Multi-use applicator and methods for its use

A multi-use applicator and methods for dispensing compounds. The applicator is configured for use with a compressible tubular container. The applicator has a holding member, where the holding member incorporates a fastening mechanism to secure the compressible tubular container. Once the compressible tubular container is secured to the holding member, a cover may be placed over the container and connected to the holding member. The cover may include at least one compressible side which when pressed would facilitate the extraction of the materials out of the compressible tubular container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a dispenser apparatus. More specifically, the present invention is a handheld multi-use applicator configured for use with a compressible container that provides enhanced flow and pinpoint control for dispensing liquid or viscous fluid from the compressible container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensing liquids and/or viscous fluids from a compressible container oftentimes is challenging. In one example, a toothpaste container having a closed end and a dispensing outlet may be compressed to dispel the toothpaste from an open end. The practice of extracting materials from these types of containers become difficult as less material resides in the container. Furthermore, controlling the flow of the material from the dispensing outlet becomes problematic as the remaining materials within the container become unevenly distributed. This may result in loss of material within the container that cannot be extracted.

Difficulty also arises because the compressible containers are short in length and are held and pressed between the thumb and forefinger, whereby precision dispensing is wholly contingent upon the individual firmly holding the compressible container between the fingers while compressing the container body. The present disclosure provides for a multi-use applicator for dispensing liquid or viscous fluid from a compressible container and methods for its use that address the above-identified concerns. Other benefits and advantages will become clear from the disclosure provided herein and those advantages provided are for illustration. The statements in this section merely provide the background related to the present disclosure and do not constitute prior art.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an applicator for use with a compressible container is disclosed. The applicator comprises: a holding member comprising: a body; a neck extending from a proximal end of the body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism being configured to removably couple to the compressible container. The applicator also comprises a cover removably coupled to the holding member, the cover comprising: a body defining a central channel therethrough; a compression area on the body of the cover; and at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an interior surface of the body of the cover and positioned within the compression area.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a multi-use applicator is disclosed. The multi-use applicator comprises: a holding member comprising: a conical body; a cylindrical neck extending from a proximal end of the conical body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the cylindrical neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism comprising: a cylindrical base; at least two oppositely disposed prongs, each prong comprising: a distal end extending from the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; a U-shaped space formed between the at least two oppositely disposed prongs, wherein the U-shaped space is configured to receive and hold a crimped distal end of the compressible container; a space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the at least two oppositely disposed prongs, wherein a width of the space between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the at least two oppositely disposed prongs is narrower than a width of the U-shaped space between the at least two oppositely disposed prongs; and two oppositely disposed tapered surfaces formed on a distal portion of the cylindrical base; a first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the conical body of the holding member; and a second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; wherein the first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the conical body of the holding member, the cylindrical neck, and the second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism together form an annular groove. The multi-use applicator also comprises a cover removably coupled to the holding member, the cover comprising: a flexible body defining a central channel therethrough; a compression area on the flexible body of the cover, the compression area formed by two oppositely disposed concave indentations formed on an outer surface of the flexible body of the cover; and at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an interior surface of the flexible body of the cover and positioned within a distal portion of the compression area.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a multi-use applicator is disclosed. The multi-use applicator comprises a holding member comprising: a conical body; a cylindrical neck extending from a proximal end of the conical body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the cylindrical neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism comprising: a cylindrical base; a first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a second pair of oppositely disposed prongs positioned parallel to the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs, wherein each prong of the first pair and second pair of prongs comprises: a distal end extending from the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; a V-shaped space formed between the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs and the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a first U-shaped slot formed between the two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a second U-shaped slot formed between the two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs and positioned directly in line with the first U-shaped slot, wherein the first U-shaped slot and the second U-shaped slot are configured to receive and hold a crimped distal end of the compressible container; a first space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a second space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs, wherein a width of the first space is equal to a width of the second space and wherein the width of the first space and the width of the second space are both narrower than a width of the first U-shaped slot and a width of the second U-shaped slot; and two oppositely disposed tapered surfaces formed on a distal portion of the cylindrical base; a first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the conical body of the holding member; and a second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism, wherein the first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the conical body of the holding member, the cylindrical neck, and the second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism together form an annular groove. The multi-use applicator also comprises a cover removably coupled to the holding member, the cover comprising: a flexible body defining a central channel therethrough; a compression area on the flexible body of the cover, the compression area formed by two oppositely disposed concave indentations formed on an outer surface of the flexible body of the cover; two oppositely disposed wedge-shaped protrusions formed on an interior surface of the flexible body of the cover and positioned within a distal portion of the compression area, wherein each of two protrusions traverses across a portion of the central channel of the cover creating a compression void between the two oppositely disposed protrusions; an interior annular flange formed on the interior surface of the flexible body of the cover and positioned at an open distal end of the flexible body of the cover, the interior annular flange configured to mate with the annular groove of the holding member; an annular shoulder formed at a proximal end of the flexible body of the cover, the annular shoulder being positioned perpendicularly to the outer surface of the flexible body of the cover and extending inwardly toward the central channel of the flexible body of the cover; an aperture defined by the annular shoulder of the flexible body of the cover, the aperture for receiving a dispensing outlet of the compressible container therethrough, wherein a diameter of the aperture is smaller than a diameter of the central channel of the flexible body of the cover; a first notch formed within the interior annular flange formed on the interior surface of the flexible body of the cover; and a second notch formed within the interior annular flange formed on the interior surface of the flexible body of the cover and positioned opposite from the first notch, wherein the first notch is configured to slidably mate with the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs of the fastening mechanism and wherein the second notch is configured to slidably mate with the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs of the fastening mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-10together disclose a multi-use applicator10for dispensing liquid or viscous fluid from a compressible container1000. As used herein to describe the applicator10, “multi-use” should be understood to mean that the applicator10of the present invention is multifunctional or general-purpose; i.e. it may be used to dispense material from a compressible container1000of any size and the material within the container1000may be of any type and used for any purpose. The materials may include, for example, teeth whitening compounds, dental bonding and filling compounds, adhesives such as glue, gels, creams, and virtually any substance that has a sufficient viscosity to be pushed through an applicator10. The applicator10of the present invention is also reusable. Specifically, the compressible container1000within the applicator10may be removed and replaced by another compressible container1000. The applicator10may then be reused with the new compressible container1000.

