Long-Handled Towel Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel long-handled towel device. The device is a bathroom assistance device for use by the elderly and other physically limited individuals to help dry themselves off after bathing. The long-handled towel device comprises an elongated shaft component comprising a first end and a second end. A mildew-resistant component is positioned at the first end and a handle component is positioned at the second end. In use, a bathroom towel or other suitable towel is wrapped around the mildew-resistant component and secured. The towels are interchangeable and washable, as needed. The towel can then be applied to the body and lower extremities to dry a user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A long-handled towel device that allows a user to maintain a comfortable standing position while drying off their legs and feet, the long-handled towel device comprising:
 an elongated shaft component;   a handle component; and   a mildew-resistant component;   wherein the handle component is secured to an end of the elongated shaft component; and   wherein the mildew-resistant component is secured to an opposing end of the elongate shaft component;   wherein a bathroom towel is secured around the mildew-resistant component during use; and   further wherein the bathroom towel is applied to a body and lower extremities to dry a user.   
     
     
         2 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated shaft component extends between a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         3 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 2 , wherein the handle component is secured to the second end of the elongated shaft component. 
     
     
         4 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 3 , wherein the mildew-resistant component is secured to the first end of the elongated shaft component. 
     
     
         5 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 4 , wherein the elongated shaft component is slightly curved, such that a user can reach their back when in use. 
     
     
         6 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 5 , wherein the handle component is secured to the second end and extends outward from the elongated shaft component. 
     
     
         7 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 6 , wherein the handle component comprises an ergonomical grip. 
     
     
         8 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 7 , wherein the handle component is curved to allow a user to more easily reach their back and hip area. 
     
     
         9 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 8 , wherein the handle component comprises an elongated hole with a string attached, to allow the long-handled towel device to be hung from a hook. 
     
     
         10 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 9 , wherein the elongated shaft component can be telescoping. 
     
     
         11 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 1 , wherein the mildew-resistant component is a U-shaped component which would comprise a set of parallel arms connected by a base component to form the U-shaped component and the bathroom towel is secured via hook and loop fasteners to the U-shaped component. 
     
     
         12 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 1 , wherein the mildew-resistant component is a flat, oval-shaped component and the bathroom towel is shaped as a pocket which is placed over the mildew-resistant component and secured via a drawstring and toggles. 
     
     
         13 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 1 , wherein the bathroom towel is removable and washable. 
     
     
         14 . A long-handled towel device that allows a user to maintain a comfortable standing position while drying off their legs and feet, the long-handled towel device comprising:
 an elongated shaft component comprising a first end and a second end;   a handle component with an ergonomical grip, secured to the second end; and   a mildew-resistant component shaped like a flat, oval-shaped component, which is secured to the first end;   wherein the elongated shaft component is slightly curved, such that a user can reach their back when in use;   wherein a bathroom towel is manufactured as a pocket with an opening at one end;   wherein the opening is placed over the mildew-resistant component;   wherein the bathroom towel is secured around the mildew-resistant component via a drawstring and toggles;   wherein the bathroom towel is removable and washable; and   further wherein the bathroom towel is applied to a body and lower extremities to dry a user.   
     
     
         15 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 14  further comprising a plurality of indicia. 
     
     
         16 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 14 , wherein the handle component comprises an elongated hole with a string attached, to allow the long-handled towel device to be hung from a hook. 
     
     
         17 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 14 , wherein the mildew-resistant component is an L-shaped component for drying flat surfaces. 
     
     
         18 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 14 , wherein the first end and the second end may provide protrusions with external threading for removably attaching to the mildew-resistant component and the handle component. 
     
     
         19 . The long-handled towel device of  claim 18 , wherein the mildew-resistant component and the handle component comprise cavities with internal threading for operatively receiving and engaging the protrusions and external threading, respectively. 
     
     
         20 . A method of drying a user's lower extremities and legs while maintaining a comfortable standing position, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing a long-handled towel device comprising an elongated shaft component with a mildew-resistant component on one end and a handle component on the other end;   securing a bathroom towel to the mildew-resistant component;   utilizing the bathroom towel to dry a user's lower extremities and legs while comfortably standing; and   removing the bathroom towel from the mildew-resistant component and washing the bathroom towel after use.