Dispensing applicator for fluids

Abstract

A dispensing applicator including a unitary body having a fluid source region, a fracture control region, and a substantially rigid tongue element, the tongue element extending outwardly from the fracture control region, the unitary body having a proximal end and a distal end, an opening being formed at the proximal end of the unitary body; an applicator head coupled to the distal end of the unitary body; a frangible region defined as a region at the juncture of the fracture member region and the tongue element, wherein fracture of the frangible region allows fluid release from said fracture member region to the applicator head; a capping assembly coupled to the proximal end of the unitary body, the capping assembly comprising an end cap configured to be releasably secured to a proximal portion of the unitary body; and an annular flange including an opening extending therethrough and being secured within the opening at the proximal end of the unitary body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dispensing applicator, comprising:
 a unitary body having a fluid source region, a fracture control region, and a substantially rigid tongue element, the tongue element extending outwardly from the fracture control region, the unitary body having a proximal end and a distal end, an opening being formed at the proximal end of the unitary body;   an applicator head coupled to the distal end of the unitary body;   a frangible region defined as a region at the juncture of the fracture member region and the tongue element, wherein fracture of the frangible region allows fluid release from said fracture member region to the applicator head;   a capping assembly coupled to the proximal end of the unitary body, the capping assembly comprising:
 an end cap configured to be releasably secured to a proximal portion of the unitary body; and 
 an annular flange including an opening extending therethrough and being secured within the opening at the proximal end of the unitary body. 
   
     
     
         2 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a gasket set on top of an outer face of the flange, the gasket having a larger area expanse than the flange, the gasket being sandwiched between the end cap and the annular flange.   
     
     
         3 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 2 , wherein the gasket makes liquid contact with fluid contained within the fluid source region. 
     
     
         4 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 2 , wherein the gasket is sandwiched between the end cap and the annular flange in an intimate contact conforming to inner faces of the end cap and the annular flange, thereby minimizing the gasket from forming a bubble. 
     
     
         5 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 5 , wherein said end cap is snap-fit the proximal end of the unitary body. 
     
     
         6 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the annular flange is sonically welded to the unitary body. 
     
     
         7 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , wherein a region between said source region and said fracture member region comprises an inner cavity that is tapered in a direction from said source region toward said fracture member region. 
     
     
         8 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a fluid-absorbent member having a proximal end in flow communication with said fluid source tube, and a distal end for dispersing said fluid   
     
     
         9 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 8 , wherein said tongue element is provided with side portions that extend outwardly therefrom to engage with said inner cavity of said fluid-absorbent member. 
     
     
         10 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , wherein said rigid tongue element is configured with a plurality of reinforcing ribs that resist deflection, and reduce unintentional breaking of said frangible region. 
     
     
         11 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the source region further comprises a grip region on an external surface thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap is screwed onto the proximal end of the unitary body. 
     
     
         13 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap includes a plurality of flexible fingers that are biased toward a gripping condition with the proximal end of the unitary body when the end cap is placed upon the proximal end of the unitary body. 
     
     
         14 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 2 , wherein the gasket is formed from liquid proof material. 
     
     
         15 . The dispensing applicator of  claim 2 , wherein the gasket is deformable so as to approximate the end cap and the annular flange when sandwiched therebetween.