This disclosure describes an applicator10for use with a compressible container1000, where the compressible container1000may be shown or described as being tubular in shape; however, it should be clearly understood that the compressible container1000may be of any shape as long as the container1000is compressible. In its most simple form, the applicator10includes a holding member12and a cover62that is removably coupled to the holding member12. The holding member12may comprise a fastening mechanism34that is configured to be removably coupled to the compressible container1000and to secure the compressible container1000within the applicator10. Once the container1000is secured to the holding member12via its fastening mechanism34, a cover62may be placed over the container1000and connected to the holding member12. The cover62may include at least one compressible side which, when pressed, would facilitate the extraction of the materials out of the container1000.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a multi-use applicator10, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The applicator10is shown in an open position. In its simplest form, the applicator10has a holding member12and a cover62. The holding member12may be removably coupled to the cover62.

The holding member12may be made of rigid materials such as hard plastics or any other suitable material. The holding member12of the applicator10may have a body16, a neck26coupled to and extending from a proximal end18of the body16, and a fastening mechanism34coupled to and extending from a proximal end30of the neck26. The body16, the neck26, and the fastening mechanism34are preferably integrally formed portions of the holding member12. The body16of the holding member12may be solid in form or it may be hollow, defining a central channel22extending along its length. Where the body16of the holding member12defines a central channel22, the central channel22may extend longitudinally through the entire length of the body16, whereby the body16will have an open distal end20. Alternatively, where the body16of the holding member12defines a central channel22, the central channel22may extend longitudinally along a portion of the length of the body16and terminate at a closed distal end20of the body16.

As shown in this embodiment, the body16may have a tapered conical shape wherein the external diameter of the cone-shaped body16at its proximal end18is greater than the external diameter of the cone-shaped body16at its distal end20. Although the body16is described as having a conical shape, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may also be derived if the body16has a cuboid shape, a cylindrical shape, and hour-glass shape, or any other suitable shape. It should also be clearly understood that the body16may have a constant uniform external diameter throughout its entire length.

The body16of the holding member12may be used as a handle by a user of the applicator10. A user may hold the body16of the holding member12at any location along its length. The body16of the holding member12may have a smooth outer surface24. Alternatively, the holding member12may comprise at least one textured structure (e.g. rib, lettering, logo, graphic, etc.) formed on the outer surface24of the body16of the holding member12. The textured structure(s) may be formed along an entire length of the outer surface24of the body16of the holding member12. Or, the textured structure(s) may be formed along only a portion of the length of the outer surface24of the body16. Where the textured structure(s) are formed along a portion of the length of the outer surface24of the body16, the textured structure(s) may be located near the proximal end18of the body16of the holding member12or near any suitable portion of the body16of the holding member12.

