Applicator for Self-Contained Package

Abstract

A device for applying a topical preparation or similar product to an individual's body including a handle, an elongated, inflexible shaft, and two apertures that are offset from each other such that when a package of topical preparation is inserted therein, the package is held securely in place at an angle to the shaft and handle allowing the user to apply the agent to part of their body that are hard to reach such as their back or the backs of their legs. The first aperture on the upper surface of the device communicates with a channel that leads to the second aperture which can also feature a tapered lip or portion of the channel surrounding the second aperture facilitating holding a container of topical preparation in place.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of over the counter health care products. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a novel topical applicator device for dispensing and applying topical preparations to an individual's body.

(b) Background Art

There are a variety of topical preparations that are meant to be applied to a person's skin. They range from cosmetics and lotions to topically applied medications. Due to basic human physiology, people have had difficulty applying these products to the many “hard-to-reach” areas of the body, such as the middle and upper back, the shoulder blades, the ankles, and the bottoms of the feet, to name but a few. Even the most limber person cannot reach every portion of their body to which they may need to apply such a product. In addition, some commonly used medications, such as lidocaine and capsaicin, cannot or should not be applied to a person using their bare hands as the medication will irritate or numb the body parts with which it comes into contact.

There have of course been a number of attempts to create devices that solve this basic set of problems, but each of these devices has shortcomings and present additional problems to be solved. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,787 issued to Sidney Young on Aug. 27, 2002 describes a device with an elongated arc-shaped handle with a pad attached to an end of the handle via hook-and-loop strips. The user is meant to apply the medication or other emollients to the pad and then use the handle to rub the emollients onto the person's body. The pad is removable and washable. This device demonstrates a number of drawbacks in the prior art. Specifically, the user has to apply the medication to the pad manually. For those with arthritis, MS and/or other conditions that affect a person's manual dexterity, this can be rather difficult and can lead to waste of the medication through spillage. In addition, the pad must be washed between uses. Not every cream or ointment is easy to wash out of such a pad—a number of these treatments are not meant to be water-soluble, making them quite difficult to clean. Failing to clean the pad properly can lead to cross-contamination should the device be used with more than one type of topical preparation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,497 issued to Joel M. Adbo on Sep. 30, 1997, improves on the above design by including a flexible handle that will allow the user to reach hard-to-reach areas more easily. However, the device still requires the user to place the topical preparation on a pad attached to the handle so this device suffers from the same drawbacks as the one above.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,591 issued to Barbara McCracken on Aug. 3, 1999 addresses one of the drawbacks above by including a hollow space inside the handle of the device into which the user places the topical preparation to be applied. The head of the device has a means of opening and closing the access to the handle thereby allowing the user to open and close the device when they want to dispense and apply a topical preparation. However, this device does nothing to solve the problem of cross contamination as the user will have to completely clean not only the head of the device, but the hollow handle as well. In addition, the user is still in a position where they have to manually introduce the topical preparation into the device so the problem of spillage has also not been solved.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,970 issued to Lloyd and Lance Hauser in 2003 describes a lotion applicator configured to allow the user to screw a container with lotion into one end of a conduit through which lotion passes and is discharged onto an applicator member. Such a device may at least partially solve the problem of spillage, but still presents a problem of cross-contamination in that the topical preparation has to pass into and through the device in order to be applied. As a result, only one topical preparation can be used in the device without risking mixing one preparation with another. Cleaning topical preparations out of the tube or conduit that it passes through would be particularly difficult. Leaving topical preparations in the device is going to lead to it drying out and sticking to the insides of the device. This provides an opportunity for clogging to occur especially since a lot of topical preparations are viscous.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,757 issued to Jim Morrison, Manual A. Vazquez and Anthony King in 1992 describes a similar invention for the dispensing of topical preparations that has an elongated handle terminating in an end that has two structures for applying the topical preparation to someone's skin. One side of the device features a roller ball assembly, and the opposite side features a sponge. In between the two devices is a space that the user can fill with the topical preparation to be applied. This device still requires the user to manually fill a reservoir with the topical preparation that will cause the same problems described above. Users with limited dexterity are still going to have trouble using the device and of course the problem of cross contamination is still present.

Furthermore, the configuration of these devices is such that they can only be used with a substance that is relatively inviscid. Medications and other substances that are sold in a “solid” or roll-on form, cannot be used with these devices at all.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a device that allows a user to apply a substance, whether it be medication, lotion, cream, ointment, etc. to the harder to reach areas of their body, i.e. their upper and middle backs, shoulder blades, legs, ankles and feet, without assistance. The device also allows a user to apply a substance that is too viscous to be applied with the prior art devices. It eliminates the potential for cross contamination allowing the device to be used with more than one substance or mediation. Furthermore, the disclosed topical applicator device can be used with topical preparations that are solid or semi-solid.

The device features an ambidextrous handle with an elongated, rigid shaft and a cavity that holds a container having a substance to be applied to a person therein. The shaft is inflexible to allow the user to apply pressure to the container through the handle and shaft of the device. If the shaft of the device is flexible, then the user will not be able to apply as much pressure to their body with it.

The end of the device that is opposite the handle features an aperture or opening. In preferred embodiments, the shaft is an elongated and substantially flat structure. Substantially flat in this case means the width of the shaft is greater than its height or depth as can be seen from the figures below. The aperture or opening in the shaft completely traverses the shaft from the upper surface to its lower surfaces thereby forming a short “channel” between the aperture in the top surface of the device and the aperture in the lower surface of the device. In preferred embodiments and the inventors' anticipated best mode of the device, the aperture on the upper surface of the shaft (the “upper or first aperture”) is offset at an angle from the aperture on the lower surface of the shaft (the “lower or second aperture”). This allows the container that is inserted therein to be held at an angle to the rest of the shaft, thereby making it easier to apply the substance to the user. In addition, in preferred embodiments of the device, the short “channel” formed between the two apertures can include a bottom surface or lip that is tapered at the inner edge featuring the lower aperture. In addition, preferred embodiments and the inventors' anticipated best mode include a lower aperture that has a diameter smaller than that of the upper aperture. These structures will allow the channel and apertures to hold the container more securely and will allow the device to fit different sizes of containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view thereof cut along the plane indicated by the letter A;

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in which the front portion of the channel wall is absent;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view thereof cut along the plane indicated by the letter A

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of another embodiment in which the front portion of the channel wall is elongated;

FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view thereof cut along the plane indicated by the letter A;

FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of another embodiment in which the front portion of the channel wall is elongated;

FIG. 2D is a side cross-sectional view thereof cut along the plane indicated by the letter A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device being used to apply a topical preparation to a person's upper back;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device being used to apply a topical preparation to a person's upper back;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device being used to apply a topical preparation to a person's upper back;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device being used to apply a topical preparation to a person's ankle;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device being used to apply a topical preparation to a person's middle back;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device being used to apply a topical preparation to a person's shoulder blade; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device being used to apply a topical preparation to a person's upper back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIGS. 1A and 1B there is shown a first embodiment of the topical applicator device 10. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of the applicator and FIG. 1B shows a side, cross-sectional view thereof. The applicator includes a handle section 11, an elongated shaft 12 with a first end and a second end. The handle is located at the first end of the handle and the second end, the end of the shaft opposite the handle, features a first aperture 13 that communicates with a recessed area or channel 15 that terminates in a second aperture 14. In preferred embodiments, the first aperture 13 is wider than the second aperture 14. The channel 15 that is formed between the two apertures 13 and 14 is irregularly shaped, i.e. the walls 15a of the channel 15 are not a uniform height. In preferred embodiments, the first aperture 13 is configured to be flush with or at least in the same plane as the upper surface 16 of the elongated shaft 12. The channel 15 formed between the two apertures 13 and 14 has a lip 15b or bottom surface which the second aperture 14 completely traverses, i.e. there is a lip 15b at the bottom of the channel 15 that encircles the second aperture 14. In preferred embodiments, the lip 15b of the channel is tapered, that is to say the thickness of the device 10 at the bottom of the channel 15 becomes thinner as it extends away from the walls 15a of the channel 15 and toward the second aperture 14.

In preferred embodiments and the inventors' anticipated best mode, the first and second apertures 13, 14 are offset from one another, i.e. they are not in the same plane and are not parallel with each other. The second aperture 14 is in a plane that is not parallel to the plane in which upper surface 16 of the applicator 10 or the first aperture 13 rests. Rather, the second aperture 14 is either flush with or in the same plane with the bottom surface or lip 15b of the channel 15. Other embodiments include a second aperture that is positioned in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which the first aperture is positioned, but are still offset in that the angle 19 referred to below would be an angle other than 90 degrees.

In use, a self-contained package of a topical agent (not shown) to be applied to a person's body is opened and then placed, open-side down, into the first aperture 13. The container is inserted into the channel 15 formed between the two apertures 13 and 14 such that the portion of the container out of which the topical agent exits the container is inserted into and through the second aperture 14. The channel 15 formed between the two apertures 13, 14 holds the container in place at an angle 19 to the rest of the applicator 10. In preferred embodiments, the angle 19 between the lower surface 17 of the shaft 12 and the wall 15a of the channel 15 that is most proximate to the handle 11 is between approximately 80 and 150 degrees. Preferred embodiments and the inventors' anticipated best mode of the applicator 10 include an angle 19 that is between approximately 110 and 140 degrees. In this disclosure, approximately means within two degrees of the stated angle. The length of the shaft 12 can be adjusted as needed but is ideally long enough to allow a user to reach the middle portion of their back with the device 10 without moving their bent elbow past the level of their nose.

As discussed above, the wall 15a that encircles and defines the channel 15 is irregularly shaped, i.e. the wall 15a of the channel 15 is not a uniform height as it encircles the first aperture 13. Rather the height of the wall 15b of the channel can be varied. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wall 15a that encircles the first aperture 13 is shorter towards the front of the device and longer as it approaches the back of the device. Specifically, the front of the device can be thought of as the portion that is farthest away from the handle 11. As can be seen in FIGS. 1B, 1D, 2B and 2D, the height of the channel wall 15b can vary between embodiments. This allows the channel 15 to accommodate different lengths of containers inserted therein. In some embodiments, for example the embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the wall 15a at the front of the device does not extend down and away from the shaft 12, thereby causing the lip 15b that makes up the bottom surface of the channel 15 extend and contact the shaft 12 rather than the channel wall 15b. This configuration creates an acute angle 18 between the lower surface 17 of the shaft 12 and the lip 15b or bottom surface of the channel 15. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B, 2B and 2D, the wall 15b of the channel 15 extends away from the handle 12 at all points around the first aperture 13 such that the lip 15b or bottom surface of the channel 15, does not directly contact the shaft 12.

The shape of the channel 15 in all embodiments is that of a truncated, oblique cone. This shape causes the applicator 10 to hold the container of topical agent at an angle 19 to the plane in which the elongated shaft is positioned. This angle 19 is a critical feature of the invention as it makes it considerably easier for the user to reach portions of their back and apply enough force through the handle 11 and shaft 12 to spread the topical agent. In preferred embodiments and the inventors' anticipated best mode of the topical applicator device 10, the angle 19 is between approximately 80 degrees and approximately 150 degrees with the angles of approximately 110 to approximately 140 degrees being optimal.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D also show the handle 11 in detail. The handle in these embodiments includes a portion of the elongated shaft 12 with tines Ila extending away from the shaft 12. The shape of the handle 11 allows a user with poor dexterity to maintain their grip on the device 10. The handle 11 can optionally feature a lanyard (not shown) as well so the user can attach the device to their upper arm or wrist while using it.

FIGS. 3 through 9 show the device 10 in use. The channel 15 formed by the two apertures 13,14 allows for the insertion of a tube of medication 20 that is meant to be rubbed onto difficult to reach areas of a person's body, including, but not limited to the upper, middle and lower back shoulder blades, the backs of the arms and legs, the ankles and feet. The device 10 is rigid enough to allow the user to apply force to the container 20 through the rigid handle to the shaft and thus the container so the user can apply the desired topical preparation with the level of pressure they desire. In addition, the angle at which the topical preparation is held by the device allows the user to hold the container at an angle similar to that used by someone else applying the medication to the user's body for them. As discussed above, this angle can be varied to achieve a desired result. The inventors anticipate that angles between approximately 110 degrees and 140 degrees are optimal.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the ability to use multiple self-contained packages of topical agents with the same device without the danger of cross-contamination. The topical agent can be loaded into the device by someone that has poor dexterity without a lot spilling the agent. The device does not need nearly the amount of cleaning that prior art devices require between uses. There is no chance of the topical agent building up or drying inside the device and clogging the device during later uses. The device is inflexible enough it allows a user to apply pressure to the self-contained container by applying pressure on the handle of the device.

Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for applying topical treatments to areas of the body that are hard to reach comprising: a shaft that has a first aperture that communicates with a channel that terminates in a second aperture; and wherein the channel extends away from the shaft at an obtuse angle to the shaft.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first aperture is flush with an upper surface of the shaft and the second aperture is positioned in a plane that is not parallel to a plane in which the first aperture is positioned.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the second aperture features a lip around a circumference of the second aperture.

4. The device of claim 4 wherein the first aperture is wider than the second aperture.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the obtuse angle is between 110 and 140 degrees.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein the lip extends from a wall of the channel to directly contact the shaft.

7. The device of claim 3 wherein a wall of the channel extends away from the shaft such that the lip does not directly contact the shaft.

8. A device for applying topical treatments to areas of the body that are hard to reach comprising: an elongated shaft comprising:an upper surface;a lower surface;a first aperture; anda second aperture that is offset from the first aperture.

9. The device of claim 8 further comprising a channel connecting the first aperture and the second aperture.

10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a wall formed by the channel between the first aperture and the second aperture wherein said wall encircles the first aperture.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the wall formed by the channel is not uniform in height.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the wall of the channel extends away from the shaft at an angle between 110 and 140 degrees.

13. The device of claim 12 further comprising a lip that encircles the second aperture.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the lip only contacts the wall of the channel.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein a portion of the lip contacts the shaft.

16. The device of claim 14 wherein the channel has a shape of a truncated cylinder.

17. The device of claim 15 wherein the channel has a shape of a truncated cylinder.

18. The device of claim 14 wherein the first aperture is wider than the second aperture.

19. The device of claim 15 wherein the first aperture is wider than the second aperture.

20. A device for applying topical substances to the human body comprising: an elongated shaft with a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface;a handle with tines at a first end of the shaft;a first aperture that is flush with the upper surface of the shaft and that communicates with a channel;a second aperture that is narrower than the first aperture that also communicates with the channel and is located at an opposite end of the channel from the first aperture; wherein said second aperture is positioned in a plane that is not parallel with a plane in which the shaft is located;a wall of nonuniform height that is formed by the channel and encircling the first aperture; anda tapered lip encircling the second aperture.