Self capping liquid applicators

Abstract

An absorbent tipped liquid applicator apparatus is equipped with a mechanism for selectively capping and uncapping the tip in response to manual pressure. The applicator includes an absorbent tip and a body which normally contains a reservoir of fluid. A flexible sleeve is attached to the body at one end. A spring loaded sleeve retractor is connected to the other end of the sleeve and is flexibly attached to the body of the applicator also. In its capping mode, the sleeve is drawn over the absorbent tip and is clamped there by the retractor means. When the retractor means is squeezed, it opens up the end of the sleeve and withdraws it so as to effectively uncap the tip. Releasing the manual pressure on the retracting means causes the sleeve to return to its capping mode position. This technique can be applied to nylon tipped pens, felt tipped marking and highlighting pens, glue sticks, shoe polish applicators and the like.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.