Soap Retaining Washcloth

Abstract

A soap retaining washcloth includes a front panel affixed to a rear panel along a lower edge and opposing lateral sides of each of the front panel and the rear panel defining a pocket having an open upper end. The pocket is dimensioned to receive a bar of soap therein. Each of the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of layers each having a moisture absorbent layer, a bactericidal material layer, and an abrasive material layer. The soap retaining washcloth also includes a fastener disposed on the open upper end of the pocket that includes a zipper, a drawstring, a spring-biased toggle selectively movable along the drawstring, and a complementary hook and loop fastener. The abrasive material layer is made of a sponge, a terrycloth, or a loofah made of mesh.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to washcloths. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a washcloth having an interior volume configured to retain a bar of soap therein.

Many individuals utilize bar soap when bathing, washing their hands, or other cleaning activities. However, bar soap is prone to several disadvantages. For example, between uses, bars of soap are typically rested on a dish or a counter adjacent to a sink. As such, dirt, grime, or other contaminates from the surface or surrounding area may reduce the quality of the soap. Additionally, bars of soap may be prone to erosion over time, such as from soap residue build-up on the support surface, which may reduce the lifetime of the bar of soap. As such, the bar of soap must be replaced more frequently leading to increased cost to the user. Furthermore, the soap residue build-up must be frequently cleaned, which may be frustrating. As the bar of soap erodes, the structural integrity of the soap may be affected, causing the bar of soap to crumble into several separate pieces which may be difficult to manage. As a result, individuals often discard these fragmented bars of soap, leading to more frequent soap replacement and increasing overall costs to the individual. Finally, often bars of soap become difficult to handle while bathing resulting in droppages that may damage the soap, or potentially cause injury when a user attempts to retrieve the fallen bar of soap. Therefore, a soap retaining washcloth that may retain a bar of soap therein to prevent waste and insure that the user maintains a grip on the bar of soap is desired.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing washcloths. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of washcloths now present in the known art, the present invention provides a soap retaining washcloth having an interior volume wherein the same may be utilized for providing convenience for a user when retaining a bar of soap within the soap retaining washcloth to facilitate efficient bathing.

The soap retaining washcloth includes a front panel affixed to a rear panel along a lower edge and opposing lateral sides of each of the front panel and the rear panel defining a pocket having an open upper end. The pocket is dimensioned to receive a bar of soap therein. Each of the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of layers having a moisture absorbent layer, a bactericidal material layer, and an abrasive material layer.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a moisture absorbent material layer disposed on an interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a bactericidal material layer disposed between the moisture absorbent material layer and the abrasive material layer.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a fastener disposed on the open upper end of the pocket.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a fastener having a zipper with a first zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the front panel and a second zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the rear panel, wherein the first zipper portion removably secures to the second zipper portion.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes the fastener having a drawstring disposed about the open upper end, wherein the drawstring selectively closes the open upper end when actuated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes the drawstring disposed within a channel defined through the open upper end of the pocket.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a spring-biased toggle selectively movable along the drawstring, wherein the spring-biased toggle retains the open upper end in a closed configuration.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes the fastener having a plurality of complementary hook and loop fasteners disposed on an interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel along an upper edge thereof.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a loop affixed to an upper edge of the pocket.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a hook affixed to an upper edge of the pocket.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes an abrasive material layer made of a sponge.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes an abrasive material layer made of terrycloth.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes the abrasive material layer is made of a plurality of folded fabric members defining a loofah.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the soap retaining washcloth includes a plurality of folded fabric members made of a mesh material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth with a bar of soap.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a zipper fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a drawstring fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of a hook and loop fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 4 shows an environmental overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth containing a bar of soap.

FIG. 5 shows an environmental overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 6 shows an environmental overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth washing a user's hands.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the soap retaining washcloth. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth 11 with a bar of soap 18.

The soap retaining washcloth 11 may include a front panel 12 affixed to a rear panel 13 along each opposing lateral side 15 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13 and along a lower edge 14 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13. As the front and rear panels 12, 13 may be affixed along the opposing lateral sides 15 and the lower edges 14, an open upper end 16 may be formed providing access to an interior volume of the soap retaining washcloth 11. In this manner, the front and rear panels 12, 13 may define a pocket 17 dimensioned to receive a bar of soap 18 therein. As such, a user may replace and contain the bar of soap 18 within the soap retaining washcloth 11 to maximize the lifetime of the bar of soap 18, while the front and rear panels 12, 13 are water permeable to allow the user to transfer a lather generated within the pocket 17 to an exterior of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13. In some embodiments, the open upper end 16 may further include a fastener (not shown) thereon, wherein the fastener is configured to selectively close the open upper end 16 to place the pocket 17 in a closed configuration. As such, the bar of soap 18 may be retained therein. In some embodiments, the pocket 17 may include a height of approximately 4 inches and a width of approximately 2 inches.

