US20070039116A1

US20070039116A1 - Body scrubbing device

Info

Publication number: US20070039116A1
Application number: US11/321,853
Authority: US
Inventors: Sharon Woodard; Lucy Dratler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-17
Filing date: 2005-12-29
Publication date: 2007-02-22

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).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/708,872, filed Aug. 17, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

The relevant prior art includes the following references:



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

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a body scrubbing device that permits thorough cleansing of a person's skin.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a body scrubbing device that permits exfoliation of a person's skin.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a body scrubbing device that is durable.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a body scrubbing device that promotes lathering during use.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a body scrubbing device that may be hung for drying purposes.
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.
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.
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

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a body scrubbing device of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a body scrubbing device of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a binding means of the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a body scrubbing device of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a body scrubbing device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:

1. body scrubbing device, generally

2. mesh

3. cloth

4. rope

5. mitt

6. binding means

7. glove

8. opening
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The use of the present invention will permit a person to thoroughly cleanse his or her skin via a variety of materials.
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.

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.