Foldable lotion applicator

Abstract

A foldable lotion applicator for applying body, suntan and medicinal lotions, including creams, gels, ointments, oils and other preparations. The applicator is comprised of a beveled I-beam two-part folding shaft with a one-hand operable locking hinge and a ribbed non-slip grip handle with a removable, replaceable cosmetic foam applicator pad with a snap-on cover to protect the applicator pad from contamination and the unwanted distribution of lotions and the like, with the applicator shaft sufficiently long to reach otherwise inaccessible areas of the back and all other areas of the body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to lotion applicators and, in particular, to a lotion applicator that can be folded into a size convenient for carrying in a purse or pocket, yet long enough, when unfolded, to assist in spreading creams, liquids, gels, oils, medications or other substances (lotions) to the body and, in particular, areas of the body that are otherwise difficult to reach, such as a user's back. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] With the increased publicity about the potential health risks from exposure to the sun, there is a need for a convenient and effective lotion applicator. Because prior art lotion applicators are either inconvenient to carry and / or create a high potential for spreading lotion where it is unwanted and / or are not easy to use or clean, lotion is typically applied directly from the hands to the body. Given that certain areas of the back are difficult to reach, the drawback of not using an applicator is that certain par...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention provides a lotion applicator that can be folded into a convenient size that can be easily carried in a purse, bag or even a pocket. In addition, the applicator head that carries a lotion-applying absorbent pad has a cover that protects the pad and prevents any residue lotion on the pad from being spread to unintended areas or surfaces.

[0011] In one embodiment, the invention is comprised of three injection-molded parts. The first part is a handle shaft having a handle at one end and a hinge member at the other end. A second part is an applicator head shaft having an applicator head at one end and a hinge member at its other end. When the two hinge members are joined, they create a snap-lock hinge which permits the shafts, when aligned, to be locked into and form an essentially unified shaft and, when released, allow the shafts to overlay each other to reduce the overall size of the applicator for storage and carrying. The third part is a cover for the applicator head which carries a lotion-applying pad. When the cover is in place, the pad is protected from any contamination and, at the same time, any residue on the pad is prevented from being accidentally applied to surfaces while the applicator is being stored or carried. The hinge has a quick-release which permits the shafts to easily rotate relative to each other to assume the compact position. When the shafts overlie each other, the handle extends over the applicator head and provides an extra layer of assurance that the cover does not get dislodged and expose the pad. The handle is formed from a plurality of spaced-apart ribs which provide for an excellent grip that resists slippage when hands are either wet or oily and also can be used as a back scratcher.

Problems solved by technology

Because prior art lotion applicators are either inconvenient to carry and / or create a high potential for spreading lotion where it is unwanted and / or are not easy to use or clean, lotion is typically applied directly from the hands to the body.

Given that certain areas of the back are difficult to reach, the drawback of not using an applicator is that certain parts of the body are frequently missed.

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