Insect Repellent and Sunscreen Applicator

Abstract

A portable applicator for uniformly applying insect repellent or sunscreen upon human skin. A jar-like container normally holds the liquid contents. The container is sealed by a circular lid. The lid supports a downwardly-projecting sponge wiper that is saturated with liquid for subsequent topical application. The underside of the lid has a glue area surrounded by a peripheral ring for securing the wiper, and channels for directing fluid. A wringer-saturator, in the form of a foraminous partition, is disposed between the applicator contents and the wiper. When the applicator is closed, the wiper is compressed slightly by contact with the wringer-saturator. As the lid is removed from the container, the wiper will expand slightly, absorbing and holding liquid. When the lid is reattached, the wiper is compressed slightly against the wringer-saturator and liquid is partially expelled. The wiper has a fiberglass fabric covering for preventing dripping and easing topical application.

Claims

1. An applicator for use with substances to be topically applied to the body, the applicator comprising: a container adapted to at least temporarily hold said substances, the container comprising an interior and a height; a lid adapted to be secured to the container for closure, the lid functioning as a handle when removed from said container; a downwardly projecting wiper attached to the lid for dispensing said substances, the wiper having a periphery; a covering shrouding at least a portion of the wiper periphery for preventing dripping during use and easing substance application; a wringer-saturator disposed within said container that divides said interior and which at least slightly contacts said wiper when said lid is firmly attached to said container, said wringer saturator comprising a plurality of orifices through which said substances may pass; whereby, when said lid is attached to said container, the wiper at least slightly compresses, and when the lid is removed the wiper absorbs at least a portion of said substances, so that the wiper may contact the body to apply said substances, with said covering preventing dripping and ergonomically smoothing the feel of the applicator.

2. The applicator as defined in claim 1 wherein said container has at least one interior rib extending vertically upwardly within the container for supporting said wringer-saturator.

3. The applicator as defined in claim 2 wherein there are a plurality of radially spaced-apart ribs, each rib comprising a height that is ⅔ of the height of the container.

4. The applicator as defined in claim 1 wherein the wiper is made from plant-based sponge material, and it is resistant to corrosive chemicals.

5. The applicator as defined in claim 1 wherein the covering is made from material selected from the group consisting of glass fiberglass material, thin fabric or garment materials, polyester, and linen.

6. The applicator as defined in claim 5 wherein the wiper has a bottom radial periphery and the covering shrouds at least a portion of said radial periphery.

7. The applicator as defined in claim 5 wherein the wiper has a bottom and an external periphery and the covering shrouds substantially all of said periphery and said bottom.

8. The applicator as defined in claim 2 wherein the wringer-saturator is substantially circular and is concentrically positioned within the container supported upon said ribs, and it comprises a plurality of orifices for allowing controlled substance passage between the interior and the wiper.

9. The applicator as defined in claim 8 wherein the combined area of the said wringer saturator orifices is approximately twenty to sixty percent of the area of the wringer saturator.

10. The applicator as defined in claim 9 wherein the wringer saturator comprises multiple honeycomb orifices.

11. The applicator as defined in claim 10 wherein the combined area of the wringer-saturator orifices is approximately ten to forty percent of the area of the wringer saturator.

12. The applicator as defined in claim 1 wherein the lid comprises an underside with an integral projecting ring surrounding a glue area to which the wiper is attached.

13. An applicator for topically applying substances to the human body, the applicator comprising: a container adapted to at least temporarily hold said substances, the container comprising an interior and a height; a lid adapted to be secured to the container for closure, the lid functioning as a handle when removed from said container, and the lid comprising a bottom; a wiper projecting downwardly from the lid bottom for absorbing or dispensing said substances, the wiper having a lower peripheral rim and an exterior; a covering shrouding at least a portion of the wiper exterior for preventing dripping during use and easing substance application; a wringer-saturator disposed within said container that divides said interior and which at least slightly contacts said wiper when said is firmly attached to said container, said wringer saturator comprising a plurality of orifices through which said substances may pass; whereby, when said lid is attached to said container the wiper slightly compresses, and when the lid is removed the wiper absorbs at least a portion of said substances, so that the wiper may thereafter contact the body to apply said substances, with said covering preventing dripping and ergonomically smoothing the feel of the applicator.

14. The applicator as defined in claim 13 wherein said substances are selected from the group consisting of insect repellents, skin creams, body or suntan lotions, liquid gels, and disinfectants.

