Abstract:
A wiper member used in a container for packaging and dispensing cosmetic or care products. The wiper member comprises a housing wherein said housing is having at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall takes up a wiping configuration and a non-wiping configuration when a component is caused to travel through the housing. In the non-wiping configuration, a lower portion of the at least one sidewall is in an unfolded position and in the wiping configuration, the lower portion of the at least one sidewall folds inwardly upon itself into said housing.

Description:
This application claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/262,909, filed Nov. 19, 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention described herein generally relate to a wiper assembly and in particular, relate to a wiper assembly that performs wiping action by determining the presence of the tool to be wiped. The wiper assembly of the present invention presents a wiping and a non-wiping configuration by detecting the directional movement of the applicator. 
     Wiper member of the present invention can be employed in application of various products, such as for viscous cosmetics, mascara, eye liner, lip gloss, coloring strands of hair and like products. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Typical packaging and applicator devices include a tubular container having a cap and in the cap is integrated a stem containing the applicator at its distal end thereby allowing the cap to serve as a handle to hold the applicator as well. Such devices generally also include a wiper element situated at the neck of the container that helps in removing the excess product on the applicator and/or stem when the applicator is withdrawn from the interior reservoir of the container. Further, the wiper element is generally made to be elastic in nature. 
     The aperture of the wiper element is kept less than the cross section of the applicator element and the wiper thus removes or wipes off the excess product from the applicator element as the applicator is being moved out from the container. However, the cross section of the applicator stem is usually smaller than the wiper orifice so as to ease the removal of the applicator from the container. This results in the applicator stem carrying a coating of product over its length and the periphery when being removed for usage. 
     In use, the user seldom applies the entire product carried on or within the confines of the applicator for example in mascara brushes, there remains a large density of product in the typical twisted-in-wire brush. Therefore, with every removal and reentry of the applicator through the wiper, there is a buildup of residue on the outer side of the wiper, that is, a reverse wiping action occurs during the return movement of the applicator that transfers the residual product from the applicator to the wiper. With frequent usage, an undesirable quantity of product collects at the entrance area of the wiper element which gets transferred onto the applicator stem with each application. This condition is messy and may cause smearing on the face, hands, or hair of the user. 
     In recent years several modifications have been done to overcome such limitations. U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,265 discloses a uni-directional wiper that wipes in one direction i.e. it allows for the wiping when the applicator is withdrawn and does not wipe when the applicator is put back. The disclosed wiper comprises two or more flaps capable of occupying a first scraping position, when the applicator is withdrawn from the container, and a second non-scraping position, when the applicator is returned to the container. The wiper comprises a housing and two or more flaps are connected to the wiping end of the housing wherein each flap is connected to the housing by a living-hinge. The hinge allows the flaps to occupy a first scraping position and a second non-scraping position. In the non-scraping position, the flaps pivot about a hinge and allow the applicator to pass. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,972 to Dirksing discloses a dual wiper mechanism including a primary wiper element and a secondary wiper element. It discloses that the primary wiper ensures that no significant tail is left on the end of the stem as the applicator is removed from the container while the secondary wiper provides wiping of the stem. 
     However, these wipers comprise two parts which may result in the loss of integrity of the wiper whereas a single component wiper would have better wiping efficiency. Further, a single component would give a 360 degree unbroken surface for wiping. 
