U.S. patent application number 12/227782 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-24 for applicator, and container for application substance.
Invention is credited to Mitsuru Endou, Takeo Fukumoto, Tomoko Hasegawa, Nobuyuki Nakajima, KeIichiro Takachiyo, Eiji Tsuchiya, Junya Uehara.
Application Number | 20090317164 12/227782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38894357 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090317164 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fukumoto; Takeo ; et
al. |
December 24, 2009 |
Applicator, and container for application substance
Abstract
An applicator of application substances, which can be repeatedly
used and can be mounted on various containers, is provided. An
applicator 10 comprising: an application surface 11 to be in
contact with a target application surface and a support surface 13
to be in contact with a finger being formed as integrated front and
back surfaces; a mounting port 14 matching an opening of an
application substance container 20 for housing an application
substance; a discharge port 12 being opened in the application
surface 11; and a flow path 15 guiding the application substance
from the mounting port to the discharge port 12, penetrating
between the application surface 11 and the support surface 13.
Inventors: |
Fukumoto; Takeo; (Gunma,
JP) ; Nakajima; Nobuyuki; (Gunma, JP) ;
Tsuchiya; Eiji; (Gunma, JP) ; Hasegawa; Tomoko;
(Gunma, JP) ; Uehara; Junya; (Gunma, JP) ;
Takachiyo; KeIichiro; (Gunma, JP) ; Endou;
Mitsuru; (Gunma, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KUBOVCIK & KUBOVCIK
SUITE 1105, 1215 SOUTH CLARK STREET
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
38894357 |
Appl. No.: |
12/227782 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
May 29, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2007/060856 |
371 Date: |
July 2, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/42 20130101;
B65D 35/36 20130101; A45D 34/041 20130101; B65D 83/285 20130101;
A45D 34/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/6 |
International
Class: |
A46B 5/02 20060101
A46B005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 29, 2006 |
JP |
2006-147994 |
Nov 1, 2006 |
JP |
2006-297322 |
Claims
1. An applicator comprising: an application surface to be in
contact with a target application surface; a support surface to be
in contact with a finger; a mounting port matching an opening of an
application substance container for housing an application
substance; a discharge port being opened at a position in a surface
including the application surface other than the support surface;
and a flow path guiding the application substance from the mounting
port to the discharge port, penetrating between the application
surface and the support surface.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
application surface and the support surface is formed as a flat
surface.
3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support surface
is formed as a curved surface where a palmar surface of the finger
can be housed.
4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the application
surface is formed as a convex curved surface toward the target
application surface.
5. The applicator according to claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein a back
surface side of the support surface is opened.
6. The applicator according to claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein a covering
portion for covering at least a part of a back surface of the
finger in contact with the support surface is formed on the support
surface.
7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein a wall portion is
provided at least in a part of an outer periphery of the support
surface.
8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port
is opened in the vicinity of a tip end of a position including the
application surface other than the support surface.
9. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port
is formed into a valve shape.
10. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port
is covered by a seal member that can be peeled off in use.
11. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein a sphere is fitted
by insertion into the discharge port.
12. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port
is covered by a reticulated member.
13. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the application
surface and the support surface are formed as integrated front and
back surfaces.
14. An application substance container comprising: a reservoir
portion housing an application substance and having an opening; and
an applicator having an application surface to be in contact with a
target application surface and a support surface to be in contact
with a finger, the applicator comprising: a mounting port matching
the opening; a discharge port being opened in the application
surface; and a flow path guiding the application substance from the
mounting port to the discharge port, penetrating between the
application surface and the support surface.
15. The application substance container according to claim 14,
wherein the opening and the mounting port matching the opening are
formed into shapes closely fitted into each other.
16. The application substance container according to claim 14,
wherein the application surface and the support surface are formed
as integrated front and back surfaces.
17. An application substance container comprising: a reservoir
portion housing an application substance; and an applicator being
provided on a tip end side of the reservoir portion and having an
application surface to be in contact with a target application
surface and a support surface to be in contact with a finger; the
reservoir portion and the applicator being integrally formed with
each other; further comprising: a discharge port being opened at a
position in a surface including the application surface other than
the support surface; and a flow path guiding the application
substance from the reservoir portion to the discharge port,
penetrating between the application surface and the support
surface.
