Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)-(d) from German patent application ser. no. P 103 12 454.3 filed Mar. 20, 2003. 
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an application apparatus for facilitating the application of a substance on an application location by a substance transfer element, the apparatus including a base body, a first receptacle supported on the base body for retaining therein a fluid which can react with another material composition to form the substance to be applied, and a second receptacle supported on the base body.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Application apparatus of the type to which the present invention relates is disclosed, for example, in EP-A2 1 153 579. This application apparatus comprises a base body in whose receptacle a substance is received. Following the removal of a cover foil, the substance can be accessed and can be removed with the assistance of an applicator.  
           [0004]    It is frequently necessary in a dental practice to use substances comprised of two different material compositions or components, which must be maintained separate from one another before the substance is applied. In this connection, one configuration of the above-noted publication provides two chambers which are covered by foil which can be punctured. A similar configuration is, to be sure, well known as is disclosed, for example, in DE-PS 19 60 074.  
           [0005]    One of the components of the substances to be applied is frequently a fluid or, at least, a viscous component, and the other component is in powder form. U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,717 discloses an improved configuration of the type of application apparatus constituted in this manner. In this improved configuration, a working end of the applicator is provided with one component of a substance to be formed which is wetted as a consequence of dipping or submersing the applicator in the other respective component which forms the substance. The configuration is suitable if the other substance component is a liquid. The application apparatus disclosed in this publication engenders, however, comparatively high work tool costs, in that three synthetic molds must be separately produced. Two of the three molds cannot be configured without an undercut, so that a valve must also be used in connection with the work tools. For this reason alone, the work tool costs ratchet significantly upward. It would, however, be desirable to have ready, for various amounts of substances, differing application apparatus. The configuration disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,717 due to the reason of the high work tool cost, only permits recourse to one—and, indeed, a relatively large size which makes the production of this one-time use product comparatively expensive and requires more synthetic material than would actually be required.  
           [0006]    Moreover, the application apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No . 6,450,717 is, basically, only particularly hand-maneuverable if it is firmly held. A non-gripped, set down placement of the application apparatus requires either a special stand or engenders the risk that the application apparatus will tip and, consequently, lead to loss of the liquid, if the application apparatus has already been opened.  
           [0007]    One can provide, in fact, a continuous peripheral edge along the base of this known application apparatus in order to increase its set down placement stability. This, however, would worsen the hand maneuverability of the application apparatus and would require the use of still additional synthetic masses.  
           [0008]    The application apparatus disclosed in EP-A2 1 153 579 provides a side hand grip. This application apparatus, as well, nonetheless tends to disadvantageously promote a shaking out of the substance retained therein if the application apparatus has been disposed on a base after the cover foil has been opened.  
         OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention provides a solution to the challenge of providing an application apparatus which can be produced in a cost-favorable manner to accommodate differing dosing requirements and which is clearly an improved application apparatus with respect to providing an ergonomic hand grip.  
           [0010]    Surprisingly, the inventive application apparatus ensures an improved hand maneuverability despite the reduced work tool cost involved in its manufacture. The inventive arrangement of two receptacles adjacent one another offers, at a minimum, the possibility of an enlarged set down placement surface so that, as a basic principle, the set down placement surface is already of a larger size as compared to conventional application apparatus.  
           [0011]    In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the application apparatus comprises a base plate serving the double function of being a set down placement surface having a significant dimension, and being a hand grip element. It is particularly advantageous, however, that one of the receptacles—namely, the second receptacle—is compatibly configured with respect to the working end, or of a portion of the working end, of the applicator for the receipt of the same therein. The applicator can be realistically stored in the second receptacle and, if it already has been wetted, is received in a secure and efficacious manner in the second receptacle, due to the compatible configuration thereof. From the point of view of a particularly favorable deployment of the inventive application apparatus, the application apparatus can be configured as a single dose unit, whereby the receipt of the applicator in one receptacle permits one of the substance components-namely, the respective substance component which has already been applied to the working end of the applicator—to be stored in a protective manner by virtue of the disposition of the applicator in the one receptacle and to be activated, as required, by virtue of dipping or submersing the applicator in the fluid retained in the other receptacle.  
           [0012]    Even in a configuration in which the applicator has a significantly long shaft of, for example, more than approximately 10 cm, the inventive application apparatus can still be set down in a stable position. In an advantageous embodiment of the application apparatus of the present invention, a base body is provided which is operable to receive an insert in which the fluid has been disposed. This configuration permits, as required, that solely the insert and the applicator need be exchanged for a new respective insert or applicator. In spite of its characteristic as a single dose unit, this configuration provides the possibility to re-use the socket and the base body of the application apparatus.  
