Disposable Shower With Integral Liquid Container Pods, Bristles, and Dispensing System

Abstract

Disclosed is a shower brush having its own internally-generated liquid soap or other types of personal cleansing gels or liquids. The device is disposable after two-to-three uses, and enhances an overall sanitary bath or shower experience. The Brush is particularly suited for expedient use during travel or emergency scenarios at sites having limited hygiene facilities, due to natural disasters or precautionary re-location of large groups of persons. The Brush comprises essentially three main components: (1) a basin having at least one compartment or pod containing a quantity of liquid or gel, the basin further manifesting at, its outer surface, a plurality of bristles; (2) a lid which attaches to one or more perimetral edges of the basin, and (3) a hand strap connected across the outer surface of the lid. The strap enables a user to maintain the Brush secured within the grasp of the user's hand.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The inventive concept presented herein generally is concerned with devices and methods utilized for quick, efficient, and convenient personal hygiene, particularly with relation to bathing and showering. Disclosed is a disposable shower or bath brush having at least one internal compartment having a pod containing liquid soap or other liquid/gel appropriate for personal cleaning.

Bathing for humans has for thousands of years been a generally pleasant experience. It is also a necessary procedure for maintenance of clean skin and riddance of infectious conditions or exfoliation of deteriorating epidermis.

Individuals who travel frequently, and stay in hotels, may oftentimes prefer scented soap gels and skin moisturizers used in conjunction with a bath brush as compared to using the hotel's soap, which could dry the skin and/or wash cloths that may not be at the highest level of cleanliness in some establishments. After rinsing and applying the skin moisturizer, the skin should be left feeling soft and silky. The inventive concept disclosed herein is designed for travel. It will eliminate the clutter of packing a bottle of shower gel, a shower brush or loofah sponge, and possibly shower moisturizers.

There are many versions of bath sponges or shower brushes with handles which are used to enhance the showering experience. Unfortunately, because of the typically long handles, it is very inconvenient to pack many of those items and take along on business trips or family vacations. For consumers that frequently travel on airplanes, the disclosed inventive concept, commercially known as the “Quick Freshe” shower brush, will eliminate the need to transfer shower gel into 3-ounce bottles in compliance with the Federal Aviation Agency's regulations for carry-on luggage. The disclosed device will also eliminate frustrating attempts to pack long-handled back scrubbers and shower brushes into their luggage. Because the “Quick Freshe” is a sanitary, prepackaged, full-service shower supply, it will be ideal to send with children and teens for sleepovers or summer camps.

During the first days on a new college campus, there may not be time for laundry duties. A few of the “Quick Freshe” shower brushes will eliminate the need for re-using wash cloths, which hold bacteria and germs, especially until a regular laundry schedule can be set up. Another effective use of the disposable shower brush is in situations similar to the emergency evacuations that frequently result from the aftermath of hurricanes that impact the United States. When it is necessary to displace thousands of persons, distribution of disposable shower brushes would have been a comfort and hygienic relief to countless persons involved in such a tragedy.

