BRPI0617466A2 - disposable applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

DISPOSABLE APPLICATOR The invention relates to a disposable applicator for applying a composition to an exposed surface. The applicator includes a rear blade, a liquid-permeable substrate affixed to a surface of the rear blade, and a composition applied to the liquid-permeable substrate. The composition is capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid-permeable substrate over the exposed surface. The applicator also has a seal formed on at least part of an internal surface of the rear blade. The rear blade is then folded over itself, in such a way that the seal extends completely around the perimeter of the substrate and protects the composition.

Description

"DISPOSABLE APPLICATOR"

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is currently a need for a disposable hygienic plier that can be used to apply a composition to an exposed surface and then disposed of. An application for this disposable applicator is when a mother wishes to apply an ointment or directly onto a baby's buttocks to treat a diaper rash. Until now, the mother could apply baby ointment or rash cream directly on the baby's buttocks using her fingers. However, this represents dirt, especially when performed away from sanitary facilities. Also, it can be very difficult for a mother to uniformly apply the ointment or cream on the affected area of the skin. An alternative is for the mother to apply the rash ointment or cream on the inner surface of the infant's diaper. However, some mothers do not feel confident that a sufficient amount of ointment or cream will transfer to the baby's skin in the area where diaper rash is present. Another application of a disposable applicator is to apply a medication to a cutaneous injury or wound formed on a person's skin. Still other uses for disposable applicators are for applying a number of different compositions, for example sunscreens, furniture polish, etc., on exposed surfaces. Surfaces can be a human body, the skin of an animal or the surface of an inanimate object.

A disposable applicator can now be invented which can be used to transfer a composition, such as a skin care product, onto an exposed surface, for example a baby's buttocks. The disposable applicator may be discarded after a single use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to a disposable applicator having a rear blade with an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter. The plier also has a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter. The first surface of the substrate is affixed to the inner surface of the rear blade. One composition is applied to the liquid permeable substrate. The composition is capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid permeable substrate against the exposed surface. The applicator further includes a seal formed on the inner surface of the rear blade. When the rear blade is folded over itself, the seal extends completely around the perimeter of the substrate and protects the composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a disposable plunger illustrating an alkyd permeable substrate having a composition applied thereto and being affixed to a back blade, and having a seal formed on the inner surface of the back blade that surrounds at least one. partially the perimeter of the substrate.

Figure 2 is a right side view of the disposable applicator illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top view of the disposable applicator illustrated in Figure 1, after the rear blade has been bent approximately at the transverse axis Υ — Y.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4, illustrating a chamber formed within the seal.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the disposable applicator illustrated in Figure 1, depicting a finger pouch formed by folding the back blade over itself and having an advertisement appearing on an opposite part of the back blade.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 taken along line 6-6.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a disposable applicator illustrating an oval shaped liquid permeable substrate having a composition applied thereon and being affixed to a rear blade and having a seal formed completely around the perimeter of the substrate.

Figure 8 is a right side view of the disposable applicator illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a bottom view of the disposable applicator illustrated in Figure 7, depicting a finger pocket formed by affixing a separate member to the outer surface of the rear blade.

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the disposable applicator illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, after the rear blade has been folded approximately into the Y-Y cross-axis.

Figure 11 is a top plan view of a disposable plunger having a rhombus configuration.

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the disposable applicator illustrated in Figure 11, after it has been approximately folded into the transverse axis Υ — Y.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a disposable applicator 10 having a longitudinal geometric axis Χ — XX, a transverse geometric axis Υ — Y, and a vertical geometric axis Ζ — Z. The disposable applicator 10 includes a rear blade 12 having an inner surface 14 and an outer surface 16. The rear blade 12 also has a perimeter 18. Desirably, the rear blade 12 is impermeable to liquids. The term "liquid impermeable" means that a fluid or liquid cannot pass through it. Most desirably, the rear blade 12 is impervious to moisture. The term "moisture impervious" means that moisture cannot pass through it. Even more desirably, the rear blade 12 is impervious to vapors. The term "vapor impermeable" means that a gas, gas or air cannot pass through it. A vapor is a gaseous state of a substance that is a liquid or solid under normal conditions. Air is an odorless, odorless gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78%) and oxygen (approximately 21%) with lower amounts of carbon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and other gases. Back blade 12 can be formed from a series materials, including natural and / or synthetic materials. Desirably, the backsheet is a film, although a nonwoven material, a woven material or a combination of materials may be used. The backsheet 12 may be a film formed from a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The backsheet 12 may also be formed from some other thermoplastic film or may be a laminate of two or more layers, wherein at least one layer is a barrier layer. As used herein, the term "laminate" refers to a composite structure of two or layers of materials which have been bonded or otherwise joined together such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, spot bonding, pressure bonding. extrusion coating, ultrasonic bonding, or some gluing technique known to those skilled in the art.

