U.S. patent application number 11/146758 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-27 for pre-dosed applicator and applicator system.
Invention is credited to Dragan, William B..
Application Number | 20050239015 11/146758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32092363 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050239015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dragan, William B. |
October 27, 2005 |
Pre-dosed applicator and applicator system
Abstract
An applicator for applying a material such as a chemical or a
medicament. A material to be applied is placed on an absorbent
portion of the applicator, 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 containing an
applicator end having a pre-dosed dry inactive stable material is
combined with a second material 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. The pre-dosed 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.
Inventors: |
Dragan, William B.; (Easton,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL A. FATTIBENE
FATTIBENE AND FATTIBENE
2480 POST ROAD
SOUTHPORT
CT
06890
US
|
Family ID: |
32092363 |
Appl. No.: |
11/146758 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11146758 |
Jun 7, 2005 |
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10264921 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
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6929475 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/80 ;
401/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 5/60 20170201; A61C
5/66 20170201; A61C 5/68 20170201; A61C 19/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/080 ;
401/119 |
International
Class: |
A61C 017/02; B05C
011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
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: a pre-dosed applicator having a
handle and an attached absorbent substance pre-dosed with a first
dry inactive material; and a tray having an applicator well and a
material well, said material well containing a second activating
material, whereby when the first dry 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 further comprising: a cover
placed on the tray covering the applicator well and the material
well.
19. 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.
20. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 19 wherein: said absorbent material
is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, bristles, and
cotton.
21. 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.
22. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 21
wherein: said flock extends along said tapered end from the distal
end to said neck.
23. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 21
wherein: said flock extends between one and two centimeters along
said tapered end.
24. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 21
further comprising: dry material placed on said flock selected from
the group consisting of flavor substance, astringent, abrasive,
antibiotic, analgesic, and antiseptic.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of application
Ser. No. 10/264,921, filed Oct. 4, 2002, which is herein
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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 INVENTION
[0003] Many 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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 INVENTION
[0006] The 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a pre-dosed, single use applicator that is easy to use.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to prevent
cross contaminations between uses or patients.
[0010] 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.
[0011] It is a feature of the present invention that material is
dried on an applicator.
[0012] These and other objects, advantages, and features will
become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator having a
flocked end.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an applicator having a foam
end.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an applicator having an
elongated flocked end.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of an applicator
having an elongated flocked end with a ball tip.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the application of a wedge shaped flocked
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an applicator having a brush
end.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a package
containing a first inactive material on an applicator and a
separate second activating material.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross section illustrating a capsule having a
first inactive material on an applicator and a separate reservoir
of an activating second material.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross section of another embodiment of a capsule
of the present invention having a foam applicator end.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross section of another embodiment of a capsule
of the present invention having a brush applicator end.
[0023] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the
present invention utilizing an applicator tip and a syringe.
[0024] FIG. 10A schematically illustrates another embodiment of the
present invention utilizing an applicator tip and a syringe.
[0025] FIGS. 11A-B schematically illustrates the preparation of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the method steps of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a pre-dosed applicator 10 having a handle
12 and a hinge or neck 14. Adjacent hinge or neck 14 is a tapered
end 16 terminating in a flocked applicator end 18. The flocked
applicator end 18 contains a multitude or plurality of flocks,
hairs, or small bristles adhered to the tapered end 16. The tapered
end 16 may have a ball at the end. The flocked applicator end 18 is
pre-dosed with a material by dipping or otherwise coating the flock
18 with a liquid material and permitting the liquid to dry to an
inactive state. After drying, the material is rendered stable and
inactive, ready to be re-activated. The inactive material may be
re-activated with a second activating material or upon exposure to
a solvent or moisture at the site to be applied.
[0028] 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.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention using a foam applicator end. The pre-dosed foam
applicator 110 has a handle 112 and a hinge or neck 114. Adjacent
the hinge or neck 114 is a tapered end 116. Attached to the tapered
end 116 is a foam applicator 118. The hinge 114 permits the tapered
end 116 to be bent or angled relative to the axis of the handle
112. This helps in the positioning of the foam applicator end 118.
The foam applicator end 118, as in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, is pre-dosed with a material that is dried and capable of
being re-activated. The foam applicator end 118 may also be made of
other absorbent materials such as cotton, fabric, or any other
equivalent absorbent material capable of holding a liquid material
that is dried and re-activated.
[0030] FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the present invention that
may be utilized as a dental wedge, toothpick, or gum or gingival
stimulator. The pre-dosed wedge applicator 210 comprises a handle
212 with a hinge or neck 214. Adjacent the hinge or neck 214 is a
tapered end 216. A flock 218 is adhered to a substantial portion of
the tapered end 216. The longitudinal extent of the flocked wedge
portion 218 is at least the width of a tooth or approximately 0.25
to 2.00 centimeters.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] FIG. 3A illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention having a ball end. The pre-dosed applicator 210A
comprises a handle 212A with a hinge or neck 214A. Adjacent the
hinge or neck 214A is a tapered end 216A. The tapered end in this
embodiment is rounded or an elongated cone. A flock 218A is adhered
to a substantial portion of the tapered end 216A. The longitudinal
extent of the flocked wedge portion 218A is at least the width of a
tooth, or approximately between one and two centimeters. A ball 219
is placed on the end of the tapered end 216A. The ball 219 prevents
injury to the gingival or gums. The flocked wedge may also be used
as a tooth cleaner, toothpick or gingival stimulator. When used as
a toothpick or gingival stimulator, the wedge shaped applicator may
be pre-dosed with flavors, disinfectants, antiseptics, antibiotics,
analgesics, or other similar equivalent materials. When used as a
toothpick or gingival stimulator the flocked wedge portion or
tapered end 216A is used to clean between the teeth without any
pre-dosed material. The flock 218A preferably extends from the
distal end at ball 219 to the neck 214A. The neck 214A facilitates
bending the tapered end 216A.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates the application of another embodiment of
a wedge applicator in use. The wedge applicator 210' comprises a
flocked wedge portion 218' placed on a wedge shaped portion 216'. A
handle 220 may be used to facilitate insertion and removal of the
wedge applicator 210'. The wedge applicator 210' is placed between
the teeth 24 and 26. Gingiva, tissue, or gum 22 is adjacent the
base of the teeth 24 and 26.
[0035] 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.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a pre-dosed brush
applicator 310. This embodiment comprises a handle 312, a hinge or
a crimp 314 placed adjacent an end portion having a brush 318
formed therein. The brush 318 may be pre-dosed with an inactive
stable material. The material may then be re-activated for use or
to apply the re-activated material.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a package having an inactive first material
and an activating second material. A pre-dosed applicator 10 having
a handle 12 is placed within a tray 28. The tray 28 has an
applicator well 32 and a material well 36 formed therein. The tray
28 may be made of an suitable plastic material. The applicator 10
is held within the applicator well 32 of tray 28 and has an
applicator end 18 that is pre-dosed with a first inactive stable
material. The applicator end 18 may be a brush as illustrated, or a
flock, sponge, or other equivalent material. The activating
material well 30 contains an activating second material 36. A cover
34 may be used to seal the top surface of tray 28 protecting the
pre-dosed applicator 10 and the second activating material 36.
[0038] 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.
[0039] FIGS. 7-9 are cross-sections of capsule embodiments of the
present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross section of a capsule
embodiment of the present invention. Capsule 38 comprises a body 40
having a discharge end 42. Placed in the discharge end 42 is a
cannula 44. Cannula 44 is preferably made of a malleable medal. A
flocked applicator end 46 is placed on the distal end of the
cannula 44. The flocked applicator end 46 is pre-dosed with a first
stable inactive material. A second activating material 48 is placed
within the body 40 of capsule 38. A piston 50 seals the rearward
open end of the body 40. A flange 52 is placed adjacent the open
end of body 40 so as to attach to a dispenser, not illustrated. In
this embodiment, upon advancing piston 50, the second activating
material 48 is dispensed through cannula 44 and through the flocked
applicator end 46, combining with the inactive stable material on
the flocked applicator end 46. Accordingly, two component or
two-part materials may be dispensed easily without any
pre-mixing.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a cross section of another embodiment of a capsule
138. Capsule 138 has a body 140 with a discharge end 142. Placed
within discharge end 142 is a cannula 144. Attached to cannula 144
is a foam applicator 146. The open end of the body 140 is sealed
with a piston 150. Adjacent the open end of body 140 is a flange
152. A second activating material 148 is placed within the body
140. The co-action of the first material contained within the foam
applicator end 146 and the second material 148 contained within the
body 140 results in the two material being combined and activated,
having a desired therapeutic effect.
[0041] FIG. 9 is yet another embodiment of a capsule of the present
invention. Capsule 238 comprises a body 240 having a discharge end
242 with a cannula 244 placed therein. Within cannula 244 are
bristles 246 forming a bristle brush. The open end of the body 240
is sealed with a piston 250. The bristles 246 are pre-dosed with a
stable inactive first material. The body 240 contains a second
stable inactive material 248. Upon advancing the piston 250 towards
the discharge end 242, the second material 248 is forced through
cannula 244 and through bristles 246. The combining of the first
and second materials results in activation of the materials to
obtain a desired action.
[0042] 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.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, an empty tip 338 may be attached to
a syringe 354 by an attachment means 353. The mating or attachment
means 353 of the empty tip 338 and the syringe 354 may be
accomplished by any equivalent known attachment structure, such as
a Luhr lock conventionally used on syringes. The tip 338 may also
simply be press-fit onto the discharge end 352 of the syringe 354.
Threads or a bayonet type structure may also be used as means for
attaching the tip 338 to the syringe 354. Other equivalent
attachment means may be used to hold the tip 338 onto the syringe
354.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] FIG. 10A illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, an empty tip 338' may be attached to
a syringe 354' by an attachment means 353'. In this embodiment the
attachment means 353, is a press-fit. Other equivalent attachment
means may be used to hold the tip 338' onto the syringe 354'.
[0047] 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'.
[0048] FIGS. 11A-D schematically illustrate the manufacturing
process for making an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A
illustrates dipping an applicator 10' into a container 60 holding a
solution or suspension 62 containing a material intended to be
applied with the applicator 10'. The flocked end 18' of the
applicator 10' absorbs a portion of the solution or suspension
containing the material. FIG. 11B illustrates drying the dipped
flocked end 18'. A fan 64 may be used to dry the flocked end 18' of
applicator 10'. FIG. 11C illustrates the flocked end 18' of the
applicator 10' having dried material 62' from the solution or
suspension contained within the flocked end 18'. When desired the
material 62' in the flocked end 18' may be reactivated and applied.
The material 62' may be reactivated by dipping the flocked end 18'
into a solvent for the material 62' or may be reactivated in the
environment in which the applicator 10' is used. For example,
saliva in a patient's mouth may activate the material 62' to be
applied to a tooth. FIG. 11D illustrates applying the material on
the flocked end 18' of the dosed applicator 10' to a tooth 26'.
While FIGS. 11A-D illustrate the use of an applicator 10' having a
flocked end 18', any equivalent type of applicator may be used. For
example, a brush, sponge, or cotton swab type applicator may be
used.
[0049] FIG. 12 illustrates the method steps in an embodiment of the
present invention. Box 410 represents the step of applying a first
material to an applicator. Box 412 represents the method step of
drying the material on the applicator. Box 414 represents the
method step of activating the dried material. Box 416 represents
the step of applying the activated material.
[0050] 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.
* * * * *