Patent Application
20140283863
1. Technical Field
A flexible applicator configured to enable a user to apply liquids evenly and accurately to hard-to-reach areas of the user's body.
2. Description of the Related Art
People routinely apply liquid substances to their body for many purposes. For example, during the summer many people apply sun protection factor lotions, also known as SPF lotions, which provide protection for the skin from Ultraviolet (UV) rays. We all have run into the situation where we are ready for an adventure in the sun, we have applied SPF lotion to every spot on our body that we can reach, and then we have that spot in the middle of our back. That spot is difficult, if not impossible, to reach. Neglecting to cover areas of our body, like the middle of the back, can result in painful sunburns, which can lead to unwanted melanomas and other skin problems.
Some people are less flexible and have trouble applying lotion to their feet or other parts of their body. Such people may need to apply lotion or a medicated ointment that is difficult to achieve by themselves.
The present disclosure is directed to a simple, compact, low cost, flexible applicator that allows an individual user to evenly and efficiently apply liquids to their own body, more specifically, to difficult, if not impossible-to-reach areas of their body. The flexible applicator includes an elongated rectangular body with looped ends that are formed from the full width of the body. The looped ends provide the user with openings into which the individual can insert a finger or fingers from each hand. As the user pulls the looped ends in opposite directions, the applicator lengthens to span the applicator's full elongated length. The applicator is configured to maintain a planar configuration during use so that the individual can evenly and accurately apply the liquid to their back or other body parts.
With liquid on the applicator, the user can apply the liquid with the applicator to remote areas of the body. Tension applied to the full applicator width using the integrated applicator looped ends allows the user to easily move the applicator, in the elongated length direction, “back and forth,” across the hard-to-reach body location. This allows the user to apply liquid to areas of one's own body, previously difficult, or impossible-to-reach, such as the back.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the description provided herewith, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, etc. In some instances, well-known structures or processes associated with fabrication of the materials discussed herein have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the inventive embodiments.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations thereof, such as “comprises,” “comprising,” and “including,” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as meaning “including, but not limited to.”
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used in the specification and appended claims, the use of “correspond,” “corresponds,” and “corresponding” is intended to describe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The use of “correspond” or one of its forms should not be construed to mean the exact shape or size.
In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles, and some of the elements are enlarged and positioned to improve understanding of the inventive features.
The applicator 1 has a generally rectangular shape formed from a single, unitary, flexible material. Using a single material is cost-effective to produce, is compact, and allows a user to maintain even tension along a length and width of the applicator 1 during use.
The applicator 1 has a main body 18 configured to receive liquid and has two integrated loops 2 at opposite first and second ends 20, 22 of the main body. The applicator 1 has a first length 7 that extends from a first edge 10 to a second edge 12 of the applicator 1. The applicator 1 has a first width 6 that extends from a third edge 14 to a fourth edge 16. Each of the first and second edges 10, 12 represent an external edge of one of the integrated loops 2. The loops 2 are formed from the single, unitary material that forms the main body 18 of the applicator 1.
Each loop 2 has the same width 6 as the main body 18. The loops 2 are configured so that the user 4 can easily insert fingers 5 from each hand in to the loop 2 at each of the first and second ends 20, 22, see
This configuration also allows the user 4 to maintain the applicator's 1 full width 6 during application. The user can easily apply and maintain tension along the full length and width during application to ensure even and consistent application of lotion on the user's back.
The loops 2 at each end 20, 22 of the applicator 1 are created by attaching a fifth and sixth edge 26, 28 to an intermediate portion 30, 32 of the main body 18 adjacent to the respective first or second end 20, 22. The fifth and sixth edges 26, 28 may be coupled to the intermediate portions 30, 32 of the main body 18 with an adhesive, by laminating, with thermal bonding, an ultrasonic seam, or any other suitable techniques to secure the fifth and sixth edges to the main body 18 to form the loops 2.
The applicator 1 has a second length 34 that is associated with the main body 18. The second length 34 spans between the intermediate portions 30, 32 of the main body 18 where the loops 2 begin and the fifth and sixth edges 26, 28 are affixed to the main body 18. Each loop 2 has a third length 36, which may be a variety of dimensions. For example, in one embodiment, the third length 36 may be configured to receive a single finger 5 of the user 4. In other embodiments, the third length 36 may be adjusted to receive a number of fingers 5 or the user's entire hand. The dimension of the third length 36 may be dependent upon a type of consumer for which the applicator 1 is made. For example, large men have a long wing span and thus may need to have the first length 7 be longer than for a child size applicator. In the same situation, the man's hands will be significantly larger than the child's and thus the third length 36 may be adjusted accordingly.
