Abstract:
The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of compressible, conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region between said first and second surfaces. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir underneath the first surface which is at least partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture formed in the first surface which is in fluid communication with the reservoir. Compression of the applicator via an externally-applied force substantially normal to said first surface expresses product from the aperture and translational motion of the first surface relative to a target surface applies, and distributes said product onto the target surface. In one embodiment, an applicator provides a removable cover sheet which aids in the containment of the substance. In another embodiment an applicator has a smaller size and/or caliper which resembles the handling and storage practices of a credit card. A wide variety of substances are contemplated, including particularly antiperspirant/deodorant products.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 09/185,785 filed Nov. 4, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,482. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to applicators for use in manually applying coatings of a substance onto a desired target surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to such applicators which provide both dispensing and portability functionality and therefore enhanced product performance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many types of topical products (“products” herein interchangeably referred to as “substances”) that are commercially available and/or commonly applied to a desired target surface in the form of a thin film or coating to protect, treat, modify, etc. the target surface. Such products include those in the skin care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other personal care arenas. One common example of such a product is the antiperspirant/deodorant type of product, many of which are form fated as sprays, roll-on liquids, gels, creams, or solid sticks, and comprise an astringent material, e.g. zirconium or aluminum salts, incorporated into a suitable topical carrier. These products are designed to provide effective perspiration and odor control while also being cosmetically acceptable during and after application onto the axillary area or other areas of the skin. 
     Examples of suitable perforated caps or other shear force delivery means for use with such packaged compositions include those known in the art for application of creams, or those delivery means that are otherwise effective for delivering the composition of the present invention to the skin. Some examples of such perforated caps or other shear force delivery means, and some dispensing packages for use with compositions herein, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,356, issued to Johnson et al. on Mar. 19, 1991, which description is incorporated herein by reference. 
     While such delivery means have proven successful in applying such substances, in many instances a comparatively complex supply mechanism is required in order to dispense the product for application by shear force delivery means. This in turn typically requires a comparatively large canister to house not only the desired quantity of product but also the product retention and supply mechanism as well. The benefits of leak prevention and ease of use also typically require even travel size canisters for both elevator-type and push-up-stick packages to have considerable weight and occupy considerable volume, thus limiting the ability of the consumer to readily transport such devices. Moreover, such constructions for all practical considerations preclude the carrying of such devices on one&#39;s person such as in a pocket or modest-sized purse for replenishment of one&#39;s antiperspirant or deodorant during the course of an extended stay away from home. It is desirable to be able to have these products on-hand to be able to use whenever the need arises. But it is undesirable to be seen carrying and using these products, as though the user has some special unwanted odor or perspiration problem. And the size of many of the packages limits how many different products can be carried in a purse or glove compartment, for example. 
     Aerosol packages are good for containing the product and not failing during transport. Small aerosol packages have been developed to be more portable. The disadvantages of these small aerosols include cost of the package, relative large package size, and their size and noise during application make them not discreet for use. 
     Sachets, pouches and similar small packages can be discreet and contain the product, but application of products invariably gets product on hands, or is uncomfortable when the package contacts skin. These are simply small packages, and not truly applicators. Prior art discloses ways of making the packages and applicators with separate handle parts, or with separate/additional dispensing parts that are more comfortable on the skin. Addition of these parts reduce the portability and ease of use, and sometimes require additional packaging for protection, containment, etc. Examples of these types of packages/applicators are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,242, U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,053, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,488, U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,535, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,151. 
     Small canisters, or “sticks” are well known for dispensing antiperspirant and deodorant semi-solids, lipsticks, and the like. The disadvantages of small sticks include the cost of such packaging, the relatively large size that inhibits portability and discreetness, and the difficulty in applying product across large surface areas in the case of small diameter stick. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,408 discloses a cosmetic sample applicator and method of construction with projections on a base support that helps preserve the integrity of a cosmetic coating composition. The cosmetic coating is applied to the skin upon lifting up the protective cover. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,408 does not teach advantages of discreetness, portability in existing carrying devices, and use beyond sampling. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a discreet, convenient hand-held applicator for applying substances to target surfaces. 
     It would also be desirable to provide such an applicator which provides a removable cover sheet which aids in the containment of the substance. 