The backsheet 12 may include one or more barrier layers which may be in the form of a film layer. In addition, the rear blade 12 may be formed from a metallised material such as a metal foil. A metal is any of a category of electro-positive elements which are usually off-white, glossy, and typically ductile and malleable transition metals and high tensile strength. A common example would be a thin aluminum blade. Specific examples of certain well-working materials include: a low density polyethylene (LDPE), such as an LDPE / SURLYN film, and metallized poly (ethylene terephthalate) (MPET) than a metallized film laminate. SURLYN is a registered E.I. DuPont trademark of Nemours and Company, which has offices at 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, USA 19898. These and other materials known to those skilled in the art may be used to form the back blade 12.

The outer surface 16 of the rear blade 12 may also be manufactured or constructed to have a rough or rough texture or to have a granular, fibrous or abrasive surface. This rough texture is the opposite of a smooth, slippery or flat surface, as it serves to limit slipping when the disposable applicator 10 is held inside a person's hand or between the person's thumb and one or more of his or her fingers. The method for using the disposable application 10 will be explained later.

Referring to Figure 2, the rear blade 12 has a thickness "t" that is relatively thin. The thickness "t" of the rear blade may be less than about 3 millimeters. Desirably, the thickness "t" of the rear blade 12 may be less than about 1.0 millimeter. More desirably, the thickness "t" of the rear blade 12 may be less than about 0.1 millimeter. The rear blade 12 should also be flexible and have a soft feel on the hand. Rear blade 12 can be colored or colorless. A white eye usually gives a clean and hygienic appearance and is desirable for a disposable applicator 10 that is designed to be in contact with human skin. The rear blade 12 can be printed using numerous techniques known to those skilled in this area.

The backsheet 12 may be formed from a series of water-soluble or dispersible natural and synthetic polymeric film-forming or combination materials, including, but not limited to, PVP-based polymers (e.g. polypropylene). (vinyl pyrrolidone)), poly (vinyl alcohol), polyethylene glycol (Polyox), gum xanthan, Polyquaternium polymers, pullulan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium alginate, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, poly (acrylic acid), methacrylate demethyl copolymer, carboxy vinyl polymer, amylase, starch with amylase altoteor, hydroxy-propylated high amylase starch, dextrin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, levana, elsinana, collagen, zein, glutane, protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein, and mis theirs.

The rear blade 12 may also be manufactured to be less harmful to the environment. For example, the rear blade 12 may be made biodegradable. The term "biodegradable" means that the backsheet 12 is capable of being decomposed by natural biological processes. Illustrative examples include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following polymers: poly (hydroxyalconates), po-lactic acid, and polyglycolide.

Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, the disposable applicator 10 also includes a substrate 20 having a first surface 22 and a second surface 24. The substrate also has a perimeter 26, see Figure 1. may be equal to or less than rear blade operimeter 18. Desirably, the perimeter 26 of substrate 20 is at least about 50% smaller than the rear blade perimeter 18. More desirably, the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 is at least about 25% smaller than the perimeter 18 of the backsheet 12. Still more desirably, the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 is at least about 5% smaller than the perimeter 18 of the blade 12.

Referring again to Figure 2, the first surface 22 of the substrate 20 is affixed to the inner surface 14 of the backsheet 12 by a joint 28. The joint 28 may be a hot melt adhesive, a cold melt adhesive, a cohesive substance, a glue, an ultrasonic glue, a pressure glue, a thermal glue, a melt glue, a heat and / or pressure glue, a chemical glue, a mechanical seal, such as a hook and loop closure, or any combination thereof , or by any other means known to those skilled in these techniques. Desirably the joint 28 is formed of an adhesive that can be applied as a continuous thread or fillet. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied as flashing dots, in a swirling pattern, or in some other unique pattern or design. The adhesive may be applied in a number of ways using commercially available equipment, spray heads, nozzles, etc.. The first surface 22 of the substrate 20 is affixed to the inner surface 14 of the rear blade 12 such that the inner surface 14 ends coinciding with the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Desirably, the inner surface 14 of the rear blade 12 extends completely around the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Most desirably, the inner surface 14 of the rear blade 12 extends outward at least about 5 millimeters or more from the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20.

Referring again to Figure 1, the rear blade 12 is illustrated having a rectangular configuration with spaced ends 30 and 32, and spaced sides 34 and 36. The substrate 20 also has a rectangular configuration with interspersed spaced ends 38 and 40, and spaced sides 42 and 44. In this embodiment, a dimension d1 represents the distance between one of the ends 38 or 40 of the substrate 20 and the adjacent end 30 or 32 of the rear blade 12. A dimension d2 represents the distance between one of the sides 42 or 44 of the substrate 20 and the adjacent sides 34 or 36 of the rear blade 12. Desirably, the dimension di should be equal to or greater than a distance d2. This difference in size or spacing is advantageous because it provides an adequate surface area over the inner surface 14 of the rear blade 12 which may be grasped between a person's thumb and fingers to hold and move disposable applicator 10 during use. The surface area provided by the dimension and width of the rear blade 12 will make it possible for the user to firmly hold the disposable applicator 10 during use. More details will be provided about this latter feature.

