Apparatus and Method for topical treatments on Animals

Abstract

A topical supradermal applicator comprises a liquid reservoir adapted to be coupled in liquid transferring relation with a plurality of applicator tines each having a longitudinal extent adapted to bypass an animals coat and including liquid directing channels operable to conduct liquid to topically transfer liquid beneath the coat. The reservoir comprises a graspable bulb-configured handle providing waisted radially opposed accommodation for an operator's opposed digits, around the periphery of the bulb.

Claims

1. A topical supradermal applicator comprising a liquid reservoir adapted to be coupled in liquid transferring relation with a plurality of applicator tines each having a longitudinal extent adapted to bypass an animals coat and including liquid directing channels operable to conduct liquid from proximal ends thereof connected in liquid transferring relation with a co-operable opening of the reservoir, to distal ends of the tines and there to topically transfer liquid through distal end channel openings adapted to be positioned in supradermal relation beneath said coat for topical dispensing of said liquid and wherein said reservoir comprises a graspable bulb-configured handle providing waisted radially opposed accommodation for an operator's opposed digits, around the periphery of said bulb.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a compressible resilient bulb.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said bulb-configured handle comprises a circumferentially-disposed radial array of graspable indents.

4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said bulb includes a crown portion arranged in diametric opposition to said co-operable opening facing palm-ward to an operator's hand.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein proximal ends of said tines originate from a common manifold plate adapted to be secured to said reservoir.

6. The applicator according to claim 5, wherein said plate bears an array of mutually spaced apart tines.

7. The applicator according to claim 6, wherein said plate is a circular plate and said array of mutually spaced apart tines is a circular array.

8. The applicator according to claim 5, wherein said array of tines and said handle are adapted to be arranged in mutually assembled relation around a common longitudinal axis.

9. The applicator according to claim 7, wherein said handle periphery circumscribes the circular array of said applicator tines application footprint.

10. A topical supradermal applicator kit comprising: a. a graspable bulb-configured handle providing radially opposed accommodation for an operator's opposed digits, around the periphery of said bulb and providing a liquid reservoir; b. one or more interchangeable manifold plates including a plurality of applicator tines each having a longitudinal extent adapted to bypass an animals coat and including liquid directing channels operable to conduct liquid from proximal ends to distal ends of the tines and there to topically transfer liquid through distal end channel openings adapted to be positioned in supradermal relation beneath said coat for topical dispensing of said liquid; and, c. wherein said reservoir is adapted to be coupled in liquid transferring relation with said plurality of applicator tines, to transfer liquid to proximal ends thereof connected in liquid transferring relation from a co-operable opening of the reservoir.

11. A method for topical supradermal application of a liquid to an animal having a coat covered epidermis comprising grasping a resilient bub-shaped handle with digits positioned to act in mutually opposed relation around the periphery of the bulb, and positioning the applicator with the common longitudinal axis of the handle and associated applicator tines, with the tines extending through an animal's coat and proximal to a dermal surface, compressing the bulb by mutually convergent action of flexing digits to express liquid from the reservoir and thereby transferring it through the tines to be applied as a topical supradermal application beneath said coat.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the bulb and tines are positioned with the common longitudinal axis arranged in a generally normal orientation relative to a body surface to be treated and comprising the further step of repositioning the handle to achieve topical supradermal application coverage below the coat.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the apparatus and method of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict only certain embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments in which the invention is capable of contemplating. Accordingly:

[0034] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the method and system of this invention showing a simplified diagram of the application device and its components, with a liquid solution held within the reservoir.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the method and system of this invention showing a simplified diagram of the application device on the animal.

[0036] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the method and system of this invention showing a simplified diagram of the brush tips and the coat of the animal.

[0037] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the method and system of this invention showing a simplified diagram of the motion the user applies to the device to dispense liquid throughout the skin and coat of the animal.

[0038] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the method and system of this invention showing a simplified diagram of the interchangeable tips that may be used with the application device for various lengths and thicknesses of coats.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the method and system of this invention showing a simplified diagram of the perforated tips by which liquid is passed from the reservoir and onto the skin the animal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the application device is broken down by component. The reservoir is shown filled with liquid, followed by the seal, which holds the tip plate on to the reservoir.

[0041] FIG. 2 depicts the assembled application device placed on the animal's body as outlined in this method. The application device allows the liquid to be held until placed on the animal's skin for release.

[0042] In FIG. 3, the application device is shown placed on the animal's body with the tips parting the coat to allow liquid to be dispensed directly onto the skin of the animal by the user. The interchangeable tips will vary in thickness and flexibility depending on the animal's coat length and thickness. Liquid can be dispersed through the perforated tips in a controlled manner.

