Retractable liquid applicator device

Abstract

A retractable liquid dispenser device comprising an outer body having a retractable mechanism slidably supporting a liquid dispenser. The liquid dispenser has a supply reservoir and a discharge reservoir with a reservoir valve disposed therebetween. A retractable valve is located in proximity to an open first end of the outer body. A first depression of the retractable actuator opens the retractable valve and moves the liquid dispenser into the extended position for enabling a depression of a distal end of the liquid applicator to open the dispensing valve to permit liquid to flow from the supply reservoir into the dispensing reservoir to dispense the applicator liquid from the distal end of the liquid applicator. A second depression of the retractable actuator moves the liquid dispenser into the retracted position and closes the retractable valve to enclose the distal end of the liquid applicator within the outer body.

Claims

1. A retractable liquid dispenser device, comprising an outer body having an internal channel communicating between a first and a second open end; a liquid dispenser comprising an inner body extending between a first and a second end; said liquid dispenser having a supply reservoir and a discharge reservoir with a dispensing valve disposed therebetween; a retractable actuator located at said first end of said inner body; a liquid applicator having a proximal end and a distal end slidably disposed within said liquid dispenser at said second end of said inner body; said proximal end of said liquid applicator engaging said dispensing valve; said distal end of said liquid applicator extending from said liquid dispenser; a retractable mechanism slidably supporting said liquid dispenser within said outer body; a retractable valve located in proximity to said second end of said outer body; a first depression of said retractable actuator opening said retractable valve and moving said liquid dispenser into an extended position for enabling a depression of said distal end of said liquid applicator to open said dispensing valve to permit liquid to flow from the supply reservoir into said dispensing reservoir to dispense the applicator liquid from said distal end of the liquid applicator; and a second depression of said retractable actuator moving said liquid dispenser into a retracted position and closing the retractable valve to enclose said distal end of the liquid applicator within said outer body.

2. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 1, including a dispensing valve spring for biasing said dispensing valve into a closed position; and a retractable spring for biasing said liquid dispenser into a retracted position.

3. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said retractable actuator is located in proximity to said first end of said outer body.

4. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said retractable valve is located in proximity to said second end of said outer body.

5. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said retractable valve cooperates with said retractable actuator through said liquid dispenser.

6. A retractable liquid dispenser device, comprising: an outer body having an internal channel communicating between a first end and a second; a liquid dispenser comprising an inner body extending between a first and a second end including: a supply reservoir and a discharge reservoir; a dispensing valve interposed between said supply reservoir and said discharge reservoir; a liquid applicator located at said second end of said inner body; said liquid applicator having a proximal end and a distal end slidably disposed within said liquid dispenser; said proximal end of said liquid applicator engaging said dispensing valve; said distal end of said liquid applicator extending from said liquid dispenser; a retractable mechanism including a mounting for slidably supporting said liquid dispenser within said outer body; a retractable actuator engaging with said first end of said inner body for moving said liquid dispenser between a retracted position whereat said liquid dispenser is disposed within said outer body and an extended position whereat said distal end of said liquid applicator extends from said second end of said outer body; a retractable valve located in proximity to said second end of said outer body cooperating with said retractable actuator; a first depression of said retractable actuator opening said retractable valve and moving said liquid dispenser into said extended position for enabling a depression of said distal end of said liquid applicator to open said dispensing valve to permit liquid to flow from said supply reservoir into said dispensing reservoir to dispense the applicator liquid from said distal end of said liquid applicator; and a second depression of said retractable actuator moving said liquid dispenser into said retracted position and closing said retractable valve to enclose said distal end of said liquid applicator within said outer body.

7. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 6 including a dispensing valve spring for biasing said dispensing valve into a closed position.

8. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said retractable mechanism includes a retractable spring for biasing said liquid dispenser into a retracted position.

9. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said retractable actuator is located in proximity to said first end of said outer body.

10. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said retractable valve encloses said distal end of said liquid applicator within said outer body for inhibiting evaporation of the applicator liquid from said distal end of said liquid applicator.

