Medicament applicator or dispenser

Abstract

A medicament applicator having a stick handle and a connected applicating end portion in the shape of a pleasing and amusing character that is well known to a child. In one form of the invention, the applicating end is formed of a cellular material, e.g. a sponge or foam capable of releasably retaining in the pores or cells thereon a medicament to be administered. In another form, the applicating end may be formed of a confectionary material having mixed therein a medicament which is administered to the child as the child sucks thereon. A package having one or more wells is provided to store and/or ship such applicators and/or medicament until readied for use.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A medicament dispensing device for medicating a small child comprising: 
 an applicator,    said applicator having a stick handle and a connected applicating end,    said applicating end being formed of a cellular material capable of being impregnated with a medicament to be dispensed,    said applicating end being formed in a shape pleasing to a small child,    and a medicament impregnated in said applicating end.    
     
     
         2 . A medicament dispensing device as defined in  claim 1  and including: 
 means for securely connecting said applicating end to said stick handle at one end thereof.  
 
     
     
         3 . A medicament dispenser as defined in  claim 1  wherein said applicating end is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of a sponge, sponge rubber, and foam that have cellular openings for releasably retaining a medicament therein.  
     
     
         4 . A medicament dispenser as defined in  claim 1  wherein said applicating end is configured in the shape of an animated object which is amusing and pleasing to a small child.  
     
     
         5 . A medicament dispenser for administering a medicament to a small child comprising: 
 an applicator,    said applicator including a stick handle and an applicating end connected to one end of said stick handle simulating a lollipop,    said applicating end having a configuration which is pleasing and amusing to a small child, said applicating end containing a medicament therein whereby the medicament is administered to a small child as the child sucks on the applicating end.    
     
     
         6 . A medicament dispenser as defined in  claim 5  wherein said applicating end is formed of a confectionary material, 
 said confectionary material being laced with a medicament to be administered to a small child.  
 
     
     
         7 . A medicament dispenser as defined in  claim 5  wherein said applicating end is formed of a cellular material selected from a group consisting of a sponge and porous foam.  
     
     
         8 . A medicament dispenser as defined in  claim 7  wherein said cellular material is pre-saturated with a predetermined amount of a medicament.  
     
     
         9 . A medicament dispenser as defined in  claim 5  and including: 
 a tray having an applicator well,  
 an opening in communication with said applicator well adjacent one end of said tray,  
 said applicating end being disposed in said applicator well with said stick handle extending outwardly of said tray through said opening,  
 and a cover overlying said applicator well and secured to said tray to protect said applicating end from airborne contaminates.  
 
     
     
         10 . A medicament dispenser for medicating a small child comprising: 
 an applicator,    said applicator having a stick handle,    said stick handle having a mounting portion at one end thereof,    an applicating end formed of a cellular material,    said applicating end being formed in an animated shape which is pleasing and amusing to a small child,    said applicating end having a bore adapted to receive said mounting portion at said one end of said stick handle whereby said applicating end is positively secured to said stick handle, and    a predetermined amount of a medicament saturating said applicating end.    
     
     
         11 . A medicament dispenser as defined in  claim 10  wherein said mounting portion comprises a ball shaped protrusion for securing said applicating end to said stick handle.  
     
     
         12 . A method of administering a medicament to a small child in a manner to minimize a child's apprehension and fear in being medicated comprising the steps of: 
 forming a dispenser in the form of a lollipop having a stick handle and a connected applicating end formed of a spongy material,    shaping said applicating end to form a character which is pleasing and amusing to a child,    impregnating said applicating end with a medicament,    and permitting a child to suck the medicament out of said spongy applicator end.