GB2495295A

GB2495295A - Lotion applicator

Info

Publication number: GB2495295A
Application number: GB1117054.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thabang Thacker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-04
Filing date: 2011-10-04
Publication date: 2013-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-04
Also published as: GB2495295B; GB201117054D0

Abstract

An applicator 10 for applying a lotion comprises a handle portion 12 and a head portion 14, the head portion 14 being angularly movable relative to the handle portion 12; a roller 16 mounted to the head portion 14 for applying lotion contained within the applicator 10, and at least part of the handle portion 12 being squeezable for dispensing lotion contained within the applicator 10 onto the roller 16. Held within the handle portion is a flexible container 50 wherein ducting means 56, 58 extending from the flexible container towards the head portion directs lotion onto the roller. A movable connector provided between the head and handle portions preferably consists of a spherical head 42 and socket 44 including a guide pin 46 and track for defining relative movement.

Description

TITLE: APPLICATOR The present invention relates to an applicator and particularly but not exclusively to an applicator for applying liquid, cream or lotion to the body.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is widely recognised that the use of sunscreen or sun tan lotion is important to prevent sunburn of the skin from UV radiation. The use of sunscreen is especially important when spending long periods of time in the sun and should be applied to all exposed areas of skin.

Applying sunscreen evenly on the back can be very difficult without assistance from another person. If no one is available to assist, the person may have difficulty in applying the sunscreen to some areas of their back, which are difficult to reach. This problem can be worse for a person with limited flexibility.

The use of a sunscreen spray applicator has, to some extent, mitigated this problem.

However, it is still difficult for a person to evenly apply a full coating of sunscreen to the back without assistance from another person. If an area of skin is left exposed to the sun, then there is a risk of sunburn.

Similar problems can arise when applying other types of cream or lotion to the body.

such as body lotion, where without assistance, areas of skin that are difficult to reach are often neglected.

It is an object of the invention to provide an appflcator, for example, for cream or lotion, which substantially mitigates or reduces these problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided applicator for applying a lotion comprising a handle portion and a head portion, the head portion being angularly movable relative to the handle portion; a roller mounted to the head portion for applying lotion contained within the applicator, and at least part of the handle portion being squeezable for dispensing lotion contained within the applicator onto the roller.

The applicator is advantageous because it assists a user in reaching areas of the body that are not easily reachable, such as the back. The head portion is angularly movable relative to the handle portion to allow the applicator to closely follow the contours of the body of the user, ensuring even hard to reach areas are covered by lotion, for example, between the shoulder blades. When rolling the roller on the body, in use, the rolling movement spreads the lotion along a lateral extent of the roller and applies the lotion evenly on to the body. Rolling the roller back and forth on an area will further ensure a more even distribution of lotion, The user can adjust the thickness of the coating in various ways, for example. by varying the pressure applied to the handle portion for dispensing lotion, or by adjusting the speed of rolling.

The handle portion may include a housing and a flexible container for containing lotion, accommodated within the housing. The housing of the handle portion may include a flexible grip positioned over the flexible container, squeezing of the flexible grip causing squeezing of the flexible container. Therefore, lotion can be dispensed from the flexible container by simply applying pressure to the flexible grip of the handle portion.

The housing of the handle portion may have a removable portion for providing access to the flexible container. This allows the flexible container to be cleaned, removed or replaced if necessary. A user may change the lotion to be applied by the applicator by simply changing to a different flexible container containing a different lotion.

The housing of the handle portion may be provided in two parts, releasably clipped together. This allows for easy access to inside the handle portion, when required.

The flexible container may be refillable. This is environmentally friendly and cost effective as the user can reuse the same container time and time again. The user can also change the lotion in the flexible container, if desired. ci

Advantageously. ducting means may extend from the flexible container to a position adjacent the roller for directing flow of lotion from the flexible container onto the roller. An end of the ducting means may funnel outwardly adjacent the roller for directing flow of lotion to substantially a full lateral extent of the roller. This helps to ensure the lotion reaches the full length of the roller and maximises the sultace area the roller can cover with lotion, in use.

A wall may be positioned at the end of the ducting means and a plurality of spaced apertures may be provided through the wall for allowing lotion to flow therethrough in a controlled manner. Alternatively, the end of the ducting means may be open ended to dispense the lotion more quickly.

