PRECISION LIQUID APPLICATOR AND APPLICATOR HEAD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S Provisional Application No. 60//712,462 entitled "PRECISION LIQUID APPLICATOR AND APPLICATOR HEAD" filed on August 30, 2005, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] The present inventions are directed to liquid flow controllers and liquid applicators, and more particularly, liquid applicators that are adapted to control the flow of viscous materials as well as brushless liquid applicators. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Liquids such as nail polish, adhesives, liquid correction fluid, lip gloss, mascara, automotive or model paint, and other liquids are often packaged in a glass or plastic bottle with a brush applicator integrated with the lid for controlled application of small volumes of the liquids. The small brush applicator, while apparently a simple tool that has been used for centuries, has proven quite complex to manufacture and assemble for mass production.

[0004] A liquid package and brush applicator assembly can comprise on the order of 8-10 parts which must be manufactured to relatively tight tolerances and are difficult to assemble. Thus, the packaging and brush can often cost more to produce than the volume of liquid to be contained in the package. Moreover, the time required to assemble an applicator brush can limit the overall production capacity of certain liquids. In the cosmetics industry, for example, it can be difficult to produce more than several thousand bottles including brush applicators in an hour of production.

[0005] Additionally, opening a liquid package's lid to use the brush applicator leaves the contents of the liquid package open to the atmosphere and susceptible to evaporation. This evaporation can thicken the liquid until it is no longer usable. Liquids that require long times to apply, such as nail polish, are especially susceptible to thickening. The

useless, thickened liquids are often discarded, in many instances wasting a substantial portion of the liquid.

[0006] Furthermore, where applicator brushes contact human skin or membranes, such as with cosmetic applicator brushes, bacteria can be retained by the brushes. This bacterial retention can lead to infection in subsequent uses of the applicator brush and possible transferal of the infection to subsequent users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In various embodiments, a liquid dispenser is provided. The liquid dispenser comprises a receptacle configured to store a liquid, an air intake restrictor device, and a liquid restrictor device. The receptacle has a liquid aperture through which liquid can flow and an air aperture through which air can flow. The air intake restrictor device is disposed in communication with the air aperture and configured to restrict a flow of air through the air aperture. The liquid restrictor device is disposed in communication with the liquid aperture and configured to restrict a flow of liquid through the liquid aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DRAWINGS

[0008] All dimensions identified in the following drawings are used only to describe exemplary embodiments of the present liquid applicator and are not intended to limit ihe scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Objectives, features, and advantages of the inventions are apparent from the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure IA is a top plan view of a liquid applicator.

[0010] Figure IB is a side elevational view of the liquid applicator shown in Figure IA.

[0011] Figure 1C is a side elevational view of a liquid reservoir having the liquid applicator of Figure IA disposed on an outlet end thereof.

[0012] Figure ID is a elevational view of the liquid reservoir of Figure 1C.

[0013] Figure IE is a bottom plan view of the liquid reservoir of Figure 1C.

[0014] Figure 2A is a top plan view of the liquid applicator shown in Figure IA ₅ with additional descriptions.

[0015] Figure 2B is a side elevational view of the liquid applicator shown in Figures IA and 2 A.

[0016] Figure 3 is a cutaway view of an outer housing of another liquid applicator assembly having an outer housing and an insert.

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectiorial view of the liquid applicator assembly shown in Figure 3 taken along line 4-4.

[0018] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the liquid applicator assembly shown in Figure 3.

[0019] Figure 6 is another sectional view of the applicator shown in Figure 3, with additional description.

[0020] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the liquid applicator assembly shown in Figure 6, taken along line 7-7.

[0021] Figure 8 is a sectional view of a restrictor body of the applicator assembly.

[0022] Figure 9A is a rear elevational view of the restrictor body shown in Figure 8.

[0023] Figure 9B is a side elevational view of the restrictor body shown in Figure 9A.

[0024] Figure 10 is a schematic side elevational view of a modification of the restrictor body shown in Figures 9 A and 9B.

[0025] Figure HA is a rear elevational view of the restrictor body illustrated in Figure HB.

[0026] Figure HB is a cross-sectional view of the restrictor body illustrated in Figure 11A inserted into a housing of a liquid applicator assembly, such as the housing illustrated in Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of the restrictor body illustrated in Figure HA.

[0028] Figure 13 is a sectional view of a liquid applicator assembly showing an outer housing in section and the insert shown on the top plan view.

[0029] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the liquid applicator assembly of Figure 13 showing an outer housing in section and the insert shown on the bottom plan view.

[0030] Figure 15 shows a sectional view of another liquid applicator assembly showing an outer housing in section and the insert shown on the bottom plan view.

[0031] Figure 16 shows a sectional view of the liquid applicator assembly of Figure 15 showing an outer housing in section and the insert shown on the bottom plan view.

[0032] Figure 17 is a front plan view of an outer housing of a liquid applicator assembly such as the housing illustrated in Figure 5, including an applicator tip.

[0033] Figure 18 is a side elevational view of another restrictor body having a spiral groove disposed on an outer surface thereof.

[0034] Figure 19 is a partial sectional view of a further liquid applicator having an outer housing and the restrictor of Figure 18.

[0035] Figure 20 is another sectional view of an applicator having an outer housing and the restrictor body of Figure 18.

[0036] Figure 21 is a sectional view of another housing for a liquid application, that can be used with any of the restrictor bodies illustrated in the above-noted figures, and that includes an optional liquid spreading channel at the outlet end thereof.

[0037] Figure 22 is a side elevational view of another liquid reservoir that can be used with any of the applicators illustrated in the above-noted figures.

[0038] Figure 23 is a partial sectional view of the liquid reservoir of Figure 22 and another liquid applicator.

[0039] Figure 24 is an enlarged and partial sectional view of the liquid applicator of Figure 23.

[0040] Figure 25 is another enlarged and partial sectional view of the liquid applicator of Figure 23 with additional description included therein.

[0041] Figure 26 is a top plan view of a liquid container, and more specifically, a five-gallon paint can with an expandable, pop-up spout that includes a threaded cap, but can also be used on one-gallon other milk containers, or any other container.

[0042] Figure 27 is an enlarged sectional view of the pop-up spout and threaded cap of Figure 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0043] As noted above, all dimensions and descriptions within the drawings are used to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions.

[0044] An embodiment of a novel liquid applicator head 10 is depicted in Figure 1. Thermal plastic rubber, silicone, H2O clear, or other multiple plastics can be used as the raw material for the applicator head 10.

[0045] The applicator head 10 contains through holes 12 to allow a viscous liquid to pass from a container to which the applicator head 10 is attached. The through-holes 12 include an upstream end 14 disposed at the upwardly facing surface 16 of the applicator head 10 according to the orientation illustrated in Figure IB. The downstream ends 18 of the through holes 12 are disposed at the downwardly facing surface 20 of the applicator head 12.

[0046] Figure 2 A includes a sectional view of the through-holes 12' illustrating an optional design for those through-holes 12' which includes tapers that can prevent liquid from being expelled from the holes until pressure is applied to a container connected to the applicator head 10'. The diameter of the through-holes 12' and/or tapers can be adjusted to provide this effect when used in conjunction with a particular material.

[0047] For example, in a non limiting exemplary embodiment, the through-holes 12, 12' have a diameter of .015 inches. This diameter is appropriate for some liquids, such as, for example, but without limitation, liquid nail polish. With a material of this viscosity, and the illustrated dimensions of the through-holes, the through-holes interact with the liquid so as to capture the liquid therein and prevent the liquid from flowing through the through- holes unless additional pressure is applied. For example, if the applicator head 10, 10' is mounted to an opening in a small bottle having the size of a conventional liquid nail polish bottle, and the bottle is turned upside down so that the liquid applicator head is in the orientation illustrated in Figure 2B, the liquid nail polish is captured by the through-holes. However, if the liquid container is squeezed, for example, between the fingers of a user, the additional pressure thereby generated can overcome the interaction between the through- holes and the liquid, and thus force liquid through the through-holes and through the

applicator head, In some embodiments, the liquid container can be formed from a flexible material. One exemplary liquid reservoir 22 made from a flexible material is illustrated in Figures 1C, ID ₅ and IE.

[0048] Liquid elevation gauges 24 protrude from the downwardly facing surface 20 (Figure 2B) of the applicator head. The liquid elevation gauges 24 are depicted as dashed- line circles in Figure IA and 2A. In Figure's IB and 2B, the liquid elevation gauges 24 are illustrated as hemispheres.

[0049] The elevation gauges 24 can be used to determine the thickness of liquid being applied to a surface. For example, when the downwardly facing surface 20 of the applicator head illustrated in Figure 2B is pushed against a surface to be covered with a liquid, the liquid elevation gauges 24 maintain a spacing between the downwardly facing surface of the liquid applicator head 10, 10' and the surface to be covered. Thus, as liquid from a liquid container flows through the through-holes, it is spread between the downwardly facing surface 20 and the surface to be covered. The spacing between these surfaces is maintained by the liquid elevation gauges 24 which also controls the thickness of the liquid applied to the surface to be covered.

[0050] Aluminum T7, aluminum T6, soft steel, or any other material can be used for fabricating the elevation gauges. In some embodiments, the entire liquid applicator head is molded from a single material, such as a plastic. In some exemplary embodiments, TPR, silicone, H2O clear with a shore A durometer hardness value of 40 can be used. However, other materials can also be used.

[0051] A cross-sectional view of an outer housing 30 of another embodiment of liquid applicator assembly is illustrated in Figure 3. The outer housing 30 can include a liquid aperture 32 through which a liquid, such as, for example, nail polish, can flow. The outer housing 30 can also include an air aperture 34 through which air can flow. Desirably, the liquid aperture 32 and the air aperture 34 can have relatively small inner dimensions compared to an inner diameter of the outer housing 30. In some embodiments, the air aperture can have a height dimension of approximately .030 inches. The relatively small sizes of these apertures 32, 34, in addition to other features of liquid and air passageways

discussed in further detail herein can reduce the incidence of undesired leakage from the liquid aperture 32.

[0052] In some embodiments, the outer housing 30 can be configured to be coupled to a liquid container. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 30 includes a tip portion 36, a flange 38, and a container interface portion 40. The container interface portion 40 of the outer housing 30 can have an outer diameter sized to be press fit into an open neck of a liquid container, such as a nail polish bottle, paint bottle, adhesive bottle, or correction fluid bottle. Figures 22 and 23 illustrate one embodiment of liquid applicator where the outer housing has been configured to engage with screw threads on a glass nail polish bottle. Thus, advantageously, the applicator described herein can be configured for use on existing and future designs of glass cosmetics bottles. In this embodiment, the liquid applicator can include a pressurization device such as a flexible plastic or rubber dome "pump" to meter a predetermined flow of fluid from the glass bottle. This pressurization device does not need to be included in the liquid applicator where the liquid container is flexible. The flange 38 can be sized to interfere with the open neck on the liquid container to prevent the outer housing 30 from being advanced into the liquid container. The tip portion 36 can have a tapered profile, gradually narrowing towards the liquid aperture 32 such that the liquid aperture 32 can be positioned flush with a surface to which liquid is to be applied. For example, the tapered tip portion 36 can be easily positioned for application of nail polish to a fingernail or toenail.

[0053] Several sectional views of various embodiments of outer housing 30, 30', 30" configured for use in a liquid applicator assembly are shown in Figures 4-7. Some of the sections are taken about different sectional planes such that the air aperture discussed above with respect to the outer housing 30 in Figure 3 is not visible. In several of the illustrated embodiments, the outer housing 30', 30" can include a key 42. The key 42 is configured to mate with a corresponding groove on a restrictor insert device to maintain a desired orientation between the outer housing 30', 30" and the restrictor insert device when the restrictor device is inserted into the outer housing 30', 30". While the illustrated embodiment includes a key 42 formed as a rectangular or trapezoidal prism, configured to

mate with a substantially rectangular groove in a restrictor body, it is contemplated that in other embodiments the key 42 and mating groove can have other mating profiles.

[0054] In some embodiments, the outer housing 30' can also include a flow divider 44. It can be advantageous for even application of some liquids to apply a plurality of relatively small diameter flow channels rather than a single sheet that would be created by a relatively planar slit applicator tip. Additionally, for liquids of certain viscosities, a flow divider can desirably reduce the diameter of the liquid aperture. A flow divider 44 configured to form two flow channels within the outer housing is illustrated in Figure 4. The two flow channels formed by the flow divider 44 illustrated in Figure 4 are substantially equal in diameter. It is contemplated that other embodiments can have a flow divider to divide the liquid flow in to more than two streams, or into streams of different diameters. The outer housing embodiments 30, 30" illustrated in Figures 3, 5, and 6 do not include a flow divider.

[0055] Figure 6 illustrates optional molding techniques for molding the outer housing 30" illustrated therein. The outer housing 30" can be manufactured through injection molding with an ejection and parting line 46 at approximately base of the flange 38, and the mold base parting line 48 at the base of the flange 38 on an opposite side of the outer housing 30". Advantageously, molding the outer housing 30, 30', 30" can reduce manufacturing costs for the liquid applicator as compared to a bristled brush applicator. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the. mold can be configured differently such that the locations of the ejection and parting line 46 and the mold base parting line 48 are positioned differently with respect to the outer housing 30. Moreover, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the outer housing can be constructed by methods other than molding.

[0056] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the outer housing 30" of Figure 6 taken about line 7-7. The air aperture 34 and key way 42 are illustrated. In some embodiments of liquid applicator device, such as those for use with two-part adhesives and epoxies, it can be desirable to provide separate fluid conduits for each of two liquids throughout the outer housing 30, 30', 30". The two fluids can then be mixed at the tip of the applicator device. The sectional view of Figure 7 illustrates one possible configuration of liquid applicator device outer housing 30" having two tubular conduits 50 placed therein. In some

embodiments, the liquid conduits are sized and configured to convey liquids from separate chambers in a liquid receptacle or bottle to the tip. In other embodiments, the liquid conduits are sized and configured to convey liquids from separate chambers in the liquid receptacle or bottle to a liquid mixing area located in a liquid restrictor device as further discussed below.

[0057] A cross sectional view of a flow restrictor insert 52 is illustrated in Figure 8. The flow restrictor insert 52 can comprise an air channel 54 and a liquid conduit 56. As discussed in further detail below, the flow restrictor insert is desirably configured to mate with an outer housing 30, 30', 30", discussed above, such that the air flow channel 54 is fluidly connected to the air aperture 34 and the liquid conduit 56 is fluidly connected to the liquid aperture 32. This insertion of flow restrictor insert 52 into outer housing 30, 30', 30" forms a liquid applicator. Advantageously, compared to bristle brush applicators, the liquid applicator described herein has few parts and is fast, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0058] Like the outer housings 30, 30', 30" discussed above, in some embodiments, the flow restrictor insert 52 can be molded. Such molding can advantageously provide a low cost of manufacture assembly. Both the outer housing 30, 30', 30" and the flow restrictor insert can be molded of a plastic material. Desirably, the plastic for the outer housing has a shore durometer hardness of 25-50, preferably the plastic has a shore durometer hardness of approximately 35. The outer housing 30, 30', 30" can be made of a relatively hard plastic relative to the flow restrictor insert 52. The flow restrictor insert 52 is desirably sufficiently hard plastic providing sufficient rigidity for insertion into the outer housing 30, 30', 30" during assembly.

[0059] As shown in Figures 8-10, the air channel 54 of the insert 52 can contain a plurality of baffle plates 58 configured to direct the air moving from the outside of the applicator into the liquid container through a channel partially indicated by flow arrows in Figure 8. As illustrated in Figure 8, the baffle plates 58 can be configured to create a narrow, labyrinthine air flow channel 54 such that the flow of air into the liquid receptacle or bottle is relatively restricted. When liquid is dispensed from the receptacle through the applicator, it is desirable for a volume of air to enter the liquid receptacle to replace the volume of liquid dispensed. However, it can be undesirable for an excess volume of air to enter the liquid receptacle as the excess volume of air can force liquid to leak from the applicator. While one

embodiment of alternating baffle plates 58 is illustrated, it is contemplated that various baffle plate 58 arrangements, or flow restricting structures besides baffle plates, can be used to restrict air flow in a liquid applicator as described herein. Additionally, while the baffle plates 58 are illustrated herein as being formed on the insert 52, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the baffle plates 58 can be formed on an inner surface of the outer housing 30, 30', 30". The restrictor can contain any number of open air vents and solid baffle plates. As shown in Figure 10, the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes 12 open air vents and 11 solid baffle plates.

[0060] In some embodiments, the restrictor insert 52 contains a flexible hinge flap valve 60 that allows the air to enter the container while preventing liquid from entering the baffle plates 58. See, for example, Figure 8. The valve 60 can be supported by a flexible hinge 62, such as one formed by a thin section of the restrictor insert. In embodiments where the flow restrictor insert 52 comprises a relatively soft plastic material, the hinge can have the desired flexibility. The valve 60 can open and close the air flow channel 54 responsive to liquid flow such that, for example, when the liquid receptacle is squeezed to apply liquid, pressure created in the liquid moves the valve 60 to close the air channel 54, thus preventing liquid from flowing out of the air channel 54. When pressure on the liquid receptacle is removed, the valve can be biased to return the air flow channel 54 to an open state such that air can enter the liquid receptacle to replace a volume of liquid dispensed. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, other valve configurations, or even no valve can be used on the flow restrictor insert 52. For example Figure 10 depicts an alternative embodiment where there is no flap valve and the liquid is prevented from entering the restrictor insert by other means.

[0061] The baffle plates 58 can be orientated along an inclined surface when the restrictor body is aligned along a horizontal axis, as illustrated in Figure 8. This orientation creates additional back pressure and can accelerate the rate at which the liquid is conveyed through the applicator.

[0062] A liquid conduit 56 is disposed along a bottom surface of the restrictor body, as illustrated in Figures 9A and HA. The conduit 56 can define a groove which fits over a key 42 (see, for example, Figure 4) disposed in the applicator outer housing 30', 30".

The liquid conduit 56 is desirably larger than the key 42 such that the gap formed between the key 42 and the restrictor insert 52 can serve as a pathway for liquid being conveyed by the applicator. See Figures HA and HB. Advantageously, this keyed connection of outer housing 30', 30" and restrictor insert 52 promotes ease of assembly and reduces the possibility of misassembly of the liquid applicator both at an initial assembly point and by an end user. Such a misassembly could result in a leak-prone or non-functioning liquid applicator. As noted above, while a certain key and groove geometry is illustrated herein, it is contemplated that other keyed connections can be used to promote proper orientation of the flow restrictor insert 52 to outer housing 30', 30".

[0063] Figures HB, and 13-16 illustrate the liquid applicator in an assembled state with the restrictor 52 inserted into the outer housing 30'. A liquid material container can be attached to the upstream and (the left end of the applicator as illustrated in Figures 13- 16) so as to provide a reservoir of liquid. The reservoir can be made from a flexible material. External pressure can be applied to the reservoir to begin the flow of liquid out of the applicator. An applicator head such as the head depicted in Figures 1 and 2 and described above or that described below and illustrated in Figure 17, can be attached to the tip of the applicator. This is an optional feature.

[0064] As shown in Figures 12, 14 and 16, the liquid conduit 56 of the restrictor insert 52 contains a serpentine-grooved liquid conveying channel 57. This channel system creates fluid back pressure resulting in a consistent rate of liquid flow regardless of the amount of pressure applied to the reservoir. Additionally, the serpentine channel 57 interacts with the viscous liquid to prevent liquid from flowing out of the applicator when no additional pressure is being exerted, like the through-holes of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2. Advantageously, the serpentine-grooved channel 57 can create fluid back pressure without inducing a substantial amount of shear in the liquid, as would be present in a likewise restrictive narrow bottleneck opening. The shear produced by a narrow bottleneck opening can in some instances cause undesirable degradation of the consistency of a liquid such as a cosmetic or nail polish.

[0065] Additionally, liquid flow through the serpentine channel 57 can promote mixing of two different liquids such as two components of a multipart adhesive or epoxy, or

a liquid pigment and liquid solvent of a liquid nail polish. In some embodiments, each of the liquids can be conveyed from the liquid receptacle to the serpentine channel in a separate tubular conduit 50 (Figure 7). As discussed in further detail below, this mixing of separate components can have particular utility in, for example multipart epoxies, adhesives, and amalgams used in dentistry. Advantageously, the liquid applicator can provide substantially even mixing of small quantities of these dental compositions. As discussed further below, other embodiments of liquid applicator can be configured for use in dentistry.

[0066] In other embodiments, multiple liquid components (or solid components such as metalfiake in nail polish) can be in a single liquid receptacle and can be mixed to a substantially uniform consistency without excessive shearing by flowing through the serpentine channel 57. Thus, in some embodiments, mixing devices commonly used in liquid receptacles such as ball bearings, or metallic or plastic need not be present to mix liquid for application with a liquid applicator as described herein. Advantageously, the serpentine channel 57 promotes mixing of liquids without the high levels of shear encountered with these mixing devices.

[0067] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 14 and 16, the serpentine channel 57 includes opposing walls 59 with semicircular recesses 61 formed therein. The circle centers of the semicircular recesses are staggered from wall to wall such that the opposing walls 59 define an "S" curved path therebetween. In other embodiments, the circle centers can be evenly spaced along the walls 59 such that the walls define an alternately narrowing and widening passage therebetween. In still other embodiments, other path geometries can be used. The particular path geometry chosen can depend on the liquid viscosity and desired application.

[0068] In some embodiments, the serpentine channel 57 and liquid conduit 56 can be sized such that capillary action retains liquid in the liquid conduit. Even when the column of liquid in the liquid applicator is oriented vertically with the open tip end facing downward, capillary action can contribute to the leak- free operation of the applicator. The liquid conduit can be sized based on the viscosity and other properties of the liquid to be dispensed therefrom to provide a desired capillary action-based liquid retention effect.

[0069] As liquid is conveyed out the applicator, air is drawn in through the air aperture 3,4 of the applicator outer housing 30, 30', 30" to equalize the pressure within the liquid receptacle. As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the air travels around the baffle plates 58 and enters the container near the flexible hinge flap valve, or other air restrictor. Advantageously, only the liquid at the tip of the liquid applicator is exposed to the ambient air, thus even with long storage times and for long application operations (such as polishing finger and toenails), it is unlikely that the liquid in the receptacle will thicken due to atmospheric exposure.

[0070] As noted above, the liquid applicator can have an applicator tip positioned at the end of the outer housing 30, 30', 30". One embodiment of applicator tip 66 for use on a liquid applicator for liquid nail polish is illustrated in Figure 17. As illustrated, the applicator tip 66 has a generally curved profile configured to fit relatively flushly over a fingernail or toenail to apply a consistent layer of liquid nail polish. The applicator tip 66 can comprise a plurality of grooves 68 formed therein to assist with the uniform application of liquid nail polish. The applicator tip can have a curved slit liquid aperture configured to dispense a substantially uniform curved sheet of liquid nail polish therefrom.

[0071] Figures 18-21 show another liquid applicator assembly having an outer housing and an insert member. A spiral fluid conduit 100 is defined between the outer housing 102 and the insert member 104. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the conduit 100 is defined by a spiral groove disposed on an outer surface of the insert member 104. When the insert is disposed in the housing 102, the inner surface of the housing 102 closes the grove, to thereby define the conduit 100. The spiral groove defining the conduit can advantageously create fluid back pressure in the conduit 100 thus preventing thin or very light weight fluids such as nail polish, correction fluids, or high lighter pens from dripping or drooling at the applicator tip. Additionally, the back pressure reduces the risk that excess volume of liquid will be discharged from the applicator when a liquid container is squeezed heavily.

[0072] This design is simple to manufacture and can be used for the same applications noted above with reference to Figures 1-17, as well as other applications. Additionally, this design can also be used to mix to liquids before they are ejected from the

outlet of the applicator. For example, a container, not shown, can be configured to store 2 different liquids that can be mixed together. For example, but without limitation, adhesives commonly known as "epoxies", are formed by mixing two liquids. In some embodiments, the liquid reservoir can be provided with two separate reservoirs with outlets at the inlet end of the spiral conduit illustrated in Figures 18-20. Thus, when the reservoir is opened so the liquids can flow into the spiral conduit 100, the two liquids can be thoroughly mixed with each other as they flow through the spiral conduit.

[0073] This type of applicator can be particularly helpful for single-use applications. For example, for use in the dental field, the applicator of Figures 18-21 can be use in conjunction with the epoxy adhesives commonly used in dental procedures. Thus, the dentist can quickly apply the mixed epoxy without having to separately discharge the two liquids onto a separate substrate for mixing before applying the mixed liquids to tooth surfaces, for example. Further, the illustrated embodiments reduce the likelihood of inadvertent spilling or dripping of the mixed epoxy.

[0074] Figures 22-27 show other embodiments and inventions.

[0075] Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Further, the various features of these inventions can be used alone, or in combination with other features of these inventions other than as expressly described above. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.