The neck26of the holding member12is coupled to and extends from a proximal end18of the body16. The neck26of the holding member12may be solid in form or it may be hollow, defining a central channel28extending along its length. Where the neck26defines a central channel28, the central channel28may extend longitudinally through the entire length of the neck26, whereby the central channel28of the neck26of the holding member12will be contiguous with the central channel22defined by the body16of the holding member12.

In this embodiment shown, the neck26of the holding member12is cylindrical in shape to coordinate with the conical shape of the body16of the holding member12. The external diameter of the neck26is shown as being constant and uniform throughout its entire length. The external diameter of the neck26may be less than the external diameter of the proximal end18of the body16, thereby creating an annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body16of the holding member12. The annular shoulder58may be positioned perpendicularly relative to the outer surface24of the body16of the holding member12. Alternatively, the annular shoulder58may have a beveled edge (not shown) and be positioned at an angle relative to the outer surface24of the body16of the holding member12.

The fastening mechanism34is coupled to and extends from the proximal end30of the neck26of the holding member12. In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism34has a base36and two pairs of prongs44wherein a V-shaped space55is formed between the two pairs of prongs44. The base36of the fastening mechanism34may be solid in form or it may be hollow, defining a central channel38extending along its length. Where the base36of the fastening mechanism34defines a central channel38, the central channel38may extend longitudinally through the entire length of the base36, whereby the central channel38of the base36of the fastening mechanism34will be contiguous with the central channel28defined by the neck26of the holding member12and also contiguous with the central channel22defined by the body16of the holding member12. The central channel38of the base36of the fastening mechanism34, the central channel28of the neck26, and the central channel22of the body16would therefore together form the central channel14of the entire holding member12which extends through the base36of the fastening mechanism34, the neck26, and the body16of the holding member12. As described above, the central channel14of the entire holding member12may extend through an open distal end20of the body16of the holding member12or the central channel14of the entire holding member12may terminate at a closed distal end20of the body16of the holding member12.

The base36of the fastening mechanism34may be cylindrical in shape to coordinate with the cylindrical shape of the neck26and the conical shape of the body16. The external diameter of the base36of the fastening mechanism34is shown as greater than the external diameter of the neck26, thereby creating an annular shoulder60between the neck26and the base36of the fastening mechanism34. The annular shoulder60between the neck26and the base36may have a beveled edge and be positioned at an angle relative to the neck26. Alternatively, the annular shoulder60may be positioned perpendicularly (not shown) relative to the neck26. As also shown in this embodiment, the base36may have two oppositely disposed tapered surfaces40formed thereon. The two oppositely disposed tapered surfaces40may be positioned on a distal portion of the base36and adjacent to the annular shoulder60between the neck26of the holding member12and the base36of the fastening mechanism34. In one embodiment, the external diameter of the base36, when taken at the oppositely disposed tapered surfaces40, may be smaller than the external diameter of the base36at the non-tapered surfaces41. Thus, the external diameter of the base36at the tapered surfaces40would equal to the external diameter of the neck26. In another embodiment, the external diameter of the base36, when taken at the oppositely disposed tapered surfaces40, may be equal to the external diameter of the base36at the non-tapered surfaces41. Thus, the external diameter of the base36at the tapered surfaces40would still be greater than the external diameter of the neck26.

The annular shoulder60between the base36of the fastening mechanism34and the neck26, the neck26, and the annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body16of the holding member12together form a connection point56for the cover62of the multi-use applicator10. The connection point56is an annular groove configured to mate with an interior annular flange90formed at a distal end88of the cover62, such that the distal end88of the cover62may encapsulate the connection point56when the applicator10is assembled (described in more detail below). Through this connection point56, the cover62may be held into place while the cover62is squeezed to extrude materials from the compressible container1000within. When the applicator10is assembled and the interior annular flange90of the distal end88of the cover62mates with the connection point56(i.e. annular groove), the interior annular flange90will be flush with the annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body16of the holding member12, thus causing the external diameter of the outer surface68at the distal end88of the cover62to be equal to the external diameter of the outer surface24of the proximal end18of the of the body16of the holding member12.