11. A retractable liquid dispenser device, comprising: an outer body having an internal channel communicating between a first and a second open end; a liquid dispenser comprising an inner body extending between a first and a second end and including a supply reservoir and a discharge reservoir; a dispensing valve interposed between said supply reservoir and said discharge reservoir; a dispensing valve spring for biasing said dispensing valve into a closed position; a liquid applicator having a proximal end and a distal end slidably disposed within said liquid dispenser; said proximal end of said liquid applicator engaging said dispensing valve; said distal end of said liquid applicator extending from said liquid dispenser; a retractable mechanism including a mounting for slidably supporting said liquid dispenser within said outer body; a retractable actuator secured to said first end of said inner body and located in proximity to said first open end of said outer body for moving said liquid dispenser between a retracted position whereat said liquid dispenser is disposed within said outer body and an extended position whereat said distal end of said liquid applicator extends from said second open end of said outer body; a retractable spring for biasing said liquid dispenser into a retracted position; a retractable valve located inside of said outer body in proximity to said open second of said outer body cooperating with said retractable actuator through said liquid dispenser; a first depression of said retractable actuator opening said retractable valve and moving said liquid dispenser into said extended position for enabling a depression of said distal end of said liquid applicator to open said dispensing valve to permit liquid to flow from said supply reservoir into said dispensing reservoir to dispense the applicator liquid from said distal end of said liquid applicator; and a second depression of said retractable actuator moving said liquid dispenser into said retracted position and closing said retractable valve to enclose said distal end of said liquid applicator within said outer body for inhibiting evaporation of the applicator liquid from said distal end of said liquid applicator.

12. A retractable liquid dispenser device as set forth in claim 11, including a dispensing valve sub-assembly comprising said dispensing valve and said dispensing valve spring and said discharge reservoir and said liquid applicator; and an interlock for securing said dispensing valve sub-assembly within said inner body for defining said supply reservoir between said dispensing valve sub-assembly and said second end of said inner body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top view of a retractable liquid dispenser device of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the retractable liquid dispenser device of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a view along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a view of an outer body of FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 is a side view of a liquid dispenser slidably mounted within the retractable liquid dispenser device of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 is a side sectional of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a portion of FIG. 7 illustrating the inner body of the liquid dispenser;

(10) FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of a portion of FIG. 8 illustrating a dispensing valve sub-assembly;

(11) FIG. 10 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of FIG. 8 illustrating the dispensing valve sub-assembly in a closed position;

(12) FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating the dispensing valve sub-assembly in an open position;

(13) FIG. 12 is a side view of the retractable liquid dispenser device of FIG. 2 with the retractable valve in a closed position;

(14) FIG. 13 is a side view similar to FIG. 12 with the retractable valve in an open position;

(15) FIG. 14 is a side view similar to FIG. 13 with the retractable valve in an open position and the liquid dispenser located in an extended position;

(16) FIG. 15 is a side view similar to FIG. 14 with the retractable valve in an open position and the liquid dispenser located in an extended position and with the liquid applicator in a depressed position to dispense the applicator from a distal end of the liquid applicator;

(17) FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the retractable liquid dispenser device illustrating a dispensing valve is a closed position for inhibiting the flow of the applicator liquid from the supply reservoir;

(18) FIG. 17 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 16 illustrating the dispensing valve is an open position for permitting the liquid to flow from the supply reservoir into the dispensing reservoir to dispense the applicator liquid from the distal end of the liquid applicator.

(19) FIG. 18 is a side view of a second embodiment of a liquid dispenser slidably mounted within the retractable liquid dispenser device of FIG. 5;

(20) FIG. 19 is a side sectional of FIG. 18;

(21) FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of a portion of FIG. 19 illustrating the inner body of the liquid dispenser;

(22) FIG. 21 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of FIG. 19 illustrating the dispensing valve in a closed position;

(23) FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 illustrating the dispensing valve in an open position;

(24) FIG. 23 is a side view of a third embodiment of a liquid dispenser slidably mounted within the retractable liquid dispenser device of FIG. 5;

(25) FIG. 24 is a side sectional of FIG. 23;

(26) FIG. 25 is a side sectional view of a portion of FIG. 24 illustrating the inner body of the liquid dispenser;

(27) FIG. 26 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of FIG. 24 illustrating the dispensing valve in a closed position; and

(28) FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 26 illustrating the dispensing valve in an open position.

(29) Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

(30) FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a retractable liquid dispenser device 5 of the present invention. The retractable liquid dispenser device 5 is suitable for dispensing an applicator liquid 6 onto a surface. The retractable liquid dispenser device 5 comprises an outer body 10, a liquid dispenser 20 having a dispensing valve 30, a retractable mechanism 40 and a retractable valve assembly 50.

