Semi-enclosed applicator utilizing a selectively-activatible sheet material for dispensing and dispersing a substance onto the surface of a target object

Abstract

A semi-enclosed, substance delivery applicator comprising: (a) a three-dimensional structure having outermost surface features and spaces between the outermost surface features for containing a substance, the substance having a level internal to the outermost surface features such that the substance is protected from inadvertent contact with external surfaces, the three-dimensional structure forming at least a portion of a semi-enclosed applicator body having at least one opening and an internal cavity; and (b) a substance, having substantial resistance to flow prior to delivery to a target surface, occupying the spaces of the three-dimensional structure, the substance remaining protected until the three dimensional structure is sufficiently deformed into a substantially two dimensional structure and the substance is thereby exposed to contact a surface of an object without compliance of the surface being necessary, the substance having an effective viscosity upon activation which permits the substance to be liberated from the location and dispensed onto the surface of the object. The substance may be dispensed inwardly of the applicator, outwardly of the applicator, or both. The applicator may take the form of a glove or mitt.