15. The applicator as defined in claim 13 wherein the wringer-saturator is in the form of a circular, foraminous partition.

16. The applicator as defined in claim 15 wherein the wringer-saturator is molded from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plastic.

17. An applicator for use with sunscreens, sun-tan lotions, and insect repellents that are to be topically applied to the human body, the applicator comprising: a container adapted to at least temporarily hold the contents of said applicator, the container comprising an interior and a height; a lid adapted to be threadably secured to the container for closure, the lid functioning as a handle when removed from said container, the lid comprising an inner bottom surface with channels and a peripheral mounting ring surrounding a gluing area; a downwardly projecting wiper for contacting the skin, the wiper having a periphery, the wiper glued within said gluing area and contacted and surrounded by said mounting ring; a covering shrouding at least a portion of the wiper periphery for preventing dripping during use and comforting substance application; a wringer-saturator disposed within said container that divides said interior and which at least slightly contacts said wiper when said lid is firmly attached to said container, said wringer saturator comprising a plurality of orifices through which substances may pass; whereby, when said lid is attached to said container the wiper slightly compresses, and when the lid is removed the wiper absorbs at least a portion of said substances, so that the wiper may contact the body to apply said substances, with said covering preventing dripping and ergonomically smoothing the feel of the applicator.

18. The applicator as defined in claim 17 wherein there are a plurality of radially spaced-apart ribs extending vertically upwardly within the container for supporting said wringer-saturator, each rib comprising a height that is ⅔ of the height of the container.

19. The applicator as defined in claim 18 wherein the wiper is made from plant-based sponge material, and it is resistant to corrosive chemicals.

20. The applicator as defined in claim 19 wherein the lid comprises an underside with channels for conducting liquid proximate the wiper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:

[0049] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded, isometric assembly view of a first applicator embodiment constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention;

[0050] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded isometric assembly view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, partially exploded isometric view of the applicator of FIGS. 1-2, with portions thereof shown in section for clarity;

[0052] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the applicators of FIGS. 1-3;

[0053] FIG. 5 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of the applicator of FIGS. 1-4, with portions thereof shown in section for clarity;

[0054] FIGS. 6-8 are enlarged isometric views of alternative wringer-saturator partitions;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded, isometric assembly view of a preferred applicator that has an enhanced wiper, with portions thereof broken away for clarity;

[0056] FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of the applicator of FIG. 9, with portions thereof broken away for clarity;

[0057] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded, elevational assembly view of the applicator of FIGS. 9-10; with portions thereof broken away for clarity; and.

[0058] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, exploded isometric view showing a preferred wiper and the underside of the preferred lid which has been adapted to center and secure the wiper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] With initial reference now directed to FIGS. 1-5 of the appended drawings, an insect repellent applicator constructed in accordance with the a preferred mode of the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral 10. There are multiple embodiments known at this time discussed hereinafter.

[0060] Applicator 10 comprises a jar-like, preferably glass container 12 defining an interior 14 adapted to contain various liquids or substances to be used with the invention. These substances include liquids or creams of various viscosities, including as insect repellents, gels, suntan lotions, sterilizing agents, or disinfectants. In FIG. 4 the liquid contents of the applicator 10 has been generally designated by the reference numeral 16.

[0061] A substantially circular lid 18 is adapted to be threadably secured to the container 12 for closure. Lid 18 supports a downwardly projecting wiper 20 that is preferably concentrically positioned at and secured to the lid bottom, and which projects downwardly into the container interior 14. Preferably there is a thin, light-weight covering 21 shrouding at least the circular periphery 23 (FIG. 2) and the bottom of wiper 20. The covering 21 is preferably fabricated from fabric material, but fiberglass fabric is preferred.

[0062] The lid 18 once removed from the container 12 can function as a handle for applying the container contents. In other words the lid 18 may be grasped while rubbing the wiper 20 upon the skin. However, the lid 18 may optionally include a separate, integral handle portion 92 (FIG. 1).

[0063] There is a wringer-saturator 24 preferably in the form of a circular, foraminous partition 24 that can contact and at least partially compress wiper 20. The wringer-saturator is secured beneath the lid 18 within the interior 14 of the container jar 12. As explained hereinafter, the wringer-saturator partition 24 functions as a wringer and saturator in operation.

