HK1151444A - Liquid applicator with an angled elongated head - Google Patents

Description

Liquid applicator with angled elongate head

Background

Applicators for applying liquids such as medicaments or cleaning agents are known in the prior art. Conventional applicators are typically provided with an approximately cylindrical body structure equipped with a glass ampoule, a sponge or sponge head secured to the body head, and a means for rupturing the ampoule. When the ampoule is ruptured, the liquid stored in the ampoule is dispensed into the sponge for application.

Typically, the applicator sponge of a conventional applicator has: a flat side for applying a liquid to the flat surface; and a second flat side exposing the inner body of the applicator. Due to the shape of the sponge, it is only possible to apply liquid to one flat surface, and not to apply liquid to multiple surfaces simultaneously. Thus, these applicators have difficulty in properly applying the liquid to inaccessible locations, such as between folds of the patient's skin.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface is provided. The liquid applicator includes: at least one ampoule formed of a frangible material and containing a liquid to be applied; and an elongate hollow body defining an internal cavity adapted to receive the at least one ampoule. The applicator further includes an elongate head projecting at an angle from the body, the elongate head having at least two openings for the flow of liquid through the openings. At least one mechanism projecting from the body may flex the body inwardly to rupture the at least one ampoule and the elongate head has a permeable member secured thereto. When the ampoule is ruptured, liquid flows through the at least two openings of the elongated head and through the osmotic agent.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention, as well as advantages and novel features of the invention, will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, devices and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Drawings

In the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and are understood in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid applicator constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention with the porous member removed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a permeable member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a liquid applicator constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with a portion of the applicator body removed to expose the interior of the body and ampoule;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a liquid applicator constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with a portion of the applicator body removed to expose a support and an elongate head that is inclined relative to the body of the applicator;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cap removed from an elongate head according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface is described herein. The applicator comprises a hollow body defining an internal cavity to receive at least one elongate ampoule formed of a frangible material and containing the liquid to be applied. The liquid applicator further comprises at least one mechanism which, when pressed against the body, flexes inwardly to rupture the at least one ampoule. The liquid applicator also includes an elongate head projecting from the body. The elongate head has at least two openings for the flow of liquid therethrough when the at least one ampoule is ruptured. The permeable member is secured to the elongate head and covers all sides of the elongate head.

In use, after the ampoule is broken, liquid from the ampoule fills the body of the applicator and flows into the elongate head of the applicator. The liquid then flows through at least two openings in the elongate head and saturates the osmotic. The osmotic agent may then be used to apply the fluid to inaccessible locations, for example, between and under folds of skin. The liquid applicators can be used for surgical preparation and vaginal and perineal-rectal application to obese persons. The applicator allows access to areas that are not accessible by current applicators, for example, in cracks and crevices.

Referring specifically to fig. 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, an embodiment of a liquid applicator is shown and indicated generally by the numeral 10. The liquid applicator 10 generally includes a body 12, a permeable member 16 secured to an elongate head 24, and at least one disruption mechanism 26.

Two ampoules 14 and 15 are housed in the body 12. Ampoules 14 and 15 may be used to contain a variety of liquids or gels, such as, for example, medicaments, cleaning agents, cosmetics, polishing agents, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, ampoules 14 and 15 contain a disinfecting solution for application to the skin of a patient prior to surgery. Disinfectants that may be used include chlorhexidine, olanexidine, alexidine and octenidine, and their salts. The chlorhexidine salt used in the preferred embodiment is chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). CHG can be used with a variety of solvents including water, which is the primary dissolution solvent, or isopropanol, which is the primary dissolution solvent.

Ampoules 14 and 15 are shown as elongated cylinders each having a central longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, the liquid applicator 10 is configured to accommodate two 13ml ampoules. The wall thickness of the 13ml ampoule is 0.3 mm. It is contemplated that the applicator may be configured to accommodate any size ampoule, and that the applicator may include, but is not limited to, two 20ml ampoules having a wall thickness of 0.3mm (as shown in fig. 8), or two 6.5ml ampoules having a wall thickness of 0.2 mm. It is contemplated, however, that the principles of the present invention may also be applied to spherical ampoules or elongated polygonal ampoules. It is also contemplated that the principles of the present invention may be applied to one ampoule or more than two ampoules, and may be applied to any size ampoule or dose vial. Further, in one embodiment, the ampoule may also be used without an applicator.

