Abstract: A lotion dispensing system comprising a handle. A housing at a bottom end of the handle has a reservoir therein for holding lotion. An applicator roller assembly is provided. A structure is for rotatively mounting the applicator roller assembly to a lower end of the housing. A facility is for distributing the lotion from the reservoir within the housing to the applicator roller assembly for application onto a human body upon contact with the applicator roller assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying various topical solutions, the ends of which are able to either spray, roll or sponge on (or a combination of the aforementioned) various topical solutions applied to a living body. The sprayer enables the user to spray on various liquid products. The roller ball enables the user to apply topical solutions with a massage effect. The sponge or sponges enable the user to apply a wide range of solutions while achieving a cleansing effect. The present invention greatly improves upon the functionality and appearance of the product known as Reach-It of DES 285,172 and utility U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,106.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid, liquid, gel, medicine or lotion to the human body. The applicator has a handle, an applicator head and a pivot lock. The pivot lock positions the applicator head at a number of discrete positions with respect to the handle. The applicator head has a clevis with a first fork and a second fork. The first fork and the second fork have star-shaped openings. The handle has a base with a star-shaped aperture. A star-shaped extrusion on the pivot lock fits through the star-shaped openings and the star-shaped aperture to lock the position of the applicator with respect to the handle. The pivot lock also has a spring rod with a spring a compression spring around it. The spring is compressed between a shoulder and a spring rod cap. The spring rod fits into a spring rod opening in a structural member between the clevis and a dispenser portion of the applicator head.

Abstract: A barrel for an implement adapted to be gripped by user's fingers in use, comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a finger gripping area and an outer circumferential recess portion provided around the finger gripping area, an elastic finger gripping member mounted within the circumferential recess portion of the cylindrical body, the finger gripping member having a body of a substantially tubular shape, and a cooperating device for facilitating secure fitting of the finger gripping member within the recess portion of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A marking and counting probe for use with a counter, e.g. a computer, comprises a tubular housing for holding a marking implement, such as a highlighter. One end of the tubular housing has an aperture through which the marking end of the marking implement extends. The other end of the housing is closed and has a switch which is activated by the marking implement when a certain activating pressure is applied to the switch by the marking implement. A resilient means, such as a spring within the switch, keeps the marking implement from activating the switch until the activating pressure is applied to the switch by pressing the marking end of the marking implement against a surface. The switch is connected to a counter whereby, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the switch by the marking implement to activate the switch, a count is recorded.

Abstract: A barrel for a implement adapted to be gripped by user's fingers in use, comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a finger gripping area and an outer circumferential recess portion provided around the finger gripping area, an elastic finger gripping member mounted the within the circumferential recess portion of the cylindrical body, the finger gripping member having a body of a substantially tubular shape, and a cooperating device for facilitating secure fitting of the finger gripping member within the recess portion of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A writing instrument is disclosed having a tubular shaft. A grip is provided having a contoured surface for facilitating manual gripping of the writing instrument. The grip is axially aligned with, and attached to one end of, the shaft. A marking mechanism is also provide for producing marks. The marking mechanism is, axially aligned with, and has a first end attached to an end of, the grip opposite the shaft.

Abstract: A foot cleaning device for use by a user in a bathing chamber. The device, which will preferably be situated on the floor or bottom surface of the bathing chamber, includes a reservoir to hold a cleaning fluid that is dispensed when the user steps upon the device. Bristles are provided on wall surfaces of the reservoir, and scrubbing arcs may further be included to assist in cleaning and scrubbing of a foot of the user.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying lotion or the like to one's body, and particularly the back, includes an elongated generally rectangular strip of flexible microfiber material having opposite ends to which hand-grippable handles are connected by elastic members, whereby a lotion may be applied to the strip and then to one's back by grasping the handles and manipulating the strip over the back. The elastic members enable the user to readily vary the contact pressure applied by the strip against the back.

