Abstract:
A dressing applicator that deposits a dressing pad and tape portion onto a surface. The dressing applicator comprises a lever-actuated mechanism that biases various arms in order to position and deposit the dressing pad and tape portion onto a surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/830,681, filed Jun. 4, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL 
     The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned by the applicant. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to dressing applicator to aid in the application of a dressing. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Typically, dressings are applied by hand to needle stick sites after blood draws or Intravenous (IV) therapy. 
     Various dressing dispensers are available. However, while these dispensers dispense dressings, they do not assist healthcare professional to apply the dressing to a needle stick site or a wound. Dressings must still be applied manually, which can expose a healthcare professional or other care provider to potentially hazardous biomedical materials. 
     Patients are often exposed to nonsterile procedures or products after the needle stick or blood draw. Ofttimes, healthcare professionals would use nonsterile tape and/or nonsterile dressing materials (such as cotton balls) when dressing the needle stick site. In many instances, healthcare professionals will ask a patient to assist in the dressing process by, for example, holding a cotton ball in place over a needle stick site, while the healthcare professional applies tape over the cotton ball. Even if the tape and cotton ball were initially sterile, allowing the patient to touch or handle the cotton ball potentially introduces germs, bacteria, microorganisms, dirt, etc. into the cotton ball and/or tape. 
     Unfortunately, universal protocols, procedures, or standards for applying a dressing to a needle stick or blood draw site do not exist. Thus, patients are left to potentially inconsistent local protocols and procedures or the chosen method of a particular healthcare provider. 
     Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like, which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The dressing applicator of the present invention dispenses the dressing and applies the dressing to the wound. Unlike known dispensers or methods, the dressing applicator of this invention applies pressure on top of the dressing to attach the dressing to the skin. Additionally, the dressing applicator applies the dressing in a manner that is more sanitary than applying a dressing by hand. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the dressing applicator of the present invention is a handheld device that deposits a dressing pad and tape portion onto a surface, particularly a surface where constant pressure is required. The dressing applicator comprises a lever-actuated mechanism that biases various arms in order to position and deposit the dressing pad and tape portion onto a surface. 
     In certain nonlimiting embodiments, the dressing applicator comprises a frame comprising a substantially rigid portion of material having a substantially planar surface portion and including a driver attachment ring spaced apart from a roll attachment ring; a handle/magazine, wherein the handle/magazine is formed so as to allow one or more dressing pads to be at least partially contained within a cavity of the handle/magazine, wherein the handle/magazine includes an opening formed proximate a top end of the handle/magazine, which allows the dressing pads to be slidably removed from the cavity of the handle/magazine, and wherein a handle/magazine spring is positioned within the cavity of the handle/magazine so as to provide a spring biasing force to any dressing pad contained within the cavity of the handle/magazine, biasing the dressing pad toward the opening; a roller extending from the driver attachment ring; a cutting element extending from the driver attachment ring; a driver wheel, wherein the driver wheel gear is formed around an outer surface of the driver wheel, wherein the driver wheel is rotationally attached about an outer surface of the driver attachment ring, and wherein a driver arm extends from the driver wheel; a first arm, wherein the first arm comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a substantially recurved shape, wherein the first arm includes an aperture formed therethrough, proximate a first end of the first arm, and wherein a first arm foot extends proximate a second end of the first arm; a second arm, wherein the second arm comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the second arm includes an aperture formed therethrough, proximate a first end of the second arm, and wherein a second arm foot extends proximate a second end of the second arm; a swing arm, wherein the swing arm extends from a first end to a second end, wherein the swing arm includes an extension axle extending from a first side of the swing arm and a swing arm keyed axle extending from a second side of the swing arm, and wherein the extension axle is formed so as to be received within the aperture formed in the first arm and the aperture formed in the second arm and provide a pivot point for the first arm and the second arm, such that when the swing arm is rotated, a first arm and a second arm move from a retracted position to an extended position; a lever, wherein the lever comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a longitudinal axis, wherein a lever axle extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lever and provides a point for the lever, such that the lever is pivotably between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position; a gear system, wherein the gear system, in response to rotation of the lever rotates the driver wheel gear and the swing arm; and a cover element that at least substantially covers various components of the gear system and provides cover element apertures to help maintain components of the gear system in place. 
     In certain nonlimiting embodiments, the present invention includes a method for applying and tape portion and a dressing pad to a surface including supplying an tape roll on the roll attachment ring; supplying at least one dressing pad in the cavity of the handle/magazine; rotating the lever so that the at least one dressing pad is applied to an tape portion of the tape roll; positioning the dressing pad above a desired application surface; continuing to rotate the lever such that the dressing pad makes contact with the desired application surface and the tape portion is released from the roller and cutting element; and continuing to rotate the lever such that the first arm foot and second arm foot apply pressure to exposed adhesive portions of the tape portion to adhere the tape portion to the desired application surface. 
     Accordingly, the presently disclosed invention provides a dressing applicator that provides for sterile application of a dressing. 
     The presently disclosed invention separately provides a dressing applicator that provides for application of a pressure dressing. 
     The presently disclosed invention separately provides a dressing applicator that can be used to apply constant pressure to a portion of tape and a dressing pad while covering a needle stick site of one. 
     The presently disclosed invention separately provides a dressing applicator that can be easily manipulated by a user. 
     The presently disclosed invention separately provides a dressing applicator that applies a dressing pad with a consistent length of tape. 
     The presently disclosed invention separately provides a dressing applicator that can be easily sterilized. 
     The presently disclosed invention separately provides specific procedure/protocol for dressing a site after a needle stick or blood draw. 
     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in concert with the figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, within the scope of the present invention. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention. 
       The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a right side perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a right side perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a frame for a dressing applicator, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a frame for a dressing applicator, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a right side perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the cover element is removed to illustrate the gear system in greater detail; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a right side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the cover element is removed to illustrate the gear system in greater detail; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an additional perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the tape roll and the dressing pads are removed; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an supplementary perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the tape roll and the dressing pads are removed; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a left side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a right side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the dressing applicator arms are in an initial, fully retracted, position; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a right side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the dressing applicator is in a second position; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a right side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the dressing applicator is in a third position; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a right side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the dressing applicator is in a fourth position; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a right side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention, wherein the dressing applicator arms are in a fifth, fully extended, position; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a right side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a lower, perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a right side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a left side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator according to this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the dressing applicator according to this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of a dressing applicator according to this invention. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the dressing applicator is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the dressing applicator of this invention. It should be appreciated that the dressing applicator can be adapted to many applications where a dressing pad is to be applied, via an adhesive strip or tape, to a surface. 
     It should also be appreciated that the terms “dressing applicator”, “dressing”, “dressing pad”, and “tape roll” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms “dressing applicator”, “dressing”, “dressing pad”, and “tape roll” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. 
     For simplicity and clarification, the systems and methods of this invention will be described as being used to apply a dressing to a needle stick site after blood draws or IV therapy. However, it should be appreciated that these are merely exemplary applications and uses of the systems and methods of the dressing applicator and are not to be construed as limiting this invention. Thus, the dressing applicator of this invention may be utilized in any application where it is desired to apply a dressing pad, via an adhesive strip or tape, to a surface. 
     Throughout this application the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used. It will be understood that these terms are meant to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. 
     Turning now to the drawing F IGS .,  FIGS. 1-13  illustrate certain elements and/or aspects of a first exemplary embodiment of the dressing applicator  100 , according to this invention. In illustrative, non-limiting embodiment(s) of this invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13 , the dressing applicator  100  comprise at least some of a frame  110 , a handle/magazine  120 , a driver wheel  130 , a first arm  140 , a second arm  150 , a swing arm  160 , a lever  170 , and a gear system. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated most clearly in  FIG. 2 , the frame  110  comprises a substantially rigid portion of material having a substantially planar surface portion and including a driver attachment ring  116  spaced apart from a roll attachment ring  118 . The driver attachment ring  116  and the roll attachment ring  118  both extend outwardly, substantially perpendicularly, from the planar portion of the frame  110 . 
     The driver attachment ring  116  is shaped so as to allow the driver wheel  130  to be rotationally attached about an outer surface of the driver attachment ring  116 . A substantially cylindrically shaped roller  112  extends from the driver attachment ring  116 . In various exemplary embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the roller  112  extends perpendicular to the planar surface of the frame  110 . 
     A cutting element  114  such as, for example, a razor, also extends from the driver attachment ring  116 . In various exemplary embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the cutting element  114  extends perpendicular to the planar surface of the frame  110 . 
     In certain embodiments, the roller  112  and the cutting element  114  are positioned at opposing sides of the driver attachment ring  116 . 
     The roll attachment ring  118  is shaped so as to allow an tape roll  129  (such as, for example, a roll of tape) to be rotationally attached about an outer surface of the roll attachment ring  118 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the roll attachment ring  118  extends directly from the planar surface of the frame  110 . Alternatively, the roll attachment ring  118  may be spaced apart from the planar surface of the frame  110 . 
     It should be appreciated that the tape roll  129  preferably comprises a sterile role of adhesive or non-adhesive tape, which is capable of adhering to at least a portion of a dressing pad  128  (as further described herein) and a desired surface, such as, for example, a patient&#39;s skin. 
     The handle/magazine  120  is formed so as to allow one or more dressing pads  128  to be at least partially contained within a cavity of the handle/magazine  120 . The handle/magazine  120  includes an opening formed proximate a top end of the handle/magazine  120 , which allows the dressing pads  120  to be slidably removed, one at a time, from the cavity of the handle/magazine  120 . A handle/magazine spring  125  is positioned within the cavity of the handle/magazine  120  so as to provide a spring biasing force to any dressing pad  128  contained within the cavity of the handle/magazine  120 , biasing the dressing pad  128  toward the opening. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the handle/magazine  120  optionally includes an ergonomic exterior shape and/or a knurled or textured portion. If included, these features assist the user in establishing a more secure grip or purchase on the handle/magazine  120 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the dressing pads  128  comprise foam, gauze, cotton, or other single or composite materials. At least a portion of the dressing pads  128  may be impregnated or coated with an antibacterial, hydrochloride, or other substance to aid in the killing of bacteria or the healing process. It should be appreciated that the dressing pads  128  are preferably sterile when utilized in conjunction with the dressing applicator  100 . 
     While the dressing pads  128  may optionally be provided as individual, sterile dressing pads  128 , it is preferred that the dressing pads  128  be provided in a prepackaged, cartridge form, as most clearly illustrated in  FIG. 3 . When provided in a prepackaged form, the sterile integrity of the individual dressing pads  128  can be more easily maintained. Additionally, the cartridge form allows the dressing pads  128  to be more easily inserted into the cavity of the handle/magazine  120 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the packaging used to package the dressing pads  128  may be removed prior to insertion of the dressing pad cartridge into the cavity. Alternatively, the dressing pad cartridge may be inserted, in its entirety, into the cavity of the handle/magazine  120 , where a blade or other removal device automatically removes or opens the packaging prior to the first dressing pad  128  being attached to a portion of tape  129 ′. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the dressing pads  128  are contained within a self-contained cartridge that can be inserted into either a top, a bottom, or a side opening in the handle/magazine  120 . In these embodiments, the cartridge may optionally contain a spring biasing element, such as, for example, handle/magazine spring  125 . 
     The driver wheel  130  comprises a substantially circular ring having a central aperture formed therethrough. The central aperture is formed so as to receive at least a portion of the driver attachment ring  116  therein. In various exemplary embodiments, once positioned about the driver attachment ring  116 , the driver wheel  130  is snap-fit or frictionally maintained so as to rotate about the driver attachment ring  116  while being maintained in a determined position relative to the driver attachment ring  116 . 
     A driver wheel gear  138  is formed around an outer surface of the driver wheel  130 . 
     A driver arm  132  extends from the driver wheel  130 . In various exemplary embodiments, the driver arm  132  extends from the driver wheel  130  so as to interact with the cutting element  114  when the driver wheel  130  is positioned about the driver attachment ring  116 . 
     The first arm  140  comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a substantially recurved or “S” shape. The first arm  140  includes an aperture  141  formed therethrough, positioned proximate a first end of the first arm  140 . A substantially cylindrically shaped foot  142  extends proximate a second end of the first arm  140 . In various exemplary embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the foot  142  extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first arm  140 . 
     The second arm  150  comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a substantially arced or arcuate shape. The second arm  150  includes an aperture  151  formed therethrough, positioned proximate a first end of the second arm  150 . A substantially cylindrically shaped foot  152  extends proximate a second end of the second arm  150 . In various exemplary embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the foot  152  extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second arm  150 . 
     The swing arm  160  extends from a first end to a second end. A swing arm  160  includes an extension axle  162  extending from a first side of the swing arm  160  and a keyed axle  164  extending from a second side of the swing arm  160 . The extension axle  162  is formed so as to be received within the aperture  141  formed in the first arm  140  and the aperture  151  formed in the second arm  150  and provide a pivot point for the first arm  140  and the second arm  150 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the lever  170  comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a longitudinal axis. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lever  170  optionally includes an ergonomic design and/or a knurled or textured portion, which allows the user to establish a more secure grip or purchase on the lever  170 . A lever axle  179  extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lever  170  and provides a point for the lever  170 . The lever  170  is pivotably between an initial, fully extended position, as illustrated in  FIG. 9  and a fully retracted position, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     A gear  171  is centered on the axle  179  and attached or coupled to the upper  170 , such that when the lever  170  is rotated about the axle  179 , the gear  171  rotates in angular alignment with the lever  170 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the gear system comprises at least some of a gear  171 , a gear  172 , a gear  173 , a gear  174 , a gear  175 , a gear  176 , and a gear  177 . As illustrated, the gears are aligned and maintaining in position by interaction of keyed axle  164 , axle  179 , keyed axle  180 , and keyed axle  181  with certain frame apertures  111  and cover element apertures  126 . For example, gears  174  and  175  are aligned with the keyed axle  164 , gears  172  and  173  are aligned with keyed axle  180 , and gears  176  and  177  are aligned with keyed axle  181 . Furthermore, the axle  179  of the lever  170  is aligned with the disengage slot formed by disengage slot  119  and disengage slot  129 . 
     Gear  171  is attached to the pivot point of the lever  170 , which interfaces the lever  170  with the gear system. The gear system serves to increase the rotational input from the lever  170  to 360 degrees at the swing arm  160  and at the driver wheel  130 . The gear system outputs to the driver wheel gear  138  and the swing arm  160 . 
     The cover element  127  covers or substantially covers the various components of the gear system and/or provides cover element apertures  126  to help maintain components of the gear system in place. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, various components of the dressing applicator  100  are substantially rigid and are formed of plastic. Alternate materials of construction of the various components of the dressing applicator  100  may include one or more of the following: wood, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymeric composites, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or thermoset materials, and/or various combinations of the foregoing. Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials used to form the various components of the dressing applicator  100  is a design choice based on the desired appearance and functionality of the dressing applicator  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that certain elements of the dressing applicator  100  may be formed as an integral unit (such as, for example, the frame  110  and the handle/magazine  120 ). Alternatively, suitable materials can be used and sections or elements made independently and attached or coupled together, such as by adhesives, welding, screws, rivets, pins, or other fasteners, to form the various elements of the dressing applicator  100 . 
     It should also be understood that the overall size and shape of the dressing applicator  100 , and the various portions thereof, is a design choice based upon the desired functionality and/or appearance of the dressing applicator  100 . 
     During operation of the dressing applicator  100 , dressing pads  128  are placed within the cavity of the handle/magazine  120  and an tape roll  129  is placed on the roll attachment ring  118 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , and initial portion of tape  129 ′ is manually pulled from the tape roll  129 , across a top dressing pad  128 , such that the top dressing pad  128  is adhered to a center portion of the tape, and an end of the tape portion  129 ′ is adhesively attached atop the cutting element  114 . 
     When the dressing applicator  100  has been initially staged, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the lever  170  can then be rotated from the fully extended position to the retracted position to dispense a dressing. To rotate the lever  170 , the lever is typically pulled by a user&#39;s fingers while the palm of the users same hand holds the handle/magazine  120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , as the lever  170  is rotated/pulled from the initial, extended position, the first arm  140  temporarily adheres to the initial tape portion  129 ′ and pulls the initial tape portion  129 ′ for approximately 180 degrees of rotation until the tape portion  129 ′ is temporarily adhered to and stopped by the roller  112 . The swing arm  160  is simultaneously rotated, positioning the foot  142  and the foot  152  on the non-adhesive side of the tape portion  129 ′, over the dressing pad  128 . 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , as the lever  170  continues to be pulled, the first arm  140  releases from the tape portion  129 ′ as the tape portion  129 ′ is stopped by to roller  112 . The swing arm  160  continues to rotate, driving the first arm  140  and the second arm  150  to push the tape portion  129 ′ and dressing pad  128  downward, such that the tape portion  129 ′ makes contact with the cutting element  114 . As this occurs, a second tape portion  129 ′ simultaneously adheres to the next dressing pad  128  from the handle/magazine  120  and slides the dressing pad  128  from the cavity of the handle/magazine  120  as the initial tape portion  129 ′ is pushed down by the first arm  140  and the second arm  150 . 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the lever  170  continues to be pulled and the first arm  140  continues to rotate. The swing arm  160  continues to rotate, driving the first arm  140  and the second arm  150  into the initial tape portion  129 ′ and forcing the initial tape portion  129 ′ to be cut to the determined length by the cutting element  114 . The initial tape portion  129 ′ simultaneously begins to unroll from the roller  112 . 
     Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the lever  170  continues to be pulled and the first arm  140  continues to rotate. The swing arm  160  continues to rotate, driving the first arm  140  and the second arm  150  further into the tape portion  129 ′ and forcing the tape portion  129 ′ and dressing pad  128  onto a desired surface. As pressure is exerted from the handle/magazine  120 , forcing the first arm  140  and the second arm  150  onto the surface, the foot  142  and the foot  152  compress the dressing pad  128 . When the appropriate pressure is exerted, the first arm  140  and the second arm  150  spread in order to secure the tape portion  129 ′, while maintaining tension in the tape portion  129 ′ to produce constant pressure when fully deposited. 
     It should be appreciated that the amount of pressure required to spread the first arm  140  and the second arm  150  may optionally be determined by a torsion spring or other resilient material (not shown) secured between the first arm  140  and the second arm  150 . Another torsion spring or other resilient material (not shown) may optionally be secured between the first arm  140 , the second arm  150 , and the swing arm  160  at the desired angle. This angle corresponds to first arm  140  and second arm  150  guides built into the body of the device. 
     When the lever  170  is fully rotated to the retracted position, a spring-biased button (not shown) is released. As the lever  170  is released, a torsion spring or other resilient material (not shown) may optionally bias or rebound the lever  170  back towards the initial, extended position. As the lever  170  is returned to the initial, extended position, gear  171  is forced to disengage from gear  172  by the spring loaded button (not shown) that will be depressed during the pull and was released when the lever  170  was fully pulled. 
     Full “disengagement” is accomplished through a ramp-like geometry on the underside of the lever  170 . The button (not shown) catches on the high end of the ramp when the lever  170  is fully pulled and forces the axle  179  of the lever  170  and gear  171  along the disengage slot formed by disengage slot  119  and disengage slot  129 . When axle  179  is urged an appropriate distance, the spring loaded button (not shown) will pass the high ramp geometry and slip back to the low end. A tension spring (not shown) urges the axle  179  back to the reengaged position. 
     To use the dressing applicator  100  to apply the tape portion  129 ′ and dressing pad  128  to a patient or another desired surface, the dressing applicator  100  is supplied with an tape roll  129  and at least one dressing pad  128 . Just prior to or immediately after a needle is removed from a needle stick site after a blood draw or IV stick site after IV therapy, the lever  170  is rotated so that the dressing pad  128  is applied to the tape portion  129 ′ and the first arm  140  and second arm  150  are positioned approximately as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Then, the dressing pad  128  is positioned above the needle stick site and the lever  170  is rotated further such that the dressing pad  128  makes contact with the surface of the patient&#39;s skin and the tape portion  129 ′ is released from the roller  112  and cutting element  114 , approximately as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     Once the dressing pad  128  makes contact with the surface of the patient&#39;s skin, the lever  170  is rotated through the fully retracted position, approximately as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , and the foot  141  and foot  152  apply pressure to the exposed adhesive portions of the tape portion  129 ′ to adhere the tape portion  129 ′ to the patient&#39;s skin. 
     While the tape portion  129 ′ and dressing pad  128  are being applied to the patient&#39;s skin, a second tape portion  129 ′ and dressing pad  128  are being staged for application, as illustrated most clearly in  FIGS. 11-13 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a right side view of a second exemplary embodiment  200 , according to this invention. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the dressing applicator  200  comprises at least some of a frame  210 , having frame apertures  211 , a roller  212 , a cutting element  214 , a driver attachment ring  216 , a roll attachment ring  218 , a cover element  227  having cover element apertures  228 , a driver wheel  230  having a driver arm  232  and a driver wheel gear  238 , a first arm  240  having an aperture  241  and a foot  242 , a second arm  250  having an aperture  251  and a foot  252 , a swing arm  260  having an extension axle  262  and a keyed axle  264 , a lever  270  having a lever axle  279 , a gear system comprising a gear  271 , a gear  272 , a gear  273 , a gear  274 , a gear  275 , a gear  276 , and a gear  277 , a keyed axle  280 , and a keyed axle  281 . 
     It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the frame  110 , having frame apertures  111 , the roller  112 , the cutting element  114 , the driver attachment ring  116 , the roll attachment ring  118 , the cover element  127  having cover element apertures  126 , the driver wheel  130  having the driver arm  132  and the driver wheel gear  138 , the first arm  140  having the aperture  141  and the foot  142 , the second arm  150  having the aperture  151  and the foot  152 , the swing arm  160  having the extension axle  162  and the keyed axle  164 , the lever  170  having the lever axle  179 , the gear system comprising the gear  171 , the gear  172 , the gear  173 , the gear  174 , the gear  175 , the gear  176 , and the gear  177 , the keyed axle  180 , and the keyed axle  181 , as described above with reference to the dressing applicator  100  of  FIGS. 1-13 . 
     However, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the handle/magazine and handle/magazine spring are removable and are shown as being removed from the dressing applicator  200 . 
     Additionally, a protective arch  287  is included to provide additional protection to the first arm  240 , second arm  250 , and certain components of the gear system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the dressing applicator  200  also includes a first guide element  298  and a second guide element  299 , each of which extends from the driver attachment ring  216  to provide additional guidance and/or support to the first arm  240  and the second arm  250 . 
       FIGS. 15-17  illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a dressing applicator  300  according to this invention. As shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , the dressing applicator  300  comprises at least some of a frame  310 , having frame apertures  311 , a roller  312 , a cutting element  314 , a driver attachment ring  316 , a roll attachment ring  318 , a cover element  327  having cover element apertures  328 , a driver wheel  330  having a driver arm  332  and a driver wheel gear  338 , a first arm  340  having an aperture  341  and a foot  342 , a second arm  350  having an aperture  351  and a foot  352 , a swing arm  360  having an extension axle  362  and a keyed axle  364 , a lever  370  having a lever axle  379 , a gear system comprising a gear  371 , a gear  372 , a gear  373 , a gear  374 , a gear  375 , a gear  376 , and a gear  377 , a keyed axle  380 , and a keyed axle  381 . 
     It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the frame  110 , having frame apertures  111 , the roller  112 , the cutting element  114 , the driver attachment ring  116 , the roll attachment ring  118 , the cover element  127  having cover element apertures  126 , the driver wheel  130  having the driver arm  132  and the driver wheel gear  138 , the first arm  140  having the aperture  141  and the foot  142 , the second arm  150  having the aperture  151  and the foot  152 , the swing arm  160  having the extension axle  162  and the keyed axle  164 , the lever  170  having the lever axle  179 , the gear system comprising the gear  171 , the gear  172 , the gear  173 , the gear  174 , the gear  175 , the gear  176 , and the gear  177 , the keyed axle  180 , and the keyed axle  181 , as described above with reference to the dressing applicator  100  of  FIGS. 1-13 . 
     However, as shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , the handle/magazine and handle/magazine spring are removable and are shown as being removed from the dressing applicator  300 . 
     Additionally, a protective arch  387  is included to provide additional protection to the first arm  340 , second arm  350 , and certain components of the gear system. 
     Furthermore, in order to increase the distance between the dressing applicator  300  and an application surface, an additional swing arm  360 ′ is optionally added to the existing swing arm  360 . As illustrated, the additional swing arm  360 ′ extends out as the swing arm  360  is rotated to increase the distance that the first arm  340  and a second arm  350  extend. 
     In order to maintain the same tape portion  129 ′ length while increasing the surface applicator extender arm  390 , having an extender arm roller  391 , and extender arm  395 , having an extender arm roller  396  could be added with tracks  393  and  397  that telescope out when the tape portion  129 ′ is caught on them and retracts through extension springs (not shown) when the tape portion  129 ′ is fully deposited. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , the dressing applicator  300  also includes a first guide element  398  and a second guide element  399 , each of which extends from the driver attachment ring  316  to provide additional guidance and/or support to the first arm  340  and the second arm  350 . 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental invention should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that the invention is not limited to the particular variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. 
     In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. 
     Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments will reveal the general nature of the invention, such that others may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments for various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and elements or methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practicing the present invention. Any and all such changes, variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it is contemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in the text or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a “negative” claim limitation(s).