Self-dispensing low volume applicator
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a fluid dispensing device that includes a dispensing bristle for selectively dispensing fluid onto an application surface. In an illustrative example, the fluid dispensing device may include a tapered cylindrical valve for flow control. For example, upon applying a predetermined pressure, the tapered cylindrical valve may be opened, allowing the fluid dispensing device to dispense a small amount of fluid (e.g., medicine, soap, shampoo, coconut oil, plant extract combinations) onto an application surface. Various embodiments may advantageously allow a user to dispense a selective amount of the medicine to the scalp.
1 . A dispensing apparatus comprising:
a first housing;
a second housing coupled to the first housing to form a cavity configured to receive a fluid;
a plurality of hollow bristles, each defining a fluid communication channel in fluid communication with the cavity; and,
a plurality of dispensing bristles extending out of the cavity through the fluid communication channels in a stowage mode, the plurality of dispensing bristles connected to a common gusset configured to deform in response to a predetermined force such that, when the predetermined force is applied to at least one of the plurality of dispensing bristles, the at least one dispensing bristle is operated into a dispensing mode within at least one corresponding fluid communication channel of the plurality of hollow bristles such that the fluid is dispensed from the cavity through the at least one corresponding fluid communication channel.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a floor of the cavity is sloped towards an entry into each of the fluid communication channels.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first housing and the second housing comprise a vent configured to resist leakage of the fluid from the cavity through the vent.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the vent comprises a valvular conduit.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein application of the predetermined force generates a pressure in the cavity urging the fluid through the hollow bristles.
6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of dispensing bristles further comprise a first taper and the fluid communication channels further comprise a second taper such that when a force is applied to at least one of the dispensing bristles that is less than the predetermined force the first taper and second taper are configured to sealing close the fluid communication channel of the at least one dispensing bristle, thereby resisting flow of the fluid out of the cavity.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the first taper and second taper are configured such that when a force greater than the predetermined force is applied to at least one of the dispensing bristles, the first taper is forced proximally away from the second taper, thereby operating the at least one dispensing bristle into a dispensing mode within at least one corresponding fluid communication channel of the plurality of hollow bristles such that the fluid is dispensed from the cavity through the at least one corresponding fluid communication channel.
8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the cavity is fluidly sealed except for the fluid communication channels through the hollow bristles.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a tactile dispensing guide element (TDGE) coupled to the first housing; and,
a mating TDGE coupled to the second housing,
wherein the TDGE and the mating TDGE are configured such that an application of the predetermined force onto the first housing operates the TDGE in the first housing to a predetermined interlocking relationship with the mating TDGE in the second housing such tactile feedback is provided that a predetermined amount of fluid has been dispensed from the cavity through the at least one corresponding fluid communication channel.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each gusset urges a corresponding dispensing bristle of the plurality of dispensing bristles into a stowage mode occluding fluid through the corresponding fluid communication channel.