Substrate 20 may be formed from a number of materials which are liquid permeable or which are treated or coated to be liquid permeable. The term "liquid permeable" means that a liquid can penetrate all or part of the material. Substrate 20 may be made from biodegradable materials such as cellulose, chitin, etc. Substrate 20 may be seen as a dispensing member capable of receiving a composition or formulation 46, retaining or maintaining the composition or formulation 46 for a period of time, and thereafter at a later time. or predetermined by releasing or releasing the composition or formulation 46 to another surface or limb. The substrate 20 may be a nonwoven mat. As used herein, the term "non-woven mat" means a mat having a structure of natural or synthetic blends of natural and synthetic fibers or yarns that are bedridden in an interwoven manner, but not in an identifiable repeated manner. Nonwoven webs can be formed by a number of processes, such as a melt blowing process, a spinning bonding process, a hydro-sizing process, a wet laying process, a wetting process. air, a glued carded blanket process, etc.

The substrate 20 may also be a carded blanket. As used herein, the term "glued carded blanket" refers to a blanket that is made from staple fibers that are usually purchased from bales. The bales are placed in a defibration unit / mixer that separates the fibers. The fibers are then sent through a combining or carding unit that further separates and aligns the staple fibers toward the machine to form a nonwoven fibrous web oriented toward the machine. After the blanket has been formed, it is then glued by one or more of several takeoff methods. One method of bonding is powder bonding, where a powder adhesive is distributed integrally over the blanket and then activated, usually by heating the blanket and the hot adhesive. Another method of gluing is a stamp gluing, where heated calender rollers or ultrasonic gluing equipments are used to glue the fibers together, usually in a glue pattern located across the web and / or, alternatively, the web may be glued across its entire surface if desired. When bicomponent staple fibers are used, a through-air sizing equipment is, in many applications, especially advantageous.

The substrate 20 may also be a spun bond, a spun bond laminate (SBL) or a bicomponent spun bond. As used herein, the term "spindle agglutine" refers to small diameter fibers, which are formed by extruding a coarse thermoplastic material from thin capillaries, usually circulating from a spinner, the diameter of which is the extruded filaments. rapidly reduced data, such as by methods and apparatus illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,340,563, issued to Appel et al., US 3,692,618, issued to Dors-chner et al., US 3,802,817. , issued to Matsuki et al., US 3,398,992, issued to Kinney, US 3,341,394, issued to Kinney, and US 3,542,615, issued to Dobo et al., each of which is incorporated by reference and made part of -over there.

Further, the substrate 20 may be a melt blown. As used herein, the term "melt blown" means fibers formed by extruding a thermoplastic material fused through a plurality of thin, usually circular, capillaries of a matrix, such as strands or filaments fused into gas streams (i.e. air). high-speed, convergent, attenuating filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter. The molten blown diameter can be reduced to a diameter of microfiber. Thereafter, the melt blown fibers are driven by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a blanket of randomly dispersed melt blown fibers. This process has been described in various patents and publications. , including NRL Report 4364, Manufacturing of Su-per-Fine Organic Fibers, by BA Wendt, EL Boone and DD Fluharty; NRL Report 5265, "An Improved Device Formation of Super-Fine Thermoplastic Fibers", by K.D.Lawrence, R.T. Lukas, J. A. Young; and U.S. Patent No. 3,849,241, issued November 19, 1974 to Butin et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Substrate 20 may further be formed from HYDROKNIT. HYDROKNIT is a high pulp hydraulically tangled nonwoven composite cloth which is disclosed and described in US Patent 5,284,703. A process for manufacturing HYDROKNIT is set forth and described in US Patent 5,389,202. These two patents are incorporated herein by reference and made part of it. HYDROKNIT is a registered trademark of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, established at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956. The substrate 20 may also be formed from an air-seated nonwoven, a co-formed, or a number of other materials known to those skilled in these techniques. An air-seated nonwoven is a cloth made by an air forming process in which the fibers are distributed by drafts to give a random orientation within the mat and the cloth has isotropic properties. A co-formed is a material made from a mixture of wood pulp fibers and polypropylene fibers. Airborne and co-formed materials are commercially available from various suppliers.

The substrate 20 may be constructed from one or more layers which are arranged vertically or horizontally. The term "vertical" means that a physical layer is positioned vertically above another layer. The term "horizontal" means that one layer is positioned next to another layer; for example, substrate "A" next to substrate "Β". In the horizontal arrangement, each substrate need not be constructed of similar or identical materials.

The composition or formulation 46 is applied over at least a portion of the liquid permeable substrate 20.

Desirably, the composition or formulation 46 is applied to the entire surface of the liquid permeable substrate 20. The composition or formulation 46 impregnates the liquid-permeable substrate structure 20 and is thus temporarily retained within it. The term "temporary" means that the composition or formulation 46 may be retained by the substrate as long as necessary. This time period can be one or more seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years. The composition or formulation 46 has a consistency and characteristic such that it is capable of being transferred from the substrate 20 onto an exposed surface by rubbing or moving the liquid permeable substrate 20 over the exposed surface. The exposed surface can be an area or part of a human body, such as skin or hair. The exposed surface may also be an area or part of an animal's body, including its hide, fur or fur. In addition, the exposed surface may be an area or part of a natural plant, flower, tree, etc. In addition, the exposed surface may be an inanimate object, such as a piece of furniture, a car hood, a kitchen utensil, a cloth, carpet, clothing, etc.

Composition or formulation 46 may be a series of items including, but not limited to, aqueous solutions, ointments, creams, emulsions, solvents, suspensions, and the like. The composition or formulation 46 may be any of a number of skin treatments, which can be delivered in effective amounts from human skin substrate 20. Such skin treatments include, but are not limited to, alpha and / or beta-hydroxy acids, analgesics, antimicrobials, antibodies, anti-acne substances, anti-irritants, antigens, anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, anti-oxidant materials, non-stick, antipruritics, astringents, botanical products, botanical extracts, buffers, chelators, cleansing compositions, emollients, exfoliates, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, derivatives of these three previous items, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, growth factors, irritant scavengers, bleaching agents hair care, hair care compositions, shaving compositions, shaving aids, fragrances, metal salts, microbial growth factors, microorganisms, odor absorbers, oxidizers, probiotics, humectants, colored cosmetics, vasoconstrictors, muscle relaxants , lubricants, sunscreens, insect repellents, skin protectors, surfactants, vitamins, Volatile organic decomposing sorbents (VOCs), hair altering material and / or surface energy, and the like, could be distributed singly or in numerous permutations or combinations.

The composition or formulation may be in the form of a liquid, a powder, a lotion, a gel, a cream, an emulsion, a soft solid, a semi-solid, or even a solid. Composition or formulation 46 may be a liquid, semi-solid or solid at a certain temperature, for example at 21.1 ° C (70 ° F). The composition or formulation may be a Newtonian fluid, or a non-Newtonian fluid.

A Newtonian fluid is a fluid in which viscosity does not change as shear force changes. A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid in which the viscosity changes with the applied shear force. As a result, non-Newtonian fluids may not have a well-defined viscosity.

Composition or formulation 46 may be a medicament, a vaseline, a highly viscous product, an ointment that has a gel-like consistency, and the like.

The composition or formulation 46 may be a skin care product having a homogeneous or uniform structure. When composition or formulation 46 is a skin care product, it may be manufactured to rapidly demulsify after application to the skin. In addition, when composition or formulation 46 is a skin treatment product, it may be manufactured in such a way that it has the ability to inhibit the growth of a broad range of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms if desired.

Composition or formulation 46 may also include one or more additives. A lubricant may be added to reduce abrasion to the skin. A colorant may be added to give a specific color. A fragrance may be added to provide a pleasant odor. These and other additives known to those skilled in the art may be used.

It is also to be understood that any of a number of unintended skin treatment compositions or formulations may be delivered from the substrate 20 of the disposable applicator 10. They include, but are not limited to, hard surface disinfectants, protective against UV filters, sunscreens, sanitizers, polymeric conditioners, polishes, scrubbing agents, cleaning solutions, cleaners, degreasers, adhesives, lubricants, dirt repellents, water repellents, pesticides, insect repellents, bait -gas, bleaching agents, antimicrobials, acids, bases, fragrances, pesticides, and the like. In the case of some unintended skin treatment compositions or formulations, they need not be homogeneous or have the characteristics identified above in a skin treatment composition or formulation.

The amount of composition or formulation 46 that is applied onto or impregnated with substrate 20 may vary depending on the physical size of substrate 20, the material from which substrate 20 is constructed, the chemical elaboration of composition or formulation 46, the presence of any additives or protectors, the pore size of the substrate 20, the physical nature of the composition or formulation 46, the temperature at which the disposable applicator 10 is stored, etc. However, as an example, when the disposable applicator 10 is designed to deliver a cream or powder to the diaper rash, a sufficient amount should be applied to the substrate 20 such that between about 0.2 g and about 2 g of the composition or formulation for skin treatment can be distributed to the skin of a person. Desirably, at least 1 gram of the skin treatment composition or formulation should be distributed to a person's skin. When the composition or formulation is a diaper rash cream, more than 1 gram of cream should be applied to substrate 20 to ensure that at least one gram of diaper rash cream is transferred onto the baby's skin. The actual amount of composition or formulation to be applied to the substrate will depend on a number of factors, including the intended use of the formulation, the viscosity of the cream, whether it is homogeneous, whether it is a semi-solid at room temperature, etc. Diaper rash crema is a topical protective barrier agent that is applied to the baby's skin, ie the buttocks, and acts between the skin and any excretion of the body to prevent the skin from being damaged.

