FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention relate to personal hygiene devices; more particularly, to an elongated brush for use in brushing and/or cleaning one or more portions of an individual's body having removable and replaceable components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Devices for use in grooming or cleaning are well known. Brushes, for example, are designed to aid individuals in maintaining their personal hygiene by providing a mechanism for brushing hair or using it to clean parts of the body. Sponges for use in cleaning a person's body are also well known. A device that allows the user to accomplish both brushing and cleaning can be useful.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention relate to a personal hygiene device. The personal hygiene device, which may be a brush with replaceable components, allows a user to brush or clean, preferably via scrubbing or applying a cleansing agent or solution and rubbing one or more parts of a body. The brush with replaceable components may comprise a lower member, an upper member, and an intermediate member. The upper member secures to the lower member via the intermediate member. Both the upper member and the intermediate member are constructed and arranged to be removable and/or replaceable. Alternately, the personal hygiene device may include an upper member and a lower member secured to an intermediate member via magnets.
Accordingly, it is an objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a personal hygiene device.
It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a personal hygiene device that has one or more removable components.
It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a personal hygiene device that has one or more replaceable components.
It is a still further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a personal hygiene device that has a lower member, an upper member, and an intermediate member.
It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a personal hygiene device that has a lower member, an upper member, and an intermediate member, in which the upper member is constructed and arranged to be used in cleaning portions of a body, and the lower member is constructed and arranged to be used to brush portions of a body.
It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to provide a personal hygiene device that has a lower member, an upper member, and an intermediate member in which the upper member secures to the lower member through the intermediate member.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a personal hygiene device, shown as a brush with replaceable components;
FIG. 2 is an alternative perspective view of the brush with replaceable components;
FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the brush with replaceable components;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the brush with replaceable components, shown with the upper cleaning component removed;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the lower member, shown without bristles;
FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of the lower member shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an alternative perspective side view of the lower member shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the upper member;
FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the upper member shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the upper member shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is an alternative side view of the upper member shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the intermediate member;
FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective of the intermediate member shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a front view of the intermediate member shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the intermediate member shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is an alternative side view of the intermediate member shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 17 is an alternative embodiment of the lower member, shown without bristles, and constructed and arranged to receive two independent, intermediate members;
FIG. 18A is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a personal hygiene device, shown as a brush with replaceable components;
FIG. 18B is a bottom perspective view of the brush with replaceable components;
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the brush with replaceable components;
FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the brush with replaceable components;
FIG. 21 is an alternative top perspective view of the intermediate member;
FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the intermediate member;
FIG. 23 is an alternative bottom perspective view of the intermediate member;
FIG. 24 is a side view of the intermediate member;
FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the upper member, or cleaning assembly;
FIG. 26 is an alternative top perspective the upper member, or cleaning assembly;
FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the upper member, or cleaning assembly;
FIG. 28 is an alternative bottom perspective view of the upper member, or cleaning assembly;
FIG. 29 is an illustrative embodiment of a sponge;
FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the lower member, or brush assembly;
FIG. 31 is an alternative top perspective view of the lower member, or brush assembly;
FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of the lower member, or brush assembly;
FIG. 33 is an illustrative embodiment of a positioning and securing member;
FIG. 34 is an illustrative embodiment of a cleaning assembly to handle securing member;
FIG. 35 is an illustrative embodiment of a brush assembly to handle securing member; and
FIG. 36 is an illustrative embodiment of a cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an illustrative embodiment of a personal hygiene device, referred to generally as a brush with replaceable components 10, is shown. The brush with replaceable components 10 allows a user to brush or clean, preferably via scrubbing or applying a cleansing agent or solution and rubbing, one or more parts of a mammalian, preferably human, body. The brush with replaceable components 10 may comprise a lower member 12, an upper member 14, and an intermediate member 16. The upper member 14 secures to the lower member 12 via the intermediate member 16. Both the upper member 14 and the intermediate member 16 are constructed and arranged to be removable and/or replaceable.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the brush with replaceable components 10 is shown with both the upper member 14 and the intermediate member 16 removed. As illustrated, the lower member 12 includes an elongated body 18 having a first end 20, a second end 22, and an intermediate section 24 separating the first end 20 and the second end 22. The first end 20 may include an opening 21 for use in hanging the brush with replaceable components 10 when not in use. The lower member 12 comprises a first surface 26 and a second, opposing surface 28. The first end 20 may form a handle and be sized and shaped to allow a user to grip or hold thereon. The second end 22 may be sized and shaped to provide a mechanism to allow a user to brush a surface. Accordingly, the second end 22 may include one or more bristles 30, or sets of bristles arranged in rows, secured within, and extending outwardly and away from portions of the second, opposing surface 28.
Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the lower member 12 is illustrated with the one or more bristles 30 removed. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower member second surface 28 may comprise a plurality of openings 32, each sized and shaped to receive and hold therein the one or more bristles 30. The lower member second end 22 comprises a right-side edge 34 and a left-side edge 36. The lower member second end right side edge 34 comprises a first intermediate member engaging member 38, illustrated herein as a first or right side sliding rail, see FIG. 6. The first intermediate member engaging member 38 is constructed and arranged to receive and hold therein at least a portion of the intermediate member 16. The first intermediate member engaging member 38 may comprise a recessed channel 40, wherein the distance between the upper surface 42 and the lower surface 44 of the lower member 12 is of sufficient length to allow a portion of the intermediate member 16 to fit within.
The lower member second end left side edge 36 comprises a second intermediate member engaging member 46, illustrated herein as a second or left side sliding rail, see FIG. 7. The second intermediate member engaging member 46 is constructed and arranged to receive and hold therein at least a portion of the intermediate member 16. The second intermediate member engaging member 46 may comprise a recessed channel 48, wherein the distance between the upper surface 50 and the lower surface 52 is of sufficient length to allow a portion of the intermediate member 16 to fit within.
Referring to FIGS. 8-11, illustrative embodiments of the upper member 14 are shown. The upper member 14 is constructed and arranged to provide a user with a mechanism to clean a surface, such as the various parts of the human body. Accordingly, all or portions of the upper member 14 may be made of a material that can safely scrub skin, such as a sponge, loofah sponge, or cotton or bamboo washcloths. The upper member 14 is constructed and arranged to slideably engage with the lower member 12 through the intermediate member 16. The upper member 14 comprises a main body 54 having a first, outer surface (surface which comes in contact with the human body) 56 and a second, inner surface 58 (surface which comes in contact with the intermediate member 16). A side wall 60 extends away from the inner surface 58 and extends around most of the perimeter of the main body 56, thus forming an interior 62. At a first 64 of the main body 56, the side wall 60 ends or tapers to form an open or partially open area to allow engagement with the intermediate portion 16. A second end 66 of the main body 56 may provide a stop mechanism as upper member 14 slides on or is placed on the intermediate member 16. The side wall 60 is sized and shaped to engage with or grip at least a portion of the intermediate member 16.
Referring to FIGS. 12-16, illustrative embodiments of the intermediate member 16 are shown. The intermediate member 16 is constructed and arranged to provide a mechanism for the upper member 14 to removably engage with the lower member 12. The intermediate member 16 comprises a main body 68 having an upper surface 70 (surface in contact with the upper member 14) and lower surface 72 (surface in contact with the lower member 12).
The intermediate member 16 may comprise a side wall 74 that extends away from the upper surface 70 (or lower surface 72) and extends around most of the perimeter of the main body 68, thus forming an interior 76, see FIG. 13. At a first end 78 of the main body 68, the side wall 74 ends, thus forming an open or partially open area to allow engagement with the lower member 12. A second end 80 of the main body 68 may provide a stop mechanism as the intermediate member 16 slides on or is placed on the lower member 12.
The intermediate member 16 comprises a first lower member engaging member 82 constructed and arranged to engage with the first intermediate member engaging member 38 and a second lower member engaging member 84 constructed and arranged to engage with the second intermediate member engaging member 46. The first lower member engaging member 82 may comprise an elongated body 86 which extends the length of the intermediate member 16. The elongated body 86 extends out from the side wall 74, forming a channel 88, defined by the space between the upper surface 90 of the elongated body 86 to the lower surface 72. The elongated body 86 is sized and shaped to fit and move within the first intermediate member engaging member 38. The channel 88 is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the upper surface 42 of the lower member 12. The lower member engaging member 84 may comprise an elongated body 92 which extends the length of the intermediate member 16. The elongated body 92 extends out from the side wall 74, forming a channel 94, defined by the space between the upper surface 96 of the elongated body 92 and the lower surface 72. The elongated body 92 is sized and shaped to fit and move within the second intermediate member engaging member 48. The channel 94 is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the upper surface 50 of the lower member 12.
