Patent Publication Number: US-2005135868-A1

Title: Automotive interior liquid applicator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/437,762, filed May 14, 2003, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. ______ and on which this application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to an applicator device for conveniently and effectively applying cleaning and other treatment fluids to a variety of surfaces, such as a dashboard or the many other upholstery surfaces found in the interior of an automobile.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      Automobile and other vehicle owners often use various cleaning, polishing and other appearance maintenance substances to enhance and preserve the internal appearance of their vehicles. These substances may be found in a multiplicity of chemical compositions assuming several forms, and will generally be sprayed or squeezed from their container directly onto the surface to be treated or onto a simple applicator device such as a rag or sponge. Such devices, however, have their disadvantages. For instance, a used rag soaked with treatment liquid must be either discarded or laundered after use. Laundering may prove to be time consuming and expensive, and discarding the rag and purchasing a new one for each use can be inconvenient, cost prohibitive and detrimental to the environment. Also, traditional applicator devices, such as sponges or rags, are not easily or efficiently manipulated by the user, and are often not shaped to conform to and reach the many and varied contours and crevices in an automobile interior.  
      Cleaning or other treatment fluids often come in contact with the user&#39;s hands, causing them to be dirtied or otherwise harmed by such contact. A sponge, when gripped, may also become distorted in the middle to curve upwardly at the sides as the user squeezes it or attempts to apply controlled and focused pressure to a certain spot, resulting in an uneven and distorted contact surface that negates the smooth flow and even application of substance being applied. Furthermore, with traditional sponges or rag applicators, the user must periodically apply cleaning or treatment fluid to the applicator.  
      Many devices have been developed for applying polishing, waxing, cleaning or other treatment compounds to a surface. However, without a handle or other design measures to assist the user in focusing and controlling the amount and magnitude of his or her treatment or cleaning efforts, traditional applicator devices have proven to be inconvenient and inefficient, especially for treatment of automobile upholstering or dash boards. What adds to the challenge of applying these fluids to the interior surfaces of a automobile is the fact that such surfaces are often formed in recesses or are configured with compound curvatures, angles and crevices of various shapes and sizes that challenge the effective and sustained access and control achievable with conventional applicators. For example, when using many traditional applicators, a user may encounter significant difficulty when attempting to apply treatment fluid to the portion of an automobile dashboard that is directly adjacent to its intersection with the rearwardly sloped windshield. Additionally, without a readily accessible resupply of such cleaning or treatment fluid, even with easily reachable surfaces, continuous re-application of fluid to the treatment surface or applicator device leads to inefficient expenditure of a user&#39;s time and energy. Therefore, an applicator device is needed that can provide for a steady, prolonged and efficient flow of treatment fluid that is well distributed across the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the working surface, but that is also capable of reaching the totality of the surfaces found in an automobile&#39;s interior.  
      Several prior art devices have proposed the basic concepts of a porous applicator fixably mounted to some type of a container having a reservoir or breakable bladder to hold the fluid to be applied therein. The fluid contained within the container of these devices is absorbed into the porous applicator, and the applicator is then applied to a solid surface to distribute the fluid thereon. Because such devices often lack the requisite dispensing capabilities for controlled amounts of fluid over an extended surface area of the applicator pad, they often simply serve to distribute fluid to a central location on the pad, which may result in a concentration of fluid in its center and an insufficient amount at the forward, rear and lateral extremities thereof. Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the applicator pads of such devices are often not adapted to conform to and/or reach the wide array of surfaces found in a conventional automobile, and such devices may be unsuitable or unadaptable for application of different fluids that are designed for use with differing types of respective surface materials, such as leather, vinyl and the like. In addition, the relatively small surface area of some such applicators may make application to an automobile time consuming and laborious.  
      In recognition of some of the aforementioned shortcomings, a wax applicator has been proposed which includes a flat applicator plate having a central opening therein and a porous pad mounted thereunder and formed with a centrally disposed communication opening. A cylindrical handle forms a liquid wax receiving container and is formed on one end with a coupling plate. The coupling plate is formed with a central opening alignable with the openings in the applicator plate and pad. A domed valve is mounted over such outlet opening to, upon compression of the walls of the handle, release charges of liquid wax to be dispensed directly through the opening in the pad to the underlying surface to be waxed. A device of this type is marketed under the trademark Quick n&#39; Neat™ by Clean Shot Products Co., of Emporia, Kans. Such devices fail to provide for distribution of the dispensed liquid throughout the surface of the applicator pad thus inhibiting efforts to provide for broad, uniform application of treatment fluid, and require a certain degree of dexterity and effort to reach and properly apply treatment fluid to the less accessible interior areas of a typical automobile.  
      A need exists in the marketplace for an applicator device capable of sustained and controlled application of a desired treatment fluid in a uniform manner to the many and varied surfaces found in the interior of an automobile. It would also be especially beneficial if the housing that mounts the applicator&#39;s pad was designed for rapid and secure mating with a complementally designed replaceable container. The present invention fulfils this need.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is directed to an applicator device for spreading and applying cleaning, protecting or other treatment fluids to a wide array of variously shaped and dimensioned surfaces, such as those found in the interior of an automobile. The applicator device includes a container enclosing a reservoir having a ready supply of treatment fluid that also serves as a handle by which the user grasps the applicator device.  
      Joined to the container is a complementally mating applicator head comprising an applicator pad and a dispenser housing including a flow chamber. The applicator pad is affixed or otherwise attached to the bottom surface of the housing, to which the applicator pad is attached or otherwise affixed at an attachment surface. In one preferred embodiment, the fluid is transferred through the housing to its bottom surface by the flow chamber for delivery to various desired portions on the attachment surface of the applicator pad. In another embodiment, the housing&#39;s bottom surface may be defined by a distribution plate having a distribution surface formed with at least one distribution channel, which may also or alternatively be correspondingly formed on the applicator pad attachment surface, which then facilitates the flow of fluid to various desired portions of the applicator pad. In such an embodiment, the distribution may also be achieved by passages or channels formed in a plate or the like sandwiched into the interface between the distribution plate and the pad. In another permutation, the flow chamber works in conjunction with a plurality of dispensing openings arrayed about the distribution plate to dispense the fluid of the container to the applicator&#39;s pad for further transfer therethrough to the pad&#39;s working surface. In another permutation incorporating a distribution plate that defines the bottom surface of the housing, the plate may include a central manifold from which distribution channels extend outwardly and forwardly to distribute the fluid across the width and length of the applicator&#39;s pad.  
      For joining the container to the applicator head, various configurations are contemplated, and in one preferred embodiment, the dispenser housing includes a somewhat funnel shaped upwardly and rearwardly opening cowling disposed about an inlet device, with the inlet device further including a coupling shell for releasably receiving the neck of the container by way of a snap lock, bayonet fit, bead and flange, threaded engagement or other appropriate connection. The housing is configured with its inlet device and cowling angling upwardly and rearwardly at a predetermined angle relative to the bottom surface of the housing such that the elongated body of the container projects longitudinally of the inlet device at the same predetermined angle when the container is coupled to the housing. When so configured, the container, inlet, flow chamber and distribution plate, if present, cooperate to form a fluid communication path therethrough to the applicator pad. A flow control, which in one preferred embodiment is in the form of a one way valve, is positioned at some point along this communication path to regulate the flow of fluid to the applicator pad.  
      The present invention may take the form of several embodiments designed for application of treatment and cleaning fluid to a variety of interior surfaces as may be found in an automobile, and may be adapted for each by, for example, modifying the surface area, shape and material composition of the applicator pad, or the material composition of the fluid in the container. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator pad is generally flat iron shaped, having similar dimensions to those of the housing&#39;s bottom surface, and may be formed with a forwardly projecting flexible finger to further facilitate the application of fluid to hard to reach surfaces.  
      In a related aspect of the invention, the lateral edges of the outer perimeter of the applicator pad may extend laterally outwardly from the bottom surface of the housing, and may be oriented generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pad&#39;s attachment and working surfaces. However, it is also contemplated that the sides of the applicator pad may angle downwardly and outwardly from the attachment surface to culminate in a working surface having a similar general shape, but a relatively greater surface area than that of the attachment surfaces of the applicator pad and the housing&#39;s bottom surface. In yet another preferred embodiment, the side walls of the dispenser housing may be formed on their lower extremities with respective laterally projecting side wings to define a distribution plate of relatively greater surface area than in the above described embodiment.  
      In one preferred embodiment, the container may be disposable and replaceable, being produced in multiple variants adapted to contain any number of specific use fluids, such as those designed for cleaning or treating vinyl, leather and the like. However, it is also contemplated that the container may be refillable by a filling stem projecting outwardly from its proximal end.  
