Liquid applicator and inner plug

Abstract

This liquid coating tool comprises a liquid container that has an opening and that can accommodate a liquid, a coating body, a tubular inner plug that is attached to the opening, and a cap that covers the inner plug and the coating body and that seals the opening. The coating body has a substantially rod-form shape extending in the axial direction, and has a distal-end section disposed at one axial-direction end and a base-end section disposed at the other axial-direction end. The inner plug grips the coating body such that the distal-end section of the coating body protrudes further toward the distal-end-section side than the inner plug and is exposed. The inner plug has: at least one opening section that exposes the coating body to the interior of the liquid container; and an annular liquid-stopping section that is disposed further radially outward than the at least one opening section and that protrudes toward the coating body and comes into contact therewith in a state in which the coating body is being gripped.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid applicator and an inside plug. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an applicator for medicinal onychomycosis that includes a liquid container, a columnar brush member formed by bundling synthetic fibers into a columnar shape, and a bottomed tubular holder that holds the columnar brush member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6005344 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional applicators having the above-described configuration, the liquid container is sealed. Therefore, when the temperature of the surrounding environment and the internal liquid are high, or when the internal liquid is highly volatile, the internal pressure of the liquid container rises due to vapor pressure and becomes higher than the external pressure. When the cap is opened with the internal pressure raised, the gas inside the liquid container tries to escape to the outside. Therefore, the liquid impregnated in the columnar brush member is pushed out by the gas and sprays out, causing the problem of the sprayed internal liquid leaking out of the liquid container and contaminating the liquid container.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid applicator and an inside plug that can better prevent an internal liquid from leaking to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a liquid container having a mouth and capable of containing a liquid; an applicator body having a generally rod-like shape extending in an axial direction, the applicator body having a tip end portion disposed at one end in the axial direction and a base end portion disposed at the other end; a cylindrical inner plug attached to the mouth portion, the inner plug gripping the applicator body so that a tip end of the applicator body protrudes and is exposed toward the tip end side of the inner plug; a cap that covers the inside plug and the applicator body and seals the mouth portion; A liquid applicator comprising: The inside plug is at least one opening exposing the applicator body to the liquid container; The gripper has an annular liquid stopping portion that is positioned radially outward from the at least one opening, protrudes toward the applicator body, and comes into contact with the applicator body when the applicator body is being gripped.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is Provided is an inner plug for a liquid applicator that is attached to the mouth of a liquid container capable of containing a liquid and is configured to be able to grip a generally rod-shaped applicator body extending in the axial direction. the inside plug is tubular, extending in the axial direction and having a tip end portion disposed at one end in the axial direction and a base end portion disposed at the other end, The inside plug is At least one opening exposing the application body; The gripper has an annular liquid stopping portion that is positioned radially outward from the at least one opening, protrudes toward the applicator body, and comes into contact with the applicator body when the applicator body is being gripped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The liquid applicator and the inside plug according to the present invention can further prevent the internal liquid from leaking to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an inside plug provided in the liquid applicator of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the inside plug of FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 3 is a right side view of the inside plug of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the inside plug of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug of FIG. 2 taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug of FIG. 2 taken along line VII-VII. [Figure 8] 7 is an end view of the inside plug of FIG. 2 taken along line VII-VII. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid applicator with the cap open. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an inside plug according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug of FIG. 10 taken along line XI-XI. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of a region R1 shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug of FIG. 10 taken along line XIII-XIII. [Figure 14] 13 in an assembled state in which the applicator body is inserted into the inside plug of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a first modified example of the inside plug according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 15 taken along line XVI-XVI. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a second modified example of the inside plug according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 17 taken along line XVIII-XVIII. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a third modified example of the inside plug according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 15 taken along line XX-XX. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a liquid container having a mouth and capable of containing a liquid; an applicator body having a generally rod-like shape extending in an axial direction, the applicator body having a tip end portion disposed at one end in the axial direction and a base end portion disposed at the other end; a cylindrical inner plug attached to the mouth portion, the inner plug gripping the applicator body so that a tip end of the applicator body protrudes and is exposed toward the tip end side of the inner plug; a cap that covers the inside plug and the applicator body and seals the mouth portion; A liquid applicator comprising: The inside plug is at least one opening exposing the applicator body to the liquid container; and an annular liquid stopping portion that is disposed radially outward of the at least one opening, that protrudes toward the applicator body and comes into contact with the applicator body when the applicator body is being gripped. A liquid applicator is provided.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the liquid stopping part contacts the periphery of the applicator body, the inside plug further includes a liquid storage portion that is disposed between an inner surface of the inside plug and the applicator body on a distal end side of the liquid stopping portion and is capable of storing the liquid; the opening is formed closer to the base end than the liquid stopping portion, The length of the liquid storage portion in the axial direction is greater than the thickness of the liquid storage portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A liquid applicator according to a first aspect is provided.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid applicator according to the second aspect, wherein the axial length and thickness of the liquid storage section in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction are configured so that the axial length of the liquid storage section is greater than the distance that the liquid rises within the liquid storage section due to capillary action.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid applicator according to the second or third aspect, wherein the liquid storage portion has a cylindrical shape extending axially from the liquid stopping portion to the tip end of the inside plug.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid applicator according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the axial length of the liquid storage section is greater than the axial distance between the tip of the inside plug and the tip of the applicator body.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid applicator according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the axial length of the liquid storage section is greater than the axial length of the inside plug from the tip end side end of the liquid stopping section toward the base end side.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid applicator according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the axial length of the liquid storage section is greater than half the axial length of the inside plug.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid applicator according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the liquid stopping portion contacts the periphery of the applicator body on a base end side of the center of the applicator body.

[0018] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the inside plug further has a plurality of ribs extending from the liquid stopping portion toward the tip end on an inner surface thereof closer to the tip end than the liquid stopping portion, The plurality of ribs are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The liquid applicator according to any one of the second to eighth aspects is provided.

[0019] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid applicator according to the ninth aspect, wherein the tip end of each of the plurality of ribs is located closer to the base end than the tip end of the inner plug and closer to the tip end than the center of the applicator body.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, The inside plug has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, The liquid applicator according to any one of second to tenth aspects is provided, wherein the at least one opening is disposed on a side surface of the inside plug.

[0021] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid applicator according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the at least one opening is a plurality of openings arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0022] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, The inside plug has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the at least one opening is disposed through a portion of the bottom of the plug; The liquid stopping portion is arranged at the bottom of the inside plug and configured to protrude toward the tip of the inside plug. A liquid applicator according to a first aspect is provided.

[0023] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, The inside plug further has a convex portion at a bottom portion, the convex portion protruding from the bottom portion in the axial direction and arranged so as to surround the at least one opening portion in a plan view, The liquid stopping portion is disposed on the protrusion, A liquid applicator according to a thirteenth aspect is provided.

[0024] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, A fourteenth aspect provides a liquid applicator according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the inside plug further has at least one groove provided in the convex portion on the outer side of the liquid stopping portion.

