Abstract:
Systems and methods directed to the art of transferring a fluid, such as to a work surface, are provided. A fluid applicator capable of being received within a standard hobby knife handle and used to apply a desired amount of fluid to a work surface. The fluid applicator has a loop end for collecting, supporting, and depositing a fluid.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/851,711, filed 13 Mar. 2013, and entitled “Glue Looper.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Application of a controlled amount of fluid to a work surface is a fairly precision driven endeavor. For example, in the world of model building, proper application of glue, in both amount and location, to work pieces may be the difference between a clean and properly adhered work piece and a sloppy mess. Other areas in which fluid may be applied in a precise manner include, localized cleaning, targeted lubrication, laboratory/scientific testing, surgical procedures, etc. 
         [0003]    Prior tools used to apply fluid to a model have included glass rods, fine paintbrushes, and even small aluminum tubes. However, these prior devices lack in the ability to apply a precise and controlled amount of glue, or other fluid, to a work piece consistently. Accordingly, the art of fluid applicators could benefit from a device capable of supplying a precise and controlled amount of glue, or other fluid, to one or more work surfaces. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to a fluid applicator, and more particularly to a fluid applicator capable of precisely and accurately applying fluid to one or more work surfaces. 
         [0005]    One aspect of the invention provides a fluid applicator with a neck having a first neck end extending in a neck direction to a second neck end and a neck thickness disposed perpendicular to the neck direction, and a loop adjoined to the first neck end having a rim defining an aperture, and the rim having a rim thickness parallel to the neck thickness. 
         [0006]    The aperture and/or rim of the fluid applicator may be obovate in shape. 
         [0007]    The fluid applicator may also have a length and a base adjoining the second neck end, wherein the base has a first base side, a second base side formed contiguous with the first base side, a third base side formed contiguous with the second base side, and a thickness. 
         [0008]    The fluid applicator may also have a length axis collinear with the base first side, wherein the loop aperture has a major axis comprising a first point located along the loop aperture perimeter nearest the first neck end and a second point located at a point along the loop aperture perimeter furthest from the first point, and wherein the major axis is oriented approximately 45 degrees from the length axis. 
         [0009]    The rim of the fluid applicator may also have a quadrilateral cross-section. 
         [0010]    The rim of the fluid applicator may also have a gap approximately diametrically opposed from the first point. 
         [0011]    The rim thickness of the fluid applicator may also be 0.003 inch to 0.01 inch. 
         [0012]    The rim thickness of the fluid applicator may also be 0.005 inch. 
         [0013]    The base thickness of the fluid applicator may also be greater than the neck thickness and greater than the rim thickness. 
         [0014]    The base thickness of the fluid applicator may also be greater than the rim thickness and the neck thickness may also be greater than the rim thickness. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the invention provides a fluid applicator tree having a frame and at least one fluid applicator connected to the frame. 
         [0016]    The fluid applicator tree may also have a plurality of fluid applicators, as described above, of a plurality of sizes. 
         [0017]    The fluid applicator tree may also have at least one fluid applicator connected to the frame by at least one tab positioned between the base and the frame. 
         [0018]    The fluid applicator tree may also have a stress riser positioned between the at least one tab and at least one of the base and the frame. 
         [0019]    The fluid applicator tree may also have the at least one applicator unitary with the at least one tab are unitary. 
         [0020]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of transferring a fluid to a work surface comprising the steps of providing a fluid, providing at least one fluid applicator, providing a work surface, dipping at least a portion of the fluid applicator loop in the fluid, and transferring the fluid from the fluid applicator loop to the work surface. 
         [0021]    The method of transferring a fluid to a work surface may also comprise the steps of providing a handle and inserting a fluid applicator base into the handle. 
         [0022]    The method of transferring a fluid to a work surface where the fluid applicator is connected to a frame may also comprise the step of removing the fluid applicator from the frame. 
         [0023]    The method of transferring a fluid to a work surface where the fluid applicator is removed from a frame may also comprise the steps of providing a handle and inserting the fluid applicator base into the handle. 
         [0024]    The method of transferring a fluid to a work surface where the fluid applicator is coupled to a frame through a tab further may also comprise the step of separating the tab from the frame. 
         [0025]    The method of transferring a fluid to a work surface where the tab is separated from the frame may also comprise the step of bending the tab to lie substantially parallel with the base. 
