Abstract:
A liquid dispensing applicator may include a liquid source for housing a liquid, the liquid source having a first end and a second end, the second end being closed; a swab member for dispensing said liquid, the swab member being disposed at the first end; and at least one capillary member being in fluid communication with the liquid source, the capillary tube directing fluid out from the liquid source onto an exterior of the swab member upon application of pressure to the liquid source. A liquid dispensing applicator may also include an applicator tip fluidically connected to the liquid source including a frangible juncture and a tongue member coupled to the frangible junction, application of force to the tongue member causing the frangible junction to fracture while remaining attached to the tongue member, resulting in at least one aperture to form through which liquid from the liquid source is dischargeable.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims priority from, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.  14 / 556 , 401  for a DISPENDING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS filed Dec.  1 ,  2014  (now allowed), which is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No.  13 / 971 , 425  for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS filed Aug.  20 ,  2013 , now U.S. Pat. No.  8 , 926 , 211  issued Jan.  6 ,  2015 , which in turn is a continuation of and claims to priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No.  13 / 485 , 013  for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, which is now U.S. Pat, No.  8 , 608 , 397  issued Dec.  17 ,  2013 , which in turn is a continuation of and claims to priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No.  13 / 102 , 973  for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, which is now U.S. Pat. No.  8 , 215 , 859 , which in turn is a continuation of and claims to priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No.  12 / 579 , 728  for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, which is now U.S. Pat. No.  7 , 946 , 779  issued May  24 ,  2011 , which in turn is a continuation of and claims to priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No.  11 / 138 , 142  for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, now U.S. Pat. No.  7 , 614811  issued Nov.  10 ,  2009 , and incorporates those applications in their entirety herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed in general to means for swabbing a surface (i.e., skin) that is gripped by a user at one end and has a sponge or absorbent material at the other end. Further, the present invention is directed to such means for swabbing a surface having a source of a fluid (e.g., disinfectant or medicament) in communication with the sponge or absorbent material. Specifically, the present invention is directed to such a fluid-containing means for swabbing a surface further having means that is fractured or separated for the purpose of allowing the fluid to flow from the fluid source to the sponge or absorbent material. 
       Description of the Related Art 
       [0003]    Applicators consisting of a wooden or plastic tube having a bud of cotton on one or both ends, are widely used for numerous purposes, such as the topical application of substances to the human body. A demand exists for a product of this kind which serves not only as an applicator, but also as a container for substances that are to be applied to the human body. To be practical, such a device would have to have a manually frangible portion that can readily be broken, while at the same time being so constructed so as to prevent inadvertent fracture. An applicator of this nature would be useful for numerous purposes. 
         [0004]    Prior dispensing applicators allow excess amount fluid to flow too quickly, and the fluid tends to pool on the surface. Depending upon the fluid being dispensed, such pooling can lead to patient discomfort, chemical burns, and even electrical shock if the dispensed fluid comes into contact with electrical leads attached to the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0005]    Moreover, in prior art dispensing applicators, the dispensed fluid tends to accumulate at the rear-most portion of the absorbent member, which is closest to the fluid source, instead of preferably evenly spreading throughout the absorbent member, As the volume of the dispensed fluid gradually increases at the rear portion of the absorbent member, the fluid starts uncontrollably dripping, thus, causing substantial inconvenience to a user. 
         [0006]    A need, therefore, exists for a dispensing applicator overcoming the above-identified drawbacks of the known related art. 
         [0007]    A further need exists for a hand-held dispensing applicator that has a simple structure allowing the practitioner to deliver fluid to the surfaces to be treated in a controllable manner. 
         [0008]    Another need exists for a dispensing applicator that has an easily actuatable structure requiring minimal application of manual force. 
         [0009]    Further, a need exists for a hand-held dispensing applicator that has a structure minimizing uncontrollable distribution of fluid. 
       ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing applicator. The applicator may include a liquid source for housing a liquid, the liquid source having a first end and a second end, the second end being closed; a swab member for dispensing said liquid, the swab member being disposed at the first end; and at least one capillary member being in fluid communication with the liquid source, the capillary tube directing fluid out from the liquid source onto an exterior of the swab member upon application of pressure to the liquid source. The at least one capillary member may include a capillary tube, the capillary tube traversing the absorbent member, The swab member may include an inner surface in fluid communication with the fluid source. The applicator may further include an absorbent member, the absorbent member adjacent to the swab member, which may be configured to not be in fluid communication with the liquid source. The absorbent member and the swab member may have center axes extending through exterior surfaces thereof, the center axes being orthogonal with respect to one another. The liquid source has an axis extending lengthwise through the liquid source, the axis extending lengthwise through the liquid source being disposed substantially between the swab and absorbent members. The at least one capillary member may include a capillary vessel disposed between the swab member and the liquid source, the capillary vessel permitting flow of fluid from the fluid source to the swab member only upon application of a predetermined amount of pressure to the fluid source. An attachment member may be coupled to the fluid source, the capillary vessel traversing through the attachment member. The attachment member may be configured to direct liquid from the fluid source toward a center axis extending lengthwise through the fluid source. An applicator tip may be disposed at a distal end of the attachment member, the applicator tip comprising a frangible portion and a tongue member. 
         [0011]    A liquid dispensing applicator may include a liquid source for housing a liquid, the liquid source having a first end and a second end, the second end being closed; and an applicator tip fluidically connected to the liquid source, the applicator tip including a frangible juncture and a tongue member coupled to the frangible junction, application of force to the tongue member causing the frangible junction to fracture while remaining attached to the tongue member, resulting in at least one aperture to form through which liquid from the liquid source is dischargeable. The tongue member may include at least one reinforcing rib connected to frangible juncture. The at least one reinforcing tip may be configured to inhibit flexing of the tongue member and to concentrate the applied force at the frangible juncture. The at least one reinforcing rib may include a first rib at a first end of the frangible juncture and a second rib at a second end of the frangible juncture and a third rib therebetween, the first and second ribs being configured to break while the third rib remains secured to the frangible juncture. The tongue member may be hingedly connected to the frangible juncture, flexing of the tongue member relative to the frangible juncture causing the frangible juncture to fracture. The applicator tip may be disposed within an absorbent applicator member, The absorbent applicator member may be multi-sided. 
         [0012]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of methods, structures and compositions for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood, by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
           [0014]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a dispensing applicator according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of the dispensing applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3A  is a front devotional view of a preferred applicator tip for the dispensing applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3B  is a side elevational view of the applicator tip of  FIG. 3  wherein the frangible region is broken; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3C  is a top view of the applicator tip of  FIG. 3B  wherein apertures are formed in the broken frangible region; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a first preferred tongue member for an applicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a second preferred tongue member for an applicator tip for the dispensing applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a third preferred tongue member for an applicator tip for the dispensing applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of a fourth preferred tongue member for an applicator tip for the dispensing applicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional side view of the dispensing applicator constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  is a diagrammatic view illustrating two positions of the dispensing applicator of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0026]    FIG,  6  is a side view of a dispensing applicator structured in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention and showing a cross-sectional side view of the applicator tip; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a perspective detail view of an applicator tip for use in a dispensing applicator according to the present invention having a semi-cover surrounding the frangible portion to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of a further aspect of an embodiment of an applicator according to the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of another aspect of an embodiment of the dispensing applicator configured with a collecting and guiding means for minimizing unintended evacuation of fluid via a proximal end of a fluid absorbent member enabling a preferred directional fluid flow; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10A and 10B  are side sectional and rear sectional views of still another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11A  is a side cross-sectional view of a dispensing applicator according to the present invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 11B  is a side cross-sectional view of a further aspect of an embodiment of the dispensing applicator according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, compositions and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention. 
         [0034]    Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified, form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, below, etc., or motional terms, such as forward, back, sideways, transverse, etc. may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
         [0035]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, illustrate a dispensing applicator according to the present invention generally indicated as reference numeral  1 . Dispensing applicator  1  comprises an absorbent applicator member  8 , a fluid source  10 , and an applicator tip  15 . Absorbent member  8  may be of any suitable shape, such as cubic, cylindrical, or conical, and comprise any suitable absorbent material, such as cotton or sponge. Fluid source  10  may have any suitable shape. As is shown in  FIG. 1 , fluid source  10  is preferably a hollow, generally cylindrical body. The end of fluid source body located adjacent to absorbent member  8  is preferably sealed thereto at a joint or seam  30 , such as by heat sealing, to enclose the fluid substance contained within fluid source body  10 , Applicator tip  15  comprises an attachment member  16 , an attachment portion  17 , and tongue member  18  joined thereto by a tapered frangible region or juncture  19 . Tongue member  18  is preferably a flat and broad shape that extends a distance into absorbent member  8 , such that tongue member  18  is longer than it is wide (see  FIGS. 4A to 4D ). It should be noted that, the attachment portion  17  is relatively thick adjacent the fluid source body  10 , and tapers toward frangible juncture  19 . Absorbent member  8  is preferably connected to attachment portion  17  and/or fluid source body  10 . 
         [0036]    The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator  1  will be self-evident, and simply involves holding the dispensing applicator  1  with the absorbent application member  8  against an application surface. Dispensing applicator  1  is held such that tongue member  18  is at an acute angle (i.e., substantially parallel) to the application surface. Sufficient downward pressure of tongue member  18  against the application surface will deflect tongue member  18  from the central, axis c of the fluid source body  10 . At a pre-determined amount of deflection, the frangible juncture  19  will fracture or break. Fracture of the frangible juncture  19  will desirably be achieved by the application of approximately  0 . 25  to  5  pounds of force of tongue member  18  against the application surface. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , breaking frangible juncture  19  will result in the formation of one or more apertures  12  through which fluid from source body  10  may flow into absorbent member  8  (not shown). 
         [0038]    In its most preferable form, all portions of the source body  10  will have a wall thickness that is substantially uniform at a value of about 0.005 inch to about 0.025 inch (about 0,127 mm to about 0.635 mm). The source body  10  is preferably made of polypropylene having a density of 0.897 g/cm 2  and a flexural modulus of about 150 Kpsi (about 1035 MPa), as determined by. ASTM method 790B. The source body  10  is preferably about 6 inches to about 10 inches in overall length, and about 0.25 to about 1.0 inches in diameter, so as to be convenient to grasp and still contain sufficient fluid for a single application. 
         [0039]    The applicator tip  15  is about 1 to 3 inches long, and about 0.325 inches in diameter. The frangible juncture  19  will preferably have a thickness of about 0.0005 inch to about 0.002 inch (about 0.013 mm to about 0.050 mm). The one or more apertures  12 , which are produced by the fracture of frangible juncture  19 , may be of any suitable size, but preferably have a width and height that is substantially correlated to the width and thickness of large ribs  31 ,  32  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3C , tongue member  18  preferably comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs  31 ,  32 . Due to the reinforcing ribs and the resultant rigidity of tongue member  18 , there will be virtually no flex along the length of tongue  18 , and an applied force on tongue member  18  will be effectively entirely transferred to and concentrated at frangible juncture  19 . The result will be the reliable fracturing of frangible juncture  19 , which fracturing results in the formation of one or more apertures  12  of suitable size to permit the fluid within the fluid source body  10  to be discharged therefrom and distributed across a predetermined area of absorbent application member  8  ( FIG. 1 ). As noted above, it will generally be desirable for the material forming fluid source body  10  to be sufficiently thin to permit some compression of fluid source body  10 , so as to enable discharge of a liquid therein at a faster rate than would otherwise occur, and/or to promote the flow of the fluid, especially if the fluid is relatively viscous. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a first arrangement of ribs for a tongue  18   a . As shown, tongue  18   a  is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge  40   a , a top edge  41   a , and side edges  42   a ,  43   a . Bottom edge  40   a  is substantially linear with a central point  45   a  and corners  46   a ,  47   a  at which the proximate ends of respective side edges  42   a ,  43   a  meet. Top edge  41   a  is curvilinear with an apex  48   a  and corners  49   a ,  50   a  at which the distal ends of respective side edges  42   a ,  43   a  terminate, Central point  45   a  and apex  48   a  lie along central axis c. The distance between central point  45   a  and apex  48   a  is the length of tongue  18   a , while the distance between corners  49   a ,  50   a  is the width of tongue  18   a , The thickness  51   a  of tongue  18   a  is the distance between the top and bottom surfaces thereof Side edges  42   a ,  43   a  each have a respective large rib  31   a ,  30   a  extending along the entire length thereof. It is notable that tongue  18   a  extends a distance beyond the length of the large ribs  31   a ,  30   a , to apex  48   a , whereby top edge  41   a  is not reinforced. Ribs  31   a ,  30   a  are each about 3 times the thickness of tongue  18   a  and about ⅕′ th  the width of tongue  18   a . Small ribs  32  are disposed directly adjacent to their respective large rib  31   a ,  30   a  on the side thereof that is proximate to central axis c. Each small rib  32  extends from bottom edge  40   a  for a distance that is about 3/10 th  the length of the large ribs  31   a ,  32   a . Each small rib  32  is about 2 times the thickness of tongue  18   a  and about 1/10 th  the width of tongue  18   a.    
         [0042]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a second arrangement of ribs for a tongue  18   b , As shown, tongue  18   b  is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge  40   b , a top edge  41   b , and side edges  42   b ,  43   b , Bottom edge  40   b  is substantially linear with a central point  45   b  and corners  46   b ,  47   b  at which the proximate ends of respective side edge  42   b ,  43   b  meet. Top edge  41   b  is curvilinear with an apex  48   b  and corners  49   b ,  50   b  at which the distal ends of respective side edges  42   b ,  43   b  terminate. Central point  45   b  and apex  48   b  lie along central axis c (see  FIG. 2 ). The distance between central point  45   b  and apex  48   b  is the length of tongue  18   b , while the distance between corners  49   b ,  50   b  is the width of tongue  18   b . The thickness  51   b  of tongue  18   b  is the distance between the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges  42   b ,  43   b  each have a respective large rib  31   b ,  32   b  extending along the entire length thereof. Large ribs  31   b  are each about 3 times the thickness of tongue  18   b  and about ⅕ th  the width of tongue  18   b . Small half-ribs  33   b ,  34   b  are disposed directly adjacent to their respective large ribs  31   b  on the sides thereof that are proximate to central axis c. A small rib  35   b  is disposed along central axis c. Each small half-rib  33   b ,  34   b  extends from bottom edge  40   b  a distance that is about 3/10 th  the length of the large ribs  31   b . Each small half-rib  33   b ,  34   b  is about 2 times the thickness of tongue  18   b  and about 1/20 th  the width of tongue  18   b . The small rib  35   b  is about 2 times the thickness of tongue  18   b  and about 1/10 th  the width of tongue  18   b.    
         [0043]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a third arrangement of ribs for a tongue  18   c . As shown, tongue  18   c  is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge  40   c , a top edge  41   c , and side edges  42   c ,  43   c . Bottom edge  40   c  is substantially linear with a central point  45   c  and corners  46   c ,  47   c  at which the proximate ends of respective side edge  42   c ,  43   c  meet. Top edge  41   c  is curvilinear with an apex  48   c  and corners  49   c ,  50   c  at which the distal ends of respect side edges  42   c ,  43   c  terminate. Central point  45   c  and apex  48   c  lie along central axis c (see  FIG. 2 ), The distance between central point  45   c  and apex  48   c  is the length of tongue  18   c , while the distance between corners  49   c ,  50   c  is the width of tongue  18   c . The thickness  51   c  of tongue  18   c  is the distance between the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges  42   c ,  43   c  each has a respective large rib  31   c ,  32   c  extending along the entire length thereof. Large ribs  31   c ,  32   c  are each about 3 times the thickness of tongue  18   c  and about ⅕ th  the width of tongue  18   c . A small rib  35   c  is disposed along central axis c. The small rib  35   c  extends from bottom edge  40   c  a distance that is about 3/10 the length of the large ribs  31 . The small rib  35   c  is about 2 times the thickness of tongue  18   c  and about 1/10 th  the width of tongue  18   c.    
         [0044]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a fourth arrangement of ribs for a tongue  18   d . As shown, tongue  18   d  is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge  40   d , a top edge  41   d , and side edges  42   d ,  43   d . Bottom edge  40   d  is substantially linear with a central point  45   d  and corners  46   d ,  47   d  at which the proximate ends of respective side edge  42   d ,  43   d  meet. Top edge  41   d  is curvilinear with an apex  48   d  and comers  49   d ,  50   d  at which the distal ends of respect side edges  42   d ,  43   d  terminate. Central point  45   d  and apex  48   d  both lie along central axis c (see  FIG. 2 ). The distance between central point  45   d  and apex  48   d  is the length of tongue  18   d , while the distance between corners  49   d ,  50   d  is the width of tongue  18   d . The thickness  51   d  of tongue  18   d  is the distance between the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges  42   d ,  43   d  each has a respective large rib  31   d ,  32   d  extending along the entire length thereof Large ribs  31   d ,  32   d  are each about 3 times the thickness of tongue  18   d  and about ⅕ th  the width of tongue  18   d . Spaced apart from each large rib  31   d ,  32   d  is a respective small rib  33   d ,  34   d . The small ribs  33   d ,  34   d  are spaced apart from each other and evenly spaced from central axis c. The small ribs  33   d ,  34   d  are closer to central axis c than to their respective large ribs  31   d ,  32   d . The small ribs  33   d ,  34   d  extend from bottom edge  40   b  a distance that is about 3/10 the length of the large ribs  31   d ,  32   d . The small ribs  33   d ,  34   d  are about 2 times the thickness of tongue  18   b  and about 1/10 th  the width of tongue  18   b . Each small rib  33   d ,  34   d  is spaced apart from the central axis c by a distance that is approximately equal to its respective width. The small ribs  33   d ,  34   d  are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is approximately equal to 2 times the width of either small rib  33   d  or  34   d . Each small rib  33   d ,  34   d  is spaced apart from its respective large rib  31   d ,  32   d  by a distance that is approximately equal to 2 times its respective width. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a second dispensing applicator  100  according to the present invention. Dispensing applicator  100  comprises an applicator head  108 , a source of fluid, which is shown as a hollow, generally cylindrical body  110 , and an applicator tip  115 , which has an attachment member  117  and tongue member  118  joined thereto by a tapered frangible juncture  119 . Fluid source body  110  and applicator tip  115  are respectively identical in form and function to fluid source body  10  and applicator tip  15  described hereinabove in reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4D . 
         [0046]    In addition, dispensing applicator member  100  is provided with an absorbent swab member  210 , and an inwardly projecting ridge-shaped member  215  provided within body  110 . A portion of body  110  is adapted to hold and/or support absorbent applicator member  105 . As shown, absorbent applicator member  105  is held and supported on a surface  106 . Surface  106  is provided with at least one aperture  107 , such that the fluid may flow from the interior of body  110  into absorbent applicator member  105 , as discussed in further detail herein below. Furthermore, a portion of body  110  is adapted to hold and/or support absorbent swab member  210 . 
         [0047]    As shown, absorbent swab member  210  is held and supported on a surface  101  that is connected to body  110  by a stock member  204 , Absorbent swab member  210  is preferably not in fluid communication with the interior of body  110 . Outer surface  201  of applicator member  105  is oriented relative to body  200  such that, when absorbent applicator member  105  is substantially parallel to an application surface (i.e., in contact with the application surface), the central axis c of body  110  forms an angle of about 45° with the application surface, which angle provides a comfortable grip for the user and facilitates the flow of fluid through the interior of body  110  into absorbent application member  105 . Similarly, outer surface  201  of swab member  210  is oriented relative to body  200 , such that, when absorbent swab member  210  is substantially parallel to an application surface (i.e., in contact with the application surface), the central axis c of body  200  forms an angle of about 30° with the application surface, which angle provides a comfortable grip for the user and allows the user to spread the applied fluid over a relatively large area with relatively less arm movement and/or extension. 
         [0048]    The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator  100  involves holding the dispensing applicator  100  with the absorbent application member  105  against an application surface. Downward pressure of applicator  100  against the application surface will displace head  108  upwardly and force ridge-shaped member  215  into contact with tongue member  118 . Sufficient upward pressure of ridge-shaped member  215  against tongue member  118  will upwardly deflect the tongue member  118  from the central axis c of the fluid source body  110 . At a predetermined amount of deflection, the frangible juncture  119  will fracture or break. Fracture of the frangible juncture  119  will desirably be achieved by the application of approximately 0.25 to 5 pounds of downward force of applicator  100  against the application surface. Breaking frangible juncture  119  will result fluid from fluid source body  110  flowing into head  108 . Comparable to breaking frangible region  19  of applicator tip  15 , as discussed hereinabove reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3C , breaking frangible region  119  of applicator tip  115  results in the formation of one or more apertures in applicator tip  115  through, which fluid from source body  110  may flow into head  108 . Thus, in general, applicator tip  15  is comparable in form and structure to applicator tip  115 . 
         [0049]    Absorbent swab member  210  may be employed for a variety of purposes. Swab  210  may be used to spread a fluid over the application surface after the application member  205  initially applies the fluid. Using swab  210  in this way would be particularly advantageous if the amount of fluid that is desired to cover a relatively large surface area has been inadvertently applied to a relatively small area, which may occur if application member  105  becomes over-saturated with fluid and can no longer effectively regulate the flow rate and amount of fluid being applied. Moreover, swab member  210  may be used to soak up fluid on the application surface, for example, when an excess of fluid has been, applied or the fluid has been applied over the wrong area. 
         [0050]    As stated above, absorbent swab member  210  is preferably not in fluid communication with the interior of body  200 . However, a possible use for swab  210  is applying fluid to a second surface area that is separate and apart from the surface area over which used absorbent application member  205 . In the critical interest of avoiding cross-contamination, it is desirable to use the application member  105  over only a single contiguous surface area that should be relatively limited (e.g., the upper front of the torso, instead of the entire front of the torso). Accordingly, after an initial application, any additional fluid in a given dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized. Therefore, in another embodiment of absorbent applicator head  108 , there is provided at least one aperture (not shown) in surface  101 , such that fluid may flow from the interior of body  200  into absorbent swab member  210 . 
         [0051]    Head  108  may be detachable from fluid body  110 . Fluid body  110  may contain an amount of fluid that is greater than is necessary for a given application, Accordingly, after an initial application, any additional fluid in a given dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized. Therefore, in another embodiment of applicator  100 , fluid body  110  is removably attached to head  108  so that head  108  may be disposed of separately from fluid body  110 . If fluid body  110  contains residual fluid after an initial application, other absorbent head may be attached to fluid body  110 , thereby allowing the residual fluid to be applied to another application surface. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , as stated above, it is desirous to avoid cross-contamination by using a given absorbent applicator over only a single contiguous, relatively limited, surface area. Yet, using a given absorbent application in such a manner will often result in an amount of fluid therein being wasted. Accordingly, a dispensing applicator according to the present invention, generally indicated as reference numeral  300 , may be provided with a relatively larger, multi-sided absorbent applicator member  308 , such that different sides thereof may be used on different surface areas. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an applicator tip having a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover or shield  400  substantially surrounding frangible juncture  19 . The purpose of cover  400  is to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of fluid in a surrounding absorbent member (not shown). 
         [0054]    Preferably, a rearward edge  401  of cover  400  will be attached to applicator tip  15 . More preferably, rearward edge  401  will be fully sealed around applicator tip  15  without gaps or holes so that fluid may not flow rearward under edge  401 . If cover  400  is semi-permeable adjacent to rearward edge  401 , fluid may flow rearward through cover  400 , but preferably will not flow rearward under edge  401  given the more preferable fully sealed attachment thereof to applicator tip  15 . In contrast, a forward or distal edge  402  of cover  400  is preferably free and unattached to applicator tip  15  so that fluid may flow forward under cover  400  substantially without being impeded thereby. 
         [0055]    Preferably, cover  400  is formed as a seamless, unitary cylindrical sleeve. Nonetheless, cover  400  may be of any suitable shape and construction. Depending upon its intended function, cover  400  may be semi-permeable or impermeable to fluid. Cover  400  may be made of various materials, including natural and/or synthetic rubbers, thermoplastics (e.g., polyethylene), cellulosic materials or similar fibers (i.e., natural polymeric fibers), and metallic materials. Cover  400  may be a contiguous sheet, a mesh, a felt, or another suitable form, with or without reinforcing fibers and/or seams (i.e., “rip-stop” seams). 
         [0056]    Preferably, cover  400  is pliable and flexible so that it does not impede deflection of tongue member  18 , In other words, it is preferable that cover  400  does not hinder the breaking of frangible juncture  19 . 
         [0057]    However, surrounding frangible juncture  19  with a cover  400  having suitable thickness and/or stiffness will provide a level of reinforcement that prevents inadvertent breaking of frangible juncture  19 . According, by employing a suitable thick and/or stiff cover  400 , tongue member  18  may be provided without reinforcing ribs. Thus, employing cover  400  to reinforce frangible juncture  19  will advantageously simplify production of application tip  15 , since tongue member  18  may be molded as a simple flat extension. 
         [0058]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a dip mold process may be used to make source body  10 , applicator tip  15 , or both. The dip molding process begins with preheating of a male mold made from a material having relatively high heat capacity and coefficient of thermal conductivity. This heated mold is then placed in a fluidized bed of meltable particulate resinous material for a time needed to provide a coating of a desired thickness. The mold with melted resinous material is then removed from the fluidized bed, heated a second time and cooled. Finally the tube component is stripped from the mold. 
         [0059]    As noted above, it is important for the proper functioning of the applicator that the tube be fabricated from a material that is sufficiently rigid to enable manual fracture of the frangible end portion, If the material is too flexible, deflection of the stem will not produce the desired result. On the other hand, if the material is excessively rigid and brittle, the possibility of an inadvertent fracture will exist, and compression of the body portion to promote flow would be precluded due to the likelihood of cracking, or simply because excess force is required. A variety of synthetic resinous materials may be utilized, the selection of which will be evident to those skilled in the art. The resin must have a sufficiently low melt viscosity to permit coverage of all mold surfaces, and it must produce a nonporous and pinhole-free structure. The polymer will normally be a thermoplastic, and exemplary materials include polypropylene, high density polyethylene, rigid polyvinyl chloride and nylon. 
         [0060]    The tongue member of the applicator tip will preferably be elongated to facilitate attachment thereof to the absorbent member  8 . However, it is not, essential that the tongue member  18  be of any specific shape and, for example, may be rectangular or cylindrical. Regardless of the shape of tongue member  18 , it is essential that suitable reinforcing ribs, as described hereinabove, be included to prevent unintentional breaking of frangible portion  19 . Moreover, the shape of tongue member  18  will dictate the shape of the orifice formed in applicator tip  15  where the tongue member  18  is separated from attachment member  17 . Accordingly, the flow rate and overall amount of fluid applied to an application surface by dispensing applicator  1  is a function of several factors, including the shape and strength of tongue member  18  (and the resulting orifice), the porosity of absorbent member  8 , the density of the fluid, and the force employed by the user when breaking frangible portion  19  and pressing absorbent member  8  against the application surface. Determining the optimal flow rate for a given application is well within the ability of one skilled in the art and, therefore, will not be elaborated upon herein. 
         [0061]    As stated above, the porous member may be made of any suitable material(s), most notably open cell, soft, and pliant sponge-like foam, that may be, for example, a polyurethane composition. The choice of material will depend largely upon the particular application and the characteristics of tongue member  18  and the fluid held in source body  10 . 
         [0062]    In its normal form, source body  10  will be of circular cross-section. However, other shapes are also believed to be feasible. The source body  10  may have a square, triangular, or rectangular cross-section, and the shape may indeed be asymmetrical in cross section and of dissimilar shapes at different points along its length. It will be appreciated therefore that, as used herein the term “diameter” is to be construed in a broad sense, so as to be applicable to non-circular elements corresponding to those shown, and to refer to the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the element. Although normally completely hollow, the source body  10  may include appropriate reinforcement elements, such as internal support pillars, to provide adequate overall strength and rigidity, while permitting the source body  10  to have a thinner than would otherwise be possible. Likewise, source body  10  may include a solid portion, for example, to be gripped while breaking frangible portion  19 , so that source body  10  will not be prematurely compressed or squeezed, which might result in too much fluid flowing too quickly into absorbent member  8 . 
         [0063]    Controlling a rate of dispensing fluid is critical because a) oversaturation of the absorbent member reduces the collecting capability of this member, and b) back flow of the delivered fluid from the distal end towards the proximal end of the absorbent member interferes with the physician&#39;s work. Accordingly,  FIG. 8  illustrates a further embodiment of the invention directed to a dispensing applicator  350  which is configured to prevent fluid from uncontrollably entering an attachment member  354  that is coupled to tip  15 . At least one, but preferably a multiplicity of capillary vessels  352  is provided within the attachment member. Being in fluid communication with a source body  360 , vessels  352 , by virtue of their cross-section, meter an amount of fluid penetrating into the absorbent member (not shown). Thus, a combination of the openings, which are formed as a result of breaking frangible region  19  and vessels  352 , effectively limits oversaturation of the absorbent member. 
         [0064]    Still another embodiment of a dispensing applicator  450  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As shown, applicator  450  does not have a frangible structure or region. Instead, an attachment member  452  is provided with at least one or more capillary vessels  454  controllably traverse by fluid from fluid source  464 . Vessels  454  project into an applicator tip  465  while penetrating a proximal end of an absorbent, member  456 , The cross-section of the vessels is selected to provide a metered delivery of fluid. 
         [0065]    However, absorbent member  456  can still accumulate an excessive amount of fluid, which will eventually result in a backflow towards the proximal end of the absorbent member and subsequent voluntary evacuation of fluid via this end. To limit or minimize such a possibility, applicator  450  has a flow limiting component or cover or shield  458 . Formed within absorbent member  456  and, preferably, sealed to the proximal end thereof, cover  458  is able to collect fluid flowing towards the proximal end of absorbent member  456  and, thus, prevents uncontrollable evacuation of accumulated fluid. 
         [0066]    As illustrated, cover  458  is provided with a body having a pair of concave sides  460  whose free or distal ends are spaced from one another at a distance that defines an open exit/entrance for fluid. The bottom portions  464  of cover  458  extend complementary to converging flanks  466  of attachment member  452 . Stability of an applicator tip  465  is added by providing the distal end of attachment member  452  with a rib  470 . Note that cover  458  does not completely prevent backflow of fluid leaving a space within the absorbent member which is sufficient to amply, but rot excessively, wet the surfaces of this member. 
         [0067]    A further embodiment of dispensing applicator  479  is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . Applicator  479  has, a frangible region  19  structured substantially similar to the like configured regions which, are discussed in detail above. To prevent uncontrollable evacuation of fluid via a proximal end  474  of an absorbent member  476 , applicator  479  has a cover or shield  472  functioning similarly to cover  458  of  FIG. 9 . However, cover  472  is configured with a pair of rectilinear flanks  478  and a bottom portion  480  that extends parallel to a flat, distal end of attachment member  452 . The bottom portion of cover  472  allows the frangible region  19  to pass therethrough forming an outlet port (see  FIG. 10B ) which in turn allows fluid held in source body  10  to pass through the outlet port, through the frangible region  19 , and to escape from the aperture formed upon the breaking of frangible juncture  19 . 
         [0068]    The applicator  479  is formed by inserting cover  472  into and sealing it to the interior of absorbent member  476 . The bottom portion  480  lies preferably flush with the proximal end of the absorbent member and is sealingly attached to frangible region  19 . 
         [0069]    Embodiments of a dispensing applicator  490  illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11   b  are conceptually close to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  and include an applicator head  492  which is formed with an absorbent member  494  and a swab member  496 . The absorbent and swab members have a center axes A-A and B-B, respectively, which intersect one another forming an angle of about 80-100°. 
         [0070]    The difference between the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  and the current one includes utilization of one or more capillary vessels  498  provided instead of the frangible region. While, swab member  496  of  FIG. 11A  is prevented from fluid communication an interior of a fluid source body, swab member  496  of  FIG. 11B  is traversed by a capillary tube  499  and has an inner surface  497  in fluid communication with the interior via an opening  495 , for the reasons explained above in reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
         [0071]    The present invention is primarily directed to a dispensing applicator for the application of liquids to the surface of the head, limbs, and/or body for medical purposes (i.e., pre-surgical disinfection). However, dispensing applicators according to the present invention may be used in a wide variety of purposes and environments. For example, a dispensing applicator according to the present invention can be used for application of lubricant(s) or adhesive(s). The range of sizes can also vary widely, as long as the several wall thicknesses are controlled appropriately to afford the desired functional characteristics discussed herein. It should also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the fluid reservoirs, in selected embodiments, are flexibly bounded and allow an operator to control volumetric application based on the amount of pressure applied to the exterior of the reservoir. As a consequence of this design, it should also be recognized by those of skill in the art, that an operator releasing a compressed reservoirs, may partially suction released fluid back into the reservoir and minimize pooling. 
         [0072]    It will be understood that, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit, or central characteristics thereof The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. 
         [0073]    Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely exemplary and that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.