U.S. patent application number 14/596305 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-14 for container with integrated scrubbing element.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Dial Corporation. Invention is credited to James A. Fernandez.
Application Number | 20160198910 14/596305 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56366604 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160198910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fernandez; James A. |
July 14, 2016 |
CONTAINER WITH INTEGRATED SCRUBBING ELEMENT
Abstract
A device for dispensing material is described. The device
includes a container to hold material to dispense and an opening in
the container through which the material in the container is
dispensed. The device also includes a scrubbing element covering
the opening to incorporate the material into a surface. The device
also includes a handle integral to the container.
Inventors: |
Fernandez; James A.;
(Chandler, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Dial Corporation |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56366604 |
Appl. No.: |
14/596305 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61Q 19/10 20130101;
A45D 2200/1054 20130101; A61K 8/31 20130101; A61K 2800/87 20130101;
A47K 7/028 20130101; A47K 7/03 20130101; A61K 2800/10 20130101;
A45D 34/04 20130101; A45D 2200/1018 20130101; A47K 5/1201 20130101;
A45D 34/042 20130101; A61Q 19/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 7/03 20060101
A47K007/03; A47K 7/02 20060101 A47K007/02 |
Claims
1. A device for dispensing a material, the device comprising: a
container to hold material to be dispensed; an opening in the
container through which material in the container is dispensed; a
scrubbing element covering the opening to incorporate the material
into a surface; and a handle integral to the container.
2. The device of claim 1, in which the scrubbing element comprises
at least one of: a loofah, an exfoliating loofah, a sponge, a scrub
brush, a mophead, a feather duster, and a number of
irregularities.
3. The device of claim 2, in which the scrubbing element is a
loofah.
4. The device of claim 1, in which the container includes a
polyethylene polymer material.
5. The device of claim 1, in which a longitudinal axis of the
handle is parallel to a long axis of the container.
6. The device of claim 1, in which the handle further includes a
grip element to enhance friction between a user and the
container.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a valve to regulate a
flow of the fluid through the opening.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cap to cover the
opening, in which: the scrubbing element is disposed on the cap;
the cap comprises a hole through which the fluid flows through the
cap; and the opening is covered with a removable seal.
9. The device of claim 1, in which the material is a fluid, in
which the fluid comprises at least one of: a body wash, a soap, a
shampoo, a conditioner, a dye, an insect repellant, a sunscreen, a
topical medication, a baby oil, a mineral oil, a plant oil, a hard
surface cleaner, a household cleanser, a bathroom cleaner, and a
duster.
10. A system for applying a fluid to skin, the system comprising: a
container comprising: an opening for dispensing a fluid; a handle
integrally formed in the container, the handle being defined by a
channel through a portion of the container; and a scrubbing element
connected to the container near the opening, in which the fluid
dispensed from the opening contacts the scrubbing element.
11. The system of claim 10, in which the fluid comprises at least
one of: a body wash, a soap, a shampoo, a conditioner, a dye, an
insect repellant, a sunscreen, a topical medication, a baby oil, a
mineral oil, and a plant oil.
12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a second handle
formed in the container.
13. The system of claim 12, in which the second handle is a
different size than the first handle.
14. The system of claim 12, in which a portion of the container is
flat.
15. A device for dispensing a material comprising: a container to
hold a material; an opening in the container through which the
material is dispensed; a sealed passage passing through the
container that forms a handle in a portion of the container; and a
scrubbing element to incorporate the material onto a surface, in
which: the scrubbing element is disposed near the opening; and
material dispensed from the container contacts the scrubbing
element.
16. The device of 15, further comprising a fluid disposed within
the container.
17. The device of 16, in which the opening is sized so fluid from
the container is not dispensed unless the container is
deformed.
18. The device of 16, in which a portion of the container is
deformable to dispense fluid from the container.
19. The device of claim 18, in which a deformable portion of the
container is marked by an indicator to indicate where the device
may be deformed to dispense fluid from the container
20. The device of 18, in which the handle is deformable to dispense
fluid from the container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a hand held
device for applying a material and more particularly relates to a
device including an integrated scrubbing element for applying the
material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many consumer cleaning devices have a limited lifespan. Upon
expiration, these products may function less effectively or clean
less thoroughly than desired. However, because the decrease in
functionality is gradual, it may be challenging for consumers to
recognize when a product has gone from being effective to
ineffective or to recognize when replacing the product would
provide an increase in functionality.