(31) The retractable liquid dispenser device 5 differs from the prior art retractable pens, markers and the like through the incorporation of the dispensing valve 30 for controlling the flow of the applicator liquid from the retractable liquid dispenser device 5. The dispensing valve 30 permits the dispensing a wide variety of applicator liquids such as paints, solder fluxes, lubricants and the like that are not dispensed by the retractable pens and markers of the prior art.

(32) The retractable liquid dispenser device 5 comprises an outer body 10 having a first and a second open end 11 and 12. An internal channel 13 communicates between the open first and second ends 11 and 12. An annular stop wall 14 having a central opening 16 is secured between the open first and second ends 11 and 12.

(33) FIGS. 6-11 illustrate the liquid dispenser 20 of the retractable liquid dispenser device 5. The liquid dispenser 20 comprises an inner body 60 extending between a first end 61 and a second end 62. A sidewall 63 defines an internal passageway 64 communicating between the first and second ends 61 and 62. The inner body 60 defines a first end portion 61A and a second end portion 62A adjacent to the first and second ends 61 and 62. An intermediate portion 63A is located between the first and second end portions 61A and 62A.

(34) A major external annular projection 65 extends from an outer surface of the sidewall 63 in proximity to the first end 61 of the inner body 60. An internal annular projection 66 extends from an inner surface of the sidewall 63. A shoulder 68 is formed in the inner surface 64 of the intermediate portion 63A the function of which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. A minor external annular projection 69 extends from an outer surface of the sidewall 63 in proximity to the second end 62 of the inner body 60.

(35) The first end portion 61A of the inner body 60 is adapted to slidably receive a liquid applicator 80. The second end portion 62A of the inner body 60 is adapted to store the applicator liquid 6 in a supply reservoir 70. The intermediate portion 63A of the inner body 60 is adapted to receive the dispensing valve 30. An interlock 72 secures the dispensing valve 30 within the inner body 60. The dispensing valve 30 defines a discharge reservoir 74.

(36) As best shown in FIG. 9, the applicator 80 extends between an proximal end 81 and an distal end 82. The applicator 80 is a generally cylindrically shaped member defining a cylindrical diameter 83 between the proximal end 81 and the distal end 82. The applicator 80 may formed from a felt fiber, solid or a brush construction.

(37) In this example of the invention, the applicator 80 is formed of a highly compacted fibrous material such as polyester or other similar material having analogous properties sufficient to hold the original shape when moistened with the applicator liquid 6 but adequate to pass the applicator liquid 6 from the proximal end 81 to the distal end 82 of the applicator 80 by capillary action. In the alternative, the applicator 80 may be a non-porous material with grooves extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the applicator 80.

(38) FIGS. 9-11 illustrate the dispensing of the retractable liquid dispenser device 5. The dispensing valve 30 includes a valve body 90, a valve element 100, a valve seal 110, a spring 120 and a tubular seal 130. The valve body 90, the valve element 100, the valve seal 110, the spring 120 and the tubular seal 130 forms a sub-assembly 140.

(39) The valve body 90 extends between a valve body inner end 91 and a valve body outer end 92 as a cylindrical sidewall 93. The valve body inner end 91 comprises a face having vents whereas the valve body outer end 92 comprises an opening. A valve body shoulder 94 is formed on the valve body outer end 92 of the valve body 90. The valve body shoulder 94 engages the internal annular projection 66 for affixing the valve body 90 to the inner body 60.

(40) An inner body hollow 97 is defined in the outer end 92 of the valve body 90. The valve body 90 is provided with a hole 99 defined within the valve body inner end 91 of the valve body 90. The hole 99 and vents on the inner end 91 of the valve body 90 facilitates the flow of the applicator liquid 6 into the valve body 90.

(41) The valve element 100 extends between a valve element inner end 101 and a valve element outer end 102. The valve element 100 defines a circumferential sidewall 103 supporting a flared peripheral shoulder 108. The outside diameter of the flared peripheral shoulder 108 is less than the inner diameter of the valve body 90 for enabling the valve element 100 to move within the valve body 90.

