Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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This invention relates to an applicator for
delivery of liquid such as cosmetic lotions, being
particularly suitable for suntan lotions.
Applicators having a head with a porous covering
are known, either with or without rotatability of the
application surface. These are best known as rollers for
application of house paint. In addition, the use of some
form of storage container for the liquid before
application is known, including containers having
connection to the applicator head by tubing or similar
means.
There are several disadvantages to such known
applicators for use in the application of cosmetics such
as suntan lotion. Thus, most known constructions are
bulky, being either of a T-shape, with the head being
perpendicular to the handle, or else very long if the
handle is attached to one end of the rolling surface. In
addition, most known constructions do not permit separate
removal and replacement of the porous surface, so that
when that surface becomes worn, the en-tire unit must be
replaced. In the applicators which have a direct
connection to the liquid supply, it is difficult to ensure
an even flow with many li~uids. Further, most known
applicators are not supplied with any form of storage
container, and by reason of their configuration a suitable
container would be difficult or expensive to construct.
Such applicators are therefore impractical for use for
suntan lotion, where a protective container is essential
to prevent contamination of clothing or other items beinq
carried to beaches by the user, and to prevent sand or
other material from adhering to the porous surface, with
injury or discomfort to the user or damage to the surface
itseIf.
The invention accordingly provides a compact
applicator with a convenient storage container, suitable
for use for suntan lotion or similar cosmetics, which
includes a replaceable porous application surface, and 'nas
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suitable liquid discharge apertures to ensure an even flow
of liquid to the application surface.
According to the present invention, then, there
is provided an applicator comprising a cylindrical liquid
S container with a handle capable of attachment to one end,
a filler means for the container, and a cylindrical outer
core rotatably ~ounted on the liquid container. The core
and the container each have at least one aperture through
which liquid can pass from the container to a porous
cylindrical sleeve surrounding the outer surface of the
core. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator is
provided with a moisture-proof storage container.
The advantages and features of the invention can
be seen further from the following description by
reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational cross-section oE
the applicator with the handle in the operational
positlon;
Figure 2 is a side elevational cross-section of
the applicator in the storage position within the
container; and
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the
applicator along line III-III of Figure l.
Referring to Figure 1, the applicator l includes
a cylindrical container 2 for suntan lotion or other
cosmetic liquid, with a filling aperture 12 at one end,
sealable by a stopper 13 or other suitable sealing means.
At the opposite end of the container is an aperture for a
cylindrical cavity 4 coaxial with the liquid container 2,
within which a handle 5 can be stored when the applicator
is not in use. In the embodiment shown in Figure l, the
handle 5, which is threaded at one end 21, can be locked
in place for use by means of a first matching screw thread
6, and also locked in place in the storage position by
means of a second matching screw thread 7. The handle S
is cylindrical to conform with the configuration of the
cavity ~, but at its outward end can be provided with a
~nob 13 to facilitate grasping for use and for changing
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the position of the handle between the use position and
-the storage position.
The lotion container 2 is provided with one or
more apertures 19 (Figure 3) throuqh which the ~iquid can
pass to the core 9 and through one or more core apertures
20 (Figure 3) to a porous sleeve 11 for application to the
body. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the lotion
container 2 has one aperture 19, and the core 9 has four
apertures 20 spaced equally about its circumference. The
apertures 19 and 20 are in the form of slits, preferably
about seven-eighths of the full length of the container 2
and core 9, for optimum even flow oE the liquid. The
width of each of the apertures 19 and 20 in the embodiment
shown is preferably approximately one-twenty-fifth of the
circumference of both the container 2 and core 9.
On the outsid~ surface of the con-tainer 2 are
peripheral ribs 3, which correspond with and engage
peripheral ribs 10 on the core 9, and axially retain the
core 9 in position for rotation about lotion container 2.
Between the core 9 and container 2 a small space 8 is
provided to enable the smooth flow of liquid from the
container 2 through the core apertures 20. Mounted on the
core 9 is a porous sleeve 11 suitable for holding and
transmitting the lotion to the body.
At opposite ends of container 2 are radially
outwardly extending flanges 31 and 32 which define
therebetween a wide channel for additional support against
axial movement of core 9. Each of flanges 31 and 32
extends outwardly to partially overly the ends of core 9
and sleeve 11 and to be in sealing engagement therewith
for the prevention of excessive leakage of unused lotion.
The outer edges of the flanges are carefully rounded to
avoid scratching if contact is made with the skin.
Referring to Figure 2, the applicator is shown
in the storage position. The handle 5 is located in place
by the screw thread 7, and the applicator is stored within
a storage container 14. The container 14 has a rim 17 at
the open end, which engages a lip 16 on a lid 15, to form
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a moisture-proof seal. The lid 15 is provided with an
attachment line 18 affixed to the container 14 for
security. At a suitable position on the container 14, a
fastening device, shown as a clip 21 in Figure 2, can be
mounted by means of which the container 14 can be secured
to a belt or a bag for ease of transporting when not in
use.
The applicator 1 including container 2 and core
9 can be constructed of any rigid or semi-rigid material,
preferably plastic, which is lightweight and will not have
the tendency to overheat in direct sun to the extent oE
burning or causing discomfort to the user. The porous
sleeve 11 is preferably a sponge of suitable thickness and
density for the type of liquid intended to be used. The
porous sleeve 11 can be affixed permanently to the core 9,
but preferably is detachable, for ease of cleaning or
replacement, thus extending the useful life of the
applicator 1.
It will be readily understood that modifications
of the described invention can be made within the spirit
of the invention and its scope as set forth in the claims.
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