direction of the tank; and an actuator (actuating member) for causing the rod member to move or advance in the axial direction by rotation thereof, and is constructed such that, when the actuator is turned, the rod member causes the sealing plug to move in the axial direction so as to reduce the volume of the space inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Endou
  • Patent number: 7025521
    Abstract: An applicator with two liquids comprising a hollow elongated tubular handle with a sealed end and an open end with an opening mechanism provided near the sealed end and an applicator tip affixed to one or both ends of the hollow elongated tubular handle. A first liquid is enclosed inside the hollow elongated tubular handle separated from the open end by a viscous substance and a second liquid is absorbed in the applicator tip. When air is allowed to enter near the sealed end through the opening mechanism, the first liquid in the hollow elongated tubular handle will flow through the viscous substance and commingle with the second liquid in the applicator tip to be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Garry Tsaur
  • Patent number: 7004659
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing solution on toilet paper includes a container. A pump assembly is adapted for selectively pumping a fluid outwardly out of the container. An actuator panel is attached to a top side of the pump assembly. A fluid receiving housing includes a lower wall, an upper wall and a resiliently collapsible perimeter wall. The upper wall has a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The actuator panel is positioned within the housing and the pump extends downwardly through the bottom wall. The upper wall may be selectively positioned toward the lower wall to actuate the pump such that fluid may be drawn outwardly of the container and into the housing. A coupler attaches the housing to the container. Toilet paper may be positioned on an outer surface of the upper wall such that fluid expelled through the holes is positioned on the toilet paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Avery Goodman
  • Patent number: 6991393
    Abstract: A method of making a liquid applicator having a flexible hollow body within which a liquid-filled, frangible ampoule is received. The liquid applicator also has a 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 a desired surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Medi-Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Tufts, Jesus Flores, Manuel Guzman
  • Patent number: 6991395
    Abstract: The ink control structure of a pen includes a pen body and a pen point. The interior of the pen body is an empty cavity for containing ink and the surrounding wall of the pen body is flexible and can be pinched. The inner end of the pen point joins the empty cavity via an ink supply passage. The pen point has hydraulic conductivity and can lead the ink out. The pressure-driven control valve is configured into the ink supply passage and includes a stopper end and an elastic part. The elastic part can normally push the stopper end to pressingly meet a narrow opening in the ink supply passage, thus forming a state that the ink is prevented from a flow out. While under pressure, the ink supply passage is opened to make ink flow downward to the pen point for applying or writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Tao-Tien Huang
  • Patent number: 6981814
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Redlon Consumer Products Corporation
    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: 6945722
    Abstract: A tire applicator for applying treatment fluid to sidewall of a vehicle tire, which is constructed with an applicator head including a dispenser housing having a bottom distribution plate and an applicator pad affixed thereto, and which may be configured to complementally and releasably receive an associated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    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.
  • Patent number: 6902335
    Abstract: A dispensing and application apparatus designed to contain pre-measured amounts of a flowable substance. The apparatus comprises a compartment 130 for storing the substance that is partially enclosed by a frangible seal 210, an applicator 100, and an expandable chamber 170 designed to accept and dissipate the hydraulic force created when pressure is applied to the compartment 130, rupturing the frangible seal 210, and expelling the substance into the chamber 170. The applicator 100 is attached to the chamber 170 with an applicator bond area 180. The expandability of the chamber 170 is conferred by expandability of the applicator 100, and is varied in different embodiments by altering the ratio between the area of the applicator bond area 180 and the area of the applicator 100. The frangible seal 210, in one of many embodiments, may be a chevron shape stress riser 250 with a point of inflection 260 oriented towards the compartment 130. A removable cap may cover the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: R.P. Scherer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bergey, Bruce Detwiler, James L. Hussey, Kurt Koptis, Yelena Lipoveskaya, Mahmood Mohiuddin
  • Patent number: 6893183
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Easy-Do Products Limited
    Inventor: Barrie Abram David Levison
  • Patent number: 6887007
    Abstract: A hand-held washing device comprises a scrubber and a fluid dispenser to contain a cleaning fluid such as liquid soap. The device is constructed of an mesh material bound together in a plurality of pleats. The fluid dispenser includes a fill opening and an outlet. A plug is sized to be removable mounted within the fill opening. When mounted, the plug prevents liquid within the fluid dispenser from escaping through the fill opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Roger Lynn Sorrell
  • Patent number: 6883996
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kuretake Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Ishida
  • Patent number: 6883991
    Abstract: A device for applying a product may include a first element configured to apply a product. The first element may at least partially include porous material. The device may include a second element, and a fixing element configured to removably affix the first element to the second element such that when the first element is separated from the second element, at least a substantial portion of the fixing element remains on the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Patent number: 6883995
    Abstract: An applicator device for applying a liquid product is provided. The applicator device includes a reservoir for containing the product, and having an opening; a removable closure member for sealing the opening; and an applicator member mounted in fluid communication with the reservoir. The applicator member preferably includes at least one block formed of an absorbent material, capable of being compressed. According to the invention, an elastically compressible structure forms a support for the applicator member, the support having a compressibility that is greater than the compressibility of the applicator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Publication number: 20040265042
    Abstract: A fluid-dispensing cleaning tool is described comprising a body defining a fluid reservoir within it and a pump assembly carried by the body in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir for dispensing fluid to a cleaning head attached to the body. The pump assembly is operable to control the dispensing of the fluid from the reservoir to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may be releasably attached to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Browne & Co.
