Abstract:
A suntan lotion applicator device consisting of an extensible handle, an applicator holder adjustably mounted on one end of the handle, and a cover for the applicator. The holder is pivotally mounted between two segments of the holder and is provided with recesses for engagement with a device on the handle to engage one of the recesses to maintain a selected annular position of the applicator holder.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a suntan lotion applicator device and more particularly to an applicator device which is readily adjustable when in use and can be conveniently made compact for storage and carrying when not in use. 
     Lotion applicator devices currently in use are usually devices with long handles to reach parts of the body not accessible by a person&#39;s own hands and provided with some sort of a dispenser at the end. Such lotion applicator devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,829,393, 2,976,560, 3,067,450, 3,345,669, 4,078,865, and 4,118,824. 
     Principal drawbacks of the prior art devices of this type are their lack of ability to adjust the orientation of the applicator to fit the individual&#39;s needs and to provide for it being made compact for carrying in a purse or other small package. Typically, a suntan lotion applicator device would be carried to a beach, swimming pool, or other area outside of the home or apartment for use, and it is highly desirable to be able to render it compact for carrying and at the same time to enclose the applicator itself to prevent lotion present from soiling other articles in the purse or carrying case, or to prevent soiling of the applicator itself. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and drawbacks of suntan lotion applicator devices presently in use by providing a portable device which is compact and whose applicator is enclosed when not in use and is adjustable in a very convenient manner when it is being used. 
     A preferred embodiment of this invention comprises an elongated handle which is extensible, an applicator holder which is mounted on one end of the handle in a pivotal arrangement whereby the user of the device can adjust the angle of the applicator to its most convenient position, and a cover for the applicator. When not in use the device is compact and the applicator covered for convenient carrying. 
     In one embodiment, a simple to operate mechanical arrangement is provided to release and select one of a finite number of positions of the applicator holder. In another preferred embodiment, a spring is incorporated so that no release is required, making it possible to snap the holder into the position desired. 
     It is thus a principal object of this invention to provide a portable lotion applicator device which is convenient to carry and easy to use and adjust. 
     Other objects of this invention will hereinafter become obvious from the following description of preferred embodiments of this invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a view along 2--2 of FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 shows the holder of FIG. 1 in another position. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the device of FIGS. 1-3 with a cover in place. 
     FIG. 5 is an elevation view of part of another embodiment of this invention partially cut away. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a suntan lotion applicator device 10 consisting of a handle 12 having a hollow, female arm 12a and a telescoping male arm 12b supporting at one end an applicator holder 14. 
     Handle 12 is square in cross section, but of course, with proper modification could be circular or even oval. Telescoping arm 12b could be tight fitting within its female arm 12a or a thumb or set screw 16 may be employed to hold the two arms at the point to which they are extended. 
     Applicator 14 is box-like in shape with an opening on one side to accommodate an applicator 18 which could be a sponge-like material or other suitable material which can be used to spread the lotion. 
     In order to support applicator holder 14 in accordance with the principles of this invention there is provided on the exposed end of extension arm 12b a u-shaped or pronged configuration consisting of two spaced segments 22 and 24 with elongated slots 26 and 28, respectively. On the surface 32 between segments 22 and 24 is a recess or hole 34 to accommodate a spring 36. Arm 12b, for purposes of reducing weight, can be hollow below surface 37. 
     Fitted into the space between segments 22 and 24 is a position lock pin 38 consisting of an elongated, cylindrical body 42 extending into hole 34 and a pair of transversely extending arms 44 and 46 which pass through slots 26 and 28, respectively. Arms 44 and 46 may be threaded onto body 42 to make it possible to insert or remove pin 38, and at the same time, when it is installed, prevent its being dislodged or removed by accident. 
     The length of slots 26 and 28 is such that when pin 38 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 2, spring 32 will be expanded but remain trapped within its hole 34. 
     Applicator holder 14 is provided with a pivot shoulder 48 which is rounded as illustrated, is flat on two sides so that it fits between segments 22 and 24, and is provided with three spaced recesses 52a, 52b, and 52c shaped and sized to accommodate the upper tip of body 42 of pin 38. 
     In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, pin 38 is in recess 52b thereby maintaining holder 14 in a position lined up with arm 12. 
     In order to rotate holder 14 into other positions, a shaft 54 is provided passing through segments 22 and 24, and shoulder 48. Arms 44 and 46 would be depressed against spring 36 until pin 38 is out of recess 52b, and holder 14 rotated about shaft 54 in the direction desired so that pin 38 can be released into recess 52a or 52c. In FIG. 3, pin 38 would be trapped in recess 52a, so that the exposed surface of application 18 is at some convenient angle with respect to the long axis of arm 12. 
     A cover 56, illustrated in FIG. 4, is shown on applicator holder 14 fully enclosing applicator 18. Cover 56 snaps into place on holder 14 as is understood in the art when device 10 is not in use. The use and operation of device 10 is quite convenient. For carrying, arm 12 would be telescoped, cover 56 would be snapped into place on holder 14, and the latter would be left in the orientation shown in FIG. 1. 
     When it is desired to use device 10 for the application of a lotion, arm 12 would be extended to the desired length, set screw 16 tightened to hold the desired length of arm 12, cover 56 removed, and then holder 14 would be rotated as described above to the desired angular position. Then lotion would be dispensed onto the surface of applicator 18. To stow device 10 after use, the procedure would be reversed. Cover 56 would keep applicator 18 clean when stored. 
     In the embodiment just described, arms 44 and 46 must be moved against spring 36 and held there to adjust the angle of holder 14. 
     In an alternative embodiment of this invention it is possible to provide a more simplified arrangement for making the adjustment of holder 14. 
     Referring to FIG. 5 there is illustrated a portion of applicator device 60 similar to device 10 described above except for the features to be now described. Applicator holder 62 with applicator 64 has a pivot shoulder 66 supported on a shaft 68. Handle 72 has a pair of segments 74 and 76 (the latter of which is cut away to show more clearly the arrangement within) through which shaft 68 extends. 
     Shoulder 66 has three rounded recesses 78a, 78b and 78c. A pair of pins 82 and 84 extending between segments 74 and 76 support the end of a spring 86 which is preformed to form a protuberance 88 to fit into either of the recesses 78a, 78b, or 78c. In FIG. 5, protuberance 88 is shown in recess 78b, with holder 62 aligned with handle 72. Holder 62 can be rotated to either of two other positions, snapping protuberance 88 into either recess 78a or 78c, depending on the position desired for holder 62. Of course, more recesses can be provided if more positions are desired. 
     In the configuration of FIG. 5, the position of holder 62 can be more easily changed, and this construction would be especially useful when the user has a minor physical disability or when the extra convenience is desired or needed. 
     It is thus seen there has been provided a particularly useful device for the application of suntan or other lotions, or as is evident, medication. The adjustable nature of the device is particularly useful to insure the uniform application of the liquid in places difficult for an individual to reach on himself. This is especially the case where a medication is to be applied and it is necessary to apply the liquid thoroughly yet uniformly. 
     While only certain preferred embodiments of this invention have been described, it is understood that many variations thereof are possible without departing from the principles of this invention.