DEVICE AND METHOD FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCES TO A BODY

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for self application of substances to a body. The device, and use thereof, functions to facilitate the application of any type of lotion, cream, ointment, oil or medication. The device achieves complete and efficient coverage of all types of substances to the hard to reach areas of the body, including the back, shoulders, legs and feet.

Claims

1. A device for applying substances to a body comprising: an applicator member, for applying a substance to difficult-to-reach areas of the body, the applicator member having a first and second surface and first and second opposing ends; a first and a second attachment opening positioned respectively at the first and second opposing ends of the applicator member; and one or more manipulation members cooperatively associated with the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening, wherein when the substance is loaded onto either the first or second surface of the applicator member, the substance can be applied to the body by reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein one manipulation member is associated with the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening, and the substance to be applied is poured, sprayed or spread onto the first surface of the applicator member.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is non-absorbent.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is made from closed cell foam.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is washable.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second surface of the applicator member is fabricated to have different textures on each surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is essentially square or rectangular in shape.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the substance to be applied is selected from lotions, creams, ointments, suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks, oils, insect repellents, and medicaments.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more manipulation members are selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and a second attachment opening are selected from slits, holes, slots.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the areas of the body are selected from back, shoulders, legs and feet.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein a logo is positioned on the first and second surface of the applicator member.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and a second attachment opening are slits and the one or more manipulation members are scarves.

14. A method of using the device of claim 1, comprising: attaching the one or more manipulation members to the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening; loading the substance to be applied to the body to the first or second surface of the applicator member producing an applicator surface; positioning the applicator surface on the area of the body; applying a tensioning force to the one or more manipulation members; and applying a reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members, wherein the substance to be applied is massaged onto the area of the body.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and the second attachment opening are selected from slits, holes, slots.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the applicator member is selected from a material that is non-absorbent, a closed cell foam or washable.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second surface of the applicator member is fabricated to have different textures on each surface.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more manipulation members are selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the substance to be applied is selected from lotions, creams, ointments, suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks, oils, insect repellents, and medicaments.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and a second attachment opening are slits and the one or more manipulation members are scarves.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, portable mattress seat, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the device 200, according to an further embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a part 300 of the device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a part 300 of the device 100 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the device 600, according to an further embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. The invention, however, is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

[0035] The present invention describes a device and method for self-application of substances, including but not limited to lotions, creams, ointments, suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks, oils, insect repellents, medicaments and the like. It features a non-absorbent applicator attached to one or more manipulation members. It allows for the application of substances to difficult-to-reach areas of the body, such as but not limited to, the back, shoulders, legs and feet. It is convenient, affordable, compact, portable and easy to use for adults, children, the elderly and by people with limited mobility.

[0036] The non-absorbent applicator reduces waste as it will not absorb substances, but it is durable, wipes clean and is washable. The method of using the device is simple; the substance to be applied to the body is loaded onto the applicator. Loading is typically achieved by pouring, spraying or spreading. The applicator is placed over the area on the body to be treated; the opposing ends of the manipulation members are held and pulled back and forth and up and down across the area of the body to be treated, thereby applying the substance to the difficult-to-reach area.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, a top perspective view of the device 100 is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 comprises an applicator member 102, having a first surface 104 and a second surface 106. The applicator member 102 further has a first attachment opening 108 and a second attachment opening 110 positioned at opposing edge 116 and 118 of the applicator member 102. The first attachment opening 108 and the second attachment opening 110 are shown as a slit that is sized to accommodate the desired manipulation member 120. The first attachment opening 108 and second attachment opening 110 are typically of similar size and shape. They and can be a slit, hole or slot but must be sized to form a firm friction fit with the chosen manipulation member 120.

[0038] In some embodiments, the applicator member is fabricated from a non-absorbent, closed cell foam and/or washable material. Further, the applicator member may be fabricated to have different textures on the first and second surface of the applicator member.

[0039] A manipulation member 120 is cooperatively associated with the first attachment opening 108 and the second attachment opening 110. The manipulation member 120 having a first end 112 and a second end 114. Further, manipulation member 120 may be selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.

[0040] In this particular embodiment of the invention, the user loads the substance to be applied to the body onto the second surface 106 of the applicator member 102. The user then grips the first end 112 of the manipulation member 120 with one hand and grips the second end 114 of the manipulation member 120 with the other hand. By alternately pulling on the first end 112 and second end 114 of the manipulation member 120, the user can effectively apply the desired substance to the user's body, including difficult-to-reach areas.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of the device 100 is described according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 comprises an applicator member 102, having a first surface 104 and a second surface 106. The applicator member 102 further has a first attachment opening 108 and a second attachment opening 110 positioned at opposing edge 116 and 118 of the applicator member 102. A first manipulation member 210 is cooperatively associated with the first attachment opening 108 and a second manipulation member 212 is cooperatively associated with the second attachment opening 110. The first manipulation member 210 having a first end of the first manipulation member 202 and a second end of the first manipulation member 204. The second manipulation member 212 having a first end of the second manipulation member 206 and a second end of the first second end of the second manipulation member 208.

[0042] In this particular embodiment of the invention, the user loads the substance to be applied to the body onto either the first surface 104 or the second surface 106 of the applicator member 102. The user then grips first end of the first manipulation member 202 and the second end of the first manipulation member 204 with one hand and grips the first end of the second manipulation member 206 and the second end of the second manipulation member 208 with the other hand. By alternately pulling on the first manipulation member 210 and the second manipulation member 212, the user can effectively apply the desired substance to the difficult-to-reach area.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, which illustrate a top perspective view of the first surface 104 and the second surface 106 of the device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4-5 illustrate different textures of the surface of the applicator member 102 that can be used in different embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention the applicator member 102 can be manufactured having different textures on either side. For example, FIG. 4 shows a ridged first surface 304 and shows a smoother second surface 106. Substances having lower viscosity, such as oils and lotions, typically adhere to a first surface 104 having ridges or pimples, whereas FIG. 5 a smoother second surface 106 can be used to apply substances having higher viscosity, such as creams or ointments.

[0044] If the device 100 is being used with one manipulation member 120, as shown in FIG. 1, then the applicator member 102 is positioned such that the desired texture is the first surface 104.

[0045] The invention described herein, and illustrated by reference to the various embodiments, encompasses an applicator member 102 that can be various different shapes and sizes. The applicator member 102 can be fabricated from various different materials, including but not limited to non-absorbent fabrics, washable fabrics or foam pads such as closed cell foam. It can be made to have different textured surfaces designed to interact differently with substances of different viscosities, or to deliver differing massage functionalities. The applicator member 102 is designed to be of an appropriate size, shape and flexibility for the body area to be treated. The applicator member 102 can be made to display a design or logo.

[0046] The first and second attachment opening, 108 and 110, can also be various different shapes and sizes, such as slits, holes or slots and are designed to cooperate with the applicator member 102 and the manipulation member 120. The first and second attachment opening, 108 and 110, are typically sized to form a friction fit with the manipulation member 120.

[0047] The manipulation member 120 can be made from various different durable and resilient material such as elastic, straps or cloth, typically a scarf

[0048] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a device 600 includes an applicator member 602, having a first surface 604 and a second surface 606. A manipulation member 620 has a first end 612 and a second end 614 and is cooperatively affixed with the first surface 604. The manipulation member 620 may be position across the first surface 604 of the applicator member 602 and is affixed proximate to the edges of the application member 602. The manipulation member 620 may be affixed by one or more fasteners 622, such as adhesive, staples, snaps, hook and mesh fasteners and other similar fasteners. The manipulation member 620 may be selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.

[0049] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0050] The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the side wall retention apparatus may vary upon manufacturing.

[0051] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment(s) were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.