           [0013]    Both the first receptacle as well as the second receptacle can, as needed, be configured to be re-closable. The first receptacle is covered with a cover foil and, in connection with a corresponding securement of the cover foil to the receptacle by means of an adhesive edge, a reclosable configuration can be achieved. The applicator preferably comprises a sealing arrangement and, via compatible configuration of the application element relative to the second receptacle, a closure arrangement and, as needed, even a sealing arrangement which is effective following re-insertions of the application element into the receptacle, are achievable.  
           [0014]    It is particularly advantageous that the inventive application apparatus, in spite of its relatively large set down placement surface, has a compact configuration. The stockage of the application apparatus for transport purposes and for holding in readiness the substance to be applied can, without further measures, be effected by, for example, placement of the next following application apparatus onto the grip region of the respective application apparatus such that the application apparatus are disposed in a serial manner.  
           [0015]    It is also especially advantageous if a closed chamber is automatically formed by the second receptacle, upon receiving the applicator inserted therein. The second component of the substance can also be in the manner of a laminarly-applied substance or, even, a not totally solid substance, which has been applied to the working end of the applicator. By virtue of the chamber characteristic of the second receptacle having the inserted applicator therein, no danger exists that the substance component on the application element will dry out even if the application element is to be stored in the second receptacle for a relatively long time. At the same time, the bristles or similar elements provided on the working end of the applicator act in the manner of a space maintaining element or spacer so that the receptacle itself is not sullied or contaminated by the respective substance component on the working end of the applicator.  
           [0016]    It is, additionally, especially advantageous if the first receptacle is configured to be relatively higher than the second receptacle. This permits the dentist or dental technician to dip or submerge the applicator in the fluid in an effectively blind manner, as the first receptacle in which the fluid is retained is elevated while, due to relative height differential, the second receptacle gives the impression of being a subordinated structure and so it is readily apparent that the second receptacle is designated for stockage of the application element.  
           [0017]    Via configuration of the first receptacle with a height/diameter relationship of approximately 2:1, the tendency toward a shaking or spilling out of the substance is reduced. On the other hand, radiused edges can be readily configured on the application apparatus and, in fact, inner radiused edges can be configured below, and outer radiused edges can be configured on, the access aperture. The harmonious profile of the first receptacle permits, as well, complete consumption of the respective fluid retained therein.  
           [0018]    Additionally, the receptacles can be provided in an ergonomically favorable spacing arrangement relative to one another. A compact arrangement of the socket offers, however, the possibility to provide a spacing of, for example, approximately the diameter of the first receptacle, between the receptacles. Via the identical orientation of the two receptacles to one another in a manner in which their central longitudinal axes extend parallel to one another, the applicator can be disposed in the same manner and with the same hand movement into the first receptacle as well as into the second receptacle. Even in the event of an effectively blind placement of the application element into one of the first and second receptacles, the dentist or dental technician is able to determine, by virtue of the differing heights of the first and second receptacles, that the applicator has been placed in the appropriate receptacle.  
           [0019]    The above-noted configuration of the first receptacle with the height/diameter relationship of 2:1, which can, as desired, also be configured instead with a height/diameter relationship of, for example, 1.5:1 or 2.5:1, ensures the stability of the application apparatus during the time, as well, when the applicator is disposed in the first receptacle. It is especially advantageous, from an ergonomics viewpoint, if the first receptacle is centrally disposed on the base body. The base plate extends beyond the side of the socket opposite to the side of the second receptacle which is adjacent the first receptacle. Due to the central arrangement, the application apparatus is optimally supported in each direction in the event of an effectively blind placement of the applicator in the course of which the application element is moved at an angled or inclined orientation toward the respective first or second receptacle of the application apparatus chosen to receive the application element.  
           [0020]    Also, the tear-off latch or tab of the cover foil can preferably project toward the grip region of the application apparatus to facilitate the engagement thereof for the purpose of tearing off the cover foil. The cover foil is preferably formed with a resistance to tearing which clearly exceeds the magnitude of the adhesive force of the weld or adhesive seam which secures the cover foil to the respective receptacle. It is especially favorable if an adhesive seam is provided in an encircling manner around an insert of the first receptacle in order, on the one hand, to provide an air-tight disposition and, on the other hand, to make possible a re-closing of the receptacle via use of a corresponding adhesive substance. It is to be understood that a substance can be deployed as the adhesive means which is compatible with the fluid retained in the receptacle.  
           [0021]    It is to be understood that the inventive application apparatus can be used for any suitable desired substances. Fluids such as, for example, an ethanol-water mixture or, as well, a solvent, can be deployed while the working end of the applicator can be coated with any suitable desired reaction component which is then activated or fluidized if the applicator is dipped or submerged in the fluid.  
           [0022]    It is to be understood that, in lieu of a fluid, a viscous material or, for example, a shakable powder, can be deployed without re-configuration of the application apparatus. It is particularly advantageous if the cover foil has a comparatively high resistance to tearing. This prevents, on the one hand, a tearing of the cover foil due to an inadvertent pull on the latch and, most importantly, on the other hand prevents the working end of the application element from puncturing through the cover foil, as in such event, a portion of the respective substance component carried on the working end of the application element will transfer to, and remain hanging on, the cover foil and the mixture ratio will be different than is otherwise desired.  
           [0023]    Further advantages, details, and features of the application apparatus of the present invention are set forth in the hereinafter following description of an embodiment of the application apparatus with reference to the figures of the drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of one embodiment of the application apparatus of the present invention; and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the application apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the application apparatus  10  of the present invention, which is comprised substantially of a base body  12  and an application element or applicator  14  which may be carried by the base body  12 , but which is removed during use. The base body  12  comprises a socket  16  which projects upwardly from a base plate  18  when the parts are in their normal working position shown in FIG. 2. A channel  20 , configured as a capture rim, is disposed adjacent the socket  16  and captures the remnants of the substance which are occasionally spilled as the applicator  14  is moved away from the socket  16 .  
         [0027]    The base plate  18  is, in the illustrated embodiment, configured slightly asymmetrically. The socket  16  is disposed in the rear half of the base plate and is encircled by an edge of the base plate  18  which is comprised of a comparatively small width of, for example, 2 to 10 mm. In contrast, the front half of the base plate is substantially enlarged. It comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, an annular recess defining a grip region  22 . The front half forms a projection, as viewed with respect to the socket  16 , and extends in a substantially semi-annular shape having a width and depth of approximately the same dimension.  
         [0028]    The configuration of the one embodiment of the application apparatus permits the area around the socket  16 , which is available for hand-gripped movement of the application apparatus in narrow quarters such as, for example, in the proximity of the mouths of patients, to be maintained slim and small. Due to the lateral or side widening of the projection of the base plate  18  in the grip region  22 , a set down position stability is nonetheless ensured.  
         [0029]    It is to be understood that the grip region  22  can be configured in any suitable desired manner such as, for example, of a right angled shape or a quadratic shape, each such shape having rounded-off corners. Also, it is possible to provide, in lieu of a closed grip plate, a grip plate having through apertures.  
         [0030]    The socket  16  of the one embodiment of the application apparatus comprises a first receptacle  24  and a second receptacle  26  as can be seen particularly well in FIG. 2.  
         [0031]    The first receptacle  24  is provided with an insert  28 . The insert  28  is—as can be clearly seen in FIG. 2—inserted in a flush manner into the socket  16 . The insert comprises a bulging, substantially deep extent which, in accordance with the invention, is designated for the receipt of a fluid  30 . The fluid  30  is retained solely in the lower half of the first receptacle  24 , which is configured as a bulging depth receptacle, while the upper half of the first receptacle remains unfilled.  
         [0032]    The first receptacle  24  is, before deployment of the substance, closed off in a sealed manner by a cover foil  32 . The cover foil is fused to the insert in a conventional annular ring configuration. The cover foil comprises a grip tab or latch  34  which extends to the grip region  22  and which permits tearing or pulling off of the cover foil  32 .  
         [0033]    The first receptacle  24  has approximately double the diameter of the second receptacle  26 . The second receptacle  26  is configured for the insertion thereinto of the applicator  14  and is correspondingly configured for this purpose. The second receptacle comprises a substantially cylindrical cross-section and is configured in the manner of a blind hole. The second receptacle has a height/diameter relationship of approximately 4:1, whereby it is to be understood that the exact configuration can be adjusted through a wide range to accommodate the operational requirements. In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator  14  includes a neck  40  intermediate a widened element  36 , which serves as the guide region, and a working end  38 , the neck  40  having an outer diameter which fits exactly flush in the second receptacle  26  and which, upon insertion of the applicator  14  into the second receptacle  26 , cooperates with the widened element  36  to seal off the upper end of the second receptacle  26 .  
