Patent Publication Number: US-11019908-B1

Title: Shaving brush and applicator

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an applicator and, more particularly, an applicator that is adapted to be attached to a shaving cream can to dispense shaving cream/gel to a shaving brush attached to the applicator. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Applicators are used for dispensing liquids and foams for various uses. What is needed is an applicator having a shaving brush that is adapted to be easily attached to a shaving cream can and facilitate dispensing the shaving cream or gel directly to the shaving brush in an easy and efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment, an applicator, comprising an upper cap including a base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first tubular member extending from the first end of the base and having an interior portion, and a feed tube having a first end located within the interior portion of the first tubular member, and a second end extending outwardly from the second end of the base, wherein the first end of the feed tube is adapted to engage a valve extending from a first end of a container; and a lower cap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end of the lower cap, an interior portion extending between the first end of the lower cap and the second end of the lower cap, and a second tubular member extending inwardly from the second end of the lower cap, wherein the first end of the lower cap is adapted to be removably attached to the first end of the container, wherein the upper cap is attached to the lower cap such that the first tubular member of the upper cap is slidably inserted into the second tubular member of the lower cap, wherein the upper cap is movable longitudinally relative to the lower cap from a first position, in which the first end of the feed tube is disengaged with the valve of the container, and a second position, in which the first end of the feed tube is engaged with the valve of the container and pushes the valve to an engaged position such that contents of the container are released therefrom and conveyed through the feed tube and expelled from the second end of the tube. 
     In an embodiment, the first tubular member of the upper cap includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end of the first tubular member, and at least one locking tab extending from the second end of the first tubular member, wherein the second tubular member of the lower cap includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the second tubular member, and wherein the at least one locking tab of the first tubular member of the upper cap is adapted to releasably engage the second end of the second tubular member of the lower cap. In an embodiment, the second tubular member of the lower cap includes an inner wall and at least one pin extending radially inwardly from the inner wall proximate to the second end thereof, wherein the first tubular member of the upper cap includes a wall having at least one first slot formed therein and extending from the second end of the first tubular member to a closed end intermediate the first and second ends of the first tubular member, and at least one second slot circumferentially formed therein and extending from the corresponding at least one first slot, wherein each of the at least one first and second slots is adapted to receive a corresponding one of the at least one pin such that upper cap and the lower cap are moveable relative to one another from an unlocked position, in which the at least one pin is positioned in the at least one slot and the upper cap is moveable longitudinally relative to the lower cap, and a locked position, in which the upper cap is rotatable relative to the lower cap and the at least one pin is positioned within the at least one second slot such that the upper cap is inhibited from moving longitudinally relative to the lower cap. 
     In an embodiment, the at least one pin includes two pins, the at least one first slot includes two first slots, and the at least one second slot includes two second slots, wherein the two pins are diametrically opposed to one another, and each pair of corresponding first and second slots are diametrically opposed to one another. In an embodiment, the lower cap includes an inner wall and at least one snap tab extending from and circumferentially on the inner wall and located proximate to the first end of the lower cap, and wherein the at least one snap tab is adapted to removably engage the first end of the container to removably install the applicator on the container. In an embodiment, the at least one snap tab includes a plurality of snap tabs. 
     In an embodiment, the lower cap includes an outer wall opposite the inner wall of the lower cap and at least one enlarged tab extending from the outer wall of the lower cap, and wherein the at least one enlarged tab is sized and shaped to facilitate the installation of the applicator, and release of the applicator from, the container. In an embodiment, the base of the upper cap includes an outer wall having gripping means. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of ribs. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of gripping dots. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a tactile material. 
     In an embodiment, the feed tube includes an inner wall that tapers radially outwardly from the first end of the feed tube to the second end of the feed tube. 
     In an embodiment, the applicator further comprises a brush adapted to be slidably attached to the tube. In an embodiment, the base of the upper cap includes a centrally located recess formed within the second end thereof, and wherein the brush includes a brush base that is sized and shaped to be installed within the recess of the base of the upper cap. In an embodiment, the brush base is attached to the upper cap by an adhesive. In an embodiment, the brush includes a shaving brush having a bulb with a plurality of bristles, and the container includes an aerosol shaving can, the contents of which being shaving fluid, and wherein the shaving fluid is fed through the feed tube to the bristles of the shaving brush. In an embodiment, the bulb is recessed within the recess of the upper cap. In an embodiment, the shaving fluid is selected from the group consisting of shaving cream and shaving gel. In an embodiment, the container includes an aerosol paint can, the contents of which being paint. 
     In an embodiment, the first tubular member of the upper cap includes at least one bayonet clip stop located at the second end of the first tubular member. In an embodiment, the wall of the first tubular member of the upper cap includes an outer wall and a plurality of ribs extending from the outer wall and from the first end of the first tubular member to the second end of the first tubular member, and wherein the plurality of ribs is adapted to reduce friction between the outer wall of the first tubular member of the upper cap and the inner wall of the second tubular member of the lower cap. In an embodiment, the applicator is adapted to dispense the contents of the container inline and axially through the feed tube. In an embodiment, the feed tube includes a valve positioned at the second end thereof, wherein the valve of the feed tube includes a one-way slit to enable the release of the contents from the container. 
     In an embodiment, wherein the lower cap includes at least one rib extending radially inwardly from the inner wall of the lower cap. In an embodiment, at least one rib includes a plurality of ribs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is cross-sectional view, taken along lines  3 - 3  and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the applicator of  FIG. 2 , and attached to a container; 
         FIG. 4  is perspective view of an upper cap employed by the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is perspective view of a lower cap employed by the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is bottom perspective view of the applicator of  FIG. 1  shown in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 8  is bottom perspective view of the applicator of  FIG. 1  shown in a locked position; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the applicator of  FIG. 1  attached to a container and having an applicator brush; and 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the applicator, container and brush shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above and discussed in greater detail below, can be understood by reference to the illustrative embodiments of the invention depicted in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and may be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
     Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention can become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given regarding the various embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. 
     Throughout the specification, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “in an embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” “in other embodiments,” and “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Further, when a feature, structure, or characteristic is described regarding an implementation, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic regarding other implementations whether or not explicitly described herein. 
     The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , in an embodiment, an applicator  10  includes an upper cap  12  and a lower cap  14  releasably attached to the upper cap  12 . In an embodiment, the upper cap  12  and the lower cap  14  are made of plastic. In an embodiment, the upper cap  12  and the lower cap  14  are made of polypropylene. In other embodiments, the upper cap  12  and the lower cap  14  are made of other suitable materials known in the art. In an embodiment, the upper cap  12  includes a base  16  having a first end  18 , a second end  20  opposite the first end  18 , and a first tubular member  22  extending from the first end  18  of the base  16  and having an interior portion  24 . In an embodiment, the base  16  is frusto-conical in shape. In another embodiment, the base  16  is disc-shaped. In an embodiment, the base  16  of the upper cap  12  includes an outer wall  26  having gripping means. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of ribs  28 . In another embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of gripping dots. In another embodiment, the gripping means includes a tactile material. In an embodiment, the base  16  includes an annular ring  29  proximate to the second end  20  thereof. In an embodiment, one end of each of the plurality of ribs  28  extends to the ring  29 . In an embodiment, the base  16  of the upper cap  12  includes a centrally located wall  30  extending within the second end  20  of the base  16 , the wall  30  forming a recess  32 . In an embodiment, the wall  30  is ring-shaped and the recess  32  is an annular recess. In other embodiments, the wall  30  may consist of other shapes and sizes, such as square, triangular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The purpose and function of the wall  30  and the recess  32  will be described hereinafter. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , in an embodiment, the upper cap  12  includes a feed tube  34  having a first end  36  located within the interior portion  24  of the first tubular member  22 , and a second end  38  extending outwardly from the second end  20  of the base  16 . In an embodiment, the feed tube  34  is centrally located. In an embodiment, the first end  36  of the feed tube  34  is adapted to engage a valve  202  extending from a first end  204  of a container  200 . In an embodiment, the container  200  is an aerosol can and the valve  202  is an aerosol valve. In an embodiment, the feed tube  34  includes an inner wall  40  that tapers radially outwardly from the first end  36  of the feed tube  34  to the second end  38  of the feed tube  34 . In an embodiment, the applicator  10  includes a tubular-shaped valve  42  that is slidably attached to the second end  38  of the feed tube  34 . In an embodiment, the valve  42  is made from a flexible material and includes a first end  44  having a slit  46 . In an embodiment, the slit  46  is cross-shaped. In another embodiment, the slit  46  is linear. In embodiment, the valve  42  is made of silicone. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , in an embodiment, the first tubular member  22  of the upper cap  12  includes a first end  48 , a second end  50  opposite the first end  48  of the first tubular member  22 , and at least one locking tab  52  extending from the second end  50  of the first tubular member  22 . In an embodiment, the at least one locking tab  52  includes a plurality of locking tabs  52 . In an embodiment, the first tubular member  22  of the upper cap  12  further includes a wall  54  having at least one first slot  56  formed therein and extending from the second end  50  of the first tubular member  22  to a closed end  58  intermediate the first and second ends  48 ,  50  of the first tubular member  22 , and at least one second slot  60  circumferentially formed therein and extending from the corresponding at least one first slot  56 . In an embodiment, the at least one first slot  56  includes two first slots  56 , and the at least one second slot  60  includes two second slots  60 . In an embodiment, each pair of corresponding first and second slots  56 ,  60  are diametrically opposed to one another. In an embodiment, the first tubular member  22  of the upper cap  12  includes at least one bayonet clip stop located at the second end  50  of the first tubular member  22 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in an embodiment, the wall  54  of the first tubular member  22  of the upper cap  12  includes an outer surface  64  and optionally a plurality of ribs  66  extending from the outer surface  64  and from the first end  48  of the first tubular member  22  to the second end  50  of the first tubular member  22 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , in an embodiment, the lower cap  14  includes a first end  68 , a second end  70  opposite the first end  68  of the lower cap  14 , an interior portion  72  extending between the first end  68  of the lower cap  14  and the second end  70  of the lower cap  14 , and a second tubular member  74  extending inwardly from the second end  70  of the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, the first end  68  of the lower cap  14  is adapted to be removably attached to the first end  204  of the container  200 . In an embodiment, the second tubular member  74  of the lower cap  14  includes a first end  76  and a second end  78  opposite the first end  76  of the second tubular member  74 . In an embodiment, the second tubular member  74  of the lower cap  14  further includes an inner wall  80  and at least one pin  82  extending radially inwardly from the inner wall  80  proximate to the second end  78  thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one pin  82  includes two pins  82 . In an embodiment, the pins  82  are diametrically opposed to one another. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 through 9 , in an embodiment, the lower cap  14  includes an inner wall  84  and at least one snap tab  86  extending from and circumferentially on the inner wall  84  and located proximate to the first end  68  of the lower cap  14 , and wherein the at least one snap tab  86  is adapted to removably engage the first end  204  of the container  200  to removably install the applicator  10  on the container  200 . In the embodiment, the at least one snap tab  86  includes a plurality of snap tabs  86 . In an embodiment, the lower cap  14  includes an outer wall  88  opposite the inner wall  84  of the lower cap  14  and at least one enlarged tab  90  extending from the outer wall  88  of the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, the at least one enlarged tab  90  is sized and shaped to facilitate the installation of the applicator  10  to, and the release of the applicator  10  from, the container  200 . In another embodiment, the at least one enlarged tab  90  includes a plurality of enlarged tabs  90 . Referring to  FIGS. 7 through 9 , in an embodiment, the lower cap  14  includes at least one rib  92  extending radially inwardly from the inner wall  84 . In an embodiment, the at least one rib  92  extends from the first end  68  of the lower cap  14  to a point intermediate the first and second ends  68 ,  70  of the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, the at least one rib  92  includes a plurality of the ribs  92 . In an embodiment, the plurality of rubs  92  includes five of the ribs  92  circumferentially spaced-apart equally from one another. In an embodiment, the ribs  92  provide structural support for the inner wall  84 . In an embodiment, the ribs  92  act as a stop when the first end  68  of the lower cap  14  is attached to the first end  204  of the container  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 9 , in an embodiment, the upper cap  12  is attached to the lower cap  14  such that the first tubular member  22  of the upper cap  12  is slidably inserted into the second tubular member  74  of the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, the locking tabs  52  of the first tubular member  22  of the upper cap  12  is adapted to releasably engage the second end  78  of the second tubular member  74  of the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, the plurality of ribs  66  is adapted to reduce friction between the outer surface  64  of the wall  54  of the first tubular member  22  of the upper cap  12  and the inner wall  80  of the second tubular member  74  of the lower cap  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , in an embodiment, the applicator  10  includes a brush  100  adapted to be slidably attached to the feed tube  34 . In an embodiment, the brush  100  includes a brush base  102  that is sized and shaped to be installed within the recess  32  and inside the wall  30  of the upper cap  12 . In an embodiment, the brush base  102  is attached to the second end  20  of the base  16  the upper cap  12  by an adhesive. In other embodiments, the brush base  102  is attached to the second end  20  of the base  16  by other suitable means known in the art, e.g., tabs, bayonet clips, friction fit, threads, etc. In an embodiment, the brush  100  is a shaving brush. In an embodiment, the brush  100  includes a bulb  104  with a plurality of bristles  106 . In other embodiments, the brush  100  can consist of the shaving brushes shown and described in U.S. Design Pat. No. D850,116 S to Schmidt entitled “SHAVING BRUSH,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. In another embodiment, the bulb  104  is recessed within the recess  32  of the upper cap  12 . In another embodiment, the brush  100  need not be utilized or included. 
     In an embodiment, the upper cap  12  is movable longitudinally relative to the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, the upper cap  12  is movable from a first position, in which the first end  36  of the feed tube  36  is disengaged with the valve  202  of the container  200 , and a second position, in which the first end  36  of the feed tube  36  is engaged with the valve  202 . In an embodiment, each of the first and second slots  56 ,  60  is adapted to receive a corresponding one of the pins  82 , such that upper cap  12  and the lower cap  14  are moveable relative to one another from an unlocked position, in which the pins  82  are positioned in the corresponding first slots  56  and the upper cap  12  is moveable longitudinally relative to the lower cap  14 , and a locked position, in which the upper cap  12  is rotatable relative to the lower cap  14  and the pins  82  are positioned within the corresponding second slots  60  such that the upper cap  12  is inhibited from moving longitudinally relative to the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, when the upper cap  12  is in its second position, it pushes the container valve  202  to an engaged position such that contents of the container  200  are released and conveyed through the feed tube  34  and expelled from the second end  38  of the feed tube  34 . In an embodiment, the ribs  28  facilitate a user to rotate the upper cap  12  relative to the lower cap  14 . In an embodiment, the ring  29  provides for a stop and another surface for a user&#39;s hand when manipulating the upper cap  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the applicator  10  is adapted to dispense the contents of the container  200  inline vertically through the feed tube  34 . As indicated above, the inner wall  40  of the feed tube  34  tapers radially inwardly from the first end  36  to the second end  38 , such that the second end  38  has a larger inner diameter. This reduces the pressure of the contents expelled to prevent too much of the contents exiting too fast. In an embodiment, the valve  42  of the applicator  10  is a one-way valve, such that the contents of the container  200  is expelled out through the slit  46 , but the slit  46  closes after use of the applicator  10 . This assists in the prevention of drying of residual contents in the feed tube  34  to prevent blockage therein. 
     In an embodiment, the container  200  includes an aerosol shaving can, the contents of which being shaving fluid. In an embodiment, the shaving fluid is fed through the feed tube to the bristles of the shaving brush. In an embodiment, the shaving fluid can be shaving cream or shaving gel. In another embodiment, the container  200  includes an aerosol paint can, the contents of which being paint. In other embodiments, the container  200  can be other types of aerosol cans having associated pressurized contents, such as cleaners, insulation foams, lubricants, and other health and beauty products. 
     All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.