Preferably, ampoules 14 and 15 are formed of glass, but other materials are also fully within the scope of the present invention. Other ampoules may include frangible plastic, foil or plastic film bags. In one embodiment, the applicator does not house an ampoule, but instead places a solution held by a seal (e.g., a foil seal) within the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, ampoules 14 and 15 are disposed side-by-side in body 12. The wall thickness of glass ampoules 14 and 15 is sufficient to contain the required liquid during shipping and storage, and to allow ampoules 14 and 15 to rupture upon the application of localized pressure. In another embodiment, the ampoule is made of a flexible plastic or foil tube sealed at both ends and containing the solution in the sealed tube. The ampoule is then cut or pierced to release the solution.

The body 12 is generally hollow and oval or elliptical in shape and includes axially opposed first and second ends 18, 20. It is contemplated that the body 12 may be a variety of shapes. The proximal first end 18 opens to the elongate head 24 and the distal second end 20 is closed by a cap 19. The body 12 and elongate head 24 are shown formed of high density polyethylene, but any material exhibiting similar flexibility and integrity may be used. In the preferred embodiment, the second end 20 is closed by a cap 19, but it is also possible to close the second end during the molding process to avoid the use of a cap or the like. The end of bevel head 24 is closed by a cap 32, but the end of bevel head 24 may also be closed during molding to avoid the use of a cap or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12, elongate head 24, cover 19 and top cover 32 may be molded from 100% virgin DOW, HDPE, resin #12454N, as defined in FDA Master document No. 4251.

The body 12 includes an inner wall 21 defining an internal cavity 22 within the body 12. The illustrated body 12 is elongate and defines a central longitudinal axis "x". The inner wall 21 is shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the ampoules 14 and 15 received in the internal cavity 22. The circumference of the inner wall 21 is slightly larger than the outer surfaces of the two ampoule bodies. In one embodiment, the inner wall 21 is tapered to facilitate molding and to allow the osmotic plug 46 to be compressed along the inner wall 21 and the support 17 to minimize glass debris from passing through the osmotic plug 46. In one embodiment, one side of the inner wall 21 is tapered at 0.225 °.

In addition to thin wall 40, the wall thickness of the applicator may be between 0.040 to 0.080 inches, preferably approximately 0.060 inches. The wall thickness of the body 12 is reduced around the crushing region 42. The thin wall 40 may be between 0.020 and 0.040 inches, preferably 0.030 inches. It is contemplated that different wall sizes may be used within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The thin wall 40 makes it easier for the breaking portion 36 of the mechanism 26 to break the ampoule when the mechanism 26 is pressed.

Support 17 of hollow body 12 separates ampoules 14 and 15 and retains ampoules 14 and 15 in internal chamber 22. Referring to fig. 6, support 17 separates ampoules 14 and 15 from each other to minimize breakage. In particular, support 17 prevents contact between ampoules 14 and 15 regardless of the orientation of the applicator.

In this embodiment, the support 17 is formed of high density polyethylene for forming the body 12, and is formed integrally with the body 12. It is contemplated that the support 17 may be made of a variety of materials and may be formed separately from the body 12. It will be appreciated that the length and height of the support 17 may vary depending on the size of the applicator and ampoule.

In one embodiment, the height of the support 17 is about 0.37 inches. In this embodiment, the top of the support member is 0.13 inches in height, and the lower portion of the proximate support member tapers at 14 ° to a height of about 0.09 inches. It is contemplated that the support 17 may be tapered and have different widths and heights. For example, the width of the support 17 at the top is about 0.02 inches, while the width of the support where molded with the body 12 is about 0.07 inches.

Referring to fig. 8, an alternative support 56 is shown. In this embodiment, the height of the support 56 is about 0.23 inches, and the width of the support 56 is about 0.08 inches. The support 56 supports two 20ml ampoules 14 and 15 held in the body of the applicator. The body of the applicator shown in fig. 8 is about 1.30 inches wide and about 0.76 inches high. The length of the applicator including the head and body shown in fig. 8 is about 13.64 inches. Ampoules 14 and 15 of fig. 8 are approximately 8.5 inches in length.