      In still another preferred embodiment seeking to emphasize a comfortable interaction with the hand of the user, the container may be formed with at least an ergonomically adapted dorsal wall designed to be complementally received in the user&#39;s palm, and may include finger grooves for receipt of the fingers of the user&#39;s grasping hand. Also in keeping with the invention, the container may take the form of a squeeze tube or other appropriate structure formed with flexible walls, whereby squeezing of the walls urges the flow of fluid along the fluid communication path, through the flow control, and to the applicator pad. In another possible aspect of the invention, the container may be formed with rigid walls requiring the user to elevate the container above the level of the dispenser housing to initiate fluid flow through the housing.  
      These and other features and advantages of the applicator device will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective broken view of an applicator device embodying the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a left-hand end view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a right-hand end view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a longitudinal sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 7   a  is a transverse sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along line  7 A- 7 A of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a horizontal sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a vertical sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a partial horizontal sectional view, in an enlarged scale, of the flow control mechanism shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a vertical sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 12  is a transverse sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 13  is a transverse sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 7  similar to  FIG. 12 ;  
       FIG. 14  is a longitudinal sectional view, in an enlarged scale, of a portion of the container coupling assembly included in the device shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 15  is a longitudinal sectional view similar to  FIG. 14 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the applicator device of the present invention;  
       FIG. 17  is a horizontal sectional view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 16  taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ;  
       FIG. 18  is a transverse sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 19  is a horizontal sectional view taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 16 ;  
       FIG. 20  is a horizontal sectional view of the applicator head of a third embodiment of the applicator device of the present invention;  
       FIG. 21  is a longitudinal sectional view of a modification of the applicator device as shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 22  is a longitudinal sectional view of a modification of the applicator device as shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 23  is a longitudinal sectional view of a modification of the applicator device as shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 24  is a partial perspective view, in an enlarged scale, of the container handle shown included in the applicator device as shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the connecting elements of the container and housing of a fourth embodiment of the applicator device of the present invention;  
       FIG. 26  is a partial bottom view of the container of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 25 , taken from line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIG. 27  is top partial view of the housing of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 25 , taken from line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIG. 28  is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention as depicted in  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIG. 29  is a partial horizontal sectional view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 28 , taken along line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 28 ;  
       FIG. 30  is a transverse sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 28 ;  
       FIG. 31  is a transverse sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 28 ;  
       FIG. 32  is a detail sectional view, in enlarged scale taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 31 ;  
       FIG. 33  is a longitudinal sectional view, in enlarged scale, of a portion of the coupling included in the device shown in  FIG. 28 ;  
       FIG. 34  is a partial perspective view, in an reduced scale, of the container shown included in the applicator device as shown in  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIG. 35  is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the applicator device of the present invention;  
       FIG. 36  is a horizontal sectional view of the applicator device shown in  FIG. 35  taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35 ;  
       FIG. 37  is a transverse sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken along the line  37 - 37  of  FIG. 36 ;  
       FIG. 38  is a longitudinal sectional view, in an enlarged scale, of a portion of the coupling included in the device shown in  FIG. 35 ; and  
       FIG. 39  is a partial perspective view, in an reduced scale, of the container shown included in the applicator device as shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 ,  7 - 9  and  25 - 26 , the applicator device  15  of the present invention includes, generally, an applicator head  67 , which includes a dispenser housing  70  and an applicator pad  55 , and a container  22 , which in a preferred embodiment both defines a container reservoir  24  for storing fluid and serves as an elongated handle. The housing applicator includes a  70  formed with top and side walls in a bottom surface, which as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , may be formed by the downwardly facing surface of a distribution plate  75 , which includes a distribution surface  76 . The housing  70  further includes a flow chamber  71  which is bounded by a plurality of chamber walls and a container coupling assembly  145  including an inlet device  148  projecting rearwardly from the flow chamber for coupling with the container  22  to secure the container to the housing  70 . The inlet device  148  may take on any convenient shape or form for transferring fluid therethrough to the flow chamber  71 , and may include a coupling shell  154  and, as depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , a tubular inlet boss  160 . A flow control device, generally designated  132 , for metering the flow of fluid to the applicator pad  55  is interposed at some point along a fluid communication path  130  that extends from the container  22  and through the inlet device  148  and flow chamber  71  to the housing&#39;s bottom surface. The pad is mounted on one side to the bottom surface at an applicator pad attachment surface  56  by any appropriate affixation or bonding means as is well known in the art, and is further formed on the opposite side with a working surface  62  that is adaptable to engage the variety of surfaces found in an automobile interior.  
      In the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 7  the bottom surface  78  of the distribution, the distribution plate  75 , the distribution plate  75  is generally planar, however, it is contemplated that the plate may be formed with a curved or angled surface as required to be more adaptable to specific correspondingly shaped interior surfaces. The In such an embodiment, the distribution plate  75  is further formed with flow distribution capability, which, as shown in  FIG. 7-8 , may include at least one distribution opening  77  for communicating fluid from the flow chamber  71  to distribution surface  76 , and least one longitudinal distribution channel  91 . It is contemplated, however, that this distribution capability may take on any number of forms, such as, for example, the distribution plate  75  being formed with openings to pass the fluid therethrough, slits formed through the plate or in its distribution surface or a sieve type arrangement in the plate. While the embodiment of  FIG. 8  depicts one such distribution channel  91 , extending longitudinally on both sides of the flow control  132 , which is shown as being disposed in the plate  75 , it is also contemplated that a distribution plate  75  or distribution surface  76  may be formed with a plurality of such channels  91  extending across its longitudinal and lateral dimensions, or, as shown in  FIG. 20 , that a distribution surface  76 ″ may be formed with a plurality of channels  91 ′ extending from a central distribution manifold  96 . It is further contemplated that the distribution channel or channels  91  ( FIG. 8 ) may be formed with branches extending laterally and outwardly therefrom to facilitate the evenly dispersed flow of fluid across both the lateral and longitudinal area of the corresponding attachment surface  56  of the applicator pad  55 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 21 , it is also contemplated that the attachment surface  56 , on the top side of the applicator pad  55 , may be formed with distribution channels  92  to further facilitate this flow. As shown in  FIG. 22 , the attachment surface  56  of the pad  55  may be formed with such channels  92  to independently or, in combination with the channels  91  ( FIG. 21 ), serve as the distribution means. Further, while the distribution channels  91  and  92  are preferably formed in the distribution plate or confronting side of the pad, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such distribution may also be achieved by passages or channels formed in a plate or the like sandwiched into the interface between such plate  75  and pad  55 .  
      The exemplary applicator pad  55  is of a semi-open cell foam construction and serves to receive fluid from its top side after the fluid has been directed by the flow chamber  71  to the housing bottom surface. The density of the pad  55  and the viscosity of the fluid is such as to restrict the rate at which the viscous fluid is dispensed therethrough. In practice, after the fluid travels through the flow chamber and is deposited on the attachment surface  56 , a portion of the fluid will flow through the local area of the pad. The remainder of the deposited fluid will pool on the attachment surface  56  and then will be further distributed longitudinally and laterally to other desired portions of the pad&#39;s. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-9 , the fluid will travel along the distribution channel  91  to be distributed longitudinally along the center of the pad  55 , and laterally through distribution branches if present.  
      With reference to the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 23 , in order to facilitate the transfer of fluid through the applicator pad  55  to specific strategic locations on the working surface  62 , the pad  55  may be formed with through channels  59  arrayed thereabout and extending from the attachment surface  56  to the working surface  62  to facilitate even distribution to the working surface  62 . It is also contemplated that pin holes (not shown) punched in the attachment surface  56  may be situated thereon to promote absorption and flow through the pad  55  at specific desired locations, or that the area of the pad not incorporating a distribution channel may also incorporate through channels  59  for passing fluid from the attachment surface  56  to the working surface  62 . Additionally, it is also contemplated that, in order to promote a more rapid transfer of fluid through the pad  55  to desired portions of the working surface  62 , such as, for example, the lateral extremities of the pad, these desired portions may be formed with pre-cut indentations defining a stepped down transverse cross sectional depth or may be formed from a more porous material than is found in the remainder of the pad  55 .  
