U.S. patent application number 09/952338 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-13 for solution applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Allegiance Corporation. Invention is credited to Newbrough, Jerry, Osei, Johnson.
Application Number | 20030049069 09/952338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25492803 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030049069 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osei, Johnson ; et
al. |
March 13, 2003 |
SOLUTION APPLICATOR
Abstract
The present invention is a solution applicator comprising a
solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables
solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution
container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution
applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end
and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal
end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said
solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having
an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the
applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member
engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution
container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off
member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the
applicating material. The solution applicator of the present
invention is novel in that it includes a twist-off member that
retains solution in the solution container until the solution
container and the applicator head are rotated relative to each
other to thereby cause the twist-off member to be twisted to allow
solution to be applied.
Inventors: |
Osei, Johnson; (Arlington
Heights, IL) ; Newbrough, Jerry; (Zion, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Allegiance Corporation
Attn: Kim Diliberti
1430 Waukegan Road
McGaw Park
IL
60085-6787
US
|
Assignee: |
Allegiance Corporation
McGaw Park
IL
|
Family ID: |
25492803 |
Appl. No.: |
09/952338 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/205 ;
401/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 35/003 20130101;
A61M 35/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/205 ;
401/207 |
International
Class: |
B43M 011/06; B43K
008/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A solution applicator comprising: a solution container having a
twist-off member that enables solution in said solution container
to flow out of the solution container when said twist-off member is
twisted; and an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal
end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the
distal end, said applicator head engaged with said solution
container at the proximal end, said applicator head having an
aperture at the distal end, and said applicator head having a
receiving member that the twist-off member engages when said
applicator head is rotated relative to said solution container to
thereby open said solution container at the twist-off member to
enable fluid to flow from said solution container through the
solution pathway and through the aperture in said applicator
head.
2. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said applicator head
has threads at its proximal end and said solution container has
threads that mate with the threads of said applicator head to
couple said applicator head and said solution container
together.
3. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said solution
container has a holding ring and said applicator head has one or
more detents in which the holding ring of said solution container
falls to engage said applicator head and said solution container
together.
4. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said solution
container has a channel formed around its circumference and said
applicator head has a lip formed along the inside of its proximate
end, said lip mating with said channel to rotatingly couple said
applicator head and said solution container together.
5. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said twist-off member
of said solution container includes a retainer mechanism that
cooperates with said receiving member of said applicator head to
couple said applicator head and said solution container
together.
6. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said twist-off member
is connected to the solution container by a frangible web unitary
with the twist-off member and said solution container.
7. The solution applicator of claim 6 wherein said frangible web is
formed of a thinner material than the rest of said solution
container so that the frangible web tears to form an opening in
said solution container when said receiving member engages the
twist-off member and said applicator head is rotated relative to
said solution container.
8. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said receiving member
of said applicator head is shaped as a groove and said twist-off
member is shaped as a tongue such that said applicator head and
said solution container are engaged together in a tongue-and-groove
arrangement.
9. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said solution
container comprises a container portion connected to a cap to form
a sealed reservoir of solution inside of said solution container,
said cap having the twist-off member.
10. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein said container
portion is connected to said cap by mating threads.
11. The solution applicator of claim 5 wherein said retainer
mechanism is V-shaped with a spring force such that the legs of the
V squeeze together when said retainer mechanism and twist-off
member start to be inserted into said receiving member and then the
legs of the V spring apart when said retainer mechanism is fully
inserted into said receiving member to thereby hold said applicator
head and said solution container together.
12. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said solution
container and said applicator head each have indicia thereon, said
indicia are positioned so that when they line up upon rotation of
said applicator head relative to said solution container, the
twist-off member has been torn to create an opening in said
solution container.
13. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said applicator head
includes applicating material.
14. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said solution
container has a locating pin that protrudes outwardly from said
solution container, and said applicator head has a slot near its
proximal end that is engaged by the locating pin to ensure proper
orientation of said applicator head as it is coupled to said
solution container.
15. The solution applicator of claim 1 wherein said solution
container has a ring thereon that will contact said applicator head
near its proximal end so that solution will not flow out of said
solution applicator between said applicator head and said solution
container.
16. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein said applicator head
has threads at its proximal end and said solution container has
threads that mate with the threads of said applicator head to
couple said applicator head and said solution container
together.
17. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein said twist-off
member of said solution container includes a retainer mechanism
that cooperates with said receiving member of said applicator head
to couple said applicator head and said solution container
together.
18. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein said twist-off
member is connected to the cap of said solution container by a
frangible web unitary with the twist-off member and the cap.
19. The solution applicator of claim 18 wherein said frangible web
is formed of a thinner material than the rest of the cap so that
the frangible web tears to form an opening in the cap when said
receiving member engages the twist-off member and said applicator
head is rotated relative to said solution container.
20. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein said receiving
member of said applicator head is shaped as a groove and said
twist-off member is shaped as a tongue such that said applicator
head and said solution container are engaged together in a
tongue-and-groove arrangement.
21. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein said solution
container and said applicator head each have indicia thereon, said
indicia are positioned so that when they line up upon rotation of
said applicator head relative to said solution container, the
twist-off member has been torn to create an opening in said
solution container.
22. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein said applicator head
includes applicating material.
23. The solution applicator of claim 9 wherein the cap has a
locating pin that protrudes outwardly from the cap, and said
applicator head has a slot near its proximal end that is engaged by
the locating pin to ensure proper orientation of said applicator
head as it is coupled to said solution container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to solution
applicators and, more specifically, to solution applicators for
applying antimicrobial solution to skin before surgery.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Antiseptic preparation of patients for surgery typically
includes applying antimicrobial solution to the patient's skin and
scrubbing the affected area. There are a number of ways that these
antimicrobial solutions are applied from the basic method of
dipping a sponge or piece of cotton in an open dish of
antimicrobial solution and applying the solution to the patient's
skin to more complex, hand-held solution applicators.
[0003] There are a number of solution applicators that use spikes
and other sharp members that puncture a cartridge or container that
contains antimicrobial solution. In many of these types of solution
applicators, the cartridge or container is moved longitudinally
relative to the spike which then punctures the container to let the
solution flow from the container to a sponge on the end of the
applicator. These types of solution applicators can rupture during
shipping, if the applicator is dropped or sufficient pressure is
exerted onto one end of the applicators to thereby force the spike
into the solution container, which can inadvertently or
accidentally rupture the container and cause the solution to flow
out of the container. Some examples of solution applicators using
spikes are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,415,288; 4,498,796; 5,120,301; and
5,769,552.
[0004] There are other solution applicators that involve the use of
pressure to break or rupture an ampoule inside the applicator by
squeezing the sides of the ampoule together. Other solution
applicators require bending of an ampoule to break it or pushing an
ampoule forward against a member which then bends the ampoule to
break it, thereby releasing the solution so that it can then be
applied. These types of solution applicators also have problems
with breakage during shipping, when dropped, or inadvertently by a
user that causes the compartment or ampoule inside of the solution
applicator to rupture and thereby release the fluid solution when
it is not desired. Some examples of these types of patents
discussed above include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,757,782; 5,288,159;
5,308,180; 5,435,660; 5,445,462; 5,658,084; and 5,927,884.
[0005] There is a need for a novel solution applicator that will
not easily break during shipment, when dropped, or inadvertently by
a user prior to desired use of the solution applicator. The present
invention meets these needs. The present invention is a novel
solution applicator comprising a solution container having a
frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution
container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off
member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an
applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a
solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end,
the applicator head being engaged with the solution container at
the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and
applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end
having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when
the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to
thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to
enable fluid to flow from the solution container through the
solution pathway and through the aperture in the applicator head to
the applicating material.
[0006] The solution applicator of the present invention is novel in
that it includes a twist-off member that retains solution in the
solution container until the solution container and the applicator
head are rotated relative to each other to thereby cause the
twist-off member to be twisted to create an opening in the solution
container that allows solution to be applied. The present invention
overcomes the difficulties of the prior art inventions in that it
is highly unlikely that during shipment, when dropped or
inadvertently by a user, the solution container would be rotated
relative to the applicator head. This is a key feature of the
present invention. Inadvertent openings of solution applicators
usually occur if they are dropped or jammed or bent, so the
twisting action required to open the solution applicator of the
present invention is a very beneficial feature and superior to the
prior art inventions.