With further reference to fig. 8, the interior of the body may house one or more support ribs 58 for supporting ampoules 14 and 15 in the body. In the illustrated embodiment, the body includes three support ribs 58 for each ampoule. The support ribs 58 may have any number, length, height, and width necessary to assist in supporting one or more ampoules within the body of the applicator. In the illustrated embodiment, the support ribs are 0.06 inches wide and extend along the length of the body of the applicator. In the illustrated embodiment, support 56 and support rib 58 abut ampoules 14 and 15. The supports 56 and support ribs 58 help prevent breakage of the ampoules 14 and 15 by holding the ampoules 14 and 15 in place during delivery and handling of the applicator. It will be appreciated that although the support 56 and support ribs 58 are shown for use with applicators having two 20ml ampoules, the support 56 and support ribs 58 could be used with any number or size of ampoules.

Referring again to fig. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the body 12 also has an elongated head 24 projecting from the body 12. The head 24 is generally hollow and oval or elliptical in shape. It is contemplated that the head 24 may take on a variety of shapes. The head 24 includes an inner wall that defines an internal cavity in the head 24. When the ampoule is ruptured, liquid released from the ampoule flows into the interior cavity 22 of the body 12 and subsequently into the interior cavity of the head 24.

In one embodiment, the head 24 is continuously molded to the body 12 and is angularly disposed. Preferably, the head 24 is disposed at an angle of about 15 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis (x) of the body. It is contemplated that the head 24 may be disposed at various angles relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body 12, preferably between 0-30 °, and most preferably between 10-20 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis (x) of the body. The head 24 is adapted to support the osmotic agent 16, as described more fully below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the head 24 is approximately 2.79 inches. However, it is contemplated that the length of the head 24 may vary depending on the size of the applicator. In some embodiments, the head is about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches in length. The outer width of the head in the illustrated embodiment is about 0.75 inches. The outer width of the body 12 is about 1.2 inches. In this embodiment, the ratio of the outer width of the head to the outer width of the body is 62.5%.

The head 24 has at least two openings to allow liquid from the ruptured ampoule to flow out of the head 24 and saturate the osmotic agent 16. Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, two openings 30 are located on either side of the head 24. In one embodiment, the diameter of the opening is about 0.15 to 0.19 inches, preferably about 0.17 inches. It is contemplated that the openings may be of any size necessary to allow liquid to flow from the interior cavity of the head 24 onto the osmotic. In an alternative embodiment, only one opening 30 is provided on both sides of the head 24. In this embodiment, the two openings are each about 0.21 to 0.26 inches in diameter.

It is contemplated that the openings may also be located at the top and/or bottom of the head 24. The number of openings is determined based on the type and shape of the permeable member and the manner in which the permeable member is filled with liquid. In one embodiment, two openings are provided at the top and bottom of the head 24. In one embodiment, the diameter of the opening is about 0.15 to 0.19 inches, preferably about 0.17 inches. Although the opening is shown as circular, it is contemplated that the opening 30 may be any shape that allows liquid to flow therethrough. Openings in the elongate head allow metered dispensing of liquid to the osmotic agent. The filling of the permeate from the rear and then to the front enables a uniform distribution of the liquid to the permeate when it is kept in a vertical position with respect to the axis X.

In one embodiment, the head 24 is closed by a cap 32 shown in fig. 2 and 7. In this embodiment, the top cover 32 has at least one opening 34. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening is about 0.04 to 0.07 inches, preferably 0.063 inches. It is contemplated, however, that the one or more openings 34 in the cap 32 can be any size necessary to allow liquid to flow from the head 24 onto the osmotic.

The cap 32 closes the molded elongate head 24 while forming a rounded tip to minimize any abrasion to the patient. The cap opening 34 allows the volume of liquid held in the elongate head to be used to wet the front top end of the osmotic engine 16 and minimize waste of liquid from the ampoule. Because the area of the permeable member is larger than that of a typical applicator, the at least two openings 30 in the elongate head 24 and the opening 34 in the cap 32 allow for even distribution of the liquid through the permeable member 16.

A porous member 16, such as a sponge or the like, covers the head 24. Thus, unlike previous applicators, the penetrant does not directly contact the body 12 of the applicator. As liquid flows from the body through the head 24 of the applicator, a greater amount of flow is created.

The permeable member 16 may be formed of felt or open cell foam. In the illustrated embodiment, the permeable member 16 is formed of a non-reticulated polyester polyurethane. In another embodiment, SIF- #3-1000Z felt (natural color, non-pigmented) may be utilized. In yet another embodiment, Libero polyurethane foam from Foamex International, Inc. (address: 1000Columbia Avenue Linwood, PA 19061) may be utilized. For example, reticulated polyester urethane or hydrophilic polyester urethane foams made by reacting one or more polyols with one or more isocyanates under catalytic conditions as described in U.S. patent application No.11/353,816 may be utilized.