      The applicator pad  55  may take any convenient shape, size and dimensions that are adapted to provide a lower working surface  62  for engagement with the variously dimensioned and shaped interior surfaces of an automobile. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the applicator pad  55  is configured with the attachment surface  56  to be attached to the solid portions of the housing bottom surface, which may be partially defined at the bottom edges of the walls of the flow chamber  71  or the distribution surface  76  of the distribution plate  75 , at an interface therebetween by one of the many suitable bonding agents or other affixation means known in the art. To this end, it is contemplated that the distribution surface  76  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-9  may be formed with a smooth and solid surface, or may be formed with any appropriate surface pattern, such as a grid or parallel ridges, to provide surface area for bonding the attachment surface  56  of the pad thereto. As shown in  FIG. 8 , it is also contemplated that the distribution surface  76  may be conveniently formed along its lateral opposite edges with downwardly opening shallow, blind cavities  120 ,  121  and  122  which act as lightening holes. The rear edge of the distribution surface  76  may also be formed with a row of laterally projecting downwardly opening lightening cavities  124  and  125 . The contours of these cavities, which can also take on any convenient shape, dimension and location, cooperate in defining the distribution surface  76  to which the pad  55  is mounted.  
      The pad  55  is conveniently constructed in the form of semi-open cell polymer sponge like material, which can be either formed by injection molding or cut from a stock of foam such as is well known in the art as being suitable for this purpose. However, while the viscosity of the fluid will influence its rate of flow through the pad  55 , it is contemplated that the pad may be formed of any material conducive to providing a desired level of resistance to prevent rapid fluid transfer therethrough to the working surface  62 , and that the viscosity and flow characteristics of the fluid, and the requirements of the chosen application, will influence the selection of this material. Therefore, the material composition, shape and dimensions of the pad  55  may be varied to suit a desired application or to work most effectively with the formulation and viscosity of the chosen treatment fluid. For example, it is contemplated that the applicator pad  55  may be formed with semi-open, open or closed cell foam, or with fibers having similar characteristics, or with bristles, such as those found in a brush, or with a porous flow control screen or plate or any other suitable material or structure for passing fluid therethrough to the working surface  62 .  
      While not essential to the present invention, the pad  55  is preferably formed oversized relative to the plan view of the housing bottom surface to project laterally outwardly on opposite sides to form respective peripheral skirts  58 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is contemplated that the pad  55  may also project forwardly beyond the distal portion of the housing  70  which defines a nose  68 , with this forwardly projecting portion defining a blunt flexible applicator finger  57  to facilitate the longitudinal forward reach of the applicator pad. It is also contemplated that the pad  55  may correspond generally in cross-sectional shape and surface area to that of the housing bottom surface, or that the lateral edges of the pad&#39;s outer perimeter may angle downwardly and outwardly to culminate in and define an applicator pad working surface  62  of similar shape to that of the attachment surface  56  and housing bottom surface, but correspondingly greater in surface area.  
      Turning now to the construction of the housing  70 , it may take any convenient shape or form, having, for example, an oval, semi-circular or triangular shape, and in a preferred embodiment, is conveniently configured in a somewhat half-bullet nose shape taking on the general appearance of a flat iron, as shown for example in  FIG. 3 . It may be formed of any convenient and suitable material, but is preferably formed from polypropylene or of any appropriate molded high density plastic, as are known in the art. The housing  70  has a shell  69  that may include a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls,  80  and  81 , and generally defines a somewhat cylindrical transverse cross section. The shell  69  tapers rearwardly and upwardly from the somewhat pointed forwardly disposed nose  68  (see e.g.  FIG. 2 ), while angling rearwardly and laterally outwardly to form, at the opposite end from the nose  68 , a cowling  86 . A housing rear wall extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the cowling  86 . For receiving the container  22  in the housing  70 , the housing may be formed rearwardly with the coupling assembly  145 , which may include the somewhat oval in transverse cross section cowling  86  disposed about the inlet device  148 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Thus, as is evident from continued reference to, for example,  FIGS. 2 and 7 , the shape of the dispenser housing  70  and applicator pad  55  permits the applicator device  15  to treat many hard to reach surfaces that are not easily reachable by other applicator devices, such as those immediately adjacent to the intersection of an automobile&#39;s dashboard with its windshield.  
      It is contemplated that, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 5  and  6 , the respective side walls  80  and  81  may be formed in the vicinity of their lower proximal extremities with respective laterally projecting side wings,  98  and  99 , extending outwardly from the dispenser housing  70  to define a housing bottom surface of relatively greater surface area for affixation of a correspondingly greater in surface area applicator pad  55  thereto. The design of this embodiment lends greater stability to the applicator pad over an increased surface area, and further facilitates the sustained and inwardly directed application of force by way of the working surface  62  as it is in contact with the automobile interior. While it is contemplated that the user will generally gain favorable purchase of the applicator device  15  by grasping the container  22  as a handle, the side wings  98  and  99  and/or side walls  80  and  81  may provide respective convenient finger grooves or pads that permit the user to grasp the device by the housing  70  and cowling  86  when he or she desires to exert a greater and more focused degree of inwardly directed force to a given treatment surface.  
      With continued focus on the structure of the housing  70 , the coupling assembly  145  may include the rearward portion of the dispenser housing  70  and cowling  86 , and is adapted to receive the container  22  therein. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 24 , to be received in the coupling assembly  145 , the container may include an end wall  31  and a yoke  33  centrally formed with an outwardly extending neck  45 . The coupling assembly  145  may be adapted to receive the neck  45  and yoke  33  while mating with complemental surfaces in the end wall  31  of the container. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the inlet device  148  of the coupling assembly  145  projects upwardly and rearwardly relative to the housing bottom surface to form an axis at about 20° to the working surface  62  formed by the underside of the applicator pad  55 . It is contemplated, however, that this angle may be increased or decreased to optimally promote the flow of fluid from the container  22  through the flow chamber  71  to the applicator pad  55 , and may depend on considerations such as the desired application and treatment surfaces and the flow characteristics of the fluid.  
      In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 7   a , the inlet device  148  may further include the inlet boss  160  extending from flow chamber  71 , and may also include a coupling shell  154  disposed concentrically about the inlet boss  160  to form therebetween a rearwardly opening annular cavity  150  for receipt of the neck  45  projecting forwardly from container  22  (see also  FIG. 24 ). The inlet boss  160  is specifically dimensioned to be received within the neck  45  with the neck disposed thereabout in a friction fit relationship. While an annular configuration has been depicted for the cavity  150  to receive the neck, it is contemplated that the cavity  150  may be formed in any convenient and appropriate shape for receipt therein of a corresponding in shape container neck  45 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7, 14  and  15 , the inlet device is also formed with a coupling wall  156  that defines an outwardly facing neck abutment surface  157  such that the distal extent of the neck  45  is abutted thereagainst when the neck is received in the annular cavity  150  and telescoped over the inlet boss  160 . A central opening  159  ( FIG. 7 ) formed in the coupling wall  156  permits the flow of fluid therethrough to the adjacent flow chamber  71 . To operate in conjunction with the structure of the neck  45  to releasably connect the housing  70  to the container  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 14 - 15 , the coupling shell  154  of the inlet device  148  is further formed at its distal extremity with a plurality of inwardly projecting lugs  162 , which are arrayed thereabout and spaced apart to define respective clearance slots  165  therebetween. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS.  12  and  13 , three such lugs  162  are spaced annularly equidistantly apart to define three corresponding clearance slots  165  therebetween.  
      With the container  22  received in the housing  70 , the neck  45 , inlet device  148 , flow chamber  71 , and distribution plate  75  and distribution opening  77 , if included, cooperate to define fluid communication path  130  therebetween for flow of fluid from the container  22  to the applicator pad  55 . Positioned at some point along this fluid communication path  130 , a flow control  132  functions to control the flow of fluid therethrough. For example, the flow control may be located in the inlet device  148  or flow chamber  71  in the vicinity of the bottle neck, or may be situated in the distribution plate  75  if present.  
      In the latter example, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 11 , the distribution plate  75  may be further formed with a through bore  140  for communicating with the under side thereof. Such bore  140  is counterbored from the bottom at counterbore  141  for nesting there up into the flow control  132 . While this nesting may be accomplished by a variety of suitable constructions, in the preferred embodiment as shown on  FIGS. 10-11 , the flow control  132  includes a pair of mounting rings,  134  and  135 , received telescopically in the counterbore  141 , which mount centrally therein a control valve  133 . While the construction and material composition of the valve  133  may be varied depending on the viscosity of the treatment fluid and the desired flow characteristics for a given application, in the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10-11 , the control valve  133  is a one way flow valve in the form of a flexible polymer sheet configured with a dome having a cruciform slit  136  therein ( FIG. 10 ) to form diametrical slits oriented at 90° to one another to form triangular leaves  138 . Upon application of fluid pressure to the top side thereof, radially inward points of these leaves  138  are flexed downwardly and outwardly to cooperate in forming an opening for downward flow of fluid therethrough into the distribution channel  91  and onto the applicator pad attachment surface  56 . Upon release of such top side fluid pressure, further flow of fluid through the opening in the valve  133  will be prevented as the leaves  138  return to their original closed configuration.  
