APPLICATOR WITH CONTAINER HAVING MULTIPLE CHAMBERS

Description

BACKGROUND

Various preparations can be applied topically to a person's skin to either treat a condition or for cosmetic purposes. The preparations may include ointments, gels, cream, or lotions. For some applications, an applicator may be used to apply the preparation to the skin. Using an applicator may be more hygienic in some cases and it may facilitate the application of the preparation in places that may otherwise be difficult to reach with a finger.

Preparations are generally stored in containers or varying sizes depending on the application. Small containers may be used for applications where portability of the container is desired. For example, a moisturizer or cosmetic that may be applied frequently can be stored in a small container to be carried on a person for frequent application.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes a body having a first chamber and a second chamber. The apparatus further includes a lid to connect with the body. The lid is to seal the first chamber and the second chamber when the lid is in a closed position. In addition, the apparatus includes an applicator connected to the lid.

The applicator is to be stored in the first compartment when the lid is in the closed position.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes a body having a first chamber and a second chamber. The apparatus further includes a lid to connect with the body. The lid is to seal the first chamber and the second chamber when the lid is in a closed position. The apparatus also includes a connector mechanism disposed on the lid to receive an applicator the is to be stored in the first compartment when the lid is in the closed position.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method. The method involves removing a lid from a body. An applicator is connected to the lid and stored in a first chamber of the body. Furthermore, the method involves inserting the applicator into a second chamber of the body. The second chamber stores an ointment. The method further involves loading the applicator with the ointment. The method also involves inserting the applicator into a nostril to apply the ointment. In addition, the method involves inserting the applicator into the first chamber for storage. The method additionally involves securing the lid to the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus to store and apply a substance, the apparatus in an open position;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 2D is a back view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 2E is a top view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2B along the plane 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of a method of applying a substance into the nose a person using the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus to store and apply a substance, the apparatus in an open position;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 in a closed position;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 in a closed position;

FIG. 7C is a side view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 in a closed position;

FIG. 7D is a back view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 in a closed position;

FIG. 7E is a top view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 in a closed position;

FIG. 7F is a bottom view of the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view the example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7C along the plane 8-8; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus to store and apply a substance, the apparatus in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “low”, “high”, etc.) may be for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown.

Applicators may be used to apply ointments, gels, cream, an/or lotions topically on a person's skin. In some examples, applicators may be used to reduce contamination of the substance to be applied. For example, using a finger that may be dirty may contaminate the contents of the substance in the container. In other examples, an applicator may be used to apply a substance in a location that may be difficult to reach with a finger, such as in a nostril, mouth, or ear.

An apparatus is provided to store a substance for application on the skin of a person. The apparatus has a small form factor that allows it to be easily carried on a person so that the person can access the substance frequently throughout the day as he person moves about with normal daily activities. In the examples described below, the apparatus includes an applicator for applying the substance to the skin of a person. To keep the applicator separate from the substance such that the applicator is not stored in the same chamber as the substance, a separate storage chamber is provided. Furthermore, the apparatus provides for convenient two-handed use by a person without having multiple parts to be placed on a surface or otherwise stored why using the applicator and the substance.

Referring to FIG. 1, a representation of an apparatus 50 to store and apply a substance is generally shown in an open position. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 may include additional features and components. For example, the apparatus 50 may also include various attachments, such as interchangeable applicators with different shapes, or a case that can be used to attach the apparatus 50 to a piece of clothing or bag, such as a clip. In addition, some of the components described below may be omitted in variations of the apparatus 50. In the present example, the apparatus 50 includes a body 55, a lid 60, and an applicator 65.

In the present example, the body 55 includes multiple chambers to store the applicator and a substance for applying on a person. In the present example, the body 55 includes an applicator chamber 75 and a storage chamber 80. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the exact dimensions of the body 55 are not particularly limited.

The material from which the body 55 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, the body 55 is made from a lightweight material, such as a plastic (e.g. acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), fiberglass, or other composite materials having sufficient mechanical strength to store the substance in a durable and rigid manner. By using plastics, the body 55 may be made from various processes such as injection molding techniques or three-dimensional printing. In other examples. The body 55 may also include solid walls or hollow walls in other examples to further reduce weight. In other examples, the body 55 may be made from a metal, such as steel, bronze, other alloys, or glass. In some cases, the material used may be selected to be non-reactive with the substance or to meet various quality standards, such as for cosmetic products or human consumption to avoid having components dissolve into the substance to be applied.