Various vehicles for dispensing any of the above-described compositions or formulations 46 from the substrate 20 of the disposable applicator 10 are considered. They include, but are not limited to, ointments, macroemulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, creams, suspensions, solutions, and the like. Vehicles may contain water, but anhydrous vehicles are also considered. In certain embodiments, such carriers could also include encapsulation technologies, such as liposomes, colloidsomes, coated particulates, and other methods known to those skilled in the art. Application of the composition or formulation 46 to any anatomical place on the human body, the body of an animal, or an inanimate object is considered.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the disposable applicator 10 further includes a seal 48 which is formed on the inner surface 14 of the rear blade 12. The seal 48 may be a rupturable seal or an unbreakable seal. Desirably, seal 48 is a rupturable seal. Seal 48 may be formed by applying one or more sealing technologies, such as an adhesive, cohesive material, glue, ultrasonic bonding, chemical bonding, thermal bonding, a fusion bonding, a heat and pressure bonding, etc., to the inner surface 14 of the back blade12. Desirably, seal 48 is an adhesive glue. The seal 48 should be positioned at least about 5 mm within the perimeter 18 of the rear blade 12. More preferably, the seal 48 should be positioned at least about 1 mm outside the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Even more desirably, the The seal 48 should be positioned about 1 to about 5 mm outside the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20. Even more desirably, the seal 48 is positioned from about 3 mm out of the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20.

In Figures 1 and 2, seal 48 is a continuous line of adhesive having first and second ends 50 and 52. The thickness and height of the seal 48 may vary depending on the size, height and configuration of the substrate 20. The seal 48 extends approximately halfway to the perimeter edge 26 of the substrate 20 and one side of the Y-Y geometrical transverse axis. The seal 48 actually extends at least about 50% around the perimeter 26 of the substrate 20 and one side of the transverse geometry axis Y-Y and crosses the transverse exogeometric Y-Y. The reason for this configuration is that as the rear blade is folded over itself into a fold line 54 aligned approximately as YY transverse axis, the seal 48 will affix to the remaining part of the inner surface 14, and thus fully extend. around perimeter 26 of substrate 20. This embodiment saves the amount of adhesive that must be used to form seal 48. Seal 48 works to prevent the composition or formulation 56 attached to substrate 20 from escaping or leaking out. and also to prevent air, moisture and possible contaminants from entering the substrate 20 and in any way adversely affecting the composition or formulation 46.

The ability of seal 48 to form an air-permeable envelope around substrate 20 will allow certain air-sensitive compositions or formulations to maintain their stability. For example, the composition or formulation may include an antioxidant or an air-sensitive anaerobic bacterium. In addition, the stability of other oxygen-labile compositions or formulations may be maintained.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, seal 48 provides a temporary seal in the sense that it is designed to break when pulling opposite ends 30 and 32 of rear blade 12. This pull-away action will break seal 4 8 and will allow the rear blade 12 to be opened in a flat or flat orientation as shown in Figure 1. When the rear blade 12 is folded over itself along the folding line 54, a chamber or cavity forms 56 around substrate 20 which encloses the substrate and the composition or formulation applied to it. In Figure 4, it can be seen that the ends 30 and 32 of the rear blade 12 are slightly separated outside the seal 48. This separation allows for easy opening of the rear blade 12 allowing the user to grasp each end 30 and 32 and pull both ends 30 and 32 away from each other. Pulling station will cause the seal 48 to rupture or disintegrate and / or the inner surface 14 of the rear blade 12. When this occurs, the chamber or cavity 56 will be opened and the substrate 20 with its applied composition or formulation 46 will be exposed. . Rear blade 12 must be fully opened to its flat or flat configuration, ie its original configuration before it can be folded.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a disposable applicator10 '. Similar numbers to those used in Figures 1 to 4 are used for common elements together with the symbol (') to simplify the understanding of the invention. In Figure 5, the disposable applicator 10 'is illustrated having a rear blade 12' with an inner surface 14 'and an outer surface 16'. The rear blade 12 'does not have a longer length than the rear blade 12 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. The 12 'rear blade also has an 18' perimeter. A substrate 20 '(see Figure 6) includes a first surface 22' and a second surface 24 '. The substrate 20 'also has a perimeter 26'. The first surface 22 'of substrate 20' is affixed to the first surface 14 'of rear blade 12 by a joint 28'. The joint 28 'may be an adhesive or any other means of attachment set forth above with respect to Figures 1 to 4. The rear blade 12' has spaced apart ends 30 'and 32' and spaced apart sides 34 'and 36'.