18. The application substance container according to claim 17,
wherein the application surface and the support surface are formed
as integrated front and back surfaces.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator placed on a
fingertip when an application substance is applied to skin or the
like, and a housing container for such an application substance
provided with such an applicator.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, application substances in the form of
liquid, paste, powder or the like, which are intended to be applied
to a target surface for application such as skin or bonding
surfaces, include a wide variety of substances such as cosmetics,
ointments, creams, adhesives or the like. Many of the application
substances need to be applied and spread over the target surface
for application by taking up an appropriate amount on a fingertip.
This type of application substances include cosmetics or
medicaments which are housed in a resin laminated tube or a metal
tube and are squeezed out of a squeeze port in an appropriate
amount, taken up on a fingertip and applied to skin or the
like.
[0003] When such an application substance is applied by a
fingertip, it is necessary to wipe or wash the substance attached
to or remaining on the fingertip after the application. In order to
avoid this situation, it is attempted that a fingerstall is fitted
to the finger and that an application substance is applied
therefrom. One of the attempts is an art disclosed in Patent
Document 1 described below. In the art, liquid material is enclosed
between two layers of a finger cover having a double layer
structure, and a pull-cap is provided on the outermost layer. Then,
by the finger cover being fitted on a fingertip and the pull cap
being removed in use, a small hole is formed, and the enclosed
liquid material is squeezed out therefrom to be capable of being
applied.
[0004] Moreover, Patent Document 2 described below discloses a
method of temporarily attaching cosmetics to a plate-shaped
application surface that can be mounted on a finger, and of
applying the cosmetics by a contact pressure.
Patent Document 1: JP 07-284508 A
Patent Document 2: JP 54-41806 Y
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In the aforementioned conventional arts, the application
substance is not directly attached to a fingertip. However, when
the application substance enclosed in the finger cover or
temporarily attached to the application surface is used up, the
finger cover or the application surface cannot be reused, and, as a
result, is thrown away after use. Moreover, the aforementioned arts
lack versatility in that the usable application substance is
limited to the one enclosed in the finger cover or the one
temporarily attached to the application surface.
[0006] Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an
applicator of application substances, which can be repeatedly used
and can be mounted on various containers.
[0007] In view of the above object, the present invention provides
an applicator comprising: an application surface to be in contact
with a target application surface; a support surface to be in
contact with a finger; a mounting port matching an opening of an
application substance container for housing an application
substance; a discharge port being opened at a position in a surface
including the application surface other than the support surface;
and a flow path guiding the application substance from the mounting
port to the discharge port, penetrating between the application
surface and the support surface.
[0008] That is, the applicator according to the present invention
is mounted on an opening, such as a squeeze port, of a container
for application substances such as cosmetics, so as to directly
enable application of the application substance. "Application
substance" described herein is a generic term for liquid materials,
highly viscous liquids such as pastes, gels and creams, or powders,
which are intended to be applied to "target application surface"
that is a target surface for application such as skin or bonding
surfaces, and includes a wide variety of substances such as
cosmetics, ointments, creams, adhesives or the like.
[0009] Any material that is normally used for a cosmetic container
can be used as the material for the applicator. For example, the
applicator can be formed by injection molding or compression
molding by using an elastic material such as silicone resin,
elastomer, rubber or the like. Further, by using the elastic
material, even when the shape of the mounting port is formed
smaller than an opening of a container that can be normally
obtained, the opening of the container can be inserted into the
mounting port, so that general versatility can be obtained. Metal
or rigid plastic may be also employed as the material for the
applicator depending on the property of application substance or
the application object.
[0010] Moreover, the shape of the mounting port may be formed
corresponding to the shape of the opening of the container. For
example, when the opening of the container is formed as a male
screw, the mounting port may be formed as a female screw that can
be fitted into the male screw. Moreover, by forming an undercut
portion in the mounting port at the time of molding with a mold,
the opening of the container can be expected to be reliably mounted
such that the opening of the container is pushed into the mounting
port due to elastic deformation of the undercut portion.