         [0026]    The method of transferring a fluid to a work surface where the tab is bent to lie substantially parallel with the base may also comprise the steps of providing a handle and inserting the fluid applicator base into the handle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fluid applicator according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of the fluid applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid applicator along line  2 B- 2 B of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the fluid applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is another side view of the fluid applicator of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fluid applicator according to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is an enhanced perspective view of the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A . 
           [0034]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fluid applicator according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6B  is an enhanced perspective view of the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A . 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a top view of an embodiment of a fret tree comprising a plurality of fluid applicators according to the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a fret tree according to the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 9A-9C  depict a progressive method of effectively adding thickness to the base. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 10A-10C  depict a progressive method of effectively adding thickness to the base. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fluid applicator according to the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a fluid applicator according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the first embodiment fluid applicator fit within a handle. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fluid on a surface. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the first embodiment fluid applicator being dipped in the fluid of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of the fluid supported on the loop of the first embodiment applicator. 
           [0046]      FIG. 15B  is a cross-sectional view along line  15 B- 15 B of  FIG. 15A . 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a fluid being applied with an applicator to an abutting joint. 
           [0048]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a fluid being applied with an applicator to an overlapping joint. 
           [0049]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a fluid being applied with an applicator to a hidden joint. 
           [0050]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a fluid being applied with an applicator in a hidden joint. 
           [0051]      FIG. 20  depicts an alternative embodiment of a handle. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0052]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0053]    A first embodiment  100  of a fluid applicator according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The applicator  100  comprises a loop  10 , a neck  30 , and a base  40  along a length axis  50 . 
         [0054]    The loop  10  comprises a rim  12  and an aperture  20 . The rim  12  has an exterior surface  14  extending around the periphery and sides of the loop  10  and an interior surface  16  which defines the shape of the aperture  20 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the rim  12  preferably has a quadrilateral cross-section having a thickness T, and a width W. In the embodiment shown, the thickness T is approximately 0.005 inches. The loop  10  may be comprised of metal or non-metal, including but not limited to, brass, stainless steel, or plastic, as certain material characteristics may be favorable in different environments. 
         [0055]    The neck  30  has a first end  32  and a second end  34 . The first end  32  is contiguous with the loop  10 . As illustrated in the Figures, the neck  30  preferably has a tapered shape, with the narrowest portion located at the first end  32  and gradually increasing in width towards the second end  34 . Moreover, the first end  32  of the neck  30  may be narrower than the width W of the loop  10 . Similar to the loop  10 , the neck  30  may be comprised of metal or non-metal, including but not limited to, brass, stainless steel, or plastic. 
         [0056]    The base  40  is contiguous with the second end  34  of the neck  30 . It has a first side  42  substantially parallel with the length axis  50 , a second side  44  perpendicular to the first side  42 , and a third side  46  substantially perpendicular with the second side  44  and substantially parallel with the first side  42 . The base  40  may also have an opening  48 . The opening  48  may be configured to receive a key (not shown) located in a tightening mechanism  82  of a standard hobby knife handle  80  (see  FIG. 13 ), such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,433 directed to a Tool, incorporated herein by reference. Similar to the loop  10  and neck  30 , the base  40  may be comprised of metal or non-metal, including but not limited to, brass, stainless steel, or plastic. 
         [0057]    Still with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2A , and with further reference to  FIG. 4 , the rim  12  is obovate. Meaning that it is mostly egg-shaped and narrow where it joins the first end  32  of the neck  30 ; however, other shapes are contemplated. Moreover, it can be seen that the aperture  20  is also obovate; however, similar to the rim  12 , the aperture  20  may take any shape. Alternatively, the rim  12  and aperture  20  may comprise different shapes and may even be shaped differently from each other. 
         [0058]    Additionally, the loop aperture  20  has a major axis  24  extending between a first point  26  and a second point  28 . The first point  26  is located on the interior surface  16  at the spot nearest to the first end  32  of the neck  30 . The second point  28  is located on the interior surface  16  furthest from the first point  26 . Moreover, the major axis  24 , as illustrated in the embodiment shown here, is oriented at an angle θ. In this embodiment  100 , the angle θ is approximately 45 degrees from the length axis  50 . 
         [0059]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the fluid applicator  100  may be plate-like; comprised of one continuous piece of material with a unitary thickness T perpendicular to the length axis. Furthermore, the applicator  100  may be formed by any means known now or in the future to produce the applicator  100  as disclosed herein. As non-limiting examples, if the applicator  100  comprises metal, the applicator  100  may be formed by, e.g. photo-etching, or, if the applicator  100  comprises plastic, the applicator  100  may be formed by, e.g., injection molding. Photo-etching may be advantageous because it eliminates the potential for burrs, as are common in metal machining. Photo-etching also permits precise replication of the applicator  100  because there are no cutting tools used, which may dull, and no dies, which may distort or wear out. 
