Single-use Applicator

Abstract

An applicator comprising an elongated rod-shaped pad of porous material. The pad has a conical-shaped pointed end. A fluid containing frangible capsule is embedded in the pad, a fluid-proof tubular envelope surrounds the pad and has an open end of a truncated conical shape. The pointed end of the pad extends beyond the conical open end of the envelope.

Description

This invention relates to an applicator and more particularly to a device of this type which is essentially adapted for a single use.

Briefly, the concept of this invention involves the use of a frangible capsule in a pad of cellulose fiber which is encased in a fluidproof envelope. The envelope has a tapered opening end through which a conical pointed end of the pad extends. Upon breaking of the capsule, fluid in the capsule will saturate the pad and flow out of the open end for application onto the desired surface by the pointed end of the pad.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a single-use applicator of a convenient pencil shape and adapted for use in applying medications, pigments, paint, ink, cosmetics, shoe polish or the like onto any desired surface in a convenient manner and wherein even very thin lines can be formed as desired.

A further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a single-use applicator having unlimited shelf life yet which is so inexpensive to manufacture as to enable such to be disposed of economically after a single use.

A further object of the present invention resides in the utilization of a frangible capsule disposed in a pad of cellulose fiber material which is encased in a suitable fluidtight envelope designed so that once the capsule has been broken, the fluid can pass only out of an open end in a particular direction and which envelope and cellulose fiber pad are designed to protect the capsule against accidental breaking yet which will readily enable the breaking of the frangible capsule when such is desired.

Further objects and features of this invention reside in the provision of a single-use applicator that is simple in construction, light in weight, capable of being made in a convenient size for ready grasping by the hand of a user with means for protecting the fingers of the user against accidental staining, and which is adapted for wide distribution and use.

These, together with the various ancillary objects and features of this invention, which will become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this single-use applicator, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, by way of example only, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a single-use applicator constructed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along the plane of line 2--2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the manner in which the frangible capsule is broken;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the applicator in use; and,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a modified form of the invention.

With continuing reference to the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views reference numeral 10 generally designates an applicator having three main parts, an envelope 12, a pad 14, and a frangible capsule 16.

The capsule 16 is preferably formed of glass and is fluid- and airtight and contains a suitable fluid 18 such as perfume, cosmetics, pigmented material, such as shoe polish, paint, ink, or the like. The capsule is provided with anchoring stems 20 and 22 of reduced cross-sectional area for enabling the convenient insertion of the capsule 16 in the pad 14.

The pad 14 is formed of a cellulose fiber material and may be provided with a longitudinal slit 24 therein for facilitating the insertion of the capsule in the pad 14. The pad 14 is of a generally cylindrical-shaped elongated rod having a conical end 26 forming a pointed tip 28.

The envelope 12 is formed of any convenient synthetic plastic material which is fluidtight. Such materials are preferably somewhat flexible yet when used in conjunction with the pad 14 will be capable of retaining its rodlike shape even after having been bent enough to break the capsule as shown in FIG. 3. The envelope 12 includes a tubular cylindrical casing 30 having a closed end 32 and having an open end 34 through which the conical end 26 of the pad protrudes. The open end 34 is of a truncated conical shape for forming a convenient finger grip for the user much as in the manner of a pencil or pen.

The applicator 10 is designed to be carried in a handbag of a lady, disposed in a suitable pocket of a garment of any person, such as a workman, physician, technician or the like. The fluid 18 is prevented from evaporating because of its airtight and fluidtight encasement in the capsule 16 so that the device has elongated shelf life. When it is necessary or desirable to use the applicator, the entire device is bent in the manner as shown in FIG. 3 allowing the fluid 18 to escape from the capsule 16 and saturate the pad 14. Holding the applicator in the manner shown in FIG. 4 will permit capillary and gravity feed of the fluid onto the pointed end 28 for application of the fluid onto any suitable surface 40. After use, the entire applicator may be disposed of.

In FIG. 5 there is shown a modified form of the invention wherein a relatively large capsule 116 containing the fluid is employed. This capsule 116 is similar to the capsule 16 but larger both in diameter and in length. The capsule 16 is provided with an anchoring stem 122 at the front end thereof and seats within the pad 14 of the assembly 110. The assembly 110 includes a cylindrical casing 130 having a completely opened end through which the pointed nose 128 of the pad extends. The closed end 132 may be integrally formed with the casing 130 or bonded thereto and may be convex in shape. The larger capsule 116 affords a larger supply of fluid. The end 132 may be attached by heat sealing. The use of the plane open end may permit the pad 114 to be cut to afford a brush-type effect and the casing 130 may be successfully cut back during use if such is found necessary.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features.

Claims

I claim:

1. An applicator comprising an elongated cylindrical rod-shaped pad of porous material, said pad having a longitudinal slit therein extending the full length thereof and having a conical-shaped pointed end, a fluid containing frangible glass capsule embedded in said pad and spaced from both ends of said pad extending beyond said capsule, said capsule having anchoring stems at the opposite ends thereof of reduced cross-sectional area, a fluid-proof tubular envelope of plastic material having an integral closed end and an open end, said open end being of a truncated conical shape conforming closely to the contour of said pointed end, said pad being of cellulose fiber and being disposed in said envelope and tightly embraced thereby, said conical-shaped pointed end of said pad protruding from said open end with said truncated conical-shaped open end forming a protective finger grasp for the user.