Referring toFIG. 2, the fastening mechanism34of the holding member12may hold the compressible container1000into place. The fastening mechanism34may comprise one or more pairs of prongs44to hold the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000. In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism34is shown as having two pairs of prongs44. A first pair of prongs44may hold one side of the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000and a second pair of prongs44may hold an opposite side of the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000. Although the fastening mechanism34is shown as having two pairs of prongs44to secure the container1000into place, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the fastening mechanism34having a single pair of prongs44(seeFIG. 3) or more than two pairs of prongs44(not shown).

Each prong44has a distal end46that is coupled to and extends from the proximal end42of the base36of the fastening mechanism34, has a body48, and has an inwardly curved proximal end50. In this embodiment, the prongs44are formed in pairs, each pair of prongs44comprising a first prong44positioned opposite from a corresponding second prong44. Each pair of prongs44defines a U-shaped slot54(generically referred to as a “U-shaped space”) between the body48of the first prong44and the body48of the second prong44. The first pair of prongs44is positioned parallel to the second pair of prongs44so that the U-shaped slot54between the first pair of prongs44is directly in line with the U-shaped slot54between the second pair of prongs44. Each pair of prongs44also defines a space52between the inwardly curved proximal end50of the first prong44and the inwardly curved proximal end50of the second prong44. As shown, the width W1of the space52between the inwardly curved proximal end50of the first prong44and the inwardly curved proximal end50of the second prong44is narrower than the width W2of the U-shaped slot54between the first prong44and the second prong44. With this configuration, the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000may be received and held within the U-shaped slot54between the body48of the first prong44and the body48of the second prong44. Furthermore, the inwardly curved proximal ends50of the first and second prongs44together would form a tight fit about the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000to prevent it from sliding out of the U-shaped slot54.

In construction, the width W2of the U-shaped slot54between the first prong44and the second prong44of the fastening mechanism34may vary depending upon the size of the compressible container1000that will be used with the multi-use applicator10. For example, the width W2of the U-shaped slot54may be within the range of approximately 2.5 mm for smaller compressible containers1000to approximately 4.5 mm for larger compressible containers1000. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a width W2that is smaller than 2.5 mm or larger than 4.5 mm, as long as the width W2of the U-shaped slot54is sized to accommodate the size of the compressible container1000intended to be used with the applicator10. The U-shaped slot54may also have a length L1of approximately 4 mm, when taken along the straight portions of the U-shaped slot54. Although 4 mm is an example of the length L1of the U-shaped slot54, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from a length L1longer or shorter than 4 mm, as long as the U-shaped slot54is long enough to accommodate the size of the compressible container1000. Similarly, the width W1of the space52between the inwardly curved proximal end50of the first prong44and the inwardly curved proximal end50of the second prong44may also vary depending upon the size of the compressible container1000that will be used with the multi-use applicator10.

The external diameter of the base36of the fastening mechanism34may be sized to accommodate compressible containers1000of varying sizes. For example, a fastening mechanism34may have a base36with an external diameter of approximately 15.1 mm. A base36with an external diameter of approximately 15.1 mm would be suitable to couple to the crimped distal end1010of a compressible container1000wherein the crimped distal end1010had a width W3within the range of approximately 8.7 mm to approximately 15 mm. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a fastening mechanism34having a base36with an external diameter that is smaller than approximately 15.1 mm to accommodate a compressible container1000with a crimped distal end1010having a smaller width W3than 8.7 mm. And it should be further understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a fastening mechanism34having a base36with a diameter that is larger than approximately 15.1 mm to accommodate a compressible container1000with a crimped distal end1010having a larger width W3than approximately 15 mm.

In operation, a user of the multi-use applicator10would place the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000within the U-shaped slots54formed between each pair of prongs44. As material is extruded from the container1000, the user may reopen the applicator10and fold the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000to facilitate delivery of the material. Typically, however, the cover62described herein facilitates the even extraction of materials from within the compressible container1000such that the user would not need to fold the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000.

