Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
BACKGROUND AND SU~ RY OF TEIE INVENTION
ICnown in the prior art is a package for a flowable
product, namely United States Patent No~ 3,986,640, granted
October 19, 1976 to Sanford Redmond. This patent teaches a
lpackage for a flowable product wherein thê package includes a
relatively stiff, but flexible material and a flexible material
between which the flowable product to be packaged is contained
and around which flowable product the materials are affixed to
each other~ The relatively stiff, but flexible material is cut
'I through or partially through in an interrupted pattern and, when
;cut through, at least one side of the relatively stiff, but
flexible material, at least in the area of the cut pattern, being
! covered with a sealant, which sealant preferably is a foil, the
package, when bentl opening up along the cut patt.ern to dispense
the flowable product from the package. The patent also discloses
and teaches the flexible material which is used Eor making such a
~I package.
,~l One of the disadvantages of this package is the
uncontrollable rate at which the flowable material is squeezed
and discharged out of the package~ Due to its form of construction,
` there is no control to the flow from the package, and that it does
lnot teach any specific type of packages, such as applicator
packages for specific needs in the medical profession. Also, the
package of ~.S.P. No. 3,986,640 does not teach the utilization of
a multi-cavity reservoir for storage of the flowable product.
With such a multi-cavity applicator package, one can achieve a
'controllable flow of the product from the package during use.
Accordingly, although the prior art package noted herein functions
' in dispensing a flowable product from the package, it lacks the
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teaching of specific applicator packages which can be used
in diverse app].ications. Thus, the packages of the present
lnventi.on overcome the problems heretofore encountered with
this prior art package and overcomes the disadvantages,
and provides a number of applicator packages which have
specific applications, particularly in the medical and
veterinarian fields. other packages for use in still other
fields are also disclosed in the instant application.
.Accordingly, one of the primary objects of the
present invention is to provide an applicator package
having distal ends comprising a foam applicator pad and
having a backing member adjacent thereto: the backing
member being formed of a relatively rigid, flat and stiff
plastic sheet material having a vapor and gas barrier
coating and a laminated deformable plastic coated foil
material having at least one reservoir containing a
flowable product, such as a liquid, being sealed to the
flat and stiff sheet material for containing the contents
of the reservoir therebetween; the flat and stiff sheet
material having a centrally disposed linear weakened portion
in the surface of the flat and stiff sheet material and
the weakened portion being transversely disposed of the
flat and stiff sheet material with the foam applicator pad
secured to the outer surface of the flat and stiff sheet
material and centrally disposed over the weakened portion;
the weakened portion rupturing upon forcing the distal ends
of the applicator package towards each other and about the
weakened portion, so as to compress the reservoir of the
deformable plastic coated foil material hy crushing opposite
sides of the reservoir against each other such that
substantially all of the flowable product in the reservoir
can be controllably released into the applicator pad for
wiping applications upon pressure completely deforming and
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collapsing the plastic coated foi.l material; and the
foam applicator pad is a foam block having opposite
slits partially throuyh the foam block so that when the
distal ends are squee~ed together, the foam block assumes
an inverted T-shape with a large wiping contact surface
area.
The foregoing object and other objects of the
present invention will become apparent upon reading the
following specification and referring to the accompanying
drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.
The invention accordingly consists in the features
of construction, combination of elements, and arrangements
of parts, which will be exemplified in the preferred
constructions hereinafter described, and of which the
scope will be indicated by the claims.
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IBRIEE' DES _ PTION OF THE DRA INGS:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a swab package of
~the yresent invention with an externally disposed wiper;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
2_2 of figure 1;
¦ Figure 3 is a veiw similar to that of figure 2, but with
the swab package partially folded back upon ~tself to commence
breaking of the rupturable seal;
Figure 4 is a view similar to that of figure 3, but show-
,ing the swab package in use where the rupturable seal is completely
broken and the contents of the package penetrates the wiper and is
applied to a surface, such as a body;
j Figure 5 is an alternate modification in cross-section of
~he swab package embodying a centrally disposed "split or butterEly
type" sponge which in use provides a large wiping surface and im-
proved means for gripping the swab package;
¦ Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of
fligure 4, but showing the swab package of figure 5 in use;
Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of another swab package
ith a centrally disposed sponge, similar to that of figure 1, but
llith a smaller wiping surface;
¦I Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
8-8 of figure 7;
I Figure 9 is a cxoss-sectional view similar to that of
figure 6, but showing the swab package of figure 7 in use,
I Figure 10 is a plan view of another modification of the
swab package with the sponge swab portion disposed at one end of the
~ackage and with the xupturable seal area also disposed at the same
.
