Abstract: 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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2003
Date of Patent:
May 4, 2004
Assignee:
Mediflex Hospital Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Scott A. Tufts, Jesus Flores, Manuel Guzman
Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface includes an elongated closed ampule formed of a frangible material containing the desired liquid; a flexible elongated hollow body having axially opposed open and closed ends and presenting a central longitudinal axis, the body defining an internal chamber which is adapted to receive the ampule; and a porous element sealed to the body and closing off the open end thereof so that liquid flows through the element when the ampule is fractured. The body includes a pair of diametrically opposed wings projecting therefrom which form gripping members that are spaced from the body and supported for pivoting movement relative thereto. The body also may include structure for fracturing the ampule, the structure being interposed between the body and the gripping members. Upon squeezing the gripping members toward one another, the structure flexes the body inwardly to exert a fracturing force against the ampule.