    Inventors: David Chan, Matthew Frank
  • Publication number: 20040258457
    Abstract: An applicator for the application of a product, for example a cosmetic or dermatological product, including a reservoir of which a first side is attached to a finger or mounted to a finger to face the finger. An applicator portion is arranged on a second side of the reservoir opposite the first, and the applicator portion is isolated from the reservoir at least before first use of the applicator. The applicator device further includes a means to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion, for example, in response to an operating action at least during the first use of the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Legendre
  • Publication number: 20040253039
    Abstract: An applicator has a reservoir adapted to contain a fluid and a pad in fluid communication with the reservoir. A tab serves to seal the fluid reservoir at a breakable connection, with breaking of the breakable connection allowing passage of fluid from the reservoir into the pad. The tab may be removable, or it may be embedded in the tab. Fluids with which use of the applicator is contemplated include sterilizable fluids for therapeutic applications to mammalian tissue, including topical liquids such as tissue adhesives for surgical applications, coatings and sealants. One candidate fluid is a cyanoacrylate prepolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Stenton
  • Publication number: 20040240927
    Abstract: An applicator having a substantially hollow body for accommodating an ampoule of solution. The hollow body comprises an open proximal end for receiving the ampoule and an open distal end having a flange to accept an applicator pad for applying the solution. A back plug having a lever mechanism is inserted into the open proximal end of the applicator to activate the applicator and seal the applicator after activation. Advancement of the back plug lever mechanism into the hollow body pivots the body of the ampoule to break the neck, activating the applicator. The back plug seals the proximal end after activation of the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Minh Quang Hoang, Jonathan Karl Burkholz
  • Publication number: 20040240925
    Abstract: A writing implement includes a cylindrical shaft member, a pen tip member which is fixed to one end of the shaft member and from which colored ink seeps out, liquid for ink which is stored in the shaft member and which comprises a major component of the colored ink seeping out from an end of the pen tip member, colorant to be added to the liquid for ink, and a valve member for isolating the colorant from the liquid for ink. In the writing implement, at least a part of a cylindrical side surface of the shaft member corresponding to a part where the liquid for ink is stored is formed to be transparent, the valve member is positioned between the storing part of the liquid for ink and the colorant, and the storing part of the liquid for ink is provided with a pressure-regulating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Hisashi Iida, Shigeru Okumura, Kazuaki Matsumoto, Seiichi Kobayashi, Takeshi Kobayashi, Yusuke Kobayashi, Yosuke Mito
  • Publication number: 20040228670
    Abstract: A tire applicator for applying treatment fluid to sidewall of a vehicle tire, which is constructed with an applicator head including a dispenser housing having a bottom distribution plate and an applicator pad affixed thereto, and which may be configured to complementally and releasably receive an associated container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Todd Colburn, Frederick Large, Brooke T. Baxter, Wen-Chen Su, Dan Anderson, William R. Bucknam
  • Publication number: 20040228672
    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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: The Valvoline Company, a Division of Ashland Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Colburn, Frederick Large, Brooke T. Baxter, Wen-Chen Su, Dan Anderson, William R. Bucknam
  • Patent number: 6817802
    Abstract: A writing instrument adapted, responsive to a pressure axially applied to a pen core, to supply ink in an ink chamber to the pen core, and includes a valve seat disposed between the ink chamber and the pen core, a valve body operable to be selectively moved between a close position where the valve body is in contact with the valve seat to isolate the pen core from the ink chamber and an open position where the valve body is spaced apart from the valve seat to communicate the pen core with the ink chamber, a pressing spring for biasing the valve body toward the front end of a pen shaft, and a support member for supporting the valve body and the pressing spring to allow the valve body to be moved in the axial direction. The support member includes a communication channel for communicating the inner space thereof with the ink chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kuretake Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Nishitani, Akira Matsuda, Masatoshi Yashima