[0064] Container 12 is preferably of substantially cylindrical construction, and is preferably made of glass or plastic. Alternative shapes and sizes are within the purview of the invention. The container has a lower reinforced base 26 adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface for stowage. A plurality of radially spaced apart, interior ribs 30 (FIG. 2) integral with the container 12 extend vertically upwardly within the container. The ribs 30, which may be disposed approximately 120 degrees apart about the radial inner periphery of the container 12, provide support for the wringer-saturator partition 24 which is pressed unto them in assembly. Preferably the length of each interior rib 30 is approximately ⅔ of the height of the container 12. The upper, reduced diameter hub portion 38 (FIG. 2) of the container 12 is threaded, enabling coupling to the lid 18 in assembly.

[0065] The preferred removable lid 18 comprises an integral, concentric, rim 40 whose inner peripheral surface 44 is threaded. In operation lid 18 with rim 40 functions as a handle for applying fluids. This enables the lid 18 to be threadably attached to the container 12, by engagement with the complimentary, threaded hub 38. When the lid 18 is threadably tightened to the jar 12, the downwardly projecting wiper 20, supporting a lower, peripheral fabric covering 21, is compressed slightly against the wringer-saturator partition 24 disposed in between. If the liquid level within the jar is full, then slight contact with the wiper 20 and liquid through the partition is established. The covering prevents dripping during use. Moreover, with the fiberglass version of the covering, the human body experiences a smooth and gentle feeling when the wiper is drawn or rubbed softly over the skin.

[0066] Wiper 20 is generally cylindrical with an exterior surface, and may have somewhat the shape of a truncated cone. Preferably the wiper is made from plant-based or synthetic sponge material, and it is resistant to corrosive chemicals. The wiper 20 may be other shapes. For example it may be generally cylindrical in shape with a circular or oblong or oval or square cross section. Preferably wiper 20 extends concentrically from the bottom of the lid 18, to which it may be fastened by gluing or the like. Wiper 20 is used for topical application of liquids within the jar to the region or areas requiring treatment with insect repellent. Applicator wiper 20 is “squashed” or compressed against the wringer-saturator partition 24 in assembly, but it will will expand and hold liquid when released from compression by loosening the jar lid 18.

[0067] When the wiper 20 is compressed against the wringer-saturator partition 24, it will exhibit a “wringer” effect, wherein liquid that would otherwise be stored within it is squeezed out from pressure. The liquid also passes through wiper covering 21 that shrouds the bottom of wiper 20 and its bottom radial periphery 23. On the other hand, when the lid is slowly threadably twisted for removal, the wiper 20 will expand slightly and suck in liquid for subsequent topical application, becoming somewhat saturated with liquid. Covering 21 aids in liquid retention when the lid is removed. The preferably sponge wiper 20 will substantially retain liquids when in use, and will thus prevent or reduce dripping and messiness when in use.

[0068] The preferred thin covering 21 on the bottom of wiper 20 surrounds at least the the wiper exterior bottom periphery 23 (FIG. 2). In the preferred embodiment the shrouds the entire periphery of the wiper. This substantially circular covering 21 may be made from thin, fabric or garment materials such as polyester or linen, but preferably fiberglass. Covering 21 concentrically shrouds the bottom radial periphery 23 (FIG. 2) of the rim of the wiper 20 and the wiper's bottom surface. In use, the wringer 20 with its thin covering 21 ergonomically slides over exposed ski, and easily glides over all bony surfaces such as ankles, wrists, knees, etc.

[0069] The preferred wringer-saturator partition 24 is substantially circular, and is concentrically positioned within the container 12, being supported within the jar interior upon the upper tips of the interior ribs 30. The wringer-saturator partition 24 includes numerous orifices 47 for allowing controlled liquid passage between the jar interior and the wiper 20. The wringer-saturator partition 24 functions as a combination wringer/saturator. When the wiper 20 is compressed against the wringer-saturator partition 24, the effect is that of a wringer, with solution being squeezed out of the wiper 20. When the jar lid 18 is withdrawn from the jar, then the action of removal allows the wiper 20 to expand, drawing liquid into it and partially through covering 21, with the wiper 20 becoming saturated. While the lid is removed slowly by twisting, and with slight shaking of the container 12, the wiper 20 will become maximally saturated with liquid for subsequent topical application.