[0025] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, There is provided a liquid applicator according to any one of thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, wherein the liquid stopping part has a tapered shape in which the width in the radial direction gradually decreases toward the tip end of the inside plug.

[0026] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the inside plug further has a plurality of support walls protruding radially inward on an inner surface thereof closer to the tip end than the liquid stopping portion, The plurality of support walls adjacent in the circumferential direction are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The liquid applicator according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects is provided.

[0027] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, An inner plug for a liquid applicator, which is attached to a mouth of a liquid container capable of containing a liquid, and is configured to be able to grip a substantially rod-shaped applicator body extending in an axial direction, the inside plug is tubular, extending in the axial direction and having a tip end portion disposed at one end in the axial direction and a base end portion disposed at the other end, The inside plug is At least one opening exposing the application body; and an annular liquid stopping portion that is disposed radially outward of the at least one opening, that protrudes toward the applicator body and comes into contact with the applicator body when the applicator body is being gripped. Provide a stopper.

[0028] Hereinafter, a liquid applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The liquid applicator 1 comprises a liquid container 2, a stopper 3, an applicator body 4, and a cap 5. For ease of explanation, an axis C is shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the liquid container 2 has a bottomed cylindrical shape centered on the axis C, the stopper 3 has a cylindrical shape centered on the axis C, the applicator body 4 has a columnar shape centered on the axis C, and the cap 5 has a topped cylindrical shape centered on the axis C. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a section passing through the axis C of the liquid applicator 1, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis C.

[0030] In this specification, the direction parallel to the axis C is referred to as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as the radial direction or width direction, and the circumferential direction centered on the axis C is referred to as the circumferential direction. With regard to the axial direction, the upward direction into the paper is referred to as the positive direction. The positive axial direction is also referred to as the upward direction, forward direction, tip side, or distal direction, and the negative axial direction is also referred to as the downward direction, rearward direction, base side, or proximal direction. With regard to the radial direction, the direction away from the axis C is referred to as the outward direction, and the direction toward the axis C is referred to as the inward direction. Furthermore, in this specification, the radially inner side is simply referred to as the "inner side," and the radially outer side is simply referred to as the "outer side."

[0031] Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, the present specification uses terms indicating directions such as "upper," "lower," "distal," "proximal," "front," "rear," "tip end side," "base end side," "right," and "left," assuming a state during normal use. However, these terms are not intended to limit the state of use of the present invention.

[0032] The liquid container 2 has a mouth 21, which is a circular opening centered on an axis C, and is capable of containing the liquid 10. For example, the liquid 10 is a medicinal solution indicated for treating onychomycosis and contains, for example, efinaconazole. The liquid 10 may further contain ethanol. The liquid 10 is not limited to the above and may be a liquid containing, for example, a compound with a boiling point lower than that of water at 1 atmosphere, a volatile organic compound, or the like. The liquid container 2 may be made using a polymer material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by, for example, blow molding, stretch blow molding, or injection blow molding. Alternatively, the liquid container 2 may be formed by multilayer blow molding using at least two materials selected from the above polymer materials, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), or the like, but the materials and manufacturing method of the liquid container 2 are not limited thereto.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical inside plug 3 is inserted into the opening 21 of the liquid container 2 and is removably attached to the liquid container 2. The inside plug 3 is integrally formed, for example, by injection molding. The inside plug 3 may be formed by injection molding using one of the following materials: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), or may be formed by injection molding using two or more materials. The detailed structure of the inside plug 3 will be described later.

[0034] The applicator body 4 is formed by bundling a large number of synthetic fibers into a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the applicator body 4 is, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, and the height of the applicator body 4 is, for example, 10 mm to 100 mm. The synthetic fibers are, for example, polyester, polyamide (PA), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). When the base end (proximal end) of the applicator body 4 comes into contact with the liquid 10, the liquid 10 is sucked up between the synthetic fibers by capillary action and reaches the tip end (distal end) of the applicator body 4. The applicator body 4 may have a single rod-like shape with the entire side surface hardened with an adhesive or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. The applicator body 4 may have a roughly rod-like shape, and a roughly rod-like shape includes, for example, a brush-like structure in which the tip end and its surrounding area of ​​the rod-shaped applicator body are not hardened with an adhesive or the like, and the fibers at the tip end flexibly move relative to each other.

[0035] The structure of the inside plug 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 9 in addition to Figure 1. Figures 2 to 5 are a plan view, a front view, a right side view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the inside plug 3 provided in the liquid applicator 1 of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug 3 taken along line VI-VI in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug 3 taken along line VII-VII in Figure 2.

[0036] The inside plug 3 has a cylindrical body 31, a bottom 32 that is located near the lower end of the body 31 and covers the body 31, and a brim-like flange 33 that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the body 31. When the inside plug 3 is attached to the liquid container 2 as shown in Figure 1, the flange 33 of the inside plug 3 rests on the top opening 22 of the liquid container 2, and the outer surface of the body 31 of the inside plug 3 comes into contact with the inner surface of the opening 21 of the liquid container 2. In this way, the inside plug 3 is supported by the liquid container 2.

[0037] A liquid stopper 35 is formed on the inner surface of the main body 31, contacting the periphery of the applicator 4 and preventing the liquid 10 from passing between the inner surface of the main body 31 and the applicator 4. The liquid stopper 35 contacts the side surface of the applicator 4 along the entire circumference. In the illustrated example, as particularly shown in the end view of FIG. 8 , the inner diameter D2 of the liquid stopper 35 is equal to or less than the diameter (hereinafter referred to as "Da") of the applicator 4. The liquid stopper 35 prevents the liquid 10 in the liquid container 2 from moving distal to the liquid stopper 35 unless it passes through the applicator 4, even when the liquid applicator 1 is inverted. In this way, the liquid stopper 35 prevents the liquid 10 from leaking from the liquid applicator 1. The liquid stopper 35 contacts the periphery of the applicator 4 on the proximal side of the center or center of gravity of the applicator 4.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the inner diameter of main body 31 above liquid stopping portion 35 is larger than the inner diameter of liquid stopping portion 35. As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner diameter of main body 31 above liquid stopping portion 35 is represented by D4. Inner diameter D4 is larger than diameter Da of applicator part 4 by, for example, about 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, a gap is formed between the inner surface of main body 31 above liquid stopping portion 35 and applicator part 4. This gap forms liquid storage portion 39 that can store liquid 10 in the upright position.

[0039] The axial length (depth) of the liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the radial thickness of the liquid storage portion 39. In other words, the axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the distance between the inner surface of the main body 31 and the applicator body 4. The axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 may be greater than the minimum width between the inner surfaces of the liquid stopping portion 35 in a direction perpendicular to the axis C. For example, the axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the inner diameter D2 (see FIG. 8 ) of the liquid stopping portion 35. The axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 may be greater than the axial length of the inside plug 3 below the upper end of the liquid stopping portion 35. The axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 may be greater than half the axial length of the inside plug 3.