Abstract: A method and device for assisting handwriting training which fosters a proper tripod writing grip, places the ring and little finger into a proper handwriting position and also helps to build the handwriting muscles. The device for assisting handwriting training is comprised of a wristband having an attached string with a charm and a pencil loop attached to the wristband. The method and device for assisting handwriting training is especially useful for persons having decreased hand strength or an inappropriate grasp pattern and for assisting children to learn proper grasp pattern.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel having a substantially cylindrical body, the cylindrical body having a finger gripping area and an outer circumferential recess portion provided around the finger gripping area, a writing medium advancing mechanism axially movably disposed within the barrel, an actuating member provided at the outer circumferential recess portion for actuating the writing medium advancing means, the actuating member being engaged with the writing medium advancing mechanism, and a finger gripping member provided around the circumferential recess portion of the cylindrical body, the finger gripping member having an opening, the actuating member being exposed externally through the opening of the finger gripping member.

Abstract: A writing instrument with a finger retainer has a short-barreled writing instrument permanently mounted onto a finger retainer. The short-barreled writing instrument has opposing concave sides conforming to the wearer's fingers and a shoulder for the wearer to press against while writing. The short-barreled writing instrument has a flange permanently mounted onto a finger retainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping device for a hand held article. The gripping device has an encasement assembly for fitting on a hand grip portion of the article. The encasement assembly contains a controllable fluid, such as magnetorheological and electrorheological fluids. The gripping device also has an activating assembly for selectively applying a field to the controllable fluid to change its Theological behavior, e.g., increasing its viscosity. Thus, the controllable fluid can maintain the shape of the encasement assembly until the activating assembly withdraws the applied field therefrom. The present invention further relates to a manual implement that has the above gripping device fitted thereon and a method for using a manual implement having the above gripping device.

Abstract: A lotion applicator is provided including a handle with a mounting plate coupled to an inboard end thereof. A sponge is in turn mounted on the plate. A lotion dispensing assembly includes a cylindrical reservoir formed in an outboard end of the handle. The handle has a cap coupled to the outboard end thereof for allowing access to the reservoir. The lotion assembly further includes a conduit formed in concentric relationship with the handle and in communication between the reservoir and the sponge.

Abstract: A shielded writing apparatus for preventing cross-contamination between a writer's hand and the writing surface and a writing instrument. The apparatus comprises a plate, a finger handle protruding outwardly from the upper surface of the plate and a sheath attached by a flexible cord to the finger handle, such that the sheath is maintained by the cord in a substantially vertical position. The sheath is adapted to receive a writing instrument and maintains the writing instrument in a generally vertical position when not in use. The finger handle is grasped by the last finger and the adjacent finger/s of the writing hand, while the thumb and forefinger holds the sheath containing the writing instrument, in a customary writing fashion. As the writer writes with the writing instrument, the apparatus moves along the writing surface along with the hand such that the plate forms a barrier between the butt of the hand and the writing surface.

Abstract: A liquid applicator having a curved hollow handle and a sponge head assembly. Liquid is poured into the hollow handle or the hollow handle is threadably secured to a threaded neck of a bottle. The sponge head assembly removably mounts to a dispensing end of the hollow handle and includes a base and a sponge. A pair of aligned holes are formed in the dispensing end of the handle and the base of the sponge head assembly for allowing liquid contained within the handle to flow therethrough and be absorbed by the sponge. A valve assembly is provided to adjust the flow of the liquid from the handle to the sponge. The valve assembly may include a dial formed with a plurality of different-sized holes. The dial is rotatable between a fully open position, a closed position or several intermediate positions. Alternatively, the valve assembly may include a slide plate having a tapered opening.

Abstract: A device for applying lotion to the skin, and particularly to the back and the legs of a user, includes an elongate handle and head portion with an enlarged base having an annular rim surrounding a mouth and a neck extending from the base and terminating at an open end; the elongate handle being attachable to the open end of the neck and including a removable cap to facilitate filling of lotion within an interior reservoir thereof. A lotion dispensing assembly on the head portion includes a pair of overlying plate members covering the open mouth, the plate members being movable relative to one another to position corresponding apertures formed through each plate member in either an offset relation or an aligned relation, thereby defining closed and open positions to selectively control flow of lotion through the plate members and to an exterior application surface.