[0011] As for the shape of the applicator, although the support
surface may be formed to be a flat surface, it is preferable to
form the support surface to be a curved surface in accordance with
the fingertip shape, where the palmar surface of a finger can be
housed. Furthermore, although the application surface may be a flat
surface, the application substance can be smoothly applied when the
application surface is formed to be a convex curved surface toward
a target application surface. Moreover, the back surface side of
the support surface may be formed open either when where the
support surface or the application surface is formed to be such a
curved surface, or the support surface is formed to be a flat
surface. However, when a covering portion for covering at least a
part of the back surface of a finger in contact therewith is
formed, the finger is more reliably retained on the applicator by
the covering portion. Moreover, when a wall portion is provided at
least in a part of the outer periphery of the support surface even
if such a covering portion is not provided, the finger is
stabilized relative to the applicator by the wall portion.
[0012] Further, the application surface and the support surface may
be formed as integrated front and back surfaces, or such a
structure that the back side of the support surface is not the
application surface exactly (for example, a case in which a surface
continuing from the back side surface of the support surface is
formed as the application surface) may be also employed.
[0013] The present invention is operated as follows.
[0014] That is, the present invention being mounted on the opening
of the container, the application substance extruded from the
opening of the container passes through the mounting port, and then
through the flow path penetrating between the application surface
and the support surface, and is extruded from the discharge port of
the application surface. By the way, the discharge port may not be
opened in the application surface itself but may be opened,
depending on the shape of the applicator, at a position other than
the support surface, which is not in direct contact with a target
application surface. For example, in a case where the tip end
portion of a surface continuing from the application surface has a
reflex shape and the portion is not brought into direct contact
with the target application surface at the time of application, the
discharge port may be provided in a portion in the vicinity of the
tip end. Then, the application substance extruded from the
discharge port can be applied and spread over the target
application surface by placing a fingertip on the support surface
that is the back surface of the application surface while holding
the container within a palm.
[0015] Although a circular shape or an oval shape is normally
assumed to be employed as the shape of the discharge port, various
other shapes may be also employed. For example, the discharge port
may be formed to have a special shape such as a quadrangle, a
triangle, and a star. Furthermore, when the discharge port is
formed into a valve shape as a V-shaped slit, for example, the
valve-shaped portion can be kept closed when not used while the
valve-shaped portion is pressed from inside and opened at the time
of extruding the application substance. Accordingly, especially
when the application substance is highly viscous, it is possible to
prevent the application substance from oozing out more than is
necessary when not used. Then, the discharge port described above
may be provided singularly or a plurality of discharge ports may be
provided. Moreover, plural types of discharge ports may be provided
on one applicator.
[0016] Moreover, the discharge port may be covered by a seal member
that can be peeled off in use, and the seal member may be peeled
off when used. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent air from
entering through the discharge port before use, and to prevent the
application substance from changing in properties such as drying
resulting therefrom.
[0017] Furthermore, a sphere may be fitted by insertion into the
discharge port. Accordingly, the application substance can be
smoothly applied by the rotation of the sphere. Further, when the
applicator is formed of the above-described elastic material, a
sphere having a larger diameter than the bore diameter of the
discharge port is easily pressed and fitted by insertion into the
discharge port.
[0018] Moreover, the discharge port may be covered by a reticulated
member. Accordingly, it becomes easy to apply the application
substance such as powder, for example, to a target application
surface while holding the application substance by the reticulated
member. Furthermore, even when the application substance is in a
liquid form, application thereof is also facilitated by holding the
liquid in the reticulation of the reticulated member.
[0019] Moreover, the applicator according to the present invention
may be integrally formed with an application substance container.
