Abstract:
A single-use disposable applicator and dispenser of creams, liquids, and spreadable agents. A liquid or cream agent of liquid or viscous is stored in a sterile container. An applicator including a soft interface is stored along with the agent. When the need to apply the agent occurs, the applicator breaks the seal to the agent, after which the applicator is used to apply the cream or liquid agent to a desired surface, and is then discarded. The invention may be used by healthcare providers and similar persons to treat a plurality of persons, and lessens the likelihood that bacteria or infection will be spread amongst a population. The invention may further be used to contain, dispense, and apply any manner of spreadable agents of low rigidity including, but not limited to, soaps, cleaning agents, and paint samples.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/531,889, filed Sep. 7, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a one-time use dispenser and applicator for applying a liquid or cream to a surface, such as human skin. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many individuals are afflicted with skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, skin allergies, and many forms of rash-inducing conditions. Additionally, many individuals suffer from allergic reactions to poison ivy and other common skin-irritating substances. There is a wide range of treatment agents for these conditions, such as steroid lotions and ointments or salves containing Vitamin E, aloe and cortisone, among many others. These agents are most frequently packaged in tubes with caps, like a tube of toothpaste. The tube containers themselves may be constructed of a variety of materials from plastic to metals and with varying rigidity. There are multiple problems with such packaging. First, caps frequently become dirty and clogged with unused or excess agent. Not only is this wasteful, but it also makes the dispenser unsanitary to use. Second, many such dispenser tubes are large and/or cumbersome when attempting to use them one-handed, in tight quarters, or quickly and on the go. In many cases, one may find him or herself wishing for an extra hand. 
         [0006]    There are additional problems with the size of traditional packaging. First the tubes are often large and add to the bulk that individuals must carry with them on a daily basis. With specific regard for parents of diaper-aged children suffering from diaper rash, these tubes are added weight and volume to already-full diaper bags. This problem is not limited to diaper-rash creams and overburdened parents, but modern life has led to more and more individuals carrying many medications, ointments, lotions, medicaments, and any number of other liquid items with them on a daily basis. Therefore, many agents in traditional packaging create extra weight and bulk in already-crowded bags. The current state air travel also limits the amount of luggage passengers carry. Fees for checking luggage result in more carry-on baggage. Lotions, liquids and creams in carry-on baggage that one person may carry are required to be limited in volume and amount. In addition to treatments and agents for diaper rash, other ointments, and make-up, which are used topically, items such as shoe polish, paint samples, and any number of other liquids and/or creams may come in cumbersome, bulky, or wasteful packaging. Many such items, an exhaustive list of which would be too lengthy to include here, would benefit from a small, compact, single-use packaging alternative. 
         [0007]    Aside from the issues with existing packaging, there is a concern when touching irritated or affected areas of human skin. For example, when spreading ointment onto a portion of skin affected by poison ivy, the worry is that the person applying the ointment may spread the rash to other portions of the body or to other persons. Similarly, when applying ointment to a baby suffering from diaper rash, a number of cleanliness issues arise, and the spread of rotavirus is a constant concern. Using a hand to spread cream to an affected portion of skin increases these risks and others. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a method of applying creams or liquids to an affected area in a simple and comfortable manner, while being as sterile as possible. The present invention presents such a solution, whereby a single-use applicator may be used to treat an affected portion of human skin gently, and then the single-use applicator may be discarded. 
         [0009]    Heretofore there has not been available a single-use applicator with the features and elements of the present invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention relates to a single-use disposable applicator and dispenser of creams, liquids, and spreadable agents for the purpose of applying the agent to a desired surface. A liquid, cream, or spreadable agent of liquid or viscous is stored in a sterile container. An applicator including a soft interface is stored along with the agent. When the need to apply the agent occurs, the applicator breaks the seal to the agent, after which the applicator is used to apply the cream or liquid agent to desired body, and is then discarded. 
         [0011]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention addresses the multiple needs for providing a one-time use applicator and dispenser for creams, lotions, ointments, other remedies and medicaments, and any other liquid. The exemplary embodiment of the invention is sanitary, small, light-weight, and easy to pack and carry. The exemplary embodiment may be used with one hand. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the above description is for example only, and not meant as a limitation, and any dispenser and applicator of the types described above may be used and are included in this disclosure. 
         [0012]    One embodiment of the present invention may be used to treat general skin irritations, such as diaper rash or poison ivy rash. A healthcare provider may use an embodiment of the present invention to apply a treatment cream or ointment to the affected portion of human skin without coming into direct skin-on-skin contact with the affected area. This embodiment prevents the spread of infection or bacteria from one patient to the next because the applicator is discarded once treatment is applied. A separate sterile applicator is used for each afflicted person. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the embodiment within a typical environment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the present invention as it would be packaged for consumption. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the present invention in its original position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the present invention in its final position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation as indicated by the arrow of  FIG. 1 , showing the forward face of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a section view showing the internal workings of the present invention in its original position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a section view showing the internal workings of the present invention after a first seal is perforated. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a section view showing the internal workings of the present invention after a second seal is perforated. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a section view showing the internal workings of the present invention in its final position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0023]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0024]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0025]    An embodiment of the present invention is generally designed to provide a sanitary and germ-free apparatus and method for applying liquid, cream-based, or otherwise spreadable agents onto a body, such as human skin. Some examples of such applications include, but are not limited to: burn ointment for treating mild to severe burns; hormone replacement creams; creams and ointments for treating fungal or bacterial infections of the skin, such as ring worm; and creams and ointments for treating rashes which may easily be spread, such as poison ivy. 
         [0026]    An embodiment of the present invention would be extremely useful in areas where a number of persons may need to be treated by a very few individuals for a number of skin-related issues. This would include hospitals, daycares, nursing homes, and veterinary clinics. The present invention would also be valuable for use in handling weather emergencies or other catastrophic events, such as plane or ship wrecks, or for use in emergency medical kits. In such environments a single individual may be required to treat a number of individuals in short succession. Using a disposable applicator, such as the present invention, would decrease the likelihood that bacteria or disease would be spread from one individual to the next. 
         [0027]    The present invention would not be limited to only those liquids, creams, and spreadable agents used to treat human skin. The present invention may be used to apply and spread any similar agent, such as glue, harsh cleaning chemicals such as tile and grout cleaner, deodorants, jewelry cleaner, and even make-up samples for use at a department store make-up counter. The applications possible with the present invention are near limitless. 
       II. Example 
     Treatment of Diaper Rash 
       [0028]    One primary example of how an embodiment of the present invention may be used is in the treatment of common diaper rash in infants. The skin irritation caused by diaper rash may predispose an infant to irritation and infection. The two most common types of infection are those associated with yeast and bacteria. The most common yeast infection is caused by Candida albicans. Meanwhile, the most common bacterial infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. 
         [0029]    Treatment for diaper rash involves removing the source of irritation, reducing the immediate skin reaction, relieving the discomfort, and preventing secondary infection and other complications. Frequent diaper changes and keeping the area as dry and clean as possible normally prove helpful. Keeping the area clean and dry, however, has not proven to be fully effective in protecting sensitive and/or already irritated skin from the chemical irritation associated with the by-products of infant urine and feces. 
         [0030]    The primary issue in the treatment of diaper rash is that the caretaker who is applying standard creams and treatments is exposed to infant urine and feces, as well as any skin-borne bacteria that may be present. In a daycare facility, this can lead to a strain of infection that can be spread amongst a number of children if proper sanitary precautions are not taken 
         [0031]    An embodiment of the present invention allows a caretaker to use an individually sealed dispenser and applicator to treat one child&#39;s diaper rash. Using the applicator, the caretaker&#39;s hands and skin do not come into direct contact with the dangerous bacteria that may be present on the child&#39;s skin. Once the applicator has been used, it is disposed of, and a second dispenser and applicator may be used on a second child. This prevents the spread of disease and infection amongst the population of children at a daycare facility. 
         [0032]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention is of such dimensions to allow for several dispenser and applicator devices to be carried on one&#39;s person or stored in a standard hand bag. Each apparatus is individually packaged, and may be purchased or stored in a desired number. The apparatus is compact to allow a healthcare provider to carry several at one time. This eliminates the need to carry large bottles of cream or ointment. 
       III. Preferred Embodiment or Aspect Single-Use Applicator  2   
       [0033]    Referring to the drawings in more detail,  FIG. 1  shows a typical storage container  5 , such as a box containing flaps, which may contain and store a number of pre-wrapped single-use applicators  7 . The applicators may be purchased in bulk for mass consumption, such as for use in a nursery for treating diaper rash, or in a medical facility for treating burns, poison ivy, or other skin irritations. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  shows a single use applicator  2  as it would be housed within a typical disposable wrapper  3 . The wrapper may be made from paper, plastic, or any similar material which allows for easy-opening while maintaining the sterility of the applicator  2 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3 and 4  demonstrate the typical functionality and utility of an embodiment of the present invention. The single use applicator typically is comprised of a housing tube  4  which houses the applicator plunger  8  and tip  16  and is capable of storing a liquid or viscous agent  18 . The applicator tip  16  is inserted into the housing tube  4  through a housing tube pathway  6 . A depressor  10  at the distal end of the applicator plunger  8  allows for the applicator plunger  8  to easily travel down the pathway  6 . The depressor  10  may be ergonomically formed to conform to the thumb of a human hand. 
         [0036]    The housing tube  4  may include a grip  12  at the distal end, which is designed to receive fingers of a hand while the thumb depresses the depressor  10 , guiding the applicator plunger  8  down the pathway  6 . The housing tube  4 , grip  12 , applicator plunger  8 , and depressor  10  may be created from plastic or any light-weight, sterile material. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  demonstrates the applicator tip  16  emerging from a front opening enclosure  14  located within the housing tube  4 . The applicator tip  16  emerges from the housing tube  4  saturated with a liquid or cream agent  18  which was previously stored within the housing tube  4 . At this point, the applicator  2  is in its “final position,” wherein it may apply a liquid or cream liquid or viscous agent  18  to a body using the applicator tip  16 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  demonstrates one way in which a front opening enclosure  14  may be created, although such an enclosure is unnecessary as long as the seals  24 ,  26  are in tact. A number of opening flaps  20  form a rounded tip. These flaps seal tight and may maintain a sterile seal within the housing tube  4 . When pressed against from within, the opening flaps  20  open along a number of opening flap incisions  22 . The opening flaps peel apart, allowing the applicator tip  16  to exit the housing tube  4 , and the tip will then be free to apply the liquid or cream agent  18  to a body, such as irritated human skin. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6-9  show a section of an embodiment of the present invention, and demonstrate a step-by-step method by which that embodiment may function. In  FIG. 6 , the applicator  2  is in its “starting position.” This will be the position the applicator  2  is in when it is removed from its packaging  3 . A first seal  24  and a second seal  26  are located within the tube body. Between the first  24  and second  26  seals is a cream or liquid agent  18 . These seals  24 ,  26  prevent the need for a cap, which may become clogged or be lost. The seals prevent the agent  18  from exiting the tube  4  until such a time that the seals are broken. 
         [0040]    The agent is injected into the applicator  2  during manufacture, and may comprise any liquid or cream agent, such as a skin-soothing cream for use in treating diaper rash, cortisone for treating a skin itch, or any variety of skin soothing creams, balms, or ointments. 
         [0041]    The seals are formed out of foil, lightweight plastic, or some other body capable of storing the agent  18  within the confines of the tube body  4 , while allowing for easy penetration when force is applied to the seals  24 ,  26  by the applicator tip  16 . The seals may optionally be perforated. In a preferred embodiment, the seals ensure that the cream or liquid agent  18  is kept sterile until the seal is perforated by the applicator tip  16 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows the single-use applicator  2  after the applicator tip  16  has pierced the first seal  24 . The applicator tip  16  absorbs an amount of the agent  18  as it passes through. The applicator tip would typically be made of cotton or some other soft, semi-absorbent material. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  shows the single-use applicator  2  after the applicator tip  16  has pierced the second seal  26 . At this point during use, the applicator tip  16  is fully saturated with the cream or liquid agent  18  which was previously stored between the seals  24 ,  26  and the tube body  4 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  shows the single-use applicator in its “final position.” The applicator has pierced both seals  24 ,  26 , and the applicator tips has emerged from the front opening enclosure  14  of the tube body  4 . An amount of cream or liquid agent  18  remains coating and absorbed into the applicator tip  16 . The tip may then be used to apply the agent  18  to a body. The tip  16  is soft so that it may be used to spread the agent  18  along a body with minimal discomfort. Once a desired amount of the agent  18  has been applied, the entire applicator  2  may be disposed. If additional applications are desired, the user may select another pre-wrapped applicator  7  from the storage box  5  and repeat the above steps. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.