     There are also known certain wipers having fingers at the lower end thereof, however, the fingers wipe the tip of the applicator so as to prevent blobs at the applicator end. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,334 to Fordham describes a wiper unit for a cosmetics applicator. Herein the wiper unit is provided with the resilient fingers at an obtuse angle to the axis of its orifice, and occupying at most 50% of the orifice area. The wiper device is thereby able to remove any adherent amount of material from the free end of a material applicator as it is withdrawn through the wiper device. However, the disclosed wiper fingers act when the applicator is put back in the container as well as when the applicator is taken out of the container and there is still a build up of residue on every removal and re-entry of the applicator through the wiper device. Therefore, the wiper is not able to address the reverse wiping problem. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,584 by Geka Manufacturing Limited discloses a wiper with fingers which bear against an applicator rod, the rod tapering towards a stop present at the end of the rod. As the applicator is withdrawn from the container as the tapered portion passes the wiper fingers they relax until their ends contact the stop which inverts them as it passes, the fingers remaining inturned until the applicator passes them when they will revert to their relaxed state removing any blob of cosmetic from the end of the applicator. However in this case, although the wiper fingers get inturned, they help in removing the blob of product from rod end, but it still leads to transfer of product from the applicator to the wiper. This, therefore is not able to address the reverse wiping problem. 
     Therefore it becomes apparent from the above discussion that there exists a need for a wiper member that helps in reducing and/or eliminating the reverse wiping condition. It would also be desirable if there is provided a wiper member allowing much more efficient and precise wiping of the residue and excess product from the applicator. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention generally is a container for storing and dispensing cosmetic or care products. More particularly, the invention relates to a wiper member used in such a container that performs wiping action by determining the presence of the tool to be wiped. The disclosed wiper member presents a wiping and a non-wiping configuration by detecting the directional movement of the applicator thereby giving an efficient wiping of the residue/excess product. Further, such a wiper member also helps in eliminating the reverse wiping condition. The wiper member presents a wiping configuration only when the applicator is being withdrawn from the container and a non wiping configuration when the applicator is being inserted in the container. 
     The term “reverse wiping condition” herein refers to the transfer of residual product from the applicator onto the inner wall of the wiper when the applicator is being returned into the container through the wiper, thereby resulting in a buildup of residue on the inner wall of the wiper. With frequent usage, an undesirable quantity of product collects at the entrance area of the wiper member which then transfers onto the applicator rod with each application which is referred to as reverse wiping action. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wiper member in the wiping configuration helps eliminate the bulk that accumulates at the end of the stem during improper wiping. This bulk proves as an inconvenience during application of cosmetic product and causes smudging and smearing of the cosmetic product during application. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention the wiper member comprises a housing, said housing having a proximal end and a distal end. Both the proximal end and the distal end define an opening respectively. The housing of the wiper member comprises at least one sidewall. The wiper sidewall taking up a wiping configuration and a non-wiping configuration when a component with a suitable configuration is caused to travel through the wiper member. The wiper member may take up a wiping configuration when the component is caused to travel from the distal end of the wiper to the proximal end and a non-wiping configuration as the component travels in a reverse direction. Alternatively, the wiper sidewall may take a wiping configuration when a component with a suitable configuration is caused to travel from the proximal end of the wiper to the distal end and a non-wiping configuration as the component travels in a reverse direction. The suitable configuration of the component may be, but is not restricted to, a component with a diameter more than the diameter of the orifice of either the distal or the proximal end of wiper depending on the direction of travel of the component inside the wiper member. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention the wiper member comprises a housing, said housing having a proximal end and a distal end. Both the proximal end and the distal end define an opening respectively. The housing of the wiper member comprises at least one sidewall and there are present a plurality of protrusions on the outer sidewall. The protrusions extend outwards from the outer diameter of the sidewall of the wiper member. The plurality of protrusions may occupy any suitable proportion of the outer diameter of the wiper member. Further, the protrusions may be present on the outer diameter of the outer sidewall after leaving a gap at the distal end of the wiper. This gap may be in the form of a lip. Further, the protrusions may comprise of any suitable cross-section and shape. An exemplary embodiment may include protrusions having a shape such as flange-like, disc-shaped, cilia or finger-like protrusions of any suitable cross-section. Further, the wiper outer sidewall having said plurality of protrusions is capable of being folded inwards when a component with a suitable configuration is caused to travel from the distal end of the wiper to the proximal end and in the process making the wiper member take up a wiping configuration. This suitable configuration could be, but is not restricted to, a component with a diameter more than the diameter of the orifice of the distal end of wiper. Further, as the component travels away from the wiper the wiper sidewall having protrusions unfolds and returns back to its relaxed position, thereby causing the protrusions to move outwards. Alternatively, the wiper sidewall unfolds as soon as the component comes in contact with the distal end of the wiper member while travelling from the proximal end of the wiper to the distal end of the wiper. In the wiping configuration outer sidewall comprising the plurality of protrusions folds inwards to define an interstice to capture the residue. Whereas, in non wiping condition the outer sidewall having plurality of protrusions is in its relaxed unfolded position. Also, the suitable configuration of the component may be, but is not restricted to a component with a diameter more than the orifice of either the distal or the proximal end of wiper depending on the direction of travel of the component inside the wiper member. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a wiper member wherein the wiper member comprises a housing, said housing having a proximal end and a distal end. Both the proximal end and the distal end define an opening respectively. The housing of the wiper member comprises at least one sidewall. The sidewall of the wiper member of the current embodiment has an ability to condense and expand. The wiper sidewall may possess fold-lines or variable cross-sections such that are capable of being condensed when a component with a suitable configuration is caused to travel from the distal end of the wiper to the proximal end and in this process make the wiper take up a wiping configuration. This suitable configuration of the component being withdrawn could be, but is not restricted to, a component with a diameter more than the diameter of the orifice of the distal end of wiper. This suitable configuration of the component may also be, but is not restricted to, protrusions on the surface of the said component that engage with the distal end of the wiper and cause the wiper to condense into a wiping configuration. Further, as the component travels away from the wiper member, the wiper sidewall returns back to its relaxed/expanded position, thereby causing the wiper member to take up a non-wiping configuration. Alternatively, the wiper sidewall unfolds as soon as the component comes in contact with the distal end of the wiper member while travelling from the proximal end of the wiper to the distal end of the wiper. In the wiping configuration sidewall condenses to define an interstice to capture the residue. Whereas, in non wiping condition the wiper sidewall is in its relaxed/expanded position. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a container for packaging and dispensing a substance, for example, a cosmetic, comprising a wiper member as defined above. The container comprises a receptacle and a gripping member. The gripping member may comprise a cap, a stem and an applicator element. The cap may have a suitable locking mechanism to close the receptacle. The stem comprises a proximal end and a distal end wherein the stem is connected to the applicator element at its distal end and to the cap at its proximal end. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end thereby forming a cavity for storage of product. Further, the open end defines a neck of the receptacle. The said container further comprises a wiper member fitted onto the neck of the container. The wiper member comprises a housing, a distal end of said housing facing the inside of the receptacle and a proximal end facing the neck of the receptacle. Both the proximal end and the distal end define an opening respectively. The housing of the wiper member comprises at least one sidewall. The wiper sidewall taking up a wiping configuration when the applicator is caused to travel from the distal end of the wiper to the proximal end and a non-wiping configuration as the applicator travels in a reverse direction. Alternatively, the wiper sidewall may take a wiping configuration when the applicator is caused to travel from the proximal end of the wiper to the distal end and a non-wiping configuration as the applicator travels in a reverse direction. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a container for packaging and dispensing a substance, for example, a cosmetic, comprising a wiper member as defined above. The container comprises a receptacle and a gripping member. The gripping member may comprise a cap, a stem and an applicator element. The cap may have a suitable locking mechanism to close the receptacle. The stem comprises a proximal end and a distal end wherein the stem is connected to the applicator element at its distal end and to the cap at its proximal end. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end thereby forming a cavity for storage of product. Further, the open end defines a neck of the receptacle. The said container further comprises a wiper member fitted onto the neck of the container. The wiper member comprises a housing, a distal end of said housing facing the inside of the receptacle and a proximal end facing the neck of the receptacle. Both the proximal end and the distal end define an opening respectively. The housing of the wiper member comprises at least one sidewall and there are present a plurality of protrusions on the outer diameter of the sidewall of the wiper member. The protrusions extend outwards from the outer diameter of the sidewall of the wiper member. The plurality of protrusions may occupy half the area near the distal end of the housing of the wiper member. Alternatively, the plurality of protrusions may occupy any suitable proportion of the outer diameter of the sidewall of the wiper member. Further, the protrusions may be present on the outer diameter of the outer sidewall after leaving a gap at the distal end of the wiper. This gap may be in the form of a lip. Further, the protrusions may comprise any suitable cross-section and shape. The protrusions may have a shape such as cilia, flange-like, disc-shaped or finger-like of any suitable cross-section. Further, the wiper sidewall having said plurality of protrusions is capable of being folded inwards when the applicator is caused to travel from its lower end to the upper end and in the process take up a wiping configuration. Further, as the applicator travels away from the wiper the wiper sidewall having protrusions unfolds and returns back to its relaxed position, thereby causing the protrusions to move outwards. In the wiping configuration outer sidewall comprising the plurality of protrusions folds inwards to define an interstice to capture the residue. Whereas, in non wiping condition the outer sidewall having plurality of protrusions is in its relaxed unfolded position. 
     During operation, as the applicator is withdrawn from the receptacle, the applicator stem is wiped in usual manner whereas the applicator element while travelling from inside of the receptacle to the outside of the receptacle when comes in contact with the wiper, the wiper is caused to fold inwards such that the plurality of protrusions define an interstice and wipe the applicator member. Further, as the applicator stem is fully withdrawn, the wiper also wipes the bulk from the tip of the applicator. Therefore, the user gets an applicator with a wiped rod and a wiped applicator member. When the applicator is being returned to the receptacle, the applicator rod as well as the applicator member does not come in contact with the protrusions on the outer sidewall of the wiper member as they are in the relaxed position. The wiper member according to the present invention provides for efficient wiping of the applicator when being withdrawn from the container and further prevents reverse wiping action to take place. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a container for packaging and dispensing a substance, for example, a cosmetic, comprising a wiper member as defined above. The container comprises a receptacle and a gripping member. The gripping member may comprise a cap, a stem and an applicator element. The cap may have a suitable locking mechanism to close the receptacle. The stem comprises a proximal end and a distal end wherein the stem is connected to the applicator element at its distal end and to the cap at its proximal end. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end thereby forming a cavity for storage of product. Further, the open end defines a neck of the receptacle. The said container further comprises a wiper member fitted onto the neck of the container. The wiper member comprises a housing, a distal end of said housing facing the inside of the receptacle and a proximal end facing the neck of the receptacle. The sidewall of the wiper member of the current embodiment has an ability to condense and expand. The wiper sidewall may possess fold-lines or variable cross-sections such that are capable of being condensed when the applicator is caused to travel from the distal end of the wiper to the proximal end and in this process make the wiper take up a wiping configuration. The applicator and/or applicator rod may possess protrusions on its surface that engage with the distal end of the wiper and cause the wiper to condense into a wiping configuration. Further, as the applicator travels away from the wiper member, the wiper sidewall returns back to its relaxed/expanded position, thereby causing the wiper member to take up a non-wiping configuration. Alternatively, the wiper sidewall unfolds as soon as the applicator comes in contact with the distal end of the wiper member while travelling from the proximal end of the wiper to the distal end of the wiper. In the wiping configuration sidewall condenses to define an interstice to capture the residue. Whereas, in non wiping condition the wiper sidewall is in its relaxed/expanded position. 
