Claims for Patent: 6,991,393

Summary for Patent: 6,991,393

Title:	Liquid applicator for coloring a liquid
Abstract:	A method of making a liquid applicator having a flexible hollow body within which a liquid-filled, frangible ampoule is received. The liquid applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that when the ampoule is fractured, the liquid flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the liquid as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to a desired surface.
Inventor(s):	Tufts; Scott A. (El Paso, TX), Flores; Jesus (El Paso, TX), Guzman; Manuel (El Paso, TX)
Assignee:	Medi-Flex, Inc. (Leawood, KS)
Application Number:	10/796,759
Patent Claims:	1. A method of making a liquid applicator, the applicator shaped for receiving a frangible ampoule containing a liquid to be applied, the method comprising: providing a substantially hollow body adapted to receive at least one ampoule; providing at least one ampoule containing a liquid to be applied received within said body; and positioning at least one porous element comprising colorant such that liquid flows through said element when the at least one ampoule is fractured and at least some of the colorant is transferred to the liquid to be applied. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one porous element is a porous pad. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one porous element is a porous plug. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: coupling to said body at least one mechanism for fracturing the at least one ampoule. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one mechanism flexes said body inwardly to exert a fracturing force against the ampoule. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one mechanism includes elongated gripping members which are diametrically opposed and project from the body. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one mechanism is a lever. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: securing to said body a porous pad, said pad positioned to close off an open end of said body, such that liquid flows into said body and through said element when the ampoule is fractured. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: saturating the at least one porous element with colorant. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: allowing the at least one porous element to dry. 11. A method of making a liquid applicator, the applicator shaped for receiving a frangible ampoule containing a liquid to be applied, the method comprising: providing a substantially hollow body adapted to receive at least one ampoule; coupling to said body at least one mechanism for fracturing the at least one ampoule; and positioning at least one porous element comprising colorant such that liquid flows through said element when the at least one ampoule is fractured and at least some of the colorant is transferred to the liquid to be applied. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one mechanism flexes said body inwardly to exert a fracturing force against the ampoule. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one mechanism includes elongated gripping members which are diametrically opposed and project from the body. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one mechanism is a lever.