Abstract:
The invention discloses a self-treatment body care apparatus that can be manipulated easily to reach the back of the user. The frame can be enlarged or collapsed. Additionally, the apparatus of the invention has a base which (1) allows the invention which is a frame to stand upright, (2) provides interchanging applicators and massaging devices for a variety of applications, and (3) can be used as a foot massager or scrubber while the user is seated or standing.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of provisional application 60/167,457 filed Nov. 24, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to body care devices, and more particularly relates to body care devices that are manipulated by the user to reach difficult areas. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Body care devices with a hoop or circular shaped frame usually attach an applicator to the frame which is manipulated to reach areas on the body that are difficult to reach due to infirmity or age. The applicators, such as massagers, brushes or sponges, are attached to the frame by a plate. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,409 issued Jan. 12, 1988 to Uri Gershov et al. The &#39;409 patent teaches the use of applicators on a circular frame. This frame cannot stand on its own and requires plates be attached to the periphery of the frame by a lock or clamping device. The clamping device is difficult to manipulate due to the force required to fix the place frame such that it does not slip. 
     Similar devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,039 issued May 18, 1976 to Fritz A. Ehrens and U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,085 issued to Edward C. Kupchinski. These devices have fixed applicators. 
     The main defects discovered in the prior art are: (1) the locks connecting the backing element of the frame allow for slippage of the backing element or are difficult to manipulate; (2) the shape of the frame is distorted after prolonged use due to the attachment of the backing element by locks or clamps; (3) the massager adapter is fixed on the backing element and limits the efficiency of massaging the back; (4) the massager adapter and the medical applicator only use one rotator; (5) the construction of the device is not strong enough for treatment of the feet which would bend the frame when pressure is applied; and (6) the frame could not be immobilized when stood upon. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art to improve the quality of current body care devices, to make it more effective and easier to operate, and to reduce its cost by making construction simpler. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes limitations in the prior art by providing in one feature a base for the apparatus which allows it to stand upright and thereby be easily stored. Additionally, the plate or base is preferably attached to open ends of the circular shape frame thereby eliminating the need to lock or clamp the plate to the periphery of the frame. Also, many different applicators can be used with one frame because the plate can be mounted removably if the applicator is permanently affixed to the plate, and some applicators can be removably attached to plates. A designer would be guided to attach some or all applicators permanently to the plates depending on what types of stresses will be placed on the applicator. Greater stresses usually indicate that the applicator should be permanently fixed to prevent slippage and wear to avoid the expected wear caused by the applicator moving at the point of attachment to the base. 
     A body care applicator fixed to a backing element is removably and replaceably mounted on a human body encircling frame of shapeable tubular material, such as wood, metal or plastic. The frame is separable at a junction. The frame may be a one whole piece, or an assembly of multiple pieces. A segment (or more than one) may be inserted at the junction to enlarge the frame. Part of the encircling frame with joint connection to the backing element may be used as a revolving curved handle for the body care device. A plurality of units having a body care appliance fixed to a backing element (or, removable appliances fixable to one or more backing elements) are provided which enable the use of the invention for diverse self-treatment body care functions at the dorsal area of the body such as scrubbing, massaging, application of a heating pad and application of body care creams and lotions. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a diagram in perspective illustrating one embodiment of the invention in use. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with one form of body applicator assembly in place. 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of an applicator backing element for the invention, illustrating a clamping mechanism suitable for use with the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the preferred applicator loading element illustrating the use of a series of interlocking insertable segments. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 are elevation views illustrating a body care applicator for the invention employing revolving massagers. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the applicator assembly for the invention with revolving medical applicator. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the body care applicator for the invention with a revolving curved handle for washing and scrubbing the body. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the applicator with frame of the invention, which includes the curved handle and additional segments. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views illustrating an alternative base and applicator, respectively, for the invention. 
     FIGS. 11A through 11C are views of another base and applicator for this invention. 
     FIGS. 12A through 12D are views of yet another base and three different applicators that fit the base for use in this invention. 
     FIGS. 13A through 13C are views of another base and two applicators that fit within the base for use with this invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a view of yet another base for this invention with applicators on two sides. 
     FIGS. 15A and 15B are views of another alternative base for use with a different style frame according to this invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention discloses a self-treatment body care apparatus preferably having an open ended frame for circumscribing a portion of a human torso; a base which attaches to the openings in the ends of the frame, and an applicator which attaches to the base. The applicator can be a scrubbing brush, a sponge, an absorbent pad, a massaging device, a foot massaging device, or a medicinal applicator, or other similar instruments readily recognizable by those of ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator revolves around an axis parallel or orthogonal to a surface of the user, such as the torso or foot. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the open ends of the frame releasably attach to the base, such that the frame can be attached and detached numerous times without damaging the frame or the base. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame is a plastic material, and the frame is collapsible. This allows easy shipment and storage of the apparatus. According to one practice, the frame forms a handle for the base. The frame can have interlocking sections, and can be enlarged by adding interlocking sections to the frame to accommodate a larger torso. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the applicator is attached releasably to the base. The applicator or its elements can revolve around an axis, such as when used as a massager or to apply medicines. The applicator can employ any suitable number of rotating elements, and preferably includes two or more rotating elements. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the base is relatively flat, or has projecting portions, to allow the apparatus to stand upright. 
     The term “open ended frame” as used herein refers to the portion of a frame which is not replaced by the interchangeable applicator portion of the apparatus. 
     The term “base” as used herein refers to the plate or device which connects to the open ends of a frame thereby forming a continuous periphery between the combination of the frame and the base. The applicators are fixed to the base. A flat base means the base causes the device to stand upright on a floor or other surface. A footed base has protruding feet which rest on the floor to allow the device to stand upright. 
     An applicator is a device that can contact a region on the body to apply pressure and/or apply a substance such as a topical medicine. A side variety of applicators are contemplated for use in the subject invention. 
     The term “collapsible” as used herein means the device can be disassembled or selected portions of the frame are telescoping relative to each other. One method of disassembly involves inserting smaller segments of the frame into larger segments of the frame, such as with a collapsible antenna. 
     The term “interlocking” or “interconnecting” as used herein means the segments become fixed or are coupled to each other, at least temporarily, such that the device can withstand the rigors of use without becoming disassembled. One method of interlocking includes the use of threaded inserts in the frame in order to fit together complementary adjacent sections. Another method of interlocking includes a spring loaded button which locks into a hole in the adjacent section. However, any device for connecting pieces of a frame can be used. 
     The term “handle” as used herein refers to a region on the body care device which can be used to control the working portion or applicator without having to manipulate the applicator by hand. 
     The self-treatment body care device of the present invention can be employed to access the dorsal area of the torso. The body care device comprises a frame which extends at least partially and, preferably, entirely about the body and supports, alternatively, diverse body applicators attached to a base. A plurality of different types of applicators may be provided including, for example, a scrubber, a massager, a heating pad and a medicine applicator. The applicators may be mounted on a rigid backing element or base. The base may include a branch or receiving portion on each end for connection with the frame. The frame may be a single or unitary component or can employ multiple components. Part of the frame can be used as a revolving curved handle device that can be connected with additional segments to form the full frame of the body care device. 
     The revolving curved handle can also be rotated around the axis of the clamping element, thereby providing a variable angle between the backing element and the handle. The massager and medical applicator revolve around their axes, and in some cases the axis of the backing element, thus improving the ability to control placement of the applicator. 
     Applicators can be a wide variety of devices and can be chosen to suit a particular purpose. Particularly preferred applicators are a removable massager with a plurality of rotating portions, and a removable medicine applicator that allows the application of a topical medicine. 
     A body care appliance or applicator fixed to a backing element or base is removably and replaceably mounted on a human body encircling frame of flexible tubular or other cross section plastic material. The frame is separable at a junction. The frame may be a one whole piece, or a multi-piece assembly. A segment may be inserted at the junction to enlarge the frame. Part of the encircling frame with joint connection to the backing element used as a revolving curved handle for body care device. A plurality of units having a body care appliance fixed to a backing element are provided which enable the use of the invention for diverse self-treatment body care functions at the dorsal area of the body such as scrubbing, massaging, application of a heating pad and application of body care creams and lotions. 
     Referring now to the drawings, a self-treatment body care device  10  is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprising a frame assembly  12  and a body applicator assembly  14  exemplified by a scrubbing brush assembly  14   a  removably mounted thereon. 
     The illustrated frame assembly  12  can include an open circular frame element  16  formed of plastic, wood or metal, which can be attached to the body applicator assembly  14  to form a closed loop. The frame element  16  is separable as shown at junction  26  to form a plurality of separable, interlocking frame components  16  and  28 . At the junction  26 , one end of one of the frame components includes a reduced diameter projection  16   a  (FIG.  4 ), sized for seating within an adjacent frame component. For example, frame component  28  includes the projection  16   a  which seats within the adjacent frame component  16 . A number of frame components can be employed to expand the size of the overall device (e.g., diameter, circumference or arc of the frame). 
     With reference to FIGS. 2-6, the body applicator assembly  14  includes a backing element or base  18  includes a flat rigid element of plastic or other similar material. At the end of each side of the backing element are clamping elements  22  and  24 . The clamping elements can be integrally formed with the backing element, and are designed to connect with the frame elements at an outwardly projecting end (clamp element  24 ). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the clamping element  24  forms an outwardly projecting portion that is sized and dimensioned for seating within corresponding ends or portions of the frame assembly  12 . When the frame assembly  12  is coupled to both sets of clamping elements, the circular body care device  10  is formed. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the use of scrubbing applicators  20 , which are temporarily or permanently attached to the base  18 . FIGS. 5 to  7  illustrate alternate embodiments of the applicator  20 , which are suitable for use with the present invention. For example, the massager assembly  29  (FIG. 5) comprises respectively a plastic ball  30  with protruding bumps  31 . The applicator can also be configured as small balls mounted on suitable supports  32 ,  42  and rotatable about axes  38  and  48 . 
     Additionally, the massager assembly can revolve around platforms  34 ,  44 , utilizing the axes formed by wing nuts  38   a  and  48   a  (FIGS.  5  and  6 ). In an alternate embodiment, the assembly can be a medical applicator assembly (FIG. 7) having a plastic cylinder  60  which wraps around a medical core  62  that is replaced after each use. The core is disposed about a support  64 . The medical applicator revolves around an axis or support rod  66 . The assembly can be secured to the platform  68  with the bolt  68   a  (FIG.  8 ). 
     The encircling frame assembly  12  can include a revolving curved handle  70  (FIGS. 8 and 9) connected to the clamping elements  22  and  24  of the backing elements at the joint  72 . The handle is rotatable about the clamping axis  73  and can be installed at any position between position A and position B (FIG.  8 ). The interlocking frame of FIG. 4 segments can be connected with the curved handle  70  to form the full frame assembly  12  of the body care device (FIG.  9 ). 
     Base  90 , FIG. 10 a , carries three brush applicators  92  best shown in FIG. 10 b . Applicators  92  include plastic bristles  98  that are fused at the bottoms to plastic base  94  from which pin  96  projects that fits in a properly sized opening in base  90 . This interfitting arrangement allows the brushes to be removed and replaced as desired. 
     An applicator that defmes a number of different brush types is shown in FIG.  11 . Base  100  includes projecting pins  101  and  102  and holes  116  that receive pins  115  projecting from the bottom of applicator member  104 . Applicator  104  includes a flat, plastic portion comprising sections  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  divided by living hinges so that the member can be folded around base  100  such that pins  115  fit in holes  116 . Different brushes or other applicator types are integral with member  104 . Shown is a brush having long filaments  107 , shorter filaments  109 , still shorter filaments  111  and shortest filaments  113 . Thus, one device can provide in effect four different applicator types. This base is designed for use with base receiving section  120 , FIG. 12 a , which defines pin receiving openings  122  and  124 . These openings can be enabled to allow rotation of the base or a snap-fit so that the base can be easily removed and turned to present a different applicator surface. Member  120  also defines openings  126  that can receive pins in an applicator that fits down into member  120 , examples of which are shown in FIGS. 12 c  and  12   d . FIG. 12 b  shows an applicator similar to that shown in FIG. 11, with projecting pins  131  and  132  that allow rotation of applicator  130  relative to base  120 . Brushes  134  project from member  130 . A removable applicator  140 , FIG. 12 c , has pins  148  that fit in openings  126 , and carries brushes  146 . U shaped projecting handle  144  fits in this space in member  120  below portion  142 , and provides a grasping handle that allows member  140  to be removed from member  120  and held in a hand and used as a scrub brush. FIG. 12 d  shows a battery or line power operated electric massage device  127  that also fits in member  120  by engagement of pins  129  and openings  126 . 
     FIG. 13 schematically depicts yet another base and applicator types. Base  150  has pins that allow it to be removably coupled to member  120 , FIG. 12 a . Threaded openings  154  accept the threads of applicators  160  and  170 , threaded portions  164  and  174 , respectively. Flexible water supply line  156  leads to each of openings  154  so that water can be supplied to the unit under control of valve  158 . Applicator  160  has base  162  that carries brushes and defines a number of openings through which water is sprayed to provide a scrubbing and cleaning function. Applicator  170  includes rotating brush portion  172  that is driven to rotate by water entering through line  156  under control of valve  176 . These two applicators can be used interchangeably in the base of FIG. 13 a  to provide rotating and fixed scrubbing and water spray as desired. 
     FIG. 14 depicts yet another base with applicators designed to fit in member  120 , FIG. 12 a . Member  190  includes flat portion  192  with pins  194  projecting from both faces. Pins  194  are adapted to fit in openings  126 , FIG. 12 a . Brushes  196  on one face are different than brushes  198  on the other face so that this member can accomplish at least two types of applicators. 
     Finally, FIGS. 15 a  and  15   b  depict yet another base which is adapted to be used with a full hoop or closed circular frame  202  of the type known in the art. Member  200  includes planar portion  204  and projecting leg portions  208  and  210 , each of which is adapted to removably connect to hoop  202 . This interconnection is preferably accomplished by creating a partially closed opening such as opening  212 , FIG. 15 b , that can snap over hoop  202  and be removed there from. This provides additional functionality to the closed hoop frame known in the art. Member  200  carries applicator  206  of a type described herein. 
     The above examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed as limiting the invention as fully set forth in the claims which follow the description. All references, including patents and printed publications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference.