Abstract:
A lotion applicator having a flexible container holding a quantity of lotion which terminates at one end in a threaded neck for threadably receiving a discharge nozzle conducting lotion or the like through the neck. The discharge member includes an aperture projection adapted to insertably pass through an opening in a closure cap, so as to permit the discharged lotion to exit the container and the cap. The discharge projection has a closed position when inserted through the opening in the cap and a discharge position within the cap, so as to permit the lotion to exit the discharge member and pass through the unoccupied aperture in the cap for flow into an elongated applicator arm. The arm includes a threaded coupling for engaging with the discharge cap and extends outwardly from the container in a cantilevered manner to terminate in an application member having a plurality of openings in communication with an elongated passageway extending from the discharge cap through the arm to the applicator member. An exterior surface of the applicator member may include skin massaging nubs which will assist in the spread of the lotion when conducted from the applicator member.

Description:
Priority claimed on Ser. No. 60/292,275 filed May 21, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of applicators for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid products such as lotions and, more particularly to a novel lotion dispenser attached to one end of an elongated arm which terminates in an applicator for discharging lotion onto the skin of the user. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     In the past, it has been the conventional practice to apply a lotion to the skin of the body by the user applying or dispensing the lotion into the palm of his or her hand, followed by manually applying the lotion to the desired skin areas. Problems and difficulties have been encountered with such a procedure which stems largely from the fact that the user cannot readily reach various parts of the body such as the middle of the back or shoulders so that the lotion is not evenly applied or is not applied at all. 
     Some attempts have been made to solve this problem by employing an extension onto the lotion dispenser which permits the user to extend his reach for lotion application. In such prior instances, the arm is straight or linear and does not permit manual manipulation in order to reach the more difficult skin areas. 
     Still a further problem is present because most extension arms are not adapted to fit conventionally manufactured lotion bottles or dispensers so that the extension arm can only be used with a particular designed and manufactured bottle or dispenser. In other words, the application arm is not adapted to fit standardized lotion dispensing bottles or containers. 
     Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a lotion applicator which includes a dispensing bottle with a standardized top or neck to which is attached an applicator arm for conducting the lotion from the container to the skin of the user. The fitting of the applicator arm should be such that it will readily accept the neck of the standardized bottle or dispenser and attachment should be made so that there is no leakage when the lotion is conducted under pressure from the container to the applicator arm. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the lotion applicator of the present invention solves the above problems and difficulties by providing a flexible container for holding a quantity of liquid or semi-liquid material such as skin lotion, soap or the like wherein the container terminates at one end in a threaded neck adapted to threadably receive a discharge nozzle for conducting the lotion or the like from the container through the neck. The discharge member includes an aperture projection adapted to insertably pass through an opening in a closure cap so as to permit the discharged lotion or the like to exit the container and the cap. The discharge projection has a closed position when inserted through the opening in the cap and a discharge position within the cap so as to permit the lotion to exit the discharge member and pass through the unoccupied aperture in the cap for flow into an elongated applicator arm. The arm includes a threaded coupling for engaging with the discharge cap and extends outwardly from the container in a cantilevered manner to terminate in a application member having a perimeter configuration representing a human hand. The applicator member includes a plurality of openings which are in communication with an elongated passageway extending from the discharge cap through the arm to the applicator member. An exterior surface of the applicator member may include skin massaging nubs which will assist in the spread of the lotion when conducted from the applicator member. 
     It is also envisioned that the applicator member may include means for detachably connecting a variety of accessories to the applicator member such as a brush, a sponge, or other skin conditioning device. 
     Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a novel lotion applicator whereby the user may readily apply lotion to difficult to reach skin areas and whereby the lotion may be discharged from a container by squeezing the container forcing the lotion into a lotion applicator member. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel applicator for a liquid or semi-liquid material that is pressurized by means of a squeeze bottle or container so that the material is discharged through an elongated arm manually manipulated by the user so as to reach difficult to reach areas of a person&#39;s torso. 
     Still a further object resides in providing a applicator for a lotion which is readily connectable to the nozzle end of a conventional container or squeeze bottle holding a quantity of lotion. 
     Still another object resides in providing a novel lotion applicator which is useful in helping a person apply lotion to hard-to-reach areas of their body such as the back and shoulder areas. 
     A further object resides in providing an applicator for a lotion or the like which assists the person to wash their body while in the shower or bath. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the novel lotion applicator incorporating the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, greatly enlarged, illustrating the detachable connection between the lotion applying arm and the neck of a bottle containing a supply of lotion; 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the coupling means between the lotion applying arm and the neck of the supply container or bottle; 
     FIG. 4 is a view, similar to the view of FIG. 3, illustrating the coupling means in a closed condition restricting the flow of lotion from the container into the applicator arm; 
     FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged transverse, cross-sectional view of the applicator arm illustrated in FIG. 1 as taken in the direction of arrows  5 — 5  thereof; 
     FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged sectional view of the applicator member for discharging lotion carried on the end of the applicator arm taken in the direction of arrows  6 — 6  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the lotion applicator member having a detachable brush assembly carried thereon; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows  8 — 8  of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another version of the invention wherein various accessories, such as sponges, brushes or the like, may be added to the applicator member; 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of the applicator member and brush accessory taken in the direction of arrows  10 — 10  of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, sectional view illustrating a glove accessory for insertably receiving the applicator member on the end of the arm; 
     FIG. 12 is another version of the present invention of a lotion applicator; 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the lotion applicator shown in FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is an enlarged, exploded, cross-sectional view of the applicator member employed in the lotion applicator of FIGS. 12 and 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the extension arm as taken in the direction of arrows  15 — 15  of FIG. 12; 
     FIGS. 16A and 16B are transverse, cross-sectional views of a closure gate or valve illustrated in an open and a closed position respectively as shown in FIG. 12 in the direction of arrows  16 A,B— 16 A,B: and 
     FIG. 17 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the applicator member shown in FIG.  14 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the novel lotion applicator incorporating the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow  10  which includes a squeeze bottle or container  11  holding a quantity of lotion  12  intended to be applied to the body of the user. Application of the lotion  12  is via an applicator arm  13  having an applicator member  14  carried on the terminating end of the arm. A continuous passage-way  15  extends from a socket end  18  of the arm  13  communicating with the bottle or container  11  to the applicator member  14  for ultimate discharge through at least one opening such as opening or discharge orifice  16 . The end of arm  13 , opposite from its end carrying its applicator member  14 , is provided with a coupling means  17  for joining with the squeeze bottle  11 . The coupling means includes a socket  18  having an internally threaded bore  21  for locatably receiving external threads  22  carried on a cap  23 . 
     FIG. 2 clearly shows the attachment or coupling means  17  and further illustrates that the end of cap  23  includes an opening  24  through which a projection  25  is passed that is carried on the end of an insert  26  as shown in FIG.  3 . FIG. 2 also illustrates that the squeeze bottle container  11  includes a neck  27  having external threads which are engageable with a threaded bore provided on the insert  26 . It can also be seen that the cap  23  includes inwardly projecting ribs, such as rib  28 , which are alternatively disposed in spaces with respect to ribs provided on the external surface of the insert  26 . Such an arrangement of ribs prevents rotation of the insert with respect to the cap  23  while permitting rectilinear movement of the insert through the bore of the cap. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 3, the insert  26  is illustrated in its open position, whereby lotion  12  can proceed through insert passageway  30  for discharge through apertures such as aperture  31  in the projection  25 . The lotion will proceed from the aperture  31  into an intermediate chamber  33  and then through the port or opening  24  in the end of cap  23 . In order to close the opening  24  when it is not desired to dispense the lotion  12 , the insert  26  is moved forward so that projection  25  passes through and occupies opening  24 . No further discharge of lotion can proceed into passageway  15  of the arm leading to the dispensing member  14 . Movement of the insert  26  through the cap  23  is stopped when the projection  25  occupies opening  24 , as shown in broken lines, when a flange  34  carried on the end of the insert engages with the bottom of the ribs  28 . To open the port  24  to permit flow of lotion into passageway  15 , the insert is moved in the direction of arrow  35  by pulling back on the bottle  11 . In the open position, the insert is shown in solid lines. 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 4, the applicator is shown in its closed position when the insert  26  is moved in the direction of arrow  36 . Thus, the projection  25  fully occupies the port or opening  24  in the end of cap  23 . The flow of lotion is thus blocked and no lotion can enter passageway  15  in the arm  13 . 
     Referring in detail to FIG. 5, a cross-section of the arm  13  is illustrated so as to show that the construction is lightened by incorporating of spaces within the arm. The passageway  15  is employed to conduct the lotion from the container or squeeze bottle  11  to the applicator member  14 . It can also be seen that the arm may be molded into two pieces as represented by numerals  37  and  38  which are subsequently joined together at a V-shaped joint  40 . 
     In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the passageway  15  is reduced in the application member  14  and that the lotion is then discharged through aperture  16 . A plurality of massaging nodes such as indicated by numeral  41  may be included along the exterior surface adjacent to the discharge orifice  16 . 
     In FIG. 7, the applicator member  14  may accommodate the detachable mounting of a brush. The brush is indicated by numeral  42  and may be carried on the underside of a shoe  43  which is snapped onto the underside of the applicator member  14 . Lotion from the discharge orifice  16  is introduced into the brushes  42 , if desired. 
     FIG. 8 clearly shows that the shoe  43  may be form-fitted around the end of the perimeter of the lotion applicator  14  for detachable connection therewith. The brushes  42  may also take the form of a foam or massage pad  45 . 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein lotion from the squeeze bottle  11  may be conducted through curved or shaped arm  13  for discharge through discharge orifice  16  in the applicator  14 . An internal passageway  15  carries the lotion from the bottle  11  through the coupling means  17  and the arm  13  to the applicator member  14 . However, it is to be understood that the applicator member may include a brush  50  which is carried on a base  51  that is releasably attached to the upper surface of the lotion applicator member  14  immediately adjacent to the discharge orifice  16 . Attachment may be made by a releasable adhesive, or any other mechanism. The brush  50  is shown more clearly in FIG. 10 wherein the base  51  is attached to the surface of member  14  by any suitable means. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 11, another alternative usage is contemplated in which a glove member  52  may be carried on the end of the arm  13  by inserting applicator member  14  through a entrance or opening  53 . The surface of the glove  52  may carry bristles or any other type of massaging devices as indicated by numeral  52 . 
     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the lotion applicator of the present invention provides a convenient means for applying lotion to hard-to-reach areas of the body. The arm  13  is curved so as to accommodate ease in manipulation of the applicator to desired locations. The squeeze bottle  11  may readily be removed by disconnecting the arm by means of the coupling means  17 . Therefore, replacement of a new bottle with lotion can be readily attached. A plurality of accessories, such as brushes, sponges, massage pads or the like, can be carried on the applicator member  14  and lotion can be applied simultaneously or withheld at the desire of the user. 
     Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow  60  wherein the contents of container  11  is supplied to an applicator member  61  via an internal passageway  62  provided in extension arm  63 . The applicator member  61  is integrally formed at one end of the arm while the opposite end of the arm is attached to the end of container  11  by means of a threaded nozzle  64  engaging with the threads of socket  65 . It can be seen that the contents of container  11  is supplied to the passageway  52  past a valve  66  which has two positions. In the first position, the valve operates as a gate to close the passageway  62  preventing contents from passing through the passageway. In the second position, the valve operates as a gate opening the passageway to permit contents to be introduced to the applicator member  61 . 
     It can be seen that the applicator member includes a top or upper portion  68  to which a cover  70  is attached in a snap-lock relationship therewith. The cover  70  includes a cavity occupied by a spreading element for the lotion or contents delivered from container  11  which may take the form of a brush, sponge, or the like and is identified in general by numeral  71 . The applicator member  61  further includes a lower portion or section  72  which is detachably connected to the underside of the top or upper section  61  by snap-lock means or the like. Referring now in detail to FIG. 13, it can be seen that the attachment of nozzle  64  to the socket  65  may take the form of the structure illustrated in FIG. 3 or may be directly connected by threadable coupling. If the structure of FIG. 3 is employed, the stop mechanism for the flow of contents from container  11  is identical to that shown in FIG. 3; however, by the use of the valve or gate  66 , the same effect can be achieved for controlling the flow of contents from container  11 . The valve  66  includes a cut-out in one side identified by numeral  73  while a manual turning projection  67  is integrally formed therewith so that the projection can be gripped by the hand of the user and rotated between the open and the closed positions previously described. 
     It can be seen that the applicator member  61  includes several receptacles, such as receptacle  74 , for receiving a indexed or registered clip, such as clip  75 , carried on the lower member or section  72 . Also, the lower section  72  includes a nub having an internal passageway and the nub is identified by numeral  76 . The nub  76  is insertably aligned and inserted into a receptacle  77  carried on the top or upper section  68 . Further securement is releasably achieved by means of a tab detentes, represented by numerals  78  and  79 , carried respectively on the upper section  68  and the lower section  72 . 
     Once the lower section  72  has been attached to the upper or top section  68 , the user has a choice of placing either a sponge  80  onto the applicator member or a brush  81 . If the brush is employed, an alternative lower member  82  is used having the same detentes or clips  78 ,  79  and nub  76 . The sponge  80  may be secured to the underside of the lower member or section  72  by any suitable means. In either event, whether the sponge or brush is selected, the cover  70  may be used to cover either the sponge or brush when not in use. The cover also serves to provide a closure so that contents in the passageway  62  will not be transferred through the opening  83  in the nub  76 . This is achieved by means of a plug  84  carried on the end of a post  85  which upperwardly projects from the bottom of the cover  70 . The post can project through the sponge  80  if the sponge remains in position on the underside of the lower section  72 , or the plug  84  can penetrate through the opening  83  in the nub  76  to close the receptacle  77  connected with passageway  63 . In a similar fashion, the brush or sponge can be cleaned separately and the cover  70  can be applied to the lower section  72  with the plug  84  within the receptacle  77  for closure. 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 14, it can be seen that when the lotion or contents of container  11  is provided via passageway  62  to the applicator member  61 , the lotion is forced through opening  77  for discharge through the applicator member onto the body of the user. When the attachment  72  is employed carrying the sponge  80 , the fluid is saturated in the sponge preparatory for applying to the skin of the user. However, when the brush  81  is employed with member  82  in place of member  72 , then the lotion is applied through the opening  77  into the bristles of the brush. The passageway is open and complete when the cover  70  has been removed as shown in FIG.  14 . In this instance, the passageway  77  is open since the plug  84  has been removed. However, in FIG. 17, the plug  84  occupies the receptacle or opening  77  so that no flow can take place when the cover  17  has been installed. FIG. 14 also illustrates that the applicator member  61  not only includes the upper portion  68  but this portion may have an under portion  86  to which the member  72  is attached via the clips  75  projecting into the receptacle  74 . A parking line is indicated by numeral  87 . 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 15, it can be seen that the arm  63  includes the open-ended passageway  62  so that the contents from the container  11  may pass through the arm. 
     In FIG. 16A, the valve gate  66  is illustrated as being positioned via nub projection  67  into an open position so that fluid flow of the lotion or other material from container  11  will pass into the arm  63  via passageway  62 . The notch or opening  73  is in alignment to permit flow to pass the valve. However, in FIG. 16B, the valve  66  is in its closed position wherein the notch or passageway  73  is transverse to the passageway  62 . Therefore, a blockage occurs by means of body section  88  of the valve  66 . 
     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides a novel construction for conducting lotion or the like from the container  11  to the applicator  61  as shown in FIGS. 12-17 and to the applicator member  14  as shown in FIGS. 1-11. The user has the option of releasably attaching a brush, a sponge or other body massaging device, to the applicator member and the lotion will freely flow when the valves are open into brushes, sponges or the like. Preferably, the arm of each embodiment of the invention is curved in such a manner that the container  11  becomes a handle and the applicator member becomes the discharge means for the lotion. The applicator member may take the form of a hand, or other graphic representations; however, the configuration of the hand is preferred. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.