Long-Handled Towel Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel long-handled towel device. The device is a bathroom assistance device for use by the elderly and other physically limited individuals to help dry themselves off after bathing. The long-handled towel device comprises an elongated shaft component comprising a first end and a second end. A mildew-resistant component is positioned at the first end and a handle component is positioned at the second end. In use, a bathroom towel or other suitable towel is wrapped around the mildew-resistant component and secured. The towels are interchangeable and washable, as needed. The towel can then be applied to the body and lower extremities to dry a user.

Claims

1. A long-handled towel device that allows a user to maintain a comfortable standing position while drying off their legs and feet, the long-handled towel device comprising: an elongated shaft component; a handle component; and a mildew-resistant component; wherein the handle component is secured to an end of the elongated shaft component; and wherein the mildew-resistant component is secured to an opposing end of the elongate shaft component; wherein a bathroom towel is secured around the mildew-resistant component during use; and further wherein the bathroom towel is applied to a body and lower extremities to dry a user.

2. The long-handled towel device of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft component extends between a first end and a second end.

3. The long-handled towel device of claim 2, wherein the handle component is secured to the second end of the elongated shaft component.

4. The long-handled towel device of claim 3, wherein the mildew-resistant component is secured to the first end of the elongated shaft component.

5. The long-handled towel device of claim 4, wherein the elongated shaft component is slightly curved, such that a user can reach their back when in use.

6. The long-handled towel device of claim 5, wherein the handle component is secured to the second end and extends outward from the elongated shaft component.

7. The long-handled towel device of claim 6, wherein the handle component comprises an ergonomical grip.

8. The long-handled towel device of claim 7, wherein the handle component is curved to allow a user to more easily reach their back and hip area.

9. The long-handled towel device of claim 8, wherein the handle component comprises an elongated hole with a string attached, to allow the long-handled towel device to be hung from a hook.

10. The long-handled towel device of claim 9, wherein the elongated shaft component can be telescoping.

11. The long-handled towel device of claim 1, wherein the mildew-resistant component is a U-shaped component which would comprise a set of parallel arms connected by a base component to form the U-shaped component and the bathroom towel is secured via hook and loop fasteners to the U-shaped component.

12. The long-handled towel device of claim 1, wherein the mildew-resistant component is a flat, oval-shaped component and the bathroom towel is shaped as a pocket which is placed over the mildew-resistant component and secured via a drawstring and toggles.

13. The long-handled towel device of claim 1, wherein the bathroom towel is removable and washable.

14. A long-handled towel device that allows a user to maintain a comfortable standing position while drying off their legs and feet, the long-handled towel device comprising: an elongated shaft component comprising a first end and a second end; a handle component with an ergonomical grip, secured to the second end; and a mildew-resistant component shaped like a flat, oval-shaped component, which is secured to the first end; wherein the elongated shaft component is slightly curved, such that a user can reach their back when in use; wherein a bathroom towel is manufactured as a pocket with an opening at one end; wherein the opening is placed over the mildew-resistant component; wherein the bathroom towel is secured around the mildew-resistant component via a drawstring and toggles; wherein the bathroom towel is removable and washable; and further wherein the bathroom towel is applied to a body and lower extremities to dry a user.

15. The long-handled towel device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

16. The long-handled towel device of claim 14, wherein the handle component comprises an elongated hole with a string attached, to allow the long-handled towel device to be hung from a hook.

17. The long-handled towel device of claim 14, wherein the mildew-resistant component is an L-shaped component for drying flat surfaces.

18. The long-handled towel device of claim 14, wherein the first end and the second end may provide protrusions with external threading for removably attaching to the mildew-resistant component and the handle component.

19. The long-handled towel device of claim 18, wherein the mildew-resistant component and the handle component comprise cavities with internal threading for operatively receiving and engaging the protrusions and external threading, respectively.

