Abstract:
Apparatus and method for delivering a predetermined quantity of content from a pressurized container include a container for housing a pressurized gas and a content; a valve for releasing content from the container; a metering chamber in fluid communication with the container and the valve and having an upper wall and a lower wall, the metering chamber defining a volume proportionate to a predetermined quantity of content to be delivered; and a movable partition comprising a seal positioned in the chamber and capable of moving from a first resting position to a second sealing position, the sealing position sealing fluid communication of the chamber with the valve. When the valve is opened to deliver content from the container, the movable partition moves from a first resting position to a second sealing position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 19(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/673087, filed on Apr. 19, 2005, entitled Foam Applicator, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.  
         [0002]     This application also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/673088, filed on Apr. 19, 2005, entitled Apparatus and Method for Releasing a Measure of Content from a Container, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlled release of content from a container. In particular, the present invention relates to method and apparatus for releasing a predetermined quantity of content from a pressurized container. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for controlled application of foam released from a container.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     Foam containers have existed for many years and are used for a variety of products.  
         [0005]     Methods of administering metered doses from a dosing device are known, however, most are directed to dispensing liquid forms, such as creams, gels and fluids. See, e.g., U.S. Pat No. 6,186,367 and United States Published Appln. No. 2005/0054991.  
         [0006]     Methods for the volumetrically controlled dosing of foams have been described using a metering valve in which valved inlet and outlet passages control the flow of a fluid into a dosing chamber of predetermined volume. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,556.  
         [0007]     Prior art foam metering devices have been described as inaccurate and imprecise. Foam metering devices capable of providing a reliable measure or dose of content from a pressurized container are desired.  
         [0008]     There has long existed the need for an apparatus and method for controlled application of foam released from a foam container. The uses of such an apparatus vary widely and can include any process requiring or enhanced by controlled application of the foam for which manual application using a brush, hands or any other implement or member is to be avoided.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     A method and apparatus for releasing a predetermined quantity of content from a pressurized container is described. A method and an apparatus for applying foam released from a pressurized container also is described.  
         [0010]     According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for releasing a predetermined quantity of content from a pressurized container including a container including a container capable of housing a pressurized gas and a content; a valve for releasing content from the container; a metering chamber in fluid communication with the container and the valve, said metering chamber having an upper wall and a lower wall and defining a volume proportionate to a predetermined quantity of content to be delivered; and a movable partition comprising a seal located in the chamber, said movable partition capable of moving from a first resting position spaced apart from the valve to a second sealing position in sealing arrangement with the valve.  
         [0011]     In one or more embodiments, the resting position of the movable partition is adjacent to the bottom wall of the metering chamber and/or the sealing position of the movable partition is adjacent to the upper wall of the metering chamber.  
         [0012]     In one or more embodiments, the movable partition substantially spans a cross-sectional area of the metering chamber and/or the movable partition is of sufficient specific weight to provide vertical displacement of the movable partition within the chamber against the resistance of content of varying viscosities.  
         [0013]     In one or more embodiments, the movable partition comprises at least one aperture, or the movable partition comprises a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures may be arranged in a geometric configuration resembling that of a sieve. The aperture may have a dimension substantially approximating 0.1%-3% of the surface area of said movable partition, or substantially approximating 1% of the surface area of said movable partition.  
         [0014]     In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further includes a bias attached to the movable partition, and for example, the bias includes a spring, coil or lever, or a weight.  
         [0015]     In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further includes a one-way valve in fluid communication with the interior of the container and the metering chamber.  
         [0016]     In one or more embodiments, the upper wall of the metering chamber is tapered.  
         [0017]     In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further includes an applicator. The applicator may include an extension tube and an applicator head having at least one smooth surface.  
         [0018]     In another aspect of the invention, a method for delivering a predetermined quantity of content from a pressurized container includes providing an apparatus for releasing a predetermined quantity of content from a pressurized container including (i) a container housing a pressurized gas and a deliverable content; (ii) a valve for releasing the content from the container; (iii) a metering chamber in fluid communication with the container and the valve, said metering chamber having an upper wall and a lower wall and defining a volume proportionate to a predetermined quantity of content to be delivered; and (iv) a movable partition comprising a seal located in the chamber, said movable partition capable of moving from a first resting position spaced apart from the valve to a second sealing position in sealing arrangement with the valve; and opening the valve to deliver content from the container, wherein the movable partition moves from the first resting position to the second sealing position, said sealing position sealing fluid communication of the chamber with the valve to thereby halt content delivery from the container.  
         [0019]     A further aspect of the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the non-manual application of a foam originating from any pressurized container. The foam applicator system can be attached to or integrally formed with any pressurized container and or retrofitted to any existing pressurized container.  
         [0020]     In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for applying a foamed content to a surface includes a container capable of housing a pressurized gas and a content; a valve in fluid communication with the container for releasing the content from the container; and an applicator in fluid communication with the valve for controlling application of the content, said applicator comprising at least one substantially flat surface for spreading a foamed content.  
         [0021]     In one or more embodiments, the substantially flat surface comprises an aperture for introducing the content from the container onto the flat surface.  
         [0022]     In one or more embodiments, the substantially flat surface includes at least one flexible membrane.  
         [0023]     In one or more embodiments, the applicator includes an extension tube and an applicator head, said applicator head having at least one substantially flat surface.  
         [0024]     In another aspect of the invention, a method for applying a foamed content to a surface includes providing a pressurized container containing a foamable content, and comprising a valve in fluid communication with the container interior for releasing the content from the container and an applicator in fluid communication with the valve; and releasing foamed content onto a surface and spreading the foamed content using a substantially smooth surface of the applicator.  
         [0025]     The metered dose apparatus provides an integrated metering chamber and dipstick that can be readily adapted to pre-existing containers. The apparatus does not require special valves and can be used with most conventional canisters. Thus, it is versatile and can be used with a wide variety of foamable compositions and containers without the need to redesign the dosage delivery system.  
         [0026]     Furthermore, a system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may be used in many industrial processes requiring removal of a liquid from a container and adding and/or mixing the content in exact measurements. Further uses would include release of a controlled dose of any pharmaceutical and or cosmetic material from a pressurized container. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional side view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for releasing a measured amount content from a container.  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional side illustration of the metering system at rest.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional side illustration of the metering system during discharge.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional side view of a metering system illustrating the sealing mechanism according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional side illustration of a metering system upon conclusion of discharge of a metered dose; the system is restored to its original position to administer a further dose.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is schematic top view of a movable partition used in an apparatus for releasing a measure of content from a container according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of an apparatus for releasing a measured amount of content from a container in an inverted position.  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross sectional side view of one embodiment of a foam applicator system according to the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is schematic cross sectional view of one embodiment of a foam applicator system according to the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is schematic cross sectional view of one embodiment of a foam applicator system according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a container  10  including a content  14  under pressure created by gas  12 . The container  10  is hollow body which may be made from any material, for example, aluminum, tin-plate, plastics including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), oriented polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene (PE) or polyamide and including mixtures, laminates and the like. When the container is metal, the interior surface of the metal container preferably is laminated with a plastic material or coated with a lacquer or with a varnish to protect the interior surface of the container from corrosion. Corrosion may weaken the container and may also lead to a discoloration of the container&#39;s content. Preferred plastic materials for lamination and lacquers or varnishes for coating are epoxy phenolic, polyamide imide, organosol, PET, PP, PE or a combination thereof.  
         [0038]     Content  14  is flowable and can be a liquid or a semi-liquid. Content  14  includes components to provide the desired functionality of the foam upon administration, as well as additives that promote foam formation, such as surfactants and propellant. Aerosol propellants are used to generate and administer the foamable composition as a foam. The content may include a foamable emulsion, a foamable solution, a foamable suspension, a foamable gel, a viscous material, an extrudable material or a gel. The total composition including propellant, foamable compositions and optional ingredients is referred to as the foamable carrier. The propellant makes up about 3% to about 25 wt % of the foamable carrier. Examples of suitable propellants include volatile hydrocarbons such as butane, propane, isobutane or mixtures thereof, and fluorocarbon gases. In one or more embodiments, the propellant is a liquefied gas, such as butane, propane, isobutane or mixtures thereof. The liquefied gas typically forms a solution or emulsion with the other components of content  14  and is in equilibrium with propellant gas, which occupies a volume of the container (e.g., the “head space”) and generates the internal pressure used to discharge the product from inside the container. Furthermore, the gas expands to form many “bubbles” within the composition thereby creating the foam. Sufficient gas is contained in the container to substantially expel all the product from the container at the correct pressure throughout the life of the article. The quantity also depends from the type of gases used.  