     It would also be desirable to provide such an applicator which has a smaller size and/or caliper which resembles the handling and storage practices of a credit card. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region between said first and second surfaces. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir underneath the first surface which is at least partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture formed in the first surface which is in fluid communication with the reservoir. Compression of the applicator via an externally-applied force substantially normal to said first surface expresses product from the aperture and translational motion of the first surface relative to a target surface applies and distributes said product onto the target surface. In one embodiment, an applicator provides a removable cover sheet which aids in the containment of the substance. In another embodiment an applicator has a smaller size and/or caliper which resembles the handling and storage practices of a credit card. A wide variety of substances are contemplated, including particularly antiperspirant/deodorant products. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify like elements and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an applicator in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 1 taken along section line  2 — 2  with the removable cover partially removed; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 of another embodiment of an applicator after removing the removable cover sheet; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 of another embodiment of a non-rectangular applicator; and 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of another embodiment of an applicator with multiple reservoirs. 
     FIG. 6 is an elevational sectional view of another embodiment of an applicator; and 
     FIG. 7 is an elevational sectional view of another embodiment of an applicator having a liquid product with an absorbent structure inside the reservoir. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG.  1  and FIG. 2 depict a preferred embodiment of an applicator in accordance with the present invention. Applicator  10  comprises a substantially planar sheet of material  20  having a first surface  21  and a second surface  22 , with the first and second surfaces defining an interior region  23  of the material  20 . The first surface  21  includes at least one aperture  30 , and preferably a plurality of apertures  30 , which extend inwardly from the first surface  21  through the interior region  23  of the sheet of material  20  all the way through the second surface  22 , such that a completely unobstructed passageway is provided through the sheet of material  20 . Interstitial spaces  32  are defined between adjacent apertures  30 . As will be explained hereafter, the presence and construction of the interstitial spaces  32  are believed to play an important role in the distribution performance of the applicator  10  and in turn the performance of the substance distributed. Applicator  10  also includes a removable cover sheet  40  releasably affixed to first surface  21  so as to sealingly engage the first surface over and around the apertures  30  to occlude the apertures  30  and prevent premature dispensing or contamination of the product before the intended use. Removable cover sheet  40  should be a substantially complete barrier for the product, so that the product remains contained until the product is ready to be used, the cover is removed and the applicator surface exposed. Removable cover sheet  40  can be made from a polymer film, paper, foil, metalized laminates, and combinations of these and similar materials. Removable cover sheet  40  may be adhered to the applicator surface with an adhesive or a heat activated peelable plastic. It is preferred to seal across the entire first surface  21  (except for a tab  15  to enable start of peeling when ready to use, or a handle [not shown]) for increased protection and stiffness, although targeted seal areas around the product area and/or perimeter of the applicator are sometimes able to provide the desired stiffness and volatile loss barrier. Removable cover sheet  40  may comprise a label with instructions or other suitable indicia thereon. Applicator  10  also includes a backing sheet  70  which is peripherally joined to sheet of material  20  via heat sealing or any other suitable sealing technique. Backing sheet  70  being sealed to sheet of material  20  defines a reservoir  50  for containing a substance  60  therein. Substance  60  includes but is not limited to deodorant, antiperspirant, cosmetics, medicines, cleaning agents and other consumer goods. 
     FIG. 2 also illustrates the geometrical relationship between the apertures  30 , reservoir  50 , interstitial spaces  32 , and the sheet material  20 . The apertures, which may be of any desired size and shape, each have a peripheral edge which lies in the plane of the first surface  21  and defines the boundary of the aperture. Apertures  30  may or may not have walls which are substantially normal to the first surface of the sheet of material. In the instance where the sheet of material  20  comprises a cellular structure, the apertures  30  are substantially larger than the average cell size of the material. The interstitial spaces  32  are thus defined as the portion of the first surface  21  located between the peripheral edges of adjacent apertures  30 . Reservoir  50  is located underneath apertures  30 . Reservoir  50  may or may not have the same cross-sectional shape in a direction parallel to the first surface  21  as that of the apertures  30 . 
     The use of a discrete reservoir  50  as opposed to a generally porous substance-impregnated material, provides a more, controlled dosing functionality for the applicators of the present invention. Reservoir  50  geometry and volume may be designed as desired for ultimate capacity and also rate of delivery. 
     The sheet of material  20  has an overall thickness T m  which is defined as the average distance between the opposing first and second surfaces  21  and  22  measured in a direction substantially normal to the first surface  21 . In the instance wherein the surfaces are co-planar, the thickness T m  is perpendicular to both surfaces, and where non-planar surfaces are involved the planes of respective surfaces are defined as an average position of a representative plane passing through the surface topography. Applicator  10  has an overall thickness T a  (herein interchangeably referred to as “total caliper”) which is defined as the average distance between the top surface of removable cover sheet  40  and the bottom surface of backing sheet  70  measured in a direction substantially normal to the top surface of removable cover sheet  40 . In the instance wherein the surfaces are co-planar, the thickness T a  is perpendicular to both surfaces, and where non-planar surfaces are involved the planes of respective surfaces are defined as an average position of a representative plane passing through the surface topography. Applicator  10  has a length (l) and width (w) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, wherein, length is equal to the greatest distance along a horizontal axis and width is equal to the greatest distance along a vertical axis. In the instance wherein applicator  10  has multiple reservoirs, T a  is defined as the greatest distance between the top surface !of removable cover sheet  40  and the bottom surface of backing sheet  70  measured in a direction substantially normal to the top surface of removable cover sheet  40  (see FIG.  5 ). 
