U.S. patent application number 11/321853 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for body scrubbing device.
Invention is credited to Lucy M. Dratler, Sharon D. Woodard.
Application Number | 20070039116 11/321853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37766126 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070039116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woodard; Sharon D. ; et
al. |
February 22, 2007 |
Body scrubbing device
Abstract
A body scrubbing device (1) having a plurality of scrubbing
elements joined together to form a predetermined shape, preferably
a ball-shape. The scrubbing elements are preferably a mesh (2) and
cloth (3). A rope (4) may be secured to the body scrubbing device
(1) so as to easily permit a user to hang the device for drying and
storage purposes after use. An alternate embodiment of the present
invention is a body scrubbing device (1) having a plurality of
scrubbing elements joined in the form of a mitt (5) or glove
(7).
Inventors: |
Woodard; Sharon D.; (Bonita
Springs, FL) ; Dratler; Lucy M.; (Naples,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD M. LIVINGSTON, PA
963 TRAIL TERRACE DRIVE
NAPLES
FL
34103
US
|
Family ID: |
37766126 |
Appl. No.: |
11/321853 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60708872 |
Aug 17, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/227 ;
15/209.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/227 ;
015/209.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 7/02 20060101
A47K007/02 |
Claims
1. A body scrubbing device comprising: a first material and a
second material; said first material is bound to said second
material; a means for binding said first material to said second
material so as to form a substantially ball-shaped body scrubbing
device; and a means for hanging said body scrubbing device.
2. The body scrubbing device of claim 1 wherein: said first
material is mesh.
3. The body scrubbing device of claim 1 wherein: said second
material is cloth.
4. The body scrubbing device of claim 1 wherein: said first
material is mesh; and said second material is cloth.
5. The body scrubbing device of claim 1 wherein: said means for
hanging said body scrubbing device is a rope.
6. The body scrubbing device of claim 1 wherein: said first
material is bound to said second material such that said first
material covers said second material.
7. The body scrubbing device of claim 6 wherein: said first
material is mesh; and said second material is cloth.
8. The body scrubbing device of claim 1 wherein: said means for
binding is rope.
9. A body scrubbing device comprising: a first material and a
second material; said first material is of a predetermined shape so
as to fit over a hand; said second material substantially covers
said first material; and an opening for the accommodation of a
hand.
10. The body scrubbing device of claim 9 wherein: said first
material is mesh.
11. The body scrubbing device of claim 9 wherein: said second
material is cloth.
12. The body scrubbing device of claim 9 wherein: said first
material is mesh; and said second material is cloth.
13. The body scrubbing device of claim 9 wherein: said
predetermined shape is a mitt.
14. The body scrubbing device of claim 9 wherein: said
predetermined shape is a glove.
15. A body scrubbing device comprising: a first material and a
second material; said first material is mesh; said second material
is cloth; said first material is bound to said second material; a
means for binding said first material to said second material so as
to form a substantially ball-shaped body scrubbing device; said
first material is bound to said second material such that said
first material substantially covers said second material; and a
rope for hanging said body scrubbing device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/708,872, filed Aug. 17, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to body scrubbing devices,
more particularly, a body scrubbing device that provides a
plurality of cleansing materials for thorough cleansing of the
skin.
[0003] Body scrubbing devices have been used throughout time to
permit a person to thoroughly cleanse his or her skin. The most
basic of body scrubbing devices is the washcloth, which is
typically made of a terry cloth material. Individuals wrap a bar of
soap within the washcloth, wet the wash cloth and place the
washcloth with bar soap on his or her skin and begin scrubbing. In
the alternative, individuals could wet the washcloth and bar of
soap and rub the bar of soap against the washcloth so as to leave
soap on the washcloth. Then, the user could use the soapy washcloth
to scrub the skin. In addition, individuals could also use liquid
soap or gel in conjunction with the washcloth in order to cleanse
the skin. He or she simply pours or dispenses the soap onto the
washcloth and scrubs away.
[0004] Over time, various other body scrubbing devices began to
infiltrate the market, including loofah sponges and mesh shower
sponges. All-natural and porous loofah sponges, which are the dried
fibrous fruits of the loofah gourd, provide gentle exfoliation of
the skin cells when used for personal hygiene. Mesh shower sponges,
which are typically made of a soft nylon material, also provide a
for gentle exfoliation of the skin cells. Although the use of the
conventional body scrubbing devices effectively cleanses the body,
there are some drawbacks.
[0005] First, most people hang a used, soapy washcloth in the bath
or shower after use as the washcloth retains water. Although the
retention of water in the washcloth is beneficial for absorbing
soap during use, many baths and showers do not provide adequate
light and/or heat so as to dry the washcloth before the next use,
thereby forming a hospitable environment for the growth of mold and
other bacteria that thrive in moist, dark places. In addition, if
the washcloth does dry after use, the washcloth becomes hard and
rough as it "hung dry" with soap residue remaining in the
washcloth.
[0006] Second, although the use of loofahs is environmentally
friendly as they are biodegradable, natural and a renewable
resource, they are also an excellent breeding ground for bacteria
which can cause skin infections in open wounds or acne. Although
individuals may rinse out the loofah and hang it outside of the
shower for air-drying in order to reduce the amount of bacterial
growth, many recommend replacing the loofah every three weeks in
order to assure sterility. In addition, loofahs tend to
disintegrate after repeated use, which is both messy and
frustrating to the user.
[0007] Finally, although mesh shower sponges do dry more easily
than washcloths or loofahs, many individuals simply do not feel
clean after using a mesh sponge as it is difficult to exfoliate
one's skin with a such a soft, porous material.
[0008] Thus, the need exists for a body scrubbing device which
permits one to thoroughly cleanse oneself during a bath or shower,
yet easily dries after use so as to not promote bacterial
growth.
[0009] The relevant prior art includes the following references:
TABLE-US-00001 Patent No. (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor
Issue/Publication Date 5,915,434 Juarez 06-29-1999 2003/0208871
Osborne 11-13-2003 4,154,542 Rasmason 05-15-1979 6,048,407 Schoch
04-11-2000 6,161,246 Trachtenberg 12-19-2000 4,457,640 Anderson
07-03-1984 4,789,262 Sanchez 12-06-1988 5,671,498 Martin et al.
09-30-1997 Des. 418,954 Ferdenzi 01-11-2000 1,533,732 Frost
04-14-1925 6,016,571 Guzman et al. 01-25-2000
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
body scrubbing device that permits thorough cleansing of a person's
skin.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a body
scrubbing device that permits exfoliation of a person's skin.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a body
scrubbing device that is durable.
[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
body scrubbing device that promotes lathering during use.
[0014] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a body scrubbing device that may be hung for drying
purposes.
[0015] The present invention fulfills the above and other objects
by providing a body scrubbing device having a plurality of
scrubbing elements joined together to form a predetermined shape,
preferably a ball shape. The scrubbing elements are preferably mesh
and cloth. A rope may be secured to the body scrubbing device so as
to easily permit a user to hang the device for drying and storage
purposes after use.
[0016] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is a body
scrubbing device having a plurality of scrubbing elements joined
together in the form of another predetermined shape, specifically a
mitt or glove.
[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention should become even more readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown
and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In the following detailed description, reference will be
made to the attached drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a body
scrubbing device of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
body scrubbing device of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a binding means of the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a body
scrubbing device of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a
body scrubbing device of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the
terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the
drawings is as follows: TABLE-US-00002 1. body scrubbing device,
generally 2. mesh 3. cloth 4. rope 5. mitt 6. binding means 7.
glove 8. opening
[0025] With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first
embodiment of the present invention is shown. The body scrubbing
device 1 is formed of at least a first and second material so as to
provide various degrees of scrubbing and cleansing action. Mesh 2
and cloth 3 are the preferred cleansing materials used in the body
scrubbing device 1 so as to retain soap and water, provide for an
exfoliation of skin cells and to allow for quick drying of the body
scrubbing device 1. The mesh 2 and the cloth 3 are located
alongside one another and are bound together at a predetermined
location on the body scrubbing device 1, preferably the center. The
mesh 2 may be of a nylon material while the cloth 3 may be of a
terry cloth material, although other meshes 2 and cloths 3 may be
used. A hanging means, such as a rope 4, is preferably secured to
the body scrubbing device 4 at the center so as to permit a user to
hang the body scrubbing device 4 from a hook or other object for
drying and storage purposes. The rope 4 may be made of silk, nylon
or any other material. In addition, the rope 4 may be elastic,
flexible or rigid. In this embodiment, a person may choose to use
only the mesh 2 area, only the cloth 3 area or both the mesh 2 and
cloth 3 areas of the body scrubbing device 1 for cleansing while
showering or bathing.
[0026] In FIG. 2, a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention is shown. The second embodiment of the body
scrubbing device 1 includes the cloth 3 material inside and
surrounded by the mesh 2 material. In this manner, the water
retaining properties of the cloth 3 and the abrasiveness properties
of the mesh 2 provide for a thorough cleansing of the body.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a binding means 6 of the
second embodiment of the present invention. The binding means 6 may
be an elastic, cord, tie, string or any other object that retains
the scrubbing elements of the present invention in a predetermined
form. In addition, the biding means 6 may also be a portion of the
rope 4 used to hang and store the body scrubbing device 1.
[0028] Next, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment
of the present invention. The third embodiment of the body
scrubbing device 1 of the present invention is predeterminedly
shaped so as to fit over a hand and has an opening 8 for the
insertion of a hand. Specifically, the third embodiment of the
present invention is in the form of a mitt 5. The mitt 5 is made of
cloth 3 and has a mesh 2 overlay so as to provide a dual-layered
mitt 5.
[0029] Finally, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is
predeterminedly shaped so as to fit over a hand; specifically in
the shape of a glove 7. Similar to the third embodiment of the body
scrubbing device 1 of the present invention, the glove 7 is
dual-layers wherein mesh 2 surrounds the cloth 3.
[0030] The use of the present invention will permit a person to
thoroughly cleanse his or her skin via a variety of materials.
[0031] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention
have been described in detail hereinabove, all improvements and
modifications to this invention within the scope or equivalents of
the claims are included as part of this invention.
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