Dispensing container having capillary pressure compensating valve

Claim 1

A liquid applicator suitable for use in the application of liquids to a surface, said liquid applicator comprising a container having a container body adapted for storing a quantity of liquid, said container having an opening at the upper end thereof, shaped applicator means positioned at said opening, said applicator means comprising a non-flexible, non-deformable, sintered, porous synthetic resin structure having a controlled porosity and having omni-directional interconnecting pores, spring means affixed to said opening, said spring means being adapted to normally urge said applicator means outward from said opening, and allow movement of said applicator means toward said opening when said applicator means is pressed against a surface, said applicator means being affixed to said spring means; an aperture through said applicator means adjacent to the central area thereof, said aperture being from about 0.005 to about 0.030 inches in diameter whereby said aperture retains the liquid in said container when the pressure inside and outside the container are substantially equal, but releases said liquid when there is a substantial pressure differential, thereby acting as a venting valve; said spring means providing an internal pressure in said container when said applicator means is pressed against a surface, whereby substantially equal pressures are maintained inside and outside of said container and substantially constant liquid flow can be maintained, on demand, through said applicator means.