U.S. patent application number 11/113533 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for foldable lotion applicator.
Invention is credited to Sommers, J. Erich.
Application Number | 20050268416 11/113533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35446064 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050268416 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sommers, J. Erich |
December 8, 2005 |
Foldable lotion applicator
Abstract
A foldable lotion applicator for applying body, suntan and
medicinal lotions, including creams, gels, ointments, oils and
other preparations. The applicator is comprised of a beveled I-beam
two-part folding shaft with a one-hand operable locking hinge and a
ribbed non-slip grip handle with a removable, replaceable cosmetic
foam applicator pad with a snap-on cover to protect the applicator
pad from contamination and the unwanted distribution of lotions and
the like, with the applicator shaft sufficiently long to reach
otherwise inaccessible areas of the back and all other areas of the
body.
Inventors: |
Sommers, J. Erich; (San
Mateo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
H. Michael Brucker
Suite 110
5855 Doyle Street
Emeryville
CA
94608
US
|
Family ID: |
35446064 |
Appl. No.: |
11/113533 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60576996 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/209.1 ;
15/144.1; 15/144.3; 15/185 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/1018 20130101;
A47K 7/028 20130101; A45D 34/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/209.1 ;
015/185; 015/144.1; 015/144.3 |
International
Class: |
A47K 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a lotion applicator, the combination comprising: a handle
shaft having a handle at one end and a handle shaft hinge member at
its other end; an applicator head shaft having an applicator head
hinge member at one end rotatably attached to said handle shaft
hinge member wherein said shaft members can rotate relative to each
other such that in a first rotated position, said shafts are
aligned along a common axis and in a second rotated position, said
handle shaft is generally parallel to and overlying, said
applicator head shaft; an applicator head at the other end of said
applicator head shaft wherein said applicator head includes an open
applicator pad compartment; an applicator pad compartment cover
which attaches to said applicator head enclosing said applicator
pad compartment; wherein said handle shaft is of a length that said
handle extends beyond said applicator head shaft and over said
applicator pad compartment when said shafts are in their second
rotated position whereby said handle overlies said applicator pad
compartment cover when said cover is attached to said applicator
head, thereby helping to keep said applicator pad compartment cover
attached to said applicator head.
2. The lotion applicator of claim 1 wherein said applicator head
hinge member and said handle shaft hinge member include
complementary parts of a locking mechanism by which said shafts are
automatically locked in the first rotated position forming a
unitary structure.
3. The lotion applicator of claim 2 wherein said locking mechanism
is releasable using just one hand whereby said shafts can be
reconfigured from the first rotated position to the second rotated
position.
4. The lotion applicator of claim 3 further comprising: an
absorbent lotion pad sized to fit in said open applicator pad
compartment and be fully enclosed therein when said applicator pad
compartment cover is attached to said applicator head.
5. The lotion applicator of claim 4 wherein said applicator pad
compartment is partially formed by a surrounding wall member and
said absorbent lotion pad is thicker than the height of the wall
whereby said pad extends above said wall when said pad is in said
compartment.
6. The lotion applicator of claim 4 wherein said absorbent lotion
pad includes a notch and said open applicator pad compartment has a
raised alignment guide of the same shape as said pad notch whereby
when said notch is aligned with said guide, said pad is properly
situated within said applicator pad compartment.
7. The lotion applicator of claim 1 wherein said shafts have an
I-beam structure formed by side walls attached by an intermediate
web defining an upper channel and a lower channel.
8. The lotion applicator of claim 4 wherein said shafts have an
I-beam structure formed by side walls attached by an intermediate
web defining an upper channel and a lower channel.
9. The lotion applicator of claim 8 wherein said applicator shaft
upper channel opens into said pad compartment and said applicator
pad includes a tab that fits into said head shaft upper channel
when said pad is properly situated in said pad compartment.
10. The lotion applicator of claim 1 wherein said handle shaft,
handle and handle shaft hinge member are a single molded piece and
said head shaft, said applicator head and said head shaft hinge
member are a single molded piece.
11. The lotion applicator of claim 10 wherein said molded pieces
are molded from polypropylene.
12. The lotion applicator of claim 10 wherein said molded pieces
are molded from nylon.
13. The lotion applicator of claim 10 wherein said molded pieces
are molded from acetal polyoxymethylene (POM) resins.
