Self cleaning dip-in package for liquids

Abstract

A self cleaning dip in package is disclosed. The package includes a vial having an opening through which a user may access liquid stored within the vial. The opening is defined by an inner wall of the vial which provides access to the contents of the package. The package also includes an applicator adapted for insertion within the open end of the vial to access the liquid stored within the vial, wherein the applicator is coupled to a handle and the handle is selectively coupled to the vial for storing the liquid within the vial. The package further includes a first wiper coupled within the opening of the vial such that the applicator is wiped of excess liquid when the applicator is withdrawn from within the vial and a second wiper coupled to the handle such that the second wiper wipes the inner wall of the open end of the vial as the applicator is inserted into the vial. A process for filling the package and a venting system are also disclosed.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A process for assembling and filling a package, wherein the package includes a vial having an open first end and an open second end, a selectively releasable top closure member and a plug, the process comprising the following steps: 
 coupling the top closure member to the open first end of the vial to seal the open first end of the vial;    filling the vial with product through the open second end of the vial; and    securing the plug to the open second end of the vial to seal the open second end of the vial.    
     
     
         2 . The process according to    claim 1   , further including the step of installing a wiper within the vial prior to coupling the top closure member to the vial.  
     
     
         3 . The process according to    claim 1   , wherein the top closure member includes an applicator and a handle.  
     
     
         4 . The process according to    claim 3   , wherein the top closure member further includes a stem insert coupling the applicator to the handle.  
     
     
         5 . The process according to    claim 4   , wherein the step of coupling the top closure member to the vial includes assembling the applicator and stem insert to form an applicator/stem insert assembly, installing the applicator/stem insert assembly within the open first end of the vial, and coupling the handle to the applicator/stem insert assembly.  
     
     
         6 . The process according to    claim 1   , wherein the plug is snap fit within the open second end of the vial.  
     
     
         7 . The process according to    claim 1   , further including the step of inverting the vial prior to filling with product.