[0070] The preferred wringer-saturator partition 24 includes a plurality of orifices 47 as mentioned. These orifices are preferably square or circular, although other geometries are possible, and are within the scope of the invention. The combined area of the partition orifices 47 (i.e., FIG. 6) is approximately twenty to sixty percent of the area of the partition, depending upon the viscosity of the interior gel fluid or repellent 16. Preferably there is a conventional peripheral gasket 49 defined about the outer circular periphery of the wringer-saturator partition 24, which facilitates firm seating of the partition when it is press-fitted within the jar interior.

[0071] In the best mode known at this time, the lid 18, the wringer-saturator partition 24, and the container 12 may be molded from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plastic. It is thought that other thermoplastic materials may be used, as long as they do not dissolve or degrade when subject to the liquid contents. For example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a softer plastic that has excellent chemical resistance properties. A durable resin that emulates HDPE is acceptable for most fluids.

[0072] FIG. 7 shows an alternative wringer-saturator partition 54 that includes multiple orifices 56. However, this embodiment contemplates that the orifices 56 have a square profile. The combined area of the square partition orifices 56 (i.e., FIG. 7) is approximately ten to forty percent of the area of the partition 54, depending upon the viscosity of the interior fluid repellent 16.

[0073] FIG. 8 shows another wringer-saturator alternative partition 64 that includes multiple honeycomb orifices 66. The combined area of the partition orifices 66 (i.e., FIG. 8) is approximately ten to forty percent of the area of partition 64, depending upon the viscosity of the interior fluid 16. Numerous other partition shapes may be used.

[0074] Referencing FIGS. 9-11, a preferred embodiment of an applicator 100 has a different wiper covering than applicator 10 discussed earlier. The substantially circular lid 118 is adapted to be secured to the container 112 for closure. A sponge wiper 120 concentrically fastened to the lid bottom projects downwardly into the container interior 114. Wiper 120 is substantially similar to wiper 20 discussed earlier, except for the cover 121. The shrouding cover 121 may overly parts of the exterior surface of the wiper 120, or the entire exterior. Thus, while covering 21 (FIG. 1) shrouds just the lower the bottom circular periphery of wiper 20, covering 121 preferably shrouds most, if not all, of the exterior surface of wiper 120 as seen in FIG. 10. Covering 121 is preferably fabricated from fiberglass fabric material.

[0075] In applicator embodiment 100, the lid 118 may optionally include a separate, integral handle portion 192 (FIG. 9).

[0076] Noting FIG. 12, a preferred lid 119 has an integral, interior, projecting mounting ring 125 concentrically formed on its underside 128. (In FIG. 12 ring 125 appears to be projecting upwardly because the lid 119 is upside down.) This somewhat tubular ring 125 surrounds an inner wiper-mounting region 128A forming the center of the lid underside. The inner periphery of the lid's rim includes threads 122. The wiper 120 may be glued to the lid underside 128 and cradled upon and within wiper-mounting region 128A, being confined therewithin by contact with the periphery of ring 125, and by contact with reinforcing lip 127 and adjacent, inner compression band 126 on the ring 125. The wiper 120 may be fastened by gluing to the lid underside upon region 128. Surrounding region 128 (FIG. 12) are a plurality of inner raised channels 131 and outer, complimentary raised channels 132 that both reinforce the lid and increase the contact area for proper wiper-to-lid contact and more complete glue bonding.

[0077] The channels 131 and 132 have an appearance resembling a flower petal, and their three dimensional character insures more reliable glue bonding by the wiper. Furthermore, these raised channels with their petal construction can control and help circulate liquid to the wiper, particularly more viscous liquids including bug repellents and sunscreen preparations, which tend to cling to the lid underside, preventing over-saturation of the wiper, and dripping therefrom. Depending upon the orientation of the applicator 100, liquid can be directed upon the upper portion of the wiper 120 when the applicator 100 is returned to an upright position after being substantially upside down. Preferably the wiper 120 is made from plant-based or synthetic sponge material, and it is resistant to corrosive chemicals. Alternatively, the wiper may be made from other synthetic materials including fabric designs.

[0078] Wringer-saturator 124, which is similar to wringer-saturator 24 (FIG. 1) discussed earlier, contacts and at least partially compresses wiper 120. The wringer-saturator 124 is secured within the container 112 atop an inner rim 130 (FIG. 10) formed integrally with the container 112. Also, the wringer-saturator 124 includes an integral, upwardly projecting lip 127 (FIG. 11) that enables grasping and manipulation tasks when necessary for cleaning or maintenance.