In use, the intermediate member 16, with the upper member secured thereto, is constructed and arranged to linearly slide on/off the lower member 12, particularly the second end 22. To secure to the lower member 12, the intermediate member 16 includes a lock receiving member 98. The lock receiving member 98, illustrated herein as a rectangular shaped cut out, is sized and shaped to receive and hold a lower member locking member 100, see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4. The lower member locking member 100 is illustrated as a tab extending out from the surface 26. The lower member locking member 100 may include a ramped surface (and a spring, not shown), so as the intermediate member 16 slides towards the lower member locking member 100, the lower member locking member 100 is pushed down, eventually resting within the lock receiving member 98. The lower member locking member 100 is operationally connected to a release mechanism 102. The release mechanism 102 may include a button 104, with spring (not shown), which, when pressed, causes the lower member locking member 100 to move downwardly and at least partially out of the lock receiving member 98. The intermediate member 16 would then be free to slide away.
FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the brush with replaceable components 10 which is constructed and arranged to receive two intermediate members 16. Accordingly, the first intermediate member engaging member 38 and second intermediate member engaging member 46 may be divided by a wall, separating the first intermediate member engaging member 38 into the first intermediate member engaging members 38A and 38B, and the second intermediate member engaging member 46 into the second intermediate member engaging members 46A and 46B. In this embodiment, the first intermediate member 16, which secures to the upper member 14, i.e. sponge, secures to the lower member 12 via the first intermediate member engaging member 38A (and first intermediate member engaging member 46A). A second intermediate member 16, which may include bristles instead of the sponge, secures to the lower member 12 via the first intermediate member engaging member 38B (and first intermediate member engaging member 46B). This embodiment allows the user to remove and replace the cleaning component, i.e. the sponge, and the brushing component, i.e. the bristles.
Referring to FIGS. 18A-19, an alternative embodiment of the personal hygiene device, referred to herein as a brush with replaceable components 200, is illustrated. The brush with replaceable components 200 allows a user to brush or clean, preferably via scrubbing or applying a cleansing agent or solution and rubbing one or more parts of a mammalian, preferably human, body. Similar to the brush with replaceable components 10, the brush with replaceable components 200 allows a user to remove and/or replace one or more components. The brush with replaceable components 200 may comprise an intermediate member 202 (also referred to herein as a handle), a lower member 204 (also referred to herein as a brush assembly), and an upper member 206 (also referred to herein as a cleaning assembly).
The intermediate member, or handle, 202 is constructed and arranged to engage with and removably couple or secure with the lower member 204 on one side and with the upper member 206 on another side. The handle 202 includes an elongated body 208 having a user engagement portion 210 and a functional component engagement portion 212. The user engagement portion 210 includes a body 214, sized and shaped to allow a user's hand to engage and grip thereto. An opening 216 may be cut through the user engagement portion body 214 to allow for the brush with replaceable components 200 to be hung up, such as directly on a hook or to receive a piece of string or rope therethrough to be used as a mechanism to hang the brush with replaceable components 200 on a hook. The size of the user engagement portion body 214 may be varied, being of any length or size that is required to aid the user when using the brush with replaceable components 200. The functional component engagement portion 212 is constructed and arranged to removably couple or secure the lower member, or brush assembly, 204 or the upper member, or cleaning assembly, 206 thereto.
The functional component engagement portion 212 may comprise a main body 218 having a first end 220 and a second, opposing end 222. The functional component engagement portion 212 may comprise a first surface or wall 224, see FIGS. 20 and 21, sized and shaped to receive or engage with a portion of the cleaning assembly 206. An outer surface or ridge 226 borders the first surface or wall 224. In this orientation, the first surface or wall 224 is sunken from or set down from the outer surface or ridge 226. A back wall or surface 228 (see also FIG. 24) acts as a stop and/or support for the cleaning assembly 206 when engaged or secured thereto. The back wall or surface 228 may be sloped or angled, or have a curvature relative to the first surface or wall 224. The first surface or wall 224 is preferably designed to have a congruent or conjugate shape as to a corresponding portion of the cleaning assembly 206 so that the corresponding portion fits and rests within, thereby preventing or minimizing horizontal movement of the cleaning assembly 206 along a horizontal, longitudinal axis 236, see FIG. 20, of the intermediate member 202.
The functional component engagement portion 212 may comprise a second surface or wall 230, see FIGS. 22 and 23, sized and shaped to receive or engage with a portion of the brush assembly 204. An outer surface or ridge 232 borders the second surface or wall 230. In this orientation, the second surface or wall 230 is sunken (recessed) from or set down from the outer surface or ridge 232. A back wall or surface 234 (see also FIG. 24) acts as a stop and/or support for the brush assembly 204 when engaged or secured thereto. The back wall or surface 230 may be sloped or angled, or have a curvature relative to the second surface or wall 230. The second surface or wall 230 is preferably designed to have a congruent or conjugate shape as to a corresponding portion of the brush assembly 204 so that the corresponding portion fits and rests within, thereby preventing or minimizing horizontal movement of the brush assembly 204 along a horizontal, longitudinal axis 236, see FIG. 20, of the intermediate member 202.
The functional component engagement portion main body 218 is constructed and arranged to receive and secure both the brush assembly 204 and the cleaning assembly 206. In use, the brush assembly 204 is prevented from moving along a horizontal, longitudinal axis 236, see FIG. 20, and a vertical, longitudinal axis 238 unless a sufficient force is applied. In use, the cleaning assembly 206 is prevented from moving along a horizontal, longitudinal axis 236, see FIG. 20, and a vertical, longitudinal axis 238, unless a sufficient force is applied. Accordingly, the functional component engagement portion main body 218 comprises an opening 240. The opening 240 may be centrally positioned within the functional component engagement portion main body 218. While illustrated as a single, centrally positioned opening, opening 240 may be two to more openings, and/or be located off center. The opening 240 is sized and shaped to receive a positioning and securing member, referred to herein as a cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242.
The cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242 is illustrated herein as a magnet or any other body made of a ferromagnetic metal, see FIG. 19 or FIG. 33. The cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242 may be a neodymium magnet. In an illustrative example, the cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242 maybe a magnet that holds a 12 pound (lb) max pull strength. In an illustrative embodiment, the diameter 244 of the cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242 is preferably smaller than the diameter 246 of the opening 240, thus allowing the cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242 to fit within. In use, the cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242 provides a positioning mechanism by aligning the cleaning assembly 206 or the brush assembly 204 at the correct location within the intermediate portion 202. The cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242 also prevents or minimizes horizontal movement, vertical movement, or horizontal movement and vertical movement of the cleaning assembly 206 or the brush assembly 204 along the vertical axis or horizontal axis of the intermediate portion 202 unless a sufficient force is applied to break the coupling with the cleaning assembly 206 or the brush assembly 204 to the intermediate portion 202 via the cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242.
The upper member, or cleaning assembly 206, is constructed and arranged to allow a user to apply a substance solution, or material, such as soap or lotion, to the user's body. Referring to FIGS. 25-28, illustrative embodiments of the cleaning assembly 206 is shown. The cleaning assembly 206 comprises a main body 248 having a first end 250 and a second, opposing end 252. The cleaning assembly main body 248 may comprise a first surface or wall 254, see FIGS. 25 and 26, sized and shaped to receive or engage with a portion of the cleaning device 256, illustrated herein as a sponge, see FIG. 29. An outer surface or ridge 258 borders the first surface or wall 254. In this orientation, the first surface or wall 254 is sunken from or set down from the outer surface or ridge 258. A back wall or surface 260 may be sloped or angled, or have a curvature which corresponds with the back wall or surface 228 of the functional component engagement portion main body 218. In use, the sponge 256 rests on and is held in place within the first surface or wall 254. The sponge 256 may be held in place on the first surface or wall 254 via fastening mechanisms, such as screws, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO), or via chemical fastening, such as glue.
The cleaning assembly main body 248 further includes a second surface or wall 262. The second surface or wall 262 is constructed and arranged to secure to the handle 202 via engaging with the functional component engagement portion main body first surface or wall 224. The cleaning assembly main body second surface or wall 262 includes an inner surface or wall 264 which has a congruent or conjugate shape as the shape of the functional component engagement portion main body first surface or wall 224. As illustrated, the inner surface or wall 264 extends away from the second surface or wall 262. In use, the inner surface or wall 264 fits within the functional component engagement portion main body first surface or wall 224. The cleaning assembly main body second surface or wall 262 may also include a recessed or partial cut out section 166. The recessed or partial cut out section 266 is arranged to align with the functional component engagement portion main body opening 140. The diameter 268 of the recessed or partial cut out section 166 is preferably, but need not be (could be the same size or smaller), larger than the diameter 246 of the opening 240.
The lower member, or brush assembly, 204 is constructed and arranged to allow a user to brush a part of the user's body. Referring to FIGS. 30-32, an illustrative embodiment of the brush assembly 204 is shown. The brush assembly 204 comprises a main body 270 having a first end 272 and a second, opposing end 274. The opposing end 274 may include a back wall or surface 275. The back wall or surface 275 may be sloped or angled, or have a curvature relative to the first which corresponds with the back wall or surface 234 of the functional component engagement portion main body 218. The brush assembly main body 270 may comprise a first surface or wall 276, see FIGS. 30 and 31, sized and shaped to secure to the handle 202 via engaging with the functional component engagement portion main body second surface or wall 230.
The brush assembly main body first surface or wall 276 includes an inner surface or wall 278 which has as a congruent or conjugate shape as the shape of the functional component engagement portion main body second surface or wall 230. As illustrated, the inner surface or wall 278 has a thickness and extends away from the first surface or wall 276. In use, the inner surface or wall 278 fits within the functional component engagement portion main body second surface or wall 230. The brush assembly main body first surface or wall 276 may also include a recessed or partial cut out section 280. The recessed or partial cut out section 280 is arranged to align with the functional component engagement portion main body opening 140. The diameter 282 of the recessed or partial cut out section 180 is preferably, but need not be (could be the same size or smaller), larger than the diameter 246 of the opening 240.
The brush assembly main body 270 further includes a second surface or wall 284, see FIG. 32. A plurality of openings 186 are arranged along the surface. Each opening 186 is sized and shaped to receive and hold therein one or more bristles 288 (bristles 288 shown on FIGS. 18A and 18B).
To keep the cleaning assembly 206 secured to the handle 202, the cleaning assembly main body 248 may include a cleaning assembly to handle securing member 290, illustrated herein as a body made of a ferromagnetic, or other magnetic material, see FIG. 34. The cleaning assembly to handle securing member 290 is constructed and arranged to secure to the positioning and securing member 242. In the illustrative embodiment described above, the stainless steel magnetically secures to the magnet. The cleaning assembly to handle securing member 290 is sized and shaped to fit and rest within the cleaning assembly main body second surface or wall recessed or partial cut out section 266. In an illustrate embodiment, the diameter 192 of the cleaning assembly to handle securing member 290 is larger than the diameter 294 of the cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242.
To keep the brush assembly 204 secured to the handle 202, the brush assembly main body 270 may include a brush assembly to handle securing member 296, illustrated herein as a body made of a ferromagnetic metal, or other magnetic material, see FIG. 35. The brush assembly to handle securing member 296 is constructed and arranged to secure to the positioning and securing member, or magnet, 242. In the illustrative embodiment described above, the stainless steel magnetically secures to the magnet 242. The brush assembly to handle securing member 296 is sized and shaped to fit and rest within the brush assembly main body first surface or wall recessed or partial cut out section 280. In an illustrate embodiment, the diameter 298 of the brush assembly to handle securing member 296 is larger than the diameter 294 of the cleaning assembly-brush assembly securing member 242.
Optionally, the brush with replaceable components 200 may include one or more rubber covering structures 300, see FIG. 19 and FIG. 36, referred to individually as 300′ and 300″. The first rubber structure 300′ is placed over the cleaning assembly to handle securing member 242 and has a body 302 that is sized and shaped to fit and rest within the functional component engagement portion first surface or wall 224. The second rubber structure 300″ is placed over the brush assembly to handle securing member 290, and is sized and shaped to fit and rest within the functional component engagement portion second surface or wall 230.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Application
20230263292