[0003] Moreover, many consumer cleaning devices accumulate bacteria
and contaminants over their useful life. Such contamination and
bacteria growth may be reduced by periodically cleaning and/or
sterilizing the device. However, as with determining the useful
life of a product, a consumer may be unaware of when to perform the
cleaning activity to reduce accumulation of contaminants.
[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to indicate to consumers of an
expiration of a useful life of a consumer cleaning device. In
addition, it is desirable to indicate to consumers when to replace
older devices that have accumulated contaminants. Furthermore,
other desirable features and characteristics of the present
invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed
description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of
the invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A device for dispensing a material is described. The device
includes a container to hold the material to be dispensed and an
opening in the container through which material in the container is
dispensed. The device also includes a scrubbing element covering
the opening to incorporate the material into a surface. The device
also includes a handle integral to the container.
[0006] A system for applying a fluid to skin is described. The
system includes a container with an opening for dispensing fluid
and a handle integrally formed in the container. The handle is
defined by a channel through a portion of the container. The
container also includes a scrubbing element connected to the
container near the opening. Fluid dispensed from the opening
contacts the scrubbing element.
[0007] A device for dispensing a material is described. The device
includes a container to hold a material and an opening in the
container through which the material is dispensed. The device
includes a sealed passage passing through the container that forms
a handle in a portion of the container. The device also includes a
scrubbing element to incorporate the material onto a surface. The
scrubbing element is disposed near the opening. Material dispensed
from the container contacts the scrubbing element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein numbers
denote similar but not necessarily identical elements.
[0009] The following figures are provided to illustrate various
aspects of one or more examples and do not limit the scope of the
claims.
[0010] FIG. 1A is an external side view of a device with an
integrated scrubbing element according to one example of the
principles described herein.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a cross sectional side view of the device of FIG.
1, according to one example of the principles described herein.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of a device with an integrated
scrubbing element according to another example of the principles
described herein.
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a front view and a side view,
respectively, of a device with an integrated scrubbing element
according to another example of the principles described
herein.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of a device with an integrated
scrubbing element according to another example of the principles
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following detailed description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the
following detailed description of the invention.
[0016] Consumer cleaning devices gradually wear out, resulting in
reduced cleaning effectiveness, increased cleaning time, and
increased work for users. However, because the decrease in
effectiveness can be gradual, it can be challenging to notice when
replacing a worn device will result in improved results.
Additionally, cleaning devices can accumulate contaminants,
including bacteria, which can apply additional bacteria to a
surface in subsequent cleanings. Periodic cleaning of the cleaning
devices can reduce this accumulation of contaminants but may not be
effective or cost effective.
[0017] Accordingly, it is desirable to have a cleaning device that
includes a way of identifying the end of the effective life of the
cleaning element. The present disclosure describes a device with a
container for holding a cleaning product and a cleaning element
attached to the device. The cleaning product is dispensed from the
container and used with the cleaning element. When the container is
depleted, the effective life of the cleaning element may have
expired, providing an intuitive reminder to dispose of the cleaning
element.
[0018] FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of a device with an
integrated scrubbing element (130) according to one example of the
principles described herein. Specifically, FIG. 1A is an external
side view. The device includes a container (110) to hold a fluid.
The container (110) includes an opening (120) to dispense fluid
from the container (110). Attached to the outside of the container
(110) is a scrubbing element (130). The scrubbing element (130) may
be near the opening (120). The scrubbing element (130) receives the
fluid dispensed from the container (110). In other words as fluid
is dispensed through the opening (120) it comes into contact with,
and is temporarily held in, the scrubbing element (130). The
scrubbing element (130) facilitates applying the fluid to a
surface. The container (110) includes a handle (140), the handle
(140) being formed by a passage (150) through the container
(110).
[0019] The container (110) accommodates material that can be
dispensed onto the scrubbing element (130) attached to the
container (110). The scrubbing element (130) can then be used to
apply the material. The container (110) may be used to dispense a
wide variety of materials, including fluids. The term fluid should
be understood to characterize a material that may be placed in the
container (110) and dispensed through the opening (120).
Accordingly, the fluid may include: liquids, colloids, slurries,
pastes, gels, creams, suspensions, emulsions, and other mixtures of
liquids and/or solids. The fluid may include a body wash, a soap, a
shampoo, a conditioner, a dye, an insect repellant, a sunscreen, a
topical medication, a skin care product, baby oil, mineral oil,
plant oil, a hard surface cleaner, a household cleaner, a bathroom
cleaner, a duster, a cleaning agent, a polish, a detergent, a
viscosity agent, and/or a colorant.
[0020] The device may be sold with a fluid in the container (110)
or the device may be sold empty. The device shape and size may be
adjusted depending upon the intended fluid.
[0021] The container (110) may be formed from a variety of
materials including glass, metal, ceramics, polymers, natural
fibers, composites, etc. The container (110) may be a bottle or
reservoir. For example, the container (110) may be a polymer
container (110). Examples of formation of a polymer container (110)
include blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming, and other
polymer-forming techniques. A variety of polymers may be used to
form the container (110) including polyethylene (PE, HDPE, LDPE),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVD),
polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), as well as mixtures,
derivatives, and/or specialty polymers such as post-consumer resin
(PCR), SBC, and bioplastics. In one example, the container (110) is
formed from polyethylene or a mixture of polyethylene and other
materials. The container (110) may be opaque or transparent. In
some examples, the container (110) includes a window or similar
portion for assessing the level of fluid in the container
(110).
[0022] The size of the container (110) may be based on a number of
factors. Examples of these factors include anticipated fluid,
storage capacity, user fatigue, and ease of use. For example,
containers (110) that are excessively large may unduly fatigue the
user while containers (110) that are excessively small may be
unable to hold a sufficient volume, resulting is depletion of the
fluid before the lifetime of the scrubbing element (130) is
reached. Further, containers (110) that are too small may also have
trouble accommodating a human hand as described below. In some
examples, the size of the container (110) is selected to correspond
with the expected useful life of the scrubbing element (130). In
some examples, the container (110) may hold between 0.25 pound and
10 pounds of fluid. For example, the container (110) may hold
between 1 to 5 pounds or 1.5 to 3 pounds of fluid. As the size of
the container (110) may depend on the useful life of the scrubbing
element (130), the size of the container (130) may depend upon the
selected scrubbing element (130), the product, the expected
lifetime of the scrubbing element (130), and the intended use of
the device. Accordingly, larger and smaller devices may be used.
For instance, containers (110) that utilize a small amount of
dispensed fluid with a fragile scrubbing element (130) may use a
small container so that the amount of fluid in the container
correlates with the lifetime of the scrubbing element (130). A
smaller container (100) may also be used when the fluid is in a
concentrated form with the expectation that during use the product
be used with water to dilute the fluid, such as in the shower,
bath, or sink.
[0023] An opening (120) is located in the container (110) to allow
fluid in the container (110) to be dispensed, for example onto the
scrubbing element (130). While FIG. 1 depicts the opening (120) in
a particular location on the container (110), the opening (120) may
be on an end of the container (110), on the side of the container
(110), on a corner of the container (110), and/or some other
portion of the container (110). For example, the opening (120) may
be located near the scrubbing element (130). In one example, the
scrubbing element (130) may cover the opening (120). The scrubbing
element (130) may be located below the opening (120) in the
orientation expected during use. This facilitates dispensing
material, such as a fluid, from the container (110) onto the
scrubbing element (130). For example, a body cleansing container
(110) may be expected to be turned upside-down so as to facilitate
gravitational flow of the fluid out of the container (110). In this
example, the scrubbing element (130) may be located below the
opening (120) so that as fluid flows out of the container (110)
through the opening (120) it is dispensed onto the scrubbing
element (130). In some examples, a valve is provided to regulate
the flow of material through the opening (120). The valve may close
the opening (120). The valve may only be able to increase or
decrease the rate of material through the opening (120).
[0024] In one example, the opening (120) is a single opening (120),
while in other examples, the opening (120) includes a number of
openings (120). The openings (120) may be of uniform size or
varying sizes. The opening (120) may include features to direct the
dispensed material in a pattern or distribute the fluid over the
scrubbing element (130). For example, the opening (120) may include
a number of small passages that distribute the dispensed fluid. As
another example, the opening (120) may direct fluid into a slot
that allows the fluid to distribute in one direction on the
scrubbing element (130), for instance, transverse to the direction
of scrubbing. Other examples include openings (120) that dispense
the fluid near the scalp while the scrubbing element (130) engages
the hair and openings (120) that deliver the fluid to the edges of
the scrubbing element (130) or to a central portion of the
scrubbing element (130).
[0025] The opening(s) (120) may be sized so that when the device is
held static, it does not dispense fluid and when a portion of the
device is compressed, fluid is dispensed. In an example, the
opening(s) (120) is sized to dispense fluid when the container
(110) is held in one orientation but not dispense fluid when the
container (110) is held in another orientation. For instance, the
user may invert or rotate the device to dispense material onto the
scrubbing element (130) and return the device to an upright
orientation to inhibit an expulsion of the material.
[0026] The scrubbing element (130) facilitates application of the
fluid. The scrubbing element (130) is located near the opening
(120) of the container (110). In some examples, the scrubbing
element (130) covers the opening (120), either partially or
completely. The scrubbing element (130) may be selected from a wide
variety of shapes and forms depending on the contents to be
dispensed from the container (110). For instance, the scrubbing
element (130) may include: a loofah (also spelled luffa), an
exfoliating loofah, a sponge, a scrub brush, a mophead, a feather
duster, or a number of irregularities. In some examples, the
scrubbing element (130) is attached to the container (110). The
scrubbing element (130) may be attached to the container (110) in a
variety of ways. For example, the scrubbing element (130) may be
over molded onto the container (110); the scrubbing element (130)
may be mechanically attached or interlocked with the container
(110); the scrubbing element (130) may be attached with adhesive.
Examples of mechanically attaching the scrubbing element (130) to
the container (130) include using pins, rods, screws, plugs,
connectors and/or other mechanical devices. The scrubbing element
(130) may be molded into the container (110) during forming or
thermally attached to the container (110).
[0027] In one example, the scrubbing element (130) is a loofah that
is over molded using a silicone rubber, onto the container (110).
The over molding may provide additional, non-uniform scrubbing
elements (130) with a different flexibility than the loofah. In
another example the scrubbing element (130) is a scrub brush
incorporated onto the container (110). The scrub brush including
bristles with uniform or varying properties (e.g. stiffness,
length). The scrubbing element (130) may be a sponge, loofah, or
exfoliating loofah that is part of a frame. The frame may provide
different support to different parts of the sponge, loofah, or
exfoliating loofah providing a range of applied force across the
scrubbing element (130). Those characteristics specifically
described, and other characteristics of the scrubbing element
(130), may be selected based on the type of fluid in the container
(110) and the purpose of application.
[0028] The handle (140) may be formed in the container (110) by a
passage (150) passing through the container (110). The passage
(150) may be a sealed channel passing through a portion of the
container (110) as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In other words, the
handle (140) may be defined by a passage through the container
(110) and an exterior wall of the container (110). The handle (140)
accommodates grasping of the container (110), for example by a
human hand. For example, a user may pass fingers through the
passage (150) while the palm of the hand remains on an exterior
surface of the container (110). A user may firmly grasp the device
by the handle (140) to move the device, for example to dispense the
fluid, or use the device to agitate the scrubbing element (130) to
incorporate the fluid onto a surface such as skin or fabric. The
handle (140) may include grip elements to facilitate use of the
container (110). For example, the grip elements may enhance
friction of the handle (140) making it easier to hold, especially
when wet. Examples of grip elements include texturing, ridges,
bumps, silicone or other rubber features, and finger grooves. As
the handle (140) is formed out of the container (110), the handle
(140) may be hollow and connected to the container (110) allowing
it to hold fluid deposited in the container (110). In some
examples, the depth of the container (110) is approximately an inch
to allow the handle (140) to be easily held in an adult hand. The
depth of the handle (140) may be different from the depth of other
portions of the container (110). The handle (140) may be thinner
than the non-handle portions of the container (110). Alternately,
the handle (140) may be deeper compared with the non-handle
portions of the container (110), for example when the container
(110) volume is small.
[0029] The handle (140) may be oriented such that the longitudinal
axis of the handle (140) is parallel to the long axis of the
device. The handle (140) may be oriented such that the axis of the
handle (140) and the long axis of the scrubbing element (130) are
parallel. While FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a particular orientation,
the handle (140) may have a different orientation with regards to
the scrubbing element (130) or the device.
[0030] The container (110) may include more than one handle (140)
such that that the different handles (140) are sized to accommodate
different sized hands or different orientations. The device may be
symmetrical, incorporating two handles (140) of equal size. In one
example, two handles (140) are formed on opposite sides of a single
passage (150). In another example, there may be two or more
passages, (150) each forming a handle (140) that allows
manipulation of the device.
[0031] The passage (150) passes through the container (110) to form
the handle (140) of the container (110). In other words, the handle
(140) is defined at least in part, by the passage (150) through the
container (110). One edge of the passage (150) is located close
enough to one of the exterior walls of the container (110) so as to
allow the handle (140) to accommodate a human hand. The passage
(150) may pass straight through from one side of the container
(110) to the other. Alternately, the passage (150) may bend or
otherwise be shaped to form the handle (140). The passage (150)
accommodates the hand of the user and facilitates the application
of force through the device to the scrubbing element (130),
allowing the device to be used to manipulate the fluid for some
purpose, such as cleaning. The passage (150) may include features
to enhance the user's hold on the device.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a side view of a cleaning system with an
integrated scrubbing element (130) according to another example of
the principles described herein. The cleaning system includes a
container (110) with an opening (FIG. 1, 120) for dispensing
material. A scrubbing element (130) is connected to the container
(110) near the opening (FIG. 1, 120). The container includes
handles (140) defined by a passage (150) through a portion of the
container (110) and an exterior wall of the container (110). A
portion of the container (110) may be flat or otherwise configured
for resting on a surface.
[0033] As described above, a handle (140) may include grip elements
to enhance ease of use of the container (110). For example, grip
elements in the form of ridges and finger grooves may be seen on
the left handle (140-1) and right handle (140-2) of the container
(110), respectively. As discussed above, grip elements may be used
to make the handles (140) easier to hold.
[0034] In some examples, the container (110) may include a cap
(260). The cap (260) covers the opening (FIG. 1, 120). In this
example, the cap (260) has the scrubbing element (130) attached on
top of the cap (260). In some examples, a hinge allows the cap
(260) to open while coupling the cap (260) to the container (110).
A removable seal (270) may cover the opening (FIG. 120) and may be
disposed between the cap (260) and the container (110). During use,
the cap (260) may be opened and the seal (270) removed to allow
fluid to be added to or removed from the container (110). In some
examples, the cap (260) may be opened and closed multiple times.
For example, the cap (260) may include a latch that is a reversible
lock that may be reopened to allow refilling of the container
(110). In other examples, the latch holds the cap (260) shut after
the seal (270) has been removed. The latch may be a snap fit
element that holds the cap (260) closed. The latch prevents the
contents from spilling out by securing the cap (260) to the
container (110). A space may be provided in or under the cap (260)
to direct fluid from the container (110) to various points of the
scrubbing element (130) to facilitate distribution of the fluid
over the scrubbing surface. In this sense, the space acts as a
manifold. In other words, the cap (260) allows fluid to pass from
the opening (FIG. 1, 120) to the scrubbing element (130) or outside
the container (110) after the removable seal (270) has been
removed. The cap (260), without the removable seal (270), does not
keep the opening (120) closed.
[0035] As described above in some examples, the container (110) may
not dispense fluid when static, but upon additional pressure
exerted on the fluid inside, may dispense fluid. Accordingly, a
portion of the container (110) may be deformable. For example, when
a deformable portion of the container (110) is deformed, an
increased pressure inside the container (110) may cause material to
dispense from the opening (FIG. 1, 120). The deformable portion of
the container (110) may be marked with an indicator to indicate
where to push to dispense material. In some examples, a portion of
the container (110) that is deformable is designed to be flexed
more easily than other portions of the container (110) to
facilitate dispensing of the fluid. The handle (140) may be the
deformable portion. However, the deformable portion may be located
near the thumb when the handle (140) is gripped or another portion
of the container (110). A portion of the container (110) may be
pleated or otherwise shaped to facilitate deforming.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a front view and side view of a device
with an integrated scrubbing element (130) according to another
example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIGS. 3A
and 3B, the handle (140) is located near the top of the figures.
The handle (140) acts as part of the container (110) holding fluid.
An opening (120) connects the container (110) to an area between
the container (110) and the scrubbing element (130). This allows
the dispensed fluid to be dispersed over the scrubbing element
(130). A number of paths (not shown) allow the fluid to travel
through the scrubbing element (130) to the scrubbing surface
(bottom of FIG. 3A) of the scrubbing element (130).
[0037] As described above, the handle (140) may be one location for
hand placement while using the device. However, the device may also
be gripped by placing the hand through the passage (150) that forms
the handle (140) and grabbing the body of the device. This allows
the device to accommodate different sized hands.
[0038] As described above, the device may include a loofah or
exfoliating loofah as the scrubbing element (130). In one example,
a knob or feature (390) for securing the loofa is provided on one
side or both sides of the scrubbing element (130). An elastic band
(380) with an opening on one or both ends is threaded through the
loofah and the opening slipped over the knob or feature (390),
securing the loofah against the device. The device may have one,
two, three, or more lengths of loofah attached to the scrubbing
element (130). The scrubbing element (130) under the loofah may be
textured to help hold the loofah in place and provide force when
scrubbing. In some examples, the bands (380) are fixed in place and
cannot be easily adjusted. In other examples, the bands (380) may
be slipped off the knob to allow rotation or replacement of the
loofah. The bands (380) may be composed of a non-elastic material
that is approximately the length of the loofah with shorter elastic
elements connecting the bands (380) to the device. The non-elastic
portions of the securement bands (380) may include variable
thickness or texturing to improve scrubbing with the device.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a side view of a device with an integrated
scrubbing element (130) according to another example of the
principles described herein. The device has a handle (140), passage
(150), container (110), and scrubbing elements (130). In this
example, the scrubbing elements (130) are pieces of loofah or
sponge attached to a textured surface. Loofah is a natural
sponge-like product from a cucumber-like vegetable that includes a
hollow tunnel (or lumen) when dried and prepared. The pieces of
loofah are oriented with the lumen of the loofah extending from the
surface of the container (110). The pieces of loofah are placed
over nubs on the surface of the container (110). The nubs and
loofah both act as scrubbing elements (130), with the nubs
providing support for the pieces of loofah. In one example, the
nubs are tapered to reduce the stiffness difference between the nub
and the loofah. The nubs may include one or more paths from the
opening to dispense material into the pieces of loofah.
[0040] The pieces of loofah can be secured to the container (110)
in a variety of ways, for instance, a thread, filament, elastic,
rod, pin, or similar component (not shown) may pass through the
wall of the loofah into the nub to hold the loofah in place. The
securing pieces can be an elastic band, filament, twine, thread,
staple, collet, or similar mechanical element that wraps around one
or more nubs and loofah pieces. The loofah can also be attached
with adhesive between the nub and lumen of the loofah, in which
case the nubs may include texturing or features to improve the
adhesive bond strength. In another example, a grip or similar
feature is molded into the container (110) near the nub to hold the
loofah piece in place.
[0041] In one example, the handle (140) includes a button used to
increase the pressure in the container (110) and cause fluid to
dispense onto the scrubbing element (130). Alternately, the button
can be located elsewhere on the container (110)
[0042] While multiple exemplary embodiments have been presented in
the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be
appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also
be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples,
and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing
detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a
convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in
the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary
embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set
forth in the claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *