A COVER
A cover for a user's hand for applying a lotion to their own or another person's body, at least part of the cover comprising at least four layers. An outer layer for receiving and applying the lotion, the outer layer being layered on a liquid absorbent layer. The liquid absorbent layer in turn being layered on a non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer being layered on an inner layer for contacting the hand.
The present invention relates to a cover and in particular to an applicator for applying lotions to the skin, particularly intended for but not limited to self-tanning lotions.
Lotion applicators are known in the art. It is also well known that self-tanning lotion may be applied to an individual's skin. Self-tanning lotion comprising of a pigment which, once dried and in some cases developed over time, stains the skin thus simulating naturally sun-tanned skin. However to achieve realistic results the lotion must be applied evenly to an individual's skin and the pigmented lotion must be allowed to cover a large portion of the individuals body. Conventional methods of self-tan application vary depending on the individual. The most commonly used applicators involve a conventional tanning mitt or the use of an individual's bare hand. However such applicators have disadvantages.
As an individual's hand is not a smooth surface the even application of tanning lotion is problematic. Furthermore the inherent nature of self-tanning lotion has its set-backs when applied by hand i.e. as the purpose is to simulate a natural tanning of the skin, if applied by hand the pigment will also be applied to the palm of the hand, which in itself only tans very slightly naturally. This unwanted colouring of the palms of the hand is often difficult to remove as ultimately it is a feature of such lotions that the sun-tan effect should not easily wash off.
The use of a conventional tanning mitt provides a more realistic and even colour tone to the skin without also tanning the palm of the hand, although the mitt also has its draw-backs. The conventional tanning mitt is developed as a universal one size fits all applicator, with the size of the mitt depending on the manufacturer. The result of this universal sizing presents problems as individual hand sizes inherently vary and as such the hand can slide within the mitt during use, providing the skin with an undesired and/or uneven tone of colour. Furthermore the generic mitt shape itself does not provide an ease of manoeuvrability locally during lotion application for the varying protrusions and crevices of the body especially upon application of the lotion to the face.
Alternatively an individual may opt to use a conventional glove for lotion application. These gloves are typically either a conventional latex/vinyl glove or a cotton glove, each of which have varying drawbacks. Although a latex/vinyl glove provides a liquid impermeable layer protecting an individual's palm of the hand from lotion pigmentation, these gloves are generally uncomfortable during use when applying the lotion to skin. Furthermore to achieve an even and realistic skin tone the latex/vinyl glove would be required to be a tight fit upon the users hand, which can produce a further uncomfortable experience during lotion application. Conversely, a cotton glove while providing comfort to the user during use would not provide the protection against pigmentation of the user's palm.
It is the object of the present invention to further mitigate the abovementioned lotion application problems of the conventional lotion applicators and provide a lotion applicator that can be used with all lotions.
Accordingly, the present invention comprises a cover for a user's hand for applying a lotion to their own or another person's body, at least part of the cover comprising at least four layers, an outer layer for receiving and applying the lotion, the outer layer being layered on a liquid absorbent layer, the liquid absorbent layer in turn being layered on a non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer being layered on an inner layer for contacting the hand.
Advantageously, the present invention enables lotions to be applied to an individual's body smoothly, quickly and evenly with enhanced local control without the pigment being transferred to the palm of the operator's hand.
Ideally, the outer layer is a layer of flock or pile.
Preferably, the outer layer is a fibrous layer.
Preferably, all of the cover is layered.
Ideally, the cover is a mitt or glove.
Preferably, the cover further comprises a thumb receiving channel.
Advantageously, a cover comprising a thumb receiving channel provides an operator with an undisturbed use of their opposable thumb. This has the benefit over those prior art tanning-mitts as the manoeuvrability of the thumb can aid to evenly apply the lotion to locations of the body which would be hard to reach with the conventional mitt e.g. getting around the nose etc.
Ideally, the cover has a hand receiving opening dimensioned so that the hand of the user can readily enter into the cover.
Most ideally, the cover and the opening are dimensioned so that the entire hand of the user can enter into the cover.
Preferably, at least two bodies of flexible material are connectable to one another about their periphery to form the cover.
Preferably, both of the bodies of flexible material of the cover are layered.
Advantageously, a cover with two layered bodies enables an operator with two surfaces to which lotion can be applied for use. This extends the in-use life of the product over that of the conventional tanning-mitt which typically only maintains a single lotion application surface. Furthermore the single lotion application surface of the prior art facilitates a build-up of pigment residue on the prior art tanning mitt surface during application which can add an uneven spread of lotion on the skin providing an undesired patchy colouring.
Further advantageously, for a lotion applicator including a thumb receiving channel the two layered bodies provide an operator with a means of right or left handed operation depending on the circumstances and/or the requirement of use.
Preferably, all of the layers of the cover extend across the same extent of the cover.
Ideally, all of the layers of the cover extend to substantially similar longitudinal and latitudinal positions of the cover.
Preferably, all of the layers of the cover extend to identical longitudinal and latitudinal positions of the cover.
Advantageously, the co-extensive nature of the cover layers on the palm and back of the hand surfaces of the cover enables the user to utilise the entirety of the cover when applying lotions. In the specific example of applying tanning lotion the co-extensive nature of the layers provide the user with a uniform protection against the colouring of the hand; a disadvantage that can be seen in some conventional tanning-mitts whereby the protective layers extend partially along the structure of the mitts.
Ideally, the cover has a thickness from outside surface to inside surface of at least 4 mm.
Preferably, the cover has a thickness from outside surface to inside surface in the range of 5 mm to 5.5 mm.
Ideally, the cover comprises two bodies of flexible material substantially identical in shape and size defining two opposing bodies of the cover when in an overlapping configuration.
Preferably, the two bodies are connectable along their overlapping edges.
Ideally, at least one portion of the overlapping edges remain separate defining the hand receiving opening so that a user's hand can enter the cover.
Preferably, the unconnected perimeter of the cover defining the hand receiving opening has a binding means
Ideally, the binding means is an additional reinforcement along the perimeter to prevent the material cover coming loose.
Preferably, the binding means is a polyester cap extending between and being connected to the outer and inner surface of the cover enclosing the perimeter of the layers forming the hand receiving opening of the cover.
Preferably, the two bodies of flexible material are connectable by a connecting means.
Ideally, the connecting means is located proximal to the perimeter of the cover and extends along a substantial length of the perimeter.
Preferably, the connecting means is located approximately 3 mm to 7 mm from the edges of the two bodies towards the centre of the cover.
Most preferably, the connecting means is located approximately 5 mm from the edges of the two bodies towards the centre of the cover.
Most ideally, the connecting means provides a permanent connection between the bodies of flexible material.
Preferably, the connecting means providing a permanent connection between the bodies of flexible material is a thermal connecting means.
Ideally, the thermal connecting means is a thermal weld.
Preferably, the connecting means providing a permanent connection between the bodies of flexible material is an adhesive.
Most preferably, the connecting means providing a permanent connection between the bodies of flexible material is stitching.
Ideally, the cover has means for engaging the fingers of an operator.
Preferably, the cover comprises a plurality of elongate tubular sleeves located within the cover for engaging the fingers of a user.
Ideally, the plurality of elongate tubular sleeves located within the cover extend in a parallel configuration in the longitudinal direction of the cover.
Preferably, the finger engaging means located within the cover are located proximal to the closed end of the cover.
Most preferably, the plurality of elongate tubular sleeves are located on an inner surface of the cover in the area where the fingers of a user are located in the normal use of the cover.
Ideally, the elongate tubular sleeves located within the cover are open ended to form finger receiving channels, whereby the finger receiving channel is defined by the internal profile of the elongate tubular sleeve.
Advantageously, a cover that comprises elongate tubular sleeves forming finger receiving channels provides a user with a “glove-like” fit. This has advantages over the conventional lotion applicators such as the conventional self-tanning mitt as these elongate tubular sleeves incorporating finger receiving channels anchor the users hand within the mitt. This provides the user with an increase in stability while the mitt is in use overcoming the unstable sliding effect of the conventional self-tanning mitt during use. Ultimately this increase in stability will provide the individual with a more even colour tone subsequent to use.
Further advantageously, the “glove-like” nature of the cover, such as a self-tanning mitt will provide a user with an increased range of hand movement which translates to mitt movement that is difficult to reproduce with the conventional self-tanning mitts.
Ideally, the elongate tubular sleeves comprising the finger receiving channels are formed of flexible material.
Preferably, the elongate tubular sleeve flexible material is layered.
Ideally, the layers of the elongate tubular sleeve flexible material comprise of the same composition of layers of material as that of the cover.
Preferably, the layers of the elongate tubular sleeve flexible material comprise of the same composition of layers of material in an identical layer configuration as that of the cover.
