DUAL BOND TIP CONTAINER AND METHOD

A container with multiple dispensing tips is described. One dispensing end is a high-precision tip. The opposing dispenser is a broad applicator. The end user squeezes the bottle, and depending on which tip is open, the contents are dispensed through the appropriate end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention is a container with multiple egress points, with each egress point having a different configuration. One embodiment is used to store and dispense adhesive.

2. Background of the Invention

In various embodiments, the invention provides a device and method for dispensing of a product, such as a glue. Many products require applications over a large surface area, which is accomplished with a container that has a broad tip. At the same time, products also require an application to a precise area, which requires a dispensing tip that has a small aperture or opening.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a reversibly deformable container having two tips. The first side has a precision tip, while the second side has a broad opening with a dispenser having a large surface area. In some embodiments, the main body of the container also has more than one compartment, such that a different product is dispensed from each side.

A need exists in the art for a container having the ability to dispense a product using a variety of tips.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the invention is to create a container that is suitable for dispensing solutions, such as adhesives, without contact with end-users fingers. A feature of the invention, in one embodiment, is that the container's main body is deformable and can be squeezed to begin dispensing the contents. An advantage of the invention is that it allows for controlled dispensing of a product without touching of same, a feature particularly advantageous when dispensing adhesive.

Another object of the invention is to allow the end-user to apply a precise amount of the product to a specific area. A feature of the invention is at least one dispensing tip in the product includes a small aperture and a dispensing lip. An advantage of the invention is that the end-user can direct the contents of the product to a specific area without touching the product.

A further object of the invention is to provide a container that can dispense its contents on a wide area. A feature of the invention is that the container includes a broad dispensing tip in one embodiment. This broad dispensing tip comprises a silicone tip. An advantage of one embodiment is that the end-user can spread the contents of the container over a wide area if desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dual-tip container. A feature of the invention is that in one embodiment, both a precision tip and a broad applicator are present on opposing sides of one container. An advantage of the container is that the end-user can select which side to use and apply the product as needed.

An additional object of the invention is to allow for dispensing of an adhesive, such as adhesives suitable for use with wigs that has a short drying time. A feature of the invention is that in one embodiment, the container allows for both fast broad applications and precision applications. An advantage of the system is that the end-user can apply multiple layers of the adhesive as needed in a short amount of time, selecting the correct tip as needed.

A further object of the invention is to allow for dispensing of an adhesive that has a waterproof component. A feature of the invention is that in one embodiment, the container has a separate compartment in fluid communication with a tip that houses the waterproof adhesive. An advantage of the system is that it allows for dispensing of a waterproof and non-waterproof version of an adhesive in a single container.

A benefit of the present invention is that it facilitates the application of glue to a beauty product with a large surface area, such as a wig. A large quantity of adhesive can be applied using one end of the container, while a small quantity of adhesive can be applied using the opposing end of the container. The dispenser is particularly adapted to add adhesive to a lace backing of a wig.

A dispensing container having multiple tips is described along with a method of use of the same. The container includes a precision tip and a broad applicator, per one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

Turning toFIG. 1, shown therein is an embodiment10of the dual tip container. The dual tip container comprises a main body12. In one embodiment, the main body12comprises a reversibly deformable plastic, such that an end-user can squeeze the main body and cause at least come contents of the main body12to exit one of the tips14,16.

The main body has two openings, each with a different tip14,16. A broad applicator tip14is found on the first end of the main body12. The broad applicator tip14has a corresponding applicator cap20. The second end of the main body12includes a precision tip16, which also has a corresponding precision cap18. Each cap18,20, is designed to prevent egress of the contents of the main body12through the corresponding tip14,16, even if pressure is applied to the main body12.

In one embodiment, the interior compartment of the main body12comprises one internal chamber (not visible). In another embodiment, the main body12internal chamber includes a subdivision wall or bladder, such that one tip is in fluid communication with a first sub-chamber while the second tip is in fluid communication with a second sub-chamber. For example, in one embodiment, the precision tip16is used to dispense a waterproof adhesive, while the broad applicator tip14is used to dispense a water-soluble adhesive.

Turning toFIG. 2, depicted therein is the embodiment10with the caps14,18removed.

As shown inFIG. 2, the precision tip16includes a cover26, which helps guide the contents of the container12when exiting through the precision tip16upon application of pressure to the container12. The cover26is permanently attached to the main body12, in one embodiment. The cover26can include a variety of tips, in one embodiment. The cover26ensures that the precision tip16does not become untidy, especially when the container12is being used to dispense products that can dry and leave a residue, such as adhesives. The precision tip16includes an opening to allow for dispensing of a narrow line of the contents of the container12main body, as will be shown below.

The container main body also includes a threaded area28near the precision tip16and a corresponding threaded area30near the broad applicator14. As shown inFIG. 2, the threaded areas28and30have different diameters, such that each cap will only fit in the assigned threaded area. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2, the precision tip16threaded area28includes four layers, allowing for up to four twists of the cap. The broad applicator20threaded area30has only three layers of threads, and the threaded area has a diameter that is approximately 15% smaller. Therefore, neither cap will fit correctly on the opposite threaded area- to be securely attached to the container12; each cap must be installed on the appropriate tip.

