Coating implements with material supply – With means to attach or conform to body of user
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-08
2001-07-17
Huson, Gregory L. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
With means to attach or conform to body of user
C015S104940, C015S144100, C401S261000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06261014
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying a hygiene product such as sun screen, moisturizing lotion and liquid soap to a person's body, especially to hard to reach portions of the body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Self application of a lotion to hard to reach body parts, such as a person's back, can be difficult without the assistance of another person or a mechanical apparatus. As used in this invention, the term “lotion” refers to any liquid preparation, for example, a compound or composition for cosmetic or external medicinal use including a prophylactic. Exemplary lotions include, but are not limited to, moisturizing lotions; suntan lotions; skin conditioners; anti-itching medicines, such as by drocortisone containing creams; calamine lotions; shampoo; liquid soaps; bair conditioners; and the like. Typical mechanical apparatus require application of the lotion onto the apparatus prior to applying the lotion to one's body. Moreover, many apparatus are rigid, thus making it difficult to conform to various shapes which may be required for application of lotion to different parts of the body. In addition, the rigid structure of these apparatus make them cumbersome to carry, especially during a recreational activity such as bicycling, hiking, jogging and skiing.
Therefore, there is a need for lotion applicator which can be adapted to a various configuration to allow application of lotion to various parts of a person's body. There is also a need for an applicator which is easy to carry and which can be removably interconnected to a variety of objects with numerous shapes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a lotion applicator apparatus which includes an applicator, a means for retaining a shape memory and extended length for reaching hard to reach portions of the body, and a method of use thereof.
In one embodiment ofthe present invention, the lotion applicator apparatus comprises an applicator, a lotion housing operatively interconnected to the applicator, a pump device operatively interconnected to the lotion housing for applying lotion to the applicator, and a conduit interconnecting the lotion housing and the pump device. The conduit includes a means for retaining a shape memory. Preferably, the applicator is located within the lotion housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the lotion applicator apparatus comprises an applicator extension, which includes a grip portion, an applicator and a means for retaining a shape memory. Preferably, the applicator is removably interconnected to the applicator extension.
Yet in another embodiment of the present invention, the lotion applicator apparatus includes an applicator, a tubing interconnected to the applicator, and a means for connecting the tubing to a container, wherein the means for connecting the tubing to a container is located distal to the applicator. The tubing is flexible but has a shape memory for maintaining a new shape when it is bent and/or twisted.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an impermeable applicator head which will not collect sand or other foreign objects, and is thus not susceptible of becoming contaminated like sponge type applicator heads or other permeable products. Thus in one aspect of the present invention an applicator head is provided which is made of a plastic type material such as polyethylene, nylon or other similar materials.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an applicator head which is washable, yet also has an integral storage mechanism. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention an applicator head is provided which has a plurality of indentations extending below the surface of the applicator head. These indentations may be a variety of shapes and sizes, but most preferably are round with a diameter of approximately 0.15 inches and with a depth of approximately 0.05 inches. These depressions have a storage volume in addition to creating a surface tension for holding viscous fluids in contact with the applicator head, even when the applicator head is in an inverted or tilted position. In an alternative embodiment, the indentations may have a triangular, square, or rectangular shape. Preferably, the outer surface of the applicator has a rounded, arcuate shape with the interior most portion of the applicator head having a greater thickness than the circumference of the applicator head. This design helps create the surface tension which allows the applicator head to return a given volume of viscous lotion.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an applicator head which can be washed in a typical dishwasher repeatedly without damaging the application head. Thus, the applicator head must be constructed of a durable material which will not deteriorate or otherwise fail at high temperatures. Thus, as stated above the applicator head is generally comprised of a rigid plastic material such as polyethylene or other similar materials commonly known in the art. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, the following lotion applicator is provided:
A flexible lotion applicator capable of storing a predetermined volume of a viscous fluid on an impermeable applicator head, comprising:
a flexible handle having a first end, a second end and a memory which allows said handle to be placed in a plurality of operable positions; and
said impermeable applicator head operably interconnected to said second end of said flexible handle and having a plurality of indentations extending below an outer surface of said rigid applicator head, which permits a predetermined volume of said viscous fluid to be selectively stored in said indentations until said applicator head is rubbed against a user's skin.
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Web page—www.sunmates.com.
Web page—www.sunmates.com/retail.html.
Catalog sheet, item b, Lotion Applicator (SunMates): “As We Change” catalog, source code 0H811.
Product packaging (front and back) for Suncare Applicator.
Altobellis Richard M.
Ewald Douglas K.
Knight, Jr. John L.
Shaffer David B.
Huson Gregory L.
Prunner Kathleen J.
Ross P.C. Sheridan
Sunglider, Inc.
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