Applicator

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10149528-B2
Application number	US-201415117388-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 19, 2014
Priority date	Feb 19, 2014
Publication date	Dec 11, 2018
Grant date	Dec 11, 2018

Abstract

An applicator package (40), consisting of an applicator and a substance (48) in the applicator, is provided so a user can apply the substance (48) to a target region. A set of components is provided for being assembled as the applicator, and a method is provided for making the applicator package (40). The applicator package (40) includes a platform (42) having an outer side (56) and having an inner side (54) defining a substance support surface (55). The substance (48) is supported on the platform support surface (55). The platform (42) defines (1) at least one fill passage (58) that extends from the platform outer side (56) to the platform inner side (54), and (2) at least one channel (60) that is located between portions of the substance support surface (55) and that communicates between the platform inner side (54) and the platform outer side (56). A dome (46 or 44) is initially, releasably mounted on the platform (42) over the substance (48) at the platform inner side (54).

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method for making an applicator package containing a substance that a user can apply to a target region, said method comprising the following steps:
I. providing a platform that (A) has an inner side defining a substance support surface that can receive and support a substance; (B) has an outer side; (C) defines a least one fill passage that extends from said platform outer side to said platform inner side; and (D) defines at least one channel that is located between portions of said substance support surface and that communicates between said platform inner side and said platform outer side;
II. providing a dome at said platform inner side over said substance support surface to define a cavity;
III. after step II, filling said cavity with said substance flowing through said at least one fill passage into said cavity so that said substance becomes supported on said substance support surface while permitting the venting of gas from said cavity through said at least one channel to said platform outer side;
including further step IV after step III, wherein step IV includes covering said at least one channel and said at least one fill passage at said platform outer side to minimize communication between the ambient exterior environment and said at least one channel and said at least one fill passage, and wherein
step II includes providing said dome in the form of an inner side cap that is removable by a user, and initially installing said inner side cap at said platform inner side;
said method includes a further step V before, during, or after any of the steps I, II, III, and IV, and said method also includes a further step VI after at least step II, wherein
step V includes providing a lid that can be located at (A) a closed position over said initially installed inner side cap, and (B) an open position that provides access to said initially installed inner side cap for removal by the user to expose said substance for application by contacting a target region with a portion of the exposed substance; and
step VI includes placing said lid in said closed position.

2. A set of components for being assembled as an applicator of a substance that a user can apply to a target region, said set of components comprising:
a platform and a dome, wherein
said platform has an outer side and has an inner side defining a substance support surface that can support a substance, and said platform defines (1) at least one fill passage that extends from said platform outer side to said platform inner side, and (2) at least one channel that is located between portion of said substance support surface and that communicates between said platform inner side and said platform outer side;
said dome is adapted to be initially installed on said platform over substance support surface to define a cavity for being filled with a substance that can be supported on said substance support surface while gas can be vented from said cavity through at least a portion of said at least one channel to said platform outer side;
wherein said dome is an initially installed inner side cap; and
said, set of components further including a lid that is adapted to be selectively located at (1) a closed position at least initially over said initially installed inner side cap, and (2) an open position that provides access to said initially installed inner side cap for removal by the user to expose the substance for application by contacting a target region with a portion of the exposed substance.

3. The set of components in accordance with claim 2 in which said lid and said platform are initially separately molded to each include hinge portions permitting initial snap-fit engagement of said hinge portions to define a hinge accommodating opening and closing of said lid about a pivot axis.

4. A set of components for being assembled as an applicator of a substance that a user can apply to a target region, said set of components comprising:
a platform and a dome, wherein
said platform has an outer side and has an inner side defining a substance support surface that can support a substance, and said platform defines (1) at least one fill passage that extends from said platform outer side to said platform inner side, and (2) at least one channel that is located between portions of said substances support surface and that communicates between said platform inner side and said platform outer side;
said dome is adapted to be initially installed on said platform over said substance support surface to define a cavity for being filled with a substance that can be supported on said substance support surface while gas can be vented from said cavity through at least a portion of said at least one channel to said platform outer side;
said platform includes a conduit defining said at least one fill passage;
said platform outer side includes a containment wall that (1) is spaced from said conduit, and (2) peripherally surrounds said conduit;
at least a portion of said platform extends from said containment wall toward said conduit to define a projection against which the substance can be engaged on said platform outer side to increase engagement and retention of the substance with said platform; and
said platform projection defines a portion of said substance support surface and terminates at a location spaced from said conduit so as to define an opening between said projection and said conduit.

5. A set of components for being assembled as an applicator a substance that a user can apply to a target region, said set of components comprising:
a platform and dome, wherein
said platform has an outer side and has an inner side defining a substance support surface that can support a substance, and said platform defines (1) at least one fill passage that extends from said platform outer side to said platform inner side, and (2) at least one channel that is located between portions of said substance support surface and that communicates between said platform inner side and said platform outer side;
said dome is adapted to be initially installed on said platform over said substance support surface to define a cavity for being filled with a substance that can be supported on said substance support surface while gas can be vented from said cavity through at least a portion of said at least one channel to said platform outer side;
said at least one channel has a bottom floor and a rib projecting from said bottom floor;
said at least one rib extends beyond said at least one channel bottom floor toward said at least one fill passage; and
said at least one fill passage is defined by a conduit supported by said at least one rib.

6. An applicator package containing a substance that a user can apply to a target region, said applicator package comprising:
a platform having an outer side and having an inner side defining a substance support surface, said platform defining (1) at least one fill passage that extends from said platform outer side to said platform inner side, and (2) at least one channel that is located between portions of said substance support surface and that communicates between said platform inner side and said platform outer side;
a substance supported on said platform substance support surface; and
a dome that is releasably mounted on said platform over said substance at said platform inner side;
wherein said dome is an initially installed inner side cap; and
said applicator package further including a lid that is adapted to be selectively located at (1) a closed position at least initially over said inner side cap, and (2) an open position that provides access to said inner side cap for removal by the user to expose said substance for application by contacting a target region with a portion of the exposed substance.

Assignees

• Aptargroup Inc

Inventors

• Erickson Gregory Alan
• Neuhalfen Mark G
• Virgilio Stephen

Classifications

• A45D33/006

  Vanity boxes or cases, compacts, i.e. containing a powder receptacle and a puff or applicator (A45D33/025 - A45D33/34 and A45D40/22 take precedence; toiletry etuis A45C11/008) · CPC title

• A45D33/06

  with diaphragm bases · CPC title

• A45D40/221

  Features of the hinge · CPC title

• A45D34/04 Primary

  Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball · CPC title

• A45D2034/007

  with special decorative arrangements or form · CPC title