| 摘要 |
<p>A seal assembly (32) for a retractable instrument (10) having an applicator element (22) is disclosed, the seal assembly (32) comprising a base (34), at least two fingers (36) attached to the base (34), and a sleeve (38) surrounding the base (34). When the retractable instrument (10) is in a retracted position, the sleeve (38) constrains the fingers (36) such that the fingers (36) are in a fully closed state and seal the applicator element (22). Protraction of the base (34) relative to the sleeve (38) allows the fingers (36) to open, thereby exposing the applicator element (22). Thus, the seal assembly opens to expose an applicator element such that the applicator element is in an application position; however, none of the elements of the seal assembly contacts the applicator element to transfer fluid from the applicator element, thereby eliminating potential degradation of the seal.</p> |