FIG. 3shows an alternative embodiment of a fastening mechanism134, where the fastening mechanism134comprises a single pair of elongated prongs144, the first prong144would be oppositely disposed from the second prong144. Each elongated prong144has an elongated distal end146that is coupled to the proximal end142of the base136of the fastening mechanism134, has an elongated body148, and has an elongated inwardly curved proximal end150. The prongs144would define a U-shaped channel154(generically referred to as a “U-shaped space”) between the body148of the first prong144and the body148of the second prong144. The U-shaped channel154would traverse the external diameter of the base136of the fastening mechanism134. The prongs144would also define a space152between the inwardly curved proximal end150of the first prong144and the inwardly curved proximal end150of the second prong144. The width W4of the space152between the inwardly curved proximal end150of the first prong144and the inwardly curved proximal end150of the second prong144would be narrower than the width W5of the U-shaped channel154between the first prong144and the second prong144. With this configuration, the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000may be held within the U-shaped channel154between the body148of the first prong144and the body148of the second prong144. Furthermore, the inwardly curved proximal ends150of the first and second prongs144together would form a tight fit about the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000to prevent it from sliding out of the U-shaped channel154.

The construction of this embodiment would be similar to that described above. The width W5of the U-shaped channel154between the first prong144and the second prong144of the fastening mechanism134may vary depending upon the size of the compressible container1000that will be used with the multi-use applicator10. For example, the width W5of the U-shaped channel154may be within the range of approximately 2.5 mm for smaller compressible containers1000to approximately 4.5 mm for larger compressible containers1000. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a width W5that is smaller than 2.5 mm or larger than 4.5 mm, as long as the width W5of the U-shaped channel154is sized to accommodate the size of the compressible container1000intended to be used with the applicator10. The U-shaped channel154may also have a length L2of approximately 4 mm, when taken along the straight portions of the U-shaped channel154. Although 4 mm is an example of the length L2of the U-shaped channel154, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from a length L2longer or shorter than 4 mm, as long as the U-shaped channel154is long enough to accommodate the size of the compressible container1000. Similarly, the width W4of the space152between the inwardly curved proximal end150of the first prong144and the inwardly curved proximal end150of the second prong144may also vary depending upon the size of the compressible container1000that will be used with the multi-use applicator10.

The diameter of the base136of the fastening mechanism134of this embodiment may also be sized to accommodate compressible containers1000of varying sizes. For example, a fastening mechanism134having a base136with an external diameter of approximately 15.1 mm would be suitable to couple to the crimped distal end1010of a compressible container1000wherein the crimped distal end1010had a width within the range of approximately 8.7 mm to approximately 15 mm. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a fastening mechanism134having a base136with an external diameter that is smaller than approximately 15.1 mm to accommodate a compressible container1000with a crimped distal end1010having a smaller width than 8.7 mm. And it should be further understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a fastening mechanism134having a base136with an external diameter that is larger than approximately 15.1 mm to accommodate a compressible container1000with a crimped distal end1010having a larger width than approximately 15 mm.

The operation of this embodiment would be similar to that described above, except that a user of the multi-use applicator10would place the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000within the U-shaped channel154formed between the first prong144and the second prong144.

The prongs44/144of the fastening mechanism34/134may be made of flexible but sturdy material such that the first prong44/144and second prong44/144may be temporarily opened or flexed outwardly from each other in order to insert the crimped distal end1010of the container1000into the U-shaped space (i.e. the U-shaped slot54or U-shaped channel154) formed between them. The user may place the crimped distal end1010of the container1000within the space52/152between the inwardly curved proximal end50/150of the first prong44/144and the inwardly curved proximal end50/150of the second prong44/144and push the container1000longitudinally toward the distal end20of the body16of the holding member12. Once the crimped distal end1010of the container1000is received into the U-shaped slot54(or U-shaped channel154), the first prong44/144and second prong44/144would then return to their original position, with the inwardly curved proximal ends50/150of the first and second prongs44/144firmly gripping the crimped distal end1010of the container1000. Alternatively, the user may slide the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000laterally into the U-shaped space (i.e. the U-shaped slot54or U-shaped channel154) between the first prong44/144and the second prong44/144. In another embodiment, the prongs44/144may be made of non-flexible rigid material such that user may only be able to slide the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000laterally into the U-shaped space (i.e. the U-shaped slot54or U-shaped channel154) between the first prong44/144and the second prong44/144. Many types of fastening mechanisms34/134may be used and those illustrated above are for purposes of illustration and should not be construed as limiting.

The compressible container1000for which the multi-use applicator10may be used may include a closed crimped distal end1010and a dispensing outlet1018. The dispensing outlet1018may typically be a narrow-reinforced section that allows materials within the container1000to be extruded therefrom. Various sizes of compressible containers1000may be used with the applicator10. As will be shown below, the length of the cover62may vary depending on the size of the compressible container1000holding the materials. For example, smaller compressible containers1000such as glue containers1000may use a smaller cover62, while larger containers1000such as toothpaste containers1000may need a larger cover62.

