WO1998032540A1 - Device for applying fluids - Google Patents

Device for applying fluids Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998032540A1
WO1998032540A1 PCT/GB1998/000210 GB9800210W WO9832540A1 WO 1998032540 A1 WO1998032540 A1 WO 1998032540A1 GB 9800210 W GB9800210 W GB 9800210W WO 9832540 A1 WO9832540 A1 WO 9832540A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flexible
absorbent material
vertebrae
section
wire
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1998/000210
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Manson
Original Assignee
Martin Manson
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Martin Manson filed Critical Martin Manson
Priority to AU56751/98A priority Critical patent/AU5675198A/en
Publication of WO1998032540A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998032540A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/02—Rollers ; Hand tools comprising coating rollers or coating endless belts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for applying fluids, pharmaceutical creams or lotions, paint and the like .
  • the invention also relates to problems encountered by sunbathers when applying suntan lotion to body areas which are difficult to reach. Such areas include the back and also the backs of the legs, for example, and pose a very real problem when trying to provide adequate protection.
  • a device for applying fluids or the like comprising a flexible vertebrae and an absorbent material .
  • At least a portion of the vertebrae is substantially covered by the absorbent material .
  • the vertebrae is substantially covered by the absorbent material .
  • the flexible vertebrae can be formed from a ductile wire, the wire being substantially covered by the absorbent material.
  • the ductile wire is typically twisted longitudinally to form a flexible, yet self- supporting vertebrae for the absorbent material.
  • a device for applying fluids or the like comprising a flexible section and a rigid section, the flexible section and the rigid section being connected to each other to facilitate relative rotation of the rigid section with respect to the flexible section.
  • the flexible section typically comprises a flexible vertebrae formed from a ductile wire, the wire being at least partially covered by an absorbent material, or having an absorbent material otherwise attached thereto.
  • the ductile wire is typically twisted longitudinally to form a flexible, yet self-supporting vertebrae for the absorbent material.
  • the rigid section comprises a spine which is substantially covered by an absorbent material. It is preferable to have one end of the spine engagable with a bearing on the flexible section for effecting the relative rotation of the two sections.
  • the absorbent material which encases the vertebrae of the flexible section is of the same type of material as the absorbent material which encases the spine of the rigid section.
  • the absorbent material which encases the vertebrae of the flexible section is not of the same type of material as the absorbent material which encases the spine of the rigid section.
  • one end of the flexible section comprises a flange which houses the bearing.
  • the device may be worn by the user when not in use. This is typically achieved by wrapping the devide around the neck or alternatively, around a limb.
  • Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-section of a device for applying fluids according to a first aspect of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of a device for applying fluids according to a second aspect of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional end elevation showing a section through the device of Fig. 2
  • Figs. 4A, B and C are a series of views depicting the constructional steps of a flexible vertebrae.
  • a device for applying fluids generally depicted by the reference numeral 10.
  • the device 10 is in the form of a flexible vertebrae 18 which is substantially covered by an absorbent material 12.
  • the vertebrae 18 is formed from a twisted ductile wire which provides the flexibility and is advantageously manufactured in accordance with the steps as shown in Figs. 4A, B and C.
  • the wire used in this application to form the flexible vertebrae 18, is stainless steel, bright, annealed wire of about 1.6 millimetres in diameter.
  • the type of absorbent material 12 can vary, and depends upon the particular liquid which is being applied, and also on the type of application. For example, the type of material for applying paint would be very much different from that for suntan lotion.
  • a device for applying fluids but not limited to such, generally depicted by the reference numeral 30.
  • the device 30 is in the form of a flexible section 28, coupled to a rigid section 14 by way of a bearing 16.
  • the flexible section 28 comprises a flexible vertebrae 18 formed from a twisted ductile wire which provides the flexibility of the flexible section 28, and is advantageously manufactured in accordance with the steps as shown in Figs. 4A, B and C.
  • the flexible vertebrae 18 is substantially covered by a foam material 20.
  • the wire used in this application to form the flexible vertebrae 18, is stainless steel, bright, annealed wire of about 1.6 millimetres in diameter.
  • the foam material 20 may be any foam based substance, but preferably silicone.
  • the silicone material is typically of a fine cell structure, giving a hard- wearing surface which is solvent resistant.
  • the advantage of this type of structure is that the foam material 20 may be supplied by the manufacturer in a variety of different materials offering varied absorbency and texture. This makes the applicator 30 a versatile item with a number of varied applications.
  • the foam material 20 is typically 50 centimetres long, with a typical diameter of 3 centimetres . It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the lengths and diameters can be varied, depending upon the application for which the device is being used.
  • a bearing 16 is located within the central diameter of the foam material 20, and towards one end of the flexible section 28.
  • a flange 22 is connected to the same end of the flexible section 28.
  • a spine 24 forms the vertebrae of the rigid section 14 and is engagable with the bearing to facilitate multiple 360 degree rotations.
  • This provides a rigid roller section which is used for the application of fluids which may be rolled onto a surface. It should be noted that both sections of the device are mutually rotatable around the same axis.
  • the rigid section 14 consists of the spine 24 which is also substantially covered by a foam material 26. It is possible to change the type of foam material 26 to suit the particular use of the invention as before.
  • foam materials 20, 26 are also possible to have the foam materials 20, 26 as the same type of material or alternatively, of different types, depending upon the particular use of the device.
  • Fig. 4A shows the ductile wire which should initially be in the form of a closed loop. This closed loop is then stretched to give an ellipse, as shown in Fig. 4B. The elongated ellipse is then twisted together, as shown in Fig. 4C, to form the twisted wire.
  • This provides a flexible vertebrae 18 which has no sharp edges and is flexible, yet self-supportive.
  • the device is capable of being put to many uses but may be best suited to the application of suntan lotion. It may be bent in such a way so as to facilitate the application of the lotion to the areas of the torso which are difficult to reach by hand.
  • the foam material may be provided in an assortment of colours to give the device an aesthetic appeal.
  • the device can then be worn by the user by being bent to fit securely around the neck or a limb of the user to be kept safe for further use.
  • the variety of material will also give the device an aesthetic appeal when secured in such a way.
  • the device can be used in hospitals by the disabled or elderly for the application of ointments and creams to those areas which they cannot easily reach by hand, such as the lower limbs and back.

Abstract

A device for applying fluids or the like too difficult to reach areas, the device being flexible and capable of being formed into shapes which allow the user to reach difficult areas, such as the back of the torso or legs, or behind radiators, to apply the fluid. The device may be bent around the neck or any other limb for wearing when not in use, particularly when used to apply suntan lotion, or other cosmetic liquid. Can be used in hospitals for applying pharmaceutical creams and fluids or in industry or the home for applying paint or the like. The device (10) comprises a flexible vertebrae constitued by a twisted wire (18) covered by an absorbent material.

Description

"Device for Applying Fluids"
The present invention relates to a device for applying fluids, pharmaceutical creams or lotions, paint and the like .
High ceilings and alcoves are places where a painter, for example, can easily see the areas which are to be covered and thus are not very difficult to paint. However, it is difficult to apply fluids such as paint to areas, such as areas of a wall behind a radiator, where vision is impaired or where it may be difficult to reach.
The invention also relates to problems encountered by sunbathers when applying suntan lotion to body areas which are difficult to reach. Such areas include the back and also the backs of the legs, for example, and pose a very real problem when trying to provide adequate protection.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for applying fluids or the like comprising a flexible vertebrae and an absorbent material .
Preferably, at least a portion of the vertebrae is substantially covered by the absorbent material . Most preferably, the vertebrae is substantially covered by the absorbent material .
Typically, the flexible vertebrae can be formed from a ductile wire, the wire being substantially covered by the absorbent material. The ductile wire is typically twisted longitudinally to form a flexible, yet self- supporting vertebrae for the absorbent material.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for applying fluids or the like, the device comprising a flexible section and a rigid section, the flexible section and the rigid section being connected to each other to facilitate relative rotation of the rigid section with respect to the flexible section.
The flexible section typically comprises a flexible vertebrae formed from a ductile wire, the wire being at least partially covered by an absorbent material, or having an absorbent material otherwise attached thereto. The ductile wire is typically twisted longitudinally to form a flexible, yet self-supporting vertebrae for the absorbent material.
Typically, the rigid section comprises a spine which is substantially covered by an absorbent material. It is preferable to have one end of the spine engagable with a bearing on the flexible section for effecting the relative rotation of the two sections.
Typically, the absorbent material which encases the vertebrae of the flexible section is of the same type of material as the absorbent material which encases the spine of the rigid section.
Alternatively, the absorbent material which encases the vertebrae of the flexible section is not of the same type of material as the absorbent material which encases the spine of the rigid section.
Preferably, one end of the flexible section comprises a flange which houses the bearing.
Preferably, the device may be worn by the user when not in use. This is typically achieved by wrapping the devide around the neck or alternatively, around a limb.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-section of a device for applying fluids according to a first aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of a device for applying fluids according to a second aspect of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional end elevation showing a section through the device of Fig. 2; and Figs. 4A, B and C are a series of views depicting the constructional steps of a flexible vertebrae.
With reference to Fig. 1 there is shown a device for applying fluids, generally depicted by the reference numeral 10. The device 10 is in the form of a flexible vertebrae 18 which is substantially covered by an absorbent material 12. The vertebrae 18 is formed from a twisted ductile wire which provides the flexibility and is advantageously manufactured in accordance with the steps as shown in Figs. 4A, B and C. Typically, the wire used in this application to form the flexible vertebrae 18, is stainless steel, bright, annealed wire of about 1.6 millimetres in diameter.
The type of absorbent material 12 can vary, and depends upon the particular liquid which is being applied, and also on the type of application. For example, the type of material for applying paint would be very much different from that for suntan lotion.
With reference to Fig. 2 there is shown a device for applying fluids, but not limited to such, generally depicted by the reference numeral 30. The device 30 is in the form of a flexible section 28, coupled to a rigid section 14 by way of a bearing 16.
The flexible section 28 comprises a flexible vertebrae 18 formed from a twisted ductile wire which provides the flexibility of the flexible section 28, and is advantageously manufactured in accordance with the steps as shown in Figs. 4A, B and C. The flexible vertebrae 18 is substantially covered by a foam material 20. As in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the wire used in this application to form the flexible vertebrae 18, is stainless steel, bright, annealed wire of about 1.6 millimetres in diameter.
The foam material 20 may be any foam based substance, but preferably silicone. The silicone material is typically of a fine cell structure, giving a hard- wearing surface which is solvent resistant. The advantage of this type of structure is that the foam material 20 may be supplied by the manufacturer in a variety of different materials offering varied absorbency and texture. This makes the applicator 30 a versatile item with a number of varied applications.
The foam material 20 is typically 50 centimetres long, with a typical diameter of 3 centimetres . It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the lengths and diameters can be varied, depending upon the application for which the device is being used.
A bearing 16 is located within the central diameter of the foam material 20, and towards one end of the flexible section 28. A flange 22 is connected to the same end of the flexible section 28.
A spine 24 forms the vertebrae of the rigid section 14 and is engagable with the bearing to facilitate multiple 360 degree rotations. This provides a rigid roller section which is used for the application of fluids which may be rolled onto a surface. It should be noted that both sections of the device are mutually rotatable around the same axis.
The rigid section 14 consists of the spine 24 which is also substantially covered by a foam material 26. It is possible to change the type of foam material 26 to suit the particular use of the invention as before.
It is also possible to have the foam materials 20, 26 as the same type of material or alternatively, of different types, depending upon the particular use of the device.
With reference now to Figs. 4A, B and C, the preferable manufacturing steps for constructing the flexible vertebrae 18 are as shown.
Fig. 4A shows the ductile wire which should initially be in the form of a closed loop. This closed loop is then stretched to give an ellipse, as shown in Fig. 4B. The elongated ellipse is then twisted together, as shown in Fig. 4C, to form the twisted wire. This provides a flexible vertebrae 18 which has no sharp edges and is flexible, yet self-supportive.
The device is capable of being put to many uses but may be best suited to the application of suntan lotion. It may be bent in such a way so as to facilitate the application of the lotion to the areas of the torso which are difficult to reach by hand. The foam material may be provided in an assortment of colours to give the device an aesthetic appeal.
Once the lotion has been supplied, the device can then be worn by the user by being bent to fit securely around the neck or a limb of the user to be kept safe for further use. The variety of material will also give the device an aesthetic appeal when secured in such a way.
Similarly, the device can be used in hospitals by the disabled or elderly for the application of ointments and creams to those areas which they cannot easily reach by hand, such as the lower limbs and back.
Modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for applying fluids or the like comprising a flexible vertebrae and an absorbent material .
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the vertebrae is substantially covered by the absorbent material .
3. A device according to either preceding claim, wherein the vertebrae is substantially covered by the absorbent material.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible vertebrae is formed from a ductile wire, the wire being covered by the absorbent material.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the ductile wire is twisted longitudinally to form the flexible vertebrae .
6. A device for applying fluids or the like, the device comprising a flexible section and a rigid section, the flexible section and the rigid section being connected to each other to facilitate relative rotation of the rigid section with respect to the flexible section.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the flexible section comprises a flexible vertebrae formed from a ductile wire, the wire being at least partially covered by an absorbent material.
8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the ductile wire is twisted longitudinally to form a flexible vertebrae .
9. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the rigid section comprises a spine which is substantially covered by an absorbent material.
10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the absorbent material of the vertebrae of the flexible section is of the same type as the absorbent material of the spine of the rigid section.
11. A device according to claim 9, wherein the absorbent material of the vertebrae of the flexible section is not of the same type as the absorbent material of the spine of the rigid section.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent material is foam rubber.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the absorbent material is silicone.
14. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein one end of the spine is engagable with a bearing on the flexible section to facilitate the relative rotation of the two sections.
15. A device according to claim 14, wherein one end of the flexible section comprises a flange which houses the bearing.
16. A device according to any preceding claim, capable of being worn by a user.
PCT/GB1998/000210 1997-01-23 1998-01-22 Device for applying fluids WO1998032540A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU56751/98A AU5675198A (en) 1997-01-23 1998-01-22 Device for applying fluids

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9701354.4 1997-01-23
GBGB9701354.4A GB9701354D0 (en) 1997-01-23 1997-01-23 Device for applying liquids

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998032540A1 true WO1998032540A1 (en) 1998-07-30

Family

ID=10806462

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1998/000210 WO1998032540A1 (en) 1997-01-23 1998-01-22 Device for applying fluids

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5675198A (en)
GB (1) GB9701354D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1998032540A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9180479B1 (en) 2008-12-08 2015-11-10 Susan J. Ries Painting apparatus
US10780453B2 (en) 2017-06-12 2020-09-22 Jvis-Usa, Llc Elongated painting apparatus

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB848193A (en) * 1959-05-11 1960-09-14 Joseph George Grant Improvements in and relating to roller devices for applying paint to a surface
US3134124A (en) * 1961-06-19 1964-05-26 Erwin A Horn Coating applicator
US4155139A (en) * 1978-02-22 1979-05-22 Corcoran Theodore P Paint brush with disposable applicator element
AT366597B (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-04-26 Franz Schneider Kg STRING DEVICE
GB2090730A (en) * 1981-01-03 1982-07-21 William Malcolm Edgar Paint brush
EP0250680A1 (en) * 1986-06-16 1988-01-07 Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc. Improved mascara brush
FR2686809A1 (en) * 1992-01-31 1993-08-06 Castanet Raymond Device which can be used as a disposable paintbrush

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB848193A (en) * 1959-05-11 1960-09-14 Joseph George Grant Improvements in and relating to roller devices for applying paint to a surface
US3134124A (en) * 1961-06-19 1964-05-26 Erwin A Horn Coating applicator
US4155139A (en) * 1978-02-22 1979-05-22 Corcoran Theodore P Paint brush with disposable applicator element
AT366597B (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-04-26 Franz Schneider Kg STRING DEVICE
GB2090730A (en) * 1981-01-03 1982-07-21 William Malcolm Edgar Paint brush
EP0250680A1 (en) * 1986-06-16 1988-01-07 Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc. Improved mascara brush
FR2686809A1 (en) * 1992-01-31 1993-08-06 Castanet Raymond Device which can be used as a disposable paintbrush

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9180479B1 (en) 2008-12-08 2015-11-10 Susan J. Ries Painting apparatus
US10780453B2 (en) 2017-06-12 2020-09-22 Jvis-Usa, Llc Elongated painting apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9701354D0 (en) 1997-03-12
AU5675198A (en) 1998-08-18

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