In one embodiment, the applicator can range in size to suit various size individuals, and generally the length 7 is between 24″ inches and 48″ inches, the width 6 is between 1″ inch to 4″ inches, and a thickness 9 (see
The applicator 1 is configured to receive and hold lotion, liquid soap, or other liquids so that the user can easily apply the liquid to a desired location on their body. There is a balance between retaining the liquid on the applicator as the user manipulates the applicator 1 for application and avoiding excessive absorption by the applicator. If there is too much absorption, the applicator will not distribute an even, consistent coat of the liquid on the user's body. In the case of sun screen, this could lead to the user getting a serious sun burn in a location on their body that was not adequately covered by the liquid.
In one embodiment, a flexible material is used that is suitable to retain the applied liquid to the applicator in place, prior to, and during the application, without substantially absorbing the applied liquid, such that the vast majority of the liquid is applied to the body during use, as opposed to being unduly absorbed into the material, and thereby wasting the desired liquid.
In one embodiment, the applicator 1 is formed from a non-woven material that is flat and hydrophobic. Hydrophobic materials are configured to repel water, such that a hydrophobic material does not absorb water or other liquids as much as other materials, such as terry cloth or other woven materials.
Typically, non-woven materials are sheet or web structures formed by bonding together or entangling fibers or filaments. The bonding may be achieved mechanically, thermally, or chemically. These non-woven materials do not include fibers that are formed into a yarn or thread before creating the sheets.
There are several types of non-woven materials, such as staple non-woven materials and spunlaid non-woven materials. Staple non-woven materials include fibers that can be ¼″ to ¾″ long, which are bonded using resin or thermal bonding. Spunlaid non-woven materials are formed in one continuous process where fibers are spun, dispersed into a web, and bonded with resin or thermally. The size of the fibers in spunlaid non-woven materials can vary depending on the ultimate use. It is possible to print specific patterns of the resin or perform thermal spot bonding to have a single material that has multiple material properties. Both staple and spunlaid non-woven materials can be treated or modified to change a texture of the material such as with ultrasonic pattern bonding, needle punching, or a chemical treatment.
In one embodiment, ultrasonic thermal bonding is a preferred method of adhering or otherwise attaching the fifth and sixth edges 26, 28 to the main body 18. Thermal bonding does not require adding or puncturing the material as would be the case with stitching. The thermal bonding may be achieved using a heat sealer and a curing device. Other types of thermal bonding include hot embossing and impact bonding. Other types of bonding to attach the fifth and sixth edges 26, 28 to the intermediate portions 30, 32 of the main body 18 when using a non-woven material may include adhesive bonding, heat bonding, high frequency sealing, hot melt bonding, laminating, sewing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, and the like.
In one embodiment, materials used for the applicator which are more suitable to a single-use, or disposable form include Spunbond/Meltblown, Spunlace, Spunmelt, Nonwoven Fabrics, Polyester, Cotton, Nylon, Polymer, Paper, or Paper-Blend Material, Pulp Material, and Polypropylene, and the like, or a combination thereof, which are suitable for accepting, and furthermore applying liquids designed for application to the body including lotions, medicated lotions, ointments, sun protection factor lotions, self tanning lotions, liquid soaps and the like.
In one embodiment, the material is a Polypropylene spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) having 40 to 50 grams per square meter, which is an expression of weight per unit area. In other embodiments the grams per square meter may be in the range of 20 to 50. SMS is a trilayer structure, an example of which is shown in
Polypropylene is hydrophobic, meaning that it does not wet with water. If the material is polypropylene, no additional surface treatment is used to make the surface hydrophobic. The surface energy of unmodified polypropylene causes it to repel water. Polypropylene is naturally oleophillic, meaning it attracts oils. Various surface treatments can be added to polypropylene SMS to make it more or less repellant to various liquids.
These nonwoven materials are flat, hydrophobic sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn. Nonwoven fabrics can be specifically manufactured for single use and can be made of numerous materials common in the manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics, and can be made with numerous manufacturing methods also common in the production of nonwoven fabrics.
These non-woven materials have texture on their surfaces such that the material is semi-porous. This texture minimizes the absorption, while providing sufficient surface tension to keep the liquid on the flat surface 24. Nonwoven fabrics are engineered fabrics that may be limited life, single-use fabrics or very durable fabrics. Nonwoven fabrics provide specific functions such as absorbency, liquid repellence, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, filtering, use as a bacterial barrier, and sterility. These properties are often combined to create fabrics suited for specific jobs, while achieving a good balance between product use-life and cost. They can mimic the appearance, texture and strength of a woven fabric and can be as bulky as the thickest padding.
In some embodiments, a certain percentage of recycled fabrics and oil-based materials may be used in nonwoven fabrics. The percentage of recycled fabrics may vary based upon the strength of material needed for the specific use. Conversely, some nonwoven fabrics can be recycled after use, given the proper treatment and facilities. Some nonwoven fabrics are a more ecological fabric for certain applications, especially in fields and industries where disposable or single use products are important, such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes and luxury accommodations. These non-woven materials in conjunction with the applicator being formed from a single unitary piece of material keep manufacturing costs low. Because the entire applicator is made from a single component, with integrated loops at the respective ends of the applicator body, the applicator is cost effective to produce, such that it may be used as a disposable item if desired, or rinsed for additional uses. In addition, the applicator is made of a thin flexible material suitable for folding, or rolling into a compact shape for remote uses.
In one embodiment, the applicator is a single use, non-woven material applicator. However, in other embodiments the applicator may be semi-durable where there is limited reusability, such as use of the applicator for a single day. In other embodiments, the applicator may be a durable, reusable woven fabric that may be washed in a washing machine.
The position of the axis 42 allows the user to apply length-wise and width-wise tension to the applicator during use by pulling the first and second end 20, 22 in opposite directions and by positioning their fingers in the opening 48 to apply force along the width 6 of the loop 2.
Alternatively, for reusable versions of the applicator, while not in use the applicator may be folded into a compact size, desirable for storage and remote use. The thin, flexible materials make it is easy to fold or roll the applicator into a pocket size form, resulting in a compact size, suitable for home, or remote use, such as the beach, camping, indoor tanning salon, while traveling, and the like.
The main body 52 is formed from two layers of the single piece of material, a top layer 62 and a bottom layer 64. The top and bottom layers 62, 64 are coupled together through a bonding process, such as thermal bonding.
The bonding process forms the first and second openings 54, 56 spaced apart from each other by the main body 52. The openings 54, 56 also have a top and a bottom layer, which corresponds to the top and bottom layers 62, 64 of the main body. The first and second openings 54, 56 have a first axis 66 and a second axis 68, respectively that is perpendicular to a length 70 of the applicator 50. The first and second axes 66, 68 are parallel with a width 72 of the applicator 50. More particularly, the length 70 and the width 72 are in a first plane, perpendicular to each other. For example, the length 70 may be parallel with an x axis of the first plane while the width 72 may be parallel with a y axis of the first plane. The first and second axes 66, 68 also extend along the first plane, such that the first and second axes are parallel with the y axis.
This is in contrast to an axis, such as a z axis that is perpendicular to the first plane and to the length 70. In several prior art devices, there are openings through handles that are positioned such that the opening is through the length of the device. The handles are made from different materials than the main portion of the device, such that the manufacturing is more complicated. The openings in the handles have an axis that is perpendicular to both a length and a width of the main body, i.e., the axis of the openings through the handles is in the z direction. In a top down view of these prior art devices, the opening would be visible and would include the axis extending transverse to the length and the width. Such an arrangement causes bulging of the main body when the user pulls the ends of the applicator away from each other because the handles apply tension to the edges of the device and do not apply tension to the full width of the device. This results in uneven application of the liquid and wastes the liquid by creating pockets or indentations where the liquid does not meet with the user's skin.
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the openings 54, 56 are not visible from the top down view because the axes of the openings are parallel with the width 72 and in the first plane. This allows the user to apply full width pressure to the openings to keep the main body flat during application of a liquid. This arrangement affects how the user can orient their fingers and thus provides better control of the applicator and more even coating of the user's body during application. This also allows the user to avoid having to readjust their fingers during application to complete the application.
The placement of the axes of the openings to be parallel with the width of the applicator 1, 50 provides for a more natural grip and movement of the applicator along the user's back, for example, see
The position of the integrated openings according to the present disclosure allows the user to apply full surface tension to the applicator body. The user may insert a finger, multiple fingers, depending on the configuration of the opening. In one example of use as shown in
In this position, the third edge 14 will be further away from the user than the fourth edge 16. As a reference, the applicator will be flipped over as compared to its orientation in
The user will then insert fingers from each hand into the opposing openings and apply tension to the ends in opposing directions. To achieve the natural position described above, the user can insert their right hand 11 into the loop at the second end 22, where the fingers enter the loop from the side of the applicator furthest from the user, i.e., from the third edge 14. In this position, a top surface of the fingers of the user's fingers may be facing the flat surface and separated from the flat surface by the material of the loop. The palm of the user's hand will be facing the palm-side of the fingers, similar to if the user were making a fist, i.e., such that the user's hand is bent at the knuckles. The left hand 13 may be inserted into the first end 20 from fourth edge 16 so that the user's palm is facing the flat surface or table, i.e., the user's hand is flat and not bent. This way the user can pick the applicator up with both hand inserted, easily turn the second surface 25 to their back 8, and apply the lotion. The fingers of the left hand can easily rotate in the opening to allow the user to comfortably position their hand to maneuver the applicator. The user's hands pull the applicator taut so that the user can maneuver the applicator over their head to apply the lotion to their back. In addition, the arrangement provides the user with a way to manipulate the applicator without twisting the main body 18.