After the compressible container1000having the material therein is secured within the prongs44/144of the fastening mechanism34/134, a cover62may be placed over the compressible container1000and coupled to the holding member12.

FIGS. 4-6show an embodiment of the cover62of the multi-use applicator10. The cover62may be made of pliable plastic, rubber, or any other flexible compressible material. The cover62will also be made of resilient material so that it will return to its original shape after compression. The cover62may have a substantially tubular body64that defines a central channel66formed therethrough. The central channel66is configured to house the compressible container1010within the body64of the cover62when the applicator10is fully assembled with a compressible container1010held therein. The cover62therefore has an open proximal end82and an open distal end88. The body64may have a uniform external diameter along its entire length or, as shown, the body64of the cover62may be tapered such that the external diameter of the proximal end82of the body64is smaller than the external diameter of the distal end88of the body64.

The cover62may have an annular shoulder84formed at the proximal end82of its body64. As shown inFIG. 4, the annular shoulder84may be positioned perpendicularly to the outer surface68of the body64and may extend inwardly toward the central channel66of the body64. The annular shoulder84does not completely obstruct the central channel66at the proximal end82of the body64. Rather, the annular shoulder84only partially obstructs the central channel66at the proximal end82of the body64, thereby defining an aperture86at the proximal end82of the body64wherein the diameter of the aperture86defined by the annular shoulder84is smaller than a diameter of the central channel66of the body64of the cover62. The aperture86is configured to receive the dispensing outlet1018of the compressible container1000therethrough. The diameter of the aperture86defined by the annular shoulder84is smaller than the width of the body1012of the compressible container1000, thus preventing the compressible container1000from inadvertently exiting the applicator10through the open proximal end82of the cover62.

As mentioned above, the cover62may also have an interior annular flange90formed on the interior surface76of the body64and positioned at the open distal end88of its body64. The interior annular flange90at the distal end88of the cover62is configured to mate with the connection point56(i.e. annular groove) of the holding member12. As shown inFIG. 5, the interior annular flange90may have two notches92formed at opposite positions along the circumference of the interior annular flange90. The shape and position of the two oppositely disposed notches92conform to the shape and position of the two oppositely disposed sets of prongs44of the fastening mechanism34of the holding member12. In other words, the two oppositely disposed notches92of the interior annular flange90of the cover62slidably mate with the two oppositely disposed pairs of prongs44of the fastening mechanism34of the holding member12. In operation, when the user wishes to couple the cover62to the holding member12, the user may align each set of prongs44with its corresponding notch92and slide the prongs44in a proximal direction along the length of the notches92and into the open distal end88of the cover62. The user will continue to slide the prongs44into the open distal end88of the cover62until the interior annular flange90at the distal end88of the cover62mates with the connection point56(i.e. annular groove) of the holding member12. The interior annular flange90at the distal end88of the cover62will then be flush with the annular shoulder58of the holding member12, between the neck26and the body16of the holding member12.

The cover62may have at least one concave indentation70formed on the outer surface68of its body64. In the embodiment shown, the cover62has two concave indentations70formed on its outer surface68. The two concave indentations70are positioned opposite each other. These two concave indentations70together form a compression area72on the body64where a user would apply force with his thumb and forefinger in opposing directions. Each concave indentation70may have an indicator74formed or printed thereon. The indicator74will identify the two concave indentations70as the compression area72where the user will need to squeeze and apply opposing force in order to dispense product from the compressible container1000. In the embodiment shown here, the indicator74on each concave indentation70may comprise a plurality of textured ribs formed on the outer surface of the cover62. Although the figures herein depict the concave indentations70as having indicators74formed or printed thereon, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from concave indentations70that do not have any indicators74formed or printed thereon.

When the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000has been secured between the prongs44of the fastening mechanism34and the cover62has been coupled to the holding member12, the user may squeeze the two opposing concave indentations70together, causing the central channel66of the body64of the cover62to compress so that an interior surface76of the cover62applies opposing force onto opposing surfaces of the body1012of the compressible container1000positioned within the cover62.