[0079] The interior liquid repellent or gel 16 (i.e., FIGS. 3, 4) normally fills the jar interior up until contact with an internal partition. The liquid 16 contains insect repellent in a one to ten percent by volume mixture. With sufficient viscosity the liquid 16 is absorbed by the wiper 20 through the orifices in the previously described partitions. The lid is then manually grasped and with wiper contact upon the skin of a user, for example, the repellent liquid may be evenly and cleanly spread upon a target area. At this time the best mode known to me for liquid 16, by weight, is a mixture as follows: [0080] 20-50% N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) [0081] 40-70% ethyl alcohol [0082] 6-7% Aloe [0083] 3-4% fragrance or perfume

[0084] Another example of a suitable liquid repellent mixture comprises a transparent insect repellent containing N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), water, a solvent selected from a variety of lower alcohols including glycols, isopropyl alcohol, or ethanol, a gelling agent, methyl and propyl paraben, a perfume for masking the odor of the DEET, and a means for improving and stabilizing the texture of the liquid or gel 16. For the latter ingredient a polysorbate, preferably polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, is preferred for improving the texture of the gel.

[0085] Yet another example of a suitable repellent mixture is as follows:

[0086] a) from two to ten percent by volume a liquid containing N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET);

[0087] b) from forty to sixty percent by volume denatured water;

[0088] c) from thirty to seventy percent by volume a solvent selected from alcohols including glycols, isopropyl alcohol, or ethanol;

[0089] d) from two to ten percent by volume a stabilizer;

[0090] e) around five percent, an emollient skin cream.

[0091] Moreover, the invention works with common over-the-counter bug sprays and sun screens. For example, it has been successfully used with the following: OFF! family care insect repellent IV; OFF! defense insect repellent 2 with picaridin; OFF! botanicals insect repellent IV; Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent; Babyganics natural insect repellent; Bug Soother with Lemongrass Oil; Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face mist sunscreen spf 55; Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense face mist spf 50; Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant+ refresh sunscreen mist spf 30; and Bondi Sands The Australian Tan liquidgold self-tanning dry oil Coconut Scent.

[0092] A variety of traditional guidelines and/or instructions exist for the use of DEET-based products. Basic instructions known in the art are as follows:

[0093] 1. The container should be held six to eight inches from skin or clothing, and application should employ a gentle sweeping motion.

[0094] 2. Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.

[0095] 3. Do not apply in enclosed areas or inside the home; always do so outdoors.

[0096] 4. Use just enough repellent to treat all exposed areas of skin.

[0097] 5. Avoid over applicating the product. After applying product to exposed skin, evenly spread the product with a gentle rubbing by the hands to maximize protection.

[0098] 6. Do not allow children to handle the product, and do not apply to children's hands. When using on children, apply to your own hands and then spread the product on the child.

[0099] 7. Hands should be washed with soap and water after every application.

[0100] 8. After applying to the palms of hands, products may be distributed upon and around the neck, ears, and face, while avoiding the eyes and mouth.

[0101] 9. Do not spray product around or near food.

[0102] 10. Always wash hands with soapy water before eating or drinking when wearing repellent even if there has been no recent application.

[0103] 11. No children ten years old or less should apply bug repellents or sunscreen. These substances should be applied to children only by adults.

[0104] 12. When using a spray or pump, no one should breathe the vapors.

[0105] Conversely, use of the instant applicator/dispenser eases the burden on the user. Steps like spraying the product, rubbing it in with the hands and having to follow-up by washing the hands, which are often inconvenient and bothersome for many outdoor consumers. There are a large number of users that carelessly streak the product and do not follow other recommendations to spread it with the hands to attain total coverage of exposed skin that guarantees maximum protection. Unfortunately, some users actually avoid use of any repellent products because of spraying and application inconveniences.

[0106] Finally, the importance of periodic reapplication of bug repellents and/or sunscreens cannot be emphasized enough. Reapplication is markedly critical every two to four hours on a long outing. With old fashioned spray cans and pumps, for example, periodic reapplication is largely ignored and/or omitted. Preventing toxicity from toxic bites and ultraviolet light becomes greatly simplified with my new applicator/dispenser. With the use of the instant invention, the traditional guidelines discussed above can be relaxed dramatically.

[0107] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.

[0108] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.

[0109] As many possible embodiment's may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.