[0040] Alternatively, the axial length and radial thickness of the liquid storage portion 39 may be configured so that the axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the distance that the liquid 10 can rise by capillary action within the liquid storage portion 39. In the illustrated example, the distance (height) h that the liquid 10 can rise by capillary action within the liquid storage portion 39 is expressed by the following equation (1).

[0041]

number

[0042] For example, when the liquid 10 is ethanol, at 20°C, σ=22 mN / m and ρ=0.789 [g / cm 3 When the inner surface of the inside plug 3 is made of HDPE, θ=5°. When the applicator body 4 is wet with the liquid 10, α=0°.

[0043] In an assembled state in which applying body 4 is inserted into inside plug 3, liquid storage section 39 has a volume of 10 μL to 400 μL, for example, 80 μL. That is, liquid storage section 39 is configured to be able to store 10 μL to 400 μL, for example, 80 μL of liquid 10 when assembled. The axial length of liquid storage section 39 is, for example, 1 mm to 30 mm. The axial length of liquid storage section 39 is, for example, 0.1 to 0.7 times the axial length of applying body 4. The axial length of liquid storage section 39 may be longer than the axial distance between the tip end of inside plug 3 and the tip end of applying body 4. The above numerical values ​​are merely examples, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2, 6, 7, etc., six ribs 37 are formed in liquid storage portion 39, extending upward from liquid stopper portion 35. Each rib 37 protrudes inward from the inner surface of main body 31 in liquid storage portion 39. Ribs 37 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. Distance D1 (see Figure 8) between opposing ribs 37 across axis C is equal to or less than diameter Da of applicator body 4. Therefore, when applicator body 4 is inserted into inside plug 3, it is sandwiched and supported by ribs 37. This prevents applicator body 4 from moving radially and wobbling when the tip of applicator body 4 is brought into contact with an object, such as a nail, to apply liquid 10 to the object. In this way, ribs 37 reinforce support for applicator body 4.

[0045] The tip of each rib 37 is positioned below the tip of inside plug 3. This makes it possible to reinforce support for applicator body 4 while ensuring the volume of liquid containing section 39.

[0046] Furthermore, the tip of each rib 37 extends to above the center or center of gravity of applicator body 4. As a result, each rib 37 supports the center or the upper side of applicator body 4, thereby further reinforcing support for applicator body 4.

[0047] An inner wall 36 (see FIGS. 6 to 8), which is the inner surface of main body 31 above liquid stopping portion 35, also supports applicator part 4. An inner diameter D3 (see FIG. 8) of inner wall 36 is equal to or smaller than diameter Da of applicator part 4.

[0048] The inner diameter of the inner wall 36 does not need to be constant, and may gradually decrease downward. For example, in Fig. 8, the relationship D1 > D2 > D3 holds among the distance D1 between the upper ends of the ribs 37 that face each other across the axis C, the inner diameter D2 of the liquid stopping portion 35, and the inner diameter D3 of the lower end of the inner wall 36, and the cross section of the inner surface of the main body 31 shown in Fig. 8 may be tapered.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6 , an opening 34 is formed in the inside plug 3 at a position facing the liquid storage portion 39 across the liquid stopper 35. In the illustrated example, the opening 34 is formed near the lower end of the main body 31 of the inside plug 3. Thus, the opening 34 is formed in the main body 31 of the inside plug 3 at a position facing the liquid storage portion 39 across the liquid stopper 35. For example, the opening 34 is formed by cutting out the lower end of the main body 31. The opening 34 communicates between the outside and the inside of the main body 31. This allows the liquid 10 in the liquid container 2 to pass from the outside to the inside of the main body 31 of the inside plug 3 and reach the applicator 4 when the inside plug 3 is attached to the liquid container 2 as shown in FIG. 1 . In the illustrated example, three openings 34 are formed, particularly as shown in FIG. 5 , but the number of openings 34 is not limited to this and may be one or more. As shown in Figure 5, it is advantageous for the inner plug 3 to have multiple openings 34, as this allows the liquid 10 in the liquid container 2 to reach the applicator body 4 in accordance with various positions of the liquid applicator 1 during use.

[0050] The cap 5 is a screw-type lid that is attached to the mouth 21 of the liquid container 2. The cap 5 covers the inside stopper 3 and the applicator body 4, and seals the mouth 21 of the liquid container 2. The cap 5 has a ring-shaped protrusion 51 formed so that a ring-shaped member centered on the axis C extends downward from the ceiling. The applicator body 4 is housed inside the ring-shaped protrusion 51. When the cap 5 is attached to the liquid container 2, the tip of the ring-shaped protrusion 51 comes into contact with the tip (distal end) of the inside stopper 3 over the entire circumference, preventing the liquid 10 from passing through the contact area.

[0051] In the illustrated example, a mouth corner 38 that gradually widens toward the top is formed near the top end of the inner surface of the main body 31 of the inside stopper 3. The ring-shaped protrusion 51 of the cap 5 is flexible enough to bend radially. When the cap 5 is attached to the liquid container 2, the tip of the ring-shaped protrusion 51 bends inward along the mouth corner 38 and then attempts to return outward due to its elasticity. This forces the tip of the ring-shaped protrusion 51 outward toward the top end of the inner surface of the main body 31 of the inside stopper 3. In this way, the tip of the ring-shaped protrusion 51 tightly contacts the inner surface of the main body 31 of the inside stopper 3, making the assembled liquid applicator 1 an airtight container that prevents the intrusion of solids and liquids. The assembled liquid applicator 1 may also be a sealed container that prevents the intrusion of solids, liquids, and gases. Furthermore, the assembled liquid applicator 1 may be a container that can completely seal off air even when the internal and external pressures are different.

[0052] The operation of the liquid applicator 1 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid applicator 1 with the cap 5 opened. Comparing Figure 9 with Figure 1, the mouth 21 of the liquid container 2 is sealed by the cap 5 in Figure 1, whereas in Figure 9 the cap 5 has been opened and the seal has been released. Figure 9 shows the state of the liquid applicator 1 at the moment or immediately after the cap 5 is opened. In Figure 9, the flow path of the gas generated by evaporation of the liquid 10 is schematically shown by arrows.

[0053] Mouth portion 21 of liquid container 2 is sealed by cap 5, and when liquid applicator 1 is in a sealed state, liquid container 2 is in a hermetically sealed state. Therefore, when the temperature of liquid 10 is high, when liquid 10 is highly volatile, etc., the internal pressure of liquid container 2 rises due to vapor pressure and becomes higher than the external pressure. When cap 5 is opened in a state where the internal pressure has risen, the gas within liquid container 2 tries to escape to the outside, and liquid 10 impregnated within applicator body 4 is forced out and sprayed out, accumulating in liquid storage portion 39. In Figure 9, the outline arrows schematically show how the liquid level of liquid 10 rises in liquid storage portion 39 at or immediately after cap 5 is opened.

