US20090133205A1

US20090133205A1 - Back scrubbing device

Info

Publication number: US20090133205A1
Application number: US12/241,027
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas A. Vaughan; Robert W. Strauch, SR.; Marie A. Strauch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-29
Filing date: 2008-09-29
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Also published as: US20090088672A1

Abstract

A back scrubbing device for mounting on a wall which includes a base, a platform, a hinged frame and a latching means for securing a scrubbing material on the platform within the frame. The device consists of a layered base and a hinged frame. A platform is attached to the external surface of the base. Within the hinged frame are frame elements which are generally centered over the platform. Along one edge of the hinged frame are hinges which connect the hinged frame to the base. Along the opposite edge is a securing mechanism, preferably a latch.

Description

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/995,898, filed Sep. 29, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to the field of back scrubbing devices, more particularly to a back scrubbing device which is mountable in a shower to allow those with limited range of motion to scrub their backs.
2. Description of Related Art
The present invention relates to an improved back scrubbing device that features interchangeable scratching surfaces and which is mounted such that it does not need to be held by the user.
Currently, back scrubbing devices are known which are mounted on shower walls, however these devices are mounted flush to the wall and are difficult to reach physically and are particularly difficult to those of limited physically abilities or limited range of motion to meet. As showers are slippery, it is desirous to avoid the acrobatic maneuvers required by previously known devices, thus avoiding injuries caused by slipping and falling on the slippery floor.
A further benefit of this invention is the ease of replacement of the scrubbing surface. This allows the user to easily clean the scrubbing surface for sanitary purposes. It also allows use of the invention by multiple users while maintaining sanitary conditions.
While there are numerous prior devices known for scrubbing a user's back in a shower, none offer ease of use by eliminating the need for acrobatic moves and none provides sanitary conditions through ease of replacement of the scrubbing element of the device. The manner by which the present invention achieves the goals hereof will become more apparent in the description which follows, especially when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
An object of the present invention is to provide a back scrubbing device which is not hand held.
An object of the present invention is to provide a back scrubbing device which is quickly and easily mounted for use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a back scrubbing device which is mounted to eliminate the need for acrobatic maneuvers in order to use the device.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a back scrubbing device which provides a replaceable scrubbing surface.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses these objects by providing a back scrubbing device for mounting to shower wall. The device includes a mounting frame having an mounting surface and an external surface wherein the mounting surface includes a mounting apparatus for attaching the mounting frame to a wall. The device further includes a platform attached to the external surface of the mounting frame and a securing frame hingedly attached along a first edge to the mounting frame and substantially centered above the platform. A securing means, such as a latch, is provided for removably securing a second edge of the securing frame to the mounting frame. The mounting apparatus is a plurality of suction cups. The platform is formed from a material such as rubber or plastic. If desired, the back scrubbing device may be mounted to the wall by means of a track means attached to the wall and a mating bracket element affixed to the mounting surface of the mounting frame, wherein the bracket means mates with the track means to attach the back scrubbing device to the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete description of the subject matter of the present invention and the advantages thereof, can be achieved by the reference to the following detailed description by which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

ELEMENT LIST

- 12 optional mounting hole
- 14 releasable mounting medium
- 16 latch
- 18 hinged frame
- 20 platform
- 22 hinge
- 24 suction cup

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention.
The instant invention relates to a device to be mounted on a shower wall which allows a user to scrub his back easily and comfortably without resorting to acrobatic maneuvers. The device additionally allows for easy replacement of the scrubbing surface of the device to maintain sanitary conditions. This invention allows an individual to scrub those hard to reach areas of his back without the use of hands, arms or shoulders, and is particularly useful to those with limited mobility. This invention, obviously, would assist anyone in scrubbing his back, but would be most beneficial to the handicapped and elderly who lack the flexibility and movement/reaching ability required with previously known back scrubbers. This invention serves everyone with particular attention to those who are handicapped with regard to hands, arms or shoulders and who would be unable to hold the typical back washing/scratching devices currently available in the market today. This invention can be used both in the home as well as hotels, hospitals and other wellness and rehab centers.
Turning now to the several Figures, where FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a scrubbing device according to the present invention. The device consists of a layered base 12 and a hinged frame 18. A platform 20 is attached to the external surface of the base 12. Within the hinged frame 18 are frame elements 14 which are generally centered over the platform 20. Along one edge of the hinged frame 18 are hinges 22 which connect the hinged frame 18 to the base 12. Along the opposite edge is a securing mechanism, preferably a latch 16.
In its preferred embodiment, the overall dimensions of the invention will be roughly twelve inches×twelve inches by approximately 4 inches deep. The layered base 12 consists of stainless steel or chromed tubing approximately ⅛ inch to ¼ inch thick. It is affixed to a 12 inch by twelve inch rubber layer approximately ⅛ inch thick which attach to the shower/bath walls with four 2½ inch to 3 inch diameter suction cups 24. The suction is applied with the use of a levered cup and by pushing or closing the lever, thus locking the suction in place. This type of suction cup 24 provides satisfactory holding power necessary for the proper use of the invention.
Attached to the layered base 12 is a raised, fixed mounting platform 20 made of rubber or similar material, upon which a scrubbing material such as a wash cloth is placed. The scrubbing material is held in place by a hinged frame 18 which compresses the outer edges of the cloth towards the rubber mounting platform 20 and latches tightly into place against the layered base 12. The surface created with the material is approximately eight inches by eight inches. The platform 20 protrudes from the base 12 approximately three to four inches allowing easy access to wash the user's back.
As an alternative to the suction cups 24, two tracks, each approximately two feet long upon, are provided. The two tracks attach to the wall by suction cup devices allowing the invention to be adjusted up and down easily so as to accommodate the entire height/length of the person's back.
In use, the invention attaches to the shower wall, in a convenient location, using the principle of suction and holds, by use of a door latch 16, a wash cloth on a rubber platform 20. The user applies soap to his cloth, inserts the cloth onto the platform 20, latches the hinged frame 18 and leans his back against the invention, moving to create the washing and massaging effect without the use of his hands, arms or shoulders.
Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventions may be practiced other than has been specifically described herein. Many improvements, modifications, and additions will be apparent to the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described herein and defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A back scrubbing device for mounting to a wall, comprising:

a mounting frame having an mounting surface and an external surface wherein the mounting surface includes a mounting apparatus for attaching the mounting frame to a wall;

a platform attached to the external surface of the mounting frame;

a securing frame hingedly attached along a first edge to the mounting frame and substantially centered above the platform; and

a securing means for removably securing a second edge of the securing frame to the mounting frame.

2. The back scrubbing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting apparatus is a plurality of suction cups.

3. The back scrubbing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the platform is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of rubber and plastic.

4. The back scrubbing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the securing means is a latch.

5. The back scrubbing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting apparatus comprises:

at least one track means attachable to a wall; and

at least one bracket means affixed to the mounting surface of the mounting frame, wherein the bracket means mates with the track means to attach the back scrubbing device to the wall.