Multi-purpose applicator and method of using the same

Abstract

A multi-purpose applicator and method of using the same. The applicator is configured for use with a compressible tubular container. The applicator has a holding member, wherein the holding member incorporates a fastening mechanism to secure the compressible tubular container. Once the compressible tubular container is secured to the holding member, a cap can be placed over the container and connected to the holding member. The cap can include at least one compressible side that, when pressed, will facilitate the extraction of material from the compressible tubular container.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 176,106, filed April 16, 2021, entitled “Apparatus for Dispensing Compounds and Method of Using Thereof,” filed in the name of the applicant, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 722,097, filed April 15, 2022, entitled “Multipurpose Applicator and Method of Using Thereof,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to a dispenser device. More specifically, the invention is a handheld multipurpose applicator configured for use with a compressible container, providing enhanced flow and precise control for dispensing liquids or viscous fluids from the compressible container. Background Technology

[0004] Dispensing liquids and / or viscous fluids from compressible containers is often challenging. In one example, a toothpaste container with a closed end and a dispensing outlet can be compressed to expel toothpaste from the open end. The practice of extracting material from these types of containers is difficult due to the limited amount of material remaining in the container. Furthermore, controlling the flow of material from the dispensing outlet becomes problematic because the remaining material within the container becomes unevenly distributed. This can lead to loss of material that cannot be extracted from the container.

[0005] Because the compressible container is short and held and pressed between the thumb and forefinger, it presents difficulties, thus precise dispensing relies entirely on the individual firmly holding the compressible container between their fingers while compressing the container body. This invention provides a multi-purpose applicator and method of use for dispensing liquids or viscous fluids from a compressible container to solve the aforementioned problems. Other benefits and advantages will become apparent from the disclosure provided herein, and those advantages are provided for illustrative purposes only. The statements in this section are provided only as background relevant to this disclosure and do not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, an applicator for use with a compressible container is disclosed. The applicator includes a retaining member comprising: a body; a neck extending from a proximal end of the body of the retaining member; and a fastening mechanism extending from the proximal end of the neck of the retaining member, the fastening mechanism being configured to be removably coupled to the compressible container. The applicator also includes a top cover removably coupled to the retaining member, the top cover comprising: a body defining a central channel therethrough; a compression region located on the body of the top cover; and at least two opposing protrusions formed on an inner surface of the body of the top cover and positioned within the compression region.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a multi-purpose applicator is disclosed. The multi-purpose applicator includes a retaining member comprising: a conical body; a cylindrical neck extending from a proximal end of the conical body of the retaining member; and a fastening mechanism extending from the proximal end of the cylindrical neck of the retaining member, the fastening mechanism comprising: a cylindrical base; at least two opposing fork members, each fork member comprising: a distal end extending from the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; a U-shaped space formed between the at least two opposing fork members, wherein the U-shaped space is configured to receive and retain a curled distal end of a compressible container; and a space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the at least two opposing fork members, wherein the at least two opposing fork members... The width of the space between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the forked members is narrower than the width of the U-shaped space between at least two opposing forked members; and two opposing conical surfaces are formed on the distal portion of the cylindrical base; a first annular shoulder is formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the conical body of the retaining member; and a second annular shoulder is formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; wherein the first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the conical body of the retaining member, the cylindrical neck, and the second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism together form an annular groove. The multi-purpose applicator also includes a top cover removably connected to a retaining member. The top cover includes: a flexible body defining a central channel therethrough; a compression region located on the flexible body of the top cover, the compression region being formed by two opposing concave notches formed on the outer surface of the flexible body of the top cover; and at least two opposing protrusions formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the top cover and positioned within a distal portion of the compression region.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a multi-purpose applicator is disclosed. The multi-purpose applicator includes a retaining member comprising: a conical body; a cylindrical neck extending from a proximal end of the conical body of the retaining member; and a fastening mechanism extending from the proximal end of the cylindrical neck of the retaining member, the fastening mechanism comprising: a cylindrical base; a first pair of opposing forks; and a second pair of opposing forks positioned parallel to the first pair of opposing forks, wherein each of the first and second pairs of forks includes a distal end. The distal end extends from the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; the main body; and the inwardly curved proximal end; a V-shaped space formed between a first pair of opposing forks and a second pair of opposing forks; a first U-shaped groove formed between two of the first pair of opposing forks; and a second U-shaped groove formed between two of the second pair of opposing forks and positioned directly in line with the first U-shaped groove, wherein the first and second U-shaped grooves are configured to receive and secure. The container has a curled distal end; a first space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of two of the two opposing forks in a first pair; a second space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of two of the two opposing forks in a second pair, wherein the width of the first space is equal to the width of the second space and wherein both the width of the first space and the width of the second space are narrower than the width of the first U-shaped groove and the width of the second U-shaped groove; and two opposing conical surfaces. A conical surface is formed on the distal portion of the cylindrical base; a first annular shoulder is formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the conical body of the retaining member; and a second annular shoulder is formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism, wherein the first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the conical body of the retaining member, the cylindrical neck, and the second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retaining member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism together form an annular groove.The multi-purpose applicator also includes a top cover removably connected to a retaining member. The top cover includes: a flexible body defining a central channel therethrough; a compression region located on the flexible body of the top cover, formed by two opposing concave notches formed on the outer surface of the flexible body of the top cover; two opposing wedge-shaped protrusions formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the top cover and positioned within a distal portion of the compression region, wherein each of the two protrusions spans a portion of the central channel of the top cover, thereby forming a compression gap between the two opposing protrusions; an inner annular flange formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the top cover and positioned at an open distal end of the flexible body of the top cover, the inner annular flange being configured to mate with an annular groove of the retaining member; and an annular shoulder. The cover comprises: a ring shoulder formed at the proximal end of the flexible body of the top cover, the ring shoulder being positioned perpendicularly to the outer surface of the flexible body of the top cover and extending inward toward the central channel of the flexible body of the top cover; an opening defined by the ring shoulder of the flexible body of the top cover, the opening for receiving a dispensing outlet through which a compressible container passes, wherein the diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the central channel of the flexible body of the top cover; a first notch formed within an inner annular flange formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the top cover; and a second notch formed within an inner annular flange formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the top cover and positioned opposite the first notch, wherein the first notch is configured to slidably engage with a first pair of oppositely arranged fork-shaped members of the fastening mechanism and wherein the second notch is configured to slidably engage with a second pair of oppositely arranged fork-shaped members of the fastening mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0009] This application is described in further detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of this application, but rather to illustrate certain attributes thereof.

[0010] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a multipurpose applicator according to one or more aspects of the present invention, shown in an open, unassembled position;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The perspective view of the multi-purpose applicator shown is illustrated for use with a compressible container within a fork-shaped fastening mechanism fixed to a retaining member; and

[0012] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multipurpose applicator according to one or more aspects of the present invention, wherein the fastening mechanism includes a pair of elongated forks, thereby forming a U-shaped channel between the pair of elongated forks;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of the top cover of the multi-purpose applicator shown;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The top view of the cover shown;

[0015] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The section shown is cut from line 6-6. Figure 1 Longitudinal sectional side view of the top cover of the multi-purpose applicator shown;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a side view of a multi-purpose applicator shown in the closed position, with the top cap placed on top of the compressible container and attached to the retaining member;

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The section shown is cut from line 8-8. Figure 7 The image shows a longitudinal sectional side view of the multi-purpose applicator, in which no force is applied to the compression area of ​​the top cap;

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The longitudinal sectional side view of the multi-purpose applicator shown depicts a force applied to a compression zone on the top cap; and

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of a multi-purpose applicator, which is shown as having an optional accessory connected to a dispensing outlet of a compressible container. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure can be constructed and / or utilized. These descriptions, in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, illustrate the functions and sequence of steps for constructing and operating the present disclosure. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be achieved through different embodiments, which are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0021] Figures 1 to 10A multipurpose applicator 10 for dispensing liquids or viscous fluids from a compressible container 1000 is also disclosed. The term "multipurpose" as used herein to describe the applicator 10 should be understood to mean that the applicator 10 of the present invention is versatile or general-purpose; that is, the applicator 10 can be used to dispense material from a compressible container 1000 of any size, and the material within the container 1000 can be of any type and for any purpose. Materials may include, for example, teeth whitening compounds, teeth bonding and filling compounds, adhesives such as glue, gels, creams, and virtually any substance having sufficient viscosity to be propelled through the applicator 10. The applicator 10 of the present invention is also reusable. Specifically, the compressible container 1000 within the applicator 10 can be removed and replaced by another compressible container 1000. The applicator 10 can then be reused together with the new compressible container 1000.

[0022] This disclosure describes an applicator 10 for use with a compressible container 1000, wherein the compressible container 1000 may be shown or described as having a tubular shape; however, it should be clearly understood that the compressible container 1000 may have any shape, as long as the container 1000 is compressible. In its simplest form, the applicator 10 includes a retaining member 12 and a top cover 62 removably coupled to the retaining member 12. The retaining member 12 may include a fastening mechanism 34 configured to removably couple to the compressible container 1000 and secure the compressible container 1000 within the applicator 10. Once the container 1000 is secured to the retaining member 12 via its fastening mechanism 34, the top cover 62 may be placed over the container 1000 and connected to the retaining member 12. The top cover 62 may include at least one compressible side that, when pressed, facilitates the extraction of material from the container 1000.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a multipurpose applicator 10 according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The applicator 10 is shown in the open position. In its simplest form, the applicator 10 has a retaining member 12 and a top cover 62. The retaining member 12 may be removably attached to the top cover 62.

[0024] The retaining member 12 may be made of a rigid material (such as hard plastic or any other suitable material). The retaining member 12 of the applicator 10 may have a body 16, a neck 26 connected to and extending from a proximal end 18 of the body 16, and a fastening mechanism 34 connected to and extending from a proximal end 30 of the neck 26. The body 16, neck 26, and fastening mechanism 34 are preferably integrally formed parts of the retaining member 12. The body 16 of the retaining member 12 may be solid or hollow, thereby defining a central channel 22 extending along its length. With the body 16 of the retaining member 12 defining the central channel 22, the central channel 22 may extend longitudinally through the entire length of the body 16, whereby the body 16 will have an open distal end 20. Alternatively, when the body 16 of the retaining member 12 defines the central channel 22, the central channel 22 may extend longitudinally along a portion of the length of the body 16 and terminate at the closed distal end 20 of the body 16.

[0025] As shown in this embodiment, the body 16 may have a tapered conical shape, wherein the outer diameter of the conical body 16 at its proximal end 18 is larger than the outer diameter of the conical body 16 at its distal end 20. Although the body 16 is described as having a conical shape, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefits can also be obtained when the body 16 has a cuboid shape, a cylindrical shape, an hourglass shape, or any other suitable shape. It should also be clearly understood that the body 16 may have a constant, uniform outer diameter along its entire length.

[0026] The body 16 of the retaining member 12 can be used as a handle by the user of the applicator 10. The user can hold the body 16 of the retaining member 12 at any position along its length. The body 16 of the retaining member 12 may have a smooth outer surface 24. Optionally, the retaining member 12 may include at least one textured structure (e.g., ribs, text, logos, graphics, etc.) formed on the outer surface 24 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12. The textured structure may be formed along the entire length of the outer surface 24 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12. Alternatively, the textured structure may be formed only along a portion of the length of the outer surface 24 of the body 16. When the textured structure is formed along a portion of the length of the outer surface 24 of the body 16, the textured structure may be located near the proximal end 18 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12 or near any suitable portion of the body 16 of the retaining member 12.

[0027] The neck 26 of the retaining member 12 is connected to and extends from the proximal end 18 of the body 16. The neck 26 of the retaining member 12 may be solid or hollow, thereby defining a central channel 28 extending along its length. When the neck 26 defines the central channel 28, the central channel 28 may extend longitudinally through the entire length of the neck 26, whereby the central channel 28 of the neck 26 of the retaining member 12 will abut against the central channel 22 defined by the body 16 of the retaining member 12.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 26 of the retaining member 12 is cylindrical in shape to harmonize with the conical shape of the body 16 of the retaining member 12. The outer diameter of the neck 26 is shown as a constant and uniform length over its entire length. The outer diameter of the neck 26 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal end 18 of the body 16, thereby forming an annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 of the retaining member 12 and the body 16. The annular shoulder 58 may be positioned perpendicularly to the outer surface 24 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12. Alternatively, the annular shoulder 58 may have a beveled edge (not shown) and be positioned at an angle relative to the outer surface 24 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12.

[0029] The fastening mechanism 34 is coupled to and extends from the proximal end 30 of the neck 26 of the retaining member 12. In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism 34 has a base 36 and two pairs of forks 44, wherein a V-shaped space 55 is formed between the two pairs of forks 44. The base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34 may be solid or hollow, thereby defining a central channel 38 extending along its length. With the base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34 defining the central channel 38, the central channel 38 may extend longitudinally through the entire length of the base 36, whereby the central channel 38 of the base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34 will abut against the central channel 28 defined by the neck 26 of the retaining member 12 and also against the central channel 22 defined by the body 16 of the retaining member 12. The central channel 38 of the base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34, the central channel 28 of the neck 26, and the central channel 22 of the body 16 together form the central channel 14 of the entire retaining member 12, which extends through the base 36, neck 26, and body 16 of the fastening mechanism 34 of the retaining member 12. As described above, the central channel 14 of the entire retaining member 12 may extend through the open distal end 20 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12, or the central channel 14 of the entire retaining member 12 may terminate at the closed distal end 20 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12.

[0030] The base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34 may be cylindrical to harmonize with the cylindrical shape of the neck 26 and the conical shape of the body 16. The outer diameter of the base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34 is shown to be larger than the outer diameter of the neck 26, thereby forming an annular shoulder 60 between the neck 26 and the base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34. The annular shoulder 60 between the neck 26 and the base 36 may have a beveled edge and be positioned at an angle relative to the neck 26. Alternatively, the annular shoulder 60 may be positioned perpendicularly to the neck 26 (not shown). Also as shown in this embodiment, the base 36 may have two opposing conical surfaces 40 formed thereon. The two opposing conical surfaces 40 may be positioned on the distal portion of the base 36 and adjacent to the annular shoulder 60 between the neck 26 of the retaining member 12 and the base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34. In one embodiment, when cut at the oppositely positioned tapered surface 40, the outer diameter of the base 36 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the base 36 at the non-tapered surface 41. Therefore, the outer diameter of the base 36 at the tapered surface 40 will be equal to the outer diameter of the neck 26. In another embodiment, when cut at the oppositely positioned tapered surface 40, the outer diameter of the base 36 may be equal to the outer diameter of the base 36 at the non-tapered surface 41. Therefore, the outer diameter of the base 36 at the tapered surface 40 will still be larger than the outer diameter of the neck 26.

[0031] The annular shoulder 60 between the base 36 and neck 26 of the fastening mechanism 34, the neck 26, and the annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 and body 16 of the retaining member 12 together form a connection point 56 for the top cover 62 of the multipurpose applicator 10. The connection point 56 is an annular groove configured to engage with an internal annular flange 90 formed at the distal end 88 of the top cover 62, such that the distal end 88 of the top cover 62 can enclose the connection point 56 when the applicator 10 is assembled (described in more detail below). Through this connection point 56, the top cover 62 can be held in place when it is squeezed to extrude material from the internal compressible container 1000. When the applicator 10 is assembled and the inner annular flange 90 of the distal end 88 of the top cover 62 engages with the connection point 56 (i.e., the annular groove), the inner annular flange 90 will be flush with the annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 of the retaining member 12 and the body 16, so that the outer diameter of the outer surface 68 at the distal end 88 of the top cover 62 is equal to the outer diameter of the outer surface 24 at the proximal end 18 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12.

[0032] Reference Figure 2The fastening mechanism 34 of the holding member 12 can hold the compressible container 1000 in place. The fastening mechanism 34 may include one or more pairs of forks 44 to hold the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000. In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism 34 is shown having two pairs of forks 44. The first pair of forks 44 can hold one side of the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 and the second pair of forks 44 can hold the opposite side of the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000. Although the fastening mechanism 34 is shown having two pairs of forks 44 to secure the container 1000 in place, it should be clearly understood that having one pair of forks 44 (see Figure 3 Significant benefits can be obtained from fastening mechanisms 34 with two or more pairs of fork-shaped members 44 (not shown).

[0033] Each fork 44 has a proximal end 42 connected to a base 36 of a fastening mechanism 34 and a distal end 46 extending from the proximal end 42, having a body 48 and an inwardly curved proximal end 50. In this embodiment, the forks 44 are formed in pairs, each pair of forks 44 including a first fork 44 positioned opposite to a corresponding second fork. Each pair of forks 44 defines a U-shaped groove 54 (collectively referred to as a “U-shaped space”) between the bodies 48 of the first fork 44 and the bodies 48 of the second fork 44. The first pair of forks 44 and the second pair of forks 44 are positioned parallel to each other such that the U-shaped groove 54 between the first pair of forks 44 and the U-shaped groove 54 between the second pair of forks 44 are directly aligned. Each pair of forks 44 also defines a space 52 between the inwardly curved proximal ends 50 of the first fork 44 and the inwardly curved proximal ends 50 of the second fork 44. As shown in the figure, the width W1 of the space 52 between the inwardly curved proximal end 50 of the first fork 44 and the inwardly curved proximal end 50 of the second fork 44 is narrower than the width W2 of the U-shaped groove 54 between the first fork 44 and the second fork 44. With this configuration, the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 can be received and held within the U-shaped groove 54 between the body 48 of the first fork 44 and the body 48 of the second fork 44. Furthermore, the inwardly curved proximal ends 50 of the first and second forks 44 together form a tight fit around the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 to prevent it from slipping out of the U-shaped groove 54.

[0034] In its construction, the width W2 of the U-shaped groove 54 between the first fork 44 and the second fork 44 of the fastening mechanism 34 can vary depending on the size of the compressible container 1000 to be used with the multipurpose applicator 10. For example, the width W2 of the U-shaped groove 54 can range from approximately 2.5 mm for a smaller compressible container 1000 to approximately 4.5 mm for a larger compressible container 1000. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that a width W2 less than 2.5 mm or greater than 4.5 mm can still provide significant benefits, provided that the size of the width W2 of the U-shaped groove 54 is designed to accommodate the compressible container 1000 intended for use with the applicator 10. When cut along the straight portion of the U-shaped groove 54, the U-shaped groove 54 can also have a length L1 of approximately 4 mm. Although 4 mm is an example of the length L1 of the U-shaped groove 54, it should be clearly understood that a length L1 longer or shorter than 4 mm can provide significant benefits, provided that the U-shaped groove 54 is long enough to accommodate the size of the compressible container 1000. Similarly, the width Wl of the space 52 between the inwardly curved proximal end 50 of the first fork 44 and the inwardly curved proximal end 50 of the second fork 44 can also vary depending on the size of the compressible container 1000 to be used with the multipurpose applicator 10.

[0035] The outer diameter of the base 36 of the fastening mechanism 34 can be designed to accommodate compressible containers 1000 of different sizes. For example, the fastening mechanism 34 may have a base 36 with an outer diameter of approximately 15.1 mm. A base 36 with an outer diameter of approximately 15.1 mm will be suitable for attachment to the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000, wherein the width W3 of the curled distal end 1010 is between approximately 8.7 mm and approximately 15 mm. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that a fastening mechanism 34 with a base 36 having an outer diameter less than approximately 15.1 mm can still provide significant benefits for accommodating compressible containers 1000 with a curled distal end 1010 having a width W3 less than 8.7 mm. Furthermore, it should be understood that the fastening mechanism 34, having a base 36 with a diameter greater than approximately 15.1 mm, still provides significant benefits for accommodating a compressible container 1000 with a larger width W3 of approximately 15 mm and a curled distal end 1010.

[0036] In operation, the user of the multipurpose applicator 10 places the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 within the U-shaped groove 54 formed between each pair of forks 44. When material is extruded from the container 1000, the user can reopen the applicator 10 and fold the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 to facilitate material delivery. However, the top cover 62 described herein generally facilitates uniform extraction of material from the compressible container 1000, eliminating the need for the user to fold the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000.