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end of the package;
igure 11 is a cross-sectional vi.ew of the embodiment of
figure 10, showing the swab package in use;
Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of a fur-ther modifica-
-tion of the swab package wherein the sponge is internally disposed
l withi.n the swab package and has a large cross-cut rupturable seal;
Figure 1~ i5 a view similar to that of figure 12, but
showing a like swab package with a transverse rup-ture line or
seal;
Figure 1~ is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
14-14 of figure 13;
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view similar to -that of
llfigures 4, 6, 9 and 11, but illustrating the internally disposed
¦Isponge wiper of figures 12-14 protrudi.ng from the ruptured seal
lwhen in use;
¦ Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a "bandaid"
modification of the swab package of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of yet a fur-ther
modification of the invention with dual chambers and ru~turable
seals adapted for use as an inhaler, such as an a~nonia inhaler;
igure 18 is a cross-sectional view of another emboidment
¦lof the invention showing a scrub brush with brlstles and with a
rupturable package disposed wi-thin a sponge secured to the back of
lthe brush;
Figure 19 is a side elevational view of the scrub brush
of figure 18, showing it slightly bent along a transverse plane so
as to rupture the sealed package and release its contents into
the sponge;
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a further modification
~of the applicator package;
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Figure 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment
of Figure 20, but showing the applicator package in use with
the distal ends thereof squeezed toward each other;
Figure 22 is a rear plan view illustrating the back
side of the applicator package of Figures 20-21; and
Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the
applicator package in a paper wrapper having a scored or
weakened perforated zone permitting the foam to burst
through the wrapper upon activation and use of the applicator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to swab articles,
such as swab packages, swab sticks or applicators, scrub
brushes with a swabbing or wiping surface, and to other
similar type packages adapted for use as bandaids, inhalants
and the like, such as skin preping or pre-operative scrubs
having cleansing agents, surgica]. scrubs, skin preps for
cardiac electrodes and tincture or dye applicators, skin patch
testing and through-the-skin dispensing of hormones or medic-
aments including time release formulations (such as insulin
time release compounds). The swab packages of the invention
are basically of the rupturable type embodying a receptacle for
fluids, such as ointments, powders, germicides, liquids, gels,
pastes, etc. Also, the swab packages include an applicator
pad or surface or other like structure, and may be, if desired,
suitably packaged with an overwrap to provide sterility.
As best shown in figures 1-4, there is shown a swab
package 10 embodying a receptacle or reservoir 12 and an
externally mounted applicator 14, such as a gauze pad, plastic
foam pad or synthetic cotton or fabric pad. The plastic foam
material may comprise a urethane foam material or a natural
latex foam. The construction of the receptacle or reservoir
12 is basically of the type disclosed in U.S.P. No. 3,986,640
as noted hereinbefore.
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Thus, for example, wi-th the present invention, the receptacle
12 may compriseon one side thereof a thin, relatively stiff
laminate type of plastic sheet material 16, such as an
extruded polystyrene, acrilonitride or copolymer with poly-
styrene with or without special coatings, such as vapor or
gas barriers or heat sealants or bonding coats. The material
may be, if desired, initially treated by stretching so as to
orient the structure for providing additional strength in one
direction only, whereby the material is capable of splitting
easily in a direction orthogonal thereto, provided a score
line or other weakened area 18 is made a part of the receptacle
12. Such a score or cut line or weakened area 18 is provided
on the side or surface 20 to which the applicator 14 is mounted
or otherwise secured to the receptacle 12, by means such as
adhesives, heat sealing, ultrasonic or electronic impulse
bonding or other like securing means. Subsequent to the stretch-
ing of the base material, the material is then further provided
with any desired laminate coating, such as spraying, or
adhering another sheet of material directly on the base
material.
The periphery 20 of the receptacle 12 is provided
with a marginal seal such as a heat seal, to retain the fluid
in said receptacle 12 from escaping therefrom until the
receptacle 12 is fractured or ruptured, as will be further
described herein in greater detail.
In figures 3-4, the package of figures 1 and 2 is
shown initially partially opened b~ bending or folding
opposite ends of the package 10, thereby weakening the pre-
weakened area or zone 18 so as to finally rupture same. The
fluid 22 is thus released to flow directly into the applicator
14, as shown by the arrowheads 24. In figure 4, the receptacle
]2is shown completely collapsed by being squeezed to release
substantially all of the contents of the cavity containing said
fluidso as to be wiped or applied on a surface 2~, such as a body.
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j The upper exposed surface 28 is preferably a thin-coated
foil, a single plastic layer, such as polyetheylene or a laminate
;sheet material which is capable of being squeezed and compressed
so as to meter out the contents of the reservoir and to progress-
~ively expell the fluid contents of the receptacle 12 when thepackage 10 is squeezed between one's thumb and forefinger or against
la surface, as best shown in figures 4, 6, 9, 11 and 15. The inside
surface of the foil or other sheet material is generally coated or
laminated with a polyethylene or polyester which provides the
sealing surface and a surface which is chemically compatable for
many fluids, such as inhalants, gels,ointments, liquids such as
~povidone iodine, (~libitane, Hibiclens - S-tuart Trust Ph~maceutical Co.
trademarks of a Co. in Wilmington, Delaware), chlorohexadine
~solutions, alcohol solutions, dyes, detergents, shampoos, or other
Igermicidal composi-tions. In this connection, the packages of the
¦Ipresent invention are generally designed for medical or veterinar-
ian use, since they are of the disposable -type after a single use
or application. Other applicators, such as in the cosmetic industry
~where a liquid, gel or creams are used may be packaged and are
considered within the scope of the present invention. For example,
liquid make-up or make-up removers, hair coloring 'or dye' are all
capable of being used with the applications of the present invention
~ sing an upper surface 28 made of a plastic or syn-thetic
material, such as polyethylene which has some memory when squeezed,
the release of finger pressure would ter.dto cause or generate a
vacuum and some of the fluid deposited on a body surface 26 would
be sucked back through the foam which might be desired when an
excess of the medicament or dye has been applied on a body surface
or other area.
In figures 5-9, there is shown alternate embodiments of
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the invention. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a device or swab package
~similar to that of figures l-A, but with a small split applicator
pad 30 which forms a "butterfly" or inverted T with the larae limb
lor top of the T forming the wiping applicator surface. The pad 30
is centrally disposed on the device and has a pair of slits 32, 34
which provides a much larger wiping surface of the head portion
as compared to the head portion or wrap-around wiping surface of
l~the device shown in figures 1-4. One of the advantages of this type
lof construction is that it prevents a doctor's fingers with coming
in contact with the body 26, should the fingers slip downward]y
or forwardly. If they did, the fingers would simply contact the
top r upper side of the wiping applicator surface. With this type
of structure, a denser or stiffer urethane foam material havin~
,less pores per inch is preferred as the outwardly extending ends
should stay in contact with the body or surface 26 and not flap
loosely or curl when the applicator is vigorously wiped back and
forth.
The modifications of figures 7-9 illustrate another
~Icentrally disposed applicator pad 40 suitably affixed to the lower
'Isurface of the receptacle 12. In this case, the pad 40 is of a
generally small size so as to preclude or reduce the chances of
¦the fingers of a doctor from coming in contact with the foam or
sponge-like applicator pad 40 and thereby contaminating same. The
cut or score line 42 may be suitably formed as a single strike or
line, double line or row. Also, -the line or cut may be straight
or curved half moon or semi-lunar shaped or preferrably can form
the shape of a Roman numerial I, as best shown in Figure 13. O-ther
examples of the cut, score or weakened area are more particularly
described in the aforesaid U.S. Patent No. 3,986,640.
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Figures 10 and 11 show a modifiecl swab applicator
embodying a foam applicator tip 50 suitably affi.xed to the end 51
o:E a stem or hand]e 52 proxirnal to the cut or scored line 54 of
the receptac]e 56. In such structure, it is preferable to use a
stiffer material in lieu of the foil material. However, it is
importan-t to note that the stiffer materia^l shou~.d be properly
oriented so tha~ the score or cut line can be easily ruptured
(oriented transverse to the stretched direction of -the material).
IlAlthough the fluid contents of the receptacle 56 will be expelled
i' , .. .
at the proximal end of the foam pad 50, it will swish easily to
the distal end of the pad as the fluid is further forced out of the
receptacle 56. It should also be noted that the end of the stem
or handle 52 may be affixed to an outside surface of the receptacle
56, in lieu of being internally disposed in the foam pad 50 as
shown in figures 10 and 11.
l~l In figures 12-15, -the applicator pad 60 is internally
¦dlsposed within the cavity of the receptacle or reservoir. One of
jthe advantages of this structure is that since the package forms
: ¦lin effect a totally sealed construction, there is no chance of
contamination of the applicator pad until rupture and actual use.
With the other types of swab packages, an outer wrap is necessary
to maintain the applicator pad from particulate matter and also to
retain sterility of the overall package prior -to its use. However,
as a practlcal matter, a plurality of non-overwrapped applicators
may be conveniently dis~ensed~from a multiple dispenser box which
initially may be suitably sealed and sterilized when initially
packed at the factory. Of course, after the package is opened,
sterility cannot be guaranteed for the rest of its contents.
Although not shown because the foam is compressed, it is
~extremely preferable for the sponge or foam area in the vicinity
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~.*~
~of -the cut or score line -to have a -transverse protrusion, head or
thickened por-tion facing said cu-t or score line. This thickened
portion or protrusion 62 is shown protruding from the cut or score
line 64. The top or upper surEace 66 of the receptacle 68 is
~,preferably provided with a depression forming a rib 70. This rib
~70 serves to assist in pushing or forcing said applicator pad 60
through said cut or score line 64, when the package is bent or
folded during use.
1~ Figure 12 merely illustrates a cross type of cut or
Iscore line, in l.ieu of a straight line or line.having the shape
¦of Roman numeral I, as shown in figures 13-15. Even with this type
of slitting, the pad 60 protrudes from the package, but only in a
limited circular area or zone which may be desirable for certain
lapplications, in contrast to the larger transverse wiping surface
~formed when the alternate package constructions are bent or folded.
I A surgical dressing or "Band-Aid" type of applicator
package is shown in figure 16. As shown therein, the dressing is
generally in the form of a cotton or synthetic pad 70 afEixed to
the receptacle or reservoir 72 and both elements are suitably
secured to an outer adhesive type material 74 having one or more
removable layers or coverings, such as siliconized papers. Prefer-
ably, a pair of such pealable papers 76 and 78 is provi.ded to
79 and its
protect the adhesive~-tape qualities and to maintain the integrity
lof the overall package, particularly the cotton or synthetic pad
70. In use, the protective paper material may be removed firs-t
,and then the receptacle can be cracked or ruptured todispense the
fluid into the dressing or pad 70 or the reverse procedure is also
possible. The application of the dressing on a wound is akin to
that of a "Band-Aid" or other like dressing with the addition of a
self-contained medicament. This embodiment of the invention is alsc,
I .
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adapted for use as a skin patch tester or through-the-skin
dispenser or infuser.
Another modified packaye is the inhalant 80 shown in
figure 17. As shown -therein, -the cotton or cellulose, rayon or
iurethane pad 82 is affixed to the receptacle 84 and when the
l,receptacle 84 is bent or folded upon itself, the cut or score line
86 is ruptured causiny the fluid to escape into the pad 82. The
indentation or depression 88 in the package is like the depression
~70 of the package shown in figure 14. Such a feature provides a
jwedge for pressing against the cut or score line 86 so as to easily
cause the rupture of same without und~e bending forces. In this
construction, the pad 82 need not have a protective covering as it
is merely used as a porous absorber for the inhalan-t material which
,lis released from the receptable 84 into the pad 82 upon squeezing
,Ithe package together about the score line 86, as best shown by
~the phantom lines of Figure 17.
Figure 18 shows a scrub brush 90 with brlstles and with
la rupturable package disposed within a sponge 92 secured to the
!~ base or well 94 on the back of the brush. The bristles 96 form
part of the generally rigid and generally perforated backing ele-
ment 98. This backing member 98 may have suitable sides to aid in
retaining the sponge 92 which may be suitably secured, such as
¦by adhesives, to the backing member 98. The sponge 92 may be
~,lsuitably slit along a line 100 so as to accommodate a receptacle
102 containing a germicidal composition or other scrubbing or
cleansing solution. The receptacle 102 i~ suitably weakened or
scored at 104 so as to split in the central portion of the scrub
brush or receptacle and release the composition or other cleansing
solution into the sponge 92 when the brush is bent or folded about
a weakened area or zone 106 on opposite longitudinal side walls 108
,
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Il
of the backing member 98, as best shown in Figure 19. My U.S.
Patent No. 4,181,446, granted January 1, 1980 disclosed such
as foldable brush which could be adapted to contain the recep-
tacle 102. However, in such an arrangement, the width of the
receptable would be wider as the slit would have to be oriented
longitudinally instead of transversely. Note that the germ-
icidal solution may comprise povidine iodine, chlorohexedine,
hexochlorphene, alcohol, etc. and/or a detergent in the form of
powder or crystals which when suitably melted provide a cleans-
ing, scrubbing and disinfecting composition. Other solutions,
such as merthiolate, zephrin chloride in a liquid or a gel may
also be used.
The relatively stiff or rigid sheet material having
the weakened or scored zone is of a plastic, such as poly-
styrene or a copolymer therof. In addition, a gas and/or a vapor
barrier should be applied to the outer side of the receptacle to
preclude water, vapor loss and entry of oxygen or evaporation
of the receptacle's contents, such as alcohol. Such barriers
may be coating or layers of materials, such as BA~TUFF (a trade-
mark of ~merican Can Co.), SARAN (a Dow Chemical Co. trademark),
Aclar, a fluorohalocarbon film, (a trademark of Allied Chemical,
N.J), thin foil,etc. The score or cut pattern or patterns extend
only partially through the material, and the use of a sealant or
foil covering one or both outer faces of the sheet material may
be used, if desired, where packaging requirements dictate such
additional layers or coatings which serve other well known
functions. For example, gas barriers, such as foil (aluminum
preclude loss of product or active ingredients of the stored
product. Also, they tend to keep water or the alcohol content
of the product stable in order to have a normal or e~tended shelf
life for the product. Other backing types of laminates embodying
aluminum foil which may be employed with the invention comprise
foil and pol~ethvlene- foil, polyester and polvethylere; o~ foil
and a polyester.
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Polyester and s-tyrene sheets, however, do not exhibit
~as yood gas and water barrier characteristics. Better gas and
Iwater barrier type packages are formed by butylated low density
,and high density polyetheylene~aminated to nylon,polyvinylidene chlorid~
(Saran), acrylic, polyester, and Aclar and other suitable coatings.
It should also be noted that the type of material used
l~depends on the product to be packaged. For example, iodine attacks
'foil chemically changing it to aluminum iodide, which is a white
,Ipowder and the active iodine (free iodine) ls thus lost because it
has an affinity for the foil, thereby weakening the iodine solution
l(loss of the acti~e or free iodine). ~A polyester coating, however,
l¦can be used to separate the iodine from the foil barrier. Bonding
¦lthe layer together, heat sealing the seams and containing the
product over long periods of time involve a constant search for
better and stronger combinations oE materials and coatings, so that
a sound package is formed compl.etely free of fai].ure (leakage)
~or deterioration of shelf life where, say the active materials
in the iodine solutions are dissipated gradually due to being
.absorbed or reacted with the polyester or polyetheylene coatings.
Il In Figures 20-23, a further modificationSof the invention
¦are illustrated. As shown therein, a pair of reservoirs 100 and 102
having necked down portions 104 leading to a fanned out proximal
portion 106. The function of the funneling or.necked down effect
is to provide a controllable flow or to slow down the flow rate of
.the fluid being forced out of the reservoirs 100 and 102. The
fanned out portions 104 distribute the fluid more evenly over -the
~entire transverse length of the swab material 108. In this
~,embodiment, the swab material 108 is a urethane foam material
shaped in the form of a half round adhered to each side of the
weakened area 110. Although two reservoirs are shown, it is
possible to provide a single reservoir with a pair of oppositely
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opposed sections joined together at a centrally disposed necked
~down portion having a further centrally disposed fanned out portion
,with the weakened area central to the fanned out area.
With a single reservoir, the fluid has a tendency to
~rush out into -the foam or sponge and through it at an almost
uncontrolable rate, thereby not uniformly-wetting the entire
sponge initially. Also, it passes through the sponge creatiny
drips and spillage and generally messes up a neat and clean
applicationof thefluid. Also, such a construction does not leave
any further fluid in reserve Eor further use in scrubbing.
With a dual cavity unit, since the cavities are smaller
lland contain less fluid than a single cavity with the same total
j~volume, there is more surface tension and less chance for fluid
¦to spill out of the cavities during movement of the cavities in the
web material which is being pulled through, filled and sealed on
jthe same machine.
In addition, this structure makes the reservoir por-tion
lmore rigid because there is more definition implied by the config-
uration of a dual, or double necked down-fanned out reservoir.
The multiple compound shapes or ribbinc3 effect pressed into or
~vacuum formed in the foil laminate gives it superior strength
which is not naturally inherent or formed in such materials.
Thus, the swab is stronger and will crack more easily when desired
lland the limbs of the swab will meet in a better back-to-back
¦¦fashion and have less likelyhood of sizzoring since the structure
lends itself to a more sharper and distinct action when the package
is activated by bending together the opposite ends for opening
~the reservoir. Figure 23 shows an applicator package in a
'iperipherally-sealed paper wrapper 112 having a scored or weakened
transverse perforated line 114 which permits the foam pad or
applicator to burst through the wrapper upon activation and use of
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! the applicator package. This eliminates contamination of the
foam pad in use. Of course, if desired, pealable end flaps 116
may be employed to conventionally open an end of the paper wrapper
so as to provide access to the applicator.
~1 It should also be recognized that the package of Figures
20-22 can be used to dispense as epoxy cement. One of the two
reservoirs can store any conventional filler or epoxy resin and
the other reservoir can store the appropriate hardener or
activator. Such a two-component epoxy system çan be designed
with the necked portion 104 of each reservoir meeting adjacent
each other at their ends in the centèr of the package below the
split 110 whlch need not necessarily be transversely disposed
across the entire width of the packageO Of coursel with such a
~l construction, there would be no need for the fanned-out portions
i 106 as the meteriny of the epoxy would be just to a small spot or
,1l area where the split 110 would be provided in the immediate
Il vicinity of the ends of the necked-down portions 104~
Il If a three or four cavity applicator system is deslred
for use in dying applications or other uses, the package can
simply be arranged to contain, for example, two reservoirs on one
I¦ or both sides by simply dividing the reservoir (100 or 102 or
¦I both) in half with a separation or barrier wall disposed
¦I horizontally or longitudinally down the center`of the package.
jl This construction could then be used in any system where three or
four reservoir cavities are required.
1 Although the present invention has been described in
¦ some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of
clarity of understanding, i~ will, of course, be understood that
¦I various changes and modifications may be made in the form, details,
and arrangements of the parts without departing from the scope of
the invention as set forth in the following claims.
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