The head portion may include a housing accommodating part of the ducting means.

The housing of the head portion may be provided in two parts, releasably clipped together. This allows the ducting means to be cleaned, removed or replaced if necessary.

Preferably, part of the ducting means may be transparent. Also, a transparent window may be provided in the head portion. The transparent part of the ducting means allows a user to see, through the window, to identify when lotion is flowing through the ducting means.

A circumferential shroud may be provided around at least a part of the circumferential extent of the roller. The shroud serves to protect the roller. keeps it clean and also helps to retain the lotion on to the roller.

A slot may be provided in the shroud, for enabling direct application of lotion to the roller. The slot may extend over substantially the full lateral extent of the roller to ensure the lotion reaches the full length of the roller and maximise the surface area of the body the roller can cover with lotion, in use.

Central axes of the head portion and handle portion may be positioned at an angle relative to each other, for example, between 115° and 160°, particularly between I 30° and i60° and preferably around 145°. In use, the head portion is positioned such that when a user is gripping the handle portion, the head portion is directed and pointed to the area of the skin to which lotion is to be applied.

A movable connection may be provided between the head portion and the handle portion. The movable connection may include a substantially spherical head and a socket for receiving the substantially spherical head. The spherical head allows for smooth movements of the head portion relative to the handle portion, allowing the applicator to follow the contours of the body.

The movable connection may include a guide pin and a track for engaging with the guide pin and for defining the movement of the head portion relative to the handle portion. The track may be positioned perpendicularly to the central axis of the handle portion. This arrangement allows the head portion to rotate relative to the handle portion, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the handle portion. The track and guide pin may be arranged such that the head portion can angle to either side of a central position.

The roller may be releasably mounted to the head portion so that it may be removed to be cleaned, or replaced, if necessary. The roller may be mounted to an axle which may in turn be mounted to the head portion, allowing the roller to rotate around the axle.

The roller may be made from an open cell foam material, for example, foam rubber (for example, polyurethane foam) or silicone foam, to help to apply an even amount of lotion along the length of the roller. Alternatively, the roller may be made from a closed cell material, such as silicone or rubber, to allow the roller to be wiped or cleaned easily. The hand portion andlor head portion may be moulded in plastics so that it is durable and will not degrade in the event of any leakage inside the applicator.

End covers on the shroud may keep the ends of the roller clean.

The term lotion' is intended to include any liquid preparation for application to the human or animal body.

DESCRIPTION OF TUE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an applicator; Figure 2 shows a side view of the applicator of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front view of the applicator of Figure 1, a head portion being longitudinally aligned with a handle portion; Figure 4 shows a front view of the applicator of Figure 3. the head portion being rotated at an angle relative to the handle portion; and Figure 5 shows a schematic exploded view of the applicator of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figure 1, an applicator is indicated generally at 10. The applicator includes a handle portion 12 and a head portion 14, the two portions 12, 14 being positioned at an angle relative to each other. A movable connection is provided between the hanifie portion 12 and the head portion 14 and a roller 16 is mounted to the head portion 14 for applying cream or otion contained within the applicator 1 0.

The handle portion 12 includes a handle portion housing 18 having a first end 20 and a second end 22. The handle portion housing 18 has a generally oval cross section and is tapered towards the second end 22. The tapering is ergonomically advantageous in helping a user in gripping the handle portion 12. The handle portion housing 18 is formed in two parts 18a, I 8h that are releasably connected together by a plurality clips 24, which engage in corresponding apertures 25. The clips 24 and apertures 25 are provided around the respective edges of the two parts I 8a, I 8b. as seen in Figure 5. In use, each clip 24 engages with an aperture 25 to secure the two parts ISa, 18b together.

The preferred embodiment is provided with three clips 24 and apertures 25, and each part of the handle portion housing 18 is provided with at least one clip 24 and one aperture 25. Furthermore, the clips 24 are positioned such that a side clip 24a is provided along either side of the handle portion housing 18 adjacent the first end 20 of the handle portion housing 18, and an end clip 24b is provided at a wall of the second end 22 of the handle portion housing 18. It will be appreciated that the number and the positioning of the clips 24 and corresponding apertures 25 may be altered, if desired, although positioning the clips adjacent either end of the handle portion housing 18 help to make sure the two parts 1 8a, I 8b are securely attached when in use.