     During operation, as the applicator is withdrawn from the receptacle, the applicator stem is wiped in the usual manner whereas the applicator element while travelling from inside of the receptacle to the outside of the receptacle when comes in contact with the wiper, the wiper is caused to condense at the fold-lines such that the wiper defines an interstice and wipes the applicator member. Further, the condensed wiper configuration wipes the bulk from the tip of the applicator. Therefore, the user gets an applicator with a wiped rod and a wiped applicator member. When the applicator is being returned to the receptacle, the applicator rod as well as the applicator member do not come in contact with the wiper as wiper is expanded and therefore in relaxed position. The wiper member according to the present invention provides therefore an efficient wiping of the applicator when being withdrawn from the container and further prevents reverse wiping action to take place. 
     These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by an adjustable applicator in accordance with the main claim. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the wiping member according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the wiping member shown in  FIG. 1  in non-wiping configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the wiping member of  FIG. 1  in non-wiping configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the wiping member shown in  FIG. 1  in wiping configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the wiping member of  FIG. 1  in wiping configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the wiping member according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross section view of the container comprising the wiping member according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross section view of the container as shown in  FIG. 7  showing the wiping action of the wiping member on the applicator being withdrawn from the container; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the container as shown in  FIG. 7  showing the wiping member in a relaxed position as the applicator is fully withdrawn from the container; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the container as shown in  FIG. 7  showing the wiping member in a relaxed position as the applicator is inserted into the container; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of the container as shown in  FIG. 7  showing the wiping member in a relaxed position as the applicator is fully inserted into the container; 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The wiper member of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1  through to  5 . 
       FIG. 1  is one embodiment of the present invention showing the wiper member  100 . The wiper member  100  of the present invention comprises a housing  101 , said housing having a proximal end  101   a  and a distal end  101   b,  both the ends defining an opening  104 . The proximal end  101   a  further defines a neck  105 . The housing  101  of the wiper member  100  comprises at least one sidewall  102  and there are present a plurality of protrusions  103  on the outer diameter of the sidewall  102 . The protrusions  103  extend outwards from the outer diameter of the sidewall  102  of the wiper member  100 . The plurality of protrusions  103  as shown in  FIG. 1  occupy half the area near the distal end  101   b  of the wiper member, however, the protrusions  103  may occupy any suitable proportion of the outer diameter of the sidewall  102  of the wiper member  100 . Further, there may be present a lip between the protrusions  103  and the distal end  101   b  of the wiper  100 . Further, the protrusions  103  as seen in the figure are in the form of cilia, however, the protrusions  103  may comprise of any suitable cross-section and shape. The protrusions  103  may have a shape such as flange-like or finger-like protrusions of any suitable cross-section. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the top view of the wiper member  100  in relaxed condition i.e. non-wiping configuration. The protrusions  103  are extending outwardly from the outer sidewall  102  of the wiper member  100 .  FIG. 3  represents the bottom view of the wiper member  100  in non-wiping configuration where the protrusions  103  are lying on the outer sidewall and the sidewall is in unfolded condition. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  represent the top view and bottom view respectively of the wiper member  100  in wiping configuration where the outer sidewall  102  of the wiper member  100  having protrusions  103  is folded inwards. As seen in figure, the protrusions  103  are arranged so as to form an interstice. 