         [0039]     Container  10  further includes an integrated metering system including a metering chamber  16  in fluid communication with an upper conduit  18  and a lower conduit  20 . Chamber  16  can be of any shape, e.g., of circular, rectangular, or oval cross-section or the like, and can be attached to or integrally formed with the upper  18  or lower  20  conduits, or both. Chamber  16  is selected to have a volume can hold and deliver a preselected quantity of content  14 . Chamber  16  may contain shoulders  36 , as is discussed in greater detail below. Alternatively, the chamber walls may be shaped to provide the desired interior volume and geometry. Chamber  16  and shoulder  36  may be constructed of a resilient material or a semi-resilient material, such as a vulcanized material, a rubber, a silicone, a polymer and a plasticized material.  
         [0040]     Lower conduit  20  is immersed in or in fluid communication with content  14 , thereby readily facilitating flow of liquids, fluids and gas from the interior of the container  10 , into lower conduit  20  through chamber  16 , and into upper conduit  18 . In order to deliver the majority of the content from the container, the lower conduit  20  extends a distance below chamber  16 , and in some embodiments, a distance into the region of container where content  14  resides. In some embodiments, the lower conduit  20  extends substantially to a floor  10 a of container  10 .  
         [0041]     Upper conduit  18  includes bleed hole or unidirectional valve  31 , which is located in a wall portion of conduct  18  that is housed within the container and which provides one-way fluid communication between the container interior and the upper conduit. Fluid and gas are thus capable of flowing from the container and into upper conduit  18 .  
         [0042]     In order to control the dose size and its delivery from the chamber, movable partition  28  is slidably positioned within chamber  16  and is of a size and shape that permits it to be positioned along an inner wall  16   a  of chamber  16 . The movable partition  28  is capable of vertical movement/displacement along the wall of chamber  16  in a direction indicated by arrow  17  by application of suitable upward and downward pressures or by gravitational forces. Movable partition  28  may have sufficient specific weight to be capable of downward vertical displacement within chamber  16  against the resistance of content  14  having varying viscosity. As discussed below, such displacement may be aided by biasing element  34 . Movable partition  28  may be constructed of a resilient material or a semi-resilient material, such as for example, a vulcanized material, a rubber, a silicone, a polymer or a plasticized material.  
         [0043]     Movable partition  28  includes sealer  30  for substantially sealing upper conduit  18  at opening  18   a . Sealer  30  may be constructed of a resilient material or a semi-resilient material, which may be the same or different from that of the movable partition. Sealer  30  may be integral with movable partition  28  or it may be attached to the movable partition, for example by co-extrusion, heat welding, adhesives or any other appropriate joining method. Sealer  30  and upper conduit  18  are positioned in vertical alignment of one another, so that sealer  30  can block or interrupt fluid communication between chamber  16  and upper conduit  18  when positioned against the lower opening  18   a  of the upper conduit  18 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0044]     Movable partition  28  includes at least one aperture  32  that provides a passageway or conduit between an upper region  16   b  and a lower region  16   c  of chamber  16 . Aperture  32  facilitates movement of content  14  and gas  12  across or through movable partition  28  as the movable partition moves within chamber  16 . The movable partition includes at least one and preferably a plurality of apertures  32 . In one or more embodiments, at least 2 apertures, or at least 4 apertures or at least 8 apertures are used. Aperture size and number will vary depending on dispensing conditions, such as for example, the content viscosity and canister pressure. Optionally, apertures  32  may be configured as a matrix of apertures or in a geometric configuration resembling that of a sieve. Aperture  32  typically has a dimension inversely proportional to the pressure of gas  12  in container  10  and proportional to the viscosity of content  14 . In one or more embodiments, aperture  32  may have a dimension substantially approximating 0.1%-3% of the surface area of movable partition  28 . In certain embodiments, aperture  32  may have a dimension substantially approximating 1% of the surface area of movable partition  28 . In one or more embodiments, a plurality of movable partitions may be used, and may include a variety of apertures  32 , depending on the viscosity of content  14  and the pressure of gas  12  in container  10 .  
         [0045]     A biasing element  34  optionally may be attached to or integrally formed with movable partition  28  in order to provide an additional opposing force on movable partition  28  as it is displaced substantially vertically in chamber  16 . Exemplary biasing means include springs that can be attached to a lower surface  28   a  of movable partition  28  or a weight (not shown) that can be attached to the upper ( 28   a ) or lower ( 28   b ) surface of the movable partition [others?]. Biasing means serves the additional purpose of keeping the movable partition in its rest position between dosing. This can be particularly helpful to avoid movement during handling.  