The osmotic elements 16 are cut from a foam sheet or felt sheet having the porosity necessary for dispensing the liquid. Preferably, the permeable member 16 is shaped to cover the head 24. For example, the foam material may have any shape as long as a slit or opening is cut therein for placement of the head 24 shown in fig. 3. It is contemplated that the permeable member 16 may have any desired size and shape that is capable of sufficiently covering the elongate head 24. For example, the shape of the foam may be any three-dimensional shape that covers the elongate head 24. For example, the shape of the foam may be a sphere, cube, pyramid, prism, wedge, three-dimensional shape, and combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the permeable member 16 is a combination of three-dimensional rectangular and two-dimensional semi-circular shapes.

In this example, the length of the permeable member is 4 inches, the width is 2 inches, and the height is 1 inch. The three-dimensional semi-circle has a radius of 1.00. As shown in fig. 3, an opening 37 is made at the midpoint of the height and width of the three-dimensional rectangular portion of the permeable member 16. The openings 37 may be formed in a variety of ways including cutting with a knife or blade. The blade cut in this embodiment is about 2.75 inches in length and about 0.82 inches in width.

The permeable member 16 has two generally wide flat sides 50, 52 and a front apex 54. The multiple sides of the permeable member 16 allow liquid to be applied to multiple surfaces simultaneously and allow the applicator to be used in difficult to access spaces. In other words, the flat side 50 of the osmotic may be capable of applying a liquid, such as a disinfectant, to one side of a skin fold, while the flat side 52 may apply a disinfectant to the other side of the patient's skin fold. It is contemplated that although the osmotic engine 16 is shown with flat sides, the osmotic engine may also have rounded sides.

A woven or non-woven laminate may be pressed into the permeate 16. The laminate may be a woven or non-woven polyester material. In one embodiment of the present invention,SP-64(3905) polyester (non-woven) was pressed into a felt of 0.360 "+ -0.032" SIF- #3-1000Z, a (natural-color, non-pigmented) web polyester polyurethane. The laminate material is disposed between the permeable member 16 and the head 24 of the body 12. When an ultrasonic welding operation is used to manufacture the applicator, the laminate may provide a weld material suitable for securing the penetrant member in place on the head. Alternatively, the head 24 may be coupled to the osmotic engine 16 by other suitable fastening methods. For example, the permeate 16 may be secured to the head 24 by gluing or stitching or by means of a head seal or chemical bond to hold the components in place. Such alternative securing methods are included within the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the osmotic plug 46 is disposed between the head 24 and the ampoules 14 and 15. The osmotic plug 46 may be an open cell foam or felt. In one embodiment of the present invention,SP-64(3905) polyester (non-woven) pressed into 0.360 '+ -0.032' SIF- #3-1000Z felt, a (natural-color, non-pigmented) reticulated polyester urethane. The porous plug 46 helps control the rate of liquid flow out of the body and prevents fragments of glass from passing through the porous member 16 during use of the applicator. The osmotic plugs 46 are cut from a foam sheet or felt sheet having the porosity necessary for dispensing the liquid.

The body of the liquid applicator may also house a permeate plug stop 44 to provide support to the permeate plug 46 and to promote maximum liquid flow to the elongate head and permeate by maximizing internal flow in the body of the applicator. As shown in FIG. 5, the permeate plug stop 44 is disposed between the permeate plug 46 and the head 24. It is contemplated that the osmotic plug stop 44 may have various shapes and sizes depending on the size of the applicator and the size of the osmotic plug 46. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the liquid applicator may not include the osmotic plug 46 or the osmotic plug stop 44.

The body 12 may also include at least one rupture mechanism 26 projecting from the top of the body 12. However, it is contemplated that the at least one rupture mechanism 26 may protrude from any portion of the body 12. Mechanism 26 is any mechanism for fracturing more than one ampoule at substantially the same time. The mechanism 26 includes a hinge portion 38, a fragmentation portion 36, and an operating portion 34 extending from a distal end of the mechanism 26. Preferably, the mechanism 26 extends outwardly from the body 12 at an angle of 20-40 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body 12. More preferably, the mechanism 26 extends from the body 12 at an angle of about 27 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis "x" of the body 12. It is contemplated that the mechanism 26 may be disposed at various angles relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body 12, and that more than one mechanism 26 may be utilized.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism 26 is continuously molded with the body 12. However, it is understood and contemplated that separately formed mechanisms are also within the scope of the present invention.

