NZ534510A - Lotion applicator for difficult to reach body parts with rotatable spreading means and handles extending from respective ends - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator has a spreading means 10 that can be rotated relative to handle means 11 with grip means 12. The spreading means can be applied by a user to parts of the body otherwise difficult to touch.

Description

Patents Form No. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 Our ref: H/DH/12-2977NZ Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. - 3 AUG 2005 RECEIVED PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After NZ Patent Appln No 534510 Dated : 3 August 2004 LOTION APPLICATOR I, Scott Tucker, a New Zealand Citizen of 11A Marua Road, Ellerslie, Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which I/we pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement : t \ LOTION APPLICATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a device for aiding with the application of preparations to a person and more particularly the application of lotions to hard to reach regions of the anatomy.

In particular, the invention relates to aspects of the manufacture and operation of an applicator able to be used by a single individual to apply preparations to the person's own body.

Whilst the invention is envisaged to have particular application in relation to certain lotions, 10 it should be appreciated that this invention may have further applications in applying a range of preparations, and be applied to other fields of technology.

BACKGROUND The application of preparations, particularly lotions such as moisturisers, sun screens, after-15 sun lotions, sunless-tan lotions and medicaments traditionally occur due to the manual application by the recipient of the lotion to their body. Most effective administration of a lotion occurs on regions of the anatomy easily reached by the hands. This generally means areas of the anatomy to the front of the body can easily have lotions applied consistently. However, hard to reach areas of the anatomy, such as the back of the body and the shoulders, 20 are more difficult to apply lotions to. Due to the difficulty in reaching these regions of the body often areas such as the middle of the back get sparser coverage of a lotion than is desirable.

Consistent application of lotions to these parts of the body can generally only be obtained with the help of a second party. This is particularly important in circumstances such as the 25 application of sun screen to the back. With the increasing intensity of the sun's rays it is necessary to obtain full and adequate coverage of sun screen to the body to protect the skin from the harmful rays emitted by the sun.

In addition, following exposure to the elements, or simply for cosmetic purposes, it may be preferable to be able to apply soothing, moisturising or healing applications to the entire X body. Again inaccessible areas of the body may be missed if the person is self-applying the preparation.

It is therefore desirable to have a device to aid in ensuring easy and thorough coverage of a lotion to hard to reach regions of the anatomy without the need for a second party. It is 5 apparent there is a need for an improved device to assist in the easy and successful self-application of lotions.

It was with these problems associated with the prior art methods in mind, that the present invention was devised.

It would be useful therefore, to have an applicator for applying a preparation that: a) Could have the benefits of being used by a single individual applying a preparation to their own body; yet b) Could still be used by a group of individuals applying preparations to each other; and c) Could also be adjustable to accommodate variations in stature of the user; and yet d) Could be easy to use, carry, store; and e) Could be used for a range of preparations such as, protective, cosmetic, medicinal and so forth; and f) Enabled the applicator to be used to apply preparations preferably without having to use the hands, particularly if there were issues of preferences not to touch the preparation due to skin sensitivity, hygiene, minimal contamination and so forth to consider; and thus g) Provided a solution to the application of preparations only in preferred areas; and in addition h) Was an applicator that could be re-used.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered at least some if not all of the advantages of the above proposed applicator.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to consider the abovementioned problems 5 and provide at least one solution which addresses a plurality of these problems.

It is therefore a further object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice, or an alternative system.

It is an object of the present invention to specifically provide an improved device for the easy application of a preparation to the anatomy, particularly hard to reach regions, or one which 10 will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. It should be appreciated that variations to the described embodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION According To one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an applicator for administration of a preparation to the anatomy comprising a spreading means with which the preparation is applied and a handle means which allows movement of the spreading means 20 over a region of the anatomy.

For the purpose of this invention the term "preparation" shall mean and include any preparation, which comprises a substantially flowable substance - such as a liquid, oil, lotion, gel, cream, ointment, medicament, solution and so forth, having a preferred outcome - such as having a cosmetic, soothing, cooling, cleansing, moisturising, nutritional, coating, 25 antiseptic, healing, protecting and so forth, action.

Preferably the applicator device comprises at least one spreading means.

Preferably the spreading means is adapted to receive a preparation including, but not limited to a lotion or medicament. The preferred preparation will be dictated by the desired outcome.

Preferably the spreading means is tubular. Tubular spreading means enables easier 5 movement across the surface of the body. However, this does not limit the exterior surface of the spreading means to being smooth. Rather, the exterior of the spreading means may be smooth, stippled, or otherwise configured to enable the spreading means to be adapted to achieve the desired spread, or application of the preparation.

Preferably the spreading means is of a soft material. Soft, or pliable, materials enables the 10 spreading means to more readily mould to the curvatures of the body surface to ensure optimum coverage of the preparation over the body region to which it is being applied.

The spreading means consists of any material with suitable spreading characteristics, in that it must have a surface area which enables an optimum of preparation to be applied in at least one passage of the applicator over a region. The material must also allow even coverage of 15 the preparation on the body. Further, the material preferably is directed to minimising wastage of the preparation, so may be more suitable if not particularly able to absorb substantial quantities of the preparation. However, in some embodiments, having an absorptive material may be preferred where the preparation is substantially liquid and may easily or otherwise flow to quickly from the applicator.

Preferably the spreading means may be made of any plastic, rubber, PVC, silicon or Teflon.

Optionally the spreading means has a synthetic cloth covering.

Optionally the spreading means can have different surface textures.

Preferably the spreading means has handle means. The handle enables the individual to more readily use the applicator.

Preferably the handle means is attached to or through the inner core of the spreading means.

Preferably the handle means is a cord. Although flex, string, fine chain and so forth may be options. 1 * Preferably the cord is of static material.

Optionally the cord is elastic. Having an elasticised cord enables the applicator to be used by a variety of individuals having varying statures, yet enabling each person to reach an area of the anatomy which would otherwise be difficult to apply a preparation to. This includes not 5 only the back and shoulders, but may include a range of seemingly accessible areas which for some obese individuals, or for individuals who have limited mobility in some parts of the body, prove difficult to reach.

Alternatively the cord consists of any material with suitable handle characteristics.

Preferably the handle means has grip means at the distal ends.

The grip means have characteristics of ease of grip by the recipient. Suitable grip means include stretchable rubber rings, solid rings, solid grips, handles, balls, t-grips or any means by which a grip can be formed.

In other embodiments, the grip means may include a slot or aperture within the grip means. A portion of the distal end of the handle means is adapted to be threaded through the slot or 15 aperture. An end cap or bead is fitted to the distal end of the handle means substantially widening it such that it is unable to slip out of the slot/aperture of the grip means. In yet other embodiments the aperture or slot may be tapered to further minimise the likelihood of the handle means being pulled out of the grip means.

Preferably the handle means allows the individual to grip the applicator more easily while 20 effecting placement of the spreading means on a hard to reach region of the anatomy.

Preferably the handle means is of a length that allows the arms to easily manipulate the spreading means over the hard to reach region of the anatomy. In some embodiments, the handle means may be adjustable to accommodate user preferences or stature.

Preferably the handle means is secured to or through the spreading means. Securing the 25 handle means in such a manner minimises the likelihood of the spreading means becoming separated from the handle means, or moving relative to the handle means.

Preferably the securing means is a rounded-stopper and crimp combination.

Optionally the securing means is a knot, or a moulded bead designed to hold the end of the handle means relative to the spreading means.

Alternatively, the securing means can be any object, or method, that prevents movement of the spreading means along the handle means.

Preferably the securing means fastens at the ends of the spreading means.

In some embodiments, the securing means may be a separate feature attached to the spreading means which enables the spreading means to rotate therewithin, yet is able to hold the handle means in a constant position. For example, the securing means may comprise a cap with a affixing portion on its exterior surface for attaching the handle means, yet the 10 interior surface of the cap may be configured to receive the spreading means in a manner which retains the spreading means in association with the cap, but does not impede its rotation. There would be at least one such cap associated with such an embodiment.

Preferably the securing means allows for the smooth rotation of the spreading means when in contact with the anatomy. As previously mentioned, the spreading means is preferably 15 adapted to apply the preparation to an area and tubular spreading means offers an appropriate solution. However, this does not limit the spreading means of the present invention only to rotating, tubular configurations.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating an area of the anatomy, the method comprising applying to the anatomy an effective amount of a 20 preparation by use of an applicator as described herein.

Whilst the term "lotion" may hereon be used within the specification, it should be appreciated that use of this term is for example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention only to lotions, and instead the broader definition of "preparation" should be considered.

Preferably lotion is applied to the spreading means. Applying the lotion to the spreading means may be achieved by spreading the lotion over the exterior of the spreading means, dipping the spreading means in the container of lotion, and so forth. Alternatively, applying the lotion to the spreading means may be achieved by transferring some of the lotion inside a substantially hollow spreading means, from which the lotion is released on application to the * * body by body pressure or simple leakage allowing the lotion to seep through apertures in the spreading means. Sealing means may be used to enable the entry port for the lotion into the spreading means to be closed following application of the lotion to the spreading means.

Preferably the spreading means is attached to a handle means.

Preferably the handle means have grip means at the distal ends. The grip means are preferably designed to achieve a better hold on the handle means, particularly when a person may be stretching to apply the lotion to difficult to reach places on the body.

Preferably the grip means are stretchable rubber rings, solid rings, solid grips, handles, balls, t-grips or any means by which a grip can be formed.

Preferably the securing means allows the spreading means to easily rotate.

Preferably the handle means is of a length that allows the recipient to easily place the spreading means in position.

Preferably the movement of the handle means allows the spreading means to rotate over the region of the anatomy applying lotion to the anatomy.

This invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Whilst it should be appreciated that a variety of different embodiments, uses, and applications of the present invention therefore exist, even within the ambit of the above described invention, certain embodiments of the present invention will now be given by way of example only, to help better describe and define the present invention. However, describing the specified embodiments should not be seen as limiting the scope of this 25 invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of varying embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: represents the applicator with vertical handle means (11) attached to the end of a solid spreading means (10) represents a basic set-up of the device comprising a handle means (11), spreading means (10) and securing means (13), the securing means being knots. represents the applicator with vertical handle means (11) attached through the spreading means (10) represents the applicator with vertical handle means (11) attached to the ends of the spreading means (10) represents the applicator with horizontal handle means (11) represents optional surface textures of the spreading means represents optional grip means represents an applicator with handle means (11) attached vertically in use on the back represents an alternative embodiment of the applicator.

AN EXAMPLE OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following is an example of a preferred form of the invention. This is given by way of illustration only and shall not be taken as being in any way limiting as to the spirit or scope of the invention.

With reference to the diagrams (Figures 1 to 7) there is provided an applicator device 25 comprising a spreading means.

Figure 1 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 2A Figure 3 15 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 40 The spreading means preferably being tubular in shape.

The lotion is applied inside or on to the spreading means. Preferably the lotion entirely removes itself from the spreading means (10) when in use.

The spreading means is preferably attached to a handle means (11).

The handle means preferably being a cord or string.

The handle means preferably being a length which allows for ease of manipulation of the spreading means over the anatomy.

The handle means is preferably attached by the securing means (13) to or through the spreading means (the latter of which is illustrated by Figures 2 and 2A).

The securing means preferably allows the rotation of the spreading means.

The spreading means is preferably designed to disperse a lotion at a consistent rate when in contact with the anatomy.

By way of example the applicator device comprises the following integers.

EXAMPLE 1 1. A tubular spreading means (10) of appropriate length. 2. A handle means (11) attached to or through the spreading means (10). 3. The handle means (11) being of an appropriate length to allow the recipient to easily move the spreading means (10) over the anatomy. 4. The handle means (11) having grip means (12) at the distal ends.