     The sheet of material  20  is formed from a material which is sufficiently conformable to enable the first surface  21  to conform to irregular target surfaces, and is preferably resiliently conformable for application in a dynamic environment as the first surface  21  passes over non-planar and irregular surfaces The applicator  10  is also conformable in the direction of thickness T a  to supply and deliver the substance  60  to the target surface for application and distribution. Deformation of applicator  10  in such a manner effectively reduces the volume of reservoir  50  in the region of deformation, thus expressing the substance from reservoir  50  outwardly through apertures  30  into contact with the target surface. 
     Compressive deformation in the context of the present invention, as described herein, is defined as a reduction in the dimension T a  of the applicator  10  by application of an external force (or otherwise) such that the volume of reservoir  50  is reduced. This is to be distinguished from other types of deformable structures wherein surfaces of the material or structure are translated or rotated relative to each other to reduce the effective thickness of the applicator. 
     One important characteristic for applicators of the present invention is the ability of the material to “glide” across the target surface without rolling up or otherwise becoming distorted. This also helps to ensure a comparatively even substance distribution on the target surface. Accordingly, selection of suitable applicator materials should account for not only the substance characteristics in terms of shear and other properties, but also the coefficient of friction of the material with product and the target surface. 
     The sheet of material  20  may be unitary in nature, constructed from a single monolithic piece of material, or may comprise two or more layers or plies of material. A presently preferred construction utilizes a polyethylene/EVA foam pad for the sheet of material  20 . However, a wide variety of other materials are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention having suitable physical and/or chemical properties for the intended substance and intended target surface. 
     It has been discovered that an applicator of relatively small size provides a nonobvious benefits of discreet use, easy use, portability, marketability, and fit with existing carrying/storage devices. The small shape and caliper make it discreet to use: not noticeable when carrying, fits easily into a hand, able to be privately applied, and able to be disguised or decorated and stored with business cards, credit cards, and the like. For portability, in one embodiment applicator  10  is preferably thin and small enough to easily fit into a glove compartment, purse, pocket, or even wallet, so it can be available to be used when required without feeling self-conscious about keeping it portably. Even though it is small sized and portable, it provides a complete and surprisingly satisfying application with a skin-friendly applicator surface. Such an embodiment is marketable in vending and convenience outlets, and can be used as a sample. Applicator  10  can be used to deliver liquids, lotions, creams, semi-solids, and even solids (as a powder). The size also allows use of existing carrying devices, without unwanted extra packaging, and without damage to the applicator functionality. 
     One preferred embodiment uses a soft solid antiperspirant product formulation for the substance  60 , with a polyethylene/vinyl acetate foam for the sheet of material  20 , a foil/plastic laminate for the removable cover sheet  40  and a foil/plastic laminate for the backing sheet  70 . The foil/plastic laminate for the removable cover sheet  40  and for the backing sheet  70  may be heat sealed or otherwise adhered with an adhesive to the sheet of material  20 . The total caliper, T a , of applicator  10  prior to removal of removable cover sheet  40  should not exceed that comfortably portable in a pocket, wallet, or purse. Although its caliper must be sufficiently thick enough so that the applicator does not fail during use (e.g., does not fold or flap away from the target surface during application). As such, the total caliper, T a , is preferably from about 0.04 inches to about 0.25 inches, more preferably from about 0.04 inches to about 0.17 inches, and most preferably from about 0.04 inches to about 0.10 inches. Furthermore, a preferred shape of applicator  10  is a rectangle with about 0.12 inch radius rounded corners. Additionally, the length of applicator  10  is preferably from about 1.5 inches to about 4.25 inches, more preferably from about 2.0 inches to about 3.75 inches, and most preferably from about 2.7 inches to about 3.2 inches. The width of applicator  10  is preferably from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches, more preferably from about 1.5 inches to about 2.7 inches, and most preferably from about 2.0 inches to about 2.4 inches. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, applicator  10  includes reservoirs  50  which can include multiple diverse substance extending inwardly of first surface  21  into the interior  6  of the sheet of material  20  but do not penetrate second surface 22. The reservoirs  50  extend inwardly of first surface  21  into the interior of said sheet of material a distance which is less than the thickness T a . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, applicator  10  includes an absorbent material  80  in the reservoir area  50  which can hold a liquid product until application force is applied. 
     As mentioned previously, it is presently preferred that the applicator of the present invention is not only compressible in the thickness direction but also conformable in the planar direction so as to accommodate various target surface topographies in use. It is also preferred that suitable sheet materials also be resilient, preferably both in terms of their compressibility and in terms of their bending conformability. Resilience is defined consistent with its everyday meaning, as evidenced by  Webster&#39;s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary , as “the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused esp. by compressive stress.” Resilience of the material causes it to tend to return to its undeformed, preferably substantially planar state and original thickness after compressive or bending forces, thereby enabling it to conform to various target surfaces and yet maintain target surface contact for proper substance distribution. 
     A preferred material for construction of the sheet of material  20  is Volara 6EO {fraction (1/32)}″ PE/EVA polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (12% VA) fine-cell crosslinked polymer foam, commercially available from Voltek, 100 Shepard Street, Lawrence, Mass. 01843. The material properties of Volara 6EO are as follows: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Volera 
                 Preferred range 
                   