The substrate 20 'also has spaced apart ends 38 and 40' (see Figure 6) and spaced apart sides which are not visible in Figures 5 or 6. A composition or formulation 46 'is applied to the liquid permeable substrate 20'.

The disposable applicator 10 'further includes a seal 48' which is formed on the inner surface 14 'of the rear blade 12'. Seal 48 'may be a rupturable seal or an unbreakable seal. Desirably, seal 48 'is a breakable seal. Seal 48 'may be formed by applying a adhesive, cohesive material, glue, ultrasonic glue, chemical glue, thermal glue, melt glue, heat and pressure glue, etc., to the inner surface 14' of the backsheet 12. '. Desirably, seal 48 'is an adhesive bond. Unlike seal 48 shown in Figures 1 and 2, seal 48 'in Figure 6 extends completely around the perimeter 26' of substrate 20 '. Vessel 48 'is positioned around perimeter 26' of subtract 20 '. Seal 48 'is located about 1 to about 15 mm outside the perimeter 26' of substrate 20 '. Desirably, seal 48' is positioned at least 3 mm out of the perimeter 26 'of substrate 20 '. In Figure 6, seal 48 'is illustrated as a continuous line of adhesive.

A portion of the rear blade 12 'is folded into the fold line 58' about itself, such that the outer surface 16 'is folded over and overlaps the other section of the outer surface 16' of the rear blade 12 '. This folded part has a pair of side edges 60 'and 62' which are then sealed to form a pocket 64 '(see Figures 5 and 6). The 64 'pocket is located adjacent the outer surface 16' of the rear blade 12 '. The side edges 60 'and 62' of the folded portion of the backsheet 12 'may be sealed or glued using a hotmelt adhesive, a cold fusion adhesive, a cohesive substance, a glue, an ultrasonic bond, a pressure bonding, thermal bonding, melt bonding, heat and / or pressure bonding, chemical bonding, a mechanical closure, such as a hook and loop closure, or by any other means known to those skilled in the art. Desirably, the 60 'and 62' side edges are glued together by an ultrasonic glue. The glues forming the 64 'pouch should be stronger than the breakable seal 48' to ensure that the pouch 64 'does not break. if the user sticks his fingers inside the 64 'pocket while the disposable applicator 10' is in a closed position and then use his fingers positioned inside the 64 'pouch to help cause the breakable 48' seal to be broken.

The pocket 64 'is sized and shaped to allow a user of the disposable applicator 10' to shove at least one finger or digit of one hand comfortably into the pocket 64 '. The term "digit" means a pole-gar. Desirably, two fingers and / or one hand digit can be inserted into pocket 64 '. More desirably, three or four fingers and / or a one-hand digit may be inserted into the bag 64 '. The function of the pouch 64 'is to allow the user to insert one, two, three or four fingers or digits into the pouch 64' so that the user can move or rub substrate 20 'of the disposable applicator20' onto an exposed surface. . Although control of the 10 'or 10' disposable pliers is best performed using the fingers, it is also possible for the user to perform this with any digit, including his thumb. The exposed surface may be your skin, the skin of another person, such as the skin of a child or older adult, the body of a animal, or the surface of an object. As substrate 20 'is rubbed over the exposed surface, composition or formulation 46' (see Figure 6) will be transferred from substrate 20 'onto the exposed surface. It is expected that the user will be able to apply downward force or pressure on the rear blade 12 'as rubbing occurs to assist in transferring the composition or formulation 46' onto the exposed surface.

The disposable applicator 10 'further has an advertisement 66' printed, formed or affixed to a remnant portion of the outer surface 16 'of the rear blade 12'. Banner 66 'may include letters, words, graphics, symbols, icons, trademarks, instructions for use, safety instructions, proper disposal instructions for disposable applicator 10', etc. The advertisement 66 'may be printed or embossed on the outer surface 16' of the rear blade 12 'or it may be in the form of a label or stamp affixed to the outer surface 16' of the rear blade 12 '. Several ways to print, emboss or construct labels are known to those skilled in these techniques.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 10, there is shown another embodiment of a disposable applicator10 ". Similar numbers to those used in Figures 1 to 6 are used for common elements together with the symbol (") to simplify the understanding of the invention. . In Figure 7, the disposable applicator 10 "is illustrated having a rear blade 12" with an inner surface 14 "and an outer surface 16". Rear blade 12 "has a similar length to rear blade 12 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. Rear blade 12" also has a perimeter 18 ". A substrate 20" is also present, and it includes a first surface22 "(see Figure 8 ) and a second surface 24 ". Substrate 20 "also has a perimeter 26" which is better illustrated in Figure 8. In Figure 7 substrate 20 "has an oval configuration unlike a rectangular configuration shown in Figures 1 to 6. It should be It should be noted that substrates 20, 20 'and 20 "can have any geometric shape. The first surface 22 "of the substrate 20" is attached to the first surface 14 "of the backsheet 12" by a joint 28 ". The joint 28" may be an adhesive or any other bonding means set forth above with respect to Figures 1 to 6. Rear blade 12 "has spaced apart ends 30" and 32 "and sides spaced 34" and 36 "apart. Substrate 20" also has spaced apart ends 38 and 40 '(see Figure 6) and sides spaced apart which are not visible in Figures 5 or 6. A composition or formulation 46 "is applied to the liquid permeable substrate 20". The disposable applicator 10 "further includes a seal 48" which is formed on the inner surface 14 "of the 12 "rear blade. Seal 48 "may be a rupturable seal or an unbreakable seal. Desirably, seal 48" is a rupturable seal. Seal 48 "can be formed by applying a adhesive, cohesive material, glue, ultrasonic glue, chemical glue, thermal glue, melt glue, heat and pressure glue, etc., to the inner surface 14" of the backsheet 12. "Desirably, seal 48" is an adhesive glue. Unlike seal 48 shown in Figures 1 and 2, seal 48 "in Figures 7 and 8 extends completely around the perimeter 26" of substrate 20 ". Seal 48 'is located between about 1 and about 15mm outside the perimeter 26 "of substrate 20". Most desirably, seal 48 "is positioned at least about 3 mm outside the perimeter 26" of substrate 20 ". In Figures 7 and 8, seal 48 "is illustrated as a continuous line of adhesive.

Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the disposable 10 "also differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 in that it has a 64" pocket formed by affixing a separate piece of material 68 ". The separate piece of material 68" is affixed to the surface 16 "rear blade 12" (see Figure 7) by glue lines70 ", 72" and 74 "(see Figure 9). The glue line 70" is located adjacent the 30 "end and the glue lines 72" and 74 "are located adjacent sides 36" and 34 "respectively. Glue lines 70", 72 "and 74" may be formed using an adhesive, glue, ultrasonic bonding or any other gluing mechanism described above with respect to the gluing lines. joints 28, 28 'and 28 ". As stated above with respect to Figures 5 and 6, the seals forming the pouch 64" must be stronger than the sealing 48 "to ensure that the pouch 64" does not collapse before the breakable seal 4 8 "breaks.

The separate piece of material 68 "used to form the bag 64" may be formed from a material which is identical, similar or different from the material used to form the back blade 12 ". Desirably, the separate piece of material 68" it must be formed from the same or similar material as the one used to form the 12 "rear blade. Using the same material, the manufacturer can reduce the number of different materials he needs to keep in stock and thus save on cost.

The 10 "disposable applicator also has a fold line 54" aligned near the transverse salt axis Υ — Y, although it does not need to be positioned this way. The 10 "disposable applicator is designed to be folded along the fold line 54" to seal substrate 20 "with breakable seal 48". In addition, the disposable applicator 10 "further has an advertisement 66" printed, formed or affixed to a remaining portion of the outer surface 16 "of the backsheet 12". Advertisement 66 "may include letters, words, graphics, symbols, icons, trademarks, instructions for use, safety instructions, instructions for proper disposal of the disposable applicator10", etc. The advertisement 66 "can be printed or embossed on the outer surface 16" of the rear blade 12 "or it can be in the form of a label or adhesive affixed to the outer surface 16" of the rear blade 12 ". Various ways to print, embossing or labeling is well known to those skilled in these techniques. When the 10 "disposable applicator is folded along the fold line 54" and the breakable seal 48 "is firm, the disposable applicator 10" will acquire the configuration illustrated in Figure 10.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, another embodiment of a disposable applicator 10 "'is illustrated having a rhombus or square configuration with a longitudinal geometry axis XX and a transverse geometry axis. —— Disposable applicator 10"' includes a 12 "rear blade having an inner surface 14", an outer surface 16 "and a perimeter 18". The perimeter 18 "'includes sides 78, 80, 82 and 84. A substrate 20"' is affixed to the inner surface 14 "'of the rear blade 12"' by any of the means described above. The 20 "'substrate has a perimeter 26"' which is spaced within the 18 "'perimeter, although the 18"' and 26 "'perimeters may terminate coincidentally if desired. The disposable 10"' applicator includes also a 48 "'seal formed outside the perimeter 26"' of subtract 20 "'. The 48"' seal can be either breakable seal or breakable seal. Desirably, seal 48 "'is a breakable seal. Disposable applicator 10"' is designed to be folded along fold line 76. In Fig. 12, fold line 76 is aligned along transverse exogeometric Υ —Y , although it doesn't have to be that way.

After the disposable applicator 10 "'is folded along the fold line 76, sides 78 and 80 will overlap sides 82 and 84, respectively. This creates a triangular configuration as shown in Figure 12. When the disposable applicator 10" 'is folded over itself along fold line 76, seal 48' 'will adhere to itself or to inner surface 14' 'of rear blade 12' 'along two sides. In Figure 12, seal 48' 'is aligned along both sides 78 and 80 of the triangular configuration.

It should be recognized that the breakable seal 48 "'may be an adhesive extending along at least two of the sides 78 and 80 or 82 and 84, situated on one side of the fold line 76, similar to the seal 48 shown in Fig. Desirably, the breakable seal 48 "'should extend slightly beyond the fold line 76 to ensure that the disposable applicator 10"' is sealed along both sides that are aligned at an angle with fold line 76. By placing the breakable seal 48 "'over half or slightly more than half of the 12" rear blade, the amount of adhesive needed to make the 10 "disposable applicator can be saved and the cost of the finished product can be reduced.

It should be recognized that any of the 10, 10 ', 10 "or 10"' disposable applicators may use an adhesive affixed to the outer surface 16, 16 ', 16 "or 16"' of the respective rear blade 12, 12 ', 12 "or 12" '. The adhesive may have residual adhesive. A label may be removably attached to the adhesive such that when the label is removed the adhesive will allow a user to grasp the 10, 10 ', 10 "or 10"' disposable applicator in one hand and keep greater control of the 10,10 ', 10 "or 10"' disposable applicator.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with various specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations should be apparent to those skilled in these techniques in light of the foregoing description. Consequently, it is intended that this invention encompasses all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. A disposable applicator, characterized in that it comprises: (a) a rear blade having an internal surface, an outer surface and a perimeter, (b) a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second said surface being a perimeter, and said first surface being affixed to said inner surface of said rear blade, (c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said composition being capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid permeable ditosubstrate on said exposed surface; and (d) a seal formed on said inner surface of said rear blade, said rear blade being folded over itself so that said seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition. Disposable applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear blade is impervious to vapors. Disposable applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that said rear blade is impermeable to moisture. Disposable applicator according to claim 3, characterized in that said rear blade is impermeable to liquids. Disposable applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that said composition impregnates said liquid permeable substrate. Disposable applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that said seal is an adhesive positioned at least about 1 mm outside said perimeter of said substrate. Disposable applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear blade is a film. Disposable applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that said rear blade is formed from a polyolefin film having an outer surface which has a rough texture which limits the slipping of said film. while kept in a person's hand. Disposable applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that said breakable seal extends approximately halfway around said perimeter of said substrate on one side of the folding line and said rear blade is folded close to said dictaphone. so that the releasable seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate. 10. A disposable applicator, characterized in that it comprises: (a) a moisture-impermeable rear blade having an inner surface, an outer surface and a meter, (b) a liquid-permeable substrate having a first surface, a second said perimeter of said substrate is smaller than the dictimeter of said rear blade, and said first surface being affixed to said "inner surface of said blade" such that said inner surface extends. (c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said composition being capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid permeable ditosubstrate on said exposed surface. and (d) a seal formed at least 50% to the stench of said perimeter of said substrate on one side of a fold line, and said rear blade being folded. approximately at said fold line so that said seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition. Disposable applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that an adhesive having a residual adhesive is affixed to said outer surface of said rear blade and a label is removably affixed to said adhesive. that when the label is removed, said adhesive will allow a user to grasp the disposable applicator in one hand and maintain greater control of the disposable applicator. Disposable applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that said composition is a semi-solid at 21.1 ° C (70 ° F). Disposable applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that said composition is a solid at 21.0 ° C (70 ° F). Disposable applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that said composition is a liquid at 21.1 ° C (70 ° F). Disposable applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that said compositions are selected from the group comprising an aqueous solution, an ointment, a cream, an emulsion and a solvent. 16. A disposable applicator, characterized in that it comprises: (a) a vapor impermeable rear blade having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter, (b) a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a said second surface and a perimeter, said perimeter of said substrate being at least about 5% smaller than said perimeter of said rear blade, and said first surface being affixed to said inner surface of said rear blade so that said surface (c) a skin treatment composition applied to said liquid-permeable substrate, said composition being capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing said liquid-permeable substrate on the skin. said exposed surface; and (d) a seal formed on said inner surface of said rear blade and positioned around the dial meter of said substrate, and said rear blade folded approximately to a fold line, so as to protect said composition for treatment. of the skin. Disposable applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that said seal is formed by an ultrasonic bonding. Disposable applicator according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said slab is a polyolefin film having an outer surface with an abrasive texture to limit dewatering while held in a person's hand. Disposable applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that said vapor-impermeable wiper is biodegradable. Disposable applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that a pouch is formed on said outer surface of said rear blade which is sized to receive at least one finger from one hand. user. 21. A disposable applicator, characterized in that it comprises: (a) a rear blade having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter, (b) a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter, and said first surface being affixed to said inner surface of said rear blade, (c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said composition being capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by rubbing the liquid permeable ditosubstrate onto The. said exposed surface (d) said rear blade being bent over the same; and (e) a seal formed on said folded back blade so that said seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition.