Disposable applicator

Abstract

A disposable applicator is disclosed for applying a composition to an exposed surface. The applicator includes a back sheet, a liquid permeable substrate secured to one surface of the back sheet, and a composition applied to the liquid permeable substrate. The composition is capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wiping the liquid permeable substrate against the exposed surface. The applicator also has a seal formed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the back sheet. The back sheet is then folded upon itself such that the seal extends completely around the perimeter of the substrate and protects the composition.

1 . A disposable applicator comprising: 
 a) a back sheet having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter;    b) a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter, and said first surface being secured to said inner surface of said back sheet;    c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said composition capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wiping said liquid permeable substrate against said exposed surface; and    d) a seal formed on said inner surface of said back sheet, said back sheet being folded upon itself such that said seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition.    
   
   
       2 . The disposable applicator of  claim 1  wherein said back sheet is vapor-impermeable.  
   
   
       3 . The disposable applicator of  claim 2  wherein said back sheet is moisture-impermeable.  
   
   
       4 . The disposable applicator of  claim 3  wherein said back sheet is liquid-impermeable.  
   
   
       5 . The disposable applicator of  claim 1  wherein said composition impregnates said liquid permeable substrate.  
   
   
       6 . The disposable applicator of  claim 1  wherein said seal is an adhesive positioned at least about 1 millimeter outward of said perimeter of said substrate.  
   
   
       7 . The disposable applicator of  claim 1  wherein said back sheet is a film.  
   
   
       8 . The disposable applicator of  claim 7  wherein said back sheet is formed from a polyolefin film having an outer surface that has a coarse texture which limits slipping of said film while being held in a person's hand.  
   
   
       9 . The disposable applicator of  claim 1  wherein said breakable seal extends approximately half way around said perimeter of said substrate on one side of a fold line and said back sheet is folded approximate said fold line such that said breakable seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate.  
   
   
       10 . A disposable applicator comprising: 
 a) a moisture-impermeable back sheet having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter;    b) a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter, said perimeter of said substrate being smaller than said perimeter of said back sheet, and said first surface being secured to said inner surface of said back sheet such that said inner surface extends around said perimeter of said substrate;    c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said composition capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wiping said liquid permeable substrate against said exposed surface; and    d) a seal formed at least about 50% around said perimeter of said substrate on one side of a fold line, and said back sheet being folded approximately at said fold line such that said seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition.    
   
   
       11 . The disposable applicator of  claim 10  wherein an adhesive exhibiting residual tack is secured to said outer surface of said back sheet and a label is removably attached to said adhesive, such that when said label is removed, said adhesive will enable a user to grasp said disposable applicator in one hand and maintain enhanced control of said disposable applicator.  
   
   
       12 . The disposable applicator of  claim 10  wherein said composition is a semi-solid at 70° F.  
   
   
       13 . The disposable applicator of  claim 10  wherein said composition is a solid at 70° F.  
   
   
       14 . The disposable applicator of  claim 10  wherein said composition is a liquid at 70° F.  
   
   
       15 . The disposable applicator of  claim 10  wherein said composition is selected from a group comprising an aqueous solution, an ointment, a cream, an emulsion and a solvent.  
   
   
       16 . A disposable applicator comprising: 
 a) a vapor-impermeable back sheet having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter;    b) a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter, said perimeter of said substrate being at least about 5% smaller than said perimeter of said back sheet, and said first surface being secured to said inner surface of said back sheet such that said inner surface extends around said perimeter of said substrate;    c) a skin care composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said skin care composition capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wiping said liquid permeable substrate against said exposed surface; and    d) a seal formed on said inner surface of said back sheet and positioned around said perimeter of said substrate, and said back sheet being folded approximate a fold line so as to protect said skin care composition.    
   
   
       17 . The disposable applicator of  claim 16  wherein said seal is formed by an ultrasonic bond.  
   
   
       18 . The disposable applicator of  claim 16  wherein said back sheet is a polyolefin film having an outer surface with an abrasive texture to limit slipping while being held in a person's hand.  
   
   
       19 . The disposable applicator of  claim 16  wherein said vapor-impermeable back sheet is biodegradable.  
   
   
       20 . The disposable applicator of  claim 16  wherein a pocket is formed on said outer surface of said back sheet which is sized to receive at least one digit of a user's hand.  
   
   
       21 . A disposable applicator comprising: 
 a) a back sheet having an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter;    b) a liquid permeable substrate having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter, and said first surface being secured to said inner surface of said back sheet;    c) a composition applied to said liquid permeable substrate, said composition capable of being transferred to an exposed surface by wiping said liquid permeable substrate against said exposed surface;    d) said back sheet being folded upon itself; and    e) a seal formed on said folded back sheet such that said seal extends completely around said perimeter of said substrate to protect said composition.