Coating implements with material supply – With means to attach or conform to body of user – Hand-or finger loop or strap
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-21
2002-05-14
Walczak, David J. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
With means to attach or conform to body of user
Hand-or finger loop or strap
C015S222000, C206S225000, C206S229000, C206S390000, C206S581000, C206S823000, C224S148600, C401S118000, CD28S007000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06386776
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lotion applicator that allows an unassisted user to apply lotions, oils, ointments, medication and similar gelatinous substances to otherwise inaccessible areas of the user's body.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Applying lotions, oils, ointments and similar viscous substances to inaccessible areas such as a user's back have typically been impossible without the assistance of another person. Often sunbathers, patients and similar persons needing to apply lotions to such inaccessible areas may be alone or otherwise unable to be assisted by another person. Accordingly, there is currently a need for a device that allows one to easily and conveniently apply lotions and similar substances to otherwise inaccessible areas of a user's body.
A myriad of lotion applicators have been designed to address the above described problem. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,171 issued to Almond, II discloses a lotion applicator including a cylindrical housing having a continuous web retractably received therein. The web is retracted through a lip that cooperates with an absorbent, sponge-like roller to maintain lotion on the web.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,213 issued to Meyer discloses an elongated non-absorbent body having elastomeric handles on each of two opposing ends thereof.
Although various somewhat similar devices exist in the prior art, conventional devices such as those described above have several disadvantages. For example, the device disclosed in Meyer includes a somewhat thick, elongated body with a loop attached to each end that is more difficult and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the thickness of the body and loops make the device difficult, if not impossible, to compactly fold for storage. Finally, repeated grasping and pulling of the loops result in significant wear and tear thereby significantly reducing the effective life of the applicator.
The present invention overcomes the above described disadvantages of conventional applicators by providing a relatively thin strip of non-absorbent foam having an aperture adjacent each end thereof. By inserting a finger or thumb from each hand into an aperture, a user can quickly and easily maneuver the applicator throughout otherwise inaccessible locations of a user's body. Furthermore, the device can be compactly rolled for storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lotion applicator including an elongated strip formed of a pliable, non-absorbent material such as PVC foam. The strip includes two opposing ends, a rear surface and a front surface. Adjacent each end of the strip is an aperture for receiving a user's finger or thumb. A user grasps the device by inserting a thumb or finger from each hand into one of the apertures. The user can then easily maneuver the strap to reach various otherwise inaccessible areas of the user's body. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lotion applicator that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. It is another object of the present invention to provide a lotion applicator that is durable and easy-to-use. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lotion applicator that can be completely and compactly furled for storage.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3699980 (1972-10-01), Carpenter
patent: 4129391 (1978-12-01), Gamacher
patent: 4299005 (1981-11-01), Brown
patent: 4396028 (1983-08-01), Waggoner
patent: D289564 (1987-04-01), Harford
patent: 4869612 (1989-09-01), Mooney et al.
patent: D307490 (1990-04-01), Thieroff, Jr. et al.
patent: D310270 (1990-08-01), Bacal et al.
patent: 5087138 (1992-02-01), Terbrusch et al.
patent: D332153 (1992-12-01), Butler
patent: 5251990 (1993-10-01), Vought et al.
patent: D342583 (1993-12-01), King
patent: 5360111 (1994-11-01), Arispe
patent: D353223 (1994-12-01), Moore
patent: D355726 (1995-02-01), Delmerico
patent: D360705 (1995-07-01), Martin
patent: 5493749 (1996-02-01), Zayas
patent: 5573342 (1996-11-01), Patalano
patent: 5615962 (1997-04-01), Staub
patent: 5664281 (1997-09-01), Pelfrey
patent: 5736213 (1998-04-01), Meier
patent: 5810027 (1998-09-01), Frantzeskakis
Prunner Kathleen J.
Tolar Kenneth L
Walczak David J.
LandOfFree
Lotion applicator does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Lotion applicator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Lotion applicator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2887459