The cover62may also have at least two protrusions78formed at opposite positions on the interior surface76of the cover62. Each protrusion78may be an elongated wedge-shaped wall having a wide base79coupled to the interior surface76of the cover62and having a narrow tip81extending inwardly toward the center of the central channel66. As shown inFIG. 6, the protrusions78are positioned within the compression area72, preferably within a distal portion32of the compression area72. The protrusions78each traverse across a portion of the central channel66of the cover62. The protrusions78partially obstruct the central channel66of the cover62from opposite sides, thereby creating a compression void80between them. Where the protrusions78are positioned within the distal portion32of the compression area72, the compression void80is then also positioned within the distal portion32of the compression area72. From a top view (seeFIG. 4) or a bottom view (seeFIG. 5) of the cover62, the compression void80between the two oppositely disposed protrusions78appears to be substantially rectangular in shape. As particularly shown in the bottom view ofFIG. 5, the compression void80is aligned with the two notches92formed along the circumference of the interior annular flange90. Furthermore, the width W6of the compression void80may be equal to the width W7of each of the notches92formed along the circumference of the interior annular flange90.

In construction, the cover62may vary in length depending upon the size/length of the compressible container1000that will be used with the multi-use applicator10. For example, the length L3of the cover62, particularly the portion of the body64of the cover62between the concave indentations70and the open distal end88of the cover62, may be within the range of approximately 13 mm for shorter compressible containers1000to approximately 20 mm for longer compressible containers1000. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a length L3that is smaller than 13 mm or larger than 20 mm, as long as the length L3of the cover62, particularly the portion of the body64of the cover62between the concave indentations70and the open distal end88of the cover62, is sized to accommodate the size/length of the compressible container1000intended to be used with the applicator10.

In operation, the user of the multi-use applicator10would place the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000within the U-shaped slots54(or U-shaped channel154) formed between each pair of prongs44. The user will then insert the compressible container1000into the open distal end88of the cover62. To do this, the user will align the compressible tubular container1000so that it will pass through the rectangular shaped compression void80. By orienting the compressible container1000in this manner, this will also align each pair of prongs44of the fastening mechanism34with its corresponding notch92in the interior annular flange90on the distal end88of the cover62. The user will then slide the prongs44lengthwise along the notches92and into the open distal end88of the cover62until the dispensing outlet1018of the compressible container1000exits the aperture86defined by the annular shoulder84formed at the proximal end82of the cover62and until the interior annular flange90of the distal end88of the cover62mates with the connection point56(i.e. annular groove) of the holding member12. At this point, the interior annular flange90will be flush with the annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body of the holding member12.

Referring toFIG. 7, when the applicator10is assembled and the interior annular flange90of the distal end88of the cover62mates with the connection point56(i.e. annular groove) of the holding member12, the distal end88of the cover62will preferably have an external diameter that is equal to the external diameter of the proximal end18of the body16of the holding member12. Although this configuration is preferred, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived if the distal end88of the cover62had a larger or smaller external diameter than the external diameter of the proximal end18of the body16of the holding member12.

InFIG. 8, the multi-use applicator10is shown in a closed and relaxed position with a compressible container1000therein. The applicator10is in a relaxed position because no force is being applied to the compression area72of the cover62. The compressible container1000is shown as having a body1012, a dispensing outlet1018at its proximal end1020, and a crimped distal end1010. The crimped distal end1010is held within the U-shaped slot54between the first set of prongs44and the U-shaped slot54(not shown in this side view) between the second set of prongs44. The body1012of the compressible container1000is positioned within the cover62such that a distal portion of the body1012of the compressible container1000, which is adjacent to the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000, is positioned within the compression void80formed between the two oppositely disposed protrusions78on the interior surface76of the cover62. In this relaxed position, the oppositely disposed protrusions78formed on the interior surface76of the cover62are adjacent to but do not touch the corresponding oppositely disposed surfaces1014,1016of the body1012of the compressible container1000.

From this side view, it can be seen that the angles of the opposing tapered surfaces40of the base36correspond to the angles of the distal portions of the opposing concave indentations70on the outer surface68of the cover62. The opposing tapered surfaces40of the base36of the holding member12therefore allow for the compression area72of the cover62to be positioned surrounding the body1012of the compressible container1000when the cover62is coupled to the holding member12. More importantly, the opposing tapered surfaces40of the base36of the holding member12allow for the distal portion of the body1012of the compressible container1000to be positioned within the compression void80formed between the two oppositely disposed protrusions78on the interior surface76of the cover62when the cover62is coupled to the holding member12.

