Cream application apparatus and method of manufacture thereof

Abstract

A cream or lotion applicator 1 that includes an elongate shaft member 3, a handle or gripping means 7 and applicator means 9. The applicator means extends perpendicularly outwards from the shaft membe

Description

The invention to which this application relates is a cream or lotion application apparatus and a method of manufacture thereof. Dry skin affects around a third of adults, rising to about nine out of ten adults over the age of 80. Dry skin on the feet in particular can cause irritation, pain and infections, and can be risky if the person has any underlying health conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, applying emollient to the feet can help to reduce dry skin. However, over 8.5 million adults in the UK also suffer from osteoarthritis, which can make it particularly difficult to bend and reach their feet, and subsequently effectively apply emollient thereto. Unfortunately, dry skin often goes undiagnosed and isn’t treated effectively, and when it comes to the feet, many people have difficulty reaching them to apply emollient properly and effectively. Currently, there is no product on the market which can help patients reach their feet with ease in order to apply cream. No current aids exist in the market to help a person to apply cream if they struggle to do it themselves. Many patients feel embarrassed about asking others for help with this type of personal care. Some cream or lotions applicators do exist, but these tend to be rather crude spatula-like applicators which are more appropriate for reach awkward to reach places on, for example, a user’s back. Other examples may include a roller at the end of an elongated handle, much in the same vein as a paint roller may be used to cover a wall surface. Against, such products are designs to target hard or awkward to reach areas such as the back. There are no products available which are suitable for allowing people who have difficulty moving or reach their feet, to apply cream, lotion or emollient thereto, properly and effectively to alleviate the problems associated with dry skin. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved applicator apparatus which overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing an improved applicator apparatus which overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a cream or lotion applicator apparatus, said apparatus including: an elongate shaft member having a first, proximal end and a second, opposing, distal end; handle or gripping means, located at or near the first, proximal end of the shaft member; and applicator means provided located at the second, distal end of the shaft member, characterized in that the applicator means is arranged to extend outwardly from the shaft member substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof. Preferably, the applicator means comprise a pad member, having first and second opposing applicator faces. Typically, said faces are provided as a first, upper face and second, lower face. Typically, said pad member is provided located on or with a rod member, the rod member extending from and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft member. Preferably, the rod member extends into a body of the pad member, locating the same therewith. Typically, the pad member is provided in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft member. In one embodiment, a first applicator face of the pad member is provided having a substantially concave surface. Typically, said first face in an upper face. In one embodiment, a second applicator lower face of the pad member is provided having a substantially convex surface. Typically, said second face is a lower face. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second opposing faces are formed to have textured surfaces. Typically, said textured surface falls within the VDI 3400 texture standard. For reference, the aforementioned texture standard was set by VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure), the Society of German Engineers and is widely used worldwide among toolmakers, in particular in Europe, north America and Asia. Further typically, said surface has a textured surface having a value of VDI 36. Texturing the surface or surfaces of the pad member in such a manner ensures better retention of the cream, lotion or emollient thereon, prior to application to a user’s foot. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second opposing faces are formed having a plurality of formations provided thereon. The provision of a plurality of formations on one or both of the faces provides a sensory stimulus for the user, enabling them to recognize and feel the contact between the pad member and their foot, in use, and consequently be more aware of the extent and location of the lotion, cream or emollient being applied. In preferred embodiments, the pad member is provided having a substantially elliptical profile. Typically, a major axis of the elliptically shaped pad member is co-axial with a rod member with which the pad member locates. In some embodiments, a cut-out or recessed portion is formed at a co-vertex of the elliptically shaped pad member. Typically, said cut-out or recess is formed at a rearward or anterior co-vertex of the pad member. Typically, a perimeter of the first and / or second faces of the pad member includes a lip, rim or other such raised portion. In some preferred embodiments, the pad member is arranged to be pivotable with respect to a rod member with which it locates. Typically, biasing means are provided, said biasing means arranged to bias the pad member to a rest position, in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft member. Typically, the pad member is pivotable in a first, forward direction with respect to a rest position, and / or in a second, rearward direction, with respect to a rest position. In one embodiment, a pivot spindle or cam member is provided, located with the rod member. Typically, said a pivot spindle or cam member is provided on the rod member in a location which extends into a body of the pad member. In one embodiment, biasing means are provided in the form of one or more spring-loaded tap guide members. Typically, two opposing spring-loaded tap guide members are provided and located within a body of the pad member. Further typically, said two opposing spring-loaded tap guide members are arranged to engage a pivot spindle or cam member provided on the rod member. In one embodiment, said one or more spring-loaded tap guide members each comprise a spring guide housing; a spring member; and a tapping or follower member. Typically, said tapping or follower member is arranged to engage the pivot spindle or cam member. Typically, said biasing means permit fore and aft pivoting of the pad member of up to 90° in each direction. Preferably, said biasing means permit fore and aft pivoting of the pad member of up to 45° in each direction. In one embodiment, said shaft member is extendable. Typically, the shaft member comprises first and at least second telescopically engaged shaft portions. Further typically, said first and at least second shaft portions permit the shaft member to be adjustable to varying lengths, as required by a user, in use. In one embodiment, the handle or gripping means comprise a handle portion. Typically, the handle portion extends substantially radially outward from the shaft member proximal end. Further typically, the handle portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis or extension of the applicator means. Typically, the handle portion is ergonomically formed for a user’s hand to grip, in use. Preferably, the apparatus is provided to enable the application of cream, lotion or an emollient to a user’s foot or feet, in use. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a cream or lotion applicator apparatus, said method including: forming an elongate shaft member having a first, proximal end and a second, opposing, distal end; forming handle or gripping means and locating the same at or near the first, proximal end of the shaft member; and forming applicator means an locating the same at the second, distal end of the shaft member, characterized in that the applicator means is positioned to extend outwardly from the shaft member substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof. Preferably, the applicator means comprise a pad member, having first and second opposing applicator faces. Typically, said faces are provided as a first, upper face and second, lower face. In preferred embodiments, the pad member is formed having a substantially elliptical profile. Typically, a major axis of the elliptically shaped pad member is co-axial with a rod member with which the pad member locates. In some preferred embodiments, the pad member is formed to be pivotable with respect to a rod member with which it locates. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cream or lotion applicator apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a-c illustrate rear, top and side views of application means of a cream or lotion applicator apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3a-b illustrate perspective and side sectional views of application means of a cream or lotion applicator apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 4a-c illustrate pivoting movement of an application means of a cream or lotion applicator apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to the figures and firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a cream or lotion applicator apparatus 1 which is provided to enable a user to apply cream, lotion or emollient to the top and soles of their foot or feet. In particular, the apparatus 1 is designed to make such application far easier for users who suffer from osteoarthritis or other such conditions which restrict their movement and thus prevent or substantially reduce their ability to reach and apply products to their feet directly. The apparatus 1 includes an elongate shaft 3, which itself may be formed from two or more telescopically engaged shaft portions 5, 5’ allowing the length of the shaft 3 to be adjusted according to the needs of the user. At a first, proximal end of the shaft 3 there is provided handle or gripping means in the form of an ergonomically shaped handle 7. The handle 7 extends outwardly from the shaft 3 at approximately 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, although in some embodiments the angle may be between 60°-90° to allow for a more comfortable grip. At a second, distal opposing end of the shaft 3 there is provided applicator means in the form of an applicator pad 9. The pad 9 extends from the shaft 3 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 3, and rest in a plane substantially 90° to the shaft 3. The extension is also arranged to be at approximately 90° to the direction at which the handle 7 extends. The pad 9, shown in greater detail in Figures 2a c has an upper surface 11 and an opposing lower surface 13, on to which cream, lotion or emollient is to be applied, in use. The upper surface 11 is formed having a substantially concave profile, whereas the lower surface 13 has a substantially convex profile. The apparatus 1 of the present invention therefore addresses problem associated with the prior art, as discussed above. The apparatus 1 has a unique pad 3 attached to a lightweight telescopic handle 7, which assists users to apply cream, lotion or emollient to their feet. The pad 3 is designed to contour most foot profiles, via the provision of the concave and convex surfaces, so the end-user can successfully apply cream, lotion or emollient to the top and bottom of their feet, as well as the heel area, whether they are sitting down, or lying down if bed bound. One or both faces 11, 13 of the pad 9 are further provided as having textured surfaces. Such texturing falls within the VD1 3400 standard set by the Society of German Engineers, VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure), and is widely used worldwide among toolmakers, in particular in Europe, north America and Asia. In particular, preferred embodiments of the invention provides the pad 9 as having textured surfaces of a value of VDI 36. Texturing the surface or surfaces 11, 13 of the pad 9 in such a manner ensures better retention of the cream, lotion or emollient thereon, prior to application to a user’s foot. In addition, or alternatively, the surfaces 11, 13 of the pad 9 may further be provided with a plurality of formations, nodes or nodules 15 thereon. Such formations, nodes or nodules 15 act as a sensory stimulus for the user, enabling them to recognize and feel the contact between the pad 9 and their foot, in use, and consequently be more aware of the extent and location of the lotion, cream or emollient being applied. The pad 9 in preferred embodiments of the invention locates on or with a rod 17, which attaches to and extends from the distal end of the shaft 3. The rod 17 extends into the body 19 of the pad 9, retaining it in position. The pad 9, as seen from Figure 2b in particular has a substantially elliptical profile and in the illustrated embodiments also includes a cut-out or recess portion 21. The pad 9 is arranged in such a manner that its major axis is co-axial with the rod 17. The cut-out or recess portion 21 is located at a co-vertex of the pad 9 and preferably the rearward or anterior co-vertex. The cut-out or recess portion 21 is provided to enable improved application of cream, lotion or emollient to the hell of a user. Finally, the perimeter of the upper and / or lower faces of the pad 9 may further be provided with a rim, lip or other such raised portion 23 therearound, which may be provided to further improve the retention of cream, lotion or emollient on the pad 9, prior to and during use. Finally, in order to ensure that application of the cream, lotion or emollient can be as comfortable and effective as possible, the pad 9 is arranged to be pivotable with respect to the rod 17. Biasing means are provided which ensures the pad 9 can be pivoted, or rotate as a user’s foot contacts the pad 9 to rub and apply cream, lotion or emollient thereon, and subsequently return to a rest position after use, the rest position being such that the plane of the pad 9 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 3. The pivoting is enabled by the provision of a pivot spindle or cam 25 located a point on the rod 17, that point being such that it is located within the body 19 of the pad 9. Biasing means are provided, within the body 19 of the pad 9, in the form of at least one, but preferably a pair of spring-loaded tap guides 27, shown in detail in Figures 3a-b. The tap guides engage the pivot spindle or cam 25 which permits rotational movement of the pad 9 when urged by a user, but biases the same back to its rest position when contact is released. The tap guides 27 each comprise a tap guide housing 29, in which there is located a spring member, generally a compression spring 31, with a tapping or follower member 33 resting on top of the spring 31. The spring 31 urges the tapping or follower member 33 outwardly from the housing such that a distal end thereof contacts and engages the pivot spindle or cam 25. Pivoting movement of the pad 9 about the rod 17, upon contact by a user, causes the tapping or follower member 33 to be urged inwardly of the housing 29 as it moves about the cam 25, compressing the spring 31. As the user removes their foot from contact with the pad 9, the compression spring 31 urges the tapping or follower member 33 outwardly form the housing 29, which continues to engage the cam 25 and causes movement of the pad 9 back to the rest position. This arrangement permits pivoting movement of the pad 9 in both fore and aft directions, up to a maximum of 90° each way, but in preferred embodiments of the invention the pivoting movement is typically up to 45° in each direction, as illustrated in Figures la c, which shows the pad 9 in positions of -45° (Figure 4a), rest position (Figure 4b), and +45° (Figure 4c). The present invention therefore provides a greatly improved applicator apparatus which aids a user, particularly an elderly person and / or someone with osteoarthritis or other such mobility problems, m applying cream, lotion or emollient to both sides of their affected foot or feet. The pad 9 is conveniently shaped to match the contours of a user’s foot and will rotate or pivot as necessary during application to make the process easier for the user. The addition of the handle 7 and the telescopically adjustable shaft 3 ensure the apparatus 1 may be customized to the user’s specific needs, thereby solving a real problem which no applicator currently available suitably addresses.

Claims

1. A cream or lotion applicator apparatus, said apparatus including:an elongate shaft member having a first, proximal end and a second, opposing, distal end;handle or gripping means, located at or near the first, proximal end of the shaft member; andapplicator means provided located at the second, distal end of the shaft member,characterized in that the applicator means is arranged to extend outwardly from the shaft member substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the applicator means comprise a pad member, having first and second opposing applicator faces.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pad member is provided located on or with a rod member, the rod member extending from and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft member and extending into a body of the pad member, locating the same therewith.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pad member is provided in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft member.

5. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first applicator face of the pad member is provided having a substantially concave surface, said first face being an upper face.

6. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second applicator face of the pad member is provided having asubstantially convex surface said second face being a lower face.

7. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one or both of the first and second opposing faces are formed to have textured surfaces.

8. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one or both of the first and second opposing faces are formed having a plurality of formations provided thereon.

9. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pad member is provided having a substantially elliptical profile, and a major axis of the elliptically shaped pad member is co-axial with a rod member with which the pad member locates.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a cut-out or recessed portion is formed at a co-vertex of the elliptically shaped pad member, said cut-out or recess being formed at a rearward or anterior co-vertex of the pad member.

11. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a perimeter of the first and / or second faces of the pad member includes a lip, rim or other such raised portion.

12. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pad member is arranged to be pivotable with respect to a rod member with which it locates.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein biasing means are provided, said biasing means arranged to bias the pad member to a rest position, in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft member.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the pad member is pivotable in a first, forward direction with respect to a rest position, and / or in a second, rearward direction, with respect to a rest position.

15. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a pivot spindle or cam member is provided, located with the rod member, said pivot spindle or cam member provided on the rod member in a location which extends into a body of the pad member.

16. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein biasing means are provided in the form of one or more spring-loaded tap guide members.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein two opposing spring-loaded tap guide members are provided and located within a body of the pad member and are arranged to engage a pivot spindle or cam member provided on the rod member.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said one or more spring-loaded tap guide members each comprise a spring guide housing; a spring member; and a tapping or follower member, said tapping or follower member arranged to engage the pivot spindle or cam member.

19. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said biasing means permit fore and aft pivoting of the pad member of up to 90° in each direction.

20. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said shaft member is extendable and comprises first and at least second telescopically engaged shaft portions.

21. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle or gripping means comprise a handle portion, which extends substantially radially outward from the shaft member proximal end and in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis or extension of the applicator means.

22. A method of manufacturing a cream or lotion applicator apparatus, said method including:forming an elongate shaft member having a first, proximal end and a second, opposing, distal end;forming handle or gripping means and locating the same at or near the first, proximal end of the shaft member; andforming applicator means an locating the same at the second, distal end of the shaft member,characterized in that the applicator means is positioned to extend outwardly from the shaft member substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the applicator means comprise a pad member, having first and second opposing applicator faces.

24. A method according to claim 22, wherein the pad member is formed having a substantially elliptical profile, and a major axis of the elliptically shaped pad member is co-axial with a rod member with which the pad member locates.

25. A method according to claim 22, wherein the pad member is formed to be pivotable with respect to a rod member with which it locates.Application No: GB2411174.2 Examiner: Ben MilesClaims searched: 1-25Date of search: 20 December 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X X X X X 1-11 and 20-25 1-4, 7, 8, 20, 22 and 23 1-4, 7, 8, 22 and 23 1,2, 4, 7, 8, 22 and 23 1, 4, 8 and 22 PediStick, 2024, "PediStick", Available from: https: / / www.pedistick.com [Accessed 17 December 2024] See whole website especially the "Home”, "About" and "How to use" sections. US 2021 / 0289917 Al (GILLEY) See whole document especially paragraphs [0021-23] alongside the figures. US 5823206 A (MAPLEBACK) See whole document especially column 1 lines 46-48, column 2 lines 9-12, column 3 lines 42-47 alongside Figures 1, 2 and 5. US 6325564 Bl (KNOWLES) see whole document especially column 4 lines 17-21 alongside Figure 1. US 2007 / 0243005 Al (SVIESA) See whole document especially paragraphs [0004] and [0018] alongside Figure 1.Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined with one or more other documents of same category. P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB. EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC____________A45D; A46B; A61H____________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report SEARCH-PATENT, INTERNETInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From A45D 0034 / 04 01 / 01 / 2006 A61H 0007 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006

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