. The grip means (12) being of an appropriate size and shape to allow the recipient to firmly grip the applicator device. 6. The handle means (11) being secured to or through the spreading means (10) by the securing means (13). 41- 7. The securing means (13) being such that the spreading means (10) rotates when in contact with the anatomy. 8. The handle means (11) being attached either vertically or horizontally to the spreading means (10).

The combination of these integers results in an applicator device comprising a rotatable spreading means, a securing means and a handle means with grip means as illustrated in the Figures.

By way of further example a preferred process for using the applicator device is summarised by the following process.

EXAMPLE 2 1. Lotion is applied along the exterior surface length of the spreading means (10) 2. A recipient then firmly grips the grip means (12) 3. The spreading means (10) is placed at the appropriate position on the anatomy 4. The handle means (11) is extended by the recipient's arms 5. The recipient then rolls the spreading means (10) over the targeted region of the anatomy 6. The rotation of the spreading means (10) releases the lotion onto the anatomy This process results in an applicator device which allows for easy application of a lotion over a region of the anatomy that is hard to reach by the naked hand as illustrated in Figure 6.

VARIATIONS Other than the lotion being applied along the length of the spreading means of the preferred embodiment, alternatively the lotion can be applied via a lotion reservoir inside the spreading means. 42 It is envisaged the handle means of the preferred embodiment can be attached to or through the spreading means so the handles are either vertically or horizontally attached as shown in figures 1 to 3.

It is also envisaged the spreading means can either be a solid cylindrical roller or a hollow 5 tubular roller.

It is further envisaged the handle means can be either be non-rigid such as a cord or string, or rigid such as plastic or wood. The handle means may also be elasticised, or adjustable in length, to accommodate user preferences or stature.

Further, the applicator is envisaged to be a promotional good for different lotions. 10 Accordingly the grip means may be adapted to snap-fit or accommodate the top of lotion bottles.

Alternatively, the handle means may have no grip means at all; or the grip means may be adapted for other uses, such as being a bottle cap remover/opener; or the handle means may be made of materials which may be split at the distal ends of the handle means enabling 15 more than one gripping portions/loop per distal end of the handle means.

As can also be appreciated, the spreading means may be varyingly configured as to length, width, external configurations and internal configurations.

ADVANTAGES This method provides for an applicator which allows for ease of application of a preparation 20 to the anatomy, in particular to hard to reach regions of the anatomy.

The device results in an improved method of applying preparations, such as a lotion to the anatomy as compared with the prior art.

Finally it will be appreciated that various alternatives and modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should be 25 appreciated that the present invention lends itself to more than one application having a variety of different embodiments and uses, even within the ambit of the above described rehabilitation standing frame. 43- It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should 10 be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (37)

14 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. An applicator for administration of a preparation to an area of an individual's body difficult to otherwise touch, the applicator comprising: spreading means adapted to apply the preparation to the area; and handle means comprising elongate members extending outwardly from respective opposing sides of the spreading means, said handle means enabling movement of the spreading means over the area of the individual's body to which the preparation is being applied; and said applicator being characterised by the handle means co-operating with the spreading means to enable rotational movement of the spreading means independently of rotational movement of the handle means.

2. An applicator as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the handle means is substantially elongate and has two or more distal ends.

3. An applicator as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the applicator includes multiple spreading means.

4. An applicator as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the spreading means is adapted to receive a lotion or medicament either or both externally and internally of the spreading means.

5. An applicator as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the spreading means is substantially tubular.

6. An applicator as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the spreading means is adapted to mould to the curvatures of the individual's body surface.

7. An applicator as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the spreading means is adapted to allow even coverage of the lotion on the body surface. IPONZ 22 AUG2007 15

8. An applicator as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the spreading means is of a material which is at least one of soft, flexible, pliable.

9. An applicator as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the material from which the spreading means is made is from a range of materials including thermoplastic, rubber, nylon materials.

10. An applicator as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the spreading means optionally includes a cover.

11. An applicator as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the spreading means is adapted to have varying surface textures.

12. An applicator as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the spreading means is adapted to receive the handle means.

13. An applicator as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the handle means is attached to or through the inner core of the spreading means.

14. An applicator as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the handle means is attached to the spreading means via securing means.

15. An applicator as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the securing means includes one or more of a rounded-stopper and crimp combination, a knot in the handle means, a cap adapted to receive both the handle means and the spreading means, a beaded end to a portion of the handle means which is complementarily configured to be received in a slot of separate gripping means.

16. An applicator as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the securing means prevents movement of the spreading means along the handle means.

17. An applicator as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the securing means enables rotational movement of the spreading means when the spreading means is in contact with the individual's body. IPONZ 2 2 AUG 2007 16

18. An applicator as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the securing means enables rotational movement of the spreading means whilst the handle means do not rotate.

19. An applicator as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the handle means is a thermoplastic cord, chain, elasticised cord, fibrous cord.

20. An applicator as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the handle means includes grip means.

21. An applicator as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the grip means are located on the handle means either or both along the length of the handle means and at the distal ends of the handle means.

22. An applicator as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the grip means of the handle means are adapted to be gripped by an individual.

23. An applicator as claimed in Claim 22 wherein the handle means is adapted to effect the easy placement of the spreading means on the area of the individual's body which may otherwise be inaccessible to the individual.

24. An applicator as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the handle means is of a length or is adjustable to a length that allows the individual to use their arms to manipulate the spreading means over the area of the individual's body to which the preparation is being applied.

25. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body, said method including the use of an applicator, said applicator including spreading means adapted to apply the preparation to the area; handle means enabling movement of the spreading means over the area of the individual's body to which the preparation is being applied, and securing means to secure the handle means relative to the spreading means, said method including the steps of: a) applying relative to the spreading means an effective amount of a preparation; and IPONZ 22 AUG2087 17 b) the individual, using one hand to grip one distal end of the handle means, positioning the spreading means relative to the area of the individual's body to which the preparation is to be applied; and c) the individual using the other hand to grip the second distal end of the handle means and tensioning the handle means such that the spreading means contacts the individual's body; and d) using both hands to move the handle means in a uniform direction thereby applying frictional force to the spreading means which moves in unison with the direction of movement of the handle means and applies the preparation to the body; said applicator being characterised by the handle means comprising elongate members extending outwardly from respective opposing sides of the spreading means, said handle means co-operating with the spreading means to enable rotational movement of the spreading means independently of rotational movement of the handle means.

26. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the preparation is applied to the external surface of the spreading means.

27. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the preparation is applied to a reservoir internally of the spreading means and is applied to the individual's body via apertures in the spreading means, during the application process.

28. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the handle means includes grip means.

29. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body as claimed in Claim 28 wherein the handle means is adapted to accommodate user preferences and/or body stature by any one or more of being elasticised, IPONZ 22 AUG2007 18 adjustable in length, including multiple grip means varyingly positioned along the length of the handle means.

30. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body as claimed in Claim 29 wherein the grip means are stretchable rubber rings, solid rings, solid grips, handles, balls, t-grips or any means by which a grip can be formed.

31. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the securing means in conjunction with the handle means allows the spreading means to rotate over the region of the individual's body thereby enabling application of the preparation from the spreading means to the body.

32. Spreading means when used in an applicator as claimed in Claims 1 to 24.

33. Handle means when used in an applicator as claimed in Claims 1 to 24.

34. An applicator for administration of a preparation to an area of an individual's body unable to otherwise be touched, substantially as described herein with reference to the included examples and drawings.

35. A method of applying a preparation to an area of an individual's body using an applicator substantially as described herein with reference to the included examples and drawings.

36. Spreading means used in an applicator substantially as described herein with rcfcrcncc to the included examples and drawings..

37. Handle means used in an applicator substantially as described herein with reference to the included examples and drawings.. SCOTT TUCKER IPONZ 22 AUG2007