The operating portion 34 of the mechanism 26 of the illustrated embodiment is spaced from the body 12 by a distance of between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Preferably, the handle portion 34 is spaced approximately 1.0 inch from the body 12. The handle portion 34 of the mechanism 26 includes a textured outer surface to facilitate handling of the applicator 10 and to prevent slippage from the user's hand during application.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism 26 includes a crushing portion 36 and a hinge portion 38 attached to the body 12. It is contemplated that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to various other structures for rupturing ampoules 14 and 15, such as, for example, a plurality of crushing sections, a plurality of hinged sections, and crushing sections that may be attached to the body 12 or detached from the body 12. The operating portion 34 of the mechanism 26 has a grip area that is much larger than the area of the crushing portion 36. When mechanism 26 is pressed, fracture 36 bends thin wall 40 of body 12 inwardly, thereby localizing the force generated by pressing mechanism 26 toward body 12 and increasing the force to break ampoules 14 and 15, as described in more detail below.

The various features of the mechanism 26 of the illustrated embodiment that increase the ability to rupture at least two ampoules simultaneously include: the thickness of the mechanism 26, the curvature of the mechanism 26, the thickness of the hinge 38, and the width of the crushing section 36. The thickness of the mechanism 26 is about 0.080 to 0.15 inches, preferably 0.11 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism 26 is approximately 2.35 inches in length. The hinge 38 of the illustrated embodiment is thinner than the rest of the mechanism 26. The thickness of the hinge 38 is about 0.040 to 0.080 inches, preferably 0.060 inches. The curvature of the mechanism 26 increases the leverage of the operating portion 34 of the mechanism 26, making it easier for a user to rupture both ampoules substantially simultaneously.

The ratio of the width of the crushing section 36 to the width of the side-by-side ampoules 14 and 15 is important to reliably break the ampoules 14 and 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the crushing section 36 must be at least about 1/5 the width of two side-by-side ampoules so that breakage of the ampoules occurs at approximately the same time. The width of two side-by-side ampoules is about 1.03 inches. The minimum width of the crushing portion of the mechanism that causes almost simultaneous breakage of the ampoule is 0.200 inches. Thus, the ratio in terms of length for reliable breaking of the ampoule is 1.03/0.200 or 5.15. All of these features, alone or in combination, with thin wall 40 contribute to the mechanism's ability to break multiple ampoules simultaneously.

Referring to fig. 1 and 5, in use, the applicator 10 is a hand-held liquid applicator in which the mechanism 26 is depressed to release liquid contained in the ampoules 14 and 15 for application to a surface. The applicator 10 of the illustrated embodiment is grasped by one hand of the user. The bottom of the body 12 is grasped by the palm and fingers of the user, which wrap around the bottom and sides of the body 12 so that the user's fingertips rest on the top of the body 12. The thumb of the same hand is placed on the operating portion 34 of the mechanism 26 to allow one-handed operation. The user presses mechanism 26 toward body 12 to rupture ampoules 14 and 15. The movement of mechanism 26 is transmitted through the crushing portion 38 to the thin wall 40 of body 12 to deform the body 12 inwardly and apply a discrete localized rupturing force to ampoules 14 and 15. The mechanism 26 may have the effect of achieving a mechanical advantage when the mechanism 26 is pressed towards the body 12. Thus, the mechanism may also ensure that the ampoule breaks if the user applies limited gripping strength, or if the walls of the ampoule are very thick.

Upon sufficient depression of mechanism 26, the resulting force causes ampoules 14 and 15 to rupture at approximately the same time, thereby releasing the liquid contained in each ampoule. Once the ampoules 14 and 15 are ruptured, the released fluid saturates the flow control osmotic agent 16, and subsequently the fluid saturates the osmotic agent 16. Thus, the body 12 essentially serves as a reservoir for the desired liquid. When the applicator is operated to wipe through the distal end oriented away from the surface to be wiped and the osmotic agent oriented toward the surface shown in fig. l, liquid will flow under the force of gravity from the ruptured ampoule, under the body 12, through the osmotic plug 46 and the open end 18 and into the head 24. The liquid flows through the openings 30 of the head 24 and through the osmotic agent 16. Application of the liquid is then accomplished by contacting the permeable member 16 with the surface to be coated. The user may then apply a liquid to the surface using an application or wiping motion. The applicator may be used to apply liquid to difficult to access areas and may be applied to multiple surfaces simultaneously.