(42) The valve seal 110 includes a valve seal inner end 111 and a valve seal outer end 112 with a cylindrical sidewall 113 terminating in a sealing surface 115. The valve seal 110 is press fit into the valve body 90 with the valve element 100 and the spring 120 located therebetween. The inner body hollow 97 of the valve body 90 receives an valve seal annular bulge 116 of the valve seal 110 for interlocking the valve seal 110 within the valve body 90.

(43) The outside diameter of the flared peripheral shoulder 108 of the valve element 100 is less than the inner diameter of the valve body 90 enabling the valve element 100 to move within the valve body 90. The outside diameter of the flared peripheral shoulder 108 of the valve element 100 is greater than the inner diameter of the valve seal inner end 111 of the valve seal 110 for enabling valve element 100 to form a seal with the sealing surface 115.

(44) A tubular seal 130 extends from the valve seal as a one-piece molding. The tubular seal 130 provides a sliding seal with the cylindrical diameter 83 of the applicator 80. The proximal end 81 of the applicator 80 is in direct engagement with the outer end 102 of the valve element 100.

(45) The space between the cylindrical diameter 83 of the applicator 80 and the tubular seal 130 defines the discharge reservoir 74 for supplying applicator liquid 6 to the proximal end 81 of the applicator 80

(46) FIG. 10 illustrates the dispensing valve 30 biased into a closed position by the dispensing spring 120. When the dispensing valve 30 in the closed condition, the flared peripheral shoulder 108 of the valve element 100 is biased by the dispensing spring 120 into engagement with the valve seal inner end 111 of the valve seal 110. The engagement of the flared peripheral shoulder 108 with the valve seal inner end 111 prevents the passage of the applicator liquid 6 from the supply reservoir 70 into the discharge reservoir 74.

(47) FIG. 11 illustrates the dispensing valve 30 in an open position upon depression of the applicator 80. A depression of the applicator 80 against a surface will compress the dispending spring 120 and move the flared peripheral shoulder 108 of the valve element 100 from the valve seal inner end 111 for enabling the passage of the applicator liquid 6 from the supply reservoir 70 into the discharge reservoir 74. The applicator liquid 6 moves from the proximal end 81 to the distal end 82 of the applicator 80 by capillary action. The applicator liquid 6 at the applicator 80 may be transferred to a surface by marking, dabbing or a brushing action.

(48) Referring back to FIG. 4, the retractable mechanism 40 including the central opening 16 in the annular stop wall 14 slidably supports the liquid dispenser 20 within the outer body 10. The liquid dispenser 20 is introduced into the internal channel 13 of the outer body 10 through the first end of the outer body 10.

(49) The retractable mechanism 40 includes a bi-stable cam system 45 for retaining the liquid dispenser in either a retracted position or an extended position. The operation of various bi-stable cam systems commonly referred to as a click pen is well known in the art as evidenced by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,205,863 and 3,819,282.

(50) A retractable actuator 150 is affixed to the first end 61 of the inner body 60. A retractable spring 152 is disposed between the annular stop wall 14 and the major external annular projection 65 for biasing the liquid dispenser 20 into a retracted position within the outer body 10. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the retractable actuator 150 moves the liquid dispenser 20 between a retracted position and an extended position.

(51) The retractable valve assembly 50 includes an outer retractable valve body 160 secured to the second end 12 of the outer body 10. A through slot 161 is defined within the outer retractable valve body 160. An angular truncated cylinder 162 is slidable mounted within the outer retractable valve body 160. The angular truncated cylinder 162 pivotably supports a retractable valve 164 shown as a flapper valve. The retractable valve 164 includes an extension 166 extending from the retractable valve 164.

(52) The retractable valve assembly 50 cooperating with the retractable actuator 150 for opening and closing the retractable valve 164. The angular truncated cylinder 162 includes a coupling 168 for engaging with the minor external annular projection 69 located on the inner body 60.

(53) FIGS. 12-15 illustrate the retractable liquid dispensing device 5 in various operating positions. The improved retractable liquid dispenser device 5 eliminates the need for two-handed operation in removing the protective cap from valve operated liquid applicator devices of the prior art.

(54) FIG. 12 is a side view of the retractable liquid dispenser device 5 with the retractable valve 164 in a closed position. The bi-stable cam system 45 maintains the liquid dispenser within the outer body 10. The retractable valve 164 is held in the closed position by the coupling 168 for inhibiting evaporation of the applicator liquid 6 from the distal end 82 of the liquid applicator 80.

(55) FIG. 13 is a side view similar to FIG. 12 with the retractable valve 164 in an open position. A partial depression of the retractable actuator 150 moves the liquid dispenser 20 forward relative to the outer body 10 against the urging of the retractable spring 152. Concomitantly therewith, the liquid dispenser 20 opens the retractable valve 164 by sliding the angular truncated cylinder 162 forward through the coupling 168. The extension 166 extending from the retractable valve 164 is received within the slot 161 defined within the outer retractable valve body 160.

(56) FIG. 14 is a side view similar to FIG. 13 with the retractable valve 164 in an open position and the liquid dispenser 20 located in an extended position. A continued depression of the retractable actuator 150 moves the liquid dispenser 20 forward relative to the outer body 10 against the urging of the retractable spring 152 until the bi-stable cam system 45 of the retractable mechanism 40 locks the liquid dispenser 20 in the extended position. The liquid dispenser 20 is now in position to dispense the applicator liquid 6 as will be further illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

(57) FIG. 15 is a side view similar to FIG. 14 with the retractable valve 164 in an open position and the liquid dispenser 20 located in an extended position and with the liquid applicator 80 in a depressed position to dispense the applicator liquid 6 from a distal end 82 of the liquid applicator 80.

(58) A second depression of the retractable actuator 150 moves the liquid dispenser 20 into the retracted position by the urging of the retractable spring 152. The retraction of the liquid dispenser 20 closes the retractable valve 164 by sliding the angular truncated cylinder 162 backward by the coupling 168. The extension 166 extending from the retractable valve 164 engages the outer retractable valve body 160 to close the retractable valve 164. The closing of the retractable valve 164 inhibits evaporation of the applicator liquid from the distal end of the liquid applicator.

(59) FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the retractable liquid dispenser device 5 of FIG. 14 positioned above a surface 8 illustrating a dispensing valve 30 is a closed position for inhibiting the flow of the applicator liquid 6 from the supply reservoir 70.

(60) FIG. 17 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 16 illustrating the dispensing valve 30 in an open position for permitting the liquid to flow from the supply reservoir 70 into the dispensing reservoir 74 to dispense the applicator liquid 6 from the distal end 82 of the liquid applicator 80.

(61) FIGS. 18-22 illustrate a second embodiment of the liquid dispenser 220 of the retractable liquid dispenser device 5. The liquid dispenser 220 comprises an inner body 260 extending between a first end 261 and a second end 262. A sidewall 263 defines an internal passageway 264 communicating between the first and second ends 261 and 262. The inner body 260 defines a first end portion 261A and a second end portion 262A adjacent to the first and second ends 261 and 262. An intermediate portion 263A is located between the first and second end portions 261A and 262A.

(62) The liquid dispenser 220 has an identical outer surface as the liquid dispenser 20 shown in FIGS. 6-11. A major external annular projection 265 extends from an outer surface of the sidewall 263 in proximity to the first end 261 of the inner body 260. A minor external annular projection 269 extends from an outer surface of the sidewall 63 in proximity to the second end 262 of the inner body 260.

(63) As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, an internal annular projection 266 extends from an inner surface of the sidewall 263. A shoulder 268 is formed in the inner surface 264 of the intermediate portion 263A. The tip of the first end portion 261A of the inner body 260 is adapted to slidably receive a combined liquid applicator 280 and the dispensing valve 230. The second end portion 262A of the inner body 260 is adapted to store the applicator liquid 6 in a supply reservoir 270. An interlock 272 secures the liquid applicator 280 and the dispensing valve 230 within the tip of the first end portion 261A of the inner body 60.

(64) As best shown in FIG. 21, the applicator 280 extends between a proximal end 281 and a distal end 282. The applicator 280 is a generally cylindrically shaped member defining a cylindrical diameter 283 between the proximal end 281 and the distal end 282. In this example of the invention, the applicator 280 is formed of a non-porous material.

(65) FIGS. 21-22 illustrate dispensing valve 230 including a valve element 300, a valve seal 310, a spring 320 and a tubular seal 330. The interlock 272 engages the internal annular projection 266 and the shoulder 268 for affixing the liquid applicator 280 and the dispensing valve 230 within the inner body 260. The outside diameter of the valve element 300 is greater than the inner diameter of the valve seal 310 for enabling valve element 300 to form a seal.

(66) A tubular seal 330 extends from the valve seal 310 as a one-piece molding. The tubular seal 330 allows a sliding movement with the cylindrical diameter 283 of the applicator 280. The space between the cylindrical diameter 283 of the applicator 280 and the tubular seal 330 for supplies applicator liquid 6 to the applicator 280.

(67) FIG. 21 illustrates the dispensing valve 330 biased into a closed position by the dispensing spring 320. When the dispensing valve 330 in the closed condition, the valve element 300 is biased by the dispensing spring 320 into engagement with the valve seal 310.

(68) FIG. 22 illustrates the dispensing valve 230 in an open position upon depression of the applicator 280. A depression of the applicator 280 against a surface will compress the dispending spring 320 and move the valve element 300 from the valve seal 310 for enabling the passage of the applicator liquid 6 from the supply reservoir 270 to the distal end 282 of the applicator 280. The applicator liquid 6 at the applicator 280 may be transferred to a surface by marking, dabbing or a brushing action.

(69) FIGS. 23-27 illustrate a third embodiment of the liquid dispenser 420 of the retractable liquid dispenser device 5. The liquid dispenser 420 comprises an inner body 460 extending between a first end 461 and a second end 462. A sidewall 463 defines an internal passageway 464 communicating between the first and second ends 461 and 462. The inner body 460 defines a first end portion 461A and a second end portion 462A adjacent to the first and second ends 461 and 462. An intermediate portion 463A is located between the first and second end portions 461A and 462A.

(70) The liquid dispenser 420 has an identical outer surface as the liquid dispenser 20 shown in FIGS. 6-11. A major external annular projection 465 extends from an outer surface of the sidewall 463 in proximity to the first end 461 of the inner body 460. A minor external annular projection 469 extends from an outer surface of the sidewall 63 in proximity to the second end 462 of the inner body 460.

(71) As best shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, an internal annular projection 466 extends from an inner surface of the sidewall 463. A shoulder 468 is formed in the inner surface 464 of the intermediate portion 463A. The first end portion 461A of the inner body 460 is adapted to slidably receive a liquid applicator 480. The second end portion 462A of the inner body 460 is adapted to store the applicator liquid 6 in a supply reservoir 470. The intermediate portion 463A of the inner body 460 is adapted to receive the dispensing valve 430. An interlock 472 secures the liquid applicator 480 and the dispensing valve 430 within the inner body 460.

(72) As best shown in FIG. 21, the applicator 480 extends between a proximal end 481 and a distal end 482. The applicator 480 is a generally cylindrically shaped member defining a cylindrical diameter 483 between the proximal end 481 and the distal end 482. The applicator 480 may formed from a highly compacted fibrous material such as polyester or other similar material having analogous properties sufficient to hold the original shape when moistened with the applicator liquid 6 but adequate to pass the applicator liquid 6 from the proximal end 481 to the distal end 482 of the applicator 480 by capillary action. In the alternative, the applicator 480 may be a non-porous material with grooves extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the applicator 480.

(73) FIGS. 26-27 illustrate the dispensing valve 430 including a valve element 500, a valve seal 510, a spring 520. The interlock 472 engages the internal annular projection 466 and the shoulder 468 for affixing the valve body 490 to the inner body 460. The proximal end 481 of the applicator 480 is in direct engagement with the valve element 500.

(74) FIG. 26 illustrates the dispensing valve 530 biased into a closed position by the dispensing spring 520. When the dispensing valve 530 in the closed condition, the valve element 500 is biased by the dispensing spring 520 into engagement with the valve seal 510. The engagement of the valve seal 510 prevents the passage of the applicator liquid 6 from the supply reservoir 470 to the applicator 480.

(75) FIG. 27 illustrates the dispensing valve 430 in an open position upon depression of the applicator 480. A depression of the applicator 480 against a surface will compress the dispensing spring 520 and move the valve element 500 from the valve seal 510 for enabling the passage of the applicator liquid 6 from the supply reservoir 470 to the applicator 480. The applicator liquid 6 moves from the proximal end 481 to the distal end 482 of the applicator 480 by capillary action. The applicator liquid 6 at the applicator 480 may be transferred to a surface by marking, dabbing or a brushing action.

(76) The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.