[0054] In conventional technology that does not have a liquid storage section 39, there is a problem in that liquid spurts out of the applicator body when the cap is opened, and leaks out of the liquid applicator. In contrast, the liquid applicator 1 according to the present embodiment has a liquid storage section 39, and is therefore able to contain the liquid 10 that seeps out of the applicator body 4 within the liquid storage section 39. When the difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure becomes small, the liquid 10 that has accumulated within the liquid storage section 39 returns to the applicator body 4 or the liquid container 2 due to gravity. In this way, by having the liquid storage section 39, the liquid applicator 1 can prevent the liquid 10 from leaking out of the liquid applicator 1.

[0055] As described above, the height h to which liquid 10 can rise within liquid storage portion 39 due to capillary action is expressed by equation (1). If liquid 10 remains in liquid storage portion 39, even if liquid storage portion 39 is inverted to apply liquid 10 to an object, a volume of liquid 10 corresponding to the height h within liquid storage portion 39 will be retained within liquid storage portion 39 by capillary force. In this way, liquid storage portion 39 can retain liquid 10 that is pushed out by increased internal pressure by capillary force, thereby reducing the risk of liquid 10 spilling without passing through applicator body 4.

[0056] As described above, liquid applicator 1 according to the present embodiment comprises liquid container 2 having mouth 21 and capable of containing liquid 10, applicator body 4, stopper 3, and cap 5. Applicator body 4 has a generally rod-like shape extending axially, with a tip end located at one axial end and a base end located at the other axial end. Stopper 3 has a tubular shape that is attached to mouth 21. Stopper 3 grips applicator body 4 so that the tip end of applicator body 4 protrudes distally from stopper 3 and is exposed. Cap 5 covers stopper 3 and applicator body 4 and seals mouth 21. Stopper 3 has an annular liquid stopper 35 that contacts the periphery of applicator body 4, a liquid storage section 39, and at least one opening 34. Liquid storage section 39 is located between applicator body 4 and the inner surface of stopper 3, on the tip side of liquid stopper 35, and is configured to be able to store liquid 10. At least one opening 34 is disposed closer to the base end than liquid stopping portion 35, exposing applicator body 4 to the inside of liquid container 2. The axial length of liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the minimum width between the inner surfaces of liquid stopping portion 35 in a direction perpendicular to axis C. For example, the axial length of liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the inner diameter D2 of liquid stopping portion 35.

[0057] With this configuration, liquid applicator 1 can contain liquid 10 that seeps out from applicator body 4 within liquid storage portion 39 when cap 5 is opened. Because the axial length of liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the minimum width between the inner surfaces of liquid stopping portion 35, it is possible to ensure a sufficient contact area between applicator body 4 and liquid 10 that has accumulated within liquid storage portion 39. Because liquid 10 that comes into contact with applicator body 4 is absorbed into applicator body 4, liquid applicator 1 can prevent liquid 10 from leaking to the outside of liquid applicator 1. Furthermore, liquid applicator 1 does not require the provision of a mechanism or the like that enables movement of a member to open and close the flow path of liquid 10 when cap 5 is open, and therefore can achieve the above-mentioned effects without increasing the number of parts.

[0058] The axial length and thickness perpendicular to the axial direction of the liquid storage section 39 may be configured so that the axial length of the liquid storage section 39 is greater than the distance that the liquid 10 rises within the liquid storage section 39 due to capillary action.

[0059] With this configuration, as with the above, the contact area between the liquid 10 stored in the liquid storage section 39 and the applicator body 4 is ensured, and the liquid 10 can be prevented from leaking outside the liquid applicator 1 without increasing the number of parts.

[0060] The liquid storage portion 39 may have a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction from the liquid stopping portion 35 to the tip end of the inside plug 3 .

[0061] With this configuration, liquid 10 spilling over the tip of applicator part 4 can enter liquid storage section 39 without leaking out, and can then return to liquid container 2.

[0062] The axial length of liquid storage section 39 may be greater than the axial distance between the tip of inside plug 3 and the tip of applicator body 4 .

[0063] With this configuration, as with the above, the contact area between the liquid 10 stored in the liquid storage section 39 and the applicator body 4 is ensured, and the liquid 10 can be prevented from leaking outside the liquid applicator 1 without increasing the number of parts.

[0064] The axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 may be greater than the axial length of the inside plug 3 from the tip end of the liquid stopping portion 35 to the base end side.

[0065] With this configuration, as with the above, the contact area between the liquid 10 stored in the liquid storage section 39 and the applicator body 4 is ensured, and the liquid 10 can be prevented from leaking outside the liquid applicator 1 without increasing the number of parts.

[0066] The axial length of the liquid storage portion 39 may be greater than half the axial length of the inside plug 3 .

[0067] With this configuration, as with the above, the contact area between the liquid 10 stored in the liquid storage section 39 and the applicator body 4 is ensured, and the liquid 10 can be prevented from leaking outside the liquid applicator 1 without increasing the number of parts.

[0068] Liquid stopping part 35 may contact the periphery of applicator part 4 on the base end side of applicator part 4 from the center thereof.

[0069] With this configuration, as with the above, the contact area between the liquid 10 stored in the liquid storage section 39 and the applicator body 4 is ensured, and the liquid 10 can be prevented from leaking outside the liquid applicator 1 without increasing the number of parts.

[0070] The inside plug 3 may further have a plurality of ribs 37 extending from the liquid stopping portion 35 toward the tip end on the inner surface thereof closer to the tip end than the liquid stopping portion 35. The plurality of ribs 37 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0071] This configuration prevents applicator body 4 from moving in the width direction and wobbling when the tip of applicator body 4 is brought into contact with an object such as a nail to apply liquid 10 to the object. In this way, multiple ribs 37 reinforce the support of applicator body 4.

[0072] The tip end of each of the plurality of ribs 37 may be located closer to the base end than the tip end of inside plug 3 and closer to the tip end than the center of applicator body 4.

[0073] The tip ends of the plurality of ribs 37 are located closer to the base end than the tip end of inside plug 3, thereby reinforcing support for applicator body 4 and ensuring the capacity of liquid containing section 39. Furthermore, the tip ends of the plurality of ribs 37 are located closer to the tip end than the center of applicator body 4, so that the plurality of ribs 37 can support applicator body 4 more firmly.

[0074] The inside plug 3 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom 32, and at least one opening 34 may be provided on the side surface of the inside plug 3.

[0075] By having bottom 32, when applying body 4 is inserted into inside plug 3, applying body 4 can be pressed against bottom 32 to stop it in place, thereby positioning applying body 4. Even with bottom 32, liquid 10 in liquid container 2 can reach applying body 4 via at least one opening 34 provided on the side surface of inside plug 3. Furthermore, because at least one opening 34 is provided on the side surface of inside plug 3, the dimensions of opening 34 can be set more flexibly than when an opening is provided on bottom 32.

[0076] The at least one opening 34 may be a plurality of openings spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0077] This configuration allows liquid 10 in liquid container 2 to reach applicator body 4 in response to various postures of liquid applicator 1.