         [0034]    The working end  38  of the applicator  14  is provided with a substance transfer element  42  which can be configured in any suitable desired manner. For example, the substance transfer element  42  can be configured as a brush, as bristles, as flocking, or as a sponge, and is preferably coated with a component of the substance which is to be applied. Upon dipping or submersion of the working end  38  of the applicator into the fluid  30 , a chemical reaction occurs between the component of the substance which has previously been applied on the working end  38  of the applicator and the fluid  30  such that the chemical reaction results in the creation of the desired substance to be applied.  
         [0035]    The applicator  14  is configured in an ergonomically favorable manner while, nonetheless, having a slim shape. In this connection, the applicator includes a gripping end in the form of a shaft  44  which is grippable by hand.  
         [0036]    In connection with the use of the application apparatus  10 , the application apparatus  10  is initially disposed onto a base or counter. The socket  16  is held between two fingers and, via gripping and pulling the latch  34 , the cover foil  32  is pulled off. The securement force which retains the insert  28  in the socket  16  is chosen to be of a sufficient magnitude such that the insert remains in the socket during pulling off or removal of the cover foil  32 . The applicator  14  is then removed from the second receptacle  26  and is disposed into the first receptacle  24 .  
         [0037]    The dimensions of the applicator  14  and the first receptacle  24  are compatibly selected such that the applicator  14  can also be inserted and retained in a stable manner in the first receptacle  24 . In this connection, it is advantageous to maintain the configuration of the first receptacle  24  as a relatively slim configuration—that is, with a comparatively large height/diameter relationship. Alternatively, it is also possible to select the height of the first receptacle  24  such that, upon insertion of the applicator  14  into the first receptacle, the applicator lies against the region of the widened element  36  such that the applicator  14  is supported in a favorable manner from the side.  
         [0038]    Preferably, while in this position, the application apparatus can be brought into proximity of the application location—that is, in proximity to the mouth of the patient, via gripping of the grip region  22  or the shaft  44  between the thumb and index finger of, for example, the left hand of the user. The substance which has now been mixed in its final form via the reaction of the fluid  30  with the component on the substance transfer element  42  can now be transferred to the application location by means of the applicator in an ergonomically favorable manner from a position immediately adjacent the application location.  
         [0039]    Following the application of the substance onto the application location, the application apparatus  10  can again be placed onto the planar base or counter. In order to avoid a drying out of the substance during the intermediate storage of the substance, the applicator  14  is inserted into the second receptacle  26  wherein it is sealed off against the exterior. The first receptacle  24  also permits the storage therein of the applicator. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the first receptacle ( 24 ) and the second receptacle ( 26 ) are spaced from one another and each has a central longitudinal axis with the central longitudinal axes of the first receptacle ( 24 ) and of the second receptacle ( 26 ), preferably, being substantially parallel to one another.  
         [0040]    Preferably, a substantially thick aluminum foil is used as the cover foil  32  of the first receptacle, which foil should not be an elastically deformable foil such as the foil of the type used for a compound foil application, in order to facilitate a re-closing of the receptacle. Alternatively, in connection with, for example, the use of a compound foil having a comparatively good tearing resistance in relation to its material strength, an adhesive edge can be formed between the access aperture of the first receptacle  24  and the cover foil to thereby make possible a short term intermediate storage capability.  
         [0041]    In a further embodiment of the application apparatus of the present invention, a weld seam in an annular shape is disposed between the cover foil  32  and the insert  28  and is encircled by an adhesive seam between the cover foil  32  and the socket  16 . In this configuration, a re-closing of the receptacle is possible. This configuration ensures that dislodged portions of the adhesive seam are prevented from contaminating the retained fluid  30  during long term stockage of the application apparatus while nonetheless permitting an intermediate closure of the application apparatus in connection with a premature storage event as a result of less than complete consumption of the substance.  
         [0042]    While a preferred form of this invention has been described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but intends to be limited only to the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. In this regard, the term “means for” as used in the claims is intended to include not only the designs illustrated in the drawings of this application and the equivalent designs discussed in the text, but it is also intended to cover other equivalents now known to those skilled in the art, or those equivalents which may become known to those skilled in the art in the future.

Technology Category: 1