       FIG. 6  shows the wiper member  100  according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a packaging container  200  for packaging and dispensing a substance, for example, a cosmetic, comprising a wiper member  203 . The container  200  comprises a receptacle  201  and a gripping member  202 . The gripping member  202  comprises a cap  204 , a stem  205  and an applicator  206 . The cap  204  has suitable locking mechanism to close the receptacle  201 . The stem  205  is having a proximal end  205   a  and a distal end  205   b  wherein the stem  205  is connected to the applicator  206  at its distal end  205   b  and to the cap  204  at its proximal end  205   a.  The receptacle  201  has an open end  201   a  and a closed end  201   b  thereby forming a cavity for storage of product. Further, the open end  201   a  defines a neck  201   c  of the receptacle. The said container  200  further comprises a wiper member  203  fitted onto the neck  201   c  of the container  200 . The wiper member  203  comprises a housing  207 , a distal end of said housing facing the inside of the receptacle  201  and a proximal end facing the neck  201   c  of the receptacle  201 . The housing  207  of the wiper member  203  comprises a sidewall and there are present a plurality of protrusions  208  on the outer diameter of the sidewall of the wiper member  203 . The plurality of protrusions  208  as shown in  FIG. 7  occupy half the area near the distal end of the housing  207  of the wiper member  203 , however, the protrusions  208  may occupy any suitable proportion of the outer diameter of the sidewall of the wiper member  203 . Further, the protrusions  208  as seen in the figure are in the form of cilia, however, the protrusions  208  may comprise of any suitable cross-section and shape. The protrusions  208  may have a shape such as flange-like or finger-like protrusions of any suitable cross-section. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the operation of unlocking the gripping member  202  from the receptacle  201  and taking out the applicator  206  from the receptacle  201 . The sidewall of the wiper  203  having plurality of protrusions  208  on its outer diameter is capable of being folded inwards when a component with a diameter more than the diameter of the wiper is caused to travel from its distal end to the proximal end and in the process take up a wiping configuration. As represented by  FIG. 8 , the applicator  206  when comes in contact with the distal end of the wiper  203 , causes the sidewall to fold inwards and thereby take up a wiping configuration, In the wiping configuration, the protrusions  208  are in contact with the applicator element  206  and define an interstice between the adjacent protrusions to capture the residue and wipe off the applicator  206 .  FIG. 9  represents the condition when the applicator  206  has been fully withdrawn for application. As the applicator  206  is no more in contact with the wiper  203 , the outer sidewall of wiper  203  goes back to its relaxed position and unfolds. In non wiping condition the sidewall having plurality of protrusions  208  is in its relaxed position and the protrusions  208  are not in engagement with the stem  205  or the applicator  206 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the operation of returning back the applicator  206  into the receptacle  201 . As the applicator  206  is being returned to the receptacle  201 , the stem  205  and the applicator  206  do not come in contact with the protrusions  208  on the sidewall of the wiper  203  as the sidewall is in relaxed position. The wiper member  203  according to the present invention provides for efficient wiping of the applicator when being withdrawn from the container and further prevents reverse wiping action to take place. 
     The materials suitable for forming the receptacle may be any suitable polymeric material such as polyprolpylene while the gripping member may be formed of any suitable polymeric member such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The material of applicator element may be any suitable polymeric material as nylon or could be a suitable metal. The stem may be formed of polyacetal or any other suitable material. The aforementioned materials for forming various parts of the container of the present invention are an example, however other suitable materials may also be used. Depending upon the substance being used in the receptacle, a variety of sizes and shapes of the applicator element can be utilized. The applicator element may be constructed of a porous or non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers, sponge material, Hydrel™, TPE or any other suitable material. Also, the applicator could have any suitable shape depending on the kind of application required. It could have a shape other than cylindrical such as ovular, tapered or any other suitable shape. 
     The wiper member be may be produced from an elastomer or any other elastic material allowing the folding and unfolding of the outer sidewall of the wiper member. The wiper member may be formed from a thermoplastic, elastomeric, or thermoplastic elastomeric material, for example, a synthetic or natural rubber, a polyurethane, an olefinic homo- or co-polymer, e.g., polyethylene, especially low density polyethylene, or an ethylene-unsaturated ester copolymer, for example an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Other suitable materials may be low-density polyethylene or any suitable deformable material such as Hytrel. The wiper member may be molded as a single piece from an elastically deformable material or may be formed of a laminate or blend of two or more such materials. Further, the wiper member may be constructed from a blend of a rigid and a flexible/elastomeric material or it may be constructed in two parts where one part comprises of a rigid material and second part comprises an elastomeric material. 
     Although the above description and drawings show the container being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross section thereof are not limited to the same. 
     These and further aspects which will be apparent to the expert of the art are attained by an adjustable applicator in accordance with the main claim. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.