         [0060]    Looking now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  in which a second embodiment  200  of the fluid applicator is shown. The fluid applicator  200  has a neck  30  and a base  40  similar to the applicator  100  but also comprises an open-loop  210  including a rim  212  having a discontinuous exterior surface  214  and comprising a first member  216  and a second member  222  opposite the first member  216 . In this embodiment  200 , the first member  216  and the second member  222  are asymmetric. The first member  216  has a proximal end  218  located at the first end  32  of the neck  30  and a distal end  220 . The first member  216  extends outwardly arcuately from the proximal end  218  to the distal end  220 . The second member  222  has a proximal end  224  located at the first end  32  of the neck  30 , a medial portion  226 , and a distal end  228 . The second member  222  extends from the proximal end  224  outwardly arcuately to the medial portion  226 . The second member  222  continues from the medial portion  226  to the distal end  228  inwardly arcuately. A gap  230  is formed between the first member distal end  220  and the second member distal end  228 . 
         [0061]    A third embodiment  300  of the fluid applicator is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The fluid applicator  300  has an open-loop  310  defining a rim  312  having a discontinuous exterior surface  314  and comprises a first member  316  and a second member  322  opposite the first member  316 . In this embodiment  300 , the first member  316  and the second member  322  are preferably symmetric. The first member  316  has a proximal end  318  located at the first end  32  of the neck  30  and a distal end  320 . The first member  316  extends outwardly arcuately from the proximal end  318  to the distal end  320 . The second member  322  also has a proximal end  324  located at the first end  32  of the neck  30  and a distal end  326 . The second member  322  extends outwardly arcuately from the proximal end  324  to the distal end  326 . A gap  328  is formed between the first member distal end  320  and the second member distal end  326 . 
         [0062]    Still looking at  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the fluid applicator  300  defines an aperture  330 . The aperture  330  has a major axis  332  extending between a first point  334  and a second point  336 . The first point  334  is located at the position of the aperture  330  nearest to the first end  32  of the neck  30 . The second point  336  is located in the center of the gap  328 . The major axis  332  in this embodiment is preferably parallel with the length axis  50 , but may be disposed obliquely thereto. 
         [0063]    Now looking to  FIG. 7  which illustrates a plurality of applicators  100  of different sizes removably attached to a fret tree  600 . The fret tree  600  comprises a frame  620  and at least one tab  610 . As shown, each applicator  100  is attached to the fret tree frame  620  by two tabs  610 . Each tab  610  has a length  612 , a first end  614 , and a second end  616 . The first end  614  of the tab  610  is contiguous with the base  40  of the applicator  100 , wherein a stress riser  618 , such as a notch or hole, may be provided where the two meet. Furthermore, the second end  616  is contiguous with the fret tree frame  620 . A stress riser  618  may also be provided at the junction of the second end  616  and the fret tree frame  620 . The applicators  100  may be removed from the fret tree  600  at either the tab first end  614  or the tab second end  616  by fatiguing the respective connection point or stress riser  618  until connection failure and separation occurs. The applicators  100  and fret tree  600  may comprise the same material and may also be formed from one piece of material. 
         [0064]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment  710  of a tab according to the present invention. The tab  710  has a first end  714  and a second end  716 . At least one stress riser  618  is provided at the junction of the base  40  and the tab  710  at the tab first end  714  and at least one stress riser  618  is provided at the junction between the tab  710  and the fret tree frame  620  at the tab second end  716 . The tab  710  preferably mirrors the shape and configuration of the base  40  about the at least one stress riser  610  at the base/tab-first-end junction. Furthermore, the applicators  100  may be removed from the fret tree frame  620  at the tab first end  714  or at the tab second end  716   by  fatiguing the respective stress riser  618  until separation occurs. 
         [0065]    Furthermore, it may be advantageous to have a base  40  that is thicker than thickness T. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the base  40  of the applicator  100  is installed within a handle  80 . A thicker base  40  may be preferred in a situation in which the handle  80  is incapable of closing fully and therefore incapable of securing the applicator  100  properly. 
