US20100034573A1

US20100034573A1 - Applicator System

Info

Publication number: US20100034573A1
Application number: US12/189,322
Authority: US
Inventors: Lynda Moyers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-11
Filing date: 2008-08-11
Publication date: 2010-02-11

Abstract

An applicator for treating hard to reach body parts without assistance. The applicator in one embodiment includes a folding handle that nests into itself for compact storage and transport. The applicator includes an applicator head with removable pads that can be removed and sanitized or disposed. The pads can be impregnated with products, have products applied to them, have exfoliating cloths on them or otherwise configured. The applicator of another embodiment includes a flexible backing member onto which applicator inserts can be attached. The flexible member can be applied to a body part and manipulated to treat the body part. The inserts can be removed, sanitized for reuse or disposed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of applicators for lotion and other uses and in particular to application to a user's back and other hard to reach locations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often necessary to apply lotion or creams to the body for a number of reasons. These may be applied directly to the skin but often it is desirable to use an applicator. This is of particular concern when an individual desires to apply the lotion to a hard to reach area, such as the back. This task is extremely difficult to complete by an individual without assistance from another person.
There are a number of applicators that attempt to solve this problem. These applicators typically have an absorbent pad mounted on an elongated handle. These applicators are difficult to store and transport. Since one of the primary uses for such an applicator is for application of sun tan lotion, the long handled applicators are not practical for taking outside or to the beach. Also, the applicators take up space in the bathrooms, showers or storage cabinets.
Another problem with these applicators is the unsanitary nature of the used applicators. These applicators often are used to apply lotions, skin care products, medicinal products or other products. After the body part has been treated, the used applicator is unsanitary and messy. These applicators may be cleaned but after a few uses, the entire applicator must be thrown away.
The previous applicators are awkward to use as well. The straight handles make it difficult to apply pressure, particularly when applying a product to the back or exfoliating the back. The user needs to extend their arm up and over their shoulder at an awkward angle in order to obtain any pressure.
Also, different applicators may be required for different purposes. For instance, one applicator may be needed to apply lotions or skin care products to the back of a user. Another applicator may be needed for exfoliating the skin on the back of a user. Yet another applicator may be needed for medical treatments.
More and more individuals are seeking spa style treatments in their homes for personal use. However, there currently are not adequate products on the market that enable users to have at home spa products that are effective and provide a spa style treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves these and other problems by providing a unique applicator system that enables a person to treat hard to reach body parts without assistance. The applicator system of the present invention not only enables a person to treat hard to reach body parts without assistance, it provides an applicator that can be compactly stored and transported. The applicator system also provides an applicator system that can be used for many different purposes and provides a sanitary application system.
The applicator system of one preferred embodiment uses a unique handle system. The handle system includes two curved members that form a substantially S shape. The two handle members are pivotally connected to one another by a hinge. When not in use, the handle members are folded together to nest into the curves for compact storage. The handle members are then pivoted away from one another and locked into an elongated member for use. The elongated handle enables a user to reach difficult areas without assistance.
The applicator system of a preferred embodiment provides a uniquely shaped handle that allows a user to easily apply pressure on the pad. The unique shape of the handle is curved so that pressure is easily applied, particularly on the user's back.
The applicator system of a preferred embodiment provides an applicator head that has an attachment mechanism to enable applicator pads to be easily attached and removed. The attachment mechanism includes a hook and loop attachment material or adhesive or other attachment mechanisms. The applicator pad can easily be attached, used, and then either sanitized for reuse or disposed.
The applicator system of a preferred embodiment enables the use of a multitude of applicator pads. The applicator pads may be formed from an absorbent cloth, a foam material, a sponge material, a combination of these materials, an exfoliating material or any other material that would be useful in the application of products. The applicator pad may be impregnated with a product, such as a lotion, skin care product, cleansing product, medicinal product or other products or such a product may be applied to it by the user.
The applicator system in a preferred embodiment uses a natural hypoallergenic pad. This minimizes allergic reactions that occur in some individuals when synthetic materials are used or materials that might trigger allergic reactions.
The applicator system of another preferred embodiment includes a flexible backing member. The flexible backing member may be formed from canvas, cloth, plastic or any other flexible material. Attachment strips on the flexible backing member, such as hook and loop material, adhesives, zippers or any other attachment mechanism attach applicator inserts onto the flexible backing member. The inserts may be formed from absorbent cloth, foam, sponge, combinations of these materials, exfoliating material or any other useful application material. The inserts may have application products impregnated in them or applied onto them by the user. The applicator system is applied to the body part and then manipulated by the user to treat the body part. Once the body part has been treated, the applicator insert can be removed, sanitized for reuse or disposed. The applicator system can be rolled up for storage and transport.
These and other features of the present invention will be evident from the ensuing detailed description of preferred embodiments, from the claims and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with an elongated handle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the elongated handle.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the handle member folded together.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exploded assembly of the applicator head and applicator pad.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention with a flexible backing member.

FIG. 6 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 without the applicator insert.

FIG. 7 is rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the applicator insert.

