Surgery: kinesitherapy – Kinesitherapy – Device with applicator having specific movement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-11
2001-04-24
DeMillle, Danton D. (Department: 3764)
Surgery: kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy
Device with applicator having specific movement
CD28S091200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06221034
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Scope of Invention
This invention relates generally to manual back scratchers, and more particularly to a back scratcher and scrubber which offers substantially more control and pressure during scratching and scrubbing motion.
2. Prior Art
The general notion of a back scratcher is well known. Starting with bears rubbing their backs against trees, a broad variety of devices for relieving the itch and for scrubbing the back generally are well known.
One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,788 invented by Jordan which teaches a facile back scratcher and accompanying holder. The scratcher head includes a plurality of spaced tines extending therefrom which engage against the back. This device also includes a handle having an indentation which is thumb engageable for alignment purposes. However, very little in the way of additional rotational or lateral stability is provided thereby.
A broad array of ornamental and structure distinct back scratchers are also known to applicant as follows:
U.S. Pat. No. D392,424 issued to Burys
U.S. Pat. No. D282,007 issued to McKinney
U.S. Pat. No. D160,415 issued to Moser
U.S. Pat. No. D311,605 issued to Clayton
U.S. Pat. No. D266,280 issued to Toyama
U.S. Pat. No. D280,449 issued to Colognori
U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,146 issued to Chen
U.S. Pat. No. D312,145 issued to Murphy
However, nothing known to applicant in prior art teaches the unique combination of structural features in applicant's invention, i.e., an elongated arcuately formed stem having a handle disposed at one end and a brush-type scratching and scrubbing head disposed at the other. The arcuate configuration of the stem adapts remarkably well to the shoulders and back curvatures and the two-part handle arrangement provides significantly improved orientation and stability during use of the device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a back scratcher including an elongated slender stem having a handle disposed at a first end thereof and a scratching head disposed at a second end of said stem. The stem includes a substantially arcuate form, the handle and the scratching head being oriented at an obtuse angle one to another thereby. The scratching head has bristles extending laterally therefrom. The handle has an elongated handle portion extending in either direction from the first end and a plane defined by said stem whereby, when the handle is grasped with one hand portion placed against the palm of the user and a finger is positioned along the other handle portion and the stem is placed over the shoulder or around the waist, the bristles are aligned to engage the back of the user. The stem is preferably further defined by a substantially uniform radius in a side view thereof and planar in a front view thereof. An enlargement at a distal end of each said handle portion for enhanced gripping of said handle and manipulation of said scratching head is also provided.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a back scratcher having a uniquely configured arcuately formed stem which effectively conforms to the shoulders and back of the user to facilitate better pressure regulation of the bristles of the scrubber head against all parts of the lower and upper back areas.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a back scratcher having a uniquely configured handle which substantially improves orientational positioning of the scratcher head and increases the pressure and controlled movement for heightened effectiveness.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a broad array of bristled scratcher heads for various uses.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a back scratcher with a relatively narrow bristle brush head in one embodiment which faciltiates the use of the back scratcher while wearing clothing.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a back scratcher which may also be used very effectively in scrubbing the legs while in a shower or bathtub.
In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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patent: 5383244 (1995-01-01), Ahrens et al.
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patent: 5590436 (1997-01-01), Wright et al.
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patent: 5673455 (1997-10-01), Per-Lee et al.
patent: 5779653 (1998-07-01), Thompson
DeMillle Danton D.
Pothier Denise
Prescott Charles J.
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