14. The lotion applicator of claim 4 wherein a space exists between
said applicator pad compartment cover and said absorbent lotion pad
when said cover is on said applicator pad compartment.
15. The lotion applicator of claim 1 wherein said handle is formed
by spaced-apart ribs.
16. The lotion applicator of claim 1 further comprising: a latch
affixed to said handle shaft; a latch keeper attached to said
applicator head shaft, which keeper engages and secures said latch
when the shafts are in their first rotated position, preventing the
shafts from rotation in a direction toward their second rotated
position.
17. A quick-release locking hinge providing a rotatable connection
between a first shaft and a second shaft wherein each shaft has an
end comprising: a hinge connecting the ends of the shafts whereby
said shafts can rotate relative to one another in a first direction
which brings the shafts into alignment along a common axis and the
ends of said the shafts abut, preventing further rotation in the
first direction; a latch affixed to the first shaft; a latch keeper
attached to the second shaft which keeper engages and secures said
latch when the shafts are rotated in the first direction and
brought into alignment along a common axis wherein the shafts are
prevented from rotation in a direction opposite to the first
direction.
18. The quick-release locking hinge of claim 17 wherein said hinge
comprises: a pair of post bearing holes adjacent the end of the
first shaft; a pair of posts adjacent the end of the second shaft
and disposed in said post bearing holes.
19. The quick-release locking hinge of claim 17 wherein pressure
applied to said latch keeper releases said latch and permits
rotation of the shafts in the direction opposite to the first
direction.
20. The quick-release locking hinge of claim 18 further comprising:
a pair of spaced-apart bearing support members at the end of said
first shaft each containing one of said cylindrical post bearing
holes; a pair of post mount members at the end of said second shaft
wherein one of said posts is carried by each of said mount members;
a ramped channel in each of said support members leading into said
post bearing holes; whereby when said posts are disposed in said
ramped channels and forced toward said post bearing holes, said
bearing support members are forcibly flexed apart until said posts
enter said post bearing holes, after which they return to their
original spaced apart positions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to lotion applicators and,
in particular, to a lotion applicator that can be folded into a
size convenient for carrying in a purse or pocket, yet long enough,
when unfolded, to assist in spreading creams, liquids, gels, oils,
medications or other substances (lotions) to the body and, in
particular, areas of the body that are otherwise difficult to
reach, such as a user's back.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the increased publicity about the potential health
risks from exposure to the sun, there is a need for a convenient
and effective lotion applicator. Because prior art lotion
applicators are either inconvenient to carry and/or create a high
potential for spreading lotion where it is unwanted and/or are not
easy to use or clean, lotion is typically applied directly from the
hands to the body. Given that certain areas of the back are
difficult to reach, the drawback of not using an applicator is that
certain parts of the body are frequently missed. Where the lotion
being applied can stain the hands, the applicator of the present
invention provides a means for applying the lotion without staining
the hands or having to use gloves.
[0003] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a lotion applicator that folds into a size convenient to
carry, but, at the same time, is able to reach all parts of the
body.
[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
lotion applicator that, when not in use, encloses the
lotion-carrying head such that lotion is not spread to unwanted
areas while the applicator is being carried or transported and,
further, prevents dirt, sand or other contaminants from coming in
contact with the pad's surface.
[0005] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
lotion applicator that is formed by just three snap-together
injection molded parts that are strong, lightweight, durable and
can be sterilized without losing structural integrity.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge
mechanism which releases and comes apart when lateral force is
exerted on either part, preventing breakage.
[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a hinge
mechanism that can be easily snapped together by aligning parts of
the handle and pressing them towards each other.
[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a foldable lotion applicator that has a ribbed handle that has good
gripping qualities, that resists slippage when hands are either wet
or oily, and can be used as a back scratcher.
[0009] These and other objects, aspects and features of the present
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction
with the appended drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a lotion applicator that can
be folded into a convenient size that can be easily carried in a
purse, bag or even a pocket. In addition, the applicator head that
carries a lotion-applying absorbent pad has a cover that protects
the pad and prevents any residue lotion on the pad from being
spread to unintended areas or surfaces.
[0011] In one embodiment, the invention is comprised of three
injection-molded parts. The first part is a handle shaft having a
handle at one end and a hinge member at the other end. A second
part is an applicator head shaft having an applicator head at one
end and a hinge member at its other end. When the two hinge members
are joined, they create a snap-lock hinge which permits the shafts,
when aligned, to be locked into and form an essentially unified
shaft and, when released, allow the shafts to overlay each other to
reduce the overall size of the applicator for storage and carrying.
The third part is a cover for the applicator head which carries a
lotion-applying pad. When the cover is in place, the pad is
protected from any contamination and, at the same time, any residue
on the pad is prevented from being accidentally applied to surfaces
while the applicator is being stored or carried. The hinge has a
quick-release which permits the shafts to easily rotate relative to
each other to assume the compact position. When the shafts overlie
each other, the handle extends over the applicator head and
provides an extra layer of assurance that the cover does not get
dislodged and expose the pad. The handle is formed from a plurality
of spaced-apart ribs which provide for an excellent grip that
resists slippage when hands are either wet or oily and also can be
used as a back scratcher.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lotion applicator of the
present invention shown in its unfolded position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the
applicator head, lotion pad and head cover of the applicator of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a lotion pad in the
applicator head;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the applicator head with the
head cover attached and covering the lotion pad;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inside of the head
cap;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the applicator of the
invention in its folded position;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the applicator of the
invention in its folded position;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hinge ends of the
applicator shafts prior to assembly;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled hinge ends of
the applicator shafts prior to being locked in the extended
position; and
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled hinge ends of
the applicator shafts locked in the extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a lotion applicator 11 has an
applicator head member 12 joined to a head shaft 13 which
terminates in a head shaft hinge member 14. A handle shaft 16 is
joined to a ribbed handle 17 and terminates in a handle shaft hinge
member 18. The handle shaft hinge member 18 and the head shaft
hinge member 14 rotatably join the handle shaft 16 to the head
shaft 13, allowing the shafts 13 and 16 to rotate relative to one
another. In a first rotated position, as shown in FIG. 1, the
shafts 13 and 16 are aligned along a common axis 19 so the
applicator 11 can be used to apply lotions to difficult-to-reach
portions of a person's back.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment, the handle shaft 16, the handle
17 and the handle shaft hinge member 18 are a single
injection-molded part of polypropylene, nylon, acetal
polyoxymethylene (POM) resins, such as DuPont's Delrin.RTM., and
any other materials having similar characteristics. The head shaft
13, the head member 12 and the head shaft hinge member 14 are a
second single injection-molded part of polypropylene, nylon, Delrin
or Acetel. Such materials provide strength and durability and can
be easily cleaned and sterilized where needed. It is within the
scope of the invention, however, for the parts to made by other
methods and/or of other materials as may be available,
cost-effective and functional to meet the objectives of the
invention.
[0024] To provide a sure grip that will be durable and can be
molded, the handle 17 is advantageously formed by a plurality of
spaced-apart ribs 17a. The hard-ribbed grip handle 17 is waterproof
and can be readily cleaned or scrubbed without causing any damage
to the applicator. The ribbed handle 17 has all ribs and edges
beveled sufficiently for optimal plastic injection-mold production
removal from the die mold and yet retains right angle edges on the
applicator handle 17 sufficiently to provide a comfortable yet
non-slip grip for the lotion applicator user's hand. The parallel
applicator handle ribs 17a are spaced far enough apart so that
there are sufficient non-slip gripping characteristics, and yet
close enough together so that the gripping area feels fairly
continuous to the user so loosening one's grip and re-gripping the
applicator does not require any particular attention to the
orientation of hand placement on the grip. The rib structure also
provides a surface that can be used for a satisfying back
scratch.
[0025] Shafts 13 and 16 are advantageously formed as I-beam
structures, with shaft 13 having side members 13a and 13b joined by
a web 13c, forming an upper shaft channel 13d and a lower shaft
channel 13e (see FIG. 7). Similarly, handle shaft 16 has an I-beam
structure formed by side members 16a and 16b joined by a web member
16c, forming an upper shaft channel 16d and a lower shaft channel
16e (see FIG. 6). The I-beam structures reduce the amount of
injection-molding material required to achieve the desired
stiffness and, at the same time, provide a lightweight lotion
applicator.
[0026] While the head member 12 is illustrated as generally
rectangular in shape, it will be obvious to those skilled in the
art, and others, that other shapes, including, without limitation,
circular, oval and multi-sided shapes could also be used.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, head member 12 is formed by a head base
21 surrounded by a side wall 22, forming a shallow pad compartment
23 having a depth 24. The side wall 22 has a gap 26 where shaft 13
joins head 12 whereby compartment 23 is open to upper shaft channel
13d at gap 26.
