Applicator for drive chain liquid dispensing

Abstract

Liquid dispensing applicators adapted to be mounted to a container of lubricating oil or degreaser and used to lubricate or apply degreaser to a drive chain of a bicycle or motorcycle are disclosed. The applicator housing has an open slot to receive the chain. A wear-resistant and absorbent pad is positioned within the housing to engage the chain. A conduit between the absorbent pad and the container transmits liquid to the absorbent pad such that the chain can be cleaned or lubricated.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . An applicator, comprising:
 a body defining a cavity, wherein the body comprises extensions only in a first direction and the extensions comprise undercuts configured to retain a fluid transfer pad; and   a container interface comprising an opening and a flow-control diaphragm, wherein,
 the container interface is configured to securely mechanically couple to a fluid container; and 
 the opening is configured to fluidly couple a fluid contained in the fluid container to the cavity. 
   
     
     
         29 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the flow-control diaphragm is configured to regulate fluid discharge from a fluid container to the cavity. 
     
     
         30 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the flow-control diaphragm is configured to seal the opening when fluid is not being discharged from a fluid container. 
     
     
         31 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the flow-control diaphragm comprises an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         32 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the flow-control diaphragm comprises a flexible control membrane. 
     
     
         33 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the flow-control diaphragm comprises one or more compressible openings. 
     
     
         34 . The applicator of  claim 33 , wherein the one or more compressible openings are configured to open when liquid pressure is applied from a fluid container and are configured to seal when pressure is not applied to a fluid container. 
     
     
         35 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the flow-control diaphragm comprises an elastomeric valve. 
     
     
         36 . The applicator of  claim 28 , comprising at least one guide extending from both sides of the body in the lengthwise direction. 
     
     
         37 . The applicator of  claim 28 , comprising a fluid transfer pad retained within the cavity. 
     
     
         38 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the container interface comprises threads configured to securely mechanically connect to a neck of a fluid container. 
     
     
         39 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the container interface is configured to securely mechanically connect to a neck of a fluid container with a compression fit. 
     
     
         40 . The applicator of  claim 28 , comprising a chain guide, wherein the chain guide comprises at least one guide rib on either side of the cavity in the lengthwise direction. 
     
     
         41 . The applicator of  claim 28 , wherein the body comprises a rib on both sides of the cavity in a transverse direction and configured to retain the fluid transfer pad. 
     
     
         42 . The applicator of  claim 41 , wherein each rib is characterized by a height that is less than a thickness of the fluid transfer pad. 
     
     
         43 . The applicator of  claim 28 , comprising a chain guide, wherein the chain guide comprises at least one guide rib on either side of the cavity, wherein each guide rib extends beyond a thickness of a fluid transfer pad. 
     
     
         44 . A dispenser comprising the applicator of  claim 28 . 
     
     
         45 . The dispenser of  claim 44 , comprising a fluid container securely mechanically coupled to the container interface, wherein fluid within the fluid container is fluidly coupled to the cavity. 
     
     
         46 . The dispenser of  claim 45 , wherein the fluid container is configured to dispense the fluid when the fluid container is squeezed. 
     
     
         47 . The dispenser of  claim 44 , comprising a fluid transfer pad retained within the cavity.