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 
       [0001]    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. 
         [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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&#39;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 
       [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    The outer portion can be attached to the inner portion by treads or a related structure. 
         [0006]    A lower surface of the outer portion or of the inner portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense the fluid product. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    A lower surface of the outer portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense fluid product. 
         [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    A lower surface of the outer portion contacts the container to cause the container to dispense fluid product. 
         [0015]    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 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the applicator for fluid products. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is top plan view of the applicator with inner features shown in broken lines. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  with the container filled. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  with the container contents having been dispensed. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the applicator for fluid products. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  of the applicator with inner features shown in broken lines. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 7  along line  8 - 8  with the container filled. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 7  along line  9 - 9 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIG. 7  along line  8 - 8  with the container contents having been dispensed. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section of a second alternative embodiment of the actuating structure of the applicator. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is top plan view of the applicator of  FIG. 11  with inner features shown in broken lines 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the applicator of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a third alternative embodiment of the actuating structure of the applicator. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the applicator of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the applicator with a modified attachment of a handle strap. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a fourth alternative embodiment of an applicator with a circular structure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of the applicator of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
           [0035]      FIGS. 20 to 23  show various shapes for applicator base apertures and container dispensing channels. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    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. 
         [0037]      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&#39;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. 
         [0038]      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 . 
         [0039]    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. 
         [0040]      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 . 
         [0041]      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&#39;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 . 
         [0042]      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 . 
         [0043]    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. 
         [0044]      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 . 
         [0045]      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 . 
         [0046]      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 . 
         [0047]      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 . 
         [0048]      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  33   a ,  33   b    33   c  and  33   d ; the base channels are  37   a ,  37   b ,  37   c , and  37   d ; the dispensing channels openings are  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c  and  32   d ; and the valves are  34   a ,  34   b ,  34   c  and  34   d . The range of possible shapes is limitless. The only criteria is that the shapes be readily moldable. 
         [0049]    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. 
         [0050]    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. 
         [0051]    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.