[0007] Various objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth
certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
solution applicator in accordance with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the solution
applicator in accordance with the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2A is a side view of an embodiment of the solution
applicator in accordance with the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2B is an assembly view of an embodiment of the solution
applicator in accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment taken
along line A-A in FIG. 2A in accordance with the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment taken
along line B-B in FIG. 2C in accordance with the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an
embodiment taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 in accordance with the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the solution container
of an embodiment of the solution applicator in accordance with the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a cut-away view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
4.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment taken
along line A-A in FIG. 4A in accordance with the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 4C is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
solution container of an embodiment (without the threads) taken
along line A-A in FIG. 4A in accordance with the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of the applicator head without the
applicating material of the embodiment of the solution applicator
in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
solution applicator in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the solution
applicator shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the solution
applicator shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of the
applicator head in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment taken
along line A-A in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment
taken along line A-A in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is an end view of the flat surface of the applicator
head of the solution applicator shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the solution
container in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 12A is a blown up view of the twist-off element and end
of the solution container shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 13 is an end view of the solution container shown in
FIG. 12 in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the
enclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis
for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the
invention.
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the
solution applicator of the present invention are shown in FIGS.
1-13. The solution applicator 20 of the present invention includes
a solution container 21 that contains the solution to be applied by
the solution applicator 20. The solution may be various types of
liquids or gels to be applied on a surface, but the present
invention is very useful for antimicrobial solutions applied to
patients before surgery. The solution container 20 is
self-contained in that no other implements, techniques or tools are
necessary for accessing and applying the solution.
[0033] The solution container 21 may be shaped like a cylindrical
bottle or shaped like other types of reservoirs or containers that
hold solution. The solution container 21 includes a frangible,
twist-off member 25 that enables solution in the solution container
21 to flow out of the solution container 21 when the twist-off
member 25 is twisted to thereby provide an opening through which
solution in the solution container 21 may flow. The twist-off
member 25 may also be a type of twist-to-break member that will not
actually twist off completely, but will break enough so that an
opening will be created to allow the solution in the solution
container 21 to flow out of the solution container 21. This enables
solution to be available for application by the solution applicator
20.
[0034] The solution container 21 may include a cap 22 that is
either integrally formed as part of the solution container 21 or
the cap 22 may be designed for threaded connection to threads on
the container portion 91 of the solution container 21 to thereby
form a sealed solution container 21 to hold the solution. In this
embodiment, the cap 22 would have the twist-off member 25
integrally formed as part of the cap 22.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3, the solution
applicator 20 includes an applicator head 26 engaged with the
solution container 21. The applicator head 26 has a proximal end 76
and a distal end 77 and a solution pathway 29 that extends from the
proximal end 76 to the distal end 77. Solution pathway 29 may be a
tube, duct, channel, lumen, wick or other type of pathway through
which liquids can flow. This solution pathway 29 allows solution to
flow from the solution container 21 (when the twist-off member 25
is twisted to create an opening in the solution container 21) and
then to be able to flow through orifices/apertures 78 (see FIG. 6)
to the applicating material 31.
[0036] The applicating material 31 includes any type of material
that will absorb the solution and allow the solution to be applied
to a surface (e.g., a patient's skin). A suitable applicating
material 31 for a solution applicator 21 is foam sponge, but many
other suitable applicating materials 31 (such as cotton swabs,
pads, etc.) that are porous and can retain and distribute solution
may be used. It is preferable if the applicating material 31 allows
the solution to flow into the applicating material 31, but does not
allow the liquid solution to drip from the porous applicating
material 31. Flat surface 30 provides a mounting surface to which
the applicating material 31 is attached. The flat surface 30 has
apertures 78 therethrough in order to allow the solution to get to
the applicating material 31 from the solution pathway 29.
[0037] Applicator head 26 may also have a slot 32 near the proximal
end 76 that is engaged by a locating pin 23 that protrudes
outwardly from the cap 22 of the solution container 21 to ensure
proper orientation of the applicator head 26 as it is coupled to
cap 22 of the solution container 21. Locating pin 23 engages slot
32 to provide a means to retain the engagement of applicator head
26 onto cap 22 of the solution container 21 after assembly.
Applicator head 26 has a receiving member 27 that forms an area
that cooperates with twist-off member 25 such that when the
applicator head 26 is rotated relative to the solution container
21, the receiving member 27 will tear or break the twist-off member
25, which opens the solution container 21 and enables solution to
flow from the solution container 21. The receiving member 27 can be
formed in many suitable ways (including a tongue-and-groove
arrangement), as long as it will engage and tear the twist-off
member 25 when the applicator head 26 is rotated relative to the
solution container 21.
[0038] A preferred embodiment of the receiving member 27 is shown
in FIG. 3, in which the receiving member 27 includes two parallel
members 80 attached to a cross member 28 that extends across the
solution pathway 29 of the applicator head 26. As shown in FIG. 3,
the parallel members 80 capture or mate with a portion of the
twist-off member 25 and when the applicator head 26 is rotated
relative to the solution container 21, the twist-off member 25 is
torn to provide an opening in the solution container 21 at the
frangible portion 24. Cross member 28 extends across the solution
pathway 29 of the applicator head 26 and it can also be designed to
be able to control the rate of fluid flow from the solution
container 21 to the applicating material 31. As shown in FIG. 6,
there may also be apertures 78 that can also control the rate of
flow of fluid and uniform distribution of solution to the
applicating material 31 In a preferred embodiment, there are holes
or apertures 34 through the receiving member 27 which are of
sufficient size to allow enough solution to pass through the
receiving member 27 to the applicating material 31 and also are of
small enough size so that there is not too much solution going to
the applicating material 31.
[0039] FIGS. 4B and 5 show a portion of the solution container 21
with the twist-off member 25, frangible area 24 and fluid path 37
(which is shown as the interior of the portion 36 that carries
fluid from the container portion 91 of the solution container 21 to
the frangible area 24). For the embodiments in which the cap 22 is
threaded to the container portion of the solution container 21,
protruding portion 38 forms a seal with the container portion 91 of
solution container 21 to prevent leakage prior to the activation of
the solution applicator 20. Threads 39 engage with mating threads
82 of the container portion to lock the cap 22 and the container
portion 91 together to form the solution container 21.
[0040] Another preferred embodiment of a solution applicator 40 is
shown in FIGS. 7-13. The solution applicator 40 includes a solution
container 55 having a frangible twist-off member 52 and an
applicator head 47 that engages with the solution container 55 such
that the frangible twist-off member 52 is torn when the solution
container 55 is rotated relative to the applicator head 47. The
solution is contained in the solution container 55 which can be
formed in various shapes, including the oval-shaped solution
container 55 shown in FIGS. 7-9 and 16. The solution container 55
is preferably locked in place to the applicator head 47 by having a
lip 96 formed around the circumference of segment 42 of the
applicator head 47 which mates with a holding ring 88 (see FIG. 12)
that is like a channel around the circumference of the solution
container's 55 circumference into which the lip 96 snaps to thereby
put the applicator head and the solution container in locking
engagement with each other. This lip 96 and channel 88 provide a
sealed connection between the applicator head 47 and solution
container 55 so that the solution does not escape between the
applicator head 47 and solution container 55. The engagement
between the lip 96 and channel 88 allow rotation of the applicator
head 47 relative to the solution container 55, so that the
twist-off member 52 can be torn to create an opening to allow
solution to flow from the solution container 55 to the applicating
material 65 on the end of the applicator head 47.
[0041] The applicator head 47 has a receiving member 53 (as shown
in FIGS. 10, 10A and 10B) that receives the twist-off member 52
such that twisting of the applicator head 47 (and therefore
receiving member 53) relative to the solution container 55 (and
therefore twist-off member 52) will cause the twist-off member 52
to tear an opening in the solution container 55 to thereby allow
solution to flow from the solution container 55 into the applicator
head 47. The receiving member 53 also may have apertures 59
therethrough that help control the flow of fluid past and through
the receiving member 53 so that the solution can flow to the
applicating material 65. The solution applicator 40 may also
contain indicia 13, 97 which indicate to the user that the user
needs to rotate the applicator head 47 relative to the solution
container 55 such that the indicia 13, 97 are aligned, which is a
signal to the user that the twist-off member 52 has been twisted
enough to break it so that there is an opening in the solution
container 55 to release the solution into the applicator head 47.
Indicia 13, 97 may be holes, markings, words, protrusions and
various other suitable types of indicia that will enable a user to
know when the rotation has been sufficient to tear or break the
twist-off member 52. Solution container 55 may also be squeezable
so that a user can squeeze the solution container 55 to increase
the flow of solution to the applicator head 47.
[0042] The parts of the solution applicator 40 may be made of
numerous types of plastic materials including high density
polyethylene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene or polyvinyl
chloride (PVC). The solution container 55 preferably has a grip
portion 41 that a user can easily grasp the solution container 55
to rotate it relative to the applicator head 47.
[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the twist-off member 52 may
also have a retainer mechanism 92 as shown in FIG. 12A that allows
the twist-off member 52 to slide into the receiving member 53 and
then the retainer mechanism 92 expands such that the twist-off
member 52 cannot be pulled back from the receiving member 53. This
helps hold the solution container 55 together with the applicator
head 47. In a preferred embodiment, said retainer mechanism 92 is
V-shaped with a spring force such that the legs of the V squeeze
together when the retainer mechanism 92 and the twist-off member 52
start to be inserted into said receiving member 53. The legs of the
V spring apart when said retainer mechanism 92 is fully inserted
into said receiving member 53 to thereby hold said applicator head
47 and said solution container 55 together. The retainer mechanism
92 is preferably part of the twist-off member 52. The retainer
mechanism 92 can be molded as ribs coming off the end of the break
off section of the twist-off member 52, so that after pushing the
end part of the solution container that contains the twist-off
member 52 into the applicator head 47, the ribs of the retainer
mechanism 92 lock in place into the receiving member 53 making it
impossible for the applicator head to be removed from the solution
container prior to activation (twisting and breaking the twist-off
member 52). It is preferable that the retainer mechanism 92 be
formed of the same material as that of the twist-off member 52.
[0044] The applicator head 47 preferably has a solution pathway 50
that enables solution to flow from the opening from the torn
twist-off member 52 past the receiving member 53 on through the
applicator head 47 to the applicating material 65, which is
attached to flat end 48 of the applicator head 47. The flat end 48
and the applicating material 65 are preferably formed at an angle
as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 to make them ergonomically designed for
the user. The flat end 48 with an orifice 49 therethrough is shown
in FIG. 11. The orifice 49 may be of various sizes and could have a
number of smaller holes therethrough to obtain a suitable flow rate
of the solution to the applicating material 65. The applicating
material 65 is attached to the flat end 48 and the flat end 48 may
have radial slots 89 to allow solution to flow evenly to the
applicating material 65.
[0045] The twist-off member 52 is preferably a tab that extends
outwardly from the solution container 55 and that is connected to
the rest of the solution container 55 by a frangible web 99 that
will tear when the tab is twisted off or twisted to break. This
frangible web 99 is designed so that when the twist-off member 52
is twisted or rotated, the frangible web 99 will tear open to
provide an opening for the solution to flow out of the solution
container 55. It is preferable to have the frangible web 99 be
somewhat thinner than the walls of the rest of the solution
container 55 so that it tears more easily at the location of the
frangible web 99. Ring 90 helps retain solution in the applicator
head 47 so that it does not get on the user's hands near channel
88.
[0046] Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that, given the present disclosure,
modifications may be made to the invention without departing from
the spirit of the inventive concept herein described. Therefore, it
is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the
specific and preferred embodiments illustrated and described.
Rather, it is intended that the scope of the invention be
determined by the appended claims.
* * * * *