Three sets of support clips 26 and slots 27 are provided along the length of either side of the handle portion housing 18 and further serve to lock the two parts 18a, 18b of the handle portion housing 18 together.

A release region 28 is provided on the periphery of the upper part 18a of the handle portion housing 18 adjacent each side clip 24a, one of which is shown in Figures 1 and 2. To release the connection of the two parts 18a, I 8b, the user can squeeze on the release regions 28, which moves the side clips 24a inwardly away from their corresponding apertures 25. To connect the two parts 18a, 18b together, the user simply needs to urge the two parts iSa, 18b together until the clips 24 snap fit into their respective apertures 25. Each release region 28 is provided with a plurality of grooves perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion 12 to provide grip when taking the parts ISa, 18b apart. It will be appreciated the release region 28 can be provided with an alternative grip surface, for example, a ribbed surface, an uneven surface, or other textured surface.

An elongate flexible grip 30 is provided on the upper part 18a of the housing, and a plura'ity of lateral ribs 32 are provided on the flexible grip 30 to improve engagement between the user's hand and the grip.

The head portion 14 has an elongate housing 34, as seen Figure 5. Similar to the handle portion housing 18. the head portion housing 34 is formed in two parts 34a.

34b that are releasably connectable by two clips 36 and colTesponding apertures (not shown) provided on an end wall 37 of the two parts 34a, 34b. It will be appreciated that the number, and the positioning of the clips 36 and corresponding apertures may be altered, if desired. A window 38 in the front of the head portion 14, for example. as shown in Figure 1, is provided along a central longitudinal axis on the first part 34a of the head portion housing 34 to allow the user to view into the head portion housing 34. Integrally formed with the head portion housing 34 is a circumferential shroud 40 provided around at least a part of the circumferential extent of the roller 16.

Refening to Figure 5, a substantially spherical head 42 and a colTesponding socket 44 for receiving the spherical head 42 are provided to form the movable connection. The substantially spherical head 42 extends from a neck 43. which in turn extends from the end wall 37 of the head portion housing 34, and the socket 44 is provided at the first end 20 of the handle portion housing 18. It will be appreciated that the positioning of the spherical head 42 and the socket 44 may be reversed, if desired.

Similar to the housings 18, 34, each of the spherical head 42 and socket 44 is formed in two parts, each part being attached to each part of the housing. A guide pin 46 is provided at the centre on an outer surface of each half of the spherical head 42 and an elongate track 48 is correspondingly provided at the centre on an outer surface of each half of the socket 44 for each guide pin 46 to engage with. Each track 48 is positioned perpendicularly to a central axis of the handle portion 12, thus allowing the head portion 14 to move or rotate perpendicularly to the central axis of the handle portion 12 and defining the extent of the movement, as seen in Figures 3 and 4.

In use, when the spherical head 42 is accommodated in the socket 44, the handle portion 12 and the head portion 14 are positioned such that the central axes of the handle portion 12 and the head portion 14 are positioned at an angle relative to each other, for example at around 145°. The angle is maintained by the guide pins 46 and the tracks 48 on the spherical head 42 and the socket 44. It will be appreciated that angle may be altered if desired, for example, by altering the positioning of the guide pins 46 or tracks 48, to an angle between 115° and 160°. However, positioning the head portion 14 at around 145° from the handle portion 12 provides a suitable angie in directing the roller 16 towards the user's body.

Turning back to the handle portion housing 18, a flexible container 50 is accommodated within the housing 18, adjacent the second end 22, for containing cream or lotion. The flexible container 50 is sized and shaped to fit into the housing snugly so that an inner surface of the handle portion housing 18 is adjacent the periphery of the flexible container 50. A cap 52 is provided at one end of the flexible container 50 for removably enclosing cream or lotion within. The cap 52 may be secured to the flexible container 50 by means of mating male and female screw threads, or be push fitted. If required, the flexible container 50 can be refilled by simply removing the cap 52 temporarily. The flexible container 50 can therefore be reused, if desired. An outlet 54 is provided at an end of the cap to allow cream or lotion to flow out of the flexible container 50.

