Advancing antiseptic marking pen

Abstract

An advancing antiseptic marking pen in which a barrel of the pen holds a plurality of antiseptic/marking tips. The tips contain a colored antiseptic substance. When an indicated area on the patient's body is cleansed, the area remains marked by the antiseptic/colorant fluid chosen so that the user of the pen can clearly ascertain the indicated area. A protective cap fits over the open end of the pen to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from contaminating the antiseptic/marking tips. When the pen is to be used, the operator must of course first remove the protective cap. The operator then depresses and slides an advancing tab on a top side of the barrel of the pen to advance an antiseptic/marking tip to an in-use position. After the indicated area is highlighted, cleansed, and simultaneously marked, the operator again depresses and slides the advancing tab to eject the used tip. The protective cap is then replaced by the operator so that the pen can be conveniently stored in a pocket. Ejection of a used tip does not automatically expose a new tip. Unused tips remain below the opening of the pen until the tips are advanced by again operating the advancing tab. This process further protects against contamination of the antiseptic/marking tips.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.