         [0066]    That being said,  FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate how the tabs  610  may be used to effectively increase the thickness of the base  40 .  FIG. 9A  shows the applicator  100  after it has been removed from the fret tree  600  of  FIG. 7  with the tabs  610  still attached to the base  40 .  FIG. 9B  illustrates the bending of each tab  610  about its first end  614 , and  FIG. 9C  shows the tabs  610  positioned substantially parallel with the base  40  while preferably remaining attached thereto. The length  612  of the tabs  610  is preferably sufficient to effectively double the thickness of the base  40 . 
         [0067]    Additionally,  FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate a similar capability of effectively adding thickness to the base  40  as described above by removing the applicator  100  from the fret tree frame  620  at the tab second end  716 , bending the tab  710  about the at least one stress riser  618  at the tab first end  714  to be substantially parallel with the base  40  while preferably remaining attached thereto. Here, the tab  710  is depicted having an opening  712  that aligns with the base opening  48 . 
         [0068]    Moreover,  FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate alternative applicator embodiments  400 ,  500 . Applicator  400 , shown in  FIG. 11A , has an increased base thickness T′ extending from the second side  44  of the base  40  to the second end  34  of the neck  30 . The neck  30  and the loop  10  retain the thickness T.  FIG. 11B  shows the applicator  500  having a thickness T″ extending from the second side  44  of the base  40  to first end  32  of the neck  30 , whereby the loop  10  retains the thickness T. 
         [0069]    Now looking to  FIGS. 12-20 , the applicator  100  is shown in use and a method for use is described herein. The method comprises, providing an applicator  100  as disclosed herein installed within a handle  80 . The method may also include the step of providing a fluid  60 , or a fluid  60  may be previously provided. At least a portion of the loop  10  is dipped into the fluid  60 , whereby the fluid  60  is at least partially suspended by the rim  12 , and more preferably, the aperture  20 , and applying the fluid  60  from the applicator  100  to a work surface  70 . Application of the fluid  60  to the work surface  70  may be achieved by touching the fluid  60  suspended on the loop  10  to the work surface  70 , thereby allowing it to transfer. 
         [0070]    As discussed previously, smaller or larger, open or closed, applicators  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be selected and/or used depending on the viscosity of the fluid  60  and/or the amount of fluid  60  to be applied. For example, one type of fluid that could be used is cyanoacrylate adhesive (“CA”). CA is commonly used in model making and may have a viscosity as low as 5 centipoise (cP) to as high as 28,000 cP, and anywhere in between. 
         [0071]    Furthermore, the loop design may provide an advantage in fluid application. The loop design provides an adequate amount of surface area, comprising the interior surface  16  and the exterior surface  14 , to maintain surface tension between the loop  10  and the fluid  60  (see  FIG. 15B ) which allows the fluid  60  to be supported, but it also provides an aperture  20  to carry a sufficient amount of fluid  60  within the loop  10  that is not subject to surface tension and may promote more effective fluid transfer from the loop  10  to the work surface  70 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 16-19  illustrate the application of fluid  60  from the applicator  100  to different types of work surfaces  70 .  FIG. 16  shows the fluid  60  being applied to an abutment seam  72 . Generally, a user  90  may be able to transfer the fluid  60  from the applicator  100  to the work surface  70  by touching a portion of the loop  10  to the work surface  70 . The loop  10  may be flexed or deflected with respect to the neck  30  when touched to the work surface  70 . 
         [0073]    Furthermore,  FIG. 17  illustrates the application of fluid  60  from the applicator  100  to an overlap seam  74 .  FIG. 18  illustrates the capability of the applicator  100  to allow a user  90  to apply a controlled amount of fluid  60  to a hidden seam  76  with limited access while reducing the chance of transferring the fluid  60  to other internal surfaces  62  accidentally. However, if the intention is to fill a crevice  78  with fluid  60 , a user  90  may position the applicator  100  so that it makes contact with the internal surfaces  62  of the crevice  78  for dispensation of the fluid  60  throughout, as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0074]    Moving on to  FIG. 20  in which another embodiment for a hobby knife handle  800  is shown. The handle  800  has a first end  802  and a second end  804 . A recess  806  extends from the second end  804  towards the first end  802 . A cap  808  may be removably secured to the handle  800  by any means known in the art, including, but not limited to, snapping means, interfacing threads, or friction fit. Fluid  60  (not shown) may be contained in the recess  806  and accessed by removing the cap  808 . The fluid  60  may be dispensed into the cap  808  prior to use of the applicator  10 . 
         [0075]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.