SATURABLE SWAB APPLICATOR

摘要

An applicator (10) and method for dispensing liquids, including a rigid tubular member (12) having a reservoir cavity (14), an absorbent material (22) attached to a first end (16) of the tubular member (12), and a reversible seal (24) at a second end (18) of the tubular member (12). The first end (16) of the tubular member (12) remains open during manufacture and use. A second end (18) of the tubular member (12) initially is unsealed. The first end (16) is immersed in a selected liquid which flows into the reservoir cavity (14) by capillary action. The second end (18) of the tubular member (12) is then sealed by the reversible seal (24) and the first end (16) of the tubular member (12) is removed from the liquid which is retained in the reservoir cavity (14). A swab or sponge of absorbent material (22) is attached to the first end (16) of the reservoir cavity (14). When the applicator (10) is to be used, the second end (18) of the tubular member (12) is unsealed, exposing the liquid to atmospheric pressure causing the liquid to flow rapidly into the swab without applying compressive force to deform the tubular member (12).