Abstract: A sun bathing sponge applicator for applying lotion to the human body, comprises a cylindrical applicator head having an outer face connected to an elongated handle. The applicator head comprises a reservoir within the head for storing lotion and has a plurality of holes placed throughout the outer face of the head for dispensing the lotion stored in the reservoir. A sponge is affixed to the head to absorb the lotion and to facilitate even application of lotion to one's body. The sponge applicator further comprises a sliding assembly for pushing out lotion stored inside the reservoir, thereby permitting the user to selectively dispense the lotion as it is needed.

Abstract: A finger-manipulated article (e.g., a pen) includes a foam grip. The foam preferably is made from a foamable polyurethane prepolymer and a filler, or a latex, or both. The preferred foam has a recovery rate of less than 5 cm per minute. The foam may include a surface coating on its outer surface.

Abstract: A cap, for a writing tool having on the outside of a cylindrical shell an elastic member made of a material different from that of the cap, including a plurality of longitudinal ribs formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cap in such a manner as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical shell. The end portions of the plurality of the longitudinal ribs on the opening edge side of the cap are each formed in the shape of an arch.

Abstract: A combined actuator and bottle for storing a fluid and applying the fluid, includes a container having an opening; an elongated tube having a longitudinal axis, the tube being located in the opening, and the tube being slidable along the longitudinal axis relative to the container and being sealed against the container so that an intake end of the tube is located within the container and an outlet end of the tube is located outside the container; the tube having a duct extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube, the duct forming a fluid connection between the outlet end of the tube and the intake end that is situated within the container; an applicator head mounted at the outlet end of the tube and having an applicator member receiving the fluid from the outlet end of the tube and supplying the fluid to a dispensing opening thereof having an axis which is substantially transverse to a sliding direction of the tube; and a valve assembly mounted in the applicator head, the valve assembly in

Abstract: A ballpoint pen with cap has an overall length which is substantially equal to a conventional credit card enabling the pen to fit snugly in a credit card receiving pocket of a pocket book. The pen has a thin, flat body containing a writing cartridge and having opposite side edges diverging rearward in plan from a front writing end to provide a broad, flat, blade-like, hand engaging rear portion. The body also tapers in thickness as it extends outward to opposite side and rear edges forming a narrow, peripheral insertion edge. The rear end is straight and the cap is rectangular so that, when assembled, opposite ends of the pen have straight edges extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the body. The body has a lateral supporting and guiding lobe for engagement with a writer's hand in different positions to facilitate a fluid writing action with different pen grips.

Abstract: A writing instrument having an elongated barrel comprised of an outer portion and an inner portion, rotatable relative one to the other. The point or writing tip is fixed to the barrel inner portion, disposed at an angle to, and may be offset from, the centerline of the barrel outer portion. The barrel inner portion is caused to rotate relative to the barrel outer portion by pressure on the writing instrument or weights attached to the barrel inner portion to bring the point into desired alignment during the writing process.

Abstract: A writing instrument having a ergonomic configuration and methods for making the instrument are provided. The instrument is elongated having an equilateral triangular cross-section and having a uniform partial twist along the length thereof. The partial twist permits flat surface engagement for the index finger, middle finger and for the hand between the base of thumb and the base of the index finger of the user. The uniform twist in combination with the equilateral cross-sectional shape also permits tight packing in bulk, and the partial twist permits flat sided engagement with the resting surface (desk top). A method for making the instrument in the form of a rigid pencil is also provided.

Abstract: The soap applicator holds a bar of soap for application to areas of the body of a person, particularly those which are hard to reach. The soap applicator is in the form of a hand shaped soap holder with an elongate handle attached at its base. A recess in the soap holder receives the bar of soap and secures the soap with the use of two serrated flanges. Water is delivered through a tube to the soap holder from a reservoir in the handle. Curved massaging fingers extend from the soap holder in a direction out of the palm for lathering the soap and massaging the body.

Abstract: A finger-manipulated article (e.g., a pen) includes a foam grip. The foam preferably is made from a foamable polyurethane prepolymer and a filler, or a latex, or both. The preferred foam has a recovery rate of less than 5 cm per minute. The foam may include a surface coating on its outer surface.

Abstract: A telescopic, mouth-held manipulating and writing apparatus for paralytics consists of a replaceable mouthpiece, a fixed arm and an elongated extendable arm that interchangeably receives either a manipulating instrument or a writing instrument. An adjustment nut for extending or retracting the telescopic extension arm from the fixed arm is incorporated in the apparatus. A locking nut is incorporated on the extension arm of the apparatus for securing and releasing the manipulator or writing instrument. The adjustment nut, locking nut and extension arm are metallic, thereby promoting sterilization at high temperatures.

Abstract: A sunscreen lotion applicator for use by shirtless construction workers that includes a rugged construction, lotion-container, tubular handle and a flexible, necked applicator head. The lotion-container handle is contoured for facilitating not only access to a person's backside for lotion application, but also for being carried on a tool belt by a construction worker, in a similar manner as other tools, such as hammers and wrenches. The handle includes a detachable fill cap having a rough texture for better on/off manipulation, upper rough textured grip that facilitate firm grasping for insertion and removal from a tool belt and a lower rough texture grip for firm grasping during its use. The handle also includes an elongated window for viewing the lotion content in the handle. The applicator head member is constructed in the form of a ball roll-on applicator, or alternatively as a cylindrical roller, or as a replaceable porous dauber that is covered with a chained cap.

Abstract: A bottle (1) for storing a fluid and for applying the fluid to a human body comprises a container (2) having an opening; and an elongated rod member (11) having a longitudinal axis, the rod member (11) being located in the opening, and the rod member being slidable along its longitudinal axis relative to the container (2) and being sealed against the container (2) so that an inner end of the rod member (11) is located within the container (2) and an outer end of the rod member (11) is located outside the container (2). The rod member (11) has at least one duct (15) extending at least partially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod member (11), the at least one duct (15) forming a fluid connection between an outlet at the outer end of the rod member (11) and an orifice that is situated within the container.

Abstract: A lotion bottle is configured to be removably engaged to a handle portion, the handle portion is connected to a head, and a pad is configured to be removably attachable to the head. The handle portion includes a plurality of removably engageable segments. The head is threadedly connected to the handle portion, the head including a flow control device therein, the flow control device having structure forming flow control ports therein, the head, the handle segment and the flow control device configured such that the flow control ports are open when the handle segment is in its most distal position from the head, and the flow control ports are closed when the handle segment is in its nearest position to the head.

Abstract: A hand-held implement, is provided with a body including an elongated snap-fit post and an elongated snap-fit cartridge housing. The snap-fit cartridge housing includes a coaxial recessed groove and readily snap-fits into the body of the pen by the resilient engagement of the tip of the snap-fit post into the coaxial recessed groove of the snap-fit cartridge housing. The cartridge housing can be readily removed from the body of the pen and replaced with another cartridge housing inserted in its place. The body of the implement has external surfaces which define contours which match and ergonomically engage the surfaces of a user's thumb and fingers when the user grasps the implement, so as to provide a large surface area of contact between the user's hand and the implement.

Abstract: A shielded writing system includes a hand shield and a shielded writing instrument. The hand shield comprises a thin plate having a pillar projecting from one side thereof and appropriately contoured to be grasped by the two free fingers of writing hand. The plate extends outwardly in all directions from the connection therewith of the pillar to fully underlie the butt of the hand (held in a loose fist of the writing position) as a barrier to contact with the writing surface. In the direction from the pillar that the thumb and forefinger are to project, the plate terminates short of the tips of the thumb and forefinger. The pillar has a cavity to serve as a receptacle for a writing instrument. A tubular shield of resilient material is provided into which a writing instrument is inserted to protect the user from cross-contamination with the instrument. The tubular shield is longitudinally slit, and open at either end to permit the instrument to extend therethrough.

Abstract: A method and device for painting without the use of hands or arms is described in which a foot pad painting device has a generally planar paint pad secured to an attachment plate which in turn is connected to the painter's foot by an attachment mechanism. In use, the painter applies a stencil to a paint surface, attaches the foot pad painting device described and distributes paint on the paint surface by moving the foot paint pad across the stencil and the exposed paint surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of marking livestock, objects and surfaces comprising:selecting a marker cartridge containing a marking means of a selected type, colour or design;securely engaging the marker cartridge into a marker cartridge receiver;attaching the cartridge receiver to a user's wrist with a strap; andmarking livestock, objects and surfaces with the selected marking means in the marker cartridge.

Abstract: An integrated feather ink pen enables one to enjoy all of the benefits of the historic form of writing without the disadvantages. A shaped grip provides a comfortable means of operating the pen. A feather is attached to the grip to provide balance and a reservoir for ink or a compartment for an ink cartridge. The grip, together with an ink transport mechanism, serve to bind the nib to the feather. The ink transport mechanism is an ink feeder tube or a fibrous filament. Alternatively, the nib is dipped in ink.

Abstract: An improved writing instrument preferably made of a clear sheet plastic material and consisting of two principal parts, namely an outer border portion which is preferably about the size of a credit card and an inner pen portion that holds an ink cartridge with a pen point projecting from the end of the pen portion. For storage and carrying, the two parts lie in the same plane, forming a card-like shape. For writing, the pen portion pivots to a comfortable angle on axle pins inserted in the card portion. The user holds the outer card portion and/or the angled pen portion while writing. Both portions are preferably of the same thickness which may be about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch, the pen portion being approximately 3/4 to 1 inch wide and about 1 to 3 inches long, depending upon the overall size of the writing instrument.

Abstract: A held writing instrument holder for persons with or without physical disabilities. A central bore with several flat slits enables insertion of instruments of varying shapes. One version has an hour glass-shaped body with a truncated periphery forming a gripping surface with a curved concave surface portion enabling a variety of grips to accommodate the user.

Abstract: A reading guide includes first and second reading directors oppositely positioned at terminating ends of the reading guide. A separation section having a predetermined separation length, on the longitudinal axis of the reading guide, separates the reading directors. Both directors have beveled end edges, the first director having an end edge width which is less than the end edge width of the second director. The beveled end edge of the first director is formed by a double taper, the angles of the two tapers with respect to the longitudinal axis being unequal. Similarly, the beveled end edge of the second director is formed by a double taper, the angles of these two tapers with respect to the longitudinal axis, however, are equal. In the separation region the reading guide has curved sides, which may be sections of a circular, ellipse, or any other curve, which extend the length of the separation region.

Abstract: A wrist writing instrument which can be conveniently carried on a wrist like a bracelet and writes as a regular pen, comprises two major parts: First, a partially reinforced flexible barrel or a partially sectionalized barrel (34), with a plurality of rigid tubular sections and a continuous reinforcing member on which the sections are serially connected and reinforced along one side of the barrel. The reinforcing member is a structure or of a material which is flexible laterally but substantially rigid under longitudinal stretch. The above barrel can only be bent towards the reinforced side, the flexible side, and can not be bent towards the other three sides, the stiff sides. Second, a stiffening means (44) which structurally has at least one bendable side and at least one non-bendable side, is inserted into and pivotally mounted in the barrel (34) for a releasable stiffening of the wrist writing instrument.

Abstract: A body lotion applicator system to enable a user to conveniently apply hand cream and other skin preparations to the back and other hard-to-reach areas of the body is disclosed. Such system comprises a reservoir in a tubular configuration with an exterior surface and an interior surface and having a circular cross-section. The reservoir has a closed upper end with a filling aperture therein and a closed lower end with a first bearing aperture therethrough. The reservoir also has an intermediate extent therebetween. A bearing plate is located interior thereof adjacent the upper end with passages therethrough and with a second bearing aperture therethrough. An application box is secured to the exterior surface of the reservoir adjacent to the upper end. The application box includes a common wall with the reservoir and is formed with a plurality of feed holes extending therethrough for the passage of lotion to the application box from the reservoir.

Abstract: A roller applicator device and method for distributing preparations on a user's skin and, in particular, hard to reach body parts. The applicator comprises a roller portion for containing and distributing a preparation, a detachable and extendable handle portion, and a resealable storage container. In order to use the applicator, the extendable handle portion is attached to the roller portion. The roller portion comprises a sealed canister containing a preparation and having a porous layer on the exterior of the canister for distributing the preparation to the user's skin. The canister has apertures through which the preparation is discharged due to centrifugal forces incurred by rolling the applicator over the user's body. There is a locking device that when engaged, prohibits the roller from rotating and may be used to rub preparation into the user's skin.

Abstract: A holder tube for a writing instrument in which a plurality of rings having external faces subjected to different treatments are removably disposed in at least a grip portion of the holder tube. In another form of holder tube for a writing instrument, a plurality of rings having non-circular external faces are disposed in at least a grip portion of the holder tube in such a manner that the state of each of the rings differs from that of the adjacent one. In another form of holder tube for a writing instrument, at least three rings having different diameters are removably disposed in at least a grip portion of the holder tube. In a further form of holder tube for writing instrument, a ring or rings having longitudinally different external shapes are removably disposed in at least a grip portion of the holder tube.

Abstract: An ergonomic writing instrument comprising a writing instrument and a shell. The shell has a longitudinal axis and opposite ends and a hollow interior. The writing instrument is positioned within the shell with its operational end extending from one end of the shell. The portion of the shell furthest from the operational end is heel or "D" shaped, thus providing an ergonomically superior shape for a writing instrument. One can pick up this writing instrument and very easily grip the writing instrument correctly. Due to the comfortable conformity of the writing instrument to the natural arch between the thumb and the index finger, one can write for long periods without the fatigue or writing cramps which ordinarily accompany prolonged handwriting with conventionally shaped writing instruments.

Abstract: A pen of the type having a tubular housing with an aperture at one end thereof, a long tubular flexible ink reservoir dimensioned to fit within the housing, a writing tip mated to the ink reservoir and dimensioned to fit through the housing aperture, the improvement comprising a shaping of a lower section of the housing adjacent the apertured end thereof to reposition the writing tip relative to the longitudinal axis of an upper straight section of the housing, the shaping taking the form of a first portion which extends away from the longitudinal axis at a first angle and having a first length and a second portion contiguous with the first portion having a second length and extending back towards the longitudinal axis at a second angle relative to the first portion, the first and second lengths and the first and second angles being selected to position the writing tip at a preselected distance from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hand-held implement which is sufficiently small so that it does not extend beyond the hand of the user and has forward and side surfaces which are oriented so that the implement in use extends in a direction which is no further toward the thumb of the user than the index finger of the user. The forward and side surfaces can be provided with concave contours which engage the thumb and fingers of the user.

Abstract: A writing instrument hand grip to facilitate gripping ease and comfort and to improve handwriting for people with a hand and finger dexterity disability. A pyramidal tetrahedron has a writing material detachably mounted to one or more of its apexes. Its faces may be concavely contoured and provided with friction enhancing surfaces.

Abstract: A writing instrument holder includes an ear clip receivable and supportable on an ear of a wearer, and a clamp attached to the ear clip for releasably clamping a writing instrument. The holder is specifically intended for holding carpenters' pencils.

Abstract: A marker pen having a clear plastic disk at one end and a clear plastic hemispheric shaped member at the other end, proximate the nib whereby a small child can write or draw in a normal fashion, see through the plastic the results of his endeavors but is unable to place either end of the marker into the mouth. A cover is provided for storage and the ink is a non toxic water color.