As shown in detail inFIG. 3, each cap has a corresponding receiving threaded interior.

The broad applicator14, as shown inFIG. 2, does not include a cover; instead, it is directly received by the corresponding cap20. The broad applicator14comprises a silicone tip22, in one embodiment. A benefit of the silicone tip22is that it is non-reactive with both an end-user's skin and the product being dispensed by the embodiment10. The silicone tip22includes at least one opening to dispense to the contents of the main body12. In other embodiments, the tip22includes multiple small openings or a pattern on the applicator tip, such as a grate. In one embodiment, the applicator tip22includes a brush-like tip to allow for feathering of the contents after dispensing.

Turning toFIG. 3, depicted therein are the two caps18and20. The precision tip cap18includes an interior area30designed to securely receive the cover of the precision tip, such as cover26shown inFIG. 2. In one embodiment, the interior area30includes a protrusion to help guide the tip to the central part of the interior area30. The precision tip cap18also includes threads32, which are designed to match the threads on the corresponding part of the container, as discussed above.

The broad applicator cap20likewise includes an interior area34, which is designed to receive the broad applicator made from silicon shown inFIG. 2. The interior area34includes a flat area in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the interior area34includes an area with a variable surface to engage with the broad applicator. The interior area also includes threads38to removably attach to the broad applicator.

In one embodiment, the broad applicator cap20includes an external surface36, which has a substantially flat profile. In this embodiment, the embodiment can stand on the broad applicator cap20. For example, inFIG. 1, the embodiment10is shown standing upright on the cap20.

In one embodiment, the caps18and20are made from a partially transparent material so that the end-user can verify that each cap has been correctly installed on the corresponding tip during use. In one embodiment, the caps include a high-gloss finish to create an attractive appearance and to distinguish the caps from a matte main body of the container.

In one embodiment, the caps18,20are color-coded depending on the contents of the container. For example, one type of adhesive may include turquoise-colored caps, while a different type of adhesive may include gold-color caps. In another embodiment, the caps are opaque and not partially transparent.

The caps and threads are substantially airtight. The silicon tip is pliant to allow for broad application but has a sufficient degree of hardness to ensure that the dispensed adhesive is evenly spread when applied.

Second Embodiment

Another embodiment40of the invention is shown inFIG. 4. The embodiment main body42includes a central area44. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the central area44includes printed indicia46. The printed indicia46includes identifying information, a logo, instructions, and combinations thereof, in one embodiment.

In the depicted embodiment, the broad applicator48and the precision tip50are behind their respective caps52,54. At least one side56of the main body42includes further printed indicia in an embodiment. The broad applicator48cap52has a flat area58, to allow the main body42to rest on the flat area58. The precision tip cap52terminates in a rounded area59, instead.

FIG. 5depicts the second embodiment40of the main body42with the two caps removed. The broad dispenser applicator48includes its threaded area60, while the precision tip50includes a corresponding threaded area62. As explained above, in one embodiment, the two treaded areas60,62are physically different to ensure that the correct cap is installed on the correct end. As explained above, the precision tip50is encapsulated by a cover64. In one embodiment, the cover64is also threaded on the precision tip, but the threads are not shown. The threaded features of the tip and cover are different from the cap threads62shown in the figure. In another embodiment, the cover64is permanently attached.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the high precision tip50is referred to as a ‘pen tip’ while the broad applicator48is referred to as the ‘broad tip.’

The main body42shown inFIG. 5or the main body12shown inFIG. 1comprises an opaque matte finish, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the main body comprises a partially transparent material, so that the end-user can see how much of the product is left remaining. In another embodiment, the main body includes a transparent window on at least one side, allowing the end-user to see the quantity of the product remaining.

Use Details

FIG. 6depicts a flow chart showing the use of the product. The end-user will first retrieve the container72. In some embodiments, the container is sold in a box to prevent accidental squeezing of the container. In another embodiment, the container is sold on the shelf with the caps attached using tamper-evident tape, which also prevents the product from exiting the container, even if it is squeezed. In another embodiment, the end-user must remove a film layer that hermetically seals the precision tip and the broad applicator of the container before first use.

Next, the end-user should review the directions74on the container in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the instructions are provided in detail on an accompanying disclosure.

The end-user then selects the egress76, which the end-user will employ—either the precision tip or the broad applicator. Then, the end-user will remove the cap78.

Finally, the end-user may dispense80the contents of the container72. In one embodiment, the amount of product dispensed is a function of the amount of pressure applied to the main body of the container. The main body material is of sufficient hardness to require at least some pressure before the contents of the main body are dispensed.

A benefit of the invention is when the main body is squeezed, the caps and/or the cover remain in place and prevents residue from collecting in either cap.

Example use of the precision tip is shown inFIG. 7. A narrow line70of the product is dispensed, while the tip cover72remains secure and does not twist off. There is no clogging of the tip72, and the product exits the tip72seamlessly with a limited amount of pressure.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bdepict the use of the broad applicator80. A wide stripe of the product82is created, and a flat area84can be created by pressing down on the stripe as the product is dispensed. The silicone tip80includes at least one opening81. During use, the silicone tip is secure and does not twist off. The opening81does not clog. The adhesive or glue exits the applicator seamlessly with limited pressure. The adhesive is spread quickly with the side of the silicon applicator80.