In operation, the user may use their thumb and forefinger to apply opposing force to the compression area72. It can be seen in the side view ofFIG. 9that by applying opposing force to the compression area72, a first elongated protrusion78applies inward force onto a first surface1014of the body1012of the compressible container1000and a second elongated protrusion78applies an inward force onto the opposing second surface1016of the body1012of the compressible container1000. In this embodiment, the oppositely disposed protrusions78on the interior surface76of the cover62apply opposing force to a distal portion of the body1012of the compressible container1000which is adjacent to the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000. The particular alignment of the protrusions78of the cover62relative to the distal portion of the body1012of the compressible container1000which is adjacent to the crimped distal end1010of the compressible container1000is crucial to the avoidance of uneven distribution of materials within the compressible container1000. This particular alignment is meant to mimic the practice of “squeezing from the bottom” of a tubular compressible container1000(e.g. squeezing from the bottom of a toothpaste tube”) so that the materials within the compressible container1000are only distributed toward the direction of the dispensing outlet1018.

The cover62described herein may provide enhanced flow and pinpoint control for dispensing liquid or viscous fluid from the compressible tubular container1000. Depending on the material within the compressible container1000, different covers62may be provided, and the sensitivity of the materials may dictate which cover62may be used. For example, a less viscous material within the compressible container1000may require a softer cover62such that the user may be allowed to depress further into the compressible container1000to extrude the materials therefrom. Oppositely, a compressible container1000having a more viscous material may be paired with a cover62made of a stiffer material such that a tighter squeeze or press may be needed to extract the liquid materials from the compressible container1000.

The dispensing outlet1018of the compressible container1000may extend outwardly from the cover62through the aperture86defined by the annular shoulder84at the proximal end82of the cover62. As shown inFIG. 10, an additional attachment2000may be provided to enhance the spread of materials coming from the compressible container1000. After being squeezed from the body1012of the compressible container1000positioned within the cover62, the materials within the compressible container1000may be expelled through its dispensing outlet1018and into the attachment2000.

Different types of attachments2000may be used depending upon the type of application the user desires. The materials may be spread evenly or in strips. Other types of attachments2000may be used and is not limited to that shown above. For example, the attachment2000may allow a predetermined buildup of material to be made within it and when a threshold is reached, the attachment2000would dispel it out. As another example, a toothbrush attachment2000may be used. A channel allowing for toothpaste to be distributed from the compressible container1000may be funneled into bristles of a toothbrush. In operation, the user would simply squeeze the cover62to dispel toothpaste when the user is brushing their teeth.

Advantageously, the applicator10may be ergonomically friendly and designed to be used with varying viscosities. The unique delivery system may minimize waste by controlling the dosage. The dosage may vary based upon intended viscosity of the materials contained within the compressible container1000. Multi-use product capability may be provided through the use of interchangeable attachments2000that may be made dependent upon intended use.

The dispenser for expelling compounds may be made of different materials. For example, the holding member12may be made of solid and less durable materials while the cover62may be made of software materials such as pliable plastic, rubber, or the like. This may allow for dispensing of the materials out of the container1000while providing a rigid holding member12to hold onto. Alternatively, the entirety of the dispenser may be made of the same materials.

The multi-use applicator10of the present invention may be made to accommodate the size and shape of various compressible containers1000. According to one illustrative example, the total length L4of the holding member12, measured from the inwardly curved proximal ends50of the prongs44to the distal end20of the body16, may be 87.95 mm. The length L5of the body16of the holding member12, measured from the annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body16to the distal end20of the body16, may be 67.39 mm. And thus, the remaining length L6of the holding member12, measured from the inwardly curved proximal ends50of the prongs44to the annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body16, may be 20.56 mm. In this example, the holding member12may have an external diameter, measured at the annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body16, of 17.72 mm. The holding member12may also have an external diameter, measured at the distal end20of the body16, of 9.70 mm.

According to the same illustrative example, the measurements of the cover62will be made to correspond with the measurements of the holding member12. In this example, the total length L7of the cover62may be 47.44 mm. Where the holding member12has an external diameter of 17.72 mm (measured at the annular shoulder58between the neck26and the body16), the cover62will have an external diameter of 17.72 mm (measured at the distal end88). With this configuration, the meeting point between the cover62and the holding member12will be flat and even. In this example embodiment, when the cover62is coupled to the holding member12, the overall length of the applicator10will be 114.83 mm (47.44 mm cover62length at L7+67.39 mm length of holding member12at L5).

The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the application, but it is not meant to be limitation upon the practice thereof. While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims.