Pre-dosed applicator and applicator system including dispensing of multi-part dental materials
An applicator (10) for applying a material such as a chemical or a medicament. A material to be applied is placed on an absorbent portion (18) of the applicator (10), such as a flocked end, sponge or foam, brush, or other equivalent absorbent substance. After drying, the material is in an inactive stable state on the applicator. When desired, the inactive stable material is activated by water or other solvent. In another embodiment, a package (38) containing an applicator end (46) having a pre-doses dry inactive stable material is combined with a second activating material (48) so that a two-part or multi-component material may be easily dispensed and activated. The package containing the first and second component may be a tray, a capsule, or a tip end syringe. In another embodiment first and second applicators (510A, 510B) each having one dry component are re-activated and applied in sequence to create a reaction and desired material at the site of treatment. The pre-doses single use applicator may be used to apply a variety of materials, such as chemicals or medicaments, to the surface or site desired without complicated and messy mixing or cross-contamination.
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The present invention relates in general to the application of a material with an applicator, and particularly to the application of a chemical or medicament to a patient using a single dose pre-dosed applicator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany materials such as chemicals and medicaments are applied with an applicator. Typically, the material to be applied is contained in bulk form, such as a bottle or jar into which the applicator is dipped. The applicator is then moved to the area on which the material is to be applied. In many medical and dental applications, the use of such bulk containers of material is disadvantageous in that cross contamination between patients can result. Often, when more material is needed during a medical procedure, the applicator is re-dipped in the bulk container.
Many of the materials to be applied are in liquid form and may drip or spill when the applicator is dipped into a bulk container. This is messy and may even result in a hazardous condition should the materials spilled be hazardous. Additionally, some materials may stain and be difficult to clean up.
Accordingly, there is a need for a simple, easy to use, pre-dosed single use applicator in which the material can be applied easily without the possibility of cross contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an applicator pre-dosed with a material, such as a chemical or a medicament. The material is placed on an absorbent portion of the applicator and permitted to dry. The material is then in an inactive, stable state on the applicator. The material on the applicator is re-activated upon being exposed to water, saliva, liquids, or other activating materials.
In another embodiment of the invention, a package is provided containing an applicator with a stable, inactive first material thereon and a separate reservoir of an activating second material. The activating second material reacts with the stable, inactive first material to produce a reaction or beneficial result.
In another embodiment of the invention, a package is provided containing multiple applicators each with a different stable, inactive material thereon. Upon reactivating the different stable, inactive materials the materials may be combined causing a reaction by being applied in sequence in a procedure.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pre-dosed, single use applicator that is easy to use.
It is yet another object of the present invention to prevent cross contaminations between uses or patients.
It is an advantage of the present invention that the applicator or container is in a stable, inactive state on an applicator ready to be activated.
It is a feature of the present invention that material is dried on an applicator.
These and other objects, advantages, and features will become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 11A-D schematically illustrates the preparation of an embodiment of the present invention.
For example, in dentistry, an indicating liquid is often used to detect caries or decay in teeth. The indicating liquid is a dye which, when placed onto tooth decay and rinsed off, will stain any areas that are diseased or decayed. The dye is often messy and can permanently stain many unintended surfaces. The indicating material may be dried onto the flock 18. The indicating material is then re-activated by exposure to water or saliva, or other solvent. Any material that may be dried and re-activated may be used on the pre-dosed applicator.
The flocked wedge portion 218 may be pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent. The astringent or hemostatic agent, after drying, becomes stable and inactive. The flocked portion 218 may also be pre-dosed with an abrasive, such as zirconium silicate. In this embodiment the applicator 210 may be used as a substitute for dental floss to clean between the teeth. The flocked wedge portion 218 may also be impregnated with an abrasive material.
The flocked portion 218 may also be pre-dosed with an antiseptic, antibiotic, or analgesic material. Of course, the flocked portion 218 may be any absorbent substance capable of absorbing or holding the dry material to be later re-activated. For example, the absorbent substance may be flock, cotton, foam, bristles, or any other substantially equivalent absorbent substance.
