Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICE AND METHOD FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCES TO A BODY
REFERENCE TO PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application does not claim the benefit of pending application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for self-
application of
substances to a body, particularly to a device having an applicator pad and a
manipulation
member to facilitate the application of substances to difficult-to-reach
areas.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Applying formulations; including lotions, creams, ointments, oils,
sunscreens, sun tan
lotions, sun blocks, insect repellents, or medications to various parts of the
body is often
necessary when skin becomes dry, irritated, rough or abraded due to exposure
to harmful
conditions, or to protect skin from insects or damaging exposure to sunlight.
[0004] The application of such formulations, however, to difficult-to-reach
areas of the body
is a challenge to many people, especially the elderly or people with reduced
mobility due to a
medical condition, infirmity or lack of flexibility. Areas which present most
difficulty are
typically the back, shoulders, legs and feet.
[0005] Devices for applying such formulations to difficult-to-reach areas have
been described
in the prior art. For example: US6851154 describes a device having a washable
applicator
member having a defined thickness comprising a first layer of material and a
second layer of
material which is, at least in part, non-absorbent and preferably water
repellent material. The
second layer of the applicator member is also structured with an absorbent
layer providing a
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contact surface for applying substances to the body. Elasticized extension
members secured
to the applicator member and attached handles allow the device to be used
without straining
the muscles of the arms or shoulders. The applicator member may be structured
with
securement apparatus which enables a separate disposable or reusable
applicator pad to be
detachably attached to the applicator member, thereby enabling the user to
apply lotion via
the applicator pad and then remove the applicator pad for disposal or cleaning
for reuse. The
elasticized straps are preferably formed from elasticized material, the
modulus of elasticity of
which allows the elasticized straps to be stretched to a maximum length of a
person's
wingspan. The applicator may be formed with a first layer of soft, washable
material and a
middle portion. The second layer comprises a layer of non-absorbent and
preferably water
repellent material. A securement structure is positioned along the second
surface of the
applicator for securing a detachable applicator pad. The detachable applicator
pad may be
formed of an absorbent material layer to which lotion, or another substance,
is applied for
contact with the skin. The material layer may be a washable material or
fabric.
[0006] US7661897 discloses an apparatus for application of lotions, balms and
creams to a
person's back area including interchangeable applicators each having a
removable connection
through which lotions is introduced to the applicator. Soft, flexible tubing
transmits the lotion
throughout the interior of the applicator having a series of small apertures
allowing the liquid-
based material to be dispersed onto the applicator pad when gently squeezed.
In use, a person
pulls the pad back and forth across their back using the long straps attached
to each end. The
straps comprise a durable and resilient material and may be elastic. The
application pad is
envisioned to be fabricated of rectangular-shaped application pad sponge in a
plurality of
dimensions; however, the application pad may also comprise a plurality of
protrusions such
as, but not limited to: cylindrical, square, or other shapes. The terry cloth
or other fabricated
surface is preferably washable allowing a user to selectively apply lotions or
other
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substances. Alternatively, the bottom side and/or the longitudinal and lateral
sides may
comprise protuberances or the like to utilize as a massaging device.
[0007] US5979006 describes a lotion applicator and massaging apparatus
including a pair of
opposing substantially U-shaped handles with an attachment plate attached to
each of their
respective terminal ends. The two opposing attachment plates each have a
plurality of cords
extending from an opposing side with a snap style connector at their distal
ends. The lotion
applicator and body massage assembly comprising a pair of opposing U-shaped
handles each
covered with a foam sleeve. Attached to the terminal ends of each U-shaped
handle is an
attachment plate having a plurality of cords extending from an opposing side
thereof. A distal
end of each cord has a snap connector for matably engaging a corresponding
snap connector
on an accompanying assembly pad. Different accessory pads are described, and
are
preferably constructed with a dry weave fabric or a similar material that is
washable allowing
a user to selectively apply lotions, gels, creams or oils.
[0008] US 20060248672A1 discloses a lotion applicator that enables lotion to
be applied to
hard to reach body parts without assistance from another person. The
applicator includes an
elongated main body having a first end and an opposing second end, and a front
surface and a
rear surface. Handles can be provided at the first end and at the second end
of the elongated
main body. The elongated main body being capable of stretching. A loop can be
formed
adjacent at least one of the first end or the second end. An applicator pad
removably secured
to the front surface of the main body. The applicator pad can be a disposable
wipe of lotion.
The elongated main body being capable of stretching. A loop can be formed
adjacent at least
one of the first end or the second end. An applicator pad removably secured to
the front
surface of the main body.
[0009] US20040247368A1 describes a chamois for applying suntan lotions,
sunscreens and
sun blocks to hard-to-reach areas of the body including a soft, pliable center
section and a
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pair of side sections including one each of a pair of straps at opposite ends
thereof for
grasping in a user's hands to be operable by a sawing motion, and with the
center section
having a durable, synthetic fabric material which is semi-absorbent to receive
suntan lotion,
sunscreen and sunblock liquids directly sprayed or poured thereon as a cream
or oil thereby
applying suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks in hard to reach areas of
the body. Such
chamois will be understood to incorporate a soft, pliable center section
having a durable,
synthetic material on at least one of its front and rear opposing surfaces,
which is semi-
absorbent to the suntan lotion, sunscreen and sunblock liquid to be sprayed or
poured thereon.
Side sections including one each of a pair of straps are then included. A
preferred
embodiment of the invention is one in which the center section of the chamois
includes the
durable, synthetic material on both of the front and rear opposing surfaces,
with the synthetic
material being washable.
[0010] US20040208683A1 discloses an apparatus for use in applying lotion to a
portion of a
body of an individual includes first and second handles which are connected
with a lotion
dispensing section. The lotion applied to the back of the individual with the
lotion application
apparatus may be a liquid having medicinal, cosmetic, and/or cleansing
properties. For
example, the lotion application apparatus 20 may be utilized to apply sun tan
lotion or a
moisturizing lotion to a back 22 or another portion of an individual's body.
[0011] US20160295995A1 describes a lotion applicator for allowing a user to
apply any of a
variety of lotions, creams, medications, or ointments to various portions of
the user's body
without the assistance of another person. The lotion applicator includes an
elongated strap of
material having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends each
have a handle
thereon so that a user can hold an end of the elongated strap in each hand. A
central portion
of the elongated strap is configured to receive a lotion or cream thereon for
application to a
body part of the user, such as the user's back. A central portion of the
elongated strap is
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adapted to receive lotion thereon. In some embodiments, the central portion
comprises a pad
on which the user may deposit the lotion and that helps to indicate to the
user where lotion
should be positioned. In alternate embodiments, the central portion comprises
a lotion
impregnated therein so that the user does not have to manually deposit lotion
onto the
elongated strap.
[0012] US7410318B2 discloses a back applicator including a base plate and
first and second
straps coupled to opposed sides thereof and extending in opposed directions.
At least one of
the straps is length adjustable such that the length of the applicator device
may be selectively
changed. The back applicator also includes an applier that is selectively and
removably
coupled to the base plate. The applier may be a sponge to which a lotion may
be applied or
that may be pro-loaded with lotion. The first and second straps 120 extend in
opposed
directions from the base plate. A single strap may be used instead of two
distinct straps.
Handles may be included at outer ends of the straps. The applier may include a
sponge or
another material appropriate for spreading lotions, and the sponge may or may
not include a
pre-applied lotion. Various sponges may have various types of lotions, such as
suntan lotion,
body lotion, insect repellant.
[0013] US3870419A describes a resilient body having opposed faces connected
together by a
wall to form a soap receiving chamber. Opposed straps attached to the body
form a handhold
for enabling a person to scrub his back with the body portion. This invention
relates to
apparatus for scrubbing, massaging, and applying lotion to ones back comprised
of a' resilient
body having opposed faces bounded by a side wall within which a bar of soap or
a container
of liquid can be removably stored for use. Opposed straps attached to and
depending from the
body enables a person to hold a strap in each hand in order to scrub or
massage his back.
[0014] The devices described above each have one or more unfavorable features,
or lack an
advantageous feature, which render the device unsuitable in some respect for
use as an
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applicator device. Most of the devices have applicators made from absorbable
material that is
either designed for single use or that requires washing after each
application. Moreover, the
absorbable nature of many applicators results in wasting significant
quantities of often
expensive formulations and medicaments.
[0015] Thus, it would be advantageous in the art to provide a device for self-
application of
substances to the back, shoulders, legs, feet and other difficult-to-reach
places of the body.
Preferably the device is structured to be easy to use, and designed to be able
to apply
preparations and formulations of varying consistencies to various parts of the
body with little
or no waste of the preparations and formulations.
[0016] Thus, there is a need for solution to the above-mentioned
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided device
for applying
substances to a body comprising: an applicator member, sized for applying a
substance to
difficult-to-reach areas of the body, the applicator member having a first and
second surface
and first and second opposing ends; a first and a second attachment opening
positioned
respectively at the first and second opposing ends of the applicator member;
and one or more
manipulation members cooperatively associated with the first and second
opposing ends via
the first and the second attachment opening, wherein when the substance is
spread onto either
the first or second surface of the applicator member, it can be can be applied
to the body by
reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members.
[0018] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided
a method of
using the device of invention, comprising: attaching the one or more
manipulation members
to the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment
opening;
spreading the substance to be applied to the body to the first or second
surface of the
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applicator member producing an applicator surface; positioning the applicator
surface on the
area of the body; applying a tensioning force to the one or more manipulation
members; and
applying a reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members,
wherein the
substance to be applied is massaged onto the area of the body.
[0019] In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided an
applicator member
that is non-absorbent. In accordance with a further embodiment of the
invention there is
provided an applicator member that is fabricated from closed cell foam. In
accordance with
yet a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an applicator
member that is
washable.
[0020] In accordance with yet an additional aspect of the invention there is
provided an
applicator member fabricated to have different textures on the first and
second surface of the
applicator member.
[0021] In accordance with an aspect of the invention the one or more
manipulation members
are selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.
[0022] In accordance with an aspect of the invention the first and a second
attachment
opening are selected from slits, holes, slots.
[0023] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better
understood
with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in
conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like
symbols.
[0024] The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are
particularly pointed
out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more
fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in
conjunction
with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or
particular
embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may,
however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments
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set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of
illustration only and so
that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full
scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification
illustrate
embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, portable mattress
seat,
constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. I is a top perspective view of the device 100, according to an
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device 100, according to an embodiment of
the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the device 200, according to an
further
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a part 300 of the device 100
in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a part 300 of the device 100
in accordance
with an additional embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the device 600, according to an
further
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be
described in
conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like
elements.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in
terms of
embodiments depicted within the FIGS. The invention, however, is not limited
to the
described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that
many other
embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic
concept of the
invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this
invention. It is
envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can
be easily
incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the
configurations shall be
shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of
limitation of
scope.
[0034] The present invention describes a device and method for self-
application of
substances, including but not limited to lotions, creams, ointments, suntan
lotions, sunscreens
and sun blocks, oils, insect repellents, medicaments and the like. It features
a non-absorbent
applicator attached to one or more manipulation members. It allows for the
application of
substances to difficult-to-reach areas of the body, such as but not limited
to, the back,
shoulders, legs and feet. It is convenient, affordable, compact, portable and
easy to use for
adults, children, the elderly and by people with limited mobility.
[0035] The non-absorbent applicator reduces waste as it will not absorb
substances, but it is
durable, wipes clean and is washable. The method of using the device is
simple; the
substance to be applied to the body is loaded onto the applicator. Loading is
typically
achieved by pouring, spraying or spreading. The applicator is placed over the
area on the
body to be treated; the opposing ends of the manipulation members are held and
pulled back
and forth and up and down across the area of the body to be treated, thereby
applying the
substance to the difficult-to-reach area.
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[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, a top perspective view of the device 100 is
described
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 comprises
an applicator
member 102, having a first surface 104 and a second surface 106. The
applicator member 102
further has a first attachment opening 108 and a second attachment opening 110
positioned at
opposing edge 116 and 118 of the applicator member 102. The first attachment
opening 108
and the second attachment opening 110 are shown as a slit that is sized to
accommodate the
desired manipulation member 120. The first attachment opening 108 and second
attachment
opening 110 are typically of similar size and shape. They and can be a slit,
hole or slot but
must be sized to form a firm friction fit with the chosen manipulation member
120.
[0037] In some embodiments, the applicator member is fabricated from a non-
absorbent,
closed cell foam and/or washable material. Further, the applicator member may
be fabricated
to have different textures on the first and second surface of the applicator
member.
[0038] A manipulation member 120 is cooperatively associated with the first
attachment
opening 108 and the second attachment opening 110. The manipulation member 120
having a
first end 112 and a second end 114. Further, manipulation member 120 may be
selected from
straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.
[0039] In this particular embodiment of the invention, the user loads the
substance to be
applied to the body onto the second surface 106 of the applicator member 102.
The user then
grips the first end 112 of the manipulation member 120 with one hand and grips
the second
end 114 of the manipulation member 120 with the other hand. By alternately
pulling on the
first end 112 and second end 114 of the manipulation member 120, the user can
effectively
apply the desired substance to the user's body, including difficult-to-reach
areas.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of the device 100 is
described
according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The device 100
comprises an
applicator member 102, having a first surface 104 and a second surface 106.
The applicator
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member 102 further has a first attachment opening 108 and a second attachment
opening 110
positioned at opposing edge 116 and 118 of the applicator member 102. A first
manipulation
member 210 is cooperatively associated with the first attachment opening 108
and a second
manipulation member 212 is cooperatively associated with the second attachment
opening
110. The first manipulation member 210 having a first end of the first
manipulation member
202 and a second end of the first manipulation member 204. The second
manipulation
member 212 having a first end of the second manipulation member 206 and a
second end of
the first second end of the second manipulation member 208.
[0041] In this particular embodiment of the invention, the user loads the
substance to be
applied to the body onto either the first surface 104 or the second surface
106 of the
applicator member 102. The user then grips first end of the first manipulation
member 202
and the second end of the first manipulation member 204 with one hand and
grips the first
end of the second manipulation member 206 and the second end of the second
manipulation
member 208 with the other hand. By alternately pulling on the first
manipulation member
210 and the second manipulation member 212, the user can effectively apply the
desired
substance to the difficult-to-reach area.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, which illustrate a top perspective view of
the first surface
104 and the second surface 106 of the device 100 according to an embodiment of
the present
invention. FIGS. 4-5 illustrate different textures of the surface of the
applicator member 102
that can be used in different embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment
of the
invention the applicator member 102 can be manufactured having different
textures on either
side. For example, FIG 4 shows a ridged first surface 304 and shows a smoother
second
surface 106. Substances having lower viscosity, such as oils and lotions,
typically adhere to a
first surface 104 having ridges or pimples, whereas FIG. 5 a smoother second
surface 106 can
be used to apply substances having higher viscosity, such as creams or
ointments.
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[0043] If the device 100 is being used with one manipulation member 120, as
shown in FIG
1, then the applicator member 102 is positioned such that the desired texture
is the first
surface 104.
100441 The invention described herein, and illustrated by reference to the
various
embodiments, encompasses an applicator member 102 that can be various
different shapes
and sizes. The applicator member 102 can be fabricated from various different
materials,
including but not limited to non-absorbent fabrics, washable fabrics or foam
pads such as
closed cell foam. It can be made to have different textured surfaces designed
to interact
differently with substances of different viscosities, or to deliver differing
massage
functionalities. The applicator member 102 is designed to be of an appropriate
size, shape and
flexibility for the body area to be treated. The applicator member 102 can be
made to display
a design or logo.
[0045] The first and second attachment opening, 108 and 110, can also be
various different
shapes and sizes, such as slits, holes or slots and are designed to cooperate
with the applicator
member 102 and the manipulation member 120. The first and second attachment
opening,
108 and 110, are typically sized to form a friction fit with the manipulation
member 120.
[0046] The manipulation member 120 can be made from various different durable
and
resilient material such as elastic, straps or cloth, typically a scarf.
[0047] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a device 600 includes
an applicator
member 602, having a first surface 604 and a second surface 606. A
manipulation member
620 has a first end 612 and a second end 614 and is cooperatively affixed with
the first
surface 604. The manipulation member 620 may be position across the first
surface 604 of
the applicator member 602 and is affixed proximate to the edges of the
application member
602. The manipulation member 620 may be affixed by one or more fasteners 622,
such as
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adhesive, staples, snaps, hook and mesh fasteners and other similar fasteners.
The
manipulation member 620 may be selected from straps, scarves, cloth and
elastic.
[0048] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not
intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms
disclosed.
Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
above teaching. The
embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of
the invention
and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art
to best utilize the
invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to
the particular
use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of
equivalents are
contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended
to cover the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of
the claims of the
present invention.
[0049] The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the side
wall retention
apparatus may vary upon manufacturing.
[0050] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not
intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed,
and obviously
many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
The exemplary
embodiment(s) were chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the
present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others
skilled in the art to
best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated.
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