APPLICATOR
An applicator ( 100 ) comprising an elongated hollow body ( 120 ) comprising a distal portion ( 123 ), a proximal portion ( 124 ) having an open end, an exterior surface ( 127 ), an interior surface ( 126 ), and a filter ( 135 ). The interior surface of the applicator defines an internal chamber suitable for receiving an ampoule ( 160 ) formed of a frangible material located in the internal chamber proximal to the filter. A spacer ( 185 ) having a distal end and a proximal end is provided, and a cap ( 180 ) having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an exterior surface, and an interior surface is provided that attaches to the open end of the applicator and maintains the ampoule and spacer in their respective desired positions. The applicator comprises a head ( 140 ) including an absorbent component ( 110 ) that is capable of absorbing the contents of the frangible ampoule and facilitates applying the contents to the desired surface.
1 . An applicator for applying a substance to a surface, the applicator comprising:
a hollow body, wherein the hollow body includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, an exterior surface, an interior surface, an activation region, and a filter;
a frangible ampoule, wherein the frangible ampoule contains the substance;
a cap, wherein the cap includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, an exterior surface, and an interior surface, and;
a spacer, wherein the spacer includes a distal end and a proximal end,
wherein the frangible ampoule is located in the hollow body between the filter and the distal end of the spacer, wherein at least a portion of the frangible ampoule is located in the activation region, and wherein the spacer is located between the frangible ampoule and the cap.
2 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the hollow body includes a vent.
3 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the hollow body has a frustoconical geometry and tapers along the longitudinal axis of the hollow body from the proximal portion to the distal portion.
4 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the hollow body is formed of a polymer.
5 . (canceled)
6 . (canceled)
7 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the frangible ampoule abuts the filter.
8 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal length of the spacer and cap L 1 is at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the frangible ampoule.
9 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the spacer extends distally beyond the distal end of the cap by a length L 2 , wherein L 2 is 50% to 500% of the longitudinal cap length L 3 .
10 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal length of the spacer and cap L 1 is 50% to 800% of the longitudinal length of frangible ampoule.
11 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the cap and the hollow body are joined with an adhesive, a snap fit mechanism, a threaded mechanism, a heat seal, a spin weld, an ultrasonic weld, and combinations thereof.
12 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the cap covers a portion of the vent.
13 . (canceled)
14 . (canceled)
15 . (canceled)
16 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the spacer includes a channel.
17 . (canceled)
18 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the spacer abuts the frangible ampoule.
19 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the spacer has convex curvature.
20 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the spacer abuts the interior surface of the proximal portion of the cap.
21 . (canceled)
22 . (canceled)
23 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the spacer and the cap are combined.
24 . (canceled)
25 . (canceled)
26 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the spacer includes a helical portion.
27 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the activation region includes a rib, wherein the rib extends from the interior surface of the body.
28 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the interior surface of the body further comprises an ampoule spacer.
29 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a gel, a suspension, a paste, and combinations thereof.
30 . (canceled)
31 . (canceled)
32 . The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the applicator further comprises an absorbent component.