US20090304434A1

US20090304434A1 - Scrub Brush

Info

Publication number: US20090304434A1
Application number: US12/133,378
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew Ross Girvan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-05
Filing date: 2008-06-05
Publication date: 2009-12-10

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of a user, and a method of manufacturing the same. The apparatus comprises layers of an abrasive mesh for cleaning the user, a perforated lower casing, and an upper casing. The abrasive mesh is folded and inserted in perforations of the perforated lower casing and fastened to the perforated lower casing. The upper casing is attached to the perforated lower casing. The upper casing allows the user to grasp and control movement of the apparatus. The abrasive mesh allows cleaning, exfoliation, and massaging of the user.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention, in general, relates to toiletries. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of a user.
Natural and man-made sponges, loofahs, and nylon poufs are often used for personal cleaning. Natural sponges are manufactured from animals and loofahs are manufactured from plants; hence natural sponges and loofahs are susceptible to rotting and parasite infestation. There is a need for a personal cleaning apparatus which is not susceptible to rotting and infestation.
Nylon poufs are usually made from a folded nylon mesh tied together in the center. The nylon mesh tied at the center creates a wavy, uncontrolled structure which limits the nylon mesh's useful cleaning area. During use, nylon poufs also need to be held by the nylon mesh itself. Additionally, some nylon poufs are attached to a grasping device using a central tying device. The current grasping devices provide limited useful cleansing control.
Hence, there is a need for a personal cleaning apparatus having a firm grasping area for greater cleansing control. Moreover, there is a need for a personal cleaning apparatus that utilizes an ordered set of layers of nylon mesh instead of a random wavy mesh for improving aesthetics, exfoliating, cleaning and massaging properties of the cleaning apparatus.
Additionally, most personal cleaning products that are marketed target female consumers. Hence, most personal cleaning products are manufactured in colors and designs more appealing to female consumers. Hence, there is a need for an apparatus for maintaining the personal hygiene of a user by exfoliating, cleaning, and massaging the user's body while remaining gender neutral in design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The apparatus disclosed herein and the method of manufacturing the same addresses the above stated need for an apparatus for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of a user. The apparatus may maintain the personal hygiene of a user by enabling exfoliation, cleaning, and massaging of the user's body. The apparatus disclosed herein comprises multiple layers of an abrasive mesh for cleaning the user. The apparatus disclosed herein further comprises a perforated lower casing and an upper casing. The perforated lower casing comprises longitudinal perforations for inserting the abrasive mesh. The abrasive mesh is folded to fit into the perforations of the perforated lower casing. The abrasive mesh may be fastened to the perforated lower casing by a mesh fastener. The abrasive mesh may also be fastened to the perforated lower casing by gluing, interference fit, heat welding, etc. An upper casing is attached to the perforated lower casing by way of an interference fit. The upper casing allows the user to grasp and control the movement of the apparatus.
One or more grips may be attached to the upper casing for providing the user a firm hold on the upper casing. The upper casing may comprise a gel pump for storing and dispensing a cleaning liquid. The upper casing may further comprise a scrubber attached to the top surface of the upper casing. The upper casing may further comprise an attachment section for attaching an appendage. The attached appendage may be a detachable handle or a cord.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A illustrates a bottom isometric view of an apparatus for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of a user.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top isometric view of the apparatus for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of the user.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus.

FIGS. 3A-3C exemplarily illustrate the upper casing and cross sections thereof.

FIGS. 4A-4C exemplarily illustrate a grip and cross sections thereof.

FIGS. 5A-5C exemplarily illustrate the mesh fastener and cross sections thereof.

FIGS. 6A-6D exemplarily illustrate the perforated lower casing and cross sections thereof.

FIGS. 7A-7C exemplarily illustrate the abrasive mesh, a cross section in an assembled condition, and a magnified view thereof.

FIGS. 8A-8B exemplarily illustrate an assembly of the perforated lower casing and the abrasive mesh and cross sections thereof.

FIGS. 9A-9B exemplarily illustrate an assembly of the perforated lower casing and the mesh fastener and a cross section thereof.

FIGS. 10A-10D exemplarily illustrate an assembly of the perforated lower casing and the upper casing and cross sections thereof.

FIGS. 11A-11B exemplarily illustrate an assembly of the upper casing and the grips and a cross section thereof.

FIGS. 12A-12D exemplarily illustrate a complete assembly of the apparatus and cross sections thereof.

FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates an assembly of the abrasive mesh, the perforated lower casing, and the mesh fastener.

FIG. 14A illustrates an assembly of the abrasive mesh and the perforated lower casing, wherein the abrasive mesh is made of a single piece of a material.

FIG. 14B illustrates an assembly of the abrasive mesh and the perforated lower casing, wherein the abrasive mesh is made of multiple pieces of a material.

FIGS. 15A-15B exemplarily illustrate the apparatus comprising an attachment section for attaching a cord.

FIGS. 16A-16B exemplarily illustrate the apparatus comprising an attachment section for attaching a detachable handle.

FIGS. 17A-17C exemplarily illustrate the apparatus comprising a gel pump for storing and dispensing a cleaning liquid.

FIG. 18 exemplarily illustrates the apparatus comprising a scrubber attached to the top surface of the upper casing.

FIG. 19 illustrates a method of manufacturing an apparatus for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of a user.

FIGS. 20A-20B exemplarily illustrate the steps involved in preparing the abrasive mesh.

FIG. 21 exemplarily illustrates the step of folding and inserting the abrasive mesh into the perforations of the perforated lower casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a bottom isometric view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of a user. The apparatus 100, referred to hereafter as “scrub brush”, comprises multiple layers of an abrasive mesh 103, a perforated lower casing 102, and an upper casing 101. The perforated lower casing 102 comprises longitudinal perforations for inserting the abrasive mesh 103. The abrasive mesh 103 is folded to fit into the perforations of the perforated lower casing 102. The inserted abrasive mesh 103 may be fastened between the upper casing 101 and the perforated lower casing 102 using the mesh fastener 201. The abrasive mesh 103 may also be fastened to the perforated lower casing 102 by gluing, interference fit, heat welding, etc. An upper casing 101 is attached to the perforated lower casing 102. The upper casing 101 may be attached to the perforated lower casing 102 by way of an interference fit.
Multiple grips 104 may be attached to the upper casing 101, for providing the user a firm hold on the upper casing 101. A top isometric view of the scrub brush 100 for promoting personal hygiene of the user is illustrated in FIG. 1B. An exploded view of the scrub brush 100, illustrating the grips 104, the upper casing 101, the mesh fastener 201, the perforated lower casing 102, and the abrasive mesh 103 is illustrated in FIG. 2. A complete assembly of the scrub brush 100 is illustrated in FIG. 12A. A first cross section PP of the complete assembly of the scrub brush 100 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 12B. A second cross section QQ of the complete assembly of the scrub brush 100 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 12C. A third cross section RR of the complete assembly of the scrub brush 100 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 12D.
FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates the upper casing 101. The upper casing 101 allows the user to grasp and control the movement of the scrub brush 100. The upper casing 101 may be made of polypropylene, rubber, metal, wood, or other plastics such as polyurethane. The upper casing 101 is attached to the perforated lower casing 102 by way of an interference fit. The upper casing 101 may have an acrylic paint, clear enamel, or powder coated surface finish. A first cross section AA of the upper casing 101 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3B. A second cross section BB of the upper casing 101 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3C.
FIG. 4A exemplarily illustrates a grip 104 a for providing the user a firm hold on the upper casing 101. The grip 104 a is attached to the upper casing 101. The grip 104 a may be made of rubber, wood, metal or other plastics such as polyurethane. The grip 104 a may have a dimpled surface or any other textured finish. A cross section EE of the grip 104 a is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4B. A front elevation view of the grip 104 a is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 4C. The grip 104 a may be attached to the upper casing 101 as in the assembly exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 11A. The grip 104 a may be glued to the upper casing 101. A cross section OO of the assembly of the upper casing 101 and the grip 104 a is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 11B.
FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates the mesh fastener 201 for fastening the abrasive mesh 103 to the perforated lower casing 102. The mesh fastener 201 may attach to the perforated lower casing 102 as in the assembly exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 9A. A cross section KK of the assembly of the mesh fastener 201 and the perforated lower casing 102 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 9B. The mesh fastener 201 may be made of polypropylene, metal, wood, rubber, or plastics such as polyurethane. A first cross section DD of the mesh fastener 201 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5B. A second cross section CC of the mesh fastener 201 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5C.
FIG. 6A exemplarily illustrates the perforated lower casing 102. The perforated lower casing 102 may have longitudinal perforations. The abrasive mesh 103 is inserted into the longitudinal perforations in the perforated lower casing 102, as in the assembly illustrated in FIG. 8A. The abrasive mesh 103 is folded to fit into the perforations of the perforated lower casing 102. A cross section JJ of the assembly of the perforated lower casing 102 and the abrasive mesh 103 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 8B. The abrasive mesh 103 may be fastened between the upper casing 101 and the perforated lower casing 102 using the mesh fastener 201, as in the assembly exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 13. The abrasive mesh 103 may also be fastened to the perforated lower casing 102 by gluing, interference fit, heat welding, etc. The perforated lower casing 102 may be made of polypropylene, rubber, metal, wood, or other plastics such as polyurethane. The perforated lower casing 102 may have an acrylic paint, clear enamel, or powder coated surface finish. A first cross section GG of the perforated lower casing 102 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 6B. A second cross section FF of the perforated lower casing 102 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 6C. A third cross section HH of the perforated lower casing 102 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 6D.
FIG. 7A exemplarily illustrates the abrasive mesh 103. The abrasive mesh 103 may be made of nylon, or other materials such as natural and man-made bristles, natural and man-made sponges, cloths and fabrics, or other plastics such as polyurethane. The abrasive mesh 103 is folded to fit into perforations of a perforated lower casing 102. The abrasive mesh 103 may be attached to the perforated lower casing 102 by the mesh fastener 201, as in the assembly exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 13. In the assembly illustrated in FIG. 13, the abrasive mesh 103 is clamped between the perforated lower casing 102 and the mesh fastener 201, thereby enabling maximum protrusion of the abrasive mesh 103 from the assembly. The abrasive mesh 103 allows cleaning, exfoliation, and massaging of the user. A magnified view of the abrasive mesh 103 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 7C.
The material of the abrasive mesh 103 may be a crisscross lattice of fibers forming a matrix of strands giving it elastic properties and a large surface area for exfoliating the user's body. FIG. 7C further illustrates directions of shrinkage of the material of the abrasive mesh 103 with respect to the application of force in a perpendicular direction. The fiber of the material becomes closely packed on stretching. Therefore, the material of the abrasive mesh 103 contracts in a direction perpendicular to the stretching. A cross section II of the abrasive mesh 103 in an assembled condition is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 7B.
The abrasive mesh 103 may be made of a single piece of a material, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 14A. The abrasive mesh 103 may also be made of multiple pieces of a material, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 14B. The abrasive mesh 103 made of multiple pieces of the material contains a greater amount of the material thereby enhancing the amount of suds produced as well as the exfoliating effect.
The upper casing 101 may attach to the perforated lower casing 102 as in the assembly exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 10A. The upper casing 101 may attach to the perforated lower casing 102 by way of an interference fit. A first cross section LL of the assembly of the perforated lower casing 102 and the upper casing 101 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 10B. A second cross section MM of the assembly of the perforated lower casing 102 and the upper casing 101 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 10C. A third cross section NN of the assembly of the perforated lower casing 102 and the upper casing 101 is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 10D.
The upper casing 101 may comprise an attachment section 1501 for attaching an appendage. The appendage may be a cord 1502, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15B exemplarily illustrates an upturned isometric view of the scrub brush 100 with an attached cord 1502. The cord 1502 may be used for hanging the scrub brush 100 for drying or storage. The appendage may also be a detachable handle 1601 for providing extended reach to the user during cleaning. The detachable handle 1601 may be fixed to the upper casing 101, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 16B, or detached from the upper casing 101, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 16A.
A gel pump may be provided within the upper casing 101 for storing and dispensing a cleaning liquid, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 17A. The gel pump may comprise a gel reservoir 1701 and an outlet tube 1702, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 17B. The gel reservoir 1701 stores the cleaning liquid and the outlet tube 1702 dispenses the cleaning liquid. A cross section SS of the scrub brush 100 comprising a gel pump for storing and dispensing the cleaning liquid is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 17C.
There may also be a scrubber 1801 attached to the top surface of the upper casing 101, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 18. The scrubber 1801 allows for additional cleaning options. For example, nylon nail scrubbing brushes may be added for scrubbing the hands and feet of the user. A dimpled rubber surface or brush may be added to scrub off hard to remove materials such as oil or grime. A natural brush may be added to be used with shaving foams.
FIG. 19 illustrates a method of manufacturing a scrub brush 100 for cleaning and maintaining the personal hygiene of a user. An abrasive mesh 103 is prepared 1901 by preparing 1901 a material of the abrasive mesh 103 by extrusion, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 20A, and laying 1901 b the prepared material to form a flat layered mesh, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 20B. The material may be pushed close before being laid. The prepared abrasive mesh 103 is folded to fit into perforations of a perforated lower casing 102 and inserted 1902 into the perforations. The insertion may be performed with the help of guide pins 2101. The guide pins 2101 may be made of metal. The guide pins 2101 may guide the material into position according to the perforations of the perforated lower casing 102, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 21.
The inserted abrasive mesh 103 is fastened 1903 to the perforated lower casing 102. The inserted abrasive mesh 103 may be fastened to the perforated lower casing 102 using a mesh fastener 201. The abrasive mesh 103 may also be fastened to the perforated lower casing 102 by gluing, interference fit, heat welding, etc. The upper casing 101 is attached 1904 to the perforated lower casing 102 by way of an interference fit.
Multiple grips 104 attached to the upper casing 101 may be provided. The grips 104 provide a firm hold on the upper casing 101 to the user. A gel pump may be provided within the upper casing 101 for storing and dispensing a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be dispensed through an outlet tube 1702 into the abrasive mesh 103. A scrubber 1801 attached to the top surface of the upper casing 101 may also be provided. An attachment section 1501 may also be provided on the upper casing 101 for attaching an appendage. The appendage may be a detachable handle 1601 or a cord 1502. The abrasive mesh 103 allows cleaning, exfoliation, and massaging of the user, thereby maintaining the personal hygiene of the user.
The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present method and system disclosed herein. While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning and maintaining personal hygiene of a user, comprising:

a plurality of layers of an abrasive mesh for cleaning said user, wherein said abrasive mesh is fastened to a perforated lower casing;

said perforated lower casing comprising perforations for inserting the abrasive mesh, wherein the abrasive mesh is folded to fit into said perforations of the perforated lower casing; and

an upper casing for grasping and controlling movement of the apparatus by the user, wherein said upper casing is attached to the perforated lower casing;

whereby the abrasive mesh allows said cleaning, exfoliation, and massaging of the user to maintain said personal hygiene of the user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the abrasive mesh comprises a flexible material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mesh fastener for fastening the abrasive mesh to the perforated lower casing.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper casing is attached to the perforated lower casing by way of an interference fit.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of grips attached to the upper casing for providing a firm hold on the upper casing to the user.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a gel pump provided within the upper casing for storing and dispensing a cleaning liquid.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said gel pump comprises an outlet tube positioned within the abrasive mesh, wherein said cleaning liquid is dispensed through said outlet tube into the abrasive mesh.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a scrubber attached to top surface of the upper casing.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper casing comprises an attachment section for attaching an appendage.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said appendage is a detachable handle for providing extended reach to the user during cleaning.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said appendage is a cord used for hanging, drying, and storage.

12. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for cleaning and maintaining personal hygiene of a user, comprising the steps of:

preparing an abrasive mesh, comprising the steps of:

preparing material of said abrasive mesh by extrusion;

laying said prepared material to form a flat layered mesh;

inserting said prepared abrasive mesh into perforations of a perforated lower casing, wherein the prepared abrasive mesh is folded to fit into said perforations;

fastening said inserted abrasive mesh to said perforated lower casing; and

attaching an upper casing to the perforated lower casing.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of providing a mesh fastener for fastening the inserted abrasive mesh to the perforated lower casing.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said upper casing is attached to the perforated lower casing by way of an interference fit.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of providing a plurality of grips attached to said upper casing for providing a firm hold on the upper casing to said user.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of providing a gel pump within said upper casing for storing and dispensing a cleaning liquid, wherein said cleaning liquid is dispensed through an outlet tube into the abrasive mesh.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of providing a scrubber attached to top surface of said upper casing.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of providing an attachment section on said upper casing for attaching an appendage, wherein said appendage is one of a detachable handle and a cord.