Claims for Patent: 7,422,388

Summary for Patent: 7,422,388

Title:	Applicator for coloring antiseptic
Abstract:	Applicators and a method of coloring antiseptics are provided. More specifically, in one embodiment, an applicator having a flexible hollow body containing antiseptic to be applied is provided. The applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that the antiseptic flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the antiseptic as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.
Inventor(s):	Tufts; Scott A. (El Paso, TX), Flores; Jesus (El Paso, TX), Guzman; Manuel (El Paso, TX)
Assignee:	Allegiance Corporation (McGaw Park, IL)
Application Number:	11/739,918
Patent Claims:	1. An applicator for applying a colored antiseptic solution to a desired surface, the applicator comprising: antiseptic solution in an amount sufficient to be applied to a desired surface and to have an antimicrobial effect on the desired surface, the antiseptic solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; and at least one porous element containing colorant, wherein at least some of the colorant is transferred to the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution contacts the at least one porous element. 2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one porous element is one of a foam or felt material. 3. The applicator recited in claim 1, wherein the colorant changes the hue of the antiseptic. 4. The applicator recited in claim 1, wherein the colorant adds hue to the antiseptic. 5. The applicator recited in claim 1, wherein the colorant is one of a tint, dye, pigment or paint. 6. The applicator according claim 5, wherein the colorant is a dye. 7. The applicator according to claim 6, wherein the dye is an FD&C dye. 8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the porous element is imbibed with the colorant. 9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the colorant is located on the surface of the porous element. 10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one porous element is saturated. 11. A method for applying a colored antiseptic solution to a desired surface, the method comprising: providing an antiseptic solution in an amount sufficient to be applied to a desired surface and to have an antimicrobial effect on the desired surface, the antiseptic solution comprising chlorhexidine gluconate; contacting the antiseptic solution with at least one porous element containing colorant such that at least some of the colorant is transferred to the antiseptic solution; and applying the colored antiseptic solution to the desired surface. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the colorant changes the hue of the antiseptic. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the colorant adds hue to the antiseptic. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the colorant is one of a tint, dye, pigment or paint. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the colorant is a dye. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the dye is an FD&C dye. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the porous element is imbibed with the colorant. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the colorant is located on the surface of the porous element. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one porous element is one of a foam or felt material. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one porous element is saturated.