A user trying to utilize the prior art devices that include handles with openings that have an axis perpendicular to the first plane of the length and width will have more difficulty operating the devices because the user will contort their wrists and arms in order to insert their fingers or hands through the openings. This unnatural movement may be difficult for some users with tight or injured shoulders. In addition, as mentioned above, the arrangement of the axis of the opening to be perpendicular to the first plane can result in bulging of the device, uneven application, and wasted liquid. Incorporating holes through the thickness of the material or attaching handles that are perpendicular to the width leads to failure to realize full surface width tension, which in turn prevents consistent and even application of the liquid.
An alternative use of the applicator is applying liquid soap, lotion, or medication in lotion or cream form to the user's feet. As we age, our flexibility diminishes and reaching our feet can become more difficult. The applicators according to the present disclosure can provide a user with a simple, but efficient way to apply a liquid to one's feet to treat an injury or to simply hydrate the skin.
The applicator 80 is formed from a single unitary piece of material having the first edge 94 and a second edge 96. The second edge 96 is folded and attached to an intermediate portion 98 of the main body 90. The second edge is attached according to methods described above. For example, the second edge 96 may be adhered to the intermediate portion 98 with an adhesive or with thermal bonding. The second edge 96 is coupled to the intermediate portion 98 in a way that prevents the second edge 96 from being detached from the main body during use, i.e., the attachment mechanism is secure and resilient.
The opening 84 that is formed by the loop 82 includes an axis 100 that is parallel with the width 88 and is perpendicular or orthogonal to a length 102. As described above, the length and width are in a same plane such that the axis 100 is also in the same plane. The position of the axis 100 of the opening 84 is ensures that the user can provide full width tension in use to prevent bulging or bunching of the main body of the applicator 80. More particularly, with a single finger the user can apply outward pressure to an internal surface of the loop 82, away from the intermediate portion 98 where the second edge 96 is attached. If the user positions the length of their finger along the internal surface of the loop 82, the user can easily apply pressure along the width of the applicator. For example, if the user's palm is on one side of the opening 84, a tip of the user's finger may extend out the other side of the opening. Positioning the finger in this arrangement will maintain the applicator in a flat state during use so that the user can efficiently and accurately apply the liquid to their body.
In this embodiment, the user may grip (or insert) the unfolded end of the first edge 94 between two fingers and wrap the end 92 once or twice around to create the full width tension that keeps the applicator flat during use. The user can pull the first end 86 and the second end 92 is opposite directions to achieve the full width and full length tension.
For ease of use, the end 92 is left unfolded without a loop. It may be easier for a user to manipulate this applicator 80 to apply lotion to their back without having both hands positioned in a loop while adjusting the applicator to their back. Alternatively, a user may find it easier to hold the unfolded end to maneuver the applicator over their shoulder and grab the loop with their other hand once the applicator is adjacent to their back. This applicator allows for greater flexibility of use for the wide variety of people who have varying ranges of motion. The user may apply the full width tension through the loop 82 while gripping the unfolded end 92 in another fashion. For example, the user may roll the unfolded end 94 between two fingers, as described above, or the user may grip the unfolded end in a manner that applies full width tension to keep the applicator flat during use. The ability to apply full width tension allows for more even application and prevents waste of the liquid.
Since there is only a single loop, the simplicity of manufacturing is increased, and cost is thereby reduced. A single sheet of non-woven material, such as a 48 inch wide spool of SMS material, can be easily fed into a machine and manipulated to form a one loop applicator. Advantageously, the one loop applicator may be formed from a spool of a single sheet of material, with a single thermal bonding step to attach the second edge 96 to an intermediate portion of the main body, and is then easily cut into individual one loop applicators after thermal bonding. The one loop applicator provides flexibility of use depending on the range of motion of the user. In addition, materials explaining use of the one loop applicator may be simplified.
In some embodiments, the one loop applicator may be formed from a single-use disposable material. However, in other embodiments, the one loop applicator may be formed from semi-durable materials, such as materials that will with stand multiple uses.
The applicator is configured to apply full length and width tension in use and to efficiently apply a liquid to the user's back or other body part. In order to achieve the full width tension, the user would wrap each of the first and second ends around fingers of the user's left and right hand, such that the applicator 104 does not bend or bulge. The user's fingers are aligned to be perpendicular or orthogonal to the length 106.
The applicator is formed of a single unitary piece of material; however, the material may be formed of various layers, such as a non-woven material that includes layers of spunlaid, meltblown, and spunlaid fibers. The manufacturing for this no-loop applicator is considerably simpler and more cost effective.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61782513 | Mar 2013 | US |