[0028] Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, a generally absorbent pad
31 sized and shaped to fit snugly within pad compartment 23 has a
thickness 32 which is greater than the depth 24 of compartment 23
whereby when pad 31 is placed into compartment 23, its upper
surface 33 is above the side wall 22. In the preferred embodiment,
the pad 31 extends approximately one-quarter of an inch above side
wall 22 when seated in pad compartment 23. This assures that only
the pad contacts the skin during the application of lotion. When
pad 31 is placed in compartment 23, a pad tab 34 extending from one
end of pad 31 extends through gap 26 into the upper channel 13d of
head shaft 13. The undersurface of pad 31 (not shown) can be coated
with a releasable adhesive material that secures the pad to the
head base 21 so that the pad 31 stays securely within compartment
23. The adhesive material extends to the pad tab 34. Tab 34 can be
conveniently grasped and pulled away from head 12 in order to
remove pad 31 from pad compartment 23.
[0029] A generally V-shaped alignment tongue 36 extends from head
side wall 22 into compartment 23. A V-shaped notch 37 in pad 31 is
sized and located to receive tongue 36 for easy alignment of pad 31
in compartment 23.
[0030] Referring also to FIGS. 4 and 5, in order to protect pad 31
in compartment 23 and to prevent any residual lotion on pad 31 from
being accidentally dispensed to unintended surfaces, an applicator
head cover 41 is provided. Cover 41, which is also advantageously
injection-molded of the same materials as the other parts, snaps
onto head member 12 along side wall 22 where it is held in place.
When the cover 41 is snapped in place on head member 12, a tab 42
extending from one end of cover 41 both covers the pad tab 34 and
provides a purchase where force can be applied to release the cover
41 from the head member 12 in order to expose pad 31 for use.
[0031] A plurality of spacers 44 are distributed at spaced-apart
locations around the inner edge of the cover 41 against the cover's
side wall 46 and extending from the cover inner surface 47. The
height of spacers 44 is slightly greater than the difference
between the thickness 32 of pad 31 and the depth 24 of side wall 22
of head 12. When the cover 41 is snapped into place over head
member 12, the spacers 44 engage the upper surface of side wall 22
of head 12 whereby the inner surface 47 of cover 41 is disposed
above the upper surface 33 of pad 31 so that any lotion on the
upper surface 33 is not transferred to the inner surface 47 of
cover 41. Cover 41 is sized to have a snug fit so that when the
cover 41 is placed on head 12, some force (preferably on tab 42) is
required to remove the cover 41 from head 12.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, one of the outstanding
features of the present invention is its ability to assume a
compact size. The handle shaft 16 can be rotated about hinge
members 14 and 18 from a position where the shafts 13 and 16 are
aligned along axis 19 (FIG. 1) when used to apply lotion, to a
folded position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, where handle shaft 16
lies over head shaft 13 when the applicator is to be stored or
transported. In this folded position, the applicator 11 can be
conveniently carried in a purse, beach bag or even a pocket.
[0033] The combined length of handle shaft 16 and handle 17 is such
that when the handle shaft 16 is folded onto head shaft 13 (FIG.
6), handle 17 extends over the head member 12 and, when in place,
cover 41. By locating handle 17 over cover 41, additional assurance
is provided that cover 41 will not accidentally be dislodged and
expose the applicator pad 31.
[0034] The applicator 11 will typically be stored in its folded
condition with cover 41 in place, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. When
applicator 11 is to be used to apply lotion, the handle 17 is
rotated about the hinge members 14 and 18 until the shafts 13 and
16 are aligned along the common axis 19 and locked in that position
(as shown in FIG. 1 and described more fully below). The cover 41
is then removed by applying pressure to the head cover tab 42 to
expose the applicator pad 31. Lotion can then be applied to the pad
31 and then applied to the body by grasping the applicator at
handle 17 and directing the head member 12 to those locations where
it is desired to apply lotion. When the application of lotion has
been completed, the cover 41 is replaced over the pad 31 and the
shaft 16 rotated about hinge members 14 and 18 to overlay the
handle 17 onto the covered head member 12 (FIGS. 6 and 7). At all
times, the lotion on the pad 31 is either being applied or
protected by cover 41 and, thus, is not distributed to unwanted or
unintended surfaces.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, hinge member 14 at the end
of head shaft 13 includes a pair of spaced-apart, depending bearing
support members 51 and 52 having cylindrical post bearing holes 53
and 54, respectively. Bearing support members 51 and 52 are
constructed to elastically flex during assembly and disassembly
when a force is applied that pushes the members apart.
[0036] The hinge member 18 which extends from the end of shaft 16
includes a pair of depending post mount members 61 (only one of
which is shown), each having a cylindrical post 62 attached to and
extending outwardly therefrom (the posts 62 are most advantageously
formed as an integral part of the mount members 61). The end
surfaces 62a of posts 62 are not perpendicular to the post body, as
in a right cylinder, but rather at an angle thereto. The post mount
members 61 are dimensioned to be rigid so they do not flex during
assembly of the hinge.
[0037] Support member 51 has a ramped channel 51a extending from
the distal end 51b of member 51 to bearing hole 53. Likewise,
support member 52 has a ramped channel 52a extending from the
distal end 52b of member 52 to bearing hole 54. The channels 51a
and 52a are sized to receive posts 62 with the angled ends 62a
engaging the ramped surfaces of channels 51a and 52a. As the posts
62 are forced up the ramped channels 51a and 52a, the bearing
support members 51 and 52 are forced apart enough to allow posts 62
to enter post bearing holes 53 and 54. Once the posts 62 are in the
bearing holes 53 and 54, there is no longer a force flexing the
supports 51 and 52 apart and the members 51 and 52 return to their
unflexed position in which posts 62 are securely held in bearing
support members 51 and 52 and rotatable in bearing holes 53 and 54
whereby the hinge members 14 and 18 are rotatably connected and can
rotate, one relative to the other, through approximately 180
degrees.
[0038] The novel design of the hinge members as described above not
only facilitates assembly of the hinge, but also has the unexpected
advantage that excessive torque applied to the assembled hinge will
result in the hinge members separating without any damage to any
hinge part. The hinge can then be reassembled by inserting the
posts 62 into channels 51a and 52a and pushing the posts toward the
holes 53 and 54.
[0039] A latch keeper 56 is cantilevered from the end of head shaft
13 to between support members 51 and 52 and has a cam surface 57
that faces into the space between support members 51 and 52.
Pressure applied to the cam surface forces the keeper 56 away from
the space between support members 51 and 52, but returns to its
original position when the pressure is released.
[0040] A latch member 63 is supported on the upper surface of the
hinge member 18 at a location slightly beyond the end of handle
shaft 16. Latch 63 has a cam follower surface 63a which terminates
in a latch step 63b.
[0041] As best seen in FIG. 9, as the shafts 13 and 16 are rotated
towards alignment, the latch surface 63a engages the latch cam
surface 57 applying pressure thereto, causing the latch keeper 56
to flex away from the space between support members 51 and 52 until
the step 63b engages the latch keeper step 58, at which point, the
pressure on latch keeper 56 is released and latch keeper 56 snaps
back to its original location. When the latch keeper 56 and latch
63 are so engaged, rotation towards the folded position is
prevented. At the same time that the steps of latch 63 and latch
keeper 56 lock, the ends 13f of shaft 13 abut the ends 16f of shaft
16, preventing any further rotation of the hinge members beyond the
aligned position shown in FIGS. 1 and 10. Thus, when the hinge is
latched, the shafts 13 and 16 form a unified structure which
remains aligned, regardless of force that is applied to the head 12
until such time as the latch keeper 56 is released from the latch
63.
[0042] When it is desired to fold the applicator 11, the latch
keeper 56 is simply urged away from the latch 63 (most conveniently
using the nail of the thumb of the hand holding the handle 17),
which permits the weight of head member 12 to rotate the head shaft
13 to rotate away from handle shaft 16 and assume the folded
position illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0043] To unfold the applicator in order to place the shafts 13 and
16 in their locked, aligned position, it is only necessary to grasp
the handle 17 and, in one motion, flip the head upwardly, causing
the latch 63 to engage and catch the latch keeper 56, at which
point, the shafts become a unified structure. The head cap can then
be removed and lotion applied to the pad for application to the
body.
[0044] Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in
the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those
skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and
scope thereof. As such, it is intended that the present invention
only be limited by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *