Applicator for coloring antiseptic

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to applicators and a method of coloring antiseptics. More specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to an applicator having a flexible hollow body containing antiseptic to be applied. The applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that the antiseptic flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the antiseptic as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.

1 . An applicator for applying an antiseptic solution to a surface, the applicator comprising:
 a) a body having an internal chamber adapted to contain the antiseptic solution; and   b) a colorant transferring element that transfers a colorant to the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution contacts the colorant transferring element.   
     
     
         2 . An applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the colorant transferring element comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sponge, fabric, foam, and felt. 
     
     
         3 . An applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the colorant transferring element is imbibed with the colorant. 
     
     
         4 . An applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the colorant is contained on a surface of the colorant transferring element. 
     
     
         5 . An applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the colorant transferring element is a porous element adapted such that at least some of the colorant transfers to the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution flows through the porous element. 
     
     
         6 . An applicator according to  claim 5 , wherein the porous element comprises a porous pad, a porous plug, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . An applicator according to  claim 5 , wherein the porous element further comprises a laminate material. 
     
     
         8 . An applicator according to  claim 7 , wherein the laminate material is positioned between the body and the porous pad. 
     
     
         9 . An applicator for applying an antiseptic solution to a surface, the applicator comprising:
 a) the antiseptic solution; and   b) a colorant transferring element comprising a colorant;   
       wherein at least some of the colorant is transferred to the antiseptic solution upon contact by the antiseptic solution with the colorant transferring element. 
     
     
         10 . An applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the antiseptic solution is contained separately from the colorant until immediately prior to applying the antiseptic solution to the surface. 
     
     
         11 . An applicator according to  claim 10 , wherein the antiseptic solution is contained in an internal chamber of a body. 
     
     
         12 . An applicator according to  claim 11 , wherein the antiseptic solution is contained within at least one ampoule which is within the internal chamber. 
     
     
         13 . An applicator according to  claim 12 , wherein the ampoule is arranged in the internal chamber such that, upon fracturing the ampoule, the antiseptic solution contacts the colorant transferring element. 
     
     
         14 . An applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the antiseptic solution has a shelf life which is reduced when the antiseptic solution is combined with the colorant. 
     
     
         15 . An applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the antiseptic solution has a stability which is reduced when the antiseptic solution is combined with the colorant. 
     
     
         16 . An applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the antiseptic solution is chlorhexidine gluconate. 
     
     
         17 . An applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the colorant is selected from the group consisting of tint, pigment, dye, and paint. 
     
     
         18 . An applicator according to  claim 17 , wherein the colorant is an FD&C dye. 
     
     
         19 . An applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the colorant transferring element comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sponge, fabric, foam, and felt. 
     
     
         20 . An applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the colorant transferring element is a porous element adapted such that at least some of the colorant transfers to the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution flows through the porous element.