      While a one way valve embodiment has been described, the flow control  132  may take on a variety of forms known in the art, for example a porous disc, duck bill or flapper valve, membrane, other types of valves or any other suitable means for metering the flow of fluid therethrough to a predetermined rate. Also, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-8 , the flow control  132  is disposed in the distribution plate  75 , however, it may be located at any other point along the fluid communication path  130  extending from the container  22  to the applicator pad  55  so long as it functions to control the flow of fluid therethrough. For example, the flow control  132  may also be disposed within the flow chamber  71  or the inlet device  148 . It is also contemplated that the flow control  132  may be located at the distal extremity of the neck  45 , and take the form of any appropriate squeeze bottle type flow control or opening known in the art. Further, the viscosity of the fluid may also influence the chosen construction of the flow control  132 . For example, it is known in the art that lower viscosity fluids are more likely to be inhibited from flowing through a one way flow type valve than those fluids having a higher viscosity. Thus, it is contemplated that the specific construction of the flow control  132  may also vary depending on the material composition of the chosen treatment fluid to be dispensed therethrough, as is known in the art.  
      Focusing now on the container  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it includes a dorsal wall  26 , a ventral wall  28  and a end wall  31 . The container  22  may be multi-purpose in that the distended, self-supporting flexible walls cooperate to define an elongated, somewhat oval in transverse cross-section handle, by which the user may gain favorable purchase of the applicator device  15 , while also defining a fluid reservoir  24  containing a supply of cleaning or protecting fluid. In a preferred embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  24 , the container  22  may take the form of a squeeze bottle formed of a durable yet resilient plastic to form walls to, in their unflexed configuration, maintain the shape and outward dimensions, but compressible inwardly by squeezing to reduce the interior volume to elevate the interior pressure to drive the fluid out into the flow path and distribution network. Being self-supporting, upon release of the squeezing force, such walls will distend to their unflexed positions, thereby drawing a partial vacuum in the reservoir, providing for atmospheric pressure to force air into the reservoir to cooperate with the residual fluid to occupy the full volume thereof. Therefore, it is contemplated that the container  22  may be formed from a multiplicity of appropriate materials encompassing a wide range of durability and resiliency, as are known in the art. For example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride and the like have proven to be suitable materials for the container  22 . The material composition of the container  22  is sufficiently rigid so that it may serve also as a handle by which a user may grasp the applicator device  15  and exert adequate inwardly directed force to focus and control the application of treatment fluid to a desired automobile interior surface.  
      It is contemplated that the squeeze bottle container  22  depicted in the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  may be disposable and replaceable, containing any number of a variety of appropriate treatment fluids for application to an automobile&#39;s interior surfaces. The user may detach the squeeze bottle container  22  from its complementally mating applicator head  67  and discard it when it has exhausted its supply of fluid, while subsequently replacing the discarded bottle with a new and filled bottle. However, it is also contemplated that the squeeze bottle container  22  may be refillable by way of an outwardly and upwardly extending filling stem (not shown) projecting from the vicinity of the rear extremity of the dorsal wall  26 . It is further contemplated that such a filling stem may include a snap on containment cap, a screw top or hinged construction or any other appropriate securement means (not shown) to prevent the escape of fluid from the reservoir  24 .  
      The exterior surface of the container  22  need not be specifically ergonomically adapted, however, as shown in the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , at least the dorsal wall  26  may be shaped and adapted to correspond to the natural curve of a typical user&#39;s palm when he or she is grasping the container  22  as a handle, while the ventral wall  28  may be similarly shaped and oppositely disposed. In plan view, as shown in a preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the convex dorsal wall  26  curves gradually outwardly and downwardly to define a palm pad  27  for complemental receipt in the correspondingly concavely curved palm of the user when his or her hand is in a grasping posture. This palm pad provides a pressure surface facing in one direction by which the user may grasp the applicator to exert an appropriate amount of force in the opposite direction for applying treatment fluid to a desired surface. It is further contemplated that other ergonomic features may be incorporated into the container  22  design, to include, for instance, finger grooves (not shown) for receipt of the user&#39;s fingers therein.  
      With focus now on the connection of the container  22  to the dispenser housing  70 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  7 - 8  and  25 , the cowling  86  terminates in its rear edge in a scallop configured on its top and bottom sides with rearwardly projecting curved tongues  87  terminating in respective rearward edges  88 . Referring to the preferred container  22 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 24 , a contoured groove is formed about the periphery of the end container wall  31  to define a forwardly facing contoured shoulder  32  curved on its opposite sides to receive in a nesting relationship the respective tongues  87 . Also, as exemplified in  FIG. 24 , the end wall  31  of the container  22  may include a yoke  33  that extends from the lower extent of the shoulder  32  to define the portion of the container  22  that is received within the coupling assembly  145  of the housing  70 . The yoke  33  is preferably centrally formed with the outwardly projecting neck  45  to be received in cavity  150  of the inlet device  148  (see e.g.  FIGS. 14-15 ). The neck  45  may take any convenient corresponding shape to that of the cavity  150  for complemental receipt therein, and in one preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 24 , is internally hollowed along its length and cylindrical in shape. It is also contemplated that a bottle cap (not shown), which may take on a multiplicity of structures known in the art, may be releasably secured over the proximal end of the neck  45  to seal against the unwanted flow or evaporation of fluid from the container reservoir  24 . A user may remove and discard this cap before mating the container  22  with the dispenser housing  70 , or may retain it to be placed back on the neck  45  if the container  22  is removed from the applicator head  67  for storage between applications.  
      With continued reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 24, 7  and  12 - 15 , to enable mounting and locking of the container  22  into the inlet device  148  of the dispenser housing  70 , the neck  45  is formed with a plurality of radially outwardly projecting locking studs  50 . Such studs  50  are annularly arrayed about the neck  45  and spaced apart and sized to snapingly register behind corresponding lugs  162  (see  FIGS. 14-15 ) in the inlet device  148  and to fit axially through the clearance slots  165  (see  FIGS. 12-13 ). The studs  50  are further configured at their respective free extremities with outwardly and rearwardly angled cam surfaces  51 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the neck may be formed with three such studs  50  for coupling with three corresponding lugs  162  on the coupling shell  154 , which are arrayed equidistant thereabout and spaced annularly apart by a distance to define respective clearance slots  165  therebetween, and to receive axially, in clearing relationship, the respective studs  50 . As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , such lugs  162  are configured with radially out turned teeth  163  defining inwardly and forwardly angled, outwardly facing cam surfaces  164  configured to slidingly engage the cam surfaces  51  of the studs  50  for axial shifting relative thereto and flexing to provide for axial travel sufficient to register the studs  50  behind the lugs  162  in locking relationship as shown in  FIG. 15 . So configured, the neck  45  will be received in the annular cavity  150  and over the inlet boss  160  (if present) such that, with the studs  50  engaged securely behind respective lugs  162 , the distal portion of the neck  45  will be seated against neck abutment surface  157 , as is shown in  FIG. 15 , and the neck  45  will be securely seated in inlet device  148  in a close fit relationship to provide a fluid tight sealing engagement between the container  22  and the housing  70 . Thus, with the rearward edges  88  of the cowling tongues  87  nested against the forwardly facing shoulder  32  of the end wall  31 , the neck yoke  33  received in the coupling assembly  145 , the neck  45  seated against the abutment surface  157  and received over the inlet boss  160  (if present) and the studs  50  registered securely behind respective lugs  162 , the container  22  will be securely registered within the housing to hold its rotary position therein.  
      To release the container  22  from the dispenser housing  70  and its coupling assembly  145 , either the cowling  86  and/or cowling tongues  87  (see e.g.  FIG. 2 ) or the yoke  33  and/or container end wall  31  (see e.g. FIG. - 24 ), or all of these elements, may be constructed of a material sufficiently flexible to permit sufficient limited axial rotation of the container  22  and the cowling  86  relative to one another to disengage the complemental mating of the forwardly facing shoulder  32  of the container  22  and the rearward edges  88  of the curved cowling tongues  87 . This simultaneously rotates the neck  45  within the coupling shell  154 . For example, the neck  45  may be rotated from the position shown in  FIG. 12 , with the studs  50  snapingly engaged behind corresponding lugs  162 , until the locking studs  50  are aligned with respective clearance slots  165 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . The user may then withdraw the studs  50  axially through the slots  165  to effectuate a separation of the neck  45  from the inlet device  148 . It is also contemplated that, to disengage the container  22  from the housing  70 , the cowling  86  and container  22  may be manufactured such that, when the yoke  33  is received in the cowling  86  and the cowling tongues  87  are aligned with the container shoulder  32 , there is sufficient clearance between the shoulder and the tongues and the yoke and the cowling to permit limited axial rotation of the container  22  relative to the housing  70 .  