In forming the applicator, the molded applicator body is placed into a fixture to hold the applicator body in a particular orientation. The osmotic plug is inserted into the applicator body until the osmotic plug is seated on the molded osmotic plug stop. Two 13ml ampoules were inserted and the end cap placed over the distal end of the applicator. The lid is held in place by applying a force to the lid while securely holding the body. Subsequently, a cap may be inserted into the open end of the head of the applicator. Typically, the caps are held in place by friction, but a heat-fixing (or similar) process may also be used to ensure that the caps are held. Once the cap is positioned, the osmotic agent is bonded to the head of the applicator. The permeate may then be bonded in place by any of the methods previously mentioned.

By virtue of the foregoing construction and operation, the present invention provides a well-configured hand-held liquid applicator having a body with a mechanism that can be pressed against the body to rupture at least two liquid ampoules contained therein. Moreover, the present invention provides a disposable liquid applicator that allows for one-handed operation, thereby freeing the user's second hand for assisting in applying liquid to a desired area. The liquid applicator of the present invention also has an elongated head that is completely covered by a permeable member that allows the applicator to be used in difficult to access locations.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be recognized that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations, which are defined by and are within the scope of the claims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (23)

1. A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface, the applicator comprising: at least one ampoule formed of a frangible material and containing a liquid to be applied; an elongated hollow body defining an internal cavity adapted to receive the at least one ampoule; an elongate head projecting at an angle from the body, the elongate head having at least two openings for liquid to flow through; at least one mechanism protruding from the body, the mechanism bending the body inward to rupture the at least one ampoule; and a porous member secured to the elongate head such that when the ampoule is ruptured liquid flows through the at least two openings of the elongate head and through the porous member.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the elongate head has at least one side, and the penetrating member covers the at least one side of the elongate head.

3. The applicator of claim 2, wherein the penetrating member is shaped to apply liquid between folds of skin.

4. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a support for separating at least two ampoules, wherein the support separates the two ampoules from contact regardless of the orientation of the applicator.

5. The liquid applicator of claim 1 wherein the body has a central longitudinal axis.

6. The liquid applicator of claim 5 wherein the elongate head is disposed at an angle of 10-20 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body.

7. The liquid applicator of claim 6 wherein the elongate head is disposed at an angle of 15 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body.

8. The liquid applicator of claim 1 further comprising a cap.

9. The liquid applicator of claim 8 wherein the cap has at least one opening that allows liquid to flow from the elongate head to the permeable member.

10. The liquid applicator of claim 9 wherein the opening of the cap has a diameter of 0.04 inches to 0.07 inches.

11. The liquid applicator of claim 1 further comprising two openings on either side of the elongate head to allow liquid to flow from the elongate head to the penetrating member.

12. The liquid applicator of claim 11 wherein each opening has a diameter of 0.15 inches to 0.19 inches.

13. The liquid applicator of claim 1 wherein the permeate has at least two flat sides capable of applying liquid to one or more surfaces.

14. The liquid applicator of claim 1 wherein the penetrating member is one of a foam material or a felt material.

15. The liquid applicator of claim 1 further comprising a support for separating at least two ampoules, wherein the support mechanically supports the at least two ampoules to prevent breakage.

16. The liquid applicator of claim 1 further comprising two openings on one of the top or bottom of the elongate head to allow liquid to flow from the elongate head to the penetrating member.

17. A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface, the applicator comprising: an elongate hollow body defining an internal cavity adapted to receive a liquid to be applied; an elongate head projecting at an angle from the body, the elongate head having at least two openings for liquid to flow through; and a permeable member secured to the elongate head such that liquid flows through the at least two openings of the elongate head and through the member.

18. The liquid applicator of claim 17 wherein liquid is retained in the elongated hollow body by a seal.

19. The liquid applicator of claim 18, wherein the seal is a foil seal that can be broken to allow liquid to flow through the elongate head, through the at least two openings of the elongate head, and to the permeate.

20. The liquid applicator of claim 17 wherein the body has a central longitudinal axis.

21. The liquid applicator of claim 20 wherein the elongate head is disposed at an angle of 10-20 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body.

22. The liquid applicator of claim 21 wherein the elongate head is disposed at an angle of 15 ° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body.

23. The applicator of claim 17, wherein the elongate head has at least one side, and the penetrating member covers the at least one side of the elongate head.