(2) Description of the Related Art

in the field of shower or bath brushes, a number of unique developments and products have been manifested in the past; some complicated or intricate, and many, very basic. Several of them, which are relevant to this inventive concept, are listed as follows:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,221; (Edwards, E., Jan. 22, 1980). The invention is a bath brush having an elongated, continuously curved device with a handle at one end and a brush at the other end. The brush arrangement includes an enlarged head with bristles and further, having a pair of clips on either side of the arrangement of bristles for removably holding a face cloth, there by facilitating bathing with the brush and face cloth.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,792; (Nazemi, A. Jun. 25, 1996). Disclosed is a shower brush with a handle at one end and a group of bristles located upon one face at the other end. The device has an axial pivot medial to two ninety degree bends taken with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank. U-shaped and an S-shaped configuration are thus enabled, each being obtained from the other by rotation of one shank portion relative to the other through one hundred eighty degrees in either direction about the axial pivot.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,802 (Wang, Jun. 23, 1998). Disclosed is a device having a grouping of circular brushes which are arranged on a platform. The platform contains tubing to allow water from the shower head power a rotational mechanism inside each brush and also gently force liquid soap toward the vicinity of the brush bristles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,829 (Chen, C., Mar. 6, 2001). The invention comprises a bath brush including an elastic mesh tube-like structure which is axially pushed and gathered so as to continuously crimp the perimeter of the tube into a waved pattern; a handle connected to a framework and grip mechanism which are freely detachably assembled with a connecting member, and a pair of massaging spheres positioned on the upper side of the elastic mesh tube.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,219 (Powaska, T., Jun. 24, 2003). The inventor designed a rotary shower brush of primarily elongated shape for mounting vertically in a shower stall, comprising a brush assembly, a motor assembly, upper and lower mount assemblies. The motor assembly is operatively connected to, and rotates the brush assembly. One embodiment also provides that the brush assembly oscillates up and down as it rotates.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,808 (Chen, K., May 18, 2004). Disclosed is a bath brush comprising a main body, a massaging member, and a bristle holder connected to a top of the massaging member. The bristle holder is provided with a plurality of insertion holes for implanting tufted bristles therein and a plurality of through-holes for massaging projections integrally formed on the massaging member to upwardly extend therethrough and expose from the bristle holder.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,192 (Huang, M., Feb. 20, 2007). The invented device is a bath brush having a holding frame, a thread girdle, and a tube-shaped elastic net. The holding frame has a corrugated handle portion having an end hole, and a binding portion having a plurality of protruded blocks, each of which has a through-aperture. The protruded blocks contact the tube-shaped elastic net. The thread girdle surrounds the tube-shaped elastic net to squeeze and to bind the tube-shaped elastic net.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,706,884 (Arkwright. L., Jul. 18, 2017) The invention is a disposable bath brush intended for one or possibly two uses in the shower or bath. The bath brush contains soap gel and moisturizer stored in containers within the brush. Either of these fluids may be dispensed by applying pressure to the individual container or an integral release button, thereby causing the respective fluid to flow out of an opening at the front center of the brush. Also included is a retractable handle to provide a user with an extended gripping surface for reaching the back of the body and the feet. The front of the brush comprises bristles of any of a variety of materials and of an adequate length to provide a thorough cleansing experience.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

The marketing name, “Quick Freshe,” is the title of the bath brush (herein, the “Brush” 1) being an inventive concept designed to provide a convenient, sanitary showering product for individuals. The Brush 1 is particularly useful for persons who travel frequently, children at summer camps, college students, occupants of campsites, truck drivers, and traveling sales persons.

The Brush 1 provides the convenience of a shower brush having its own internally-generated liquid soap and other types of cleansing gels or liquids that may be appropriate for personal cleaning. The device is designed to be disposable after two to three uses and thereby enhances an overall sanitary bath or shower experience for the consumer. The Brush 1 is particularly suited for emergency use by individuals at sites of evacuations necessitated by natural disasters or precautionary re-location of large groups of persons.

The Brush 1 comprises essentially three main components: (1) a basin 3 containing at least one compartment having a supply of liquid or gel, the basin 3 further manifesting exteriorly from its outer surface 3(b), a plurality of bristles 40, (2) a lid 2 which attaches to one or more perimetral edges of the basin 3, and (3) a hand strap 20 oriented across the outer surface 2(a) of the lid 2. The strap 20 enables a user to keep the Brush 1 secured within the grasp of the user's hand. The Brush 1 is then maneuvered to gently scrub a user's body. In the preferred embodiment, at least one liquid-containing pod 30 is securely packaged within the compartment inside the basin 3 of the Brush 1. Bristles 40 are securely attached to the bottom outer surface 3(b) of the basin 3. In other embodiments, multiple compartments or pods 30 be provided within the basin 3 of the Brush 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features, and advantages of the concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show the basic functions of the preferred embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG. 1 presents an exploded view of the Brush 1 showing the lid 2, basin 3, hand strap 20, four pods 30(a)-(d), bristles 40, and other components.

FIG. 2 presents a view of the fully assembled Brush 1 in its operating configuration, the lid 2 having been opened, at the juncture of a hinge means 9 at the rear edge of the basin 3, and further displaying an assemblage of four pods 30(a)-(d).

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the bottom, or outer surface 3(b) of the basin 3, further showing the plurality of bristles 40, and liquid-dispensing apertures 41 of the basin 3.

FIG. 4 displays a view of the inner surface 3(a) of the basin 3, along with twelve symmetrically-spaced apertures 41, a rear fastener 24, and front fastener 25.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the interior of the basin 3, its perimetral edge 29, further including a longitudinal divider 7 and lateral divider 8.

FIG. 6 depicts a magnified view of detail A of FIG. 5, consisting of the perimetral edge 29 of the basin 3, the front fastener 25, and its opening 25(a).

FIG. 7 presents a typical plan view of, in the preferred embodiment, the upper surface 32 of the second pod 30(b) of the Brush 1, along with a pull tab 34, shown as a representative sample of the plan view of each of the four pods 30(a)-30(d) of the Brush 1.

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of the second pod 30(b), also typical of all four pods 30(a)-30(d).

FIG. 9 depicts the left side view of the pod 30(b) of FIG. 7, typical of all four pods 30(a)-30(d).

FIG. 10 is an end view of the second pod 30(b) of FIG. 9, further showing its associated pull tab 34, typical of all four pods 30(a)-30(d).

FIG. 11 displays a perspective view of the strap 20 of the Brush 1, including a strap loop 23 utilized for connection of the strap 20 to the rear fastener 24 of the basin 3 and also, a hook-and-felt mechanism 21 for attachment of the strap 20 to the front fastener 25 of the basin 3.

FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up view of the hook-and-felt mechanism 21, further showing the strap connector 21(a) which, in the preferred embodiment, attaches the strap 20 to the front fastener 25 of the basin 3.

FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of the completely assembled Brush 1, having been compacted into its functional configuration.

FIG. 14 is a view of one end of the Brush 1 illustrated in FIG. 11, further showing the strap fastener 21 looped and fastened about the front fastener 25 of the basin 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

For the sake of illustrative purposes only, the following discussion and summary will be directed to, in general, to the preferred embodiment of the Brush 1. The inventive concept herein may be manufactured with a variety of uses and components and the presentation of certain components of the preferred embodiment does not eliminate or negate the construction and use of other compatible components and designs.

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling fourteen figures, show the basic components, arrangement, and functions of the preferred embodiment and at least one alternate embodiment. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

The current disclosure also features preferred means of storing and dispensing liquid soap, or, as appropriate, the dispensing of other types of cleansing or grooming fluids. The general description of the Brush 1 will be initiated with a view of FIG. 1.

In viewing FIG. 1, there is seen an exploded view of the Brush 1 showing the principal components being the basin 3, lid 2, hand strap 20, strap loop 23, hook-and-felt mechanism 21, liquid-containing pods 30(a)-(d), pull tabs 34, gasket 5, and bristles 40. In the preferred embodiment, the lid 2 is fabricated in the form of a concave, shell-like contour.

Prominently shown in FIG. 1 is the arrangement of bristles 40 and their relative positioning after attachment to the outer surface 3(b) of the basin 3. Also shown in FIG. 1 is the hand strap 20 which may be grasped by a user in addition to, or instead of, the actual lid 2 of the Brush 1, as the Brush 1 is maneuvered, so as to gently scrub or massage a user's skin during bathing.

The bristles 40, in the preferred embodiment, are comprised of nylon, however any other suitable material may be used, including plastic or other artificial substance which can provide a firm, but comfortable pressure to the skin of a user. The bristles 40, imbedded in the basin outer surface 3(b), are preferably of medium-firm texture.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a gasket 5 is used to provide a barrier mechanism between the basin perimetral edge 29 and the lid perimetral edge 28. The basin 3 further is constructed of four separate compartments 13, 1415, and 16.

FIG. 2 presents a view of the fully configured Brush 1, the lid 2 having been opened, with the perimetral edge 28 of the lid 2 proximate the rear edge of the basin 3. All four pods 30(a), 30(b), 30(c), and 30(d) are visible. The four pods 30(a)-(d), in the operating configuration of the Brush 1, contain liquid soap, cleaning gel, or other type of appropriate fluid. Each pod 30(a)-(d), is filled by means of filler ports 45 located atop each individual pod 30(a)-(d). Further, each pod manifests a lengthwise incision (not in view) in the bottom surface 33(b) of the pod, which, prior to usage of the pod 30(a), 30(b), 30(c), and 30(d), is covered by the respective pull tab 34.

FIG. 2 further shows a partial view of bristles 40 protruding from the basin 3. Visible in FIG. 2 are two of the four pull tabs 34, which provide the means for opening the pods 30(a)-30(d), thereby dispensing any liquid which may be contained in the pods 30(a)-(d).

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottommost, direct view of the outer surface 3(b) view of the basin 3, in which the symmetrical arrangement of the bristles 40 of the device is displayed. Further shown are twelve symmetrically-spaced apertures 41, which provide a means for dispensing, through the bottom of the basin 3, any liquid/fluid released from the respective pods 30(a)-(d). The rear fastener 24 and front fastener 25 of the basin 3 are also in view, along with their respective openings 24(a) and 25(a).

FIG. 4 depicts a view of the basin 3, particularly the basin inner surface 3(a). The symmetrical arrangement of the apertures 41 of the basin 3 is displayed. The apertures 41 provide the means for dispensing of any fluid contained within each of the respective pods 30(a)-(d). The basin 3 is composed of a first compartment 13, a second compartment 14 a third compartment 15, and a fourth compartment 16, each of the compartments 13-16 accommodates one of the four pods 30(a)-(d).

The compartments 13-16 are formed by virtue of the intersection of a longitudinal divider 7 and a lateral divider 8. Each compartment 13-16 further manifests a tab slot 36, which constitutes a rectangular opening through which each pod's 30(a)-(d) pull tab 34 is normally exposed. Grasping a pull tab 34 and pulling it outward, through the tab slot 36 exposes a lengthwise incision in the bottom of each respective pod 30(a)-(d). Each incision, upon being exposed, thereby releases the liquid/fluid contained in a pod 30(a)-(d).

FIG. 5 is an isometric interior view of the basin 3 of the inventive concept

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of Detail A of FIG. 5. Displayed is the front fastener 25 and its opening 25(a), through which the strap fastener 21 is inserted. The lateral divider 8 and two of the apertures 41 are also shown.

FIGS. 7 through 8 display varying views of the second pod 30(b) of the Brush 1, which also exemplifies the exact same structure and dimensions as the remaining three pods 30(a), 30(c), and 30(d). In FIG. 7 is displayed a typical downward-looking plan view of the second pod 30(b), along with its pull tab 34. Also in view is a filler port 45 in the pod upper surface 32, through which a particular fluid or liquid is injected into the second pod 30(b). The filler port 45 may be an elastic opening, which is normally closed, but pried open by a special tool, a fitting, or a valve. The pull tab 34 of the second pod 30(b) is shown in an exposed position whereby it is made accessible through the tab slot 36 of its associated compartment 15.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper half of the second pod 30(b), typical of the other pods 30(a), 30(e), and 30(d). In view in FIG. 8 is the pod seal 31 which is part of the original structure between the top and bottom half of each pod 30(a)-(d). Each pull tab 34 is connected directly over a lengthwise incision configured at the bottom of its respective pod 30(a)-(d), Pulling the individual pull tab 34 exposes the incision, enabling a release of the contained liquid into the respective apertures 41 of a particular compartment 13, 14, 15, and 16 (more readily seen in FIG. 4).

FIG. 9 depicts a profile or lengthwise view of the second pod 30(b) of FIG. 7, further showing the pull tab 34 having been extended to its maximum length, thereby, draining any fluid remaining within the second pod 30(b). FIG. 10 is an end view of the second pod 30(b) of FIG. 9, further showing its associated pull tab 34 and the pod seal 31.

FIG. 11 displays a perspective view of the strap 20 of the Brush 1, further showing a strap loop 23 which, in the preferred embodiment, is stitched so as to connect permanently to the rear fastener 24 of the basin 3, through its rear fastener opening 24(a). This connection, in the preferred embodiment, is effectuated by insertion of a first end of the strap 20 into the opening 24(a) of the rear fastener 24 of the basin 3 and stitching the first end of the strap 20 to itself about the rear fastener 24, thereby forming a strap loop 23.

FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up view of the hook-and-felt mechanism 21, which is used to form a strap connector 21(a). The strap connector 21(a), in the preferred embodiment, attaches through the slot opening 25(a) of the front fastener 25 of the lid and simultaneously through the front latch 26 of the lid 2. This is more clearly shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. The hook-and-felt mechanism 21, comprising a felt component 17 and a hook component 18, as illustrated in FIG. 12, facilitates formation of the strap connector 21(a) and attachment of the strap 20 to the front fastener 25 of the basin 3.

FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of the completely assembled Brush 1, having been compacted into its operable configuration. In view are the lid 2, the basin 3, strap 20, strap fastener 21, bristles 40, and three of the pull tabs 34, FIG. 14 is a view of one end of the Brush 1 as illustrated in FIG. 13, showing the strap fastener 21 looped through, and fastened about, the front fastener 25 of the basin 3.

In the embodiment shown, the strap fastener 21 is connected by means of the book component 17 of a hook-and-felt connector attached to the tip of the strap fastener 21, and the felt component 18 of the hook-and-felt connector occurring at approximately 1.5 inches from the end of the strap connector 21.

By way of an approximate recital of the dimensions of the compacted, operable Brush 1, is optimally in the range of five to six inches in length, three inches in width, and two to three inches from the top of the lid 2 to the ends of the bristles 40. The strap 20 may be rendered adjustable in its useable length by fabricating additional length or sections of the felt component 17 of the hook-and-felt mechanism beyond the location illustrated in the previous illustrations of FIG. 12 and FIG. 14.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of the inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this

Claims

1. A shower brush comprising (a) a basin having at least one compartment, the at least one compartment containing at least one pod filled with a liquid or a gel therein; (b) a plurality of apertures through the bottom of the at least one compartment; (c) a means for releasing the liquid or gel from the at least one pod; (d) a grouping of bristles affixed to and extending exteriorly from the bottom surface of the basin; (e) a lid having a lateral perimetral edge corresponding in profile and dimensions to the lateral perimetral edge of the basin; (f) a gasket interposed between the perimetral edge of the lid and the perimetral edge of the basin; (g) a strap having a first end and a second end; (h) a means for operably connecting the basin to the lid; and (i) a means for operably connecting the strap to the shower brush.

2. A shower brush as in claim 1, wherein each pod manifests a filler port through which a liquid or gel may be injected into the pod prior to its ultimate use.

3. A shower brush as in claim 1, wherein the means of releasing liquid/gel from the at least one pod comprises a lengthwise opening in the bottom of the at least one pod, the opening further having a sealed covering comprising a removable tab, a segment of the tab being exteriorly exposed through a slot at one end of the compartment, whereupon pulling of the tab removes the tab and exposes the lengthwise opening, thereby releasing the contained liquid/gel onto the apertures of the compartment.

4. A shower brush as in claim 1, wherein the means of operably connecting the basin to the lid comprises a mechanical hinge device connected proximate the rear perimetral edge of the lid and to the rear perimetral edge of the basin, the device further having a fixed linear axis parallel to the perimetral edges of both the lid and the basin.

5. A shower brush as in claim 1, wherein the means of operably connecting the strap to the shower brush comprises (i) a rear fastener integral to the rear perimetral edge of the basin, and having an interior opening corresponding to the width of the strap (ii) a front fastener integral to the from perimetral edge of the basin, and having an interior opening corresponding to the width of the strap, and (iii) a front latch integral to the front perimetral edge of the lid, and having an interior opening corresponding to the width of the strap, whereby, a first end of the strap is positioned, in a looping manner, through the rear fastener opening of the basin and stitched to itself, and the second end of the strap is constructed with a hook-and-felt fastening mechanism, the mechanism simultaneously attachable through both the front latch opening of the lid front fastener and the opening of the front fastener of the basin.

6. A shower brush as in claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a concave, shell-like contour.

7. A shower brush as in claim 1 wherein each pod manifests a perimetral seal inserted between the junction of the upper half of the pod and the lower half of the pod.

8. A disposable shower brush comprising (a) a basin manifesting a lateral divider and a longitudinal divider, thereby forming four equal-sized compartments, each compartment further containing a pod filled with a liquid or a gel therein; (b) a plurality of apertures extending through the bottom surface of each compartment; (c) a means for releasing of the liquid or gel from each pod; (d) a plurality of bristles affixed to, and extending exteriorly outward from, the bottom of the basin; (e) a lid having a lateral perimetral edge corresponding in profile and dimensions to the lateral perimetral edge of the basin; (f) a gasket interposed between the perimetral edge of the lid and the perimetral edge of the basin. (g) a strap having a first end and a second end; (h) a means for operably connecting the basin to the lid; and (i) a means for operably connecting the strap to the shower brush.

9. A shower brush as in claim 8, wherein each pod manifests a filler port through which a liquid or gel may be injected into the pod prior to its ultimate use.

10. A shower brush as in claim 8, wherein the means of releasing liquid/gel from the at least one pod comprises a lengthwise opening in the bottom of the at least one pod, the opening further having a sealed covering comprising a removable tab, a segment of the tab being exteriorly exposed through a slot at one end of the compartment, whereupon pulling of the tab removes the tab and exposes the lengthwise opening, thereby releasing the contained liquid/gel onto the apertures of the compartment.

11. A shower brush as in claim 8, wherein the means of operably connecting the basin to the lid comprises a mechanical hinge device connected proximate the war perimetral edge of the lid and to the rear perimetral edge of the basin, the device further having a fixed linear axis parallel to the perimetral edges of both the lid and the basin.

12. A shower brush as in claim 8, wherein the means of operably connecting the strap to the shower brush comprises (i) a rear fastener integral to the rear perimetral edge of the basin, and having an interior opening corresponding to the width of the strap (ii) a front fastener integral to the front perimetral edge of the basin, and having an interior opening corresponding to the width of the strap, and (ill) a front latch integral to the front perimetral edge of the lid, and having an interior opening corresponding to the width of the strap, whereby, a first end of the strap is positioned, in a looping manner, through the rear fastener opening of the basin and stitched to itself, and the second end of the strap is constructed with a hook-and-felt fastening mechanism, the mechanism simultaneously attachable through both the front latch opening of the lid front fastener and the opening of the front fastener of the basin.

13. A shower brush as in claim 8, wherein the lid comprises a concave, shell-like contour.

14. A shower brush as in claim 8 wherein each pod manifests a perimetral seal inserted between the junction of the upper half of the pod and the lower half of the pod