[0037] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the fastening mechanism 134 is shown, wherein the fastening mechanism 134 includes a pair of elongated fork-like members 144, with the first fork-like member 144 disposed opposite to the second fork-like member 144. Each elongated fork-like member 144 has an elongated distal end 146, an elongated body 148, and an inwardly curved elongated proximal end 150, the elongated distal end 146 being coupled to a proximal end 142 of a base 136 of the fastening mechanism 134. The fork-like members 144 define a U-shaped channel 154 (collectively referred to as the “U-shaped space”) between the bodies 148 of the first fork-like member 144 and the bodies 148 of the second fork-like member 144. The U-shaped channel 154 spans the outer diameter of the base 136 of the fastening mechanism 134. The fork-shaped member 144 also defines a space 152 between the inwardly curved proximal ends 150 of the first fork-shaped member 144 and the inwardly curved proximal ends 150 of the second fork-shaped member 144. The width W4 of the space 152 between the inwardly curved proximal ends 150 of the first fork-shaped member 144 and the inwardly curved proximal ends 150 of the second fork-shaped member 144 will be narrower than the width W5 of the U-shaped channel 154 between the first fork-shaped member 144 and the second fork-shaped member 144. With this configuration, the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 can be held within the U-shaped channel 154 between the body 148 of the first fork-shaped member 144 and the body 148 of the second fork-shaped member 144. Furthermore, the inwardly curved proximal ends 150 of the first fork 144 and the second fork 144 will together form a tight fit around the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 to prevent it from slipping out of the U-shaped channel 154.

[0038] The structure of this embodiment is similar to that described above. The width W5 of the U-shaped channel 154 between the first fork 144 and the second fork 144 of the fastening mechanism 134 can vary depending on the size of the compressible container 1000 to be used with the multipurpose applicator 10. For example, the width W5 of the U-shaped channel 154 for a smaller compressible container 1000 can range from approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 4.5 mm for a larger compressible container 1000. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that significant benefits can still be obtained with widths W5 less than 2.5 mm or greater than 4.5 mm, provided that the size of the width W5 of the U-shaped channel 154 is designed to accommodate the size of the compressible container 1000 intended for use with the applicator 10. When truncated along the straight portion of the U-shaped channel 154, the U-shaped channel 154 can also have a length L2 of approximately 4 mm. Although 4 mm is an example of the length L2 of the U-shaped channel 154, it should be clearly understood that significant benefits can be obtained from lengths L2 that are longer or shorter than 4 mm, provided that the U-shaped channel 154 is long enough to accommodate the size of the compressible container 1000. Similarly, the width W4 of the space 152 between the inwardly curved proximal end 150 of the first fork 144 and the inwardly curved proximal end 150 of the second fork 144 can also vary depending on the size of the compressible container 1000 to be used with the multipurpose applicator 10.

[0039] The diameter of the base 136 of the fastening mechanism 134 in this embodiment can also be designed to accommodate compressible containers 1000 of different sizes. For example, a fastening mechanism 134 with a base 136 having an outer diameter of approximately 15.1 mm would be suitable for attachment to the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000, wherein the width of the curled distal end 1010 is in the range of approximately 8.7 mm to approximately 15 mm. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that a fastening mechanism 134 with a base 136 having an outer diameter less than approximately 15.1 mm can still provide significant benefits for accommodating compressible containers 1000 with a curled distal end 1010 having a width less than 8.7 mm. It should also be understood that a fastening mechanism 134 with a base 136 having an outer diameter greater than approximately 15.1 mm can still provide significant benefits for accommodating compressible containers 1000 with a curled distal end 1010 having a width greater than approximately 15 mm.

[0040] The operation of this embodiment is similar to that described above, except that the user of the multipurpose applicator 10 places the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 into the U-shaped channel 154 formed between the first fork 144 and the second fork 144.

[0041] The fork-shaped members 44 / 144 of the fastening mechanism 34 / 134 may be made of a flexible but strong material, such that the first fork-shaped members 44 / 144 and the second fork-shaped members 44 / 144 can be temporarily opened or bent outwards relative to each other to insert the curled distal end 1010 of the container 1000 into the U-shaped space (i.e., U-shaped groove 54 or U-shaped channel 154) formed between the first fork-shaped members 44 / 144 and the second fork-shaped members 44 / 144. The user can place the curled distal end 1010 of the container 1000 in the space 52 / 152 between the inwardly bent proximal end 50 / 150 of the first fork-shaped members 44 / 144 and the inwardly bent proximal end 50 / 150 of the second fork-shaped members 44 / 144 and push the container 1000 longitudinally toward the distal end 20 of the body 16 of the holding member 12. Once the curled distal end 1010 of the container 1000 is received into the U-shaped groove 54 (or U-shaped channel 154), the first fork 44 / 144 and the second fork 44 / 144 return to their original positions, with the inwardly curved proximal ends 50 / 150 of the first fork 44 / 144 and the second fork 44 / 144 firmly gripping the curled distal end 1010 of the container 1000. Alternatively, the user can slide the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 laterally into the U-shaped space (i.e., the U-shaped groove 54 or U-shaped channel 154) between the first fork 44 / 144 and the second fork 44 / 144. In another embodiment, the fork-shaped members 44 / 144 may be made of a non-flexible rigid material, allowing the user to slide only the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 laterally into the U-shaped space (i.e., U-groove 54 or U-channel 154) between the first and second fork-shaped members 44 / 144. Many types of fastening mechanisms 34 / 134 may be used, and those shown above are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0042] A compressible container 1000, which can be used with the multipurpose applicator 10, may include a closed, curled distal end 1010 and a dispensing outlet 1018. The dispensing outlet 1018 may typically be a narrow, reinforced section that allows material within the container 1000 to be extruded therefrom. Various sizes of compressible containers 1000 can be used with the applicator 10. As shown below, the length of the cap 62 may vary depending on the size of the compressible container 1000 containing the material. For example, a smaller compressible container 1000 (such as a glue container 1000) may use a smaller cap 62, while a larger container 1000 (such as a toothpaste container 1000) may require a larger cap 62.

[0043] After the compressible container 1000 containing the material is secured within the fork 44 / 144 of the fastening mechanism 34 / 134, the top cover 62 can be placed on the compressible container 1000 and connected to the retaining member 12.

[0044] Figures 4 to 6 An embodiment of the top cover 62 of the multipurpose applicator 10 is shown. The top cover 62 may be made of flexible plastic, rubber, or any other flexible compressible material. The top cover 62 may also be made of an elastic material such that it will return to its original shape after compression. The top cover 62 may have a substantially tubular body 64 that defines a central channel 66 formed therethrough. The central channel 66 is configured to accommodate the compressible container 1010 within the body 64 of the top cover 62 when the applicator 10 is fully assembled with the compressible container 1010 held therein. Thus, the top cover 62 has an open proximal end 82 and an open distal end 88. The body 64 may have a uniform outer diameter along its entire length, or, as shown, the body 64 of the top cover 62 may be tapered such that the outer diameter of the proximal end 82 of the body 64 is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end 88 of the body 64.

[0045] The top cover 62 may have an annular shoulder 84 formed at the proximal end 82 of its body 64. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the annular shoulder 84 is positioned perpendicularly to the outer surface 68 of the body 64 and extends inwardly toward the central channel 66 of the body 64. The annular shoulder 84 does not completely obstruct the central channel 66 at the proximal end 82 of the body 64. Instead, the annular shoulder 84 only partially obstructs the central channel 66 at the proximal end 82 of the body 64, thereby defining an opening 86 at the proximal end 82 of the body 64, wherein the diameter of the opening 86 defined by the annular shoulder 84 is smaller than the diameter of the central channel 66 of the body 64 of the cap 62. The opening 86 is configured to receive a dispensing outlet 1018 of the compressible container 1000 passing through it. The diameter of the opening 86 defined by the annular shoulder 84 is smaller than the width of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000, thereby preventing the compressible container 1000 from unintentionally exiting the applicator 10 through the open proximal end 82 of the cap 62.

[0046] As described above, the top cover 62 may also have an internal annular flange 90 formed on the inner surface 76 of the body 64 and positioned at the open distal end 88 of the body 64. The internal annular flange 90 at the distal end 88 of the top cover 62 is configured to engage with the connection point 56 (i.e., the annular groove) of the retaining member 12. Figure 5As shown, the inner annular flange 90 may have two recesses 92 formed at opposite positions along the circumference of the inner annular flange 90. The shape and position of the two oppositely arranged recesses 92 correspond to the shape and position of the two sets of oppositely arranged fork-shaped members 44 of the fastening mechanism 34 of the retaining member 12. In other words, the two oppositely arranged recesses 92 of the inner annular flange 90 of the top cover 62 slidably engage with the two pairs of oppositely arranged fork-shaped members 44 of the fastening mechanism 34 of the retaining member 12. In operation, when the user wishes to attach the top cover 62 to the retaining member 12, the user can align each set of fork-shaped members 44 with its corresponding recess 92 and slide the fork-shaped members 44 along the length of the recess 92 in the proximal end direction into the open distal end 88 of the top cover 62. The user continues to slide the protrusion 44 into the open distal end 88 of the top cover 62 until the inner annular flange 90 at the distal end 88 of the top cover 62 engages with the connection point 56 (i.e., the annular groove) of the retaining member 12. The inner annular flange 90 at the distal end 88 of the top cover 62 then aligns with the annular shoulder 58 of the retaining member 12 between the neck 26 and the body 16.

[0047] The top cover 62 may have at least one concave notch 70 formed on the outer surface 68 of its body 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover 62 has two concave notches 70 formed on its outer surface 68. The two concave notches 70 are positioned opposite each other. Together, the two concave notches 70 form a compression region 72 on the body 64, in which a user will apply force in opposite directions with his thumb and forefinger. Each concave notch 70 may have an indicator 74 formed or printed thereon. The indicator 74 identifies the two concave notches 70 as the compression region 72, in which the user needs to squeeze and apply opposing forces to dispense product from the compressible container 1000. In the embodiment shown here, the indicator 74 on each concave notch 70 may include a plurality of textured ribs formed on the outer surface of the top cover 62. Although the figures in this article depict the concave notch 70 as having an indicator 74 formed or printed thereon, it should be clearly understood that a concave notch 70 without any indicator 74 formed or printed thereon can still provide significant benefits.

[0048] When the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 is secured between the forks 44 of the fastening mechanism 34 and the top cover 62 is connected to the retaining member 12, the user can press the two opposing concave notches 70 together, causing the central channel 66 of the body 64 of the top cover 62 to compress, and causing the inner surface 76 of the top cover 62 to apply opposing forces to the opposing surfaces of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000 positioned within the top cover 62.

[0049] The top cover 62 may also have at least two protrusions 78 formed at opposing positions on the inner surface 76 of the top cover 62. Each protrusion 78 may be an elongated wedge-shaped wall having a wide base 79 connected to the inner surface 76 of the top cover 62 and a narrow tip 81 extending inward toward the center of the central channel 66. Figure 6 As shown, protrusions 78 are positioned within compression regions 72, preferably within the distal portion 32 of compression regions 72. Each protrusion 78 spans a portion of the central channel 66 of the top cover 62. The protrusions 78 partially obstruct the central channel 66 of the top cover 62 from opposite sides, thereby forming a compression gap 80 between them. When the protrusions 78 are positioned within the distal portion 32 of compression regions 72, the compression gap 80 is also positioned within the distal portion 32 of compression regions 72. (See top view of top cover 62) Figure 4 ) or bottom view (see Figure 5 From this perspective, the compression gap 80 between the two opposing protrusions 78 appears to be substantially rectangular in shape. Figure 5 As specifically shown in the bottom view, the compression gap 80 is aligned with two notches 92 formed along the circumference of the inner annular flange 90. Furthermore, the width W6 of the compression gap 80 may be equal to the width W7 of each of the notches 92 formed along the circumference of the inner annular flange 90.

[0050] In its construction, the length of the top cap 62 can vary depending on the size / length of the compressible container 1000 to be used with the multipurpose applicator 10. For example, the length L3 of the top cap 62 (particularly the portion of the body 64 of the top cap 62 between the concave notch 70 and the open distal end 88 of the top cap 62) can range from approximately 13 mm for a shorter compressible container 1000 to approximately 20 mm for a longer compressible container 1000. Although this range is provided as an example, it should be clearly understood that significant benefits can still be obtained with a length L3 less than 13 mm or greater than 20 mm, provided that the size of the length L3 of the top cap 62 (particularly the portion of the body 64 of the top cap 62 between the concave notch 70 and the open distal end 88 of the top cap 62) is designed to accommodate the size / length of the compressible container 1000 intended for use with the applicator 10.

[0051] In operation, the user of the multipurpose applicator 10 places the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000 into the U-shaped groove 54 (or U-shaped channel 154) formed between each pair of forks 44. The user then inserts the compressible container 1000 into the open distal end 88 of the top cover 62. To do this, the user aligns the compressible tubular container 1000 so that it passes through the rectangular compression gap 80. By orienting the compressible container 1000 in this way, each pair of forks 44 of the fastening mechanism 34 is also aligned with its corresponding notch 92 in the inner annular flange 90 on the distal end 88 of the top cover 62. The user then slides the fork-shaped piece 44 longitudinally along the notch 92 into the open distal end 88 of the top cover 62 until the dispensing outlet 1018 of the compressible container 1000 exits the opening 86 defined by the annular shoulder 84 formed at the proximal end 82 of the top cover 62, and until the inner annular flange 90 of the distal end 88 of the top cover 62 engages with the connection point 56 (i.e., the annular groove) of the retaining member 12. At this point, the inner annular flange 90 will be flush with the annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 and the body of the retaining member 12.

[0052] Reference Figure 7 When the applicator 10 is assembled and the inner annular flange 90 of the distal end 88 of the cap 62 engages with the connection point 56 (i.e., the annular groove) of the retaining member 12, the distal end 88 of the cap 62 will preferably have an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the proximal end 18 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12. Although this configuration is preferred, it should be clearly understood that significant benefits can still be obtained when the distal end 88 of the cap 62 has an outer diameter that is larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal end 18 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12.

[0053] exist Figure 8In the diagram, the multipurpose applicator 10 is shown in a closed and relaxed position, having a compressible container 1000. The applicator 10 is in a relaxed position because no force is applied to the compression region 72 of the top cover 62. The compressible container 1000 is shown having a body 1012, a dispensing outlet 1018 located at its proximal end 1020, and a curled distal end 1010. The curled distal end 1010 is held within a U-shaped groove 54 between the first set of forks 44 and a U-shaped groove 54 between the second set of forks 44 (not shown in this side view). The body 1012 of the compressible container 1000 is positioned within the top cover 62 such that the distal portion of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000 (adjacent to the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000) is positioned within a compression gap 80 formed between two opposing protrusions 78 on the inner surface 76 of the cover 62. In this relaxed position, the protrusion 78 formed on the inner surface 76 of the top cover 62 is adjacent to, but does not contact, the corresponding oppositely provided surfaces 1014, 1016 of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000.

[0054] As can be seen from this side view, the angle of the opposing conical surfaces 40 of the base 36 corresponds to the angle of the distal portion of the opposing concave notch 70 on the outer surface 68 of the top cover 62. Therefore, when the top cover 62 is attached to the retaining member 12, the opposing conical surfaces 40 of the base 36 of the retaining member 12 allow the compression region 72 of the top cover 62 to be positioned around the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000. More importantly, when the top cover 62 is attached to the retaining member 12, the opposing conical surfaces 40 of the base 36 of the retaining member 12 allow the distal portion of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000 to be positioned within the compression gap 80 formed between two opposing protrusions 78 on the inner surface 76 of the top cover 62.

[0055] During operation, the user can apply opposing force to the compression area 72 using their thumb and forefinger. Figure 9As can be seen in the side view, by applying opposing forces to the compression region 72, the first elongated protrusion 78 applies an inward force to the first surface 1014 of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000, and the second elongated protrusion 78 applies an inward force to the opposite second surface 1016 of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000. In this embodiment, the protrusions 78 disposed oppositely on the inner surface 76 of the top cover 62 apply opposing forces to the distal portion of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000, which is adjacent to the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000. The specific alignment of the protrusions 78 of the top cover 62 with respect to the distal portion of the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000, which is adjacent to the curled distal end 1010 of the compressible container 1000, is crucial to avoid uneven distribution of material within the compressible container 1000. This particular arrangement is intended to mimic the practice of "squeezing from the bottom" in a tubular compressible container 1000 (e.g., squeezing from the bottom of a toothpaste tube), so that the substance within the compressible container 1000 is distributed only toward the dispensing outlet 1018.

[0056] The cap 62 described herein provides enhanced flow and precise control for dispensing liquids or viscous fluids from a compressible tubular container 1000. Different caps 62 may be provided depending on the material within the compressible container 1000, and the sensitivity of the material determines which cap 62 can be used. For example, a less viscous material within the compressible container 1000 may require a softer cap 62, allowing the user to press further into the compressible container 1000 to expel the material. Conversely, a compressible container 1000 with a more viscous material may be paired with a cap 62 made of a harder material, potentially requiring a tighter squeeze or press to extract the liquid material from the compressible container 1000.

[0057] The dispensing outlet 1018 of the compressible container 1000 extends outward from the top cover 62 through an opening 86 defined by an annular shoulder 84 at the proximal end 82 of the top cover 62. (As...) Figure 10 As shown, an additional accessory 2000 may be provided to enhance the diffusion of material from the compressible container 1000. After being compressed from the body 1012 of the compressible container 1000 positioned within the top cover 62, material within the compressible container 1000 may be discharged through its dispensing outlet 1018 and enter the accessory 2000.

[0058] Depending on the type of application desired by the user, different types of attachments 2000 may be used. These materials may be evenly distributed or distributed in strips. Other types of attachments 2000 may be used, and are not limited to those shown above. For example, attachment 2000 may allow a predetermined accumulation of material to form within it, and when a threshold is reached, attachment 2000 will disperse it. As another example, a toothbrush attachment 2000 may be used. It allows toothpaste to be dispensed from the channels of the compressible container 1000 into the bristles of the toothbrush. In operation, when the user brushes their teeth, the user can simply squeeze the top cap 62 to dispense the toothpaste.

[0059] Advantageously, the applicator 10 is ergonomically friendly and designed for different viscosities. A unique delivery system minimizes waste and controls dosage. The dosage can be varied based on the expected viscosity of the material contained within the compressible container 1000. Versatile product capabilities can be provided by using interchangeable attachments 2000, which can be manufactured according to their intended use.

[0060] The dispenser for discharging the compound can be made of different materials. For example, the retaining member 12 can be made of a solid and less durable material, while the top cover 62 can be made of a soft material, such as flexible plastic, rubber, etc. This allows the material to be dispensed outside the container 1000 while providing rigid retention 12 for holding. Alternatively, the entire dispenser can be made of the same material.

[0061] The multi-purpose applicator 10 of the present invention can be made to fit various sizes and shapes of compressible containers 1000. According to an illustrative example, the total length L4 of the retaining member 12, measured from the inwardly curved proximal end 50 of the fork 44 to the distal end 20 of the body 16, can be 87.95 mm. The length L5 of the body 16 of the retaining member 12, measured from the annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 and the body 16 to the distal end 20 of the body 16, can be 67.39 mm. And therefore, the remaining length L6 of the retaining member 12, measured from the inwardly curved proximal end 50 of the fork 44 to the annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 and the body 16, can be 20.56 mm. In this example, the retaining member 12 can have an outer diameter of 17.72 mm measured at the annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 and the body 16. The retaining member 12 can also have an outer diameter of 9.70 mm measured at the distal end 20 of the body 16.

[0062] According to the same illustrative example, the size of the top cap 62 will correspond to the size of the retaining member 12. In this example, the total length L7 of the top cap 62 may be 47.44 mm. When the retaining member 12 has an outer diameter of 17.72 mm (measured at the annular shoulder 58 between the neck 26 and the body 16), the top cap 62 will have an outer diameter of 17.72 mm (measured at the distal end 88). With this configuration, the meeting point between the top cap 62 and the retaining member 12 will be flat. In this exemplary embodiment, when the top cap 62 is attached to the retaining member 12, the total length of the applicator 10 will be 114.83 mm (47.44 mm length of the top cap 62 at L7 + 67.39 mm length of the retaining member 12 at L5).