               
               
                 Properties 
                 6EO {fraction (1/32)}″ 
                 of most foams 
                 Test Method 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Thickness (in.) 
                 0.03 
                 0.015-0.250 
                 ASTM D-3575 
               
               
                 Density (lbs/cu ft) 
                 6 nominal 
                  2-20 
                 ASTM D-3575 
               
               
                 Tensile Str MD (psi) 
                 217 minimum 
                  40-1000 
                 ASTM D-3575 
               
               
                 Break Elongation MD 
                 348 minimum 
                 100-600 
                 ASTM D-3575 
               
               
                 (%) 
               
               
                 Compression deflec- 
                 8   
                  0-15 
                 ASTM D-3575 
               
               
                 tion @ 25% deflection 
               
               
                 (psi) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     While Volara 6EO is the presently preferred material for the sheet of material  20 , alternate Volara grades and alternate materials such as open cell foam, non-crosslinked foam, foam with a range of cell sizes, alternate resins, 100% polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, rubber, urethanes, other ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers, non-wovens, films, apertured films, woven materials, and other materials having similar material properties could be used. Note, however, for some applications materials being substantially stiffer or softer may be preferred. 
     A preferred material for construction of the removable cover sheet  40  is Pechiney M-9325 heat seal foil laminate consisting of 48 gauge polyester, 1.5 lbs/ream adhesive, 35 or 100 gauge foil, and 3 lbs/reampolyester based heat seal coating, commercially available from Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc., 2301 Industrial Drive, Neenah, Wis. 54956 
     While Pechiney M-9325 is presently preferred material for the removable cover sheet  40 , alternate peelable seal materials available from Pechiney and other suppliers and alternate peelable seal materials such as adhesive coated films or laminates made from paper, plastic, foil, or other metallized films, and combinations of these or similar materials could be used. 
     A preferred material for construction of the backing sheet  70  is Curlam Grade 5378 Protective Packaging Film consisting of 48 gauge PET, 9.0 lbs/ream coex laminate, 0.000285″ Foil, 12.0 lbs/ream Coex Laminate, and 1.5 or 2.0 mil LLDPE available commercially from The Curwood Group, 2200 Badger Avenue, Oshkosh, Wis. 54903 
     While Curlam Grade 5378 is the presently preferred material for the backing sheet  70 , alternate film materials available from Curwood and other suppliers, such as heat seal or adhesive coated films or laminates made from paper, plastic, foil, or other metallized films, and combinations of these or similar materials could be used. 
     A preferred material for the substance  60  is a soft solid antiperspirant product formulation consisting of antiperspirant active, thickeners, solvents, and perfume. Other suitable materials for the substance  60  include antiperspirant liquid formulations, other liquids, lotions, creams, semi-solids, and even solids (as a powder). When using a liquid substance it may be appreciated that a liquid-absorbing material, (e.g. sponge) may be placed within reservoir  50  to contain said liquid substance until compression is asserted applicator  10  for dispensing. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications that are within the scope of the invention.