LIQUID APPLICATION ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A liquid application assembly having interchangeable head members designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to a distal end of a main body member, insert a chosen liquid into an interior volume of the main body member, attach a cap member to a proximal end of an elongated tube member, and activate a pump member to thereby force the liquid into a contact portion of the chosen interchangeable head member to then apply the liquid to the skin of the user using via the contact portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/431,778, filed Dec. 8, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of applicator devices and more specifically relates to a liquid application assembly having interchangeable head members designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to a distal end of a main body member, insert a chosen liquid into an interior volume of the main body member, attach a cap member to a proximal end of an elongated tube member, and activate a pump member to thereby force the liquid into a contact portion of the chosen interchangeable head member to then apply the liquid to the skin of the user using via the contact portion.

2. Description of the Related Art

The majority of people take a least one shower daily, and many two—and that not one of us (with the possible exception of a few yoga masters!) can adequately reach and wash or apply skin-care lotion to our own back. A sponge doesn't help much, nor does a washcloth or brush. The process involves contortions we simply can't perform, and parts of the back remain untouched. Worse still, for those with flexibility problems, disabilities, or joints made stiff by age and arthritis, fully washing or applying lotion to one's back alone is just impossible. What's needed, then, is a way for a single individual to reach and scrub (or apply skin-care lotions or creams to) his or her own back. Therefore, a need exists for a device that will permit a satisfying back-scrub or applying lotion to one's back regardless of age or physical condition.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in applicator device art. Among these are found in: U.S. Patent No. 20090092435 to James H. Stevens; U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,469 to Messer et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,954 to Eric John Owings. This prior art is representative of curved lotion applicators.

Ideally, a liquid application assembly should be user-friendly and safe in-use and, yet should operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a liquid application assembly having interchangeable head members designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to a distal end of a main body member, insert a chosen liquid into an interior volume of the main body member, attach a cap member to a proximal end of an elongated tube member, and activate a pump member to thereby force the liquid into a contact portion of the chosen interchangeable head member to then apply the liquid to the skin of the user using via the contact portion and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known applicator device art, the present invention provides a Liquid Application Assembly. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a liquid application assembly having interchangeable head members designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to a distal end of a main body member, insert a chosen liquid into an interior volume of the main body member, attach a cap member to a proximal end of an elongated tube member, and activate a pump member to thereby force the liquid into a contact portion of the chosen interchangeable head member to then apply the liquid to the skin of the user using via the contact portion.

A liquid application assembly comprising a main body member; a cap member; and a plurality of interchangeable head members. The main body member includes and elongated tube portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior volume; a handle portion; and a pump member. The handle portion is formed having a tubular shape and is connected to said proximal end of the elongated tube portion. The pump member is located upon said proximal end of the elongated tube portion adjacent said handle portion and is adapted to be activated by a finger of a user's hand and force liquid to move through the elongated tube portion. The main body member is adapted to allow liquids to be stored therein and move therethrough. The cap member is removably attached to and releasably covers the proximal end of the elongated tube member.

The plurality of interchangeable head members each includes a panel member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture; and a contact portion. The aperture is adapted to allow liquids to pass therethrough. The top panel portion is adapted to be releasably attached to the distal end of the main body member, such that the aperture is aligned with the interior volume of the main body member. The contact portion is connected to the bottom surface of the panel member and is adapted to contact the skin of a user and provide a predetermined function. Wherein one of the interchangeable head members is chosen and releasably attached to the distal end of the main body member for use therewith.

Wherein a user can choose one of the interchangeable head members designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to the distal end of the main body member, insert a chosen liquid into the interior volume of the main body member, attach the cap member to the proximal end of the elongated tube member, and activate the pump member to thereby force the liquid into the contact portion of the chosen interchangeable head member to then apply the liquid to the skin of the user using via the contact portion.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a liquid application assembly. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, an Improved Walking Stick, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating an liquid application assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view illustrating a main body member and cap member formed having interdigitating thread members of the liquid application assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating of the liquid application assembly in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating of the liquid application assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

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

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a walking aid device and more specifically relates to a liquid application assembly having interchangeable head members designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to a distal end of a main body member, insert a chosen liquid into an interior volume of the main body member, attach a cap member to a proximal end of an elongated tube member, and activate a pump member to thereby force the liquid into a contact portion of the chosen interchangeable head member to then apply the liquid to the skin of the user using via the contact portion.

Generally speaking, the Liquid Application Assembly comprises a specially designed handled, ergonomically curved applicator—one end of which is a grip or handle and the other a bristled scrubbing head—designed not only to scrub and apply lotions or creams to the back, but also to dispense liquid soaps, body-washes, or skin-care creams or lotions onto the skin.

The Liquid Application Assembly would be fabricated in a lightweight but sturdy and durable injection-molded plastic, with a molded or rubberized ergonomic grip near the end of the handle, and at the opposite end; interchangeable heads, including a brush-head for washing and scrubbing, and a silicone padded head, for applying lotions, and the like. Part of the handle would be hollow, concealing within it a refillable reservoir for liquid soap, body-wash, or skin-lotions.

These soaps, washes, and lotions—when the bulb-style button is pressed on the top side of the grip—will flow downward within the tube of the handle to the base of the heads. A regular series of small perforations or an egress point at the base of the heads will serve to force the soap, body-wash, or skin-care lotion out, and onto the body brush bristles or silicone pad. A threaded cap on the top side of the handle, near the grip, would serve as the refill point. Though not specified, the Liquid Application Assembly might measure 24 inches in length, its handle or grip 1½ to 2 inches in width. The bristlehead might measure 2 to 3 inches in length and 2 inches in width, or they may be larger to cover more skin area at one time. Importantly, at about the midpoint of the handle, give or take a little, is an ergonomic curve of perhaps 15 to 25 degrees. This significant design feature permits the bristle- or padded-head to easily reach all of the user's back from a comfortable grip position, since the curve permits the bristle-head to angle down toward the user's back.

The Liquid Application Assembly will not only apply body-washes or lotions, but will also dispense them. Easy to use, and exceptionally useful to anyone who has trouble reaching their own back (which is basically everyone!)—or who lacks a loved one to reach it for them, a single consumer could comfortably relieve annoying, itchy skin, lather-up with body-wash, accomplish the exfoliation of dead skin cells, and apply a variety of skin-care lotions or creams. The Liquid Application Assembly would enable you to reach your back for a scratching, scrubbing, or lotion application you couldn't otherwise get on your own; and, because of the curve, this product would be far easier to use, and far more effective in reaching one's back with a firm presence. Clever in conception and thoughtful in design, the Liquid Application Assembly should find a wide and enthusiastic reception.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, showing perspective views illustrating liquid application assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

A liquid application assembly comprising main body member 110; cap member 180; and plurality of interchangeable head members 400. Main body member 110 includes elongated tube portion 120 having proximal end 130, distal end 140, and interior volume 150; handle portion 160; and pump member 170. Cap member 180 is removably attached to and releasably covers proximal end 130 of elongated tube member 120.

Wherein proximal end 130 of elongated tube portion 120 of main body member 110 and cap member 180 are formed having interdigitating thread members 200 as shown in FIG. 2. Wherein elongated tube portion 120 of main body member 110 is formed having a curved cross-section. Wherein the curved cross-section is formed having a curve correlating to between 15 and 25 degrees. Wherein liquid application apparatus 100 is formed having a length of 24 inches; and wherein handle member 160 is formed having a diameter of 2 inches. Handle portion 160 is formed having a tubular shape and is connected to proximal end 130 of elongated tube portion 120. Wherein handle portion 160 is formed from a rubberized material.

Plurality of interchangeable head members 400 each includes panel member 410 having top surface 420, bottom surface 430, and aperture 440; and contact portion 450 as shown in FIG. 4. Liquid application apparatus 100 further comprises liquid 310 adapted to be placed into interior volume 150 of main body member 110, be forced into contact portion 450 of chosen interchangeable head member 400, and then applied to the skin of user 320 using via contact portion 450. Main body member 110 is adapted to allow liquids 310 to be stored therein and move therethrough. Wherein main body member 110 is formed from a plastic material. Liquid 310 may comprise liquid soap. Liquid 310 may also comprise body-wash. Liquid 310 may also comprise a skin-care cream. Liquid 310 may also comprise skin-care lotion.

Aperture 440 is adapted to allow liquids 310 to pass therethrough. Wherein panel member 410 of plurality of interchangeable head members 400 is formed having hollow interior volume 414; and wherein bottom surface 430 of panel member 410 includes plurality of perforations 434 therethrough adapted to allow liquid 310 to pass therethrough as shown in in-use condition 300 of FIG. 3.

Pump member 170 is located upon proximal end 130 of elongated tube portion 120 adjacent handle portion 160 and is adapted to be activated by finger 328 of hand 324 of user 320 and force liquid 310 to move through elongated tube portion 120 as shown in in-use condition 300 of FIG. 3. Wherein pump member 170 includes flexible button member 174 adapted to be repeatedly pressed and released to create pressure within interior volume 150 of main body member 110 to thereby force liquid 310 into contact portion of chosen interchangeable head member 400 to be applied to the skin of user 320 using via contact portion 450.

Top surface 420 of panel member 410 is adapted to be releasably attached to distal end 140 of main body member 110, such that the aperture is aligned with interior volume 150 main body member 110. Wherein top surface 420 of panel member 410 of each interchangeable head member 400 includes elongated ridge member 424; and wherein distal end 140 of elongated tube portion 120 of main body member 110 includes elongated lip portion 144 adapted to releasably engage with each elongated ridge member 424 of plurality of interchangeable head members 400, to thereby releasably attached a chosen one of plurality of interchangeable head members 400 to distal end 140 of elongated tube portion 120 such that aperture 440 of panel member 410 is aligned with interior volume 150 of main body member 110. Wherein elongated ridge member 424 and elongated lip portion 144 are formed having a U-shape.

Contact portion 450 is connected to bottom surface 430 of panel member 410 and is adapted to contact the skin of user 320 and provide a predetermined function. Wherein contact portion 450 of one of interchangeable head members 400 is formed as plurality of bristle members 452 as shown in FIG. 1. Wherein contact portion 450 of one of interchangeable head members 400 is formed as sponge member 454. Wherein contact portion 450 of one of interchangeable head members 400 is formed as silicone pad 456. Wherein one of interchangeable head members 400 is chosen and releasably attached to distal end 140 of main body member 110 for use therewith. Wherein contact portion 450 is formed having a thickness of 3 inches and a width of 2 inches.

Wherein user 320 can choose one of interchangeable head members 400 designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to distal end 140 of main body member 110, insert a chosen liquid 310 into interior volume 150 of main body member 110, attach cap member 180 to proximal end 130 of elongated tube member 120, and activate pump member 170 to thereby force liquid 310 into contact portion 450 of the chosen interchangeable head member 400 to then apply liquid 310 to the skin of user 320 using via contact portion 450.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A liquid application assembly comprising:

a main body member including: and elongated tube portion including: a proximal end; a distal end; and an interior volume; a handle portion; wherein said handle portion is formed having a tubular shape and is connected to said proximal end of said elongated tube portion; and a pump member; wherein said pump member is located upon said proximal end of said elongated tube portion adjacent said handle portion and is adapted to be activated by a finger of a user's hand and force liquid to move through said elongated tube portion; wherein said main body member is adapted to allow liquids to be stored therein and move therethrough;

a cap member; wherein said cap member is removably attached to and releasably covers said proximal end of said elongated tube member; and

a plurality of interchangeable head members, each including: a panel member including: a top surface; a bottom surface; and an aperture; wherein said aperture is adapted to allow liquids to pass therethrough; wherein said top panel portion is adapted to be releasably attached to said distal end of said main body member, such that said aperture is aligned with said interior volume of said main body member; and a contact portion; wherein said contact portion is connected to said bottom surface of said panel member and is adapted to contact the skin of a user and provide a predetermined function; wherein one of said interchangeable head members is chosen and releasably attached to said distal end of said main body member for use therewith;

wherein a user can choose one of said interchangeable head members designed to perform a predetermined function, releasably attached it to said distal end of said main body member, insert a chosen liquid into said interior volume of said main body member, attach said cap member to said proximal end of said elongated tube member, and activate said pump member to thereby force said liquid into said contact portion of said chosen interchangeable head member to then apply said liquid to the skin of said user using via said contact portion

2. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said contact portion of one of said interchangeable head members is formed as a plurality of bristle members.

3. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said contact portion of one of said interchangeable head members is formed as a sponge member.

4. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said contact portion of one of said interchangeable head members is formed as a silicone pad.

5. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a liquid adapted to be placed into said interior volume of said main body member, be forced into said contact portion of said chosen interchangeable head member, and then applied to the skin of said user using via said contact portion.

6. The liquid application apparatus of claim 5, wherein said liquid is liquid soap.

7. The liquid application apparatus of claim 5, wherein said liquid is body-wash.

8. The liquid application apparatus of claim 5, wherein said liquid is a skin-care cream.

9. The liquid application apparatus of claim 5, wherein said liquid is a skin-care lotion.

10. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pump member includes a flexible button member adapted to be repeatedly pressed and released to create pressure within said interior volume of said main body member to thereby force said liquid into said contact portion of said chosen interchangeable head member to be applied to the skin of said user using via said contact portion.

11. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said main body member is formed from a plastic material.

12. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said handle portion is formed from a rubberized material.

13. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top surface of said panel member of each said interchangeable head member includes an elongated ridge member; and wherein said distal end of said elongated tube portion of said main body member includes an elongated lip portion adapted to releasably engage with each said elongated ridge member of said plurality of interchangeable head members, to thereby releasably attached a chosen one of said plurality of interchangeable head members to said distal end of said elongated tube portion such that said aperture of said panel member is aligned with said interior volume of said main body member.

14. The liquid application apparatus of claim 13, wherein said elongated ridge member and said elongated lip portion are formed having a U-shape.

15. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said panel member of said plurality of interchangeable head members is formed having a hollow interior volume; and wherein said bottom surface of said panel member includes a plurality of perforations therethrough adapted to allow liquid to pass therethrough.

16. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongated tube portion of said main body member is formed having a curved cross-section.

17. The liquid application apparatus of claim 16, wherein said curved cross-section is formed having a curve correlating to between 15 and 25 degrees.

18. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said liquid application apparatus is formed having a length of 24 inches; and wherein said handle member is formed having a diameter of 2 inches.

19. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said contact portion is formed having a thickness of 3 inches and a width of 2 inches.

20. The liquid application apparatus of claim 1, wherein said proximal end of said elongated tube portion of said main body member and said cap member are formed having interdigitating thread members.