That is, an application substance container comprises: a reservoir
portion housing an application substance and has an opening; and an
applicator having an application surface to be in contact with a
target application surface and a support surface to be in contact
with a finger; the applicator comprising: a mounting port matching
the opening; a discharge port being opened in the application
surface; and a flow path guiding the application substance from the
mounting port to the discharge port, penetrating between the
application surface and the support surface. Further, the
applicator and the application substance container may be
integrally molded together from the beginning, or may be separately
molded and subsequently be integrated by bonding. Furthermore, by
forming the opening and the mounting port matching the opening into
shapes closely fitted into each other, sealing performance between
the opening and the mounting port is improved. Further, the
application surface and the support surface may be formed as
integrated front and back surfaces, or such a structure that the
back side of the support surface is not the application surface
exactly (for example, a case in which a surface continuing from the
back side surface of the support surface is formed as the
application surface) may be also employed.
[0020] Moreover, the present invention may be an application
substance container comprising: a reservoir portion housing an
application substance; and an applicator provided on a tip end side
of the reservoir portion and having an application surface to be in
contact with a target application surface and a support surface to
be in contact with a finger; the reservoir portion and the
applicator being integrally formed with each other; further
comprising: a discharge port being opened at a position in a
surface including the application surface other than the support
surface; and a flow path guiding the application substance from the
reservoir portion to the discharge port, penetrating between the
application surface and the support surface. Further, the
application surface and the support surface may be formed as
integrated front and back surfaces, or such a structure that the
back side of the support surface is not the application surface
exactly (for example, a case in which a surface continuing from the
back side surface of the support surface is formed as the
application surface) may be also employed.
[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide an applicator of application substances, which can be
repeatedly used and can be mounted on various containers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear lower perspective view of an
applicator according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a front upper perspective view of the
applicator according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear upper perspective view of the
applicator according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a side sectional view of the applicator
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a side sectional view (A) and an A-A
sectional view (B) of an applicator according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a side sectional view (A) and a B-B
sectional view (B) of an applicator according to a third embodiment
of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear lower perspective view of an
applicator according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a front upper perspective view of the
applicator according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear upper perspective view of the
applicator according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a side sectional view of the applicator
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates a side sectional view (A) and a C-C
sectional view (B) of an applicator according to a fifth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates a side sectional view (A) and a D-D
sectional view (B) of an applicator according to a sixth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 illustrates a front upper perspective view (A) and a
bottom perspective view (B) of an application substance container
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 14 illustrates a front upper partial sectional
perspective view (A) and an attachment perspective view (B) of an
applicator mounted on the application substance container according
to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 15 illustrates a front upper perspective view (A) and a
bottom perspective view (B) of an application substance container
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 16 illustrates a rear upper perspective view of an
applicator according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 17 illustrates a rear upper perspective view of an
applicator according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 18 illustrates a lower perspective view of an
applicator according to an eleventh embodiment of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 19 illustrates a lower perspective view of an
applicator according to a twelfth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 20 illustrates a lower perspective view of an
applicator according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 21 illustrates a lower perspective view of an
applicator according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 22 illustrates a rear upper perspective view of an
applicator according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 23 illustrates a lower perspective view of an
applicator according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 24 illustrates a side sectional view of the applicator
according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to the drawings as follows.
(1) First Embodiment
[0047] An applicator 10 according to a first embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
Further, FIG. 1 illustrates a rear lower right perspective view of
the applicator 10, FIG. 2 a front upper right perspective view,
FIG. 3 a rear upper right perspective view, and FIG. 4 a side
sectional view.
[0048] In the applicator 10 according to the present embodiment,
the bottom surface side is a convex curved application surface 11
as shown in FIG. 1, and the top surface side is an open concave
curved support surface 13 as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the
application surface 11 and the support surface 13 are integrated
front and back surfaces. Moreover, the back end side of the
applicator 10 is formed into a short cylindrical shape with a hole
being provided in the center as shown in FIG. 3. The center hole is
a mounting port 14. A female screw is formed on the mounting port
14. Accordingly, a squeeze port with a male screw formed thereon of
a container (in particular, having a tubular shape) of an
application substance is inserted and fixed thereto.
[0049] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, a small hole is provided at
substantially the center of the application surface 11. The small
hole is a discharge port 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the discharge port
12 is connected to the mounting port 14 through a flow path 15.
[0050] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment can be
formed by injection molding of silicone resin.
[0051] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment is
used after inserting and mounting the squeeze port of an
unillustrated application substance container on the mounting port
14. Then, when the side surface of the container is pushed, the
application substance as the content is extruded from the squeeze
port, and is further squeezed out of the discharge port 12 through
the flow path 15 from the mounting port 14. When an appropriate
amount of application substance is squeezed out, a fingertip
(normally of a forefinger) is placed on the support surface 13
while the container is held within a palm, so that the application
substance can be applied and spread over a target application
surface. At this time, the palmar side of the fingertip fits the
concave curved surface of the support surface 13, and thus,
application is smoothly performed.
(2) Second Embodiment
[0052] An applicator 10 according to a second embodiment of the
present invention will be descried with reference to FIG. 5. FIG.
5(A) illustrates a side sectional view of the applicator 10, and
FIG. 5(B) an A-A sectional view in FIG. 5(A).
[0053] In the applicator 10 according to the present embodiment,
the bottom surface side is a planar application surface 11, and the
top surface side is also a planar support surface 13. That is, the
application surface 11 and the support surface 13 are integrated
front and back surfaces. Moreover, the peripheral portion of the
application surface 11 has a structure with an edge. Moreover, the
back end side of the applicator 10 is formed into a short
cylindrical shape with a hole being provided in the center. The
center hole is a mounting port 14. A female screw is formed on the
mounting port 14. Accordingly, a squeeze port with a male screw
formed thereon of a container (in particular, having a tubular
shape) of an application substance is inserted and fixed
thereto.
[0054] Moreover, a small hole is provided at substantially the
center of the application surface 11. The small hole is a discharge
port 12. The discharge port 12 is connected to the mounting port 14
through a flow path 15.
[0055] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment can be
formed by injection molding of silicone resin.
[0056] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment is
used after inserting and mounting the squeeze port of an
unillustrated application substance container on the mounting port
14. When the side surface of the container is pushed, the
application substance as the content is extruded from the squeeze
port, and is further squeezed out of the discharge port 12 through
the flow path 15 from the mounting port 14. When an appropriate
amount of application substance is squeezed out, a fingertip
(normally of a forefinger) is placed on the support surface 13
while the container is held within a palm, so that the application
substance can be applied and spread over a target application
surface. Furthermore, an excess application substance can be
removed by being picked up with the edge along the peripheral
portion of the application surface 11.
(3) Third Embodiment
[0057] An applicator 10 according to a third embodiment of the
present invention will be descried with reference to FIG. 6. FIG.
6(A) illustrates a side sectional view of the applicator 10, and
FIG. 6(B) a B-B sectional view in FIG. 6(A).
[0058] In the applicator 10 according to the present embodiment,
the bottom surface side is a planar application surface 11, and the
top surface side is also a planar support surface 13. That is, the
application surface 11 and the support surface 13 are integrated
front and back surfaces. A wall portion 17 that encloses the
periphery of the support surface 13 in a frame shape is also
formed. Moreover, the peripheral portion of the application surface
11 has a structure with an edge. Moreover, the back end side of the
applicator 10 is formed into a short cylindrical shape with a hole
being provided in the center. The center hole is a mounting port
14. A female screw is formed on the mounting port 14. Accordingly,
a squeeze port with a male screw formed thereon of a container (in
particular, having a tubular shape) of an application substance is
inserted and fixed thereto.
[0059] Moreover, a small hole is provided at substantially the
center of the application surface 11. The small hole is a discharge
port 12. The discharge port 12 is connected to the mounting port 14
through a flow path 15.
[0060] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment can be
formed by injection molding of silicone resin.
[0061] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment is
used after inserting and mounting the squeeze port of an
unillustrated application substance container on the mounting port
14. When the side surface of the container is pushed, the
application substance as the content is extruded from the squeeze
port, and is further squeezed out of the discharge port 12 through
the flow path 15 from the mounting port 14. When an appropriate
amount of application substance is squeezed out, a fingertip
(normally of a forefinger) is placed on the support surface 13
while the container is held within a palm, so that the application
substance can be applied and spread over a target application
surface. At this time, the periphery of the fingertip is retained
by the wall portion 17, so that stability can be increased.
Furthermore, an excess application substance can be removed by
being picked up with the edge along the peripheral portion of the
application surface 11.
(4) Fourth Embodiment
[0062] An applicator 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to
10. FIG. 7 illustrates a rear lower right perspective view of the
applicator 10, FIG. 8 a front upper right perspective view, FIG. 9
a rear upper right perspective view, and FIG. 10 a side sectional
view.
[0063] In the applicator 10 according to the present embodiment,
the bottom surface side is a convex curved application surface 11
as shown in FIG. 7, and the top surface side is a concave curved
support surface 13 that is partially open as shown in FIG. 8. That
is, the application surface 11 and the support surface 13 are
integrated front and back surfaces. Moreover, the back end side of
the applicator 10 is formed into a short cylindrical shape with a
hole being provided in the center as shown in FIG. 9. The center
hole is a mounting port 14. A female screw is formed on the
mounting port 14. Accordingly, a squeeze port with a male screw
formed thereon of a container (in particular, having a tubular
shape) of an application substance is inserted and fixed thereto.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the tip end side of the
support surface 13 is formed as a covering portion 16 which covers
the top surface portion in a slipper shape as shown in FIG. 8.
[0064] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment can be
formed by injection molding of silicone resin.
[0065] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, a small hole is provided at
substantially the center of the application surface 11. The small
hole is a discharge port 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge
port 12 is connected to the mounting port 14 through a flow path
15.
[0066] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment is
used after inserting and mounting the squeeze port of an
unillustrated application substance container on the mounting port
14. When the side surface of the container is pushed, the
application substance as the content is extruded from the squeeze
port, and is further squeezed out of the discharge port 12 through
the flow path 15 from the mounting port 14. When an appropriate
amount of application substance is squeezed out, a fingertip
(normally of a forefinger) is placed on the support surface 13
while the container is held within a palm, so that the application
substance can be applied and spread over a target application
surface. At this time, the back surface of the fingertip placed on
the support surface 13 is covered by the covering portion 16.
Stability of the fingertip can be thereby increased.
(5) Fifth Embodiment
[0067] An applicator 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention will be descried with reference to FIG. 11. FIG.
11(A) illustrates a side sectional view of the applicator 10, and
FIG. 11(B) a C-C sectional view in FIG. 111(A).
[0068] In the applicator 10 according to the present embodiment,
the bottom surface side is a planar application surface 11, and the
top surface side is also a planar support surface 13. Moreover, the
peripheral portion of the application surface 11 has a structure
with an edge. That is, the application surface 11 and the support
surface 13 are integrated front and back surfaces, and the
peripheral portion of the application surface 11 has an angular
section. Moreover, the back end side of the applicator 10 is formed
into a short cylindrical shape with a hole being provided in the
center. The center hole is a mounting port 14. A female screw is
formed on the mounting port 14. Accordingly, a squeeze port with a
male screw formed thereon of a container (in particular, having a
tubular shape) of an application substance is inserted and fixed
thereto. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, two arch-shaped
covering portions 16 are formed on the back surface side of the
support surface 13.
[0069] Moreover, a small hole is provided at substantially the
center of the application surface 11. The small hole is a discharge
port 12. The discharge port 12 is connected to the mounting port 14
through a flow path 15.
[0070] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment can be
formed by injection molding of silicone resin.
[0071] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment is
used after inserting and mounting the squeeze port of an
unillustrated application substance container on the mounting port
14. When the side surface of the container is pushed, the
application substance as the content is extruded from the squeeze
port, and is further squeezed out of the discharge port 12 through
the flow path 15 from the mounting port 14. When an appropriate
amount of application substance is squeezed out, a fingertip
(normally of a forefinger) is placed on the support surface 13
while the container is held within a palm, so that the application
substance can be applied and spread over a target application
surface. At this time, the covering portions 16 come into contact
with the back surface of the fingertip placed on the support
surface 13. Stability of the fingertip can be thereby increased.
Furthermore, an excess application substance can be removed by
being picked up with the edge along the peripheral portion of the
application surface 11.
(6) Sixth Embodiment
[0072] An applicator 10 according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention will be descried with reference to FIG. 12. FIG.
12(A) illustrates a side sectional view of the applicator 10, and
FIG. 12(B) a D-D sectional view in FIG. 12(A).
[0073] In the applicator 10 according to the present embodiment,
the bottom surface side is a planar application surface 11, and the
top surface side is also a planar support surface 13. That is, the
application surface 11 and the support surface 13 are integrated
front and back surfaces. Moreover, the back end side of the
applicator 10 is formed into a short cylindrical shape with a hole
being provided in the center. The center hole is a mounting port
14. A female screw is formed on the mounting port 14. Accordingly,
a squeeze port with a male screw formed thereon of a container (in
particular, having a tubular shape) of an application substance is
inserted and fixed thereto. Furthermore, in the present embodiment,
two pairs of arch-shaped covering portions 16 with an uppermost
portion being removed are formed on the back surface side of the
support surface 13.
[0074] Moreover, a small hole is provided at substantially the
center of the application surface 11. The small hole is a discharge
port 12. The discharge port 12 is connected to the mounting port 14
through a flow path 15.
[0075] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment can be
formed by injection molding of silicone resin.
[0076] The applicator 10 according to the present embodiment is
used after inserting and mounting the squeeze port of an
unillustrated application substance container on the mounting port
14. When the side surface of the container is pushed, the
application substance as the content is extruded from the squeeze
port, and is further squeezed out of the discharge port 12 through
the flow path 15 from the mounting port 14. When an appropriate
amount of application substance is squeezed out, a fingertip
(normally of a forefinger) is placed on the support surface 13
while the container is held within a palm, so that the application
substance can be applied and spread over a target application
surface. At this time, the covering portions 16 are contacted with
the back surface of the fingertip placed on the support surface 13.
Stability of the fingertip can be thereby increased.
(7) Seventh Embodiment
[0077] In the present invention, an applicator 10 can be integrally
formed with an application substance container 20 as in a seventh
embodiment shown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the top surface
side of the applicator 10 is also a concave curved support surface
13 (see FIG. 13(A)), and the bottom surface side is also a convex
curved application surface 11 having a discharge port 12 (see FIG.
13(B)). A mounting port 14 is provided in the back end surface of
the applicator 10 as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 14(A), and
an application substance enters the mounting port 14. The mounting
port 14 and the discharge port 12 are coupled to each other by a
flow path 15. As shown in FIG. 14(B), the applicator 10 is so
bonded that the mounting port 14 corresponds to an opening 21 of
the tip end portion of the application substance container 20.
[0078] When the side surface of a reservoir portion 22 of the
application substance container 20 is pushed, the application
substance as the content is extruded, and is further squeezed out
of the discharge port 12 through the flow path 15 from the mounting
port 14. When an appropriate amount of application substance is
squeezed out, a fingertip (normally of a forefinger) is placed on
the support surface 13 while the application substance container 20
is held within a palm, so that the application substance can be
applied and spread over a target application surface.
(8) Eighth Embodiment
[0079] In the present invention, an applicator 10 can be also
formed into a flat plate shape as in an eighth embodiment shown in
FIG. 15. That is, the top surface side of the applicator 10 is
formed as a slightly depressed support surface 13 (see FIG. 15(A)),
and the bottom surface side is formed as a slightly projecting
application surface 11 (see FIG. 15(B)). Moreover, a flow path 15
projects in a nozzle shape integrated with the bottom surface side
of the applicator 10 from the tip end portion of an application
substance container 20, and its tip end is a discharge port 12 that
is opened toward the application surface 11.
[0080] When the side surface of a reservoir portion 22 of the
application substance container 20 is pushed, the application
substance as the content is extruded, and is further squeezed out
of the discharge port 12 through the flow path 15 from a mounting
port 14. When an appropriate amount of application substance is
squeezed out, a fingertip (normally of a forefinger) is placed on
the support surface 13 while the application substance container 20
is held within a palm, so that the application substance can be
applied and spread over a target application surface.
