Dispenser and applicator device

#The invention relates to the dental field in general, and specifically to a single-use, combination paste dispenser and applicator unit having an end prefilled with paste and another end having a brush to spread said paste, more specifically said paste being pressure indicator paste.

#Pressure indicator paste and methods to apply various dental pastes are known in the prior art and are widely used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,623 to Axelsson discloses a single-use means of applying toothpaste to the interspaces of teeth using a plastic tube with a terminal, laterally tapered nozzle small enough to fit between teeth and deliver toothpaste. Axelsson's device does not have a brush for spreading paste, and while it is single-use it specifically indicates use with toothpaste for delivery between teeth and does not contemplate use with pressure indicating paste.

#U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,741 to Mushta discloses a dental indicating paste comprised of oils which is blended with indicating powder to form a soft, creamy paste and is then mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon that acts as a solvent and a propellant for the indicating paste and allows the paste to be dispensed from an aerosol spray can. Mushta's device is neither single-use nor does it have a brush for spreading said paste.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a paste dispenser and applicator device.

#FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the paste dispenser and applicator device taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the paste dispense and applicator device.

#Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a device 10 is illustrated for dispensing, applying, and manipulating fluids in general, and, more specifically, pressure indicating paste. Device 10 may be individually packaged in a hermetically sealed wrapper (not shown) of a type found on other medical supplies to preserve the sterilized environment therein. Device 10 has a first end 12 and a second end 14 distal to the first end 12 such that an elongated structure is achieved. Although a tubular shape is herein illustrated in one preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that device 10 may be made of any other suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a rectangle. An outer wall 16 defines the structure of device 10 and has a median 18 that separates device 10 into a frontal region 20 and a rear region 22. Frontal region 20 has a cavity 24 therein defined by outer wall 16, median 18, and first end 12. Cavity 24 is filled with a fluid 26 and in a preferred embodiment, fluid 26 is pressure indicating paste.

#First end 12 of device 10 has a dispensing element 28 defined thereon. Dispensing element 28 is made of a tapered wall 30 such that the diameter of wall 30 decreases as wall 30 extends outwardly from first end 12. A stopper 32 is placed at an apex of wall 30 and may be removed by twisting or cutting such that fluid 26 may be dispensed from cavity 24 and through tapered wall 30 via an opening created by the removal of stopper 32. Outer wall 16 is made of a polymeric material, such as plastic, which is sufficiently flexible to allow the fingers of a user to squeeze the same in order to dispense fluid 26 contained therein. Outer wall 16 may also be made of a transparent plastic such that the contents therein may be observed. The amount of fluid 26 contained within frontal region 20 is of a predetermined amount to allow one-time application of fluid 26 and use of the device 10.

#Rear region 22 is comprised of outer wall 16, median 18, and second end 14. Outer wall 16 has a strengthening means 34 therein to provide a sturdy rear region 22 that allows handling thereof without twisting or bending. Rear region 22 may be of sufficient length and diameter to allow ease in use and handling by a user's hand. Strengthening means 34, for purposes of illustration not limitation, may be formed by thickening outer wall 16 along the length of rear region 22.