US20070136971A1

US20070136971A1 - Body applicator brush

Info

Publication number: US20070136971A1
Application number: US11/640,640
Authority: US
Inventors: Nancy Dickman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-16
Filing date: 2006-12-18
Publication date: 2007-06-21

Abstract

An applicator brush for applying a beneficial substance, thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body, which generally comprises a head (applicator pad attached to a disk support piece) connected to a notched handle. An alternate embodiment of the brush generally comprises a notched handle attached to a head, which includes first and second wooden pieces and an applicator pad. The front surface of second wooden piece and the back of the applicator pad are glued together, forming a single unit which can be swapped out. Yet another embodiment of the brush generally comprises a head which includes an integrally molded disk attached to an applicator pad. The brush head pivotally clips to a curved, integrally molded handle. The applicator brush allows for navigation around the curves of the body and also assists in reaching difficult-to-reach areas.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application derives priority from provisional patent application No. 60/750,887 filed Dec. 16, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an applicator brush, particularly a round, angled, bristled applicator brush for independently applying lotion, sun screen, massage oil, or another beneficial substance to any desired area of the body, and particularly to the back.
2. Description of the Background
Reaching one's back to apply lotion, sun screen or some other beneficial substance is usually very difficult without another person's assistance. This task is especially difficult for folks who are handicapped, morbidly obese, or who otherwise suffer from limited mobility. Thus, it would be greatly advantageous to provide an angled brush that: (1) provides individuals with independence by allowing them to reach their own backs' and other difficult-to-reach areas to thoroughly apply a beneficial substance; (2) possesses a simple and scalable design; (3) is fabricated of lightweight materials providing an appropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity; and (4) is inexpensive to manufacture and sell for widespread use and disposability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide an angled applicator brush with a round bristled head for applying a beneficial substance thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an applicator brush with a long handle allowing individuals to reach their own backs' and other difficult-to-reach areas, thereby providing them with independence.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an applicator brush that possesses a simple and scalable design.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an applicator brush that is fabricated of lightweight materials providing an appropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an applicator brush that is inexpensive to manufacture and sell to provide for widespread use and disposability.
These and other objects are accomplished with an applicator brush for applying a beneficial substance, such as lotion, cream, sun screen, or massage oil thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body. The brush generally comprises a head (applicator pad attached to a disk support) connected to a notched handle. A front surface of the disk support is glued to the back of an applicator pad, which is cut to conform to the disk support in a round piece out of a paint pad. In an alternate embodiment of the brush, the head generally comprises a first wooden piece, a second wooden piece, and an applicator pad. A hole is drilled through the centers of the first and second wooden pieces. First wooden piece is glued to the handle via the notch. A small screw is inserted through the hole in second wooden piece such that the head of the screw is flush with the front surface of the second wooden piece, and the tail protrudes through the back of it. The front surface of the second wooden piece and the back of the applicator pad are glued together, to form a single unit. The pad covers the head of the screw flush with the front surface of the second wooden piece. The second wooden piece-applicator pad unit is connected to the first wooden piece, by inserting the tail of the screw that protrudes from the hole in the second wooden piece (glued to the pad) through the hole at the front of first wooden piece. A nut is positioned around the tail of the screw to tighten it and keep first wooden piece and second piece-pad unit tightly connected together. The screw and nut allow for second wooden piece-applicator pad units to be swapped out and replaced by newer ones or those having different bristle sizes or configurations. These units can be replaced for each different beneficial substance to be applied to the desired area. Yet another embodiment of the brush generally comprises a head which includes an integrally molded disk attached to an applicator pad. The brush head pivotally clips to a curved, integrally molded handle. The applicator brush allows for navigation around the curves of the body and also assists in reaching difficult-to-reach areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a close-up front perspective view of the brush 1 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disassembled components of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a rear view of the brush head 18 of the brush 17 shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the handle 19 of the brush 17 shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a body applicator brush 1 for applying a beneficial topical substance, such as lotion, cream, sun screen, or massage oil thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body, and especially to the back. FIGS. 1 and 2 are side perspective and close-up front perspective views of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The brush 1 generally comprises a wooden handle 2 joined to a head 3, the latter generally comprising an applicator pad 6 attached to disk support piece 8. The handle 2 may be made of beech, maple wood, or any other kind of wood thereof that may be deemed suitable. The wooden handle 2 is long, and as illustrated it is preferably 16 inches long. The wooden handle 2 is connected to the head 3 via a notch 4 at an angle, preferably in the range of 14°-20°. The notch 4 is made by cutting into the side of the handle 2 using a ripsaw attached to a hand held rotary tool (for example, a Dremel® tool) to form converging edges. The width of the notch 4 should correspond to the thickness of the disk support piece 8. Disk support piece 8 is attached to the notch 4 using wood glue (for example, Elmer's® wood glue). The front surface 7 of disk support piece 8 is glued to the back 9 of the applicator pad 6. Disk support piece 8 may be cut using a hole-cutter drill bit attached to a drill to form a round piece approximately 2.75 inches in diameter.
Applicator pad 6 preferably comprises a bed of synthetic (Nylon or polyester) filaments cross linked at their base and bonded to a flexible plastic or cloth sheet. There are a variety of commercially-available paint pads that can serve this purpose, and pad 6 can be cut from one of these paint pads to conform to the disk support piece 8. A preferred paint pad is a SHUR-LINE® paint pad, although a variety of other suitable paint pads are commercially available, and natural filaments such as mohair will also suffice.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disassembled components of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, respectively. In an alternate embodiment of the brush 1, the head 16 generally comprises a first wooden piece 8, a second wooden piece 13, and an applicator pad 6. In this embodiment, a hole 10 is drilled through the centers of the first 8 and second 13 pieces. The hole 10 should be approximately 3/16-¼ inch in diameter. In this embodiment, a notch 4 is cut into the handle 2 using a ripsaw attached to a hand held rotary tool (for example, a Dremel® tool). The width of the notch 4 should correspond to the thickness of the first wooden piece 8, since first wooden piece 8 is glued to the handle 2 via the notch 4. Wood glue should be used to affix first wooden piece 8 to the wooden handle 2. A small screw 11 is inserted through the hole 10 in the second wooden piece 13 such that the head of the screw 11 is flush with the front surface 14 of the second wooden piece 13, and the tail of the screw 11 protrudes out from the back of the second piece 13. The size of the screw 11 should correspond to the diameter of the hole 10. The front surface 14 of the second wooden piece 13 and the back 9 of the applicator pad 6 are glued together, so that the pad 6 covers the head of the screw 11. Any suitable glue or adhesive may be used to connect the second wooden piece 13 and the applicator pad 6 to create a single unit 15. The second wooden piece-applicator pad unit 15 is connected to the first wooden piece 8, by inserting the tail of the screw 11 that protrudes from the hole 10 in the second wooden piece 13 (glued to the applicator pad 6) through the hole 10 at the front 7 of the first wooden piece 8. A nut 12 is positioned around the tail of the screw 11 to tighten it and keep first wooden piece 8 and the second wooden piece-pad unit 15 tightly connected together. The screw 11 and nut 12 allow for second wooden piece-applicator pad units 15 to be swapped out and replaced by newer ones or those having different bristle sizes or configurations. These units 15 can be replaced for each different beneficial substance to be applied to the desired area. Even though the second wooden piece-applicator pad unit 15 can be cleaned easily, the entire unit 15 can be replaced to avoid cleaning or even simply for hygiene purposes (for example, if more than one individual use the same applicator brush 1).
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pivoting brush head 18. In another alternate embodiment of the brush 17, the head 18 generally comprises a plastic disk 20 having a planar front surface 21 attached to the back 9 of an applicator pad 6. The plastic disk 20 further comprises a rear surface 22 having a ramped recess 23 formed along an edge of the surface 22. The recess 23 is ramped at an angle, preferably in the range of 14°-20°. A cylindrical bar 24 is connected across the top of the recess 23 to both sides 25, 26. The bar 24 is an axis around which the handle 19 rotates, and thereby allows the head 18 to pivot.
FIG. 7 discloses a perspective view of the plastic handle 19. The handle 19 is curved and comprises a wide end 27 to facilitate ergonomic grasping, and an opposing end 28 having a curved notch 29 which clips onto the bar 24 of head 18. The width of the notch 29 corresponds to the width of the bar 24. When a user grasps the wide end 27 of the handle 19 and moves the head 18 along the user's body, the head 18 pivots as the notch 29 turns along the bar 24. A portion of the opposing end 28 of handle 19 rests within the recess 23, and has the ability to move within recess 23 as the head 18 pivots.
The disk 20 and handle 19 are preferably fabricated of polyethylene. Additionally, the disk 20 and handle 19 are injection molded. The applicator pad 6 is glued to the disk 20, using plastic glue such as TENAX-7R. The head 18 can be easily removed for replacement, by pulling the handle 19 off of the cylindrical bar 24.
In use, lotion is applied to the bristles of the applicator pad 6 and may thereafter be applied to the body part of interest. The bristled applicator pad 6 helps in applying a beneficial substance thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body. The long handle 2, 19 allows individuals to reach their own backs' and other difficult-to-reach areas, thereby providing individuals with independence. The angled head 3, 16 allows for navigation around the curves of the body and also assists in reaching difficult-to-reach areas. The angled, pivoting head 18 also allows for navigation around the curves of the body and assists in reaching difficult-to-reach areas.
The entire applicator brush 1, 17 is lightweight, making it easy to hold and maneuver around the body. Additionally, the brush 1, 17 possesses a simple scalable design and provides the appropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity. The components are simple to assemble, inexpensive to manufacture and sell thereby providing for widespread use and disposability.
Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An applicator brush for applying a beneficial substance thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body, comprising:

an elongate handle having a notch defined by converging edges proximate one end of said handle; and

a head including a disk support piece having a peripheral edge seated in the angled edges of said notch, wherein rear surface of said disk support piece is attached to an edge of said notch, said head also including an applicator pad arrayed with bristles on one side, and attached on opposing side to said disk support piece.

2. An applicator brush according to claim 1, wherein said head is attached to said handle at an angle.

3. An applicator brush according to claim 1, wherein said angle is in the range of fourteen degrees to twenty degrees.

4. An applicator brush according to claim 1, wherein said applicator pad comprises a SHUR-LINE° paint pad.

5. An applicator brush according to claim 1, wherein said bristles comprise synthetic filaments.

6. An applicator brush according to claim 1, wherein said bristles comprise natural filaments.

7. An applicator brush comprising:

a handle including a notch at top of said handle;

a head including a first piece and a second piece, wherein said first and second pieces correspond in thickness to said notch and rear surface of said first piece is fixedly attached to said notch; and an applicator pad arrayed with bristles on one side, and attached on opposing side to said second piece; and

a fastener connecting said first piece, said second piece, and said pad together.

8. An applicator brush according to claim 7, wherein said head is attached to said handle at an angle.

9. An applicator brush according to claim 7, wherein said first piece, said second piece, and said applicator pad are circular.

10. An applicator brush according to claim 7, wherein said applicator pad comprises a SHUR-LINE® paint pad.

11. An applicator brush according to claim 7, wherein said bristles comprise synthetic filaments.

12. An applicator brush according to claim 7, wherein said bristles comprise natural filaments.

13. An applicator brush comprising:

a handle including a notch at top of said handle; and

a head including a first piece having a central aperture, said first piece is fixedly attached to said notch; and a unit including a second piece having a central aperture, a screw inserted through said central aperture of said second piece, whereby head of said screw sits flush with front surface of said second piece, and an applicator pad arrayed with bristles on one side, and attached on opposing side to said front surface of said second piece covering head of said screw, and a nut positioned around tail of said screw, whereby said screw and said nut tightly connect said unit and said first piece together.

14. An applicator brush according to claim 13, wherein said first and second pieces correspond in thickness to said notch.

15. An applicator brush according to claim 13, wherein said head is attached to said handle at an angle.

16. An applicator brush for applying a beneficial substance thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body, comprising:

a handle including a notch at top of said handle; and

a head including a disk having a planar front surface and a rear surface having a ramped recess and a bar formed across said recess, and an applicator pad arrayed with bristles on one side and attached on opposing side to said planar front surface of said disk.

17. An applicator brush according to claim 16, wherein said recess is ramped at an angle.

18. An applicator brush according to claim 16, wherein said handle and said disk are injection molded.

19. An applicator brush according to claim 16, wherein said applicator pad comprises a SHUR-LINE® paint pad.

20. An applicator brush according to claim 16, wherein said handle comprises a wide end for ergonomic grasping, and an opposing end having said notch for pivotally clipping onto said bar of said head.