      While a snap lock connection has been described, it is contemplated that any appropriate connection means, such as a bayonet fit, threaded engagement or a clamp type connection, may be employed in the coupling assembly  145  to facilitate coupling of the container  22  to the dispenser housing  70 . As for example shown in  FIGS. 37-39 , the coupling shell  154  may be configured with a peripheral connector bead section while the neck  45  is formed with an exterior conically shaped flange for snapping behind this connector bead section. It is also contemplated that female threading in the coupling shell  154  may receive male threads formed on the neck  45 , or that male threads on the periphery of the inlet boss  160  (if present) may be received in female threading on the interior of the neck  45 . Additionally, while the container  22  has been shown as including a projecting tubular neck  45  for receipt in the coupling assembly  145  of the housing  70 , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the term neck is intended to include any opening in the container, including a recessed tubular element, it only being important that the construction of the neck permit complemental mating of the housing  70  and the container  22 .  
      In operation, it will be appreciated that the applicator of the present invention will typically be sold at a retail level in a package including the applicator head  67  and container  22 , possibly along with one or two replacement containers. The replacement containers will typically be closed by a cap (not shown) releasably connected to the container&#39;s neck  45  by any suitable means known in the art. To assemble the applicator device  15 , the user will mount a chosen container  22  in the applicator head  67  by generally inserting the yoke  33  and end wall  31  of the container  22  into the coupling assembly  145  of the housing  70 . More specifically, the snap lock construction included in the coupling assembly  145  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-15  permits the user to seat the container neck  45  in the inlet device  148  in a close fit, fluid tight sealing relationship, by inwardly advancing the neck  45  through the cavity  150  within the coupling shell  154  and over the inlet boss  160  until the neck studs  50  are snapingly engaged behind respective lugs  162  and the distal extent of the neck  45  is seated against the neck abutment surface  157 . This serves to align the mating curvilinear rearward edges  88  of the cowling tongues  87  with the forwardly facing shoulder  32  of the end wall  31  as shown for example in  FIG. 8 , while the yoke  33  and end wall  31  of the container are seated in the coupling assembly  145  and the neck  45  is received in the inlet device  148 .  
      When the user undertakes to use the applicator, he or she will grasp the container  22 , hold the head  67  down, and either shake such container or exert inwardly directed compressive force on the walls thereof to reduce the volume of the reservoir, applying pressure to the applicator fluid therein to drive such fluid downwardly along fluid communication path  130  through the boss  160  (if present as shown in  FIG. 7 ) and downwardly into the flow chamber  71 . In this regard, it will be appreciated that by pointing the housing  70  downwardly, the fluid will travel into the flow chamber  71  and along the communication path  130 , which will apply pressure to the flow control valve  133 . As in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , with the flow chamber  71  and inlet boss  160  filled, by compressing the walls of such container  22  and reducing the volume therein, pressure will be applied to the fluid in the flow chamber  71 , thus tending to force it through control valve  133  ( FIGS. 10-11 ). As further pressure is applied thereto, the valve&#39;s domed shape will be deflected downwardly in the center, thus flaring the proximate corners of the leaves  138  downwardly, thereby opening the slits  136  and providing for a flow of treatment fluid downwardly through the distribution plate  75  and distribution surface  76  to the applicator pad attachment surface  56 . A portion of the deposited fluid will begin to flow through the applicator pad  55 , while the remaining fluid begins to flow through the channel  91  to travel forwardly and rewardly therein, as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , so that fluid is distributed across the lateral and/or longitudinal dimensions of the applicator pad  55  for passage therethrough to the working surface  62 .  
      The user will then grasp the container handle  22  to gain favorable purchase of the applicator  15  and may move the handle as desired to pass the head  67  of the applicator across the surface to be treated, thus applying fluid reaching the underside working surface  62  to the treatment surface. The handle container  22  serves to extend the reach of the applicator  15 , and in practice, the applicator head  67  is about 4 inches long and the container  22  about 6 inches long to provide an overall axial reach of some 10 inches. By grasping the container  22  and thrusting the tapered head forwardly, the operator may conveniently access, for instance, the surface of automobile dashboard, even forwardly into the triangular volume formed between the generally horizontally rearwardly projecting dashboard surface and interior of the rearwardly upwardly sloped windshield. If desirable, when the interior surface of the door or like areas are being treated, the user may conveniently grasp the dispenser housing  70  from the top side thereof, applying the palm of his or her hand to the domed surface thereof, to thus there apply more direct perpendicular forces against the applicator pad  55  to increase the application force on the working surface  62  and the polishing and application effect thereof.  
      It will be appreciated that the forwardly projecting finger  57  ( FIG. 1 ) of such applicator pad  55  and/or the peripheral skirts  58  will compress from the bottom and top sides to conform to the contours of the areas being accessed to thus allow the user to reach even the most narrow area between, for instance, the windshield and dashboard surface. Additionally, when the user engages the working surface  62  of the pad  55  with a desired treatment surface, the pad  55  is flexible to flex and cooperate with working surface  62  to conform to the shape and curvature of the chosen treatment surface. This will permit the user to evenly spread the desired fluid onto the treatment surface by applying a substantially even pressure across the length of the working surface  62 . It will be appreciated that further downward pressure on the applicator head  67  will facilitate the tendency to force the liquid through such pad  55  to the working surface  62  and to the surface being treated. When the initial charge of fluid dispensed has been depleted, the user may thereupon squeeze the container  22  or otherwise again repeat the above described sequence.  
      When the procedure is completed, the user may easily disconnect the container  22  from the dispenser housing  70  and coupling assembly  145  by twisting the container  22  to rotate container end wall  31  within the cowling  86 . The flexibility of the cowling  86 , curved tongues  87 , yoke  33  and/or end wall  31  will permit limited axial rotation to skew the alignment between the end wall  31  of the container  22  and the curved tongues  87  of the cowling  86 , thereby disengaging the forwardly facing shoulder  32  of the container  22  from the rearward edges  88  of the tongues  87 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , this simultaneously permits the user to similarly rotate the neck  45  slightly within the coupling shell  154  and cavity  150  from the position shown in  FIG. 12 , with the studs  50  snapingly engaged behind respective lugs  162 , until the locking studs  50  are aligned with respective clearance slots  165 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . The user may then withdraw the studs  50  through the slots  165  to effectuate a separation of the container  22  from the housing  70 .  
      A cap (not shown) may then be replaced on the neck  45  of the container  22  to be stored until the next use, and, if desirable, the applicator pad  55  may be cleaned or washed in a cleaning fluid, such as tap water. The container  22  and applicator head  67  may then be readily assembled for the next usage, or when the fluid in such container becomes diminished, the container  22  may be discarded and a new replacement container  22 , already charged with a desired fluid, may be selected and secured in the dispenser housing  70  as set forth above. It is contemplated that the user may replace the depleted container with another of the same type container for treatment of a similar surface, or may select a different container having appropriate treatment fluid for application to a different treatment surface.  
      Turning now to an alternate embodiment as depicted in  FIGS. 16-19 , it is also contemplated that the housing bottom surface may incorporate a distribution plate  75 ′ formed with a plurality of through flow openings  100  arrayed across the longitudinal and lateral extent thereof. As shown in  FIG. 16 , in this preferred embodiment, a housing  70 ′ is formed with a flow chamber  71 ′. The flow chamber  71 ′ may also include a multiple chamber internal construction, being divided into a plurality of chambers, for example two, or, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , a central introduction chamber  72  may be disposed between a pair of flanking chambers  73 . However, it is also contemplated that the fluid may pass through the flow chamber  71 ′ to a distribution manifold (not shown), which in turn distributes fluid to a plurality of transfer channels for distributing the fluid across the dimensions of the attachment surface  56  and through the applicator pad  55  to its working surface  62 .  