The front and rear panels 12, 13 may further include an abrasive external layer (as shown in FIG. 3, 22), wherein the abrasive external layer may be contemplated to include a variety of abrasive materials commensurate with the capability to exfoliate, scrub, and otherwise clean skin. In the shown embodiment, the abrasive external layer 22 may comprise a terrycloth material to replicate the effectiveness of a traditional washcloth. Alternate abrasive materials may be further described elsewhere herein. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, a loop 33 may be affixed to the open upper end 16 of the soap retaining washcloth 11 along one lateral side 15 thereof. The loop 33 may facilitate hanging the soap retaining washcloth 11 from a support surface between uses, thereby exposing a larger surface area to open air allowing the soap retaining washcloth 11 to more efficiently dry.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, there is shown a perspective view of a zipper 25 of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth 11, a perspective view of a drawstring 29 of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth 11, and a perspective view of a hook and loop fastener 32 of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth 11, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the open upper end 16 may be selectively closable via a zipper 25, wherein a first zipper portion 26 may be disposed across an upper edge 28 of the front panel 12 and a second zipper portion 27 may be disposed across the upper edge 28 of the rear panel 13. The first and second zipper portions 26, 27 may be removably securable together to enclose the pocket 17 in a closed configuration via actuation of a zipper toggle 25A. In some embodiments, the zipper 25 may provide a watertight seal when in the closed configuration such that water is forced to pass through only the front and rear panels 12, 13 of the soap retaining washcloth 11. In this manner, as the water moves through the front and rear panels 12, 13, the water and any lather generated by the bar of soap 18 must pass through a bactericidal material layer (as shown in FIG. 3, 21), such that the water is sufficiently disinfected before contacting the user.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the front and rear panels 12, 13 may include a plurality of folded fabric members 34 thereon, wherein the plurality of folded fabric members 34 define a loofah to facilitate exfoliation of a user's skin. In some embodiments, the plurality of folded fabric members 34 may further comprise a mesh material 34A to increase abrasive and exfoliating qualities of the front and rear panels 12, 13, while the plurality of openings in the mesh material 34A facilitates relatively greater lather generation. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, a hook 35 may be affixed to the open upper end of the soap retaining washcloth 11 similar to the loop 33 as previously described. The hook 35 may provide an alternate hanging method for facilitating drying of the soap retaining washcloth 11.

In the shown embodiment of FIG. 2B, the fastener may be a drawstring 29 disposed about the open upper end 16 of the pocket 17, wherein the drawstring 29 extends through a channel 30 disposed about a circumference of the open upper end 16. The drawstring 29 may be configured to constrict the open upper end 16 to place the pocket 17 in the closed configuration to retain the bar of soap 18 therein. In the shown embodiment, the drawstring 29 may further comprise a spring-biased toggle 31 disposed over the drawstring 29, wherein the spring-biased toggle 31 may retain the drawstring 29 in the constricted configuration. The spring-biased toggle 31 may include a body 31A having an aperture 31B therethrough, where the drawstring 29 extends through the aperture 31B. The aperture 31B may be biased towards a reduced diameter via a spring-biased button 31A, such that the aperture 31B engages the drawstring 29, whereupon actuation of the spring-biased button 31A, the aperture 31B widens to disengage the drawstring 29 and allow the spring-biased toggle 31 to slide along the drawstring 29. In this manner, the user may selectively close the pocket 17 to varying degrees of closure as necessary to retain the bar of soap 18 therein.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2C, the fastener may be a pair of complementary hook and loop fasteners 32 disposed on an interior surface 23 of the pocket 17 at the open upper end 16. The complementary hook and loop fasteners 32 may removably secure to each other to place the pocket 17 in the closed configuration to retain the bar of soap 18 within the pocket 17. In some embodiments, the complementary hook and loop fasteners 32 may extend along an entirety of the interior surface 23 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13, such that the entirety of the open upper end 16 is secured together. In this manner, as the bar of soap 18 degrades and fragments, the individual fragments of the bar of soap 18 may be retained within the pocket 17.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth 11.

The soap retaining washcloth 11 may further comprise a plurality of layers including an absorbent material layer 20, a bactericidal material layer 21, and an abrasive material layer 22. The abrasive material layer 22 may be disposed on an exterior surface of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13, wherein the abrasive material layer 22 may be configured to facilitate scrubbing and exfoliation of a user's skin during use. The abrasive material layer 22 may be contemplated to include terrycloth, sponge material, a loofah configuration, or another material having similar abrasive qualities. In the shown embodiment, the absorbent material layer 21 may be disposed on the interior surface of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13, wherein the absorbent material layer 21 may be configured to retain water therein for facilitating lather generation at the bar of soap 18 disposed within the pocket 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the bactericidal material layer 21 may be disposed between the absorbent material layer 20 and the abrasive material layer 22. In this manner, water from within the pocket 17 or exterior to the pocket 17 may pass through the bactericidal material layer 21 as it transitions through the front and rear panels 12, 13 of the soap retaining washcloth 11. The bactericidal material layer 21 may be contemplated to include a material impregnated with a disinfectant, antiseptic, or other such active bactericidal substance, such that bacteria passing therethrough are eliminated. Alternatively, a plurality of passive bactericidal materials 24 may be utilized, such as a material having a plurality of metallic nanoparticles 24A distributed therethrough, as the metallic nanoparticles have been shown to eliminate bacteria. In this manner, bacteria passing through the bactericidal material layer 21 may be eliminated, thereby reducing the risk of infection to the user.

In one use, the bar of soap 18 may be inserted into the soap retaining washcloth 11 via the open upper end 16. Once placed therein, the open upper end 16 may be placed in the closed configuration via actuation of the fastener disposed thereon. As previously described, the fastener may comprise a variety of formats to provide a desired benefit. After securing the bar of soap 18 within the pocket 17, the user may introduce water to the soap retaining washcloth 11, such that the water is in contact with the bar of soap 18. The user may then generate a lather that permeates through the front and rear panels 12, 13 of the soap retaining washcloth 11 to be used during bathing. As the water and lather pass through the bactericidal material layer 21, any bacteria present on the bar of soap 18 or inherently present in the water are eliminated, thereby reducing the risk of infection to the user. The abrasive material layer 22 may further be utilized to scrub or exfoliate the user's skin. Once the user is finished bathing, the soap retaining washcloth 11 may be suspended from the loop 33 or on the hook 35 as previously described to facilitate efficient and effective drying between uses.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show an environmental overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth 11 containing the bar of soap 18.

The soap retaining washcloth 11 may be an approximate 2″ wide by 4″ long Terry cloth soap holder that closes by a fastener selected from the group consisting of a hoop and loop or VELCRO® fastener, a zipper, or a single drawstring or the like to accommodate the bar of soap 18.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A soap retaining washcloth, comprising: a front panel affixed to a rear panel along a lower edge and opposing lateral sides of each of the front panel and the rear panel defining a pocket having an open upper end;wherein the pocket is dimensioned to receive a bar of soap therein;wherein each of the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of layers; andwherein the plurality of layers includes a moisture absorbent material layer, a bactericidal material layer, and an abrasive material layer.

2. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the moisture absorbent material layer is directly disposed on an interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel.

3. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the bactericidal material layer is directly disposed between the absorbent material layer and the abrasive material layer.

4. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 3, wherein the bactericidal material layer includes a plurality of metallic nanoparticles distributed therethrough.

5. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 3, wherein the bactericidal material layer is impregnated with a material selected from the group consisting of a disinfectant, an antiseptic, or an active bactericidal substance.

6. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, further comprising a fastener disposed on the open upper end of the pocket.

7. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 6, wherein the fastener includes a zipper having a first zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the front panel and a second zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the rear panel, wherein the first zipper portion removably secures to the second zipper portion.

8. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 7, wherein the zipper provides a watertight seal when in a first closed configuration such that water is forced to pass through only the front panels and the rear panels.

9. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 6, wherein the fastener includes a drawstring disposed about the open upper end, wherein the drawstring selectively closes the open upper end when actuated.

10. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 9, wherein the drawstring is disposed within a channel defined through the open upper end of the pocket.

11. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 9, further comprising a spring-biased toggle selectively movable along the drawstring, wherein the spring-biased toggle retains the open upper end in a second closed configuration.

12. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 6, wherein the fastener includes a complementary hook and loop fastener disposed on the interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel along an upper edge thereof.

13. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 12, wherein the complementary hook and loop fasteners extend along an entirety of the interior surface of each of the front panels and the rear panels, such that an entirety of the open upper end is secured together.

14. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, further comprising a loop affixed to an upper edge of the pocket.

15. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, further comprising a hook affixed to an upper edge of the pocket.

16. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material layer is made of a sponge.

17. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material layer is made of terrycloth.

18. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material layer is made of a plurality of folded fabric members defining a loofah.

19. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 18, wherein the plurality of folded fabric members comprises a mesh.

20. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the pocket is 2 inches wide by 4 inches long to accommodate the bar of soap.