Backscratcher with ointment application function

The backscratcher with interchangeable scraper and applicator tips addresses the issue of impaired scratching function in existing designs by providing a hygienic and convenient ointment application solution for elderly users.

JP3252656UActive Publication Date: 2025-08-29増田 亮彦
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025002195U
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-03
Publication Date
2025-08-29
Estimated Expiration
2035-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing backscratchers with ointment application functions, such as the 'Grandchild Mittens' and 'Mitten Covers', risk impairing the comfortable scratching function due to exposed hook-and-loop fasteners and require time-consuming preparation, which may damage the product.

Method used

A backscratcher design with interchangeable scraper and applicator tips, allowing for ointment application without compromising the scratching function, featuring a detachable and absorbent applicator holder that can be easily replaced and cleaned.

Benefits of technology

The design maintains the usability of the backscratcher for both scratching and ointment application, ensuring hygiene and convenience by allowing easy attachment and detachment of the applicator, making it suitable for elderly users with limited mobility.

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Abstract

To provide a backscratcher that can apply ointment to one's own back without impairing the function of scratching the back. [Solution] The device comprises a tip portion 30, a handle portion 10 and an attachment portion 20, with the attachment portion 20 provided between the tip portion 30 and the handle portion 10, a scraper member 31 as a first tip portion and an applicator holding member 32 for holding the applicator body S as a second tip portion, and by attaching the scraper member 31 to the handle portion 10, it can be used as an ordinary backscratcher, and by attaching the applicator holding member 32 in place of the scraper member 31, the applicator body S is impregnated with ointment and applied to the back.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a backscratcher that has the function of allowing the user to apply ointment to their own back. [Background technology]

[0002] Applying ointment to one's own back can be difficult because there are areas that are hard to reach, and this difficulty tends to increase especially for elderly people whose shoulders have limited range of motion. In such cases, using a backscratcher to apply the ointment to the back has been considered, and backscratchers with the function of allowing the user to apply the ointment to the back themselves have been known for some time. The "backscratcher mitten" and "mitten cover" described in Patent Document 1 disclose a configuration in which the "backscratcher mitten" is attached to the backscratcher with a hook-and-loop fastener, and then a "mitten cover" is placed over it, and the ointment is applied to the "mitten cover" to apply the ointment to the back. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3114000 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The "Grandchild Mittens" and "Mitten Covers" described in Patent Document 1 require the "Grandchild Mittens" to be attached to the grandchild's claw with a hook-and-loop fastener, which requires a hook-and-loop fastener to be attached to the grandchild's claw as well. However, with this configuration, there is a risk that the hook-and-loop fastener may come into contact with the back when the grandchild is used to scratch the child's back, potentially impairing the original function of comfortably scratching the back. Furthermore, when attaching the "Grandchild Mittens" to an existing grandchild's claw, it is necessary to scrape off the paint or varnish that has been applied, which is time-consuming and may have a negative impact on the appearance and strength of the product.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a backscratcher that allows the user to apply ointments to the back without impairing the ability to comfortably scratch the back. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the backscratcher with the function of applying ointment of the present invention comprises a tip, a handle, an attachment, and an applicator; the attachment is provided between the tip and the handle; the tip is attachable to and detachable from the handle via the attachment; the first tip comprises a scraper member; and the second tip comprises an applicator holder member that holds an applicator body that can hold ointment and be applied to the back; the applicator holder member is formed in a flat plate shape and has a holding surface on its upper surface on which the applicator body is placed; the scraper member can be attached to the handle via the attachment member, so that the ointment attached to the applicator body can be applied to the back.

[0007] The claw with ointment application function configured in this way can be used as a back scratcher by attaching the scraper member, which is the first tip, to the handle via the attachment. However, by replacing the scraper member with the applicator-holding member, which is the second tip, the user can easily and hygienically apply the ointment applied to the applicator body to their back. Because the scraper member and applicator-holding member are interchangeable, they can be used according to the application, achieving both back scratching and medicinal application functions. Furthermore, when using the scraper member, foreign objects do not come into contact with the back during use, so the back scratching function is not interfered with comfortably. This configuration offers superior usability compared to conventional configurations where hook-and-loop fasteners and other fasteners are always exposed.

[0008] In addition, the backscratcher with ointment application function according to the present invention has a ring groove on the outer peripheral side of the applicator holder, and a sheet-like applicator that is engaged using the ring groove can be detachably attached to the applicator holder, and the sheet-like applicator is attached to the ring groove from above the applicator by an annular fastening member and is then engaged to the applicator holder. With a backscratcher with ointment application function configured in this way, the applicator can be easily replaced as needed, making it easy to maintain a clean state, and by appropriately changing the material and shape of the applicator, it can be used flexibly according to the properties of the medicament to be applied and the user's preferences.

[0009] In addition, the backscratcher with ointment application function according to the present invention has an applicator made of absorbent material such as cloth or sponge. This allows the applicator to hold an appropriate amount of ointment, allowing the ointment to be spread evenly over the back, and is comfortable to use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The backscratcher with ointment application function of the present invention features an attachment structure that allows the scraping element and applicator holder to be easily interchangeable, allowing for the easy addition of a medicinal application function without compromising the usability of a conventional backscratcher. This allows the user to attach the applicator holder only when applying medicinal to the back, and then return it to the scraping element after use, allowing for two uses with a single backscratcher. Furthermore, because the applicator is detachable and made of absorbent material, it is hygienic and economical to use, and has the advantage of being either disposable or washable and reusable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a first embodiment, an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a backscratcher equipped with a ointment application function according to the present invention, with a portion of the backscratcher enclosed by a dashed line, and an enlarged side view of the portion shown from the side without tilting is also shown in the same figure. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, showing a scraper member, which is a first tip portion, connected to a handle portion via an attachment portion. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the first embodiment, showing the state in which the applicator is attached to the applicator holding member, which is the second tip, and connected to the handle via the attachment part. A part of this is shown surrounded by a dotted line, and an enlarged side view of this part, showing it from the side with no tilt, is also shown in the same figure. [Figure 4] A usage diagram showing a user applying ointment to their back. [Figure 5] In the second embodiment, (a) is an oblique view before the applicator body S is attached, and (b) is an oblique view after the applicator body S is attached. In each figure, a part of the applicator body S is enclosed by a dotted line, and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the part is also shown in the same figure, showing it from the side without tilting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A first embodiment of a backscratcher 100 with a ointment application function according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the backscratcher 100 with a ointment application function according to the present invention. In Fig. 1, the backscratcher 100 with a ointment application function comprises a handle 10, an attachment 20, a scraper member 31 as a first tip, an applicator body holding member 32 as a second tip, and a sheet-like applicator body S, and is configured so that scraper member 31 or applicator body holding member 32 can be selectively attached and detached to the tip of the handle 10 via the attachment 20.

[0013] 1, scraper member 31, which is the first tip, is a member having a plurality of claw-like protrusions at its tip, similar to the scraper portion of a conventional backscratcher, and is used for scratching areas that are difficult for the user to reach, such as the back. Applicator body holding member 32, which is the second tip, is formed in a flat plate shape, and a holding surface 32b on which the applicator body is placed is formed on its upper surface.

[0014] The scraper member 31, which is the first tip, and the applicator body holding member 32, which is the second tip, are formed with insertion portions 31a and 32a, respectively. The tip of the attachment unit 20 is formed with a socket 20a corresponding to these insertion portions 31a and 32a. By inserting the insertion portions 31a and 32a into the socket 20a, the scraper member 31 or the applicator body holding member 32 can be detachably attached to the attachment unit 20. The applicator body holding member 32 has a rod-shaped shaft 32f extending laterally, with the insertion portion 32a at its tip. The shaft 32f functions as an intermediate structure connecting the applicator body holding member 32 and the handle 10, enhancing structural rigidity and operational stability during application. Furthermore, by providing a slight angle and elasticity to the shaft 32f, it can flexibly respond to contact pressure during application and also provides the effect of softening contact with the skin. Furthermore, the attachment part 20 may be provided on the tip side of the handle part 10 as shown in the figure, but it may also be provided on the first and second tip parts 31, 32 side, with an insert part provided on the handle part 10. Furthermore, it is not limited to a fitting structure such as an insert part and a socket, and any means can be used as long as it is a structure that can reliably connect the ends together, such as screw-in, bayonet, slide fitting, or magnetic connection.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state in which the scraper member 31 is attached to the handle portion 10 via the attachment portion 20, and in this state it can be used in the same way as a conventional backscratcher.

[0016] 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which applicator body holding member 32 with applicator body S attached thereto is attached to handle portion 10. Applicator body holding member 32 is attached to handle portion 10 via attachment portion 20 in place of scraper member 31. Applicator body S for applying a drug is attached to applicator body holding member 32, and applicator body S is made of an absorbent material such as cloth or sponge, and is capable of holding an appropriate amount of drug.

[0017] Applicator body S is configured to be detachable from applicator body holding member 32, and a locking means is used for attachment. The locking means is composed of ring groove 32c (see FIG. 1) provided on the outer peripheral side surface of applicator body holding member 32, and an annular fastening member L such as an O-ring, string, or rubber band attached thereto; applicator body S is securely locked by placing it over holding member 32 and then attaching it to ring groove 32c using annular fastening member L. Instead of using the locking means, other locking means for applicator body S may be used, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, snap button, or adhesive material provided on the surface of applicator body S facing holding surface 32b of applicator body holding member 32.

[0018] The applicator body S is detachable and replaceable, so it can be replaced with a new one as needed, allowing it to be used in a clean state at all times. Furthermore, by changing the material and shape of the applicator body, it can be used flexibly according to the type of medication and the user's preferences. It can also be used as either a disposable type or a type that can be washed and reused, making it hygienic and economical to use. The applicator body S can apply medication evenly over a wide area, making it effective even in hard-to-reach areas such as the back.

[0019] In addition, by applying a coating such as a permeation-proof film, such as a vinyl coating, to the back surface of the applicator S (the surface in contact with the holding surface 32b), it is possible to prevent the drug from seeping out and to protect the applicator holding member 32 from the drug.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a user is using a backscratcher 100 to apply ointment to their own back. The user grasps the handle 10 and places the applicator S against their back, allowing them to apply the ointment over a wide area. Even in areas that are difficult to reach, the applicator S can be freely operated via the handle 10, making it easy for elderly people, especially those with limited shoulder mobility, to apply the ointment to their backs.

[0021] In this way, the backscratcher 100 of this embodiment, in which the scraper member 31 and the applicator holding member 32 are configured to be interchangeable, can be used to switch between the function of scratching the back and the function of applying ointment with a single tool depending on the application, and is excellent in functionality, convenience, and hygiene.

[0022] Next, a backscratcher 100 with a function for applying ointment according to the present invention, which is a second embodiment, will be described. Figure 5 relates to the second embodiment, and (a) is a perspective view showing the state before the applicator S is attached, in which the applicator-holding member 32 is connected to the handle 10 via the attachment 20, and (b) is a perspective view showing the state after the applicator S has been attached to the applicator-holding member 32. In each figure, a portion of the figure is shown surrounded by a dashed line, and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion shown from the side without tilting is also shown in the same figure.

[0023] A backscratcher 100 with a function of applying ointment according to a second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the structure of applicator body holding member 32, in that the locking means is configured to lock applicator body S with a separate applicator body holding cover 32d. Applicator body holding cover 32d has a cylindrical side wall with locking portion 32e provided on its upper edge, and its lower end is configured to fit over the upper end of flat applicator body holding member 32.

[0024] To use the backscratcher 100 with ointment application function according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the applicator S is placed on the upper holding surface 32b of the applicator holding member 32. Then, the cylindrical applicator holding cover 32d is placed over the applicator S, and the upper end of the applicator holding member 32 is fitted to the lower end of the cover 32d, thereby attaching the applicator S. The applicator S is securely held within the applicator holding cover 32d while being pressed against the holding surface 32b by the engagement of the locking portion 32e. In particular, when the applicator S is made of an elastic material such as sponge, this prevents it from falling off during use and provides a stable feel. Furthermore, the applicator holding cover 32d is easily detachable, allowing for easy replacement and cleaning of the applicator S. Furthermore, in addition to cloth or sponge-like absorbent materials, the applicator S can also be a commercially available sweat wipe sheet or the like, which can be placed over holding surface 32b, in which case the back or the like can be wiped using applicator holding member 32. This allows for use not only in applying medicine but also in wiping applications, thereby contributing to maintaining hygiene and improving convenience for the user.

[0025] In the first and second embodiments, applicator holding member 32 is formed in a flat plate shape and has a circular outer shape, but this is not limited to this and can be changed to an oval or rectangular shape depending on the intended use. Furthermore, holding surface 32b that supports applicator S in the first and second embodiments is basically formed in a flat shape, but may be configured to be slightly curved to improve usability and wearing stability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 10 Handle 20 Attachment part 20a socket 31 scraper member (first tip portion) 31a Insertion part 32 Applicator body holding member (second tip portion) 32a Insertion part 32b Holding surface 32c ring groove 32d Applicator holding cover 32e Locking part 32f rod 100 Backscratcher L Annular fastening member S application body

Claims

1. The device comprises a tip portion, a handle portion, an attachment portion, and an applicator body, the attachment portion being provided between the tip portion and the handle portion, and the tip portion being detachable from the handle portion via the attachment portion; A scraper member is provided as a first tip end portion, and an applicator body holding member is provided as a second tip end portion, which holds an applicator body that can hold a ointment and be applied to the back, the applicator body holding member is formed in a flat plate shape, and a holding surface on which the applicator body is placed is formed on an upper surface thereof; By attaching the scraper member to the handle via the attachment part, it can be used as a backscratcher, This backscratcher is equipped with a function of applying ointment, characterized in that an applicator holding member is attached to a handle via an attachment part instead of a scraper member, thereby enabling application of ointment attached to the applicator to the back.

2. The backscratcher with a function of applying ointment according to claim 1, a ring groove is provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the applicator holding member, a sheet-shaped applicator that is engaged by utilizing the ring groove can be detachably attached to the applicator holding member, The applicator body is in the form of a sheet, and is attached to the ring groove from above the applicator body by a ring-shaped fastening member, and is a backscratcher with a function of applying ointment, which is engaged with the applicator body holding member.

3. The backscratcher having the ointment application function according to claim 1 or 2, The application body is made of an absorbent material such as cloth or sponge, and has a backscratcher function for applying ointment.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • "Grandson's Hand Mittens" and "Mitten Covers"

    JP3114000U