      With continued reference to the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIG. 17 , in a tripartite multiple chamber embodiment, the chamber  71 ′ may be configured with a plurality of chamber walls and with a pair of elongated laterally spaced apart ribs,  82  and  83 . In this embodiment, the housing  70 ′ further includes a housing rear wall  85 , and the ribs,  82  and  83 , emanate from the rear wall  85 , projecting forwardly to form a centrally disposed introduction chamber  72  and to terminate at their respective forward extremities in respective outlet edges  93  and  94  spaced rearwardly of the laterally disposed converging sidewalls  80  and  81  of the housing  70 ′. Within the flow chamber  71 ′, these ribs,  82  and  83 , not only define the introduction chamber  72 , but their lateral edges also define the inner walls of a pair of laterally spaced apart flanking chambers  73  having the introduction chamber  72  disposed therebetween, with the respective flow chamber walls defining the outer walls of the flanking chambers. The top surface of the distribution plate  75 ′ defines the bottom surface of the flow chamber  71 ′ and any other chambers included therein.  
      In the embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , the introduction chamber  72  angles downwardly and forwardly from the proximal extremity of the housing  70 ′ to terminate near the distal extremity, but may extend in any appropriate angle or configuration to facilitate the desired distribution of fluid through various locations in the distribution plate  75 ′. While fluid distribution to the distribution plate  75 ′ will generally be influenced by the pressure created by inwardly directed compressive forces on the walls of the container, the longitudinal alignment of the introduction chamber  72  may also influence the flow path of the fluid to the distribution plate  75 ′. For example, a greater downward and forward angling introduction chamber  72  permits the fluid to flow more to the distal extremity of the housing  70 ′, while a lesser downward and forward angling permits the fluid to flow more predominantly to the vicinity of the proximal extremity.  
      With reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 17  wherein the distribution plate  75 ′ is formed with selected arrays of flow openings  100 , these openings are strategically placed to distribute a metered and relatively predictable amount of treatment fluid therethrough to the applicator pad  55 . In  FIGS. 17 and 19 , the openings appear as elongated slots  100 , but may take any convenient shape or dimension to accommodate the material characteristics of the product being dispensed or the contours of the desired treatment surface. For instance, more viscous fluids will require larger openings. Also, smaller, hard to reach surfaces may require that there be more product near the distal extremity of the housing  70 ′ for dispensation through the applicator pad  55  near the distal tip thereof, thereby necessitating relatively more or larger openings  100  in the vicinity of the distal extremity of the distribution plate  75 ′ than near the proximal extremity.  
      With continued reference to the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 17 , a plurality of slots, generally designated  100 , are arrayed in the distribution plate  75 ′ and may be grouped in a first and second set of longitudinally spaced apart slots,  101  and  102  respectively, which are generally situated in the introduction chamber  72  near the central region of the dispenser housing  70 ′. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such relatively closely spaced and clustered slots, as shown in  FIG. 17 , are so configured to provide for the dispensation of a relatively robust quantity of fluid located generally centrally over the applicator pad  55  in the wider area thereof so as to afford a relatively robust quantity of dispensed fluid in that wide area for distribution and application to the desired interior automobile surface. It is contemplated that in one preferred configuration, these slots may be approximately {fraction (1/16)}″ wide and ⅜″ long for effective use in conjunction with a variety of commercially available multi-purpose protectant fluids. Other suitable treatment fluids may require appropriate adjustment in the dimensions of the slots  100  for optimal flow characteristics therethrough based on the material composition of the selected fluid. With ongoing reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , disposed centrally near the distal extremity of the housing  70 ′, toward the forward extremity of the distribution plate  75 ′, are less densely clustered through slots  100  with one pair  103  being laterally spaced about ⅜″ apart and a forwardly disposed pair  104  spaced laterally at about ¼″ apart to thus provide for a less robust distribution of fluid at the more narrow forwardly disposed locations of the distribution plate  75 ′ near its distal extremity. As further shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , spaced generally centrally in the rearward portion of the flanking chambers  73 , are single slots  105  so disposed to provide for a relatively modest flow of fluid in the lateral portions of the wider segment of the applicator pad  55 .  
      The distribution plate  75 ′ may be formed such that the openings  100  extend from the upper surface and terminate at a distribution surface  76 ′. In such an embodiment, the applicator pad attachment surface  56  is strategically affixed to the distribution surface  76 ′ throughout its surface area by adhesive or other suitable affixation means known in the art, ensuring that the affixation means does not clog or otherwise occlude the openings  100 . To further ensure that the openings will not be occluded by the adhesive or other affixation means, the distribution surface  76 ′ of the distribution plate  75 ′ may be recessed, as shown in  FIGS. 18-19 , so that the openings  100  terminate in the distribution surface  76 ′ of the distribution plate  75 ′ at a point spaced apart from and above the pad attachment surface  56 . It is further contemplated that the outer perimeter of the bottom surface of the distribution plate  75 ′ may be formed with a downwardly projecting mounting ridge (not shown) for affixation of a corresponding in area portion of the perimeter of the applicator pad attachment surface  56  thereto.  
      With focus now on the internal construction of the housing  70 ′ in the alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , it is also keeping with the invention that the rear dispenser housing wall  85  may be formed with a coupling assembly  145 ′ ( FIG. 17 ) including a mounting socket  111  for complemental mating with the neck yoke  33  and neck  45  of the container  22 . The mounting socket  111  is formed with an inlet device  148 ′, which in this embodiment includes a tubular inlet bore  112  that extends forwardly and downwardly through the rear wall  85  and maintains fluid communication with the flow chamber  71 ′. The inlet bore  112  is formed with at a bore abutment ridge  114  extending inwardly from the walls of the bore  112  and defining a transition between the distal extent of the inlet bore  112  and the proximal extent of the flow chamber  71 ′. In  FIGS. 16-17 , the flow control  132  is depicted as being located at this transition, however, it may be located at any point along fluid communication path  130  from the container  22  to the applicator pad  55 . As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , when the container  22  is received in the inlet bore  112 , the distal extremity of the neck  45  will be abutted against this abutment ridge  114 . In such an embodiment, the abutment ridge  114  is annular in shape, having a central opening defining a portion of the fluid communication path  130  for passing the fluid therethrough from the container  22  and its neck  45  to the flow chamber  71 ′.  
      As set forth in the above described embodiment, the bore  112  may be further formed in its proximal region with a plurality of lugs  162  spaced apart to define clearance slots  165  therebetween such that the studs  50  of the container neck  45  will be snapingly engaged behind respective lugs  162  in the bore  112  to secure the container  22  to the housing  70 ′ and its coupling assembly  145 ′. While a snap lock connection has been described, it is further contemplated that any appropriate connection means, such as a threaded engagement or a clamp type connection, may be employed to facilitate coupling of the container  22  to the dispenser housing  70 ′.  
      In operation, the user will secure the container  22  in the coupling assembly  145 ′ of the dispenser housing  70 ′ by aligning the yoke  33  in the mounting socket  111  and seating the container neck  45  in the inlet bore  112  to thereafter inwardly advance the neck  45  through the inlet bore  112  in an alignment such that the locking studs  50  will be secured behind respective lugs  162  as set forth above. This will also result in the alignment of the mating curvilinear surfaces of the cowling  86  and the container end wall  31 . As shown in the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 16-17 , by squeezing inwardly the walls of the container  22 , a user will then cause the fluid therein to flow from the container reservoir  24 , through the inlet bore  112  and neck  45 , and to the flow chamber  71 ′, and more specifically, to the outwardly and forwardly angled rear portion of the introduction chamber  72 . This initially directs the flow of fluid over the rear most array of slots  101  into contact with the longitudinally medial portion of the distribution plate  75 ′, and will further effect flow through the second set of slots  102  for dispensation therethrough. Fluid flow will then continue to the more forwardly positioned and laterally spaced slots  103  for a laterally spaced dispensing thereof, and further to the forward more closely spaced slots  104 . The fluid flow, under continued pressure from the squeezed container  22 , will then continue forwardly and spread laterally across the forwardly disposed respective outlet edges  93  and  94  of the corresponding ribs  82  and  83  to flow laterally, outwardly and rearwardly into the respective flanking chambers  73 , to then be driven rearwardly under pressure to flow over the slots  105  to thus dispense a measured modest amount of fluid to the lateral most portions of the distribution plate  75 ′.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 17-19 , as the fluid is forced to the various slots  100 - 105  of the distribution plate  75 ′, it then continues through such slots in such distribution plate to the distribution surface  76 ′, which may be recessed and spaced apart from the applicator pad  55  to prevent occlusion of the slots. The fluid will then flow to the attachment surface  56  of the applicator pad  55 , and then through the applicator pad  55  or through channels  59  formed therethrough to be dispersed on the applicator working surface  62 . The user then may pass the head of the applicator across the surface to be treated thus applying the underside working surface  62  of the pad  55  thereto. When the readily available supply of fluid at the working surface  62  has depleted, the user may thereupon squeeze the container  22  or otherwise again repeat the above described sequence. After treatment of a desired surface is completed, or the fluid in the container  22  has been exhausted, the user will rotate neck  45  in inlet bore  112  to align the studs  50  with a corresponding clearance slot  165 . He or she may then withdraw these studs  50  through the clearance slots  165  to effectuate release of the container  22  from the housing  70 ′, and replace the container  22  as set forth above.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 25-34 , the fourth embodiment of the invention includes a dispenser housing  210  and container  250  having a construction similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , except for modification to the container coupling, chamber and chamber inlet. In this embodiment, the housing  210  includes a transverse wall  226  from which a tubular coupling assembly  220  projects for receiving the neck  255  of the container  250 . An coupling includes an inlet tube  230 , as shown in  FIG. 25 , projecting upwardly and outwardly from wall  226 , and defines an open ended cavity  236  configured for complemental receipt of the neck  255  of the container  250  ( FIG. 34 ).  
      As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 31 - 33 , the coupling  220  is further formed in its bottom wall with a through inlet opening  240  surrounded by a gland  238  defining a rearwardly facing seat  239 . Nested in the seat is a flow control device  245 , which includes a flapper valve  246  to control the flow of fluid therethrough to the central opening  240  and then to a flow chamber  214 . The valve  246  is circumscribed by a compressible seal  247 , and may be slightly domed rearwardly. The valve is scored in a cruciform configuration to define flaps  248 , which open inwardly in response to pressurized fluid flow to permit flow therethough. With this construction, the valve  246  also resists the return flow of fluid once it has passed through the flaps  248 .  
      As described below, with the flow control  245  nested in the seat  239 , as shown in  FIG. 33 , when the container neck  255  is advanced through the cavity  236  and the connector elements of the neck achieve a positive locking connection with the connector elements of the inlet, the open end of the neck  255  will be pressed against the flow control device  245  to form a fluid tight seal with the compressible seal  247 .  
      The housing  210  is formed with a top wall  270 , a rear wall  271  and side walls  272  and  273  that terminate in downwardly facing bottom edges disposed in a common plane to partially define the housing bottom surface  211 , and may be internally formed with a central network of ribs and lightening holes. As shown in  FIG. 29 , the housing  210  further includes a plurality of vertically oriented longitudinal chamber ribs, shown for example at  280 - 287 . One pair of these ribs ( 283  and  284 ) define the flow chamber  214  therebetween, with such chamber disposed in alignment with the opening  240  of the inlet  230 . These ribs  280 - 287  terminate in downwardly facing bottom edges aligned in a common plane with the bottom edges of the housing walls to define the housing bottom surface  211 , thus providing a mounting surface to which the attachment surface  261  of the applicator pad  260  is affixed or otherwise mounted. So mounted, the applicator pad cooperates with the chamber  214  to act as a distribution plate to distribute fluid along the attachment surface  261  to be metered downwardly through the pores of the pad to the working surface  262 .  
      Thus, as depicted in  FIGS. 29 and 33 , after the fluid passes from the flow control  245  through inlet opening  240 , it enters the flow chamber  214  to exit through a chamber outlet  215  to the attachment surface  236  of the applicator pad. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber outlet  215  defines an opening in the housing bottom surface  211  and as fluid passes through the outlet  215  it is thus simultaneously distributed in intimate contact along the attachment surface  261  of the applicator pad  260  for communication therethrough to the pad&#39;s working surface  262 .  
      The chamber ribs, e.g.  280 - 288 , cooperate to define any appropriately shaped and configured flow chamber  214  and chamber outlet  215  for communicating and distributing fluid along the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the applicator pad as may be desired for a given application. In one exemplary embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 29 , the chamber ribs combine to define a flow chamber  214  which is longitudinally elongated to form an “I” shaped chamber outlet  215 .  
      The remaining portions of the housing bottom surface  211  that are not defined by the bottom edges of the housing walls  270 - 273  and chamber ribs  280 - 287  may be formed with any economical or functional configuration desired. For example, the remainder of the bottom surface  211  may be solid, or the housing may be further constructed with a plurality of longitudinally and/or laterally elongated reinforcing ribs  213  ( FIG. 29 ) that terminate in bottom edges which form any appropriate bottom surface  211  pattern to provide surface area for bonding the attachment surface  261  of the pad  260  thereto.  
      As shown in  FIG. 29 , the housing bottom surface  211  may also be formed with a plurality of lightening cavities  212  conveniently situated about the periphery of the bottom surface and/or in the vicinity of the central portion adjacent to the chamber ribs  283  and  284 . The cavities may be formed with varying and appropriate depths depending on the desired application and the financial and structural priorities established during the design and manufacturing processes. The contours of these cavities  212  may be defined by walls of varying convenient dimensions and orientations, or by the reinforcing ribs  213 , and will also terminate in bottom edges to cooperate in defining the housing bottom surface  211  to which the pad  260  is mounted.  
      The pad  260  is conveniently constructed in the form of semi-open cell polymer sponge like material, which can be either formed by injection molding or cut from a stock of foam such as is well known in the art as being suitable for this purpose. Its dimensions and contours will be suited to a given application, but is preferably flat iron shaped and formed oversized relative to the plan view of the housing bottom surface  211  to project laterally outwardly therefrom to form respective peripheral skirts. In a preferred embodiment, the pad  260  is 3 inches wide at the base with the opposite edges curving forwardly and inwardly toward one another to a point located on the longitudinal center line to provide an overall length of 4¾ inches. The pad is preferably formed on its working surface  262  with undulations  263  ( FIG. 28 ) in the form of sinusoidal grooves to facilitate uniform application of fluid.  
      To securely mount the container  250  in the housing  210  in a fluid tight sealing engagement, the container neck and inlet  230  are formed with connector elements which preferably facilitate a threaded engagement, as shown in  FIGS. 25, 28  and  33 .  
      In this embodiment, the container  250  ( FIG. 34 ) is formed with a contoured groove formed about the periphery of the end wall  251  to define a forwardly facing contoured shoulder  252  configured to receive in a nesting relationship the complimentary shaped end of the coupling assembly  220  as shown in  FIG. 33 . The end wall  251  is preferably centrally formed with a tubular neck  255  to be received telescopically in the inlet coupling  230 . The neck may take any convenient corresponding shape to that of the cavity for complemental receipt in the inlet  230 , and in the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 34 , is tubular in shape for complemental receipt in the inlet tube  230 . The neck  255  is further outwardly formed with screw threading  256 , and is configured at its base with a pair of diametrically outwardly projecting neck lugs  258  situated on opposite sides of the neck. The exterior surface of the container  250  need not be specifically ergonomically adapted, however, as shown in  FIG. 34 , will preferably include finger grips  253 , and may include other features such as a palm pad or the like.  
      For receiving the container  250  of this embodiment therein, as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 33 , the coupling assembly  20  of the housing  210  includes a cowling  221  formed for complemental mating with the container end wall  251  by nesting against the shoulder  252  when the neck  255  is fully received in the inlet  230 . To this end, the inlet is formed with inwardly projecting threading  232  for establishing a threaded engagement with the neck threading  256 , and with at least one resilient finger  233  extending upwardly beyond the outward termination of the inlet  230 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 25 and 30 , the inlet tube  230  is formed with the threading  232 , and includes two pairs of resilient fingers  233  situated on diametrically opposite sides of the tube, with the fingers of each pair being spaced apart a distance sufficient thereof to receive a neck lug  258  between the free ends.  
      To enable mounting and locking of the container  250  into the inlet  230 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 25 and 33 , the container neck  255  is telescopically received into the inlet tube  230  and, upon rotation of the container  250 , the neck will rotate to engage the neck screw threads  256  with the inlet threads  232 . Upon continued rotation and threaded mating, the neck  255  is advanced axially inwardly in the inlet tube  230  until the open end of the neck is abutted against the seal, and the neck lugs  258  engage respective free ends of the fingers  233  to flex such free ends of the engaged fingers  233  and, as rotation continues, cam therepast to register the lugs  258  between the respective finger pairs  233 , as shown in  FIG. 30 .  
      With the lugs  258  registered between the fingers  233  of the finger pairs, the open end of the neck  255  will be seated against the compressible seal  247  and the fingers  233  will resist further clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the container  250  to alert the operator sealing contact has been made. As shown in  FIG. 33 , this engagement will further facilitate the mating engagement of the cowling  221  with the container end wall  251  as the cowling is registered against the shoulder  252 . To release the container from its engagement with the inlet, the user will simply rotate the container in the opposite direction to initially cause the lugs  258  to flex and clear the fingers  233  in the opposite direction from that described above, whereupon continued rotation will cause the neck threading  256  to disengage its threaded engagement with the inlet threading  232  and the container  250  may be removed from the housing  210 .  