The flexible grip 28 is positioned such that it lies over the flexible container 50, and squeezing of the flexible grip 28 will cause cream or lotion to be squeezed out of the flexible container 50 through the outlet 54. It will be appreciated that the flexible grip 28 need not be positioned over the flexible container 50. It could, for example. be positioned on the second part 18b of the housing so that it is below the flexible container 50.

Dncting means is provided to extend from the flexible container 50 to a position adjacent the roller 16 for directing flow of lotion from the flexible container 50 to the roller 16. The ducting means includes an elongate tubing portion 56 that is releasably connected to the outlet 54 of the flexible container 50. A pair of protrusions 57, positioned opposite to one another, is provided on the outlet 54. extending perpendicularly to an outer surface of the outlet 54 and is flush against a distal end of the outlet 54. A pair of corresponding L-shaped slots (not shown) is provided on an inner surface at one end of the elongate tubing portion 56, for receiving the protrusions 57. The elongate tubing portion 56 can be locked against the flexible container 50 by rotating the elongate tubing portion 56 in one direction, and be unlocked by rotating the elongate tubing portion 56 in the opposite direction. The elongate tubing portion 56 extends through an opening on the socket 44 and the spherical head 42 of the movable connection, into the head portion housing 34. The ducting means further includes a substantially flat funnel portion 58. which is accommodated in the head portion housing 34 and is releasably connected to the elongate tubing portion 56. The substantially fiat funnel portion 58 is positioned at an angle relative to the flexible container 50. similar to the angle between handle portion 12 and the head portion 14.

A wall 60 is positioned at the end of the flat funnel portion 58 and a plurality of spaced apertures are provided through the wall 60 for aflowing cream or lotion to flow therethrough in a controlled manner. The flat funnel portion 58 may be releasably attached to the elongate tubing portion 56 by mating male and female screw threads or by a simple push fit. It will be appreciated that the elongate tubing portion 56 and the fiat funnel portion 58 can be integrally formed as one, and the wall 60 of the flat funnel portion 58 and its apertures may be omitted, if desired. The flat funnel portion 58 is made of transparent plastics, so that during use, the user can view the flat funnel portion 58 through the window 38 to ensure the cream or lotion is flowing through the ducting means onto the roller 16.

Turning now to the roller 16. the roller 16 is releasably mounted to an axle 60 which is in turn mounted to the side walls 62 of the shroud 40. The side waIls 62 of the shroud are releasable to allow the roller 16 to be removed if desired, for example, for cleaning. A first slot (not shown) is provided on the shroud 40 to allow an end of the fiat funnel portion 58 to pass through and be adjacent the roller 16. The end of the flat funnel portion 58 is sized for directing the flow of cream or lotion to substantially a full lateral extent of the roller 1 6. A second slot 64 is provided on the shroud 40 parallel with the roller 16 for enabling direct application of lotion to the roller 16. The slot 64 extends over substantially the full extent of the roller 16.

The applicator typically measures around 320mm in length. The lateral extent of the shroud is around 70mm. The measurements may be altered to suit. The head and handle portions 12, 14 are moulded in plastics and the roller is made from an open cell foam material, for example, foam rubber or silicone foam, or a closed cell foam material, for example, silicone or rubber.

In use, a user can utilise the applicator 10 to apply cream or lotion to thc user's body.

The user can grip on the handle portion 12 and apply pressure to the flexible grip 30.

Lotion will then flow out of the flexible container 50, into the ducting means and onto the roller 16. The roller 16 can then be rested on the body of the user and lotion can be applied to the skin by simply manoeuvring the roller 16 back and forth. The amount of lotion applied to the skin by the applicator 10 can be controlled by the amount of pressure applied to the flexible gnp 30 and the speed of which the roller 16 travels on the body. The angular or articulating movement of the movable head portion 14 relative to the handle portion 12 allows the roller 16 to follow the contours of the body as the roller 16 travels on the body. This significantly reduces the amount of movement the user's hand needs to make to manoeuvre the applicator on the body, especially around hard to reach areas, such as the back.

If the user wishes to use the applicator to apply a lotion that is not contained inside the applicator, the user may apply lotion directly to the roller through the second slot 64 on the shroud 40. The user can then apply the lotion using the same method as above, but without applying pressure to the flexible grip 30.

When access into the housings 18, 34 is required. the user can pull the two parts of each housing apart by squeezing the release region 28 to disengage the clips from their respective apertures. The parts accommodated within the housings 18, 34. such as the ducting means and flexible container 50, can be removed, for example, for cleaning or replacement. In the case of the flexible container 50. it can also be refilled when the lotion is depleted. To remove the roller 16 from the shroud 40, one of the side walls 62 can be removed and the roller may slide out of the axle 60.

The applicator is beneficial because it helps a user in applying cream or lotion to the body, including hard to reach areas, such as the back. The movable head portion allows the roller to closely follow the contours of the body. reducing the amount of manoeuvring required by the user's hand gripping the handle portion. This helps to ensure all areas of the skin are covered by the lotion. The roller provides a smooth surface for contacting the skin, enabling the applicator to travel or glide on the body.

The user can adjust the amount of lotion applied to an area by simply adjusting the speed of travel of the roller and/or the pressure applied to the flexible grip. Parts of the applicator, such as the housings. flexiNe container, ducting means and rofler are all removable, allowing parts to be cleaned or replaced individually. This also saves cost and is environmentally friendly. The flexible container may also be refilled. The applicator may be used for applying lotion not contained within the applicator by providing a slot on the shroud. through which lotion can be applied to the roller directly. The applicator is therefore very versatile. The applicator can be used to apply substantially any liquid preparation to the body.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMSI. An applicator for applying a lotion comprising a handle portion and a head portion, the head portion being angularly movable relative to the handle portion; a roller mounted to the head portion for applying lotion contained within the applicator, and at least part of the handle portion being squeezable for dispensing lotion contained within the applicator onto the roller.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An applicator as claimed in claim 1, in which the handle portion includes a housing and a flexible container for containing lotion, accommodated within the housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. An applicator as claimed in claim 2, in which the housing of the handle portion includes a flexible grip positioned over the flexible container, squeezing of the flexible grip causing squeezing of the flexible container.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. An applicator as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the housing of the handle portion has a removable portion for providing access to the flexible container.</claim-text> <claim-text>S. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the housing of the handle portion is provided in two parts, releasably clipped together.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the flexible container is refillable.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, in which ducting means extends from the flexible container to a position adjacent the roller for directing flow of lotion from the flexible container on to the roller.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. An applicator as claimed in claim 7, in which an end of the ducting means funnels outwardly adjacent the roller for directing flow of lotion to substantially a full lateral extent of the roller.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. An applicator as claimed in claim 8, in which a wall is positioned at the end of the ducting means and a plurality of spaced apertures are provided through the wall for allowing lotion to tiow therethrough in a controlled manner.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the head portion includes a housing accommodating part of the ducting means.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. An applicator as claimed in claim 10, in which the housing of the head portion is provided in two parts, releasably clipped together.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 7 to ii, in which the part of the ducting means is transparent.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a transparent window is provided in the head portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a circumferential shroud is provided around at least a part of the circumferential extent of the roller.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. An applicator as claimed in claim 14, in which a slot is provided in the shroud, for enabling direct application of lotion to the roller.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. An applicator as claimed in claim 15, in which the slot extends over substantia'ly the full lateral extent of the roller.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which central axes of head portion and handle portion are positioned at an angle relative to each other.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a movable connection is provided between the head portion and the handle portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. An applicator as claimed in claim 18. in which the movable connection includes a substantially spherical head and a socket for receiving the substantially spherical head.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. An applicator as claimed in claim 18 or 19, in which the movable connection includes a guide pin and a track for engaging with the guide pin for defining the movement of the head portion relative to the handle portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. An applicator as claimed in claim 20 when dependent on claim 17, in which the track is positioned perpendicularly to the central axis of the handle portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the roller is releasably mounted to the head portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the roller is mounted to an axle which is in turn mounted to the head portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the roller is made of an open cell material.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, in which the roller is made of a closed cell material.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. An applicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hand portion and/or head portion is moulded in plastics.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. An applicator substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures ito 5 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>