20. A method of drying a user's lower extremities and legs while maintaining a comfortable standing position, the method comprising the following steps: providing a long-handled towel device comprising an elongated shaft component with a mildew-resistant component on one end and a handle component on the other end; securing a bathroom towel to the mildew-resistant component; utilizing the bathroom towel to dry a user's lower extremities and legs while comfortably standing; and removing the bathroom towel from the mildew-resistant component and washing the bathroom towel after use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the elongated shaft component with a U-shaped component and a handle component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the back of the device when a towel is secured to the U-shaped component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the front of the device when a towel is secured to the U-shaped component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the towel being removed from the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the device in use with a towel secured to the U-shaped component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the contoured body of the mildew-resistant component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bath towel of the long-handled towel device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bath towel of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the towel closed in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the bath towel in position over the mildew-resistant component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device of the present invention showing the bath towel secured over the mildew-resistant component in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of drying a user's lower extremities and legs while maintaining a comfortable standing position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0046] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0047] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a long-handled towel device that provides users with a long-handled towel designed to maintain a comfortable standing position while drying off the legs and feet. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a long-handled towel device that allows users to independently dry themselves off, eliminating the need for assistance from therapists, nurses, and other individuals after bathing. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a long-handled towel device that includes a U-shaped mechanism that supports a towel at the base of the handle for application to the lower extremities. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that utilizes mildew resistant material to prevent the device from wearing and being ruined after minimal use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a long-handled towel device that saves considerable time and effort when drying off, while increasing independence for elderly, injured, and other physically limited individuals. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a long-handled towel device for use by the elderly and other physically limited individuals to help dry themselves off after bathing.

[0048] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel long-handled towel device. The device is a bathroom assistance device for use by the elderly and other physically limited individuals to help dry themselves off after bathing. The long-handled towel device comprises an elongated shaft component comprising a first end and a second end. A U-shaped component is positioned at the first end and a handle component is positioned at the second end. In use, a bathroom towel or other suitable towel is wrapped around the U-shaped component and secured via hook and loop fasteners or a snap. The towels are interchangeable and washable, as needed. The present invention also includes a novel method of drying a user's lower extremities and legs while maintaining a comfortable standing position. The method includes the steps of providing a long-handled towel device comprising an elongated shaft component with a U-shaped component on one end and a handle component on the other end. The method also comprises securing a bath towel to the U-shaped component via hook and loop fasteners or a snap. Further, the method comprises utilizing the bath towel to dry a user's lower extremities and legs while comfortably standing. Finally, the method comprises removing the bath towel from the U-shaped component and washing the bath towel after use.

[0049] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the long-handled towel device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the long-handled towel device 100 is an improved long-handled towel device 100 that allows a user to maintain a comfortable standing position while drying off their legs and feet. Specifically, the long-handled towel device 100 comprises an elongated shaft component 102 with a mildew-resistant component 104 at one end and a handle component 106 at the other end. In use, a bathroom towel 108 or other suitable towel is wrapped around the mildew-resistant component 104 and secured. The towel 108 can then be applied to the body and lower extremities to dry a user. The device 100 is targeted for use by the elderly, injured, or disabled who cannot otherwise reach their legs and lower extremities, when drying themselves after a bath or shower.

[0050] For many individuals, mobility limitations make it difficult to independently complete a bathing routine. However, although the elderly are more prone to having difficulty with bathing procedures, there are many causes of such limitations which can affect people of all ages. For example, users who have had surgical procedures, upper extremity amputations, or various medical conditions, also render the reaching of certain areas of the body difficult or impossible. Thus, a tool for drying a user after washing is needed. In addition to providing assistance in completing a bathing routine, a preferred embodiment of a drying implement according to the present invention saves time for rehabilitation care givers, reduces sanitation problems, and reduces rehabilitation care costs by allowing the use of separately launderable washcloths and towels. Accordingly, a preferred apparatus for assisting the disabled or otherwise mobility-limited persons in drying themselves after washing is disclosed.

[0051] Broadly, the present invention provides a handheld device 100 for assisting in the self-drying of the lower extremities of a human user. The long-handled towel device 100 provides a drying component 104 which is removably attachable to a first end of an elongated shaft component 102, so that a user with medical disabilities or physical deficits can dry their lower extremities. The drying component 104 may be covered in an absorbent material, such as a bath towel 108. Thus, the device 100 is adapted to dry the surfaces along the feet, back and other portions of the human body, as well as supporting surfaces such as the floor or seat found in and around bathing facilities. Additionally, the device 100 can be used in a standing and/or in a sitting position. For example, a user can utilize the device 100 while sitting on a shower chair, edge of the tub, a tub transfer bench in the shower, or bedside commode for a sink bath and even a bed bath (i.e., sponge bath), such that users can engage in bathing/drying tasks that they could not previously participate in.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the long-handled towel device 100 comprises an elongated shaft component 102 extending between a first end 200 and a second end 202. The elongated shaft component 102 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, and is typically cylindrical in shape, but can be square, oval, etc., depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Further, the elongated shaft component 102 can be any suitable length as is known in the art, but typically the elongated shaft component 102 extends between approximately 24 to 48 inches in length and has a diameter between approximately one and three inches. Further, the elongated shaft component 102 must be manufactured to be sturdy, such that it gives enough pressure when drying a user's legs, back and other hard to reach areas.

