Patent Publication Number: US-8979411-B2

Title: Liquid applicator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional application No. 60/999,597 filed Oct. 19, 2007 and U.S. Patent Provisional application No. 61/126,777 filed May 7, 2008. All subject matter set forth in provisional application No. 60/999,597 and provisional application No. 61/126,777 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field Of The Invention 
     This invention relates to the dispensing of liquids and more particularly, this invention relates to an improved liquid applicator for marking, writing or dispensing a liquid on a surface. 
     2. Background Of The Invention 
     Various types of liquid applicator devices have been devised for dispensing a liquid. Some of these liquid applicator devices were used for dispensing an applicator liquid for writing with ink, dye or paint. Among such devices were fountain pens, ball point pens, felt tip pens as well as other types of liquid applicator devices and the like. 
     These liquid applicator devices of the prior art have received wide acceptance due in great measure to the convenience of the device. Furthermore, these liquid applicator devices of the prior art had the ability to retain a large quantity of applicator liquid and the ability to supply additional applicator liquid from a liquid container to an applicator tip at the discretion of the user. In addition, the liquid applicator devices were not limited to the dispensing of only writing liquid such as paints, dyes and the like but are capable of dispensing a large variety of applicator liquids including chemicals, perfumes, lubricants, cleaners, paints, coatings and the like. 
     Continuing efforts have been made in the past to improve the design of the liquid applicator devices. The improved design of the liquid applicator devices have concentrated on the liquid dispensing mechanism and for improving the communication of the liquid from the liquid container to the applicator tip for dispensing the applicator liquid onto a surface. In one example of a liquid applicator device, an applicator liquid flows into a fiber applicator tip only when the liquid applicator device is held upside down and the fiber applicator tip is depressed by a surface to be coated by the applicator liquid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,857,467 to Marsh discloses a fountain marker comprising a main reservoir adapted to contain fluid with an end wall for the reservoir having an opening. An auxiliary reservoir is arranged to receive fluid through the opening with a valve opening and closing the discharge outlet. A stem connected to the valve extends through the opening. The fluid is admitted from the main reservoir to the auxiliary reservoir when the valve is closed and is prevented from flowing from the main reservoir to the auxiliary reservoir when the valve is in an open position. A spring holds the valve closed with an applicator tip attached to the valve. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,024,413 to Witt discloses a fountain brush comprising an elongated hollow handle forming a liquid reservoir. A cap is secured to the forward end of the handle having an elongated frusto-conical valve seat and a closure cap on the opposite end of the handle. An elongated conical valve is received in the valve seat. An inwardly projecting stem is formed on the rear end of the valve. The forward end of the valve carries an outwardly projecting shank. A cross-head on the stem having an end is slidably engaged with the inner face of the hollow handle. A contractile coil spring is disposed about the stem having one end anchored to the stem and the other end being anchored in place between the forward cap and handle. A brush-head on the shank and a conical deflector formed on the brush-head are arranged in facing relation to the valve for receiving liquid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,210,662 to Garvey discloses a writing instrument comprising a reservoir for the writing fluid and a valve tiltable in different directions to control the discharge of fluid from the reservoir. A tiltable tip holder is united with and extends from the tiltable valve with the tiltable tip holder having an internal screw thread. A writing tip is made of a yieldable absorbent material and is screwed into the internal thread to project from the lower end of the tip holder. The writing tip is adjustable longitudinally on the screw thread in response to rotary movements of the tip independently of the tip holder. A means limits the rotary movements of the tip holder and includes a tiltable abutment carried by and tiltable with the united valve and tip holder and a fixed abutment co-operating with the tiltable abutment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,330,053 to Herb discloses a fountain applicator comprising a fluid containing reservoir and a marking nib and means operable by pressure on the nib in excess of that required for marking therewith for forcing fluid from the reservoir to the nib. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,468,611 to Ward discloses a liquid applicator having a tubular member of flexible side wall construction. A porous applicator nib and valve means control the flow of liquid from the tubular member to the applicator nib. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,027 to Micallef discloses a valve closure for dispensing liquids from a container comprising a cap member attached to one end of the container having a centrally located boss member extending towards the interior of the container. An aperture in the boss member and a flange member is spaced from the boss member and adapted to engage the inside of the mouth of the container in sealing relationship. A valve member including a valve stem is mounted for rotation in the boss member. The valve stem has communicating radial and axial openings with an opening in the boss member being adapted to communicate with the radial opening thereby permitting selective opening and closing of the valve closure. A radially resilient extension extends from one end of the valve stem. The extension has portions which are radially compressible to permit assembly of the valve stem member and the boss member. The radially extending portions are adapted to cooperate with the boss member to prevent disassembly of the valve and the boss member, wherein the resilient extension has a semi-circular shape. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820 to Kremer et al. discloses an improved applicator device for applying an applicator material such as a liquid or a flowable solid to a surface. The device comprises a material container and a surface applicator for applying the applicator material to the surface. A valve is interposed between the material container and the surface applicator to permit the flow of applicator material to the surface applicator when the valve is in an open position and to inhibit the flow of applicator material to the surface applicator when the valve is in a closed position. The valve includes a valve closure having an internal closure cavity with a first end being connected to the material container and with a second end defining a surface applicator opening therein. The valve element has a distal end portion that extends through the applicator opening of the valve closure when the valve element is biased into the closed position. The surface applicator comprises the distal end portion of the valve element cooperating with the applicator opening when the distal end portion of the valve element is pressed against the surface thereby forming an annular opening for the flow of the applicator material to apply and disperse the applicator material on the surface. U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820 to Kremer et al. provided a significant step forward in the art of liquid applicator devices. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,252 to Kremer et al. discloses a liquid applicator device for applying a liquid such as a paint, a perfume, a chemical, a coating or the like to a surface by writing, marking or painting. The liquid applicator device includes a container for the liquid and an applicator dispensing mechanism. The applicator dispensing mechanism includes an inner subassembly having a valve and an outer subassembly having the surface applicator. The valve regulates the flow of the liquid from the container to the surface applicator. The valve of the applicator device may be opened to allow the liquid to flow from the container to the surface applicator upon depression of the surface applicator or upon depression of a valve actuator. The liquid applicator device incorporates an improved sealing member for sealing with the sides of the surface applicator for reducing the flow of the applicator liquid along the side of the surface applicator. The surface applicator may be in the form of a fiber tip, a brush or similar applicator. The applicator dispensing mechanism may be fabricated independent of the attachment to the container. The valve seal has a flexibly mounted tubular extension that holds the inner end of the surface applicator to maintain the liquid seal during lateral movement of the outer end of the surface applicator. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,564 to Fukuoka et al. discloses an implement for applying a liquid comprising a container having an opening at a front end and a front tube attached to the container forward end. A hollow accommodating member has a chamber in an interior and formed with a rearward communication hole and a forward communication hole for holding the chamber in communication with the interior of the container and the interior of the front tube respectively. A liquid feed member is accommodated in the chamber and is movable axially thereof. A biased end valve is disposed inside the front tube to provide a liquid retaining portion inside the front tube around the end valve for closing the forward end opening of the front tube. An applicator having a capillary action extends through the forward end opening of the front tube and is secured to the front end of the end valve. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,923 to Ota discloses an operating member inserted in the middle cylinder to be movable backward and forward in the axial direction. A valve mechanism is provided in the front portion of the middle cylinder to supply the pinpoint with the applied liquid stored in the rear portion of the middle cylinder. The valve mechanism includes a valve seat having a valve hole with a valve spindle being provided with a valve element for opening and closing the valve hole and a stretchable member for moving the valve spindle backward and forward. The stretchable member is elongated and shortened in the axial direction of the middle cylinder as the bent portions are bent less and more, respectively. The operating element at the rear end of the middle cylinder is operated to move the operating member forward to push the bent portions of the bent arms to elongate the stretchable member. The valve spindle is moved backward to open the valve hole to supply the applied liquid to the pinpoint. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,859 to Assad et al. discloses a liquid applicator including a valve body for insertion into the neck of a liquid container and defining a duct in the valve body. A resilient web is formed integrally with the valve body and extends transversely across the duct. A valve seat is located on one end of the valve body. A valve member is secured to the resilient web and has a valve biased into engagement with the valve seat at the end of the valve body. A coating member is mounted on the opposite end of the valve body. A valve stem on the valve member is located proximate the coating member for being deflected when the coating member is compressed onto an external surface to thereby unseat the valve and permit liquid to flow through the duct onto the coating member. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,175 to Yokosuka et al. discloses a liquid-applying tip assembly in which the liquid-applying member is pushed to operate the valve to allow the liquid to flow to the liquid-applying member. The liquid-applying member is a plastic member that comprises a plurality of ribs extending radially and axially from an axial core in such a manner as to form a plurality of axial liquid passageways therebetween. A barrier is provided between the valve and the cylinder of the tip assembly, the barrier having a hole whose diameter is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the liquid-applying member to control the flow of liquid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,681 to Gross et al. discloses a spray dispensing closure including a spray plug and a cap cooperating therewith to selectively occlude passages in the spray plug. A spray plug includes a set of inner passages for conveying product from a dip tube through the spray plug and a set of outer passages for conveying air from a head space in the container. The inner passages communicate with an inner flow space and the outer passages communicate with an outer flow space. A cap cooperates with the spray plug to define an outer chamber and an inner chamber that are isolated from one another when the cap is in the closed position, thereby preventing the mixing of air and product. As the cap is moved to the open position, the cap chambers are permitted to communicate with one another and, as the container is squeezed, a product/air mixture is formed in the closure. A central spray plug post has an upper portion that forms at least one restrictive passage with an inner wall of the cap when the cap is in the open position. As the air/product mixture flows through the restrictive passages, a spray mist is formed and dispensed through at least one dispensing orifice formed in the cap and communicating with the restrictive passages. In an alternative embodiment, only a single set of inner passages are provided on the spray plug and communicate with the head space in the container. A series of dip tube exit passages extend from a proximal end of the dip tube. A plurality of dip tube end engaging ribs extend from the spray plug. When the container is squeezed and the cap is open, product is conveyed from the dip tube and into the inner passages to be mixed with air from the head space. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,821 to Gueret discloses a device and system for applying a product, for example, a cosmetic product. The device includes a first compartment containing the product, and a second compartment in flow communication with the first compartment via at least one supply orifice, with the second compartment having an opening that may be removably closed by a closure element. The second compartment may form a housing for an applicator that is insoluble with respect to the product. The applicator may rest against an elastically compressible porous member that may be in flow communication with the supply orifice. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,193 to Delage discloses a device for packaging and applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic or a care product, the device comprising a receptacle for containing the substance. The receptacle is provided at the top with an applicator that is permeable to the substance and that has an inside face fed with the substance coming from the receptacle. In the vicinity of the bottom face of the applicator, the device comprises an element that forms an intermediate reservoir that is in permanent communication with the receptacle and that is suitable for retaining a certain quantity of the substance when the device is turned upside-down from a head-up position and is then returned to the head-up position. The intermediate reservoir-forming element are arranged to enable the substance retained in this way to feed the applicator, at least in certain conditions of use of the device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,801 to Colburn et al. discloses an applicator device for applying treatment fluid to various interior surfaces such as those found in an automobile, which is constructed with an applicator head including a housing having a bottom distribution plate and an applicator pad affixed thereto, and which is configured to complementally and releasably receive an associated fluid container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,802 to Nishitani et al. discloses a writing instrument adapted, responsive to a pressure axially applied to a pen core, to supply ink in an ink chamber to the pen core. The writing instrument includes a valve seat disposed between the ink chamber and the pen core. A valve body is operable to be selectively moved between a closed position where the valve body is in contact with the valve seat to isolate the pen core from the ink chamber and an open position where the valve body is spaced apart from the valve seat to communicate the pen core with the ink chamber. A pressing spring biases the valve body toward the front end of a pen shaft, and a support member for supporting the valve body and the pressing spring to allow the valve body to be moved in the axial direction. The support member includes a communication channel for communicating the inner space thereof with the ink chamber. The valve body has a channel control portion for allowing the ink flow through the communication channel to be more restricted when the valve body is in the closed position that when it is in the open position. The writing instrument can reduce the deposit of ink pigments around the valve body to prevent occurrence of defect in the operation of the valve body. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,722 to Colburn et al. discloses a tire applicator for applying treatment fluid to sidewall of a vehicle tire, which is constructed with an applicator head including a dispenser housing having a bottom distribution plate and an applicator pad affixed thereto, and which may be configured to complementally and releasably receive an associated container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,101,105 to Reggiani discloses a container-applicator for fluid products for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. An applicator is provided with a spongy-matrix body that is arranged proximate to an opening controlled by a valve element that can be operated from the outside of the container body, the valve element comprising a cap body that can be actuated rotationally in order to pass from a closed position to an open position of the opening and/or vice versa. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,871 to Thiebaut discloses a packaging and application device for a product, specifically a cosmetic product. The device includes a receptacle for cleaning the product having a longitudinal axis and a passageway. The receptacle also includes a porous or fibrous applicator element capable of communicating with the product in the receptacle through the passageway. A dispensing element adapted for opening and closing the passageway. The device further contains a dispensing element adapted for opening and closing the passageway and includes a mobile part rotatable about the longitudinal axis between a first position in which the passage is closed and a second position in which the passage is open. The device also includes a closure cap capable of engaging a dispensing element. 
     In my prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,320, I disclosed an improvement to U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820 to Kremer et al. comprising an applicator tip having a recess and a generally toroidal retaining ring disposed in the recess of the applicator tip. The recess cooperates with the retaining ring for preventing removal of the applicator tip from the liquid applicator device. 
     It is an object of the present invention is to improve upon U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820 to Kremer et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,252 to Kremer et al. and my U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,320 to provide an improved liquid applicator for increasing the liquid capacity of the liquid applicator device. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid applicator for a liquid applicator device for coupling the liquid applicator device to a container of increased volume. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid applicator for a liquid applicator device for coupling the liquid applicator device to an enlarged container without altering the dispensing mechanism of the liquid applicator device. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid applicator for a liquid applicator device that does not increase the cost of the dispensing mechanism of liquid applicator device. 
     The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects and a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specific embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to a liquid applicator comprising a liquid container and a liquid dispensing mechanism, the device having a valve element movable disposed between an open position and a closed position for controlling the flow of the applicator liquid from the container, the liquid dispensing mechanism comprising a hollow cylindrical portion for supporting an applicator tip with an inner end of the applicator tip communicating with the valve element enabling an axial displacement of the applicator tip to move the valve element into the open position for enabling the applicator tip to apply the liquid to a surface. The improvement comprises an applicator closure having a closure coupling for coupling the applicator closure to a peripheral rim of a container. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the improvement comprises the liquid container having a peripheral rim defining an opening the liquid container and an applicator closure having a closure coupling for coupling the applicator closure to a peripheral rim of a container. 
     In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the container includes a metallic container having a rolled peripheral rim. Alternatively, the container includes a polymeric container or a glass container having a molded peripheral rim. 
     In a one embodiment of the invention, the closure coupling includes an inner wall having a closure annular ring for securing the liquid dispensing mechanism. The closure coupling includes an outer wall and an intermediate resilient wall. The intermediate resilient wall resiliently retains the peripheral rim of a container between the outer wall and the intermediate resilient wall 
     Preferably, the closure coupling includes an outer wall having an outer wall annular radially inward projection. An intermediate resilient wall cooperates with the outer wall for resiliently retaining the peripheral rim of a container between the outer wall annular radially inward projection and the intermediate resilient wall. The intermediate resilient wall is deformable for allowing the peripheral rim to pass over the outer wall annular radially inward projection and to engage with an underside surface of the peripheral rim upon insertion of the peripheral rim into the applicator closure. 
     In still another embodiment of the invention, the improvement comprises an applicator closure having a closure coupling for coupling the applicator closure to a peripheral rim of a container. A shield is secured to the liquid container for providing protection between the applicator tip and an operator grasping the liquid container. Preferably, the shield is removably secured to the liquid container. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a liquid applicator device with a protective cap; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a liquid applicator device of  FIG. 1  with the protective cap removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 3  illustrating a liquid dispensing mechanism in a closed position; 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  illustrating the liquid dispensing mechanism in an open position; 
         FIG. 8  is a magnified view of a first example of an applicator tip suitable for use liquid dispensing mechanism of  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a magnified view of a second example of an applicator tip suitable for use liquid dispensing mechanism of  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of the applicator closure of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the applicator closure of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the applicator closure of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a view along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a magnified view a portion of the applicator closure of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the applicator closure and the liquid dispensing mechanism; 
         FIG. 16  is an assembled view of the applicator closure and the liquid dispensing mechanism of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the applicator closure and a liquid container; 
         FIG. 18  is an assembled view of the applicator closure and the liquid container of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of liquid applicator device with the protective cap removed; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged section view of a portion of  FIG. 19  illustrating the liquid dispensing mechanism in a closed position; 
         FIG. 21  is a view similar to  FIG. 20  illustrating the liquid dispensing mechanism in an open position; 
         FIG. 22  is an isometric view of a third embodiment of liquid applicator device with the protective cap removed; 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 22  illustrating the liquid dispensing mechanism in a closed position; 
         FIG. 24  is a view similar to  FIG. 23  illustrating the liquid dispensing mechanism in an open position; 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a liquid applicator device; 
         FIG. 26  is a sectional view along line  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 26  illustrating a liquid dispensing mechanism in a closed position; 
         FIG. 28  is a view similar to  FIG. 27  illustrating the liquid dispensing mechanism in an open position; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the applicator closure of  FIGS. 25-28  and a first portion of the liquid container; 
         FIG. 30  is an assembled view of the applicator closure and the first portion of the liquid container shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded view of an end plug of  FIGS. 25 and 26  and a second portion of the liquid container; 
         FIG. 32  is an assembled view of the end plug and the second portion of the liquid container of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a side sectional view of the end plug removably retaining a large size protective cap; 
         FIG. 34  is a side sectional view of the end plug removably retaining an intermediate size protective cap; 
         FIG. 35  is a side sectional view of the end plug removably retaining a small size protective cap; 
         FIG. 36  is a side exploded view of a fifth embodiment of a liquid applicator device and a protective shield; 
         FIG. 37  is an assembled view of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a front view of the protective shield of  FIGS. 36-37 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a side sectional view of the protective shield of  FIGS. 36-37 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a side sectional exploded view of a protective shield and a portion of the liquid container of  FIGS. 36-37 ; and 
         FIG. 41  is an assembled view of  FIG. 40 . 
     
    
    
     Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DISCUSSION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a liquid applicator device  5  for dispensing an applicator liquid  8  from a container  10 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the liquid applicator device  5  covered by a protective overcap  9  for preventing accidental dispensing of the applicator liquid  8 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the liquid applicator device  5  upon the removal of the protective overcap  9 . 
     The liquid applicator device  5  comprises an applicator tip  20  for dispensing the applicator liquid  8  from the container  10  onto the surface (not shown) by a dispensing mechanism  30 . As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the applicator tip  20  is used to dispense the applicator liquid  8  from the container  10  onto the surface (not shown) upon the depression of the applicator tip  20  by the applicator surface. 
       FIGS. 3-5  are various views of the liquid applicator device  5  of  FIG. 1 . The container  10  has a closed end  11 , an open end  12  and a generally cylindrical sidewall  13 . The open end  12  is adapted to introduce a quantity of the applicator liquid  8  into the container  10 . A peripheral rim  14  is located at the open end  12  to define the open end of the container  10 . In this example, the container  10  is shown as an aluminum monobloc aerosol. The container  10  is commonly referred to as a curl lip aerosol container  10  with the curl lip describing the peripheral rim  14 . However, it should be understood that virtually any type of a metallic, polymeric or glass container having a peripheral rim  14  maybe used with the present invention. 
     The applicator liquid  8  may be a marking liquid, a lubricating liquid, a cleaning liquid or any other type of liquid suitable for being dispensed by the applicator tip  20 . 
     The applicator tip  20  extends between an inner end  21  and an outer end  22 . The applicator tip  20  is a generally cylindrically shaped member defining a cylindrical diameter  23  between the inner end  21  and the outer end  22 . The applicator tip  20  may formed from a felt fiber, solid or a brush construction. The applicator tip  20  may be rigid or flexible. 
     In this example of the invention, the applicator tip  20  is formed of a highly compacted fibrous material such as polyester or other similar material having analogous properties sufficient to hold the original shape when moistened with the applicator liquid  8  but adequate to pass the applicator liquid  8  from the inner end  21  to the outer end of the applicator tip  20  by capillary action. In the alternative, the applicator tip  20  may be a non-porous material with grooves extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the applicator tip  20 . 
     The dispensing mechanism  30  includes an inner subassembly  31  and an outer subassembly  32 . The inner subassembly  31  includes a valve body  40 , a valve element  50 , a valve seal  60 , a spring  70  and a tubular seal  80 . The inner subassembly  31  is identical to the inner subassembly set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820 to Kremer et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,252 to Kremer et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820 to Kremer et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,252 to Kremer et al. are incorporated by reference into the present specification as if fully set forth herein. 
     The outer assembly  32  includes the improved applicator closure  90  of the present invention. The applicator closure  90  enables the inner subassembly  31  of U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820 to be coupled to a container  10  having a peripheral rim  14 . The use of a container  10  having a peripheral rim  14  provides an increased volume of the applicator liquid  8  than heretofore possible. The improved applicator closure  90  provides a support portion for positioning and slidably supporting the applicator tip  20 . 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged sectional view of the liquid dispensing mechanism  30  in a closed position. The valve body  40  extends between a valve body inner end  41  and a valve body outer end  42 . The valve body inner end  41  comprises a face having vents whereas the valve body outer end  42  comprises an opening. A cylindrical sidewall  43  extends between the valve body inner end  41  and the valve body outer end  42 . 
     A valve body shoulder  45  is formed on the valve body inner end  41  of the valve body  40 . The valve body shoulder  45  is used for affixing the valve body  40  to the applicator closure  90 . A valve body hollow  46  is defined within an inside surface of the cylindrical sidewall  43 . The valve body hollow  46  is used for affixing the valve body  40  to the valve seal  60 . 
     A valve body projection  47  extends from the valve body inner end  41  of the valve body  40 . A circular recess  48  is defined within the valve body inner end  41  of the valve body  40  and encircles the valve body projection  47 . The valve body projection  47  and the circular recess  48  cooperate to receive a first end  71  of the spring  70 . 
     The valve body  40  is provided with a hole  49  defined within the valve body inner end  41  of the valve body  40 . The hole  49  defined within the valve body  40  facilitates the flow of the applicator liquid  8  from the container  10  into the valve body  40 . 
     The valve element  50  extends between a valve element inner end  51  and a valve element outer end  52 . The valve element  50  defines a circumferential sidewall  54 . A valve element projection  56  extends from the valve element inner end  51  of the valve element  50 . The valve element projection  56  receives a second end  72  of the spring  70 . 
     The circumferential sidewall  54  of the valve body  40  supports a flared peripheral shoulder  58 . The outside diameter of the flared peripheral shoulder  58  is less than the inner diameter of the valve body  40  for enabling the valve element  50  to move within the valve body  40 . 
     The valve seal  60  includes a valve seal inner end  61  and a valve seal outer end  62  with a cylindrical sidewall  63  extending therebetween. The cylindrical sidewall  63  is provided with a valve seal shoulder  64 . The valve seal shoulder  64  is shown as a circumferential shoulder having a diameter greater than the remainder of the cylindrical sidewall  63  of the valve seal  60 . The valve seal shoulder  64  has a diameter substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the valve body  40 . 
     The valve seal  60  includes a valve seal annular bulge  66  extending about an outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall  63 . The valve seal annular bulge  66  cooperates with the valve body hollow  46  of the valve body  40  for affixing the valve body  40  to the valve seal  60 . 
     The valve seal  60  is press fit into the valve body  40  with the valve element  50  and the spring  70  located therebetween. The valve seal shoulder  64  limits the depth of penetration of the valve seal  60  into the valve body  40 . The valve body hollow  46  of the valve body  40  receives the valve seal annular bulge  66  of the valve seal  60  for interlocking the valve seal  60  within the valve body  40  to form the inner subassembly  31  of the dispenser mechanism  30 . 
     The outside diameter of the flared peripheral shoulder  58  of the valve element  50  is less than the inner diameter of the valve body  40  enabling the valve element  50  to move within the valve body  40 . The outside diameter of the flared peripheral shoulder  58  of the valve element  50  is greater than the inner diameter of the valve seal inner end  61  of the valve seal  60  for enabling valve element  50  to form a seal with the valve seal  60 . 
     The spring  70  biases the dispensing mechanism  30  in a closed condition as shown in  FIG. 5 . When the dispensing mechanism  30  in the closed condition, the flared peripheral shoulder  58  of the valve element  50  is biased by the spring  70  into engagement with the valve seal inner end  61  of the valve seal  60 . The engagement of the flared peripheral shoulder  58  with the valve seal inner end  61  prevents the passage of the applicator liquid  8  from the container  10  to the tip  20 . 
     A tubular seal  80  extends between a tubular seal inner end  81  and a tubular seal outer end  82 . A mounting  84  integrally secures the tubular seal  80  to the valve seal outer end  62  of the valve seal  60 . The tubular seal  80  provides a sliding seal with the applicator tip  20 . 
     The inner end  21  of the applicator tip  20  is in direct engagement with the valve seal outer end  52  of the valve seal  50 . The cylindrical diameter  23  of the applicator tip  20  forms a sliding seal with the tubular seal  80 . 
     The applicator closure  90  extends between a closure inner end  91  and a closure outer end  92 . The closure inner end  91  of the closure is open for receiving a portion of the inner subassembly  31  within an internal tapered region  93  of the applicator closure  90 . The internal tapered region  93  communicates with a passageway  94  extending to the closure outer end  92  of the applicator closure  90 . 
     The applicator closure  90  includes a closure annular ring  95  extending inwardly from the applicator closure  90 . The internal tapered region  93  of the applicator closure  90  includes a closure shoulder  96  for cooperating with the valve seal shoulder  64  of the valve seal  60 . 
     The internal tapered region  93  of the applicator closure  90  receives a portion of the inner subassembly  31  with the valve seal shoulder  64  engaging the closure shoulder  96 . The closure annular ring  95  of the applicator closure  90  engages with the valve body shoulder  45  of the valve body  40  for interlocking the valve body  40  to the applicator closure  90  thereby joining the inner subassembly  31  to the outer subassembly  32 . 
     The applicator closure  90  has support centering ribs  98  extending from the inner surface of the passageway  94 . The support centering ribs  98  frictionally engages and supports the applicator tip  20 . The support centering ribs  98  support the applicator tip  20  in a sliding engagement for enabling axial movement of the applicator tip  20  relative to the applicator closure  90 . The inner end  21  of the applicator tip  20  engages the outer end  52  of the valve seal  50  whereas the outer end  22  of the applicator tip  20  extends from the applicator closure  90 . 
     A closure coupling  100  joins the applicator closure  90  to the peripheral rim  14  for coupling the dispensing mechanism  30  to the container  10 . The closure coupling  100  couples the dispensing mechanism  30  to the container  10  will be explained hereafter with reference to  FIGS. 11-18 . 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view similar to  FIG. 6  illustrating the liquid dispensing mechanism  30  in an open position. The inner end  21  of the applicator tip  20  is in direct engagement with the valve seal outer end  52  of the valve seal  50 . The cylindrical diameter  23  of the applicator tip  20  forms a sliding seal with the tubular seal  80 . The cylindrical diameter  23  of the applicator tip  20  is supported in a sliding engagement by the support centering ribs  98  extending from the applicator closure  90  for enabling axial movement of the applicator tip  20  relative to the applicator closure  90 . 
     A depression of the applicator tip  20  as indicated by the arrow against a surface (not shown) will compress the spring  70  and move the valve element  50  inwardly from the valve seal  60  to move the dispensing mechanism  30  in the open condition. The flared peripheral shoulder  58  of the valve element  50  is separated from the valve seal inner end  61  of the valve seal  60  for enabling the passage of the applicator liquid  8  from the container  10  into contact with the inner end  21  of the applicator tip  20 . The applicator liquid  8  moves from the inner end  21  to replenish the applicator liquid  8  to the outer end  22  of the applicator tip  20  by capillary action and/or by action of gravity. The applicator liquid  8  at the outer end  22  of the applicator tip  20  may be transferred to a surface (not shown) by marking, dabbing or a brushing action. 
       FIG. 8  is a magnified view of the first example of the applicator tip  20  shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . The applicator tip  20  is maintained within the applicator closure  90  by a frictional engagement as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,820. 
       FIG. 9  is a magnified view of a second example of an applicator tip  20 A suitable for use liquid dispensing mechanism of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In this example, the applicator tip  20 A is maintained within the applicator closure  90  by a retaining ring  105  is located within the annular recess  24 A as set forth in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,320. U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,320, to Ballot et al. is incorporated by reference into the present specification as if fully set forth herein. 
       FIGS. 10-14  illustrate the applicator closure  90  and the closure coupling  100  for coupling the applicator closure  90  to the container  10 . The closure coupling  100  comprises an outer wall  110 , an inner wall  120  a transverse wall  130  and a resilient intermediate wall  140 . The outer wall  110  extends between a proximal end  111  and a distal end  112 . Similarly, the inner wall  120  extends between a proximal end  121  and a distal and  122 . The transverse wall  130  extends between the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120 . The resilient intermediate wall  140  extends between a proximal end  141  and a distal end  142 . The proximal end  141  of the resilient intermediate wall  140  is secured to the transverse wall  130 . 
     The resilient intermediate wall  140  is located between the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120 . The proximal ends  111 ,  121  and  141  of the outer wall  110 , the inner wall  120  and the resilient intermediate wall  140  are integrally formed with the transverse wall  130  as a one-piece unit. The distal ends  112 ,  122  and  142  of the outer wall  110 , the inner wall  120  and the resilient intermediate wall  140  extend from the transverse wall  130  in a generally parallel relationship. 
     The inner wall  120  carries the closure annular ring  95  for securing the inner subassembly  31  to the applicator closure  90 . The outer wall  110  includes an outer wall annular radially inward projection  114  for engaging with the peripheral rim  14  of the container  10 . The transverse wall  130  supports an annular axially extending projection seal  134  for sealing the applicator closure  90  to the container  10 . The resiliency of the resilient intermediate wall  140  allows the distal and  142  to bend along the length of the resilient intermediate wall  140 . 
     The outer wall  110  cooperates with the resilient intermediate wall  140  and the projection seal  134  for sealing the applicator closure  90  to the container  10 . The interrelationship of the outer wall  110  cooperating with the resilient intermediate wall  140  and the projection seal  134  for sealing the applicator closure  90  to the container  10  will be explained in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 15-18 . 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  are exploded and assembled views of the applicator closure  90  and the inner subassembly  31 . The annular ring  95  on the inner wall  120  of the applicator closure  90  receives the annular bulge of the valve seal  60  for securing the inner subassembly  31  to the applicator closure  90 . 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  are exploded and assembled views of the applicator closure  90  and a liquid container  10 . The peripheral rim  14  of the container  10  defines an opening  15  in the liquid container  10  by an inner surface  16 . The peripheral rim  14  further comprises an end surface  17  defining a peak of the peripheral rim  14 . An underside surface  18  is defined by the termination of the peripheral rim  14  and the sidewall of the liquid container  10 . 
     When the peripheral rim  14  of the container  10  is inserted within the closure coupling  100  of the applicator closure  90 , the resilient intermediate wall  140  is deformed for allowing insertion of the peripheral rim  14 . The resilient intermediate wall  140  enables the peripheral rim  14  to pass over the outer wall annular radially inward projection  114  during insertion of the peripheral rim  14 . 
     After insert of the peripheral rim  14 , the outer wall annular radially inward projection  114  engages with the underside surface  18  of the peripheral rim  14 . The resilient intermediate wall  140  maintains contact pressure to the inner surface  16  of the peripheral rim  14  to keep the outer wall annular radially inward projection  114  in engagement with the underside surface  18  of the peripheral rim  14 . The end surface  17  of the peripheral rim  14  engages with the annular axially extending projection seal  134  of the transverse wall  130  for sealing the applicator closure  90  to the container  10 . 
       FIGS. 19-21  are various views of a second embodiment of liquid applicator device  5 A of the present invention. Similar parts are labeled with similar reference characters as  FIGS. 1-19 . In the embodiment, the liquid applicator device  5 A is provided with an applicator closure  90 A having an enlarged passageway  94 A for receiving an enlarged tip  20 A. The enlarged tip  20 A comprises a generally cylindrical inner end  21 A and an enlarged generally cylindrical outer end  22 A. The generally cylindrical inner end  21 A is slidably received within the tubular seal  80  in a manner similar to  FIGS. 1-18 . The enlarged outer end  22 A is shown with an enlarged distal circular end for applying the liquid  8  to a large surface area. 
       FIGS. 22-24  are various views of a third embodiment of liquid applicator device  5 B of the present invention. Similar parts are labeled with similar reference characters as  FIG. 19-21 . In the embodiment, the liquid applicator device  5 B is provided with an applicator closure  90 B having an enlarged passageway  94 B for receiving an enlarged tip  20 B. The enlarged tip  20 B comprises a generally cylindrical inner end  21 B and an enlarged outer end  22 B having a rectangular cross-section. The generally cylindrical inner end  21 B is slidably received within the tubular seal  80  in a manner similar to  FIGS. 19-21 . The enlarged outer end  22 A is shown with an enlarged rectangular distal end for applying the liquid  8  to a large surface area. 
       FIGS. 25-35  are various views of a fourth embodiment of liquid applicator device  5 C for dispensing an applicator liquid  8  from a container  10 C. The liquid applicator device  5 C comprises an applicator tip  20 C for dispensing the applicator liquid  8  from the container  10 C by a dispensing mechanism  30 . The dispensing mechanism  30  is similar to the dispensing mechanism  30  shown in  FIGS. 1-24 . 
     In this example, the container  10 C has an open end  11 C, an open end  12 C and a cylindrical sidewall  13 C. Either of the open ends  11 C and  12 C may be used to introduce the applicator liquid  8  into the container  10 C. The peripheral rim  14 C is located at the open end  12 C of the container  10 C. An end plug  150 C is used for sealing the open end  11 C of the container  10 C. 
     In this example, the container  10 C including the peripheral rim  14 C is molded as a one piece unit from a polymeric material. However, it should be understood that the virtually any type of a material such as glass, ceramic material may be used for forming the container  10 C for the present invention. 
     The applicator tip  20 C extends between an inner end  21 C and an outer end  22 C. The applicator tip  20 C is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-section that extends uniformly between the inner end  21 C and the outer end  22 C. 
     The dispensing mechanism  30 C includes an inner subassembly  31 C and an outer subassembly  32 C. The inner subassembly  31 C includes a valve body  40 C, a valve element  50 C, a valve seal  60 C and a spring  70 C. In contrast to the dispensing mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 1-24 , dispensing mechanisms the  30 C lacks a tubular seal  80 . 
     The outer assembly  32 C includes the applicator closure  90 C for coupling the inner subassembly  31 C to the peripheral rim  14 C of the container  10 C. The applicator closure  90 C includes a smooth passageway  94  lacking the centering ribs  98  shown in  FIGS. 15-18  for providing a seal between the applicator tip  20 C and the applicator closure  90 C. The inner end  21 C of the applicator tip  20 C is in direct engagement with the valve seal  50 C. The applicator tip  20  forms a sliding seal with the smooth passageway  94  of the applicator closure  90 C. A closure coupling  100 C joins the applicator closure  90 C to the peripheral rim  14 C for coupling the dispensing mechanism  30  to the container  10 C. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  are enlarged views of a portion of  FIG. 26  illustrating a liquid dispensing mechanism  30  in a closed position and an open position, respectively. The dispensing mechanism  30  operates in a manner as heretofore described. 
       FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the applicator closure  90 C of  FIGS. 25-28  and a first portion of the liquid container  10 C. The closure coupling  100 C is identical to the closure coupling  100  heretofore described with reference to  FIGS. 11-14 . 
     The peripheral rim  14 C of the liquid container  10 C is integrally molded with the liquid container  10 C. The liquid container  10 C includes a series of container connectors  160 C including a plurality of circumferential projection  161 C and a stop shoulder  162 C. An annular taper  163 C extends from the stop shoulder  162 C to a container annular shoulder  164 C. A mounting recess  165 C is located intermediate the annular taper  163 C and the container annular shoulder  164 C. 
       FIG. 30  is an assembled view of the applicator closure  90 C and the first portion of the liquid container  10 C shown in  FIG. 29 . The peripheral rim  14 C of the liquid container  10 C is inserted within the closure coupling  100 C of the applicator closure  90 C. The resilient intermediate wall  140 C is deformed for allowing insertion of the peripheral rim  14 C. The peripheral rim  14 C, the outer wall annular radially inward projection  114 C engages with the underside surface  18 C of the peripheral rim  14 C when the first end  91 C of the applicator closure  90 C engages with the stop shoulder  162 C. The resilient intermediate wall  140 C maintains contact pressure to the inner surface  16 C of the peripheral rim  14 C to keep the outer wall annular radially inward projection  114 C in engagement with the underside surface  18 C of the peripheral rim  14 C. The end surface  17 C of the peripheral rim  14 C engages with the annular axially extending projection seal  134 C of the transverse wall  130 C for sealing the applicator closure  90 C to the container  10 C. The plurality of circumferential projection  161 C insure proper sealing of the liquid container  10 C to the applicator closure  90 C. 
       FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the end plug  150 C of  FIGS. 25 and 26  and a second portion of the liquid container  10 C. The liquid container  10 C includes a plurality of circumferential recesses  19 C located on an interior surface of the liquid container  10 C. The end plug  150 C comprises a plurality of circumferential projection  151 C located on an exterior surface of the end plug  150 C. A stop shoulder  152 C extends outwardly from the end plug  150 C and is located adjacent to the plurality of circumferential projection  151 C. 
     A central projection  153 C is located in an end surface of the end plug  150 C. The central projection  153 C defines an outer mounting surface  155 C and an intermediate mounting surface  156 C as well as an inner mounting surface  157 C. The function of the outer mounting surface  155 C, the intermediate mounting surface  156 C and the inner mounting surface  157  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 33-35 . 
       FIG. 32  is an assembled view of the end plug  150 C and the second portion of the liquid container  10 C of  FIG. 31 . The end plug  150 C is shown inserted within the end  11 C of the container  10 C with the plurality of circumferential projection  151 C located on the exterior surface of the end plug  150 C engaging with the plurality of circumferential recesses  19 C located on an interior surface of the liquid container  10 C. The end  11 C of the container  10 C is shown engaging with the stop shoulder  152 C of the end plug  150 C. 
       FIG. 33  is a side sectional view of the end plug  150 C removably retaining a large size protective cap  9 X. The outer mounting surface  155 C of the end plug  150 C is dimensioned to removable receive and temporally store the large size protective cap  9 X. 
       FIG. 34  is a side sectional view of the end plug  150 C removably retaining an intermediate size protective cap  9 Y. The intermediate mounting surface  156 C of the end plug  150 C is dimensioned to removable receive and temporally store the intermediate size protective cap  9 Y. 
       FIG. 35  is a side sectional view of the end plug  150 C removably retaining a small size protective cap  9 Z. The inner mounting surface  157 C of the end plug  150 C is dimensioned to removable receive and temporally store the small size protective cap  9 Z. 
       FIGS. 36 and 37  are side exploded and side assembled views of a fifth embodiment of a liquid applicator device  5 D and a protective shield  170 D. The liquid applicator device  5 D similar to the fourth embodiment of a liquid applicator device  5 C shown in  FIGS. 25-35 . The protective shield  170 D is optional to the operation of the liquid applicator device  5 D and may be removably secured to the applicator closure  90 D of the liquid applicator device  5 D. 
       FIGS. 38 and 39  are front view and side sectional views of the protective shield  170 D of  FIGS. 36-37 . The protective shield  170 D comprises an inner surface  171 D and an outer surface  172 D defined by an outer periphery  173 D. In this example, the protective shield  170 D is shown as generally circular having a flat  174 D but it should be understood that the outer periphery  173 D may take various shapes depending upon the intended use. In this example, the generally circular outer periphery  173 D has the flat  174 D for preventing rolling of the liquid applicator device  5 D when placed upon a surface (not shown). The protective shield  170 D is made from a deformable and resilient material. 
     The protective shield  170 D includes an inner shoulder  175 D having an inner diameter  176 D. An outer shoulder  178 D has a smaller outer diameter  176 D. The inner diameter  176 D communicates with the smaller outer diameter  176 D through an internal step  177 D. 
       FIGS. 40 and 41  are side sectional exploded and assembled views of the protective shield  170 D and a portion of the liquid container  10 D of  FIGS. 36-37 . The protective shield  170 D is secured to the liquid container  10 D of the liquid applicator device  5 D by passing the inner diameter  176 D and the outer diameter  176 D over the annular taper  163 D of the liquid container  10 D. The protective shield  170 D is deformed until the internal step  177 D engages the container annular shoulder  164 D of the liquid container  10 D. The resiliency of the protective shield  170 D causes the outer shoulder  178 D to be received by the mounting recess  165 D for removably securing the protective shield  170 D to the liquid container  10 D. 
     The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.