(9) Ninth Embodiment
[0081] An applicator 10 according to a ninth embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the applicator 10
according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5)
except that a plurality of small projections 30 are provided on the
support surface 13. The small projections 30 are slip-resistance
for a finger at the time of application, and application is thereby
easily performed.
(10) Tenth Embodiment
[0082] An applicator 10 according to a tenth embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the applicator 10
according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5)
except that a plurality of small projections 31 laid in the
longitudinal direction are provided on the support surface 13. The
small projections 31 are slip-resistance for a finger at the time
of application, and application is thereby easily performed.
(11) Eleventh Embodiment
[0083] An applicator 10 according to an eleventh embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the applicator 10
according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5)
except that the discharge port 12 is opened in a tip end surface 18
that is located on the tip end side from the application surface
11. That is, the discharge port 12 is located in the tip end
surface 18 that is located on the tip end side from a position
where a finger is located on the support surface 13, and that is
not contacted with a target application surface at the time of
application. Because of the structure, the application substance
squeezed out of the discharge port 12 can be attached to the target
application surface, and then, can be applied and spread by the
application surface 11, for example.
(12) Twelfth Embodiment
[0084] An applicator 10 according to a twelfth embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 19 is the same as the applicator 10
according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5)
except that the discharge port 12 is formed into a valve shape.
That is, the discharge port 12 is formed as a V-shaped slit.
Because of the structure, the valve-shaped portion can be kept
closed when not used while the valve-shaped portion is pressed from
inside and opened at the time of extruding the application
substance.
(13) Thirteenth Embodiment
[0085] An applicator 10 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 20 is the same as the applicator 10
according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5)
except that the discharge port 12 is covered by a seal member 32
that can be peeled off in use. That is, the discharge port 12 is
covered and closed by the seal member 32 before use. Therefore, it
is possible to prevent air from entering through the discharge port
12, and the application substance from changing in properties such
as drying resulting therefrom before use. Then, by peeling off the
seal member 32 in use, the applicator 10 can be used in a similar
manner to the above second embodiment.
(14) Fourteenth Embodiment
[0086] An applicator 10 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 21 is the same as the applicator 10
according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5)
except that the discharge port 12 and its vicinity are covered by a
reticulated member 33. Accordingly, it becomes easier to apply the
application substance such as powder, for example, to a target
application surface while holding the application substance by the
reticulated member. Furthermore, even when the application
substance is in a liquid form, the liquid is held in the
reticulation of the reticulated member, so that application is also
easily performed.
(15) Fifteenth Embodiment
[0087] An applicator 10 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIG. 22 is the same as the applicator 10
according to the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5)
except that an adhesive tape 34 is attached to the support surface
13. A finger is attached and fixed to the support surface 13 by the
adhesive tape 34 at the time of application, so that application is
easily performed.
(16) Sixteenth Embodiment
[0088] An applicator 10 according to a sixteenth embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is the same as the
applicator 10 according to the second embodiment described above
(see FIG. 5) except that a sphere 35 is fitted by insertion into
the discharge port 12. That is, as shown in the sectional view of
FIG. 24, the sphere 35 has a larger diameter than the diameter of
the discharge port 12, and thus, the sphere 35 is held so as not to
fall off from the discharge port 12. In a case where the applicator
10 is formed of a material rich in elasticity such as silicone
resin, for example, the sphere 35 can be easily inserted from the
discharge port 12 due to elastic deformation. By pushing an
unillustrated reservoir portion 22 or the like, the application
substance is squeezed out so as to ooze out from a gap between the
sphere 35 and the discharge port 12. Then, the squeezed application
substance can be easily and comfortably applied and spread by
rolling the sphere 35 on a target application surface.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0089] The present invention is achieved as an applicator used for
applying an application substance such as cosmetics, ointments,
creams, gels, adhesives, paints or the like, which is housed in a
squeeze container such as a laminated tube, a metal tube or the
like. Moreover, the present invention can be used as a container
including such an applicator.
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