[0063] The foregoing description illustrates specific embodiments of this application, but this is not intended to limit its practice. Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to various specific examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An applicator for use with a compressible container, the applicator comprising: a holding member, the holding member comprising: a body; a neck extending from a proximal end of the body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism configured to removably couple to the compressible container; and a cap removably coupled to the holding member, the cap comprising: a body defining a central passage therethrough; a compression region on the body of the cap; and at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an interior surface of the body of the cap and positioned within the compression region; and wherein the fastening mechanism comprises: a base; at least two oppositely disposed prongs, each prong comprising: a distal end extending from the base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; a U-shaped space formed between the at least two oppositely disposed prongs, wherein the U-shaped space is configured to receive and hold a distal end of the compressible container.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the holding member further comprises a connection point, the connection point being an annular groove, the annular groove comprising: a first annular shoulder formed between the neck of the holding member and the body of the holding member; the neck of the holding member; and a second annular shoulder formed between the neck and the fastening mechanism.

3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism further comprises a space formed between an inwardly curved proximal end of a first prong and an inwardly curved proximal end of a second prong, wherein a width of the space between the inwardly curved proximal end of the first prong and the inwardly curved proximal end of the second prong is narrower than a width of the U-shaped space between the first prong and the second prong.

4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least two oppositely disposed prongs of the fastening mechanism comprise: two oppositely disposed elongate prongs, each elongate prong comprising: an elongate distal end extending from the base of the fastening mechanism; an elongate body; and an inwardly curved elongate proximal end; wherein the U-shaped space is a U-shaped passage formed between the two oppositely disposed elongate prongs.

5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least two oppositely disposed prongs of the fastening mechanism comprise: a first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; and a second pair of oppositely disposed prongs positioned parallel to the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; wherein a V-shaped space is formed between the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs and the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs. ​ wherein a first U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; and wherein a second U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs and is positioned directly in line with the first U-shaped space.

6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism further comprises two oppositely disposed tapered surfaces formed on a distal portion of the base.

7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises: an annular shoulder formed at a proximal end of the body of the cap, the annular shoulder positioned perpendicularly to an outer surface of the body of the cap and extending inwardly toward the central passage of the body of the cap; and an aperture defined by the annular shoulder of the body of the cap for receiving a dispensing outlet of the compressible container therethrough; wherein a diameter of the aperture is less than a diameter of the central passage of the body of the cap.

8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises an internal annular flange formed on the internal surface of the body of the cap and positioned at the open distal end of the body of the cap.

9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on the internal surface of the body of the cap is a wall having: a pointed tip extending inwardly toward a center of the central passage of the cap; a base coupled to the interior surface of the top cover; wherein each of the at least two protrusions spans a portion of the central passage of the cap, forming a compression gap between the at least two protrusions.

10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on the internal surface of the body of the cap are positioned within a distal portion of the compression region.

11. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the compression region is formed by two oppositely disposed concave indentations formed on an outer surface of the body of the cap.

12. The applicator of claim 11, wherein at least one of the two concave indentations further comprises an indicator formed thereon.

13. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the indicator is a plurality of textured ribs.

14. A multi-purpose applicator for use with a compressible container, the applicator comprising: a holding member comprising: a conical body; a cylindrical neck extending from a proximal end of the conical body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the cylindrical neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism comprising: a cylindrical base; at least two oppositely disposed prongs, each prong comprising: a distal end extending from the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; ​ ​ a U-shaped space formed between the at least two oppositely disposed prongs, wherein the U-shaped space is configured to receive and hold a crimped distal end of the compressible container; a space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the at least two oppositely disposed prongs, wherein a width of the space between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the at least two oppositely disposed prongs is narrower than a width of the U-shaped space between the at least two oppositely disposed prongs; and two oppositely disposed tapered surfaces formed on a distal portion of the cylindrical base; a first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the conical body of the holding member; and a second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; wherein the first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the conical body of the holding member, the cylindrical neck, and the second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the holding member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism together form an annular groove; and a cap removably coupled to the holding member, the cap comprising: a flexible body defining a central passage therethrough; a compression region on the flexible body of the cap, the compression region formed by two oppositely disposed concave indentations formed on an outer surface of the flexible body of the cap; and at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an inner surface of the flexible body of the cap and positioned within a distal portion of the compression region.

15. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the at least two oppositely disposed prongs of the fastening mechanism comprise: a first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; and a second pair of oppositely disposed prongs positioned in parallel with the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; wherein a V-shaped space is formed between the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs and the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs; wherein a first U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; and wherein a second U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs and positioned directly in line with the first U-shaped space.

16. The applicator of claim 15, wherein the cap further comprises: an inner annular flange formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the cap and positioned at an open distal end of the flexible body of the cap, the inner annular flange configured to mate with the annular groove of the holding member; an annular shoulder formed at a proximal end of the flexible body of the cap, the annular shoulder positioned perpendicularly to the outer surface of the flexible body of the cap and extending inwardly toward the central passage of the flexible body of the cap; and an aperture defined by the annular shoulder of the flexible body of the cap for receiving a dispensing outlet of the compressible container therethrough; wherein a diameter of the aperture is less than a diameter of the central passage of the flexible body of the cap.

17. The applicator of claim 16, wherein the cap further comprises: a first notch formed within the inner annular flange formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the cap; and a second notch formed within the inner annular flange formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the cap and positioned opposite the first notch; wherein the first notch is configured to slidably mate with the oppositely disposed prongs of the first pair of the fastening mechanism; and wherein the second notch is configured to slidably mate with the oppositely disposed prongs of the second pair of the fastening mechanism.

18. The applicator of claim 14, wherein each of the at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the cap is a wedge-shaped wall having: a wide base coupled to the interior surface of the flexible body of the top cover; a narrow tip extending inwardly toward a center of the central passage of the cap; wherein each of the at least two protrusions spans a portion of the central passage of the cap, forming a compression gap between the at least two oppositely disposed protrusions.

19. A multi-purpose applicator for use with a compressible container, the applicator comprising: a holding member comprising: a conical body; a cylindrical neck extending from a proximal end of the conical body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the cylindrical neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism comprising: a cylindrical base; a first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a second pair of oppositely disposed prongs positioned in parallel with the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs, wherein each prong of the first and second pairs of prongs comprises: a distal end extending from the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; a V-shaped space formed between the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs and the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a first U-shaped slot formed between two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a second U-shaped slot formed between two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs and positioned directly in line with the first U-shaped slot, wherein the first U-shaped slot is configured to slidably mate with the oppositely disposed prongs of the first pair of the fastening mechanism; and wherein the second U-shaped slot is configured to slidably mate with the oppositely disposed prongs of the second pair of the fastening mechanism. wherein the first U-shaped channel and the second U-shaped channel are configured to receive and hold a crimped distal end of the compressible container; a first space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; a second space formed between the inwardly curved proximal ends of the two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs, wherein the width of the first space is equal to the width of the second space and wherein both the width of the first space and the width of the second space are narrower than the width of the first U-shaped channel and the width of the second U-shaped channel; and two oppositely disposed tapered surfaces formed on a distal portion of the cylindrical base; a first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retention member and the conical body of the retention member; and a second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retention member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism, wherein the first annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retention member and the conical body of the retention member, the cylindrical neck, and the second annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical neck of the retention member and the cylindrical base of the fastening mechanism together form an annular recess; and a cap removably coupled to the retention member, the cap comprising: a flexible body defining a central passage therethrough; a compression region on the flexible body of the cap, the compression region formed by two oppositely disposed concave indentations formed on an outer surface of the flexible body of the cap; two oppositely disposed wedge-shaped protrusions formed on an inner surface of the flexible body of the cap and positioned within a distal portion of the compression region, wherein each of the two wedge-shaped protrusions spans a portion of the central passage of the cap, forming a compression gap between the two oppositely disposed wedge-shaped protrusions; an inner annular flange formed on the inner surface of the flexible body of the cap and positioned at an open distal end of the flexible body of the cap, the inner annular flange configured to mate with the annular recess of the retention member; an annular shoulder formed at a proximal end of the flexible body of the cap, the annular shoulder positioned perpendicularly to the outer surface of the flexible body of the cap and extending inwardly towards the central passage of the flexible body of the cap; an aperture defined by the annular shoulder of the flexible body of the cap for receiving a dispensing outlet of the compressible container therethrough, wherein a diameter of the aperture is smaller than a diameter of the central passage of the flexible body of the cap; a first notch formed within the interior annular flange formed on the interior surface of the flexible body of the top cap; and a second notch formed within the interior annular flange formed on the interior surface of the flexible body of the top cap and positioned opposite the first notch, wherein the first notch is configured to slidably mate with a fork oppositely disposed of the first pair of the fastening mechanism and wherein the second notch is configured to slidably mate with a fork oppositely disposed of the second pair of the fastening mechanism.

20. An applicator for use with a compressible container, the applicator comprising: a holding member comprising: a body; a neck extending from a proximal end of the body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism configured to removably couple to the compressible container; and a top cap removably coupled to the holding member, the top cap comprising: a body defining a central passage therethrough; a compression region on the body of the top cap; and at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an interior surface of the body of the top cap and positioned within the compression region; wherein each of the at least two oppositely disposed protrusions is a wall having: a base coupled to the interior surface of the top cap; and a tip extending inwardly toward a center of the central passage of the top cap; wherein each of the at least two protrusions spans a portion of the central passage of the top cap, forming a compression gap between the at least two protrusions.

21. The applicator of claim 20, wherein, the fastening mechanism of the holding member comprises: a base; at least two oppositely disposed forks, each fork comprising: a distal end extending from the base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; and a U-shaped space formed between the at least two oppositely disposed forks, wherein the U-shaped space is configured to receive and hold a distal end of the compressible container.

22. The applicator according to claim 21, wherein, the at least two oppositely disposed forks of the fastening mechanism comprise: two oppositely disposed elongate forks, each elongate fork comprising: an elongate distal end extending from the base of the fastening mechanism; an elongate body; and an inwardly curved elongate proximal end; wherein the U-shaped space is a U-shaped channel formed between the two oppositely disposed elongate forks.

23. The applicator of claim 21, wherein, the at least two oppositely disposed forks of the fastening mechanism comprise: a first pair of oppositely disposed forks; and a second pair of oppositely disposed forks positioned in parallel with the first pair of oppositely disposed forks; wherein a V-shaped space is formed between the first pair of oppositely disposed forks and the second pair of oppositely disposed forks; wherein a first U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; and wherein a second U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs and is positioned directly in line with the first U-shaped space.

24. The applicator of claim 20, wherein, The at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on the interior surface of the body of the cap are positioned within a distal portion of the compression region.

25. An applicator for use with a compressible container, the applicator comprising: a holding member comprising: a body; a neck extending from a proximal end of the body of the holding member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the neck of the holding member, the fastening mechanism configured to removably couple to the compressible container; and a cap removably coupled to the holding member, the cap comprising: a body defining a central passage therethrough; a compression region on the body of the cap, wherein the compression region is formed by two oppositely disposed concave indentations formed on an exterior surface of the body of the cap; and at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an interior surface of the body of the cap and positioned within the compression region.

26. The applicator according to claim 25, wherein, The fastening mechanism of the holding member comprises: a base; at least two oppositely disposed prongs, each prong comprising: a distal end extending from the base of the fastening mechanism; a body; and an inwardly curved proximal end; and a U-shaped space formed between the at least two oppositely disposed prongs, wherein the U-shaped space is configured to receive and hold a distal end of the compressible container.

27. The applicator according to claim 26, wherein, The at least two oppositely disposed prongs of the fastening mechanism comprise: two oppositely disposed elongate prongs, each elongate prong comprising: an elongate distal end extending from the base of the fastening mechanism; an elongate body; and an inwardly curved elongate proximal end; wherein the U-shaped space is a U-shaped channel formed between the two oppositely disposed elongate prongs.

28. The applicator according to claim 26, wherein, The at least two oppositely disposed prongs of the fastening mechanism comprise: a first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; and a second pair of oppositely disposed prongs positioned in parallel with the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; wherein a V-shaped space is formed between the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs and the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs; wherein a first U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the first pair of oppositely disposed prongs; and wherein a second U-shaped space is formed between two prongs of the second pair of oppositely disposed prongs and is positioned directly in line with the first U-shaped space.

29. The applicator according to claim 25, wherein, The at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on the interior surface of the body of the cap are positioned within a distal portion of the compression region.

30. An applicator for use with a compressible container, the applicator comprising: a holding member comprising: a body; a neck extending from a proximal end of the body of the retaining member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the neck of the retaining member, the fastening mechanism configured to removably couple to the compressible container; and a cap removably coupled to the retaining member, the cap comprising: a body defining a central passage therethrough; a compression region on the body of the cap; at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an interior surface of the body of the cap and positioned within the compression region; an annular shoulder formed at a proximal end of the body of the cap, the annular shoulder positioned perpendicularly to an exterior surface of the body of the cap and extending inwardly toward the central passage of the body of the cap; and an aperture defined by the annular shoulder of the body of the cap for receiving a dispensing outlet of the compressible container therethrough; wherein a diameter of the aperture is less than a diameter of the central passage of the body of the cap.

31. An applicator for use with a compressible container, the applicator comprising: a retaining member comprising: a body; a neck extending from a proximal end of the body of the retaining member; and a fastening mechanism extending from a proximal end of the neck of the retaining member, the fastening mechanism configured to removably couple to the compressible container; and a cap removably coupled to the retaining member, the cap comprising: a body defining a central passage therethrough; a compression region on the body of the cap; at least two oppositely disposed protrusions formed on an interior surface of the body of the cap and positioned within the compression region; and an interior annular flange formed on the interior surface of the body of the cap and positioned at an open distal end of the body of the cap.

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