초록 ▼

A single-piece, injection molded, hand-held liquid dispensing applicator. The single-piece applicator comprising a source of fluid and a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, the fluid flows from the source to an absorbent member attached

A single-piece, injection molded, hand-held liquid dispensing applicator. The single-piece applicator comprising a source of fluid and a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, the fluid flows from the source to an absorbent member attached to the applicator tip to spread the liquid on a surface. The frangible tip may comprise a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element, and a frangible region therebetween. The tongue element may comprise ribs for reinforcement. The frangible tip may comprise a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid. The dispensing applicator may be used in various medical applications.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A dispensing applicator comprising a frangible applicator tip, said applicator comprising: a substantially rigid unitary body having a substantially cylindrical fluid source region, a fracture member region, and a substantially rigid tongue element, said tongue element extending outwardly from sa

1. A dispensing applicator comprising a frangible applicator tip, said applicator comprising: a substantially rigid unitary body having a substantially cylindrical fluid source region, a fracture member region, and a substantially rigid tongue element, said tongue element extending outwardly from said fracture member region, and wherein said tongue element has a central portion and at least two side portions;an applicator head comprising a generally triangular cross-section base provided with an inner cavity for receiving at least said tongue element; anda frangible region defined as a region at the juncture of said fracture member region and said tongue element;wherein fracture of said frangible region allows partial fluid release from said fracture member region to said applicator head,wherein said tongue element is provided with one or more reinforcing ribs extending from said fracture member region across said frangible region. 2. The dispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein said side portions of said tongue element extend outwardly so as to engage with said inner cavity of said applicator head. 3. The dispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein said one or more reinforcing ribs are configured to resist deflection of said tongue. 4. The dispensing applicator according to claim 3, wherein said one or more ribs are non-uniformly dimensioned and have at least two relatively long ribs disposed along each side edge and at least one pair of relatively short ribs flanking the central portion. 5. The dispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein said substantially cylindrical fluid source region is open at one end, wherein an end cap is positioned thereon to close said open end. 6. The dispensing applicator according to claim 5, wherein said end cap is snap-fit onto said open end. 7. The dispensing applicator according to claim 5, wherein said end cap is screwed onto said open end. 8. The dispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein said source region further comprises a grip region on an external surface thereof. 9. The dispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein a region between said source region and said fracture member region comprises an inner cavity that is tapered in a direction from said source region toward said fracture member region. 10. The dispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein said tongue element comprises two said side portions, and said fracture member comprises two said side portions. 11. A dispensing applicator comprising: a housing body having a central bore therethrough, said housing body comprising a fracture member and an elongated fluid source tube for containing a fluid;a substantially rigid tongue element extending outwardly from said fracture member to define an interface therebetween;a fluid-absorbent member having a proximal end in flow communication with said fluid source tube, and a distal end for dispersing said fluid; andan end cap for closure of an open end of said fluid source tube;a frangible region defined as a region at the juncture of said fracture member and said tongue element;wherein upon fracture of said frangible region said flow communication is provided between said fluid source tube and said fluid-absorbent member,wherein said housing body and said tongue element are configured as a unitary structure, andwherein said tongue element is provided with one or more reinforcing ribs extending from said fracture member across said frangible region. 12. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein said plurality of reinforcing are configured to resist deflection of said tongue, and reduce unintentional breaking of said frangible region. 13. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein said tongue element is provided with side portions that extend outwardly therefrom to engage with an cavity of said fluid-absorbent member. 14. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein said end cap is snap-fit onto said open end. 15. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein said end cap is screwed onto said open end. 16. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein said fluid-absorbent member is provided with a generally triangular cross-section base provided with an inner cavity for receiving at least said tongue element. 17. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein said tongue element comprises two side portions, and said fracture member comprises two side portions. 18. The dispensing applicator according to claim 17, wherein said side portions engage with an inner cavity of said fluid-absorbent member. 19. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein a region between said source tube and said fracture member comprises an inner cavity that is tapered in a direction from said source tube toward said fracture member. 20. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein said fluid source tube further comprises a grip region on an external surface thereof.