Abstract: The present invention relates generally to liquid applicators and a method of coloring a liquid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid applicator having a flexible hollow body within which a liquid-filled, glass ampoule is received. The liquid applicator also has porous element containing colorant positioned such that when the ampoule is fractured, the liquid flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the liquid as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface includes a closed ampule formed of a fracturable material containing the desired liquid, a body having a pocket with an open side and a shape adapted to receive the ampule, and a porous element sealed to the body and closing off the open side of the pocket so that liquid flows through the element when the ampule is fractured. The body includes a pair of side walls that are spaced from one another in a first direction to define the pocket, and a pair of gripping members, are provided, which can be pivoted to fracture the ampule during use. The porous element is laminated with a material that does not stretch in the first direction, and the laminate material is secured between the side walls of the body to define a structural insert that prevents the side walls from pulling apart from one another when the gripping members are pivoted.

Abstract: A unit dose chlorhexadine gluconate (CHG) applicator is disclosed wherein a unit dose of the CHG is contained in a hermetically sealed manually crushable glass ampule that has an internal volume not significantly greater than the unit dose volume of the CHG. The CHG in the ampule has an effective shelf life of at least 24 months. The glass ampule of the applicator is preferably protected by a flexible cover to protect the user's hand during manual crushing of the ampule to release the CHG therefrom. In one embodiment of the invention, a cylindrical glass ampule is housed within a tubular, flexible synthetic resin cover which has a porous applicator swab at one end thereof. Upon crushing of the glass ampule, the CHG released therefrom impregnates the swab allowing the user to spread the CHG across an area to be sanitized.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface includes a closed vial formed of a fracturable material containing the desired liquid, a body having a pocket with an open side and a shape adapted to receive the vial, and a porous element sealed to the body and closing off the open side of the pocket so that liquid flows through the element when the vial is fractured. The body has a flange protruding from the pocket along the open side thereof and a wing-like gripping member projects from the flange. The gripping member is spaced from the pocket and supported for pivoting movement relative to the pocket by the flange. The body also has structure for fracturing the vial, the structure being interposed between the pocket and gripping member. Upon pivoting of the gripping member, the structure flexes the pocket inwardly to exert a fracturing force against the vial when the member is pivoted towards the pocket.

Abstract: A liquid applicator includes an elongated hollow body having opposed first and second open ends in fluid communication with one another, and a tip attached to the first open end and including a porous material. A closed, frangible ampul is supported within the second open end of the body and contains a liquid to be dispensed. A cap is provided at the second open end of the body, and which is movable axially relative to the body between a storage position and a use position in order to fracture the ampul. However, the cap is retained on the body and locked against movement from either of the storage or use positions toward the second open end of the body.

Abstract: A single-use tape applicator includes a pair of sidewalls spaced laterally from one another to define a tape storage enclosure, and two posts extending between the sidewalls and spaced from one another to define a generally oval-shaped run. A closed loop of backing material is supported by the posts and is movable relative to the posts along the run. The length of the loop is substantially equal to the length of the run. A piece of tape coated on one side with an adhesive material is supported and carried on the backing material. The enclosure defines an opening through which the tape is pulled from the backing material and dispensed.

Abstract: A skin closure system includes an elongated bandage provided with a fabric layer formed of relatively thick, pliable material and a support layer formed of relatively thin, stiff material. An intermediate adhesive layer is provided between the support layer and the fabric layer for securing them together, and an exposed adhesive layer is provided on the fabric layer opposite the support layer. An elongated strip of backing material is retained on the exposed adhesive layer of the bandage and is removable from the exposed adhesive layer to allow application of the bandage to the skin.