A pre-dosed wedge is beneficial in many dental procedures. Wedges are typically used in dentistry. Wedges are used in class two cavity preparation restorations. In a class two cavity, adjacent sides of the back or posterior teeth are involved. Upon the removal of decay, it is necessary to use a matrix band to contain the stored material. The matrix band is a band of metal surrounding the tooth. A wedge is used to hold the matrix band against the bottom of the cavity preparation. This prevents excess filling material from being forced behind the prepared cavity. Improperly positioned matrix bands can result in a restoration that is susceptible to periodontal infections or other problems. It is often advantageous to keep the preparation dry during placement of the restorative material. A flocked wedge pre-dosed with an astringent or hemostatic agent, when in position, is reactivated and aids in keeping the gum lines clear and the prepared cavity preparation dry. The natural absorbency of the flocked material will aid in keeping the preparation dry. Additionally, the flocked wedge or tapered end may be used without any pre-dosed material or astringent or hemostatic agent.
In use, the pre-dosed applicator 10, which is pre-dosed with an inactive stable material on the applicator end 18, is removed from the tray 28 and dipped into the activating second material 36. The activating second material 36 works in cooperation with the first initially inactive stable material on the applicator end 18 of the pre-dosed applicator 10 so as to when activated and combined result in forming an activated material with the desired properties. The activating second material 36 may be a solvent such as alcohol, acetone or any another chemical agent that has a reaction with the first initially stable inactive material on the applicator end 118 of the pre-dosed applicator 10. Accordingly, many two-part component materials may be conveniently packaged and used in a single dose applicator.
There are many well-known two-part materials that when combined or mixed form a desired reaction. Such materials may be sealants, adhesives, hemostatic agents, whitening agents, and numerous other equivalent two-part materials that when combined form a material having desired properties.
The tip 338 comprises a discharge end or nozzle 344 having a flocked applicator end 346. The flocked applicator end 346 contains a first stable inactive material. A bore 360 placed within the tip 338 communicates to the open discharge end of the syringe 354. The syringe 354 has a syringe body 356 and a syringe plunger 358. Contained within the syringe 354 is a second material 348.
In use, the second material 348 may be contained in bulk in the syringe 354. The empty tip 338 may then be placed or attached onto the syringe 354 with the second material 348 being dispensed through the bore 360 within the tip 338. The second material contacts the pre-dosed flocked applicator end 346 containing a first material. This results in a co-action of the two materials to activate the materials producing a desired result or reaction. In this embodiment, multiple empty tips 338 may be combined with use of a single bulk syringe 354. Therefore, the single bulk syringe 354 may contain a number of doses to be dispensed with a plurality of empty tips 338 having a pre-dosed flocked applicator end 346.
The tip 338′ comprises a cannula discharge end 344′ having a flocked applicator end 346′. The cannula discharge end 344′ may be made of a soft ductile metal that may be easily bent into a position. The flocked applicator end 346′ contains a first stable inactive material therein. A bore 360′ placed within the tip 338′ communicates to the open discharge end of the syringe 354′. The syringe 354′ has a syringe body 356′ and a syringe plunger 358′. Contained within the syringe 354′ is a second material 348′.
FIGS. 11A-D schematically illustrate the manufacturing process for making an embodiment of the present invention.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
The multi-chambered package 528 may be made relatively inexpensively, relative to other packaging required to hold liquids. Accordingly, multi-chambered package 528 does not necessarily require the strength and integrity of sealing, as would be required for a package containing a liquid material.
The applicator end portions 518A and 518B of the respective applicators 510A and 510B contain a dried or dehydrated first and second material respectively. The applicators 510A and 510B are initially sealed within the multi-chambered package 528 by closing over flaps 534 and 535. Prior to use and reactivation of the dried first and second material on the first and second applicator end portions 518A and 518B, the multi-chambered package 528 is opened by separating the flaps 534 and 535. The applicators 510A and 510B can then be removed.
While any multi-component material may be used with the present invention, this embodiment of the present invention is particularly applicable to multi-part dental desensitizers that, when the two parts are combined, form crystals that are effective in the treatment of dental hypersensitivity. This embodiment of the present invention solves the problem of packaging a unit or single does of material used in a dental or medical procedure. It is often difficult to securely contain and easily dispense small quantities of liquid material as is required in unit or single dose quantities of material. Additionally, small quantities of liquid material may deteriorate and become ineffective over a relatively short period of time. This greatly reduces the shelf life of liquid materials contained in small quantities.
Accordingly, although the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material comprising:
- an applicator, said applicator pre-dosed with the material in a stable state ready to be activated.
2. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1 wherein:
- the material is selected from the group consisting of flavor substance, caries detection agent, astringent, abrasive, antiseptic, antibiotics, and analgesic.
3. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1 wherein:
- said applicator comprises a pre-dosed flocked portion.
4. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1 wherein:
- said applicator comprises a pre-dosed foam portion
5. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1 wherein:
- said applicator comprises a pre-dosed bristle portion.
6. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1 wherein:
- said applicator comprises a pre-dosed cotton portion.
7. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material comprising:
- an elongated handle;
- a tapered end;
- an absorbent substance placed on said tapered end; and
- a dry material formed on the absorbent substance, whereby said dry material is capable of being re-activated and applied.
8. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7 wherein:
- said absorbent substance is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, cotton, and bristles.
9. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7 wherein:
- said dry material is selected from the group consisting of flavor substance, caries detection agent, astringent, abrasive, antibiotic, analgesic, and antiseptic.
10. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7 wherein:
- said absorbent substance extends along said tapered end approximately between 0.25 and 2.00 centimeters.
11. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7 further comprising:
- a ball formed on said tapered end.
12. An device for detecting decay or caries in a tooth comprising:
- an elongated handle;
- an absorbent substance placed on one end of said handle; and
- a caries detection agent dried on said absorbent substance,
- whereby the caries detection agent dried on said absorbent substance is capable of being re-activated and applied to a tooth.
13. A method of making an applicator comprising the steps of:
- forming an absorbent substance on a handle;
- placing a wet material on the absorbent substance on the handle; and
- drying the wet material, wherein the wet material becomes a dry and inactive material,
- whereby the applicator is capable of being easily handled and stored before re-activation of the dry and inactive material.
14. A method of making an applicator as in claim 13 wherein:
- the absorbent substance comprises flock.
15. A method of applying a material with an applicator comprising the steps of:
- re-activating a dry and inactive material on a handle, wherein the dry and inactive material becomes a re-activated material; and
- applying the re-activated material to a surface.
16. A method of making an applicator as in claim 15 wherein:
- the dry and inactive material comprises a caries detection agent.
17. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components comprising:
- an applicator portion pre-dosed with a first dry inactive material; and
- a container, said container containing a second activating material, whereby when the first inactive material is combined with the second activating material a desired material is formed.
18. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components as in claim 17 wherein:
- said applicator comprises a handle and an attached absorbent substance; and
- said container comprises a tray having an applicator well and a material well.
19. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components as in claim 18 further comprising:
- a cover placed on the tray covering the applicator well and the material well.
20. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components as in claim 17 wherein:
- said applicator comprises a cannula having a bore leading to an absorbent substance; and
- said container comprises a capsule attached to the cannula.
21. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components as in claim 20 wherein:
- the absorbent substance is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, bristles, and cotton.
22. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components as in claim 17 wherein:
- said applicator comprises a tip having a bore leading to an absorbent substance; and
- said container comprises a syringe attached to the tip.
23. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components as in claim 22 wherein:
- the absorbent substance is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, bristles, and cotton.
24. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components comprising:
- a tip having an open rear end;
- a cannula having an applicator end attached to one end of said tip;
- an absorbent substance placed on the applicator end of said cannula;
- a first dry inactive material contained within said absorbent substance; and
- a syringe containing a second activating material adapted to receive the open rear end of said tip,
- whereby when the first dry inactive material is combined with the second activating material a desired material is formed.
25. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components as in claim 24 wherein:
- said absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, bristles, and cotton.
26. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components comprising:
- a capsule having an open rear end;
- a piston placed within the open rear end;
- a cannula having an applicator end attached to one end of said capsule;
- an absorbent substance placed on the applicator end of said cannula;
- a first dry inactive material contained within said absorbent substance; and
- a second activating material placed within said capsule,
- whereby when the first dry inactive material is combined with the second activating material upon advancing said piston a desired material is formed.
27. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator comprising:
- an elongated handle;
- a tapered end formed on one end of said elongated handle having a distal end;
- a ball placed on the distal end of said tapered end;
- a neck formed between said elongated handle and said tapered end; and
- flock attached to said tapered end,
- whereby said tapered end is capable of being inserted between and around a tooth cleaning the tooth and stimulating gingival or gums.
28. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 27 wherein:
- said flock extends along said tapered end from the distal end to said neck.
29. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 27 wherein:
- said flock extends between one and two centimeters along said tapered end.
30. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 27 further comprising:
- dry material placed on said flock selected from the group consisting of flavor substance, astringent, abrasive, antibiotic, analgesic, and antiseptic.
31. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components that react when combined comprising:
- a plurality of applicators, each of said plurality of applicators having an applicator portion and a single dry inactive component of the multiple components that react when reactivated and combined.
32. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components that react when combined comprising:
- a first applicator having a first applicator portion pre-dosed with a first dry inactive material; and
- a second applicator having a second applicator portion pre-dosed with a second dry inactive material,
- whereby when the first dry inactive material is re-activated and the second dry inactive material is re-activated and combined, a reaction occurs.
33. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with multiple components that react when combined as in claim 32 wherein:
- the first dry inactive material and the second dry inactive material when re-activated and combined form a dental desensitizer.
34. A pre-dosed dental desensitizing system comprising:
- a sealed package having a first chamber and a second chamber;
- a first applicator having a first applicator portion pre-dosed with a first dry inactive material placed within the first chamber of said sealed package; and
- a second applicator having a second applicator portion pre-dosed with a second dry inactive material placed within the second chamber of said sealed package,
- wherein the first dry inactive material and the second dry inactive material when re-activated and combined form a dental desensitizer.
35. A method of applying a material having multiple components that require the components to be combined to create a reaction comprising the steps of:
- saturating a first applicator portion of a first applicator with a first liquid comprising a first component part of the material;
- saturating a second applicator portion of a second applicator with a second liquid comprising a second component part of the material;
- drying the first liquid held by the first applicator portion of the first applicator forming an inactive first component part of the material on the first applicator portion;
- drying the second liquid held by the second applicator portion of the second applicator forming an inactive second component part of the material on the second applicator portion;
- packaging the first and second applicators in a sealed package;
- opening the sealed package;
- removing the first and second applicators;
- re-activating the inactive first component part of the material on the first applicator portion;
- re-activating the inactive second component part of the material on the second applicator portion;
- applying the re-activated first component part of the material on the first applicator portion at a site intended for treatment; and
- applying the re-activated second component part of the material on the second applicator portion at the site intended for treatment,
- whereby the re-activated first and second component parts combine and react forming the material at the site intended for treatment.
36. A method of applying a material having multiple components that require the components to be combined to create a reaction as in claim 35 wherein:
- the material is a dental desensitizer.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 2, 2003
Publication Date: Mar 23, 2006
Applicant: CENTRIX INC. (SHELTON, CT)
Inventor: William Dragan (EASTON, CT)
Application Number: 10/529,619
International Classification: A61C 5/04 (20060101);