Alternatively, the layers of the elongate tubular sleeve flexible material comprises of the same composition of layers of material in an alternate layer configuration to that of the cover whereby the elongate tubular sleeves are formed of an outer fibrous layer layered on a non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer in turn layered on a sponge layer which is in turn layer on an inner layer of flock or pile to provide comfort for receiving a user's fingers and contact with said fingers during use.
Preferably, the elongate tubular sleeves comprising the finger receiving channels are integral to the cover.
Ideally, the elongate tubular sleeves comprising the finger receiving channels are integral to one of the bodies of flexible material of the cover
Ideally, the elongate tubular sleeves comprising the finger receiving channels are connected to one of the bodies of flexible material of the cover.
Preferably, the elongate tubular sleeves comprising the finger receiving channels are connected to both of the two bodies of flexible material of the cover.
Ideally, the individual fibres of flock or pile from the layer of flock or pile of the cover slightly protrude from the layer at a length of 3 mm to 7 mm.
Most ideally, the individual fibres of flock or pile from the flock or pile layer of the cover slightly protrude from the layer at a length of 5 mm.
Preferably, the layer of flock or pile of the cover is formed of natural fibres such as cotton.
Ideally, the layer of flock of pile of the cover is formed of synthetic fibres.
Preferably, the layer of flock or pile of the cover is formed of a thermoplastic polymer resin.
Ideally, the layer of flock or pile of the cover is formed of Rayon fibres.
Preferably, the layer of flock or pile of the cover is formed of acrylic.
Ideally, the layer of flock or pile of the cover is formed of nylon.
Most ideally, the layer of flock or pile of the cover is formed of a polyester.
Preferably, the liquid absorbent layer of the cover is a sponge layer.
Ideally, the sponge layer has a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 3mm.
Ideally, the sponge layer has a thickness of approximately 2 mm.
Preferably, the liquid absorbent layer of the cover is formed of a synthetic sponge layer.
Ideally, the liquid absorbent layer of the cover is formed of a composition of organic compounds.
Most ideally, the liquid absorbent layer of the cover is formed of a synthetic foam material.
Preferably, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of cover is formed of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
Ideally, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of the cover is formed of silicone.
Preferably, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of the cover is formed of polyvinylchloride (PVC).
Ideally, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of the cover is formed of polypropylene.
Preferably, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of the cover is formed of polyethylene.
Ideally, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of the cover is formed of latex.
Most ideally, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of the cover is formed of polyurethane.
Preferably, the fibrous layer of the cover is formed of natural fibres such as cotton.
Ideally, the fibrous layer of the cover is formed of artificial fibres.
Preferably, the fibrous layer of the cover is formed of a thermoplastic polymer resin.
Most preferably, the fibrous layer of the cover is formed of polyester.
Ideally, the cover is washable.
Most ideally, the cover is washable by a conventional washing machine.
Accordingly, the present invention further comprises a mitt for a user's hand for carrying out treatments to their own or another person's body, at least part of the mitt comprising one layer, the mitt having a means for engaging the fingers of the user on an interior portion of the mitt.
Preferably, all of the mitt is a single layer.
Ideally, the mitt comprises skin engaging means.
Preferably, the skin engaging means is a means enabling the exfoliation of the users or another person's skin.
Ideally, the mitt is made from a material capable of exfoliating a user's skin.
Preferably, the finger engaging means comprises a plurality of elongate tubular sleeves located within the mitt for engaging the fingers of a user.
Ideally, the plurality of elongate tubular sleeves located within the mitt extend in a parallel configuration in the longitudinal direction of the mitt.
Preferably, the finger engaging means located within the mitt are located proximal to the closed end of the mitt.
Most preferably, the plurality of elongate tubular sleeves are located on an inner surface of the mitt in the area where the fingers of a user are located in the normal use of the mitt.
Ideally, the elongate tubular sleeves located within the mitt are open ended to form finger receiving channels, whereby the finger receiving channel is defined by the internal profile of the elongate tubular sleeve.
Advantageously, a mitt that comprises elongate tubular sleeves forming finger receiving channels provides a user with a “glove-like” fit.
Further advantageously, the “glove-like” nature of the mitt, such as an exfoliating mitt will provide a user with an increased range of hand movement which translates to mitt movement.
Accordingly, the present invention comprises a cover, at least part of the cover comprising at least four layers, an outer layer layered on a liquid absorbent layer in turn layered on a non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer which is layered on an inner layer.
Ideally, the outer layer is a layer of flock or pile.
Preferably, the inner layer is a fibrous layer.
Preferably, all of the cover is layered.
Ideally, the cover is formed into an item/garment of clothing.
Preferably, the cover is formed as a pair of trousers or socks or t-shirt or shirt or jumper or coat.
Preferably, the cover is formed as a cloth.
Ideally, the cloth is designed for cleaning or polishing or applying a coating such as paint. Advantageously, the cloth is designed to prevent dirt or cleaning agent or polish or paint reaching a user's hand.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only three embodiments of the cover in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:
In the drawings, there is shown a cover such as a mitt or glove indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for a user's hand for applying a lotion to their own or another person's body. The cover (1) has four layers, an outer layer of flock or pile (2) for receiving and applying the lotion. This outer layer 2 is layered on a liquid absorbent layer (3). This liquid absorbent layer (3) is in turn layered on a non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer (4) which is layered on an inner fibrous layer (5) for contacting the hand. The layers 2, 3, 4, and 5 are joined by bonding, gluing or adhering the two adjacent surfaces of the layers together. This cover (1) enables lotions to be applied to an individual's body smoothly, quickly and evenly with enhanced local control without the pigment being transferred to the palm of the operator's hand.
The mitt 1 has a hand receiving opening (6) dimensioned so that the hand of the user can readily enter into the cover. Both the cover (1) and the opening (6) are dimensioned so that the entire hand of the user can enter into the cover (1). The cover (1) is formed by two bodies of material (7 and 8) which are connected to one another about their periphery to form the cover (1). Both of the bodies of flexible material (7 and 8) of the cover are layered (see
Furthermore the single lotion application surface of the prior art facilitates a build-up of pigment residue on the prior art tanning mitt surface during application which can add an uneven spread of lotion on the skin providing an undesired patchy colouring. In the case where a lotion applicator includes a thumb 21 and thumb receiving channel 22 the two layered bodies (7 and 8) provide an operator with a means of right or left handed operation depending on the circumstances and/or the requirement of use.
All of the layers (2, 3, 4 and 5) of the mitt (1) extend to the same longitudinal and latitudinal positions of the cover (1). This co-extensive nature of the cover layers (2, 3, 4 and 5) on the palm and back of the hand surfaces of the cover (1) enables the user to utilise the entirety of the cover (1) when applying lotions. In the specific example of applying tanning lotion the co-extensive nature of the layers (2, 3, 4 and 5) provide the user with a uniform protection against the colouring of the hand; a disadvantage that can be seen in some conventional tanning-mitts whereby the protective layers extend partially along the structure of the mitts.
The cover (1) has a thickness from outside surface (10) to inside surface (11) see
The unconnected perimeter of the cover (12) defining the hand receiving opening (6) has a binding cap (22) providing an additional reinforcement along the perimeter (12) to prevent the material of the cover (1) coming loose. The binding cap (22) is a polyester cap extending between and being connected to the outer and inner surface of the cover (1) enclosing the perimeter of the layers forming the hand receiving opening of the cover (1).
The two bodies of flexible material (7 and 8) are connected by a connecting arrangement (13) which is located proximal to the perimeter of the cover (1), most preferably 5 mm from the edges of the two bodies (7 and 8) towards the centre of the cover (1) and extends along a substantial length of the perimeter.
The connecting arrangement (13) of the bodies of flexible material (7 and 8) is a permanent connection between the bodies of flexible material (7 and 8). The permanent connection of the connecting arrangement (13) being either a thermal connection such as a thermal weld, an adhesive or most preferably stitching as shown in the drawings.
The cover (1) comprises a plurality of elongate tubular sleeves (14) located within the cover (1) for engaging the fingers of a user. The plurality of elongate tubular sleeves (14) located within the cover (1) extend side by side in a parallel configuration in the longitudinal direction of the cover (1) and are located proximal to the closed end of the cover (15).
The elongate tubular sleeves (14) located within the cover (1) are open ended to form finger receiving channels (16), whereby the finger receiving channel (16) is defined by the internal profile (17) of the elongate tubular sleeve (14). Advantageously, a cover (1) that comprises elongate tubular sleeves (14) forming finger receiving channels (16) provides a user with a “glove-like” fit. This has advantages over the conventional lotion applicators such as the conventional self-tanning mitt as these elongate tubular sleeves (14) incorporating finger receiving channels (16) anchor the users hand within the mitt (1). This provides the user with an increase in stability while the mitt (1) is in use overcoming the unstable sliding effect of the conventional self-tanning mitt during use. Ultimately this increase in stability will provide the individual with a more even colour tone subsequent to use. Further advantageously, the “glove-like” nature of the cover (1), such as a self-tanning mitt will provide a user with an increased range of hand movement which translates to mitt movement that is difficult to reproduce with the conventional self-tanning mitts.
The elongate tubular sleeves (14) comprising the finger receiving channels (16) are formed of flexible and layered material, comprising of the same composition of layers of material as that of the cover (1) in an identical layer configuration as that of the cover (1).
Alternatively, the layers of the elongate tubular sleeve (14) flexible material comprises of the same composition of layers of material in an alternate layer configuration to that of the cover (1) whereby the elongate tubular sleeves (14) see
The elongate tubular sleeves (14) comprising the finger receiving channels (16) are integral and/or connected to the cover (1) or one or both of the bodies of flexible material of the cover (7 and/or 8).
The individual fibres of flock or pile from the layer of flock or pile (2) of the cover (1) slightly protrude from the layer 2 at a length of 5 mm. The layer of flock or pile 2 of the cover (2) is formed of a polyester or the like. The liquid absorbent layer (3) of the cover is a sponge layer formed of a synthetic foam material, with a thickness of approximately 2 mm. The non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer of cover (4) is formed of polyurethane or the like. The fibrous layer of the cover (5) is formed of a polyester or similar materials.
Referring to the drawings and now to
Referring to the drawings and now to
In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.
In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1.-42. (canceled)
43. A cover for a user's hand for applying a lotion to their own or another person's body, at least part of the cover comprising at least four layers, an outer layer for receiving and applying the lotion, the outer layer being layered on a liquid absorbent layer, the liquid absorbent layer in turn being layered on a non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer, the non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer being layered on an inner layer for contacting the hand.
44. The cover of claim 43, wherein the outer layer is a layer of flock or pile.
45. The cover of claim 43, wherein the cover comprises a hand receiving opening dimensioned so that the hand of the user can readily enter into the cover, and wherein the cover and the opening are dimensioned so that the entire hand of the user can enter into the cover.
46. The cover of claim 43, wherein the cover comprises a hand receiving opening dimensioned so that the hand of the user can readily enter into the cover, and wherein the hand receiving opening comprises a binding arrangement.
47. The cover of claim 46, wherein the binding arrangement is an additional reinforcement along a perimeter of the opening for preventing the material of the cover coming loose.
48. The cover of claim 46, wherein the binding arrangement is a cap extending between and being connected to an outer and inner surface of the cover enclosing the perimeter of the layers forming the hand receiving opening of the cover.
49. The cover of claim 43, wherein the cover comprises arrangements for engaging the fingers of an operator.
50. The cover of claim 43, wherein the cover comprises arrangements for independently engaging each finger of an operator.
51. The cover of claim 50, wherein the finger engaging arrangements located within the cover are located proximal to a closed end of the cover.
52. The cover of claim 50, wherein the finger engaging arrangements are located on an inner surface of the cover in the area where the fingers of a user are locatable in the normal use of the cover.
53. The cover of claim 50, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of elongate tubular sleeves located within the cover for engaging the fingers of a user.
54. The cover of claim 53, wherein the plurality of elongate tubular sleeves located within the cover extend in a side by side parallel configuration in a longitudinal direction of the cover.
55. The cover of claim 53, wherein the elongate tubular sleeves comprising the finger receiving channels are formed of flexible material.
56. The cover of claim 55, wherein the flexible material of the elongate tubular sleeves is layered and comprises of the same configuration of layers of material as that of the cover in an identical or alternative configuration.
57. The cover of claim 53, wherein the elongate tubular sleeves comprising the finger receiving channels are integral or connected to one of the bodies of flexible material of the cover.
58. The cover of claim 44, wherein the individual fibres of flock or pile from the outer layer of flock or pile of the cover slightly protrude from the layer at a length of 3 mm to 7 mm and most preferably 5 mm.
59. The cover of claim 43, wherein the liquid absorbent layer of the cover is a sponge layer.
60. The cover of claim 59, wherein the liquid absorbent layer of the cover is formed of a synthetic sponge layer or a composition of organic compounds.
61. A cover, at least part of the cover comprising at least four layers, an outer layer being layered on a liquid absorbent layer in turn being layered on a non-absorbent liquid impermeable layer which is layered on an inner layer.
62. The cover of claim 61, wherein the cover is formed into an item or garment of clothing or is formed as a cloth.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 14, 2015
Publication Date: Nov 17, 2016
Inventor: VALERIE BROWN (ASHBOURNE)
Application Number: 15/111,580