[0078] (Modification of the first embodiment) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these descriptions are merely examples of the present invention. Various improvements and modifications can be made to the above exemplary embodiments. For example, the following modifications are possible. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0079] In the first embodiment described above, the inside plug 3 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, but the shape of the inside plug 3 is not limited to this and may be, for example, a polygonal cylindrical shape. The inside plug 3 may also have a cylindrical shape without a bottom.

[0080] In the above-described first embodiment, the opening 34 that communicates between the outside and inside of the main body 31 of the inside plug 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the opening 34 may be an opening that penetrates the bottom 32 of the inside plug 3. Even with this configuration, as in the above-described first embodiment, when the inside plug 3 is attached to the liquid container 2 as shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid 10 in the liquid container 2 can pass through the opening 34 and reach the applicator body 4.

[0081] (Second embodiment) Fig. 10 is a plan view of an inside plug 203 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug 203 of Fig. 10 taken along line XI-XI. Fig. 12 is a partial enlarged view of region R1 shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the inside plug 203 of Fig. 10 taken along line XIII-XIII.

[0082] 10 to 13 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom 32, and has an opening 234 penetrating a part of the bottom 32. While the opening 34 in the first embodiment penetrates the side surface of the main body 31 of the inside plug 3, in the second embodiment the opening 234 penetrates the bottom 32 of the inside plug 203. The diameter of the opening 234 is smaller than the diameter of the applicator body 4. For example, the diameter of the opening 234 is set to 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 12, inside plug 203 is provided with protrusion 235 that protrudes upward from bottom 32. As shown in Fig. 10, protrusion 235 has a circular shape that is arranged to surround opening 234 in plan view. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Protrusion 235 may be an annular protrusion that protrudes upward from bottom 32 around the entire periphery, and may have a shape other than a circle in plan view, such as an ellipse or polygon.

[0084] Inside plug 203 has liquid stopping portion 236 that protrudes upward from convex portion 235. As shown in FIG. 10 , liquid stopping portion 236 has a circular shape in plan view, similar to convex portion 235. The diameter of liquid stopping portion 236 is set to be smaller than the diameter of applicator body 4. If the side surface of applicator body 4 is hardened with adhesive, the diameter of liquid stopping portion 236 only needs to be smaller than the inner diameter of the adhesive layer of applicator body 4. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Liquid stopping portion 236 may have a shape other than a circle in plan view, such as an oval or polygon.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 12 , liquid stopping portion 236 has a tapered shape (wedge shape) in which the radial width gradually decreases upward. In the first embodiment, liquid stopping portion 35 is provided on the inner surface of main body 31 so as to contact the side surface of applicator body 4 over the entire circumference, whereas in the second embodiment, liquid stopping portion 236 is provided on bottom 32 of inner plug 203. In the illustrated example, liquid stopping portion 236 has an upwardly pointed wedge shape, and is therefore firmly pressed into the bottom surface of applicator body 4 in the assembled state in which applicator body 4 is inserted into inner plug 203. Therefore, even if applicator body 4 is tilted or the dimensions of applicator body 4 vary, it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between liquid stopping portion 236 and the bottom surface of applicator body 4, stabilizing the tight contact of the liquid stopping point and more reliably stopping the liquid.

[0086] In the illustrated example, liquid stopping portion 236 has a wedge shape that is pointed upward, but this embodiment is not limited to this, and liquid stopping portion 236 may be a protrusion that protrudes upward from bottom portion 32 of inside plug 203. By protruding upward from bottom portion 32, it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between liquid stopping portion 236 and the bottom surface of applicator body 4, even if applicator body 4 is tilted or the dimensions of applicator body 4 vary.

[0087] 10 and 12, six grooves 208 extending radially are formed in convex portion 235 on the outer side of liquid stopping portion 236. Grooves 208 serve as gas flow paths in the assembled state where applicator body 4 is inserted into inner plug 203, and can ensure a gas flow path below applicator body 4. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the circumferential width of each groove 208 is smaller than the circumferential distance between grooves 208 adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0088] 10, 11, and 13, six support walls 204 that protrude radially inward are formed on the inner surface of inner plug 203. The distance between opposing support walls 204 across axis C is equal to or less than diameter Da of applicator body 4. Therefore, when applicator body 4 is inserted into inner plug 203, it is sandwiched and supported by support walls 204.

[0089] Circumferentially adjacent support walls 204 are arranged circumferentially at intervals. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, side wall grooves 206 extending in the axial direction are formed between adjacent support walls 204. Side wall grooves 206 serve as gas flow paths in the assembled state in which applicator body 4 is inserted into inner plug 203, and a gas flow path can be secured around applicator body 4. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the circumferential width of each side wall groove 206 is smaller than the circumferential distance between circumferentially adjacent side wall grooves 206.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, ribs 237 extending upward from each sidewall groove 206 are formed on the inner surface of inner stopper 203. Each rib 237 protrudes inward from the inner surface of main body 31. The distance between opposing ribs 237 across axis C is equal to or less than the diameter Da of applicator body 4. Therefore, when applicator body 4 is inserted into inner stopper 203, it is sandwiched and supported by ribs 237. This prevents applicator body 4 from moving radially and wobbling when the tip of applicator body 4 is brought into contact with an object, such as a nail, to apply liquid to the object. In this way, ribs 237 reinforce the support of applicator body 4 and prevent wobbling of applicator body 4. This prevents the occurrence of a gap between liquid stopping portion 236 and the bottom surface of applicator body 4 during use, for example, and stabilizes the tight contact of the liquid stopping portion, thereby more reliably stopping the liquid.

[0091] The tip end of each rib 237 is disposed below the center position in the axial direction of inside plug 203. This makes it possible to ensure the capacity of liquid storage section 39 while reinforcing the support of applicator body 4. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the tip end of each rib 237 may be disposed above the center position in the axial direction of inside plug 203.

[0092] 11 and 13, three of the six support walls 204 are formed with lower protrusions 205 that protrude inward. Support walls 204 with lower protrusions 205 and support walls 204 without lower protrusions 205 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The inward protrusions 205 enable support walls 204 to support applicator body 4 more firmly.

[0093] Furthermore, three of the six ribs 237 are also formed with upper protrusions 238 that protrude inward. The inwardly protruding upper protrusions 238 enable ribs 237 to more firmly support applicator body 4. Ribs 237 having upper protrusions 238 are arranged on support walls 204 that do not have lower protrusions 205. Ribs 237 arranged on support walls 204 that have lower protrusions 205 do not have upper protrusions 238. This configuration has the advantage of dispersing the force that occurs when inside plug 3 is forcibly removed when it is integrally formed by injection molding.

[0094] The configurations of the lower protrusion 205 and the upper protrusion 238 are not limited to those described above. For example, the lower protrusion 205 may be provided on one or more of the six support walls 204, for example, all of the support walls 204. The upper protrusion 238 may also be provided on one or more of the six ribs 237, for example, all of the ribs 237. The upper protrusion 238 may be provided on a rib 237 arranged above a support wall 204 having the lower protrusion 205. Furthermore, protrusions such as the lower protrusion 205 and the upper protrusion 238 may not be provided on any of the support walls 204 or ribs 237.

[0095] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 13 of inner stopper 203 in an assembled state where applicator body 4 is inserted into inner stopper 203. In the assembled state, liquid stopping portion 236 is pressed into the bottom of applicator body 4. Liquid storage portion 39 is formed between the inner surface of main body 31 and applicator body 4.

[0096] In FIG. 14 , it can be seen that upper protrusion 238 and lower protrusion 205 grip applicator body 4. In this way, by gripping applicator body 4 with upper protrusion 238 and lower protrusion 205, which are located at different positions in the axial direction (the longitudinal direction), applicator body 4 can be positioned more concentrically with inner plug 203, with its axis extended, and the protruding direction of liquid stopping portion 236 can be made closer to perpendicular to the bottom surface of applicator body 4. As a result, in the assembled state, liquid stopping portion 236 is firmly pressed into the bottom surface of applicator body 4 around its entire circumference. Therefore, even if applicator body 4 is tilted or the dimensions of applicator body 4 vary, it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between liquid stopping portion 236 and the bottom surface of applicator body 4, stabilizing the tight contact of the liquid stopping point and more reliably stopping the liquid.

[0097] In the first embodiment, when the cap 5 is opened while the internal pressure is elevated, the gas in the liquid container 2 attempts to escape to the outside, forcing the liquid impregnated in the applicator body 4 out and spraying it out, accumulating in the liquid storage portion 39 (see FIG. 9 ). In this way, in the first embodiment, the liquid stopper 35 contacts the entire periphery of the side surface of the applicator body 4, so the gas has no choice but to pass through the interior of the applicator body 4. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the gas attempting to escape to the outside from the opening 234 enters the applicator body 4 from the bottom surface thereof, then escapes via the liquid stopper 236 to the groove 208 and between the bottom surface of the applicator body 4 and the bottom 32 of the inner stopper 203. This is due to the nature of gas, which tends to pass through paths with fewer barriers, such as objects and liquids. The gas that has advanced through the groove 208 and between the bottom surface of the applicator body 4 and the bottom 32 of the inner stopper 203 further escapes through the sidewall groove 206 to the liquid storage portion 39. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pushing out of the liquid impregnated in applicator body 4 due to the gas passing through applicator body 4 is reduced, and leakage of the liquid from liquid applicator 1 can be prevented.

[0098] As described above, in liquid applicator 1 according to the present embodiment, inside plug 203 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom and has bottom 32. Opening 234 is arranged to penetrate a part of bottom 32 of inside plug 203. Liquid stopping portion 236 is arranged at bottom 32 of inside plug 203, and is configured to protrude toward the tip of inside plug 203.

[0099] With this configuration, gas that attempts to escape to the outside when cap 5 is opened enters applicator body 4 from the bottom surface of applicator body 4, and then escapes between the bottom surface of applicator body 4 and bottom 32 of inner plug 203 via liquid stopping portion 236. Therefore, the amount of gas passing through applicator body 4 and pushing out the liquid impregnated within applicator body 4 is reduced, and leakage of liquid from liquid applicator 1 can be prevented.

[0100] The inside plug 203 may further have a protrusion 235 on the bottom 32, which protrudes from the bottom 32 in the axial direction and is arranged so as to surround the opening 234 in a plan view. The liquid stopping portion 236 is arranged on the protrusion 235.

[0101] According to this configuration, convex portion 235 can ensure a space between the bottom surface of applicator body 4 and bottom 32 of inner plug 203. Therefore, gas can escape into the space between the bottom surface of applicator body 4 and bottom 32 of inner plug 203, reducing the amount of gas passing through applicator body 4 and pushing out the liquid impregnated within applicator body 4, and preventing the liquid from leaking from liquid applicator 1.

[0102] The inside plug 203 may further have at least one groove provided in the protrusion 235 on the outside of the liquid stopping portion 236.

[0103] According to this configuration, groove 208 becomes a gas flow path in the assembled state where applicator body 4 is inserted into inner plug 203 , and a gas flow path can be secured below applicator body 4 .

[0104] The liquid stopping portion 236 may have a tapered shape in which the radial width gradually decreases toward the tip of the inside plug 203.

[0105] With this configuration, liquid stopping portion 236 is firmly pressed into the bottom surface of applicator body 4 in the assembled state where applicator body 4 is inserted into inner plug 203, thereby enabling liquid to be stopped more reliably.

[0106] The inside plug 203 may further have a plurality of support walls 204 that protrude radially inward on the inner surface closer to the tip end than the liquid stopping portion 236. The plurality of support walls 204 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0107] With this configuration, the plurality of support walls 204 can support the applicator body 4. Furthermore, the side wall grooves 206 formed between the support walls 204 adjacent in the circumferential direction become a gas flow path in the assembled state where the applicator body 4 is inserted into the inner plug 203, and a gas flow path can be secured around the applicator body 4.

[0108] Inner plug 203 may have a liquid storage portion 39 that is disposed between the inner surface of inner plug 203 and applicator body 4, closer to the tip end than liquid stopping portion 236, and that is capable of storing liquid. The axial length of liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the thickness of liquid storage portion 39 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The axial length and thickness of liquid storage portion 39 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction are configured so that the axial length of liquid storage portion 39 is greater than the distance that liquid rises within liquid storage portion 39 due to capillary action.

[0109] The liquid applicator 1 can contain within the liquid storage portion 39 any liquid that seeps out from the applicator body 4 when the cap 5 is opened. The liquid in the liquid storage portion 39 that comes into contact with the applicator body 4 is absorbed into the applicator body 4, thereby preventing the liquid from leaking outside the liquid applicator 1. As described above, the height h to which the liquid 10 can rise within the liquid storage portion 39 due to capillary action is expressed by Equation (1). If liquid remains within the liquid storage portion 39, even if the liquid storage portion 39 is inverted to apply the liquid to an object, a volume of liquid corresponding to the height h within the liquid storage portion 39 will be retained within the liquid storage portion 39 by capillary force. In this way, the liquid storage portion 39 can retain the liquid that is pushed out by the increased internal pressure by capillary force, thereby reducing the risk of the liquid spilling without passing through the applicator body 4.

[0110] (Modification of the second embodiment) 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating a first modified example of the inside plug 203 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a portion of the bottom 32 of the inside plug 203, in comparison with FIG. 10 . FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration shown in FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI. In the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which the inside plug 203 had one opening 234 penetrating a portion of the bottom 32. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the number of openings penetrating a portion of the bottom 32 may be two or more. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the inside plug 203 may have two openings 234a, 234b penetrating a portion of the bottom 32. With multiple openings, even if one opening is blocked by liquid, air can pass through the other openings. Therefore, according to this modified example, when applying liquid to an object such as a nail, pulsation of the liquid caused by air returning to the liquid container 2 through a narrow path can be reduced, allowing the user to perform the application operation more smoothly.

[0111] 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams showing a second modified example of the inside plug 203 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a portion of the bottom portion 32 of the inside plug 203 in comparison with FIG. 10 . FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 17 taken along line XVIII-XVIII. Compared to the first modified example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the second modified example shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 differs in the axial positions (heights) of the openings 234a and 234b. Specifically, the inside plug 203 has a protrusion 210 that protrudes upward from the convex portion 235 beyond the upper end of the liquid stopping portion 236, and the opening 234a is configured to penetrate from the upper end of the protrusion 210 to the bottom surface of the inside plug 203. In contrast, the inside plug 203 has a protrusion 211 that protrudes downward from the bottom surface, and the opening 234b is configured to penetrate from the upper end of the convex portion 235 to the lower end of the protrusion 211. In the assembled state, protrusion 210 is inserted into the lower end of applicator body 4. As openings 234a, 234b are different in height, the pressure of the liquid at openings 234a, 234b differs, and this allows for smooth exchange of the liquid and air when the liquid is applied to a target object such as a nail.

[0112] 19 and 20 are schematic diagrams showing a third modified example of the inside plug 203 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a portion of the bottom 32 of the inside plug 203 in comparison with FIG. 10. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 19 taken along line XX-XX. Compared to the first modified example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the diameters of the openings 234a and 234b in the third modified example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 are different from each other. Furthermore, the inside plug 203 has a protrusion 211 protruding downward from the bottom surface, and the opening 234a is configured to penetrate from the upper end of the convex portion 235 to the lower end of the protrusion 211. In the third modified example, a liquid stopper 236a surrounding the opening 234a and a liquid stopper 236b surrounding the opening 234b are separately provided.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the liquid container 2 has been described as having a cylindrical shape with a bottom. However, the liquid container 2 may have a flat shape with a depth smaller than its width and height. For example, the depth of a flat liquid container 2 is smaller than both 0.6 times its width and 0.6 times its height. By making the liquid container 2 flat, a user can easily deform the liquid container 2 by pressing it, even if the liquid container 2 is not made of a soft material. Therefore, even if the diameter of the opening 234 is small (for example, 0.8 mm or less), a sufficient amount of liquid for application can be supplied from the opening 234 to the applicator body 4 by the user pressing the liquid container 2. Furthermore, by making the diameter of the opening 234 small, the amount of liquid passing through the opening 234 can be kept small even when the liquid applicator 1 is inverted, preventing the liquid from leaking from the liquid applicator 1.

[0114] (Third embodiment) Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Inside plug 203 has a configuration similar to that of the second embodiment shown in Figure 14. In the example shown in Figure 21, flange portion 33 is provided below and axially close to opening 234, but it may also be provided in the center of inside plug 203, as in Figure 14.

[0115] Liquid applicator 301 includes a roughly cylindrical grip portion 24 that surrounds liquid container 2 from the outside. A user holds liquid applicator 301 by grasping grip portion 24 and applies liquid 10 to an object, such as a fingernail, by bringing the tip of applicator body 4 into contact with the object. A heat insulating portion 25, which is a gap, is provided between liquid container 2 and grip portion 24 in the radial direction. Liquid container 2 is formed, for example, by injection molding. Injection molding makes it easier to form liquid container 2 with a thick wall than blow molding. A thick liquid container 2 can prevent liquids such as ethanol from passing through liquid container 2 and leaking to the outside.

[0116] As described above, because heat insulating section 25 is provided between liquid container 2 and gripping section 24, even when a user holds gripping section 24 with the container inverted for application, the temperature of the user's hand is less likely to be transferred to liquid 10 in liquid container 2. Therefore, liquid applicator 301 according to the present embodiment can reduce the amount of liquid 10 in liquid container 2 being pushed out and impregnated into applicator body 4, which would occur when the internal pressure of liquid container 2 increases due to a rise in temperature of liquid 10 and / or the gas in liquid container 2, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid.

[0117] As an example, providing the insulating portion 25 between the liquid container 2 and the grip portion 24 is particularly advantageous when the liquid 10 is a highly volatile medicinal liquid indicated for treating onychomycosis. It may be preferable to apply a medicinal liquid indicated for onychomycosis immediately after bathing. If a user holds the liquid container 2 inverted for application and grips it with warm hands immediately after bathing, the temperature inside the liquid container 2 would rise rapidly, and the internal pressure of the liquid container 2 would rise rapidly if the insulating portion 25 were absent. This rapid rise in internal pressure is more pronounced when there is only a small amount of liquid remaining in the liquid container 2. In this embodiment, the insulating portion 25 is provided between the liquid container 2 and the grip portion 24, so even if the grip portion 24 is gripped with hot hands, the temperature of the hand is less likely to be transferred to the liquid 10 in the liquid container 2. Therefore, the liquid applicator 301 according to this embodiment can prevent liquid leakage, as described above.

[0118] Furthermore, liquid applicator 301 has the advantage that the temperature of the user's hands is not easily transferred to liquid 10 and / or gas in liquid container 2, preventing leakage of liquid even when the volume of liquid container 2 is increased. That is, when the volume of liquid container 2 is large, the volume of the gas chamber in which gas accumulates in liquid container 2 also increases, particularly when liquid 10 is consumed and the remaining amount decreases, and the degree of increase in internal pressure due to temperature rise increases more than in the case of a small volume. Therefore, liquid applicators for particularly highly volatile liquids typically contain a small amount of volatile liquid, such as a few mL to 5 mL, and the volume of the liquid container is also small. In contrast, in this embodiment, because the temperature of the user's hands is not easily transferred to liquid container 2, even when the user holds handle 24 in an inverted position for application, the effect of an increase in internal pressure due to a rise in temperature on the dispensed liquid 10 can be reduced, preventing leakage of liquid 10 even when the volume of liquid container 2 is increased.

[0119] Furthermore, liquid applicator 301 has the advantage that the temperature of the user's hands is not easily transferred into liquid container 2, and therefore has the effect of preventing leakage of liquid 10 even if the opening area of ​​opening 234 is increased. For example, to increase the amount of application, it is effective to increase the opening area of ​​the opening that dispenses the liquid from the liquid container and thereby increase the amount of liquid dispensed per unit time. However, if the opening area is increased, the liquid is more likely to be pushed out by an increase in internal pressure within the container, and therefore more likely to leak. In contrast, in this embodiment, because the temperature of the user's hands is not easily transferred into liquid container 2, even if the user holds handle 24 in an inverted state for application, the effect of an increase in internal pressure due to an increase in temperature on the dispensed liquid 10 can be reduced, and leakage of liquid 10 can be prevented even if the opening area is increased.

[0120] Furthermore, liquid applicator 301 has a high light-blocking property due to having a double wall consisting of liquid container 2 and grip portion 24. Therefore, liquid container 2 of liquid applicator 301 is suitable for storing medicinal liquids whose efficacy is easily impaired by light.

[0121] (Modification of the third embodiment) 22 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator 401 according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, a substantially cylindrical handle 24 that surrounds the liquid container 2 from the outside extends from the side surface of the main body 31 of the inside plug 403 and is formed integrally with the inside plug 403. The handle 24 surrounds part or all of the liquid container 2 from the outside. To prevent the temperature of the user's hands from being transferred to the liquid 10 in the liquid container 2, the handle 24 preferably surrounds most of the liquid container 2 from the outside. A heat insulating portion 25, which is a gap, is provided between the liquid container 2 and the handle 24 in the radial direction.

[0122] On the outside of inside stopper 403, there is provided cap attachment portion 431, which is an external thread that screws into the internal thread of cap 5. On the inside of gripping portion 24, there is provided container attachment portion 432 for attaching inside stopper 403 to liquid container 2. Container attachment portion 432 may be an internal thread, or may be a recess that fits onto an outward protrusion of liquid container 2.

[0123] Cylindrical or polygonal tubular legs 26 are provided around the bottom of liquid container 2 to support liquid applicator 401 so that it can stand on its own. When legs 26 have a polygonal tubular shape, liquid applicator 401 can be prevented from rolling. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1,301,401 Liquid applicators 2 liquid container 3,203,403 Inner stopper 4. Applicator 5 Caps 10 liquid 21 Mouth 22 Mouth part 24 Gripping part 25 Insulation section 26 Legs 31 Main body 32 Bottom 33 Flange 34 Opening 35 Liquid stopper 36 Inner wall 37 Ribs 38 Mouth Corner 39 Liquid storage section 51 Ring-shaped protrusion 204 Supporting wall 205 Lower protrusion 206 Sidewall Groove 208 Groove 210,211 protrusion 234 Opening 235 Convex 236 Liquid stopper 237 Ribs 238 Upper protrusion 431 Cap attachment part 432 Container attachment part 433 Outer cylinder 434 Gap

Claims

1. a liquid container having a mouth and capable of containing a liquid; an applicator body having a generally rod-like shape extending in an axial direction, the applicator body having a tip end portion disposed at one end in the axial direction and a base end portion disposed at the other end; a cylindrical inner plug attached to the mouth portion, the inner plug gripping the applicator body so that a tip end of the applicator body protrudes and is exposed toward the tip end side of the inner plug; a cap that covers the inside plug and the applicator body and seals the mouth portion; A liquid applicator comprising: The inside plug is at least one opening exposing the applicator body to the liquid container; an annular liquid stopping portion that is disposed radially outward of the at least one opening, that protrudes toward the applicator body and comes into contact with the applicator body when the applicator body is being gripped; The inside plug has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the at least one opening is disposed through a portion of the bottom of the plug; the liquid stopping portion is arranged at the bottom of the inside plug and is configured to protrude toward the tip of the inside plug; the inside plug further includes a liquid storage portion that is disposed between an inner surface of the inside plug and the applicator body on a distal end side of the liquid stopping portion and is capable of storing the liquid; the length of the liquid storage portion in the axial direction is greater than the thickness of the liquid storage portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the axial length of the liquid storage portion and the thickness in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction are configured so that the axial length of the liquid storage portion is greater than the distance that the liquid rises in the liquid storage portion due to capillary action; Liquid applicator.

2. the liquid stopping portion contacts the periphery of the applicator body, the at least one opening is disposed closer to the base end than the liquid stopping portion; The liquid applicator according to claim 1.

3. The liquid applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid storage portion has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction from the liquid stopping portion to the tip end of the inside plug.

4. The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axial length of the liquid storage portion is greater than the axial distance between the tip end of the inside plug and the tip end of the applicator body.

5. The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid stopping part contacts the periphery of the applicator body on a side closer to the base end than the center of the applicator body.

6. the inside plug further has a plurality of ribs extending from the liquid stopping portion toward the tip end on an inner surface thereof closer to the tip end than the liquid stopping portion, The plurality of ribs are arranged in the circumferential direction at intervals from one another, a tip end portion of each of the plurality of ribs is located closer to the base end portion than the tip end portion of the inside plug and closer to the tip end portion than the center of the applicator body; The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A liquid container having a mouth portion and capable of containing a liquid; an applicator body having a generally rod-like shape extending in an axial direction, the applicator body having a tip end portion disposed at one end in the axial direction and a base end portion disposed at the other end; a cylindrical inner plug attached to the mouth portion, the inner plug gripping the applicator body so that a tip end of the applicator body protrudes and is exposed toward the tip end side of the inner plug; a cap that covers the inside plug and the applicator body and seals the mouth portion; A liquid applicator comprising: The inside plug is at least one opening exposing the applicator body to the liquid container; an annular liquid stopping portion that is disposed radially outward of the at least one opening, that protrudes toward the applicator body and comes into contact with the applicator body when the applicator body is being gripped; The inside plug has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the at least one opening is disposed through a portion of the bottom of the plug; the liquid stopping portion is arranged at the bottom of the inside plug and is configured to protrude toward the tip of the inside plug; The inside plug further has a convex portion at a bottom portion, the convex portion protruding from the bottom portion in the axial direction and arranged so as to surround the at least one opening portion in a plan view, The liquid stopping portion is disposed on the protrusion, Liquid applicator.

8. The liquid applicator according to claim 7 , wherein the inside plug further has at least one groove provided in the convex portion on the outer side of the liquid stopping portion.

9. The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the liquid stopping portion has a tapered shape in which a radial width thereof gradually decreases toward the tip end of the inside plug.

10. the inside plug further has a plurality of support walls protruding radially inward on an inner surface thereof closer to the tip end than the liquid stopping portion, The plurality of support walls adjacent in the circumferential direction are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a gripping portion that surrounds the liquid container from the radially outer side; a heat insulating portion provided between the liquid container and the gripping portion; The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. An inner plug for a liquid applicator that is attached to a mouth of a liquid container that can contain a liquid, and is configured to be able to grip a substantially rod-shaped applicator body that extends in an axial direction, the inside plug is tubular, extending in the axial direction and having a tip end portion disposed at one end in the axial direction and a base end portion disposed at the other end, The inside plug is At least one opening exposing the application body; an annular liquid stopping portion that is disposed radially outward of the at least one opening, that protrudes toward the applicator body and comes into contact with the applicator body when the applicator body is being gripped; The inside plug has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the at least one opening is disposed through a portion of the bottom of the plug; the liquid stopping portion is arranged at the bottom of the inside plug and is configured to protrude toward the tip of the inside plug; the inside plug further includes a liquid storage portion that is disposed between an inner surface of the inside plug and the applicator body on a distal end side of the liquid stopping portion and is capable of storing the liquid; the length of the liquid storage portion in the axial direction is greater than the thickness of the liquid storage portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the axial length of the liquid storage portion and the thickness in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction are configured so that the axial length of the liquid storage portion is greater than the distance that the liquid rises in the liquid storage portion due to capillary action; Inner stopper.

Images