[0043] FIG. 4 depicts the brushing movement applied to work the liquid into the skin and coat once the liquid is dispersed, or while the liquid is dispersed.

[0044] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the interchangeable tips, allowing for liquid application to the skin of animals with varying coat thicknesses and lengths. Each tip upper plate will have a similar dimension, while the tips themselves will vary depending on the need of the user.

[0045] FIG. 6 depicts a possible layout of the tips on the tip plate. The size of the perforation as well as the amount of perforated tips will vary the speed that the liquid is released onto the skin of the animal.

[0046] Referring now to the drawings in general, (where not all features are represented in each view), there is shown a topical supradermal applicator 1 comprising a liquid reservoir 2. Reservoir 2 is adapted to be coupled in liquid transferring relation with a plurality of applicator tines 3 each having a longitudinal extent 4 adapted to bypass an animals coat and including liquid directing channels 5 operable to conduct liquid from proximal ends 6 thereof connected in liquid transferring relation with a co-operable opening 7 from the reservoir, to distal ends 8 of the tines and there to topically transfer liquid through distal end channel openings 9. Openings 9 are adapted to be positioned in supradermal relation beneath the animal's coat for topical dispensing of the liquid. Reservoir 2 comprises a graspable bulb-configured handle 10 providing radially opposed accommodation for an operator's opposed digits 12, 12a, around the periphery 13 of said bulb handle 10. Handle 10 could be an oblate spheroid shape with a connecting waist portion intermediate the crown and the opposite end adapted to engage with the manifold plate.

[0047] Bulb handle sizes can vary, but are preferably about 4 inches to about 1 inch, and more typically in the range of about 3 to 1.5 inches. Handle 10 preferably comprises a compressible resilient bulb material and may have a textured surface to improve an operator's grip. More particularly, the bulb-configured handle 10 may comprise a circumferentially-disposed radial array 14 of graspable indents 15. The bulb handle 10 preferably includes a crown portion 16 arranged in diametric opposition to the co-operable opening 7, with the crown portion 16 oriented to face palm-ward to an operator's hand when grasped for use.

[0048] Applicator 1 includes proximal ends 6 of tines 3 that originate from a common manifold plate 17 adapted to be secured to reservoir 2. Plate 17 bears an array 18 of mutually spaced apart tines 3 and is preferably a circular plate and with array 18 of mutually spaced apart tines being a corresponding circular array. It is also preferred that array 18 of tines 3 and handle 10 be arranged in mutually assembled relation around a common longitudinal axis 19 and also that handle 10 periphery 13 circumscribe the circular array 18 of the applicator tines 3 to define an application footprint 20. This arrangement is particularly useful in targeting a localized treatment area.

[0049] The present invention also relates to a topical supradermal applicator kit comprising (whose component parts are perhaps best represented in exploded view in FIG. 1), with multiple plates 21a, 21b and 21c best shown in FIG. 5.

[0050] A method for topical supradermal application of a liquid to an animal having a coat covered epidermis comprising grasping a resilient bub-shaped handle 10 with digits 12, 12a positioned to act in mutually opposed relation around the periphery 13 of the bulb handle 10, and positioning the applicator 1 with the common longitudinal axis 19 of the handle 10 and associated applicator tines 3, with the tines extending through an animal's coat and proximal to a dermal surface, compressing the bulb 10 by mutually convergent action of flexing digits to express liquid from the reservoir 2 and thereby transferring it through the tines 3 to be applied as a topical supradermal application beneath the animal's coat. Preferably the bulb handle 10 and tines 3 are positioned with the common longitudinal axis 19 arranged in a generally normal orientation relative to a body surface to be treated and comprising the further step of repositioning the handle 10 to achieve topical supradermal application coverage below the coat.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0051] The present invention is susceptible of industrial application in relation to the manufacture and use of the applicator described herein and including its use for the grooming and healthcare of animals.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0052] topical supradermal applicator 1;

[0053] liquid reservoir 2

[0054] applicator tines 3

[0055] a longitudinal extent 4

[0056] liquid directing channels 5

[0057] proximal ends 6

[0058] a co-operable opening 7

[0059] distal ends 8

[0060] distal end channel openings 9

[0061] graspable bulb-configured handle 10

[0062] waisted radially opposed accommodation 11

[0063] operator's opposed digits 12, 12a

[0064] periphery 13

[0065] circumferentially-disposed radial array 14

[0066] graspable indents 15

[0067] crown portion 16

[0068] a common manifold plate 17

[0069] manifold plate seal 17a

[0070] array (of mutually spaced apart tines) 18

[0071] a common longitudinal axis 19

[0072] tines application footprint 20

[0073] interchangeable manifold plates 21a, 21b, 21c

CITATION LIST

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Non Patent Literature

[0085] Not applicable