         [0046]     The upper conduit  18  is in fluid communication with valve  26 . Lever  22  is disposed between upper conduit  18  and valve  26 . By applying an external pressure to lever  22 , the lever moves between a first (open) and second (closed) position. In the closed position, the passageway between conduit  18  and valve  26  is blocked and contents of container  10  are isolated from the exterior. In the open position, valve  26  is in fluid communication with the container interior and the contents of container  10  may be dispensed from the container through valve  26 .  
         [0047]     An extension tube  33  may be attached to or integrally formed with valve  26  for readily facilitating insertion of tube  33  to various hard to reach areas including but not limited to any vaginal application or any other application to a body orifice.  
         [0048]     The operation of the pressurized container to deliver a metered dose is now described with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , in which like elements are similarly labeled.  
         [0049]     The container at rest is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Pressure in container  10  by gas  12  forces content  14  into the lower conduit  20 , into chamber  16  and further into the upper conduit  18 , where further flow is blocked by closed valve  26  (shown schematically in  FIG. 2 ).  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , when valve  26  is opened, for example, by pressing lever  22  (not shown), the pressure difference between chamber  16  and the ambient causes content  14  to flow through valve  26  and to be discharged from the container, as is indicated by arrow  50 . As material is discharged from chamber  16 , movable partition  28  advances along with the discharging material vertically upward through chamber  16  towards the chamber exit, as is indicated by arrow  52 . The pressurized gas  12  forces addition material  14  upward through lower conduit  20  and into chamber  16  to replace the material that has been discharged, as is indicated by arrows  54 .  
         [0051]     Discharge continues until sealer  30  contacts and seals opening  18   a  and halts material flow from the container (or until the user releases lever  22  thereby closing valve  26 ), as is shown in  FIG. 4 . For the purpose of improved sealing between movable partition  28  and/or sealer  30  and/or upper conduit  18 , a shoulder  36  is attached to or integrally formed with chamber  16  and or upper conduit  18  such that a tapered seal is formed. A similar effect can be achieved by downwardly sloping the top surface of the chamber. In one or more embodiments, shoulder  36  contacts movable partition  28  and halts its upward movement before it reaches the end of the chamber. Shoulders  36  may provide spacing between the movable partition and chamber exit  18   a , which may be desirable, for example, in providing an optimal seal between sealer  30  and upper conduit  18 . Bias  34 , e.g., a spring, which is fixed at both ends, e.g., on the lower surface  28   a  of the partition and on the floor  16   d  of the chamber, extends with the partition as it advances through the metering chamber.  
         [0052]     Once sealer  30  seals opening  18   a , material discharge stops. Thus, a measured dose is dispensed that corresponds to the volume displaced by the movable partition as it traverses from its resting position ( FIG. 2 ) to its sealing position ( FIG. 4 ). Once the dispensing force ends, gravity applies a substantially downward force on movable partition  28 , and the movable partition slowly returns to its original position at the bottom of the chamber, as indicated by arrows  70 . See  FIG. 5 . Optionally, bias element  34  applies downward force to the movable partition. Apertures  32  in movable partition  28  reduce resistance of the movable partition to downward displacement by permitting gas  12  and/or content  14  flow through aperture  32 , as indicated by arrows  72 . The chamber is thereby “reset” for a subsequent metered release of content  14 . One-way valve  31  permits flow of gas into metering chamber  16  to maintain pressure equilibrium, as indicated by arrow  74 .  
         [0053]     Container  10  is capable of discharging a metered dose even when inverted since chamber  16  is substantially filled with content  14  prior to inverted.  
         [0054]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of movable partition  28  according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Movable partition  28  includes sealer  30  attached to or integrally formed with movable partition  28 . Sealer  30  may be located anywhere in the face of the movable partition, so long as it is vertically aligned with outlet conduit  18 . Release apertures  32  may be located anywhere in the face of the movable partition, and are shown here at the circumferential edge of the movable partition  28 . In one or more embodiment, a weight  38  is attached to or integrally formed with the movable partition. Weight  38  is constructed of a material having a high specific weight such that enhances the effect of gravity on movable partition  28 . Also shown is bias element  34 , which may be secured to one or more faces of the movable partition. Bias element  34  is desirably arranged to apply an even or a uniform force across the face of the movable partition.  
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is capable of charging and discharging while inverted. As above, container  10  includes gas  12  and content  14  under pressure created by gas  12 . Container  10  includes a metering chamber  16  attached to, or integrally formed with, an upper conduit  18  and a lower conduit  20 . Lower conduit  20  is attached to or integrally formed with an inversion conduit  35  immersed in or in fluid communication with content  14  such that gas  12  readily displaces content  14  through inversion conduit  35  into chamber  16  and through upper conduit  18 , pursuant to a user downwardly displacing a lever  22 , which is attached to or integrally formed with upper conduit  18 . A user can readily release content  14  from container  10  by depressing an upper surface of lever  22 , thereby opening a valve  26  attached to or integrally formed with lever  22 .  
