The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 10, 2009
Filed:
Feb. 01, 2007
David A. Dylkiewicz, Lockport, IL (US);
Robert G. Challman, Naperville, IL (US);
David A. Dylkiewicz, Lockport, IL (US);
Robert G. Challman, Naperville, IL (US);
Sanford, L.P., Oak Brook, IL (US);
Abstract
A seal assembly for a retractable instrument having an applicator element is disclosed, the seal assembly comprising a base, at least two fingers attached to the base, and a sleeve surrounding the base. When the retractable instrument is in a retracted position, the sleeve constrains the fingers such that the fingers are in a fully closed state and seal the applicator element. Protraction of the base relative to the sleeve allows the fingers to open, thereby exposing the applicator element. Thus, the seal assembly opens to expose an applicator element such that the applicator element is in an application position; however, none of the elements of the seal assembly contacts the applicator element to transfer fluid from the applicator element, thereby eliminating potential degradation of the seal.