      While the inlet  230  has been described as tubular, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the inlet and the mating neck  255  may take many different forms so long as they are configured for complemental mating, even to the extent of the chamber inlet being a neck and the container including a socket to receive the neck. Additionally, it is further contemplated that the neck  255  of container  250  may abut directly against the gland  238  and be seated in seat  239  when the neck is received in the inlet if the flow control device is located elsewhere along the fluid communication path leading from the container  250  to the applicator pad  260 . Moreover, while the above described chamber ribs  280 - 287  have been described as defining an exemplary flow chamber  214 , this is instructive of the manner in which the flow chamber can be constructed to direct fluid both longitudinally and laterally to the applicator pad&#39;s attachment surface, but is merely one contemplated configuration for accomplishing this objective. Additionally, while a single flow chamber  214  has been described in this embodiment, it is further contemplated that the housing  210  may include multiple flow chambers, or that individual chambers may be segmented into sub-chambers.  
      In this alternative embodiment, the container  350 , as shown in  FIG. 39 , includes a contoured groove formed about the periphery of the end container wall  351  to define a forwardly facing contoured shoulder  352 , and the end wall  351  is further is formed with a yoke  354  extending forwardly from the lower extend of the shoulder. The container neck  355  is centrally formed in the yoke to project outwardly from it, and includes a collar flange  356  that circumscribes the neck  355 . The collar flange  356  extends rearwardly and outwardly to define a cam surface  357 , and terminates by angling inwardly towards the neck  355  to define a locking surface  358 . The container  350  need not be ergonomically configured, but preferably will include at least a pair of finger grips  353 .  
      For receiving the container  350  of this embodiment therein, as shown in  FIGS. 35 and 38 , the housing  310  includes a coupling assembly  320  formed with a cowling  321  which terminates in its rear edge in a scallop configured on its top and bottom sides with rearwardly projecting curved tongues  322 , which are configured to establish a nesting relationship with the shoulder  352  of the container end wall  351  when the yoke  354  is received in the coupling assembly  320 .  
      Additionally, the housing  320  is formed with an inlet retaining assembly  326  from which an inlet device  330  projects rearwardly and upwardly. The retaining assembly  326  may take the form of a transverse wall, as shown in  FIG. 35 , or may be configured as a mounting block centrally disposed in the housing. The inlet  330  is defined by an inlet tube  331  which is formed with an inwardly projecting connector bead  332 , and in the preferred configuration depicted in  FIG. 37 , the inlet tube  331  is segmented into two cantileverly projecting inlet tube half portions  334 . separated by segmenting slots  335 .  
      In this embodiment, each of the half portions  334  is formed in the vicinity of its distal extremity with its own inwardly projecting connector bead  332 . The half portions  334  are rigid enough to reliably and securely hold the neck  355  of the container  350  when it is received therein. However, the segmenting slots  335  also lend sufficient resiliency to the half portions  334  to enable them to flex outwardly when receiving the container neck  355  and then to return to their original configuration for securing the neck in the inlet  148  after the connector beads  332  are registered behind the neck&#39;s collar flange  356 . The inlet is further formed with a gland  338  having a rearwardly facing seat  339  and a centrally formed inlet opening  340 , and a flow control device  345  including a valve  346  circumscribed by a compressible seal  347  is nested in the seat  339 .  
      To enable mounting and locking of the container  350  into the inlet  330 , as shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the neck  350  is received in the cavity  336  between the half portions  334  and axially inwardly advanced in the inlet  330 . Upon further advancement of the neck  350  through the cavity  336 , the cam surface  357  of the neck collar flange  356  is slidingly engaged by the connector beads  332  of the shell portions  334  to cause the shell portions to flex outwardly. Further axial advancement of the neck  355  will then cause the beads  332  to clear the collar flange  356 , at which time the shell portions  334  return to their original configuration to register the beads  332  behind the locking surface  358  of the flange  356  in the relationship shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 .  
      So configured, the neck  355  will be received in the cavity  336  such that, with the beads  332  engaged securely behind the flange  356 , the distal portion of the neck  355  will be sealingly engaged with the compressible seal  347  of the flow control device  354 , as shown in  FIG. 38 , and will be securely seated in inlet  330 . Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 35 and 38 , with the cowling tongues  322  nested against the forwardly facing shoulder  352  of the container end wall  351 , the neck yoke  354  received in the coupling assembly  320 , the neck  355  sealingly engaged with the compressible seal  347  and received in the inlet  330  and the beads  332  of the inlet tube half portions  334  registered securely behind flange  356  of the neck  355 , the container  350  will be securely registered within the housing  310  in a close fit relationship to provide a fluid tight sealing engagement between the two.  
      To release the container  350  from the dispenser housing  310  and its coupling assembly  320 , limited axial rotation of the container  350  and the cowling  321  relative to one another will disengage the complemental mating of the forwardly facing shoulder  352  of the container  350  and the rearward edges of the curved cowling tongues  322 . This simultaneously rotates the neck  355  within the inlet  330 . While rotating the neck  355 , the disengaging force simultaneously exerted by the user to separate the container  350  from the housing  310  will meet resistance as the connector beads  332  slide against the flange  356 . By continuing to exert such disengaging force, the half portions  334  will be flexed outwardly and the beads  332  will slide back over the flange  356  to release their locking engagement, thereby releasing the neck  355  from the inlet  330  and likewise the container  350  from the housing  310 .  
      In the embodiment of  FIGS. 35-39 , the remaining construction does not differ significantly from that depicted in  FIGS. 25-34 . For example,  FIG. 36  depicts a housing construction having a flow chamber  314  aligned with inlet opening  340  similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 29 , which includes a chamber outlet  315  opening onto the attachment surface  361  of pad  360  for communication of fluid therethough to working surface  362 . The housing  310  is similarly formed with lightening cavities and chamber ribs and reinforcing ribs whose bottom edges terminate in a common plane to define the housing bottom surface  311  to which the pad  360  is attached.  
      In operation, for the shown  FIGS. 25-29 , the container will typically be sold filled with a vinyl treatment fluid and the neck sealed by a removable aluminum seal. The container may be unscrewed form the housing, the aluminum seal removed and the container  250  screwed back into the coupling assembly  220  dispenser housing  210 . Rotation of the container and mating of the threads will advance the neck  255  in the coupling until the neck is abutted against the seal, at which time the neck lugs  258  are registered between the inlet&#39;s corresponding pairs of fingers  233 , thereby resisting further rotation. This will further facilitate the mating engagement of the cowling  221  with the container end wall  251  to register the cowling against the shoulder  252 .  
      By squeezing inwardly the walls of the container  250 , a user will then cause the fluid therein to flow from the container, through the container neck  255  and inlet tube  230 , through the valve  246  of the flow control  245 , and then through the inlet opening  240  of the gland  238  to the flow chamber  214 . As the pressurized fluid enters the flow chamber  214 , some of the it will fall onto the portion of the attachment surface  261  of the applicator pad  260  situated below the inlet opening  240 . The remainder may be distributed across the various inward surfaces of the chamber ribs  280 - 287  for communication to the remaining portions of the applicator pad underlying the chamber.  
      Thereafter, depending on the porosity of the chosen applicator pad  260 , some portion of the deposited fluid will begin to flow through the pad. The remaining fluid will pool on the attachment surface  261  and will then be further distributed to other desired portions of the pad&#39;s longitudinal and lateral dimensions by flowing along the portion of the flow chamber  214  faced by the top surface of adjacent of the pad. In this manner, the fluid is distributed across the desired areas the attachment surface  261  for flowing downwardly through the pad  260  to the working surface  262  on the underside of the pad. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the chamber outlet may take many different forms, such as being elongated longitudinally as shown, elongated transversely or even a round opening, it only being important that fluid be communicated to the top of the pad so that pressurization of the container will force the fluid to the working surface to be distributed about the upholstery try to be treated.  
      After treatment of a desired surface is completed, or the fluid in the container  250  has been exhausted, the user may disconnect the container  250  from the housing  210  by rotating the container in the opposite direction until the neck lugs  258  are disengaged from their registration between the fingers  233 . This will also cause the cowling  221  to disengage from its registration with the container shoulder  252 . Continued rotation will withdraw the neck  255  out of the cavity  236  of the inlet tube  230  as the neck threading  256  disengages the inlet threading  232 . This will release the container  250  from the housing  210 , and the user may then replace the container  250  or refill it for subsequent applications.  
      While several particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the following claims.  
      Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the invention