         [0056]     Movable partition  28  is situated in chamber  16  such that a complimentary vertical displacement of movable partition  28  occurs as content  14  is displaced by gas  12 . Movable partition  28  includes a sealer  30  for substantially sealing upper conduit  18  and at least one release aperture  32 . For the purpose of improved sealing between movable partition  28  and/or sealer  30  and/or upper conduit  18 , a shoulder  36  is attached to or integrally formed with chamber  16  and or upper conduit  18  such that a tapered seal is formed. A bleed hole or a unidirectional valve  31  is provided for readily facilitating the flow of air back into upper conduit  18 . Optionally, an extension tube  33  may be attached to or integrally formed with valve  26  for readily facilitating insertion of tube  33  to various hard to reach areas including but not limited to any vaginal application or any other application to a body orifice.  
         [0057]     Material is discharged in a sequence of steps similar to those shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , except that the canister is inverted at least during charge and optionally during discharge. By depressing lever  22 , content  14  is discharged and movable partition  28  is displaced substantially vertically within chamber  16  until sealer  30  seals upper conduit  18  or until the user release lever  22  thereby closing valve  26 . In one or more embodiments, the container is righted, so that gravity applies a substantially vertical force on movable partition  28 . As such, gas  12  and/or content  14  “bleed” through aperture  32  formed in movable partition  28 , thereby readily facilitating substantially downward vertical displacement of movable partition  28  within chamber  16  and “resetting” chamber  16  for any subsequent controlled release of content  14 . In one or more embodiments, the container remains inverted and bias element  34  applies sufficient force to pull the movable partition back to its resting position.  
         [0058]     Thus, inversion of container  10  during application does not impede proper application of content  14  due to chamber  16  being substantially filled with content  14  prior to discharge and inversion conduit  35  remaining immersed in content  14  to charge chamber  16 .  
         [0059]     In another aspect of the present invention, a foam applicator is provided that permits easy, even application of foam over the target surface without the need to use hands or other implements, e.g., a brush. The foam applicator may be used with the metered dose container described herein, or it can be used with conventional containers. For the purposes of illustration, the applicator is described using a conventional container, where like numbers indicate similar elements.  
         [0060]     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 8  shows a container  80  including a content  14  under pressure created by gas  12 . As noted above, the container  80  is hollow body which may be made from any material, for example, aluminum, tin-plate, plastics including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), oriented polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene (PE) or polyamide and including mixtures, laminates and the like. The interior surface of the metal container may be laminated with a plastic material or coated with a lacquer or with a varnish to protect the interior surface of the container from corrosion. Corrosion may weaken the container and may also lead to a discoloration of the container&#39;s content. Preferred plastic materials for lamination and lacquers or varnishes for coating are epoxy phenolic, polyamide imide, organosol, PET, PP, PE or a combination thereof.  
         [0061]     As noted above, content  14  is flowable and can be a liquid or a semi-liquid. Content  14  includes components to provide the desired functionality of the foam upon administration, as well as additives that promote foam formation, such as surfactants and propellant. Aerosol propellants are used to generate and administer the foamable composition as a foam. The total composition including propellant, foamable compositions and optional ingredients is referred to as the foamable carrier. The propellant makes up about 3% to about 25 wt % of the foamable carrier. Examples of suitable propellants include volatile hydrocarbons such as butane, propane, isobutane or mixtures thereof, and fluorocarbon gases. In one or more embodiments, the propellant is a liquefied gas, such as butane, propane, isobutane or mixtures thereof. The liquefied gas typically forms a solution or emulsion with the other components of content  14  and is in equilibrium with propellant gas, which occupies a volume of the container (e.g., the “head space”) and generates the internal pressure used to discharge the product from inside the container. Furthermore, the gas expands to form many “bubbles” within the composition thereby creating the foam. The quantity of gas contained in the container is such to that substantially all the product can be expelled out of the container throughout the life of the article at the correct pressure. The quantity also depends from the type of gases used.  
         [0062]     A dipstick  86  is immersed in or in fluid communication with content  14 , thereby readily facilitating flow of liquids, fluids and gas from the interior of the container  80 . In order to deliver the majority of the content from the container, dipstick  86  extends a distance into the region of container where content  14  resides. In some embodiments, dipstick  86  extends substantially to a floor  80   a  of container  80 .  
         [0063]     The upper opening of dipstick  86  is in fluid communication with valve  88 . Lever  89  is disposed between dipstick  86  and valve  88 . By applying an external pressure to lever  89 , the lever moves between a first (open) and second (closed) position. In the closed position, the passageway between dipstick  86  and valve  88  is blocked and contents of container  80  are isolated from the exterior. In the open position, valve  88  is in fluid communication with the container interior and the contents of container  80  may be dispensed from the container through valve  88 .  
         [0064]     A semi-resilient extension tube  83  may be attached to or integrally formed with valve  88  to permit flow of content  14  through aperture  85  formed in applicator head  81 . The applicator head  81  provides a smooth application surface that can be used to evenly distribute foam over a target surface.  
         [0065]     Tube  83  may contain some flexibility, however, it should be sufficiently stiff to withstand forces exerted by the applicator while spreading foam over the target surface. Applicator head  81  may be a resilient, semi-resilient characteristic, pliable or soft. Applicator head  81  can be made of a vulcanized material, a rubber-like material, silicone, or other polymers. The applicator can include a plasticizer to provide the desired material or mechanical properties. In one or more embodiments, applicator head  81  is smooth so that it is not unpleasant to the user. In one or more embodiments, applicator is semi-resilient and/or smooth and is conducive to even, smooth application of content  14 . As such, applicator  81  is geared towards assisting in the application of content  14  such that the user does not need to use a hand or a finger to apply content  14 .  
         [0066]     Several advantages are achieved by using applicator head  81  to apply content  14  to any desired surface, including but not limited to, the user not being required to use their hands both for hygienic, aesthetic or comfort reasons. Clearly, if content  14  is to be applied to an intimate area of the body or an orifice of the body, the user may prefer not to have to use their hands or fingers to apply content  14  thereto. By way of example only, a focus group of mothers has expressed the view that applying material to baby&#39;s behinds is an unpleasant task when performed with their uncovered hands. Thus, use of applicator head  81  to apply material in such a fashion readily alleviates such concerns as those raised by the mother&#39;s focus group. Furthermore, applicator head  81  is especially preferred when content  14  contains a medication or material that should not come into general contact with the user. Applicator head  81  can be readily used to apply content  14  to any desired surface including, but not limited to, any area afflicted by a disease, abnormality, cut, wound, pathogen, bacillus, virus, bacterium, micro-organism, infection and ailment.  
         [0067]      FIG. 9  shows a further embodiment of the foam applicator according to the present invention. The applicator system includes a semi-resilient extension tube  90  attached to or integrally formed with valve  92  for readily facilitating flow of content  14  to applicator head  94 . Applicator head  94  includes a hollow member  96  equipped with a plurality of openings  98 . Upon release of content  14 , applicator head  94  is used to readily apply content  14  on the intended surface. During use, foamed content is delivered from applicator head  94 , into hollow member  96 , and through openings  98 .  
         [0068]     Applicator head  94  may be resilient, semi-resilient characteristic, pliable or soft. Applicator head  94  may be made from a vulcanized material, a rubber-like material, silicone, or other polymers. The applicator head  94  can include a plasticizer to provide the desired material or mechanical properties. In one or more embodiments, hollow body  96  has a smooth surface  96   a  that contains openings  98  so that it is not unpleasant to the user. Openings  98  are formed in the hollow body  96  such that its face  96   a  is smooth. Applicator head  94  can be attached to, or integrally formed with, any foam container and or retrofitted to any existing foam container.  
         [0069]      FIG. 10  shows a further embodiment of the foam applicator according to the present invention. The applicator system includes a semi-resilient extension tube  100  that is attached to or integrally formed with valve  102  to permit flow of content  14  through extension tube  100 . Flap  104  is attached to or integrally formed at the opposing end of extension tube  100  such that flap  104  serves as applicator of content  14  as it exits extension tube  100 .  
         [0070]     Flap  104  may be resilient, semi-resilient characteristic, pliable or soft, and may be made from a vulcanized material, a rubber-like material, silicone, or other polymers. The applicator can include a plasticizer to provide the desired material or mechanical properties. In one or more embodiments, flap  104  is smooth and pliant so that it is not unpleasant to the user.  
         [0071]     In one or more embodiments, the applicator can be retrofitted to any existing foam container.  
         [0072]     It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended to only serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention.