Patent Application
20210169302
The present invention generally relates to tool for use with a washcloth, and more specifically to a tool for keeping a washcloth expanded during use. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, a washcloth or similar cleaning towel is generally a smaller absorbent toweling used for cleaning. People use washcloths and wash rags for bathing, washing dishes, cleaning a car, and the like. Washcloths are similar to towels but are generally smaller and intended to use wet or damp. They may be used with a soap solution to clean surfaces including a human body. Unfortunately, they are non-rigid in construction as they are generally made from cloth materials, so they have a tendency to bunch up during use.
Holding the washcloth in an open and expanded position can be difficult as washcloths inherently have no rigid structure. It can be difficult to hold on to a washcloth while using it and trying to use as much surface area as possible. Dropped washcloths can contaminate or dirty the washcloth requiring cleaning before reuse. Without an effective way to grip the washcloth and keep it open, wadding easily occurs decreasing the effectiveness of using the washcloth to clean a body or other surface.
In this manner, the improved washcloth expander tool of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution keeping a washcloth expanded during use. A primary feature of the present invention is a tool having a semi-rigid frame for engaging the washcloth to keep it in an expanded position at all times. In use, the expander tool engages the user's fingers for ease of use. Finally, the improved expander tool of the present invention keeps the washcloth in an expanded configuration to use the most surface area as possible during cleaning operations.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a washcloth expander tool. The washcloth expander tool is configured to keep a washcloth in an expanded and open configuration. The washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand is similarly sized to the first wand. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The second wand comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.
The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.
The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.
The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component to be adaptable for the user. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar. The plurality of finger loops are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.
In an additional embodiment, a washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand is longer in length than the first wand to accommodate rectangular washcloths. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The second wand comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.
The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.
The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.
The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.
In an additional embodiment, a washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands are adjustable in length to accommodate differently shaped washcloths. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and an extension member telescoping from one of the ends. The first wand further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from one end and the extension member. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and an extension member telescoping from one of the ends. The second wand further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from one end and the extension member. The second wand further comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.
The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.
The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.
The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a tool for keeping a washcloth from collapsing or bunching up during use. The user can then utilize the entire surface of the washcloth rather than just the center or corners. The device comprises a pair of intersecting and adjustable wands with clips on the ends to hold the washcloth corners. Finger holders on the upper wand can adjust laterally on a railing system for further control. More specifically, the finger holders enable the user to apply their entire hand to the washcloth while the washcloth remains in an expanded state. The device helps the user better control and hold onto the washcloth.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As illustrated in
The second wand 112 is rotatably attachable to the first wand 102 and is positioned over the first wand 102 with the center holes 110 and 120 aligned. The second wand 112 is attached to the first wand 102 with a connecting element 130. The second wand 112 can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand 102 from a parallel in-line orientation as illustrated in
The washcloth expander tool 100 further comprises a rail component 122. The rail component 122 comprises a bar 124. The bar 124 is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand 112 along a length of the second wand 112. The rail component 122 further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs 126 and a center hole 128. The rail component 122 is attached to the second wand 112 via the connecting element 130 through the center hole 128 which is aligned with the center holes 110 and 120 of the first and second wands 102 and 112 respectively. Alternatively, the rail component 122 may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand 112. The plurality of attachment knobs 126 are spaced along a length of the rail component 122.
The washcloth expander tool 100 further comprises a finger engaging component 132. The finger engaging component 132 comprises a bar 134 and a knob engaging element 136. The knob engaging element 136 is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs 126 of the rail component 122. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component 132 to be adaptable for the user. The bar 134 is convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 122 and the second wand 112 when installed. The finger engaging component 132 further comprises a plurality of finger loops 138 extending from the bar 134. The plurality of finger loops 138 are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In an additional embodiment as illustrated in
The second wand 212 is rotatably attachable to the first wand 202 and is positioned over the first wand 202 with the center holes 210 and 220 aligned. The second wand 212 is attached to the first wand 202 with a connecting element (similar to 130). The second wand 212 can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand 202 from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool 200 is deployed for use. The second wand 212 is longer in length than the first wand 202 to accommodate rectangular washcloths. Alternatively, the first wand 202 may be longer than the second wand 212.
The washcloth expander tool 200 further comprises a rail component 222. The rail component 222 comprises a bar 224. The bar 224 is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand 212 along a length of the second wand 212. The rail component 222 further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs 226 and a center hole 228. The rail component 222 is attached to the second wand 212 via the connecting element (similar to 130) through the center hole 228 which is aligned with the center holes (similar to 110 and 120) of the first and second wands 202 and 212 respectively. Alternatively, the rail component 222 may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand 212. The plurality of attachment knobs 226 are spaced along a length of the rail component 222.
The washcloth expander tool 200 further comprises a finger engaging component 232. The finger engaging component 232 comprises a bar 234 and a knob engaging element 236. The knob engaging element (similar to 136) is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs 226 of the rail component 222. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component 232 to be adaptable for the user. The bar 234 is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 222 and the second wand 212 when installed. The finger engaging component 232 further comprises a plurality of finger loops 238 extending from the curved bar 234. The plurality of finger loops 238 are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.
In an additional embodiment as illustrated in
The second wand 312 comprises a pair of ends 314 and an extension member 316 telescoping from one of the ends 314. The second wand 312 further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements 318 attached to or extending from one end 314 and from the extension member 316. The second wand 312 comprises a center hole (similar to 120). The extension members 306 and 316 allow the respective first and second wands 302 and 312 to adjust in length to accommodate various sized and shaped washcloths. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements 318 are configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth.
The second wand 312 is rotatably attachable to the first wand 302 and is positioned over the first wand 302 with the center holes aligned. The second wand 312 is attached to the first wand 302 with a connecting element (similar to 130). The second wand 312 can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand 302 from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool 300 is deployed for use.
The washcloth expander tool 300 further comprises a rail component 322. The rail component 322 comprises a bar 324. The bar 324 is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand 312 along a length of the second wand 312. The rail component 322 further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs 326 and a center hole 328. The rail component 322 is attached to the second wand 312 via the connecting element (similar to 130) through the center hole 328 which is aligned with the center holes (similar to 110 and 120) of the first and second wands 302 and 312 respectively. Alternatively, the rail component 322 may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand 312. The plurality of attachment knobs 326 are spaced along a length of the rail component 322.
The washcloth expander tool 300 further comprises a finger engaging component 332. The finger engaging component 332 comprises a bar 334 and a knob engaging element 336. The knob engaging element 336 is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs 326 of the rail component 322. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component 332 to be adaptable for the user. The bar 334 is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 322 and the second wand 312 when installed. The finger engaging component 332 further comprises a plurality of finger loops 338 extending from the curved bar 334. The plurality of finger loops 338 are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. Are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to the washcloths the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 are designed to be applied.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/943,481, which was filed on Dec. 4, 2019 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62943481 | Dec 2019 | US |