[0053] Typically, the elongated shaft component 102 is slightly curved, such that a user can reach their back with the long-handled towel device 100. Generally, the elongated shaft component 102 can comprise any suitable amount of curvature as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0054] Further, the second end 202 of the elongated shaft component 102 comprises a handle component 106. The handle component 106 extends outward from the opposing second end 202 of the shaft component 102 and may be secured to the second end 202 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as heat-staked, adhesives, pinned, couplings, screws, snap fit, etc. In one embodiment, the elongated shaft component 102 and the handle component 106 may be formed as a single, solid plastic assembly. The handle component 106 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Further, the length and diameter of the handle component 106 may vary widely, as it is important only that it be reasonably comfortable to hold by hand and allow accessibility to the back and lower body with relative case.

[0055] In one embodiment, the handle component 106 comprises a rectangular cross section with rounded corners, similar to a tennis racket handle, or any other suitable ergonomic grip 208, texture, coating, etc., as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Additionally, the handle component 106 can also be curved 210 or rounded, or otherwise ergonomically shaped to allow the user to more easily reach their back and hip area with the long-handled towel device 100, when in use.

[0056] In another embodiment, the handle component 106 may also be provided with an elongated hole 204 with a string or rope 206 attached, to allow the device 100 to be hung from a hook on a door or wall of a bath or shower.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the elongated shaft component 102 can be telescoping, such that the elongated shaft component 102 can be extended and/or retracted, as needed. Further, the telescoping shaft component 102 comprises at least one telescoping segment 300 that allows the total length of the shaft component 102 to be extended or retracted. Each telescoping segment 300 is hollow and has a slip lock 302 for locking the segment 300 at a specific length. Further, the slip lock 302 is released by means of pressing or turning the slip lock 302. The at least one telescoping segments 300 allow the shaft component 102 to have a length from approximately two feet to four feet fully extended, allowing a user to set the long-handled towel device 100 at a desired length. Thus, the device 100 is approximately two feet in length but can be adjusted to a length of approximately four feet, if needed. Any type of telescoping locks 302, such as a clutch lock, cam lock, spring button, snap lock, set knob, slip lock, or any other suitable lock as is known in the art, can be used for securing a desired length of the telescoping segments 300 and for securing the telescoping segments 300 to each other, during extension and retraction of the telescoping segments 300 of the shaft component 102.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the first end 200 of the elongated shaft component 102 comprises a mildew-resistant component 104 shaped as a U-shaped component 105 or other suitably shaped component which would retain a bath towel 108. The U-shaped component 105 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, such as a C-shape, L-shape, E-shape, etc. The U-shaped component 105 would be secured to the first end 200 of the elongated shaft component 102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as heat-staked, adhesives, pinned, couplings, screws, snap fit, etc. Typically, the U-shaped component 105 would comprise a set of parallel arms 400 connected by a base component 402 to form the U-shaped component 105. The set of parallel arms 400 and the base component 402 would be shaped the same as the elongated shaft component 102. (i.e., cylindrical). Further, the U-shaped component 105 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and can be approximately 3-5 inches long and 4-6 inches in height, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0059] Generally, the U-shaped component 105 comprises a bath towel 108 secured around the parallel arms 400, so as to be held securely in place on the U-shaped component 105. The bath towel 108 is preferably a standard size bath towel or bath sheet, hand towel, etc., or any other suitable towel component 108 as is known in the art, which is rectangular in shape and has approximate dimensions of 3-16 inches by 10-30 inches. The bath towel 108 is secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as hook and loop closures 404, elastic bands, snaps, ties, sewn, etc.

[0060] In one embodiment, the mildew-resistant component 104 is shaped as an L-shaped component 109 and a bath towel 108 is secured around the component 109. This L-shaped component 109 can be hinged, such that it can be used to dry the floor or other flat surfaces, while the user is in a standing or seated position. Thus, the L-shaped component 109 can act as a mop to dry the floor, after a user has dried themselves.

[0061] Further, the bath towel 108 is manufactured of a cotton, bamboo, linen, rayon, nylon, synthetic microfibers, lyocell, cotton polyester blend, tencel, hemp material, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, in another embodiment, instead of a bath towel 108, the U-shaped component 105 can include a spongy, absorption material 406. Such spongy material 406 may be terrycloth or the like.

[0062] Additionally, the bath towel 108 is removable and washable. Thus, bath towels 108 are interchangeable and can be removed and washed and replaced, as needed.

[0063] In use, the bath towel 108 is threaded around the U-shaped component 105 and secured end to end of the towel 108. In another embodiment, prior to having an end threaded through the U-shaped component 105, the bath towel 108 may be folded in half lengthwise and then secured end to end of the towel 108. For most bath towels 108, the increase in thickness provided by this folding helps retain the bath towel 108 within the U-shaped component 105. In another embodiment, the bath towel 108 is threaded between the parallel arms 400 of the U-shaped components 105 and then secured.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the first 200 and second 202 ends may provide protrusions 500 with external threading 502 for removably attaching to the U-shaped component 105 or mildew-resistant component 104 and the handle component 106. And so, the U-shaped component 105 or mildew-resistant component 104 and the handle component 106 comprise cavities 504 with internal threading 506 for operatively receiving and engaging the protrusions 500 and external threading 502, respectively.

[0065] Further, the long-handled towel device 100 can be manufactured from a mildew-resistant silicone, plastic, or metal, such as stainless steel, brass, etc., or other suitable polymeric materials, such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), acrylics, acetates, etc., or any combination thereof, or any other suitable materials as is known to those of skill in the art.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, the long-handled towel device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 508. The elongated shaft component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the elongated shaft component 102, or any other indicia 508 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 508 as is known in the art can be included such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be bathing, shower, or brand related.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 6-11, the mildew-resistant component 104 is a flat, oval or oblong shaped component 107 approximately the size of a hand. Thus, the mildew-resistant component 104 is approximately 6 inches wide, but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. The mildew-resistant component 104 has a slight curve or indentation 600 on the back side 602 to better contour to a user's body parts, such as the legs and back. The mildew-resistant component 104 also comprises curved edges 604 on the sides to prevent injuries to skin, during use. In this embodiment, the mildew-resistant component 104 is typically manufactured of a silicone or other suitable mildew-resistant and/or antimicrobial material as is known in the art. Further, the mildew-resistant component 104 is manufactured to be firm, yet flexible to allow a user to apply pressure during drying, but prevents injury during use.

[0068] Furthermore, the bath towel 108 in use with the mildew-resistant component 104 is manufactured in a bag or pocket-like shape 606 with an opening 608 at one end with a securing means. The opening 608 is placed over the mildew-resistant component 104 and secured. Specifically, the opening 608 comprises a drawstring 610 and toggles 612 for securing the bath towel 108 around the mildew-resistant component 104. Once in place, the drawstring 610 is pulled and the toggles 612 are slid into place to secure the mildew-resistant component 104 in position. Any suitable number of toggles 612 can be utilized as is known in the art.

[0069] Typically, the bath towel 108 in a bag or pocket-like shape 606 is manufactured of a cotton, bamboo, linen, rayon, nylon, terrycloth, synthetic microfibers, lyocell, cotton polyester blend, tencel, hemp, etc. Further, in another embodiment, the bath towel 108 can be made of a quick dry material, such as chamois, or other suitable material.

[0070] Additionally, the bath towel 108 in a bag or pocket-like shape 606 is removable and washable. Thus, bath towels 108 are interchangeable and can be removed and washed and replaced, as needed.

[0071] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of the method of drying a user's lower extremities and legs while maintaining a comfortable standing position. The method includes the steps of at 1200, providing a long-handled towel device comprising an elongated shaft component with a mildew-resistant component on one end and a handle component on the other end. The method also comprises at 1202, securing a bath towel to the mildew-resistant component. Further, the method comprises at 1204, utilizing the bath towel to dry a user's lower extremities and legs while comfortably standing. Finally, the method comprises at 1206, removing the bath towel from the mildew-resistant component and washing the bath towel after use.

[0072] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein long-handled towel device, towel device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the long-handled towel device 100 of the present invention.

[0073] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the long-handled towel device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the long-handled towel device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-12 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the long-handled towel device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the long-handled towel device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the long-handled towel device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0074] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0075] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.