CA3056369A1

CA3056369A1 - Therapeutic reach applicator

Info

Publication number: CA3056369A1
Application number: CA3056369A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Melinda Stevens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-09-24
Filing date: 2019-09-23
Publication date: 2020-03-24
Also published as: CA3018356A1

Abstract

A therapeutic reach applicator comprises first and second elongated handles, each defining a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end.
A
therapeutic attachment has a first end adapted for removable retention by a retainer on the first elongated handle and a second end adapted for removable retention by a retainer on the second elongated handle. A therapeutic member is disposed between the first and second ends of the therapeutic attachment. The therapeutic reach applicator will enable persons with a limited range of motion to reach body areas such as feet and lower legs, neck and back to perform necessary hygiene activities, massage and light aerobic activity. The therapeutic attachments can be of varying lengths and widths depending upon their intended function. The therapeutic member may comprise a fabric pad, an absorbent material, a skin exfoliant material, or a massager.

Description

THERAPEUTIC REACH APPLICATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field physical aids for persons having a limited range of motion.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Many people struggle performing everyday tasks due to physical restrictions. People can suffer a loss of independence due to limitations on their physical activities as a result of surgery, injury, obesity or just normal mobility issues associated with old age. Skin breakdown and irritation on the feet and lower legs is prevalent in these groups. Others simply cannot reach these areas because of limited range of motion. Health care professionals will advise clients to monitor and treat their lower extremities for skin breakdown, but some people have difficulty monitoring or reaching their extremities and unintentionally neglect them.

[0003] There is a need for a product that will promote and encourage users to facilitate good health and hygiene practices. More specifically there is a need for a reaching aid to enable persons with a limited range of motion to reach body areas such as feet and lower legs, neck and back, etc. to perform necessary hygiene activities on a more regular basis. There is a need for a reaching aid that can be enjoyable to use for massage and light aerobic activity as well as for hygiene.

[0004] Other applicators and reaching aids are known. For example, Canadian patent application 2,213,110 teaches an applicator which comprises contoured handle attached to an oval paddle at one end. Velcro TM hook and loop material is attached to the paddle end and then lotion applicators, wash cloths, back scratchers etc. can be removably attached to the paddle. A user then extends the paddle with applicator attached to access hard to reach areas of the body.

[0005] Canadian patent application 2,569,158 teaches a similar tool having an elongated handle with an applicator pad. Canadian Patent application 2, 353,204 teaches a lotion applicator with a telescopic handle and a cylindrical roller to apply lotion to the body. Canadian patent No. 1,274,216 teaches a lotion applicator comprising an elongated handle with a locking ring structure to hold a pad with lotion applied. All of these devices are operated by holding the handle one hand and extending the respective distal end toward the bodily extremity. The one-handed nature of all of the foregoing devices may make the motion of the distal end difficult to control or position. As a result, the user may end up applying more or less pressure than desired or may not be able to target the applicator accurately.

[0006] Canadian patent application 2,470,154 teaches a fabric lotion applicator that comprises a rectangular main body constructed of fabric with fabric handle loops attached to the first end and the second end of the main body. A user would apply lotion to the main body and then the grasp both handles to bring the main body bearing the lotion into contact with the user's body to apply the lotion.
This device does not have rigid extending handles, which means that a user can only apply lotion to a part of the body that can be reached by extending the user's arms. For a person with a limited range of motion it may not be possible to extend far enough to reach feet or lower legs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A therapeutic reach applicator comprises a first elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end. A
first retainer is positioned at the distal end thereof to retain a first end of a therapeutic attachment. The therapeutic reach applicator further comprises a second elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end. A second retainer is positioned at the distal end of the second elongated handle to retain a second end of the therapeutic attachment. The therapeutic attachment has a first end adapted for removable retention by the first retainer, a second end adapted for removable retention by the second retainer, and a therapeutic member disposed between said first end and said second end.

[0008] The first retainer comprises a hooked arm oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated handle, and the second retainer comprises a hooked arm oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the second elongated handle.

[0009] The first end of the therapeutic attachment comprises a first loop member sized and positioned to be held by the first hooked arm, and the second end of the therapeutic attachment comprises a loop member sized and positioned to be held by the second hooked arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG.1 is a perspective view of therapeutic reach applicator in accordance with the present invention shown in use.

[0011] FIG.2 is perspective view a reach tool according to the present invention.

[0012] FIG.3A is a perspective view of an absorbent or applicator cloth according to the present invention.

[0013] FIG.3B is a perspective view of an exfoliator pad according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG.3C is a perspective view of a massager according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG.3D is a perspective view of a small absorbent cloth according to the present invention.

[0016] FIG.4 is partial perspective view of the therapeutic reach applicator according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG.5 is a perspective view of the therapeutic reach applicator shown in use with the small absorbent cloth of FIG. 3D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top"
designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly,"
"outwardly," "upwardly" and "downwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a," "an" and "the" are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning "at least one." The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0019] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0020] Turning now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 shows a therapeutic reach applicator 10 according to the present invention in use by a user 12. The main components of the therapeutic reach applicator 10 are the first elongated handle 14, the second elongated handle 16, and the therapeutic attachment 18.
Structurally, the first elongated handle 14 and the second elongated handle 16 are the same; however, since two elongated handles are required for functional operation of the therapeutic reach applicator, have been assigned separate structural names and reference numerals. Each of the elongated handles 14, 16 is designed to be long enough for a user to comfortably reach his/her lower extremities and the user's back and neck. It has been found that elongated handles of lengths between 60 cm to 80 cm function well, with a length of approximately 71 cm being optimal. The elongated handles 14, 16 may be constructed of any rigid, strong and lightweight material. Preferred materials would include aluminum tube, plastic, nylon, or ABS as they are light and water resistant.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows the structure of the first and the second elongated handles.
The first elongated handle 14 defines a longitudinal axis represented by Line A-A
and has a distal end 20 and a proximal end 22. A first retainer 24 is positioned at the distal end 20 of the first elongate handle 14 to retain a first end of a therapeutic attachment 18.

[0022] The second elongated handle 16 also defines a longitudinal axis and has a distal end 26 and a proximal end 28. The second elongated handle 16 has a second retainer 30 which is positioned at the distal end 26 end to retain a second end of the therapeutic attachment 18

[0023]Although not illustrated in the figures, the retainers on the distal ends of the first handle and the second handle could take many functional forms. For example, patches of hook and loop fastening material could be applied to the handles and to the ends of the therapeutic attachment and then mated to secure to assemble the therapeutic reach applicator for use. Alternatively, arrangements of snap fasteners or buttons and holes could be used to retain the therapeutic attachment to the distal ends of the elongated handles.

It is preferred for the retainers to be gently angled with respect to the elongated handles in order that the therapeutic attachments can be held in a position to provide optimal contact with the user's extremities, such as the soles of feet or backs of legs. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings the first retainer 24 comprises a hooked arm 32 oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A of the first elongated handle 14. The second retainer 30 comprises a hooked arm 34 oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A of the second elongated handle 16. The angled orientation of the retainers

24, 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2. For reference purposes FIG.2 shows lines B-B
which represent a longitudinal axis taken through each of the retainers 24, 30. A
comparison of the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle with retainer axis B-B
highlights the preferred angle of orientation "a". It is preferred for the retainers to have angles of the orientation of less than 45 degrees to the longitudinal axes.
Optimally, the angle of orientation a of the first hooked arm is between 25 to degrees to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated handle A-A, and the angle of orientation of the second hooked arm is between 25 to 35 degrees to the longitudinal axis A-A of the second elongated handle. It may be advantageous, though not necessary for each retainer to comprise more than one hooked arm 32 to facilitate retention better retention of the therapeutic attachment.
[0024] A variety of embodiments of the therapeutic attachment 18 are illustrated in FIG 3A-3D. The therapeutic attachments can be of varying lengths and widths depending upon their intended function. For example, a therapeutic attachment intended for massaging or washing a user's back could be approximately 50 cm long, while a therapeutic attachment intended to wash or massage a foot or leg might only be 25 cm long. Similarly, widths will also vary depending upon the intended function. Generally speaking, each therapeutic attachment 18 has a first end 36 adapted for removable retention by the first retainer 24, a second end adapted for removable retention by the second retainer 30, and a therapeutic member 40 disposed between the first end 36 and the second end 38. The first end 36 comprises a first loop member 42 sized and positioned to be held by the first hooked arm 32 of the first elongated handle 14, and the second end 38 of the therapeutic attachment 18 comprises a second loop member 44 sized and positioned to be held by the second hooked arm 34 of the second elongated handle 16. FIG 3A-3C show therapeutic members with a total of four loop members, while FIG 3D has only two loop members.

[0025]As shown in FIG 3A the therapeutic member comprises a fabric pad.
Different types of fabric pads can be used for different purposes. If a therapeutic attachment 18 is intended for use to apply a lotion or medicated cream to a user's body, the preferred therapeutic member 40 may be a constructed from a fabric which is not absorbent and has little or no nap. A therapeutic member intended for washing or drying the body may be constructed with a water absorbent fabric pad like a wash cloth or a bath towel.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG 3B, the therapeutic member 40 comprises a portion of skin exfoliant material 46. The skin exfoliant material may be selected from a number of suitable materials including:
loofah, terry cloth, brush bristles, nylon mesh netting, etc.

[0027] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG 3C, the therapeutic member 40 comprises massager 48. The massager 48 has a plurality of protrusions forming a massage head for massaging a user. Again, different materials can be used for massaging, for example, a plurality of beads strung together, nubbed rollers, a portion of flexible molded plastic having a nubbed surface, etc.

[0028] A further embodiment shown in FIG 3D shows a therapeutic attachment 18 with a narrow therapeutic member 40 intended for use between a user's toes. As shown in FIG 5 the therapeutic attachment has only one first loop member 42 and one second loop member 44 which are fitted onto one hooked arm on each of the elongated handles 14, 16.

[0029] In order to use the therapeutic reach applicator of the present invention, a user selects a therapeutic attachment according to the activity he/she wishes to perform. The user holds the selected therapeutic attachment 18 with the first end 36 near the distal end 20 of the first handle 14 and places the first loop member 42 which is on the first end thereof over the first hooked arm 32 to be held in position.
Likewise, the user places the second loop member 44 of the therapeutic attachment 18 over the second hooked arm 34 of the second elongated handle 16 to be held in position. As shown in FIG. 4, the therapeutic attachment 18 is thus suspended between the first elongated handle 14 and the second elongated handle 16, with the therapeutic member 40 disposed between the two ends of the therapeutic attachment. As shown in FIG. 1, the user can now grasp the proximal end 22 of the first handle 14 and the proximal end 28 of the second handle 16 and reach out to bring the therapeutic member 40 into contact with the desired body extremity (sole of the foot, heel, calf, back, etc.). The user can then move the therapeutic member in a desired motion to accomplish the intended care function. For application of lotion or medication, a gentle rubbing or smoothing motion would be used. For massaging, exfoliating or to scratch an itch, the user would move the handles14, 16 in a more vigorous side to side motion while applying the desired pressure. Once the care function is completed, the therapeutic attachment would be removed from the first and second hooked arms.

The process could be repeated using different therapeutic members for other functions.

[0030] The therapeutic reach applicator 10 enables users to perform personal care functions on their lower extremities themselves without assistance from support workers. This factor will encourage users to perform personal care functions on a more regular basis. While doing so, the user can enjoy the pleasant sensation of moving a therapeutic attachment over their extremities, which not only feels good but also improves circulation. Performing easy repetitive motion using by moving the handles of the therapeutic reach applicator can also provide benefits from light aerobic activity and an increased range of motion in the arms and shoulders. With use over an extended time the user may also see an improvement in upper body strength and improvement to the cardiovascular system.

Claims

l claim:

1. A therapeutic reach applicator comprising:
a first elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, and having a first retainer positioned at the distal end thereof to retain a first end of a therapeutic attachment;
a second elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, and having a second retainer positioned at the distal end thereof to retain a second end of the therapeutic attachment; and, said therapeutic attachment, having a first end adapted for removable retention by the first retainer, a second end adapted for removable retention by the second retainer, and a therapeutic member disposed between said first end and said second end.

2. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 1, wherein the first retainer comprises a first hooked arm oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated handle, and the second retainer comprises a second hooked arm oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the second elongated handle.

3. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 2, wherein the orientation of the first hooked arm is less than 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated handle, and the orientation of the second hooked arm is less than 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second elongated handle.

4. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 3, wherein the orientation of the first hooked arm is between 25 to 35 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated handle, and the orientation of the second hooked arm is between 25 to 35 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second elongated handle.

5. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 1, wherein the first end of the therapeutic attachment comprises a first loop member sized and positioned to be held by the first hooked arm, and the second end of the therapeutic attachment comprises a loop member sized and positioned to be held by the second hooked arm.

6. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic member comprises a fabric pad.

7. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 1, wherein the fabric pad is absorbent.

8. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic member comprises a portion of skin exfoliant material.

9. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 8, wherein the skin exfoliant material is selected from the group consisting of: loofah, terry cloth, brush bristles, and nylon mesh netting.

10. The therapeutic reach applicator of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic member comprises a massager for massaging a user.