The dimensions of the body 55 are not particularly limited and may be varied depending on the application. In the present example, the body 55 is substantially cylindrical and about 50 mm tall with a diameter of about 20 mm. In other examples, the body 55 may be larger to store a greater volume of the substance or smaller to be more compact and portable. The body 55 may also be smaller in some examples to be more compact to facilitate storage for carrying on a person. Furthermore, the dimensions of the chamber 75 and the chamber 80 are not particularly limited. For example, the chamber 75 may be dimensioned to fit the applicator 65. In contrast, the chamber 80 may be dimensioned to use the remainder of the space within the body 55 to store a larger amount of substance within. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 may have other form factors. For example, the apparatus 50 may be in the shape of a rectangular prism or an irregular shape, such as an ergonomic shape.

The lid 60 is to connect with the body 55 in a closed position. Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, the apparatus 50 to store and apply a substance is generally shown in a closed position from an isometric view, a front view, a side view, a back view, a top view and a bottom view, respectively. The lid 60 is to mate with a complementary portion of the body 55 to secure the lid 60 to the body 55 to avoid accidental removal of the lid 60. In particular, the lid 60 is to remain connected to the body 55 during storage and may be able to withstand typical forces associated with being in a pocket or a purse.

The material from which the lid 60 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, the lid 60 is made from a lightweight material, such as a plastic (e.g. acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), fiberglass, or other composite materials having sufficient mechanical strength to store the substance in a durable and rigid manner. By using plastics, the lid 60 may be made from various processes such as injection molding techniques or three-dimensional printing. in other examples. In other examples, the lid 60 may be made from other materials, such as those described above in connection with the body 55. Furthermore, in the present example, the lid 60 is made from the same material as the body 55, but in other examples, the lid may be made from other materials.

The manner by which the lid 60 is secured to the body 55 is not particularly limited and may include various mechanisms. In the present example, the lid 60 may include a portion 62 of smaller diameter to fit tightly in the opening of the body 55 to form a friction fit. The friction fit mechanism provides a quick connecting mechanism to secure the lid 60 to the body 55 to allow the lid 60 to the body 55 to be connected and disconnected easily to switch between the closed position and the open position. In the present example, the outside diameter of the portion 62 is smaller than the outside of the diameter of the remainder of the lid 60 so that when the apparatus 50 is in the closed position, the portion of the lid 60 extending from the body 55 will be flush along the outside diameter. In other examples, the portion 62 may have the same outside diameter as the remainder of the lid 60 such that the apparatus 50 includes a step at the connection between the lid 60 and the body 55 when in the closed position.

In other examples, the mechanism connecting the lid 60 to the body 55 may include other securing mechanisms to secure the lid 60 to the body 55. For example, the mechanism may use various fasteners such as a screws or bolts to connect the lid 60 to the body 55. In further examples, coupling systems such as ball and detent mechanism or a magnetic coupling system may also be used to provide easy switching between the closed position and the open position.

Referring FIG. 3, the cross section of the apparatus 50 to store and apply a substance is generally shown in a closed position. The chamber 75 is separated from the chamber 80 by an internal wall 57. When the lid 60 is in the closed position, a seal is formed between the body 55 and the lid 60. Continuing with the present example, the friction fit provides a substantially airtight seal between the chamber 80 and the outside atmosphere. In other examples, an additional sealing mechanism, such as an O-ring or rubber seal, may be disposed at the interface between the lid 60 and the body 55 to enhance the seal.

The lid 60 further includes a plug 63 to seal the applicator chamber 75 from the storage chamber 80. The manner by which the plug 63 seals the applicator chamber 75 from the storage chamber 80 is not particularly limited and may include various mechanisms. In the present example, the plug 63 is dimensioned to fit tightly to the top of the chamber 75 to form a friction fit. In other examples, the plug 63 may include an additional sealing mechanism, such as an O-ring or rubber seal. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description, that the seal between the chamber 75 and the chamber 80 separates the contents in each chamber so that the substance stored in the chamber 80 is less likely to spill into the applicator chamber 75. In other examples, where the substance stored in the chamber 80 is substantially solid or semi-solid such that it does not flow, the plug 63 may be omitted such that the chamber 75 and chamber 80 are not separated by a substantially airtight seal.

The applicator 65 is to connected to the lid 60 and to be used to apply a substance. In the present example, the applicator 65 is to apply the substance stored in the storage chamber 80. When not in use, the applicator 65 is to be inserted into the applicator chamber 75 when closing the lid 60. The manner by which the applicator 65 is connected to the lid 60 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the applicator 65 is connected to the lid 60 via a rod 70.

The material from which the rod 70 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, the rod 70 is made from a lightweight material, such as a plastic (e.g. acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), fiberglass, or other composite materials having sufficient mechanical strength to store the substance in a durable and rigid manner. By using plastics, the rod 70 may be made from various processes such as injection molding techniques or three-dimensional printing. In other examples. The rod 70 may be solid or a hollow cylinder to reduce weight. The rod 70 may also be molded with the lid 60 and be part of the same unitary body. In other examples, the rod 70 may be made from a metal or glass.

The material from which the applicator 65 is made is also not particularly limited. In the present example, the applicator 65 may be made from a soft foam material, such as a polyester foam. In other examples, a sponge, cotton materials, or bristles may be used for form the applicator 65.

The substance to be stored in the storage chamber 80 of the body 55 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the substance is an ointment. The ointment may be a semi-solid ointment, such as petroleum jelly to apply to the skin. In other examples, the substance may be a cream or other lotion to apply to a person.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flowchart of a method of applying a substance into the nose a person is generally shown at 300. In order to assist in the explanation of method 300, it will be assumed that method 300 may be performed with the apparatus 50. Indeed, the method 300 may be one way in which the apparatus 50 may be used. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 300 may lead to a further understanding of the apparatus 50 and its components. In addition, it is to be emphasized, that method 300 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that this is just an example method of a use of the apparatus 50 and that other uses are contemplated. For example, the apparatus 50 may be used to apply another substance to another part of a person's body.

Beginning at block 310 and the apparatus 50 being in the closed position, the lid 60 is removed from the body 55. Accordingly, the removal of the lid 60 places the apparatus 50 in the open position. Furthermore, as the lid 60 is removed, the applicator 65 is removed from the applicator chamber 75 in which the applicator 65 is stored during non-use.

Block 320 involves inserting the applicator 65 into the storage chamber 80, which is used to store an ointment in the present example. The applicator 65 is then loaded with the ointment via direct contact between the ointment and the applicator at block 330. In other examples, the storage chamber 80 may be used to store other substances, such as a lotion or cream.

Next, block 340 comprises inserting the applicator 65 loaded with the ointment into the nostril of the person. Accordingly, the applicator is used to apply the ointment to the skin inside the persons nose in the present example. After applying the ointment, the applicator 65 is reinserted into the applicator chamber 75 for storing separate from the ointment at block 350. The lid 60 is then secured to the body 55 for subsequent storage or transportation on the person.

It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 provides a convenient way to moisturize the nostrils of a person. This may be used in conditions where the nostrils may be prone to drying out, which may in turn lead to conditions such as a nose bleed. In particular, by providing a small apparatus 50 with a form factor that is able to be carried in a pocket or bag, the apparatus 50 provides access to an ointment in the present example. The person carrying the apparatus may apply and re-apply the ointment to the inner walls of their nostril to keep it moisturized and reduce the likelihood of nosebleeds when the air is dry, such as during cold days in winter.

Referring to FIG. 5, another representation of an apparatus 50a to store and apply a substance is generally shown in an open position. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50a may include additional features and components. In the present example, the apparatus 50a includes a body 55a, a lid 60a having a grip 85a, and an applicator 65a.

In the present example, the body 55a includes multiple chambers to store the applicator and a substance for applying on a person. In the present example, the body 55a includes an applicator chamber 75a and a storage chamber 80a separated by the internal wall 57a. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the exact dimensions of the body 55a are not particularly limited and may be substantially similar to the dimensions described above in connection with the body 55.

The lid 60a is to connect with the body 55a in a closed position. In the present example, the lid 60a further includes a grip 85a to improve the handling of the lid 60a during the application of the ointment. The grip 85a is not particularly limited and may include any feature disposed on the lid 60a to improve the contact between the fingers of a person. For example, the grip 85a may be a coating that increases the coefficient of friction between a finger and the lid 60a to reduce slippage. In particular, since the apparatus 50a may be used in cold weather to store an ointment for a dry nostril, the grip 85a may be a rubber coating or similar material to improve handling of the lid 60a. In other examples, the grip 85a may be a foam material disposed on the lid 60a. In further examples, the grip 85a may also be contours disposed on the lid 60a to receive a fingertip to avoid slippage when handling the lid 60a.

In the present example, the applicator 65a may be detachably connected to the lid 60a as shown in FIG. 6. The applicator 65a may be connected to the plug 63a of the lid 60a via the rod 70a. As shown, the rod 70a may be datable at both ends, where one end of the rod 70a is secured to the lid 60a and the other end of the rod 70a is secured to the applicator 65a. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that a single detachable point may be present such that the applicator 65a may be permanently attached to the rod 70a or the rod 70a may be permanently attached to the lid 60a. The manner by which the applicator 65a is ultimately connected to the lid is not particularly limited. For example, the applicator 65a may be secured to the lid 60a using a friction fit between either the rod 70a and the lid 60a or the rod 70a and the applicator 65a.

In another example, the applicator 65a may be secured to the lid 60a using a snap mechanism, such as a detent and ball or a plastic clip that allows a component to deform until it engages with a complimentary feature on the other component. In a further example, the rod 70a may include a thread at one or both ends to be screwed into a hole with a complimentary thread.

By providing a detachable applicator 65a, it is to be appreciated that this allows for the replacement of the applicator 65a as it wears down during use. Accordingly, for substances to be applied sparingly, the applicator 65a may not be sufficiently durable to apply the entire contents of the storage chamber 80a. Therefore, by providing a means to replace the applicator 65a, less waste is generated.

Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, and 7F, the apparatus 50a to store and apply a substance is generally shown in a closed position from an isometric view, a front view, a side view, a back view, a top view and a bottom view, respectively. The lid 60a is to mate with a complementary portion of the body 55a to secure the lid 60a to the body 55a to avoid accidental removal of the lid 60a. In particular, the lid 60a is to remain connected to the body 55a during storage and may be able to withstand typical forces associated with being in a pocket or a purse.

In the present example, the lid 60a and the body 55a include a securing mechanism to secure the lid 60a to the body 55a. In particular, the securing mechanism may use a snapping mechanism to secure the lid 60a to the body 55a. For example, the body 55a may include a protrusion 90a and the lid 60a may include a depression 92a. Referring to FIG. 8, the cross section of the apparatus 50a to store and apply a substance is generally shown in a closed position to show the securing mechanism in operation to secure the body 55a to the lid 60a. As shown, the protrusion 90a and the depression 92a are complementary and operated to lock the lid 60a in the closed position. The resilience of the materials from which the body 55a and/or the lid 60a are made can provide sufficient movement to allow the lid 60a to be removed with a small amount of force from a user. Accordingly, the physical properties of the body 55a and/or the lid 60a may be selected to calibrate the amount of force to be used such that it is not too much for most people to use and not too low such that the lid 60a is subject to separating from the body 55a during normal handling. In addition, the dimensions and the tolerances may be adjusted to calibrate the force as well as a tighter fit may use more force to open than if the lid 60a were to be loosely connected to the body 55a. Variations to the securing mechanism are also contemplated. For example, the instead of a protrusion and depression, the securing mechanism may be a detent lock system with a spring loaded detent ball. In other examples, the securing mechanism may use a magnetic coupling system.

Referring to FIG. 9, another representation of an apparatus 50b to store and apply a substance is generally shown in an open position. Like components of the apparatus 50b bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “b”. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50b may include additional features and components. In the present example, the apparatus 50b includes a body 55b, a lid 60b, and an applicator 65b.

In the present example, the body 55b includes multiple chambers to store the applicator and a substance for applying on a person. In the present example, the body 55 includes an applicator chamber 75b and storage chambers 80b-1 and 80b-2 (generically, these storage chambers are referred to herein as “storage chamber 80b” and collectively they are referred to as “storage chambers 80b”) separated by a wall 58b. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the exact dimensions of the body 55b are not particularly limited.

In the present example, the body 55b is substantially cylindrical and have similar dimensions as described above in connection with the body 55. Furthermore, the dimensions of the chamber 75b and the storage chambers 80b are not particularly limited. In the present example, the applicator chamber 75b may be dimensioned to fit the applicator 65b and separated from the storage chambers 80b by the wall 57b. In contrast, each of the storage chambers 80b may be dimensioned to use the remainder of the space collectively within the body 55b to store substances within. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that each of the storage chambers 80b may be used to store different substances. For example, the storage chamber 80b-1 may store a medicated ointment for treating a nose bleed and the storage chamber 80b-2 may store a non-medicated ointment to moisturize the nostrils.

The lid 60b further includes a plugs 63b-1, 63b-2, and 63-b-3 (generically, these plugs are referred to herein as “plug 63b” and collectively they are referred to as “plugs 63b”) to seal the applicator chamber 75b, the storage chamber 80b-1, and the storage chamber 80b-2, respectively. The manner by which the plugs 63b seal the applicator chamber 75b, the storage chamber 80b-1, and the storage chamber 80b-2 is not particularly limited and may include various mechanisms, such as those described above in connection with the plug 63. In the present example, the plugs 63b are dimensioned to fit tightly to the top of the applicator chamber 75b, the storage chamber 80b-1, and the storage chamber 80b-2 to form a friction fit with each chamber. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description, that the seal between the applicator chamber 75b, the storage chamber 80b-1, and the storage chamber 80b-2 separates the contents in each chamber so that the substances stored in the storage chambers 80b are less likely to spill into the applicator chamber 75b or the other storage chamber 80b.

Various advantages will now become apparent to a person of skill in the art. In particular, the apparatus 50 may be used to compactly carry a substance to be applied to a person with an applicator 65. By separating the chambers in which the substance and the applicator 65 are stored, the applicator 65 will not be submerged in the substance for prolonged periods of time. In examples, where the substance chemically breaks down the material of the applicator 65, the apparatus 50 may extend the life of the applicator 65. In other examples, the substance may be semi-solid such that the applicator 65 cannot be stored in the substance. By providing an additional chamber, the applicator 65 may be conveniently stored in a designated space.

It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.