FIG. 9 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 rolled up.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides applicator systems that enable a user to apply products to all locations on their body, that are usable for different purposes and are sanitary. It is to be expressly understood that this exemplary embodiment is provided for descriptive purposes only and is not meant to unduly limit the scope of the present inventive concept. Other embodiments of the products and methods of use of the present invention are considered within the present inventive concept as set forth in the claims herein. For explanatory purposes only, the products and methods of use of the preferred embodiments are discussed primarily for the purposes of understanding the method of installation. It is to be expressly understood that other products and methods are contemplated for use with the present invention as well.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The applicator 10 of this preferred embodiment has an applicator head 20 and an elongated handle 30. The elongated handle 30 has a substantially oval cross-section includes a substantially “S” shape that is hinged in a center portion of the handle. It is to be understood that other shapes and cross-sections may be used as well. In the preferred embodiment, the handle is formed from a durable plastic or any other suitable material.
The hinge 32 pivotally connects the handle member 34 to handle member 36 to form elongated handle 30. The hinge 32, of this preferred embodiment, is a roller type hinge that allows the handle member 34 to pivot relative to handle member 36. Other hinges may be used as well such as a living hinge (a reduced region that allows that portion to flex). It is to be expressly understood that other types of hinge mechanisms may be used as well. A locking member 38 extends from member 36 over member 32 to secure the members from movement when the handle is in the elongated position.
The handle member 34 includes a curved portion that has an inner radius R₁. The handle member 36 has a curved portion that curves in the opposing direction from the curved portion 36 to form the substantially “S” shape. The curved portion 38 has an outer radius R₂. Inner radius R₁of member 34 is equal to or slightly larger than outer radius R₂of handle member 36. This allows the handle member 32 to nest inside the curved portion 38 to form a compact unit when the handle member 34 is pivoted into handle member 34. The member 36 also includes, in a preferred embodiment, two extended pegs 60, 62. These two pegs 50, 52 engage in mating holes 54, 56 when the handle member 34 nests over member 36 to secure the handles in the folded position.
In this preferred embodiment, the end portion 40 of handle 30 is slightly tapered with a lanyard 42 inserted into hole 44 of the handle 30. This allows the applicator to be hung in the shower or other location when not in use. Grip 46 is mounted over the handle 30 near the end portion 40. The grip can be formed from rubber or any other material that will work as a grip, particularly when lotion or other liquid is being applied.
The applicator head 20 can be molded integrally with handle member 34 or attached thereto. The applicator head 20, in a preferred embodiment, is a substantially rectangular member although other configurations may be used as well. In one preferred embodiment, the rectangular member is about five inches long and four inches wide but other sizes may be used as well.
The open face 22 of the applicator head 20 includes a hook and loop attachment fabric 24 adhesively mounted onto the face 22. Alternatively, a reusable tacky adhesive may be used as well. Pads 26 are secured onto the open face 22 through mating hook and loop attachment fabrics 28 or by other attachment mechanisms such as adhesives. The pads 26 may be foam material, sponge material, cloth material or other suitable materials that are absorbent or have other desirable characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, the pads 26 are available in sets that include one or more without limitation absorbent cloths, exfoliating cloths, foam pads, foam or cloth pads that are impregnated with lotion, medicinal products or other products for application in hard to reach areas, such as a user's back. The cloth pads may also include a thin foam pad underneath the cloth. The pads 26 are designed to be easily removed after use and disposed for sanitary purposes. Alternatively, the pads could be cleaned and sanitized for additional uses.
In a preferred embodiment, the pads 26 are formed of a hypoallergenic material. Some individuals may have allergy issues that are aggravated from non-hypoallergenic materials. This problem is particularly exacerbated due to the scrubbing action of the pad against the skin. The use of a hypoallergenic material alleviates this problem.
The pads 26 are also preferably formed of a naturally occurring product rather than synthetic materials. Also, the material is preferably formed from a recycled material or is able to be recycled.

Use

In use, the applicator 10 is prepared for use by pivoting handle member 32 away from handle member 34 until it snaps into a locked position so that the handle 30 is in an elongated position. The appropriate pad 26 is selected and secured onto the applicator head 20. If the pad 26 does not already have the desired product impregnated in it, then the product, such as lotion, medicinal product or skin care product or other products applied to the pad. Alternatively, the selected pad may be for exfoliating purposes. The user can then proceed to apply the product to the desired location, such as the back, without assistance. Once the product has been applied, the user can simply remove the pad, sanitize or dispose of the pad, and unlock the hinge and pivot the handle member 32 towards the handle member 34 until it nests together. The compact applicator can then be stored or transported until it is needed once again.
The curved shape of the handle is particularly effective at applying pressure to the pad 26 regardless of the location being treated. The curved handle provides leverage as opposed to a straight handle. This is of particular concern in locations such as the back of the user. The curved handle enables a user to comfortably apply leverage without extreme contortions to their back. This pressure is critical in ensuring uniform application of products as well in exfoliation of the back.
The use of hypoallergenic and/or natural materials for the pads 26 also enhance the spa experience. These materials alleviate allergy concerns as well as concerns with the use of synthetic materials as opposed to synthetic materials.

Alternative Embodiment

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. The applicator 60 of this embodiment also enables users to apply products to hard to reach areas without assistance. The applicator 60 includes a flexible backing member 70 and replaceable inserts for holding products for application.
The flexible backing member 70 is an elongated substantially rectangular member in this preferred embodiment although other shapes and configurations may be used as well. In this preferred embodiment, the backing member 70 is formed from a canvas cloth. Other flexible materials may be used as well including without limitation flexible plastic materials, cloth materials and other flexible materials. Handles 72, 74 are attached to either end of the flexible backing member 70. In this preferred embodiment, handles 72, 74 are suede rope handles that have squeeze attachments 76 to adjust the size of the loop handles. It is to be expressly understood that other types of handles may be used as well. In this preferred embodiment, the backing member 70 is about thirty-six inches long, six to ten inches wide with twelve inch handles. Other sizes may be used as well.
Attachment strips 80, 82 are attached to the elongated sides of the backing member 70. These attachment strips may be hook and loop attachment material, adhesive strips, zippers, buttons or other types of attachment mechanisms. Inserts 84 are mounted to the applicator 60 by engagement with the attachment strips, either through mating hook and loop attachment materials, adhesive or other types of attachment mechanisms. The inserts may lay flat on the attachment strips or engage the attachment strips by the edges of the inserts.
Inserts 84, in this preferred embodiment, are formed from natural cloth, foam materials, sponge materials or other absorbent materials, exfoliating materials or combinations of materials. The inserts may be impregnated with application products, such as lotions, skin care products, medicinal products, or any other type of products.
The sides 78 of the backing member 70 are formed to have the same thickness as the inserts 84. The inserts 84 are then flush with the sides 78 of the backing member so that uniform pressure is applied and no movement of the inserts relative to the backing member occur.
The backing member and inserts are preferably formed of a hypoallergenic and/or natural materials. This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions from the use of the product. It also alleviates concerns with the use of synthetic materials and other environmental concerns.

Use

In use, an insert 84 is attached to the flexible backing member 70 by the attachment strips. The insert may be an absorbent cloth or foam that is already impregnated with the desired product, or a product may be applied to it, or it may be an exfoliating cloth. The user then engages the applicator about the body part to be treated such as the back, grasps the applicator by the handles and manipulate the applicator to treat the body part or apply product to the body part by pulling the handles in differing directions until the body part has been satisfactorily treated. Once the treatment is over, the user can simply remove the insert from the applicator and sanitize or dispose of the insert. The applicator can then be rolled up for storage or transport.
The descriptive embodiments disclosed above are provided for explanatory purposes only. These embodiments are not meant to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. Other embodiments and configurations are considered to be within the scope of the claimed inventions.

Claims

1. An applicator for treating a hard to reach body part without assistance, wherein said applicator comprises:

an elongated handle member;

an applicator head affixed to said elongated handle member; and

at least one pad removably affixed to said applicator head.

2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said elongated handle member includes:

a first handle member;

a second handle member; and

a hinge pivotally connecting said first handle member to said second handle member to enable said first handle member and said second handle member to be folded together for compact storage.

3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said elongated handle member includes:

a first curved handle member;

a second curved handle member; and

a hinge pivotally connecting said first handle member to said second handle member to enable said first handle member and said second handle member to be folded and nested together for compact storage.

4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said applicator further includes:

a hook and loop attachment mechanism on said applicator; and

a mating hook and loop attachment mechanism on each of said at least one pads.

5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said applicator further includes:

an adhesive attachment mechanism on said applicator; and

a mating adhesive mechanism on each of said at least one pads.

6. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said at least one pad includes:

an absorbent portion on said at least one pad for retaining an application product.

7. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said at least one pad includes:

an exfoliating portion on said at least one pad for retaining an application product.

8. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said at least one pad includes:

an application product impregnated within said at least one pad.

9. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said at least one pad includes:

an absorbent portion that can be sanitized for reuse.

10. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said at least one pad includes:

a hypoallergenic material.

11. An applicator for treating a hard to reach body part without assistance, wherein said applicator comprises:

a flexible backing member;

an attachment mechanism on said flexible backing member; and

at least one applicator insert removably affixed by said attachment mechanism to said flexible backing member.

12. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said flexible backing member includes:

a flexible canvas material.

13. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said flexible backing member includes:

a flexible cloth material.

14. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said flexible backing member includes:

a flexible plastic material.

15. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said attachment mechanism includes:

a hook and loop attachment mechanism.

16. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said attachment mechanism includes:

an adhesive attachment mechanism.

17. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said applicator insert includes:

a natural cloth insert.

18. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said applicator insert includes:

an absorbent portion for retaining an application product.

19. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said applicator insert includes:

an absorbent portion that is impregnated with an application product.

20. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said applicator insert includes:

an exfoliating portion.

21. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said applicator includes:

handles on either end of said flexible backing member.

22. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said applicator includes:

sides on said backing member about the same thickness of said applicator inserts so that said applicator inserts are flush with said sides.